Several months ago I purchased a Huntech wading jacket. My plan was to
spend many a night fishing the trophy trout lakes around the Rotorua area and I
knew I would need a good jacket. The fish that run the streams and spawn on the
beaches in lakes like Rotoiti, Okataina and Tarawera can get well into double
figures and these were my target. I wanted the wall hanger and since it was an
hour's drive to these lakes from my home in Tauranga, I was not going to let
weather stop me fishing. Dark, windy nights were reported to be the best and to
fish in these conditions you must stay warm and dry. The Huntech jacket is
perfect.
It is short in length; good for deep wading. It is manufactured from a
material called 'shelter-xp'. Without going into too much tech talk, shelter-xp
is a totally waterproof, windproof and breathable fabric comprised of three
layers. I don't understand the science of how you can keep water and wind from
getting in and still let condensation created through body heat out, and don't
care to — it works.
The jacket is totally, no-bull waterproof; I have fished in very heavy rain
for hours on end and remained bone dry. I now realise I have never owned a
totally waterproof jacket before, just jackets that claim to be waterproof. I
have fished for several hours facing strong, cold winds at night and on several
occasions fishing Rotoiti caught fish when others were forced to their cars for
shelter or decided to go home.
The whole jacket is seam-sealed and even the pockets are waterproof. The two
pockets and main zip have storm flaps and built into the collar is the hood.
This is easy to pull out and, with rod between legs, I could unzip and pull it
over my head while my fly was sinking. Inside both pockets are zips which, when
open, provide access to your vest. The back of the jacket has a 'D' ring to clip
your net on and the cuffs are adjustable by way of velcro straps. Two other 'D'
rings are situated by the pockets for attaching clippers or a torch.
It is light and packs down very small. I hardy know it's there when in the
back pocket of my vest. All in all, my Huntech jacket is a great piece of
no-bull clothing that keeps you warm and dry. Well worth every
cent.
