Different hunters, environments, and missions demand very different jackets. You want to choose the right type of rain jacket for the type of hunting you do most often, or collect a couple to cover most of your bases.

Lightweight, packable shell

You should always carry a waterproof jacket in the New Zealand backcountry, even when the weather forecast is perfect. A lightweight, packable rain jacket is the best option when you don’t expect heavy downpours, but you want wet weather insurance that doesn’t take up space in your pack. While they can be highly waterproof, they generally don’t offer the toughness and warmth of more heavy-duty jackets.

Best option: Bushbuck Stashlite Anorak – 20,000 mm waterproof / 20,000 g breathability, ~430 g (M), packs into its own pocket, 3-layer build with side zip and belt loops so you can carry it around your waist. 

All-round alpine hunting jacket

If you’re hunting chamois and tahr in the Southern Alps, or red deer in steep high country, you need a jacket that balances durability, waterproofing, and breathability. A versatile alpine jacket should move with you, keep the weather out, and breathe so you don’t swamp yourself on the uphill. Expect a midweight build (700–800 g), 3-layer waterproofing, and plenty of stretch.

Best option: Bushbuck Alpine Jacket – 20,000 mm waterproof / 20,000 g breathability, fully seam-sealed, 4-way stretch ripstop nylon for mobility, ~750 g.

Heavy-duty bush-basher 

This style suits hunters who spend days in thick manuka, matagouri, or gorse, or who straddle farm and bush edges where jackets take real punishment. They’re also ideal for guys who’ll happily hunt through torrential rain rather than call it a day. Heavy-duty shells are built from fabrics like Oxford nylon, often weighing over 1 kg, and prioritise toughness over packability.

Best option: Bushbuck Typhoon Waterproof Jacket – 20,000 mm waterproof, StormArc 3-layer membrane, fully seam-sealed with DWR. Heavy-duty nylon face fabric. Extra length for lower body protection.

Cold weather protector 

If you’re glassing frosty hillsides in winter when the weather can turn at any moment, you might want a bit of insulation in your waterproof jacket. That’s where a waterproof puffer jacket comes in. They’re heavier, bulkier, and not as breathable, but they’ll keep you warm and dry when you’re sitting still for hours in sleet. Bushbuck’s waterproof puffers are made from durable canvas or ripstop fabrics so they’re plenty tough enough for hunting.

Best option: Bushbuck Furnace Waterproof Puffer Jacket – 10,000 mm waterproof membrane, 160 grams RDS duck down, ripstop face fabric, pit zips for offloading heat. Or the Igloo Canvas Waterproof Down Jacket – 10,000 mm waterproof, 290 grams RDS duck down, durable canvas face fabric. 

Now that you’ve got a sense of what kind of hunting you’ll be doing, let’s dive into the key technical features that make a hunting jacket worth your money.

Waterproof ratings explained

A jacket’s waterproof rating refers to its hydrostatic head – essentially how much water pressure the fabric can withstand before it leaks. This is measured in millimetres. The higher the number, the more waterproof the fabric.

Different testing systems:

• ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials): Tends to produce lower mm values.

• JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard): Usually reports higher mm values for the same level of performance.

• ISO (International Standard): Global benchmark, sits between ASTM and JIS.

This is why a 20,000 mm JIS rating may feel equivalent to a 10,000 mm ASTM rating. Bigger isn’t always better – the testing method matters.

Quick guide to waterproof ratings (ASTM-based):

• 5,000–10,000 mm: Light showers, urban wear, day walks. Not recommended for hunting.

• 10,000–15,000 mm: Good for moderate to heavy rain, suitable for hunting in scrub or farmland if showers aren’t prolonged.

• 15,000–20,000 mm: Heavy rain, wet snow, sustained alpine or bush stalking. Ideal for most NZ/AU hunting conditions.

• 20,000–30,000 mm: Professional-grade protection for mountaineering, extreme alpine hunting, and back-to-back storm days.

Seam sealing

Jackets are stitched together, which creates needle holes that can leak. Seams are sealed in two main ways:

• Seam taping: Heat-sealed waterproof tape applied to seams. Visible on the inside. Can be replaced if worn. Most common and cost-effective.

• Seam welding: Uses heat, radio waves, or sound to fuse fabrics. Completely watertight but more expensive and less common.

High-quality hunting rain jackets (like the Alpine and Typhoon) are fully seam-sealed, not just in high-exposure zones.

DWR (Durable Water Repellent)

A DWR treatment makes rain bead and roll off instead of soaking into the face fabric. This prevents “wetting out” and keeps breathability intact. Over time, DWR wears off and needs refreshing. When you notice water stops beading on the surface or the fabric starts absorbing water, it’s time to re-waterproof your jacket.

Cuffs, hoods, hems

Don’t overlook the details. These features on a hunting jacket assist with protection from the rain as well.

• Cuffs: Velcro or stretch seals (often neoprene) prevent water running up sleeves.

