THE ROAR IS HERE
IT'S TIME... ARE YOU ROAR READY?
The sign is there, the wallows are fresh and the years largest hunting season is about to hit. Make sure you're ready to make the most out of this years roar by checking and prepping all your gear well in advance, you don't want to get caught out with leaky gear or the wrong layers during your big roar trip!
Take the time to pull all your hunting gear out of the wardrobe and give it a good going over. Ensure you have your layering system sorted, including a waterproof outer layer. If it's time for some new gear, have a read of our simplified layering guide and the recomended garments for your layering system below.
IT'S ALMOST TIME...
The sign is there, the wallows are fresh and the years largest hunting season is about to hit.
Make sure you're ready to make the most out of this years roar by checking and prepping all your gear well in advance, you don't want to get caught out with old, leaky gear during your big roar trip!
Take the time to pull all your hunting gear out of the wardrobe and give it a good going over. Ensure you have your layering system sorted, including a waterproof outer layer. If it's time for some new gear, then check out our picks for this years roar.
BASE LAYER
Worn against the skin, the baselayer controls what we call the "Micro-Climate", that's the air barrier created between your skin and the clothing. It's key role is to ensure that maximum moisture vapour is transferred from your skin and wicked away to the outside of the layer. Ideally your base layer will help maintain a next to skin micro-climate temperature of 32-33˚C.
What fabric works best?
This comes down to personal preference, many people choose a lightweight merino, such as the Hoodoo – or you may opt for a synthetic, like our microfleece range.
MID LAYER
To be an effective part of the layering system the mid-layer must work in tandem with the baselayer, taking the moisture wicked away from the baselayer and again moving it through the mid-layers fabric to the outside. Mid-laers should be heavier fabrics with great air trapping abilities, as its the beginning of your insulation
What fabric works best?
Again, this is personal choice. Wool, polarfleece and heavy weight microfleece are all options. Whichever fabric you chose, consider the drying properties. Especially in areas of high rainfull.
OUTER LAYER
Outer layers should be highly breathable in order to allow moisture vapour to escape the fabric and prevent wetting out. It should also be very wind resistant, or even better, windproof. If you're planning a multi-day trip, hunting in questionable weather or heading off the track, then the outer layer should be waterproof. Swazi AEGIS® waterproof garments are also totally windproof, so it kills two birds with one stone.
What fabric works best?
Any fabric with our AEGIS® windshield or watershield membrame will perform incredibly well, the real decision is on what face fabric you need. Most hunters opt for our super quiet Whisper face fabric.
ACCESSORIES
Now that you have your layering system sorted, you can start thinking about all the extra bits. Socks, gaiters and hats - all important pieces of kit for a comfortable and successful hunt. We reckon these extras make a whole world of difference!
STAYING SAFE DURING THE ROAR
It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the hunt and unintentonally forget about staying safe around firearms, as well as looking after yourself in the hills or the bush.
Take the time to get familiar with the area your hunting, monitor the weather and ensure you have adequete gear for if the weather turns on you. We always reccommend taking a PLB with you, even if its just for a day trip. A broken ankle can quicky turn into a very dangerous situation, a PLB might just save your life. We have PLBs available for hire out of the Swazi Shop, Levin. Otherwise you can follow this link to find the nearest hire location.
As well as offering a PLB hire service, the Mountain Safety Council has a wealth of information on staying safe in the backcountry, we reckon every hunter should brush up on their skills and knowledge every now again - especially during the roar, when the excitement is high and the hills are full of fellow hunters.