S2H winter class 2026 observations and lessons learned

[Wprinkle]

The difference between the Varusteleka Anorak and Ventile are the waterproofing and breathability, they would both have exceptional durability and good windproofing.

The cotton/poly fabric needs to be waxed to be waterproof. But when it is waxed, it is not very breathable.

Ventile cotton does not need to be waxed to be waterproof. It is waterproof because of the dense weave and the use of the highest quality, long-staple, cotton fibers. When it gets wet, the cotton fibers swell and that swelling actually makes the fabric impermeable to water. When it dries, the fibers shrink back and the jacket is breathable again.

Once ventile is wet, you can look at both sides and it will appear damp, but no water will actually come through. This is why some ventile garments have a double layer - the first layer gets damp and fibers expand, the second layer keeps that damp layer off of you and feels drier inside. If I recall, this was the difference between the red kettle wind jacket and rain jacket. Hilltrek also sells single and double layer ventile jackets.

Does the Ventile Anorak replace your soft shell AND rain Jacket then?

 

[ColPenguin]

As @RancherJohn said, the food is exceptional. The Salami Rolls are worth writing home to mama about.

Is a salami roll similar to a WV-style pepperoni roll, the salami meat just baked into bread dough?

 

[nephewjephew]

Does the Ventile Anorak replace your soft shell AND rain Jacket then?

yes

 

[24valve]

@RancherJohn you mentioned looking for a Ventile top. Were any specific brands/models tested or recommended? I attempted to get a Red Kettle a few years ago but kept getting the wrong size sent, then he apparently went out of business. Need to find one that is suitable for hiking and hunting, and actually fits.

I have been trying to find a used redkettle one for the past year, and next best option sounds like one of hilltrek's lightweight smocks that others have mentioned in here.

 

[nephewjephew]

@prm

@Tommyhaak and @cubdriver84d have the hilltrek anoraks and seem to really like them. Hilltrek does make jackets too. Alpkit makes jackets and anoraks as well. I have their ranger jacket, its a fantastic jacket. Except the forearms are a little tight when you start getting into heavy winter layering.

eta - looks like alpkit is out of the ventile game

 

[dreamingWest]

The Hilltreks look good enough. I'll have to pick one up and see where it fits in my ridiculous collection of hunting clothes. Which would you guys recommend for say New Zealand mountains in May? Single, Double, Hybrid?

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

As you can see here- not riding up in the back:

Looks like the Aziak Ridgeline & Tricer LP combo I left there got some use. Interested to know what your thoughts are on it now.

 

[Firth]

My brother - have you ever hunted out west, in stormy, snowy mountains, in grizzly country?

We need to know the limitations of our gear.

With weather alone, a lot of us are entering a life-or-death environment just stepping out of the truck. But snow falls from branches onto guns. Breath moisture gets into actions, and freezes them in sub-zero temps. Get in and out of a warm vehicle and the gun frosts up, melts and flows deep into that gun's action when you warm it up again, and freezes it solid again next time you step back into the cold. Crap lube freezes up. People trip on branches under the snow. Guns encounter the unexpected.

What are the limitations of your gun?

Only if you know them, do you know how to address a given event. This information is important.

I'm cool with all that. I think I'd rather just accept death than do the rewarming drill though.

 

[cubdriver84d]

yes

Is that Alpikit Ranger double ventile? I can't tell from the site (unless I'm missing it). My single ventlie anorak doesn't replace a rain jacket for me because you get wet slowly once it wets out. I have been considering trying one in double ventile though to see if it breathes similar to single. Also tempted to try some ventile pants..

 

[cubdriver84d]

The Hilltreks look good enough. I'll have to pick one up and see where it fits in my ridiculous collection of hunting clothes. Which would you guys recommend for say New Zealand mountains in May? Single, Double, Hybrid?

My Bealach (single L35) basically serves the purpose of a light windbreaker or soft shell but performs way better. It has been plenty durable for me, but L34 and L24 should offer more durability at more weight. L34 is only slightly heavier than L35 based on what they told me. If you're wanting to replace a rain jacket too, I think you'd need to go with double ventile or their cotton analogy. Can't comment on how much breathability you lose with those compared to single ventile though.

 

[Gstew1930]

My brother - have you ever hunted out west, in stormy, snowy mountains, in grizzly country?

We need to know the limitations of our gear.

With weather alone, a lot of us are entering a life-or-death environment just stepping out of the truck. But snow falls from branches onto guns. Breath moisture gets into actions, and freezes them in sub-zero temps. Get in and out of a warm vehicle and the gun frosts up, melts and flows deep into that gun's action when you warm it up again, and freezes it solid again next time you step back into the cold. Crap lube freezes up. People trip on branches under the snow. Guns encounter the unexpected.

What are the limitations of your gun?

Only if you know them, do you know how to address a given event. This information is important.

This post should be pinned somewhere or made as an automated reply lol. Very well said!

 

[Formidilosus]

Looks like the Aziak Ridgeline & Tricer LP combo I left there got some use. Interested to know what your thoughts are on it now.

It is. Tripod is good, don’t like the head.

Of the people at the class that used it, that was the consensus.