Anyone have Asbell jackets?

[Modad2010]

I have one of the Asbell anoraks and do like it, but I usually strap it to my pack on the way to my hunting spot because I get too hot if I wear it on the way in. Pulling it over my head while there can be quite a challenge at times. Taking it off can also be a chore after having previous shoulder injuries. I am thinking about getting one of the jackets and was wondering if anyone prefers the jacket to the anaorak.

[Bill Turner]

I have a zippered vest,and had a zippered jacket until I gave it to a Oklahoma game biologist as a gift. They are great for the reasons you mentioned. Teresa's wool products are perfect for where I hunt in Texas and Oklahoma. If your in really cold climate, take a look at her zippered windbreaker vest, made to layer with  her wool garments. If you get cold wearing that vest you don't need to be sitting in the woods. Its to cold and nothing will be moving. Buy with confidence.

[Sean B]

Wear mine all the time [attachment=1][attachment=2][attachment=3]

[MGH]

I prefer the full zippered jackets for just the reasons you stated.  #1 being the ability to put on/take off while in the treestand and without having to unclip my safety strap from the tree.  Same reason I stopped using the bino harnesses.  Good Luck!!

[Tim Finley]

I just got a pathfinder and she made me a anorak out of some Pendelton wool I had that is the same as king of the mountain wool . If I wear my fleece under it or my wool vest I'm just about down on my knees and exhausted by the time I get it off and usually need help. A pull over in wool is too hard to get on and off unless I just have a t shirt on . I wished they had zippers . The workmanship is real  quality  , pockets are great, and good zippers in the neck and pockets.

[BAK]

I have an Anorak, but it just hangs in the closet.  Too hard to get on or off.

[nineworlds9]

I prefer the zippered jackets, being in N. FL the temp can change on a dime and it's easier to get on and off with less movement/effort.  I have tried the pullovers and I believe if going that route it pays to get a size or two larger for a more loose fit.  I would imagine the Anorak would make most sense in a situation where the weather is consistently very cold from dawn to dusk. 

[Green Arrow]

i have the anorak and love it but it is really hard to get on and off especially with a recent shoulder injury.  with a duluth under shirt, a flannel and the anorak i'm good down to like 25 degrees though, they are pretty awesome.

[Wudstix]

I'm thinking about the Pathfinder and am about a size Large and a half.  XL fits loose.  For Texas I'm not thinking I'd need much underneath.  So thinking XL would be good, I'll check on the return policy. 

[reddogge]

I have a zip up and find it very convenient.

[attachment=1]

[MCNSC]

Yes, I prefer the zip up. I normally hunt from tree stands and carry my vest and jacket in to put on at the tree or sometimes in the tree. Zip up allows me to do that. Plus with a pull over I'd have to take off my hat and glasses and unbuckle the safety harness.

[degabe]

I have the anorak and it can be a pain so I put a polypro shirt on and it will slip right over it.

[Curtiss Cardinal]

I have a pathfinder and the zippered jacket and vest. It rarely gets cold enough in Kentucky to wear the pathfinder and like the full venting unzipping the jacket gives me.

[Roger Norris]

I was part of the conversation several years ago, when Teresa was trying to decide whether to offer a full zipper or not.

I pressed hard for a full zipper, based on the reasons you describe. My strongest point was that a zippered jacket is MUCH safer to put on in a treestand vs a pullover.

I wear both.

I can say, without a doubt, that pullovers are warmer.

[todd smith]

I have several pieces of Teresa's wool. I like the zipper jackets when the temps aren't too cold but I really like the pockets on the Pathfinder and the Anorak. So what I do is...  In cool but not too cold temps I have a merino wool base layer, then a nylon pull-over long-sleeved shirt and then my Pathfinder. My Pathfinder goes on and pulls off easily when it's sliding along over the nylon shirt.  I wear the Anorak when it's getting pretty cold. Under that one I wear the merino wool base layer, then an insulated, nylon-shell jacket. Same thing, the Anorak slides on the nylon easily for both putting it on and taking it off.

I too don't wear my wool on my walk in, but I put it all on, including my harness before I climb the tree.

[Wudstix]

I was thinking the same thing.  UA shirt between base layer and Pathfinder.