• Hoods: Three-way adjustment and a solid brim ensure your field of vision isn’t impaired in the rain.

• Hems: Adjustable hems help with locking in warmth and creating the right fit.

Breathability ratings

Waterproofing is half the battle – you also need your jacket to vent sweat and heat. Breathability is usually measured in g/m²/24hrs (MVTR) – how much water vapour passes through the fabric in 24 hours.

MVTR scale:

• 5,000 g: Low breathability, best for light use.

• 10,000 g: Moderate, fine for casual activity.

• 15,000 g: Good balance for active hunters.

• 20,000 g+: Excellent – ideal for alpine hunters who climb hard and need airflow.

Another measure, RET (Resistance to Evaporative Heat Transfer), works the other way: the lower the number, the more breathable. RET <6 = excellent, RET 6–13 = good, RET 13–20 = adequate.

Venting

Pit zips or mesh-backed chest pockets allow heat dump on climbs. Alpine hunters will want venting, while bush-bashers may prioritise durability over zips.

Fabrics and durability

Hunting jackets need to balance stealth vs strength.

• Light nylon/polyester ripstop: Light, stretchy, and quiet, but less durable in thick scrub.

• Oxford nylon (500D): Burly, abrasion-resistant, perfect for bush-bashers.

• Brushed tricot: Quieter for stalking, but less tough.

Most jackets use a 3-layer system: outer face for durability, mid-layer waterproof membrane, inner lining for comfort.

Windproofing

Most 3-layer hunting shells are fully windproof thanks to tightly woven faces and waterproof membranes. A true hunting-grade waterproof jacket will keep both rain and wind out.

Weight and packability

• <500 g: Ultralight shells – good for backup.

• 700–900 g: Sweet spot for alpine hunting.

• 1+ kg: Heavy-duty, durable, best for farm or scrub hunting.

Insulation

Most hunting shells are uninsulated – they’re designed to keep water out while you manage warmth through layering. For cold conditions, there are two main approaches:

• Layering system: Wear a waterproof shell over a down or synthetic midlayer. This gives versatility – you can strip layers on the climb and add them when glassing.

• Insulated waterproof jackets: These combine insulation with a waterproof membrane. Great for hunters who spend a lot of time sitting or standing still in freezing, wet conditions.

Down hunting jackets explained:

• Fill power (loft): The higher the number, the warmer and loftier the down for its weight. 600-fill is entry-level, 700–800-fill is high performance, and 900+ is premium.

• Fill weight: How much down is actually inside the jacket – a bigger factor in overall warmth.

Learn more about down jacket ratings here

Silence and camouflage

When you’re stalking wary animals, sound matters almost as much as scent and sight. The fabric of your jacket can make the difference between getting close or spooking a deer before you even see it.

• Quiet fabrics: Brushed polyester or tricot-faced shells tend to be softer and quieter, reducing the rustling noise when you move. These are ideal for close-range bush stalking or hunting on still days.

• Breaking in: New jackets often sound louder at first but will soften with use and washing.

On camouflage: It can help break up your outline, but it’s not the silver bullet many hunters think. Movement control, wind direction, and keeping still matter far more. A plain earth tone jacket that’s quiet and waterproof will generally serve you better than loud fabric in the perfect camo pattern.

Which Bushbuck Rain Jacket Fits Your Hunt?

Care and longevity

A good waterproof hunting jacket lasts longer with basic care:

• Clean it: Mud, blood, and bush grime clog pores and make fabrics noisy.

• Revive DWR: Wash and re-proof once the face stops beading.

• Dry well: Hang dry away from direct heat. Tumble dry on a low heat to reactivate DWR if the care label allows.

• Field fixes: Pack a few seam-grip patches to repair holes and rips before they get worse.

What waterproof rating do I actually need for NZ hunting?

10,000 mm is a solid minimum for proper rain. If you spend long periods in heavy weather, aim for 15,000–20,000 mm. Make sure to check the waterproof rating system (ATSM or JIS are the main ones). A 10,000 mm ATSM rating is similar to a 20,000 mm JIS rating. 

Are waterproof puffers really waterproof enough for hunting?

A true waterproof puffer uses a membrane and seam construction similar to a standard waterproof jacket. Bushbuck’s Furnace and Igloo waterproof puffers have a 10,000 mm membrane with seam sealing so it’s definitely waterproof enough. The main question will be if they’re too warm for hunting or not. A lot of hunters in New Zealand’s South Island swear by these jackets for winter missions.

Do you have camo waterproof jackets?

No, we don’t currently stock camo rain jackets, but our jackets have been designed in colourways that are well-suited to hunting in most conditions – earthy green, grey, and black.

How should a hunting rain jacket fit?

You want the jacket to fit comfortably over a warm base layer (thermal) and mid-layer (fleece). You should be able to reach your hands up overhead and turn your body side to side without restriction.

Explore Bushbuck waterproof jackets