Scentblocker NorthernLite Replacement - Cabela's

[BowhunterNJ]

Cross posted from another forum...

OK, this is a bit of a strange question and not sure if anyone will know/remember the Scentblocker NorthernLite Bib and Parka, but I am looking for a comparable outfit and it must be from Cabela's.

To make a long story short, I have returned these two items due to defective nature and they are issuing me a credit.

I enjoyed using these garments, and want something that will fit the same bill (no pun intended, as I will likely have to spend more than I am getting credited).

The NorthernLite was an insulated, waterproof, and weatherprooft garment. Parka was hooded and a Bib is a must. Scentblocker/Scentlok is NOT a must/need, but I am willing to have another Scentblocker Garment with it but NOT Scentlok (too many bad experiences with Scentlok).

Basically I need something for hunting cooler/cold(er) weather (Late October/November rain through December/January wet snow) that is waterproof/weatherproof but also very quiet as I may likely use it during archery season, as well as layer under it as the season progresses.

Thus far I've looked at the following and hopefully some of you have them:

1) Cabela's GORE-TEX® MT050® Whitetail Extreme™ Insulated Clothing

2) Cabela's Super Slam® Dry-Plus® Elite Fleece™

3) ScentBlocker™ Plus Convertible Camo ProHunter™ Series (which I believe is the revision to the NorthernLite)

4) Cabela's Rain/Snow Exchange Parka and Bibs

5) Browning® GORE-TEX® Hydro-Fleece® Classic Series


Any input would be great.

Thanks all!




Any other recommendations?

What are you guys using out there for cold November/December/January weather, rain, snowy weather?

[donedidit]

Of the five you have listed I only own the Browning GORE-TEX Hydro Fleece garments so I can't really compare them all well enough to offer a vote.  I can tell you that I have been very happy with my Hydro Fleece and bought it exclusively for use in wet weather.  The garments are well made, quiet, and comfortable.  I have the uninsulated jacket, not the parka, which may not meet your needs for extreme cold weather gear.  But when it comes to hunting in snow or extremely cold weather I change gears altogether and wear wool.

[BowhunterNJ]

Very good point and thanks for the feedback.

I should mention that I do have a cold weather outfit from DayOne camo which is an insulated Fleece Bib and Parka.  Excellent garment in terms of warmth, but doesn't do so well in cold/wet weather, which is where this garment comes into play.

Once its super cold and the snow is "dry", I use my DayOne outfit...all day sits with that gear is just fine!

So consider this poll/question primarily for cool/colder weather transition from early season (light outfit) to cool/colder season (this outfit in question) to cold/extreme cold season (DayOne outfit).

Kind of a midseason to cold season outfit...my primary choice is the MT050 Whitetail Extreme gear, but man is it expensive.  I hear alot of great things about it and it looks like it would do well for bowhunting purposes (not too bulky, seemingly quiet, weatherproof, very compartment oriented and movement oriented, etc).

We'll see what others say as well...looking forward to some more responses!

[Graybeard]

I have #2 and #5. Like both. I think both are fine for what you seek. #5 is somewhat noisy tho.

[BowhunterNJ]

Hey Graybeard...how is #2 when it comes to noise?

Just got my MT050 in today and the garment is top notch but there is a noise factor (rubbery abrasiveness) due to the waterproof GORE-TEX layer in between the fabric and insulation I'd imagine.

This is precisely why I sent back the Scentblocker, as this noise became loud enough where deer would bust me on the noise (quartering away, close range, quiet morning/evening...i.e. they didnt see me and I am sure of that).

Can I escape that "noisyness" while maintaining a weatherproof garment?

I'm thinking of sending it back (too pricey if I'm not 100% on it) and maybe ordering the Cabela's Super Slam® Dry-Plus® Elite Fleece™, but I'll try it on again and likely await your reply before making a decision.

The other two considerations are:

1) Cabela's Rain/Snow Exchange Parka and Bibs
2) Whitewater 3D Realfleece Series

Both of these are new this year, I've owned Whitewater products in the past...they are pretty good and quite affordable.  Only problem is sizing, as they go max 2XL which doesnt allow for bigger guys or for big guys layering.  2XL should be OK for me though, heh not by much tho as I get older!

Let me know what you think.

[Graybeard]

Sorry, just now noticed your question.

It is pretty quite. Definitely the quietest water proof garment I've tried. The most noise you get from it is the outer fabric not from the water proof layer. It's not bad but not quite as quiet as a good soft thick pile fleece. Still I'd rate it fine for bow hunting.

[BowhunterNJ]

OK final followup.

I ordered the Cabela's Rain/Snow Exchange Parka and Bibs and found it to be basically their Dry Plus Raingear with a removable fleece liner (parka and bib liners).
Overall a nice garment, but IMO not a good primary bowhunting garment...again due to the noise factor.

I have their Dry Plus raingear for hunting in the rain and it is pretty good, serves me well for the few times I hunt in the rain...may put it to service this weekend in fact...but the Rain/Snow Exchange Parka and Bib are going back to Cabela's.

Once I got the R/S Exchange P&B in, I knew I wasn't keeping it...so I went ahead and ordered the Cabela's Super Slam® Dry-Plus® Elite Fleece™.

I just got it in today, and man...this is exactly what I was looking for.  Nice plush outside, very comfortable, stretchable upper back in the bib, good accessory pockets everywhere.  It does have some noise, but nothing like the other garments and certainly suitable for bowhunting!

Interestingly this too has Dry Plus as an inner layer, but the outer fleece layer seems to surpress that noise quite a bit.  Seems like a great garment, and this will be my choice outfit in inclement (cooler/cold) weather.

In fact, I may even take this out over my DayOne Fleece on some days just to give it some hours in the stand!  It'll be going with me out to Wyoming too, so it should get a good test out there, albeit a rifle hunt...but warmth and keeping dry may get tested thoroughly out there!

Thanks again for the feedback all, especially GB...thus far liking the Elite Fleece...we'll see what the season brings now!