As all nature photographers do, you’ll encounter the following problem: where can I find, at a reasonable price, warm and water resistant clothes adapted to photographic needs? Stealth Gear wanted to give an answer to this question and launched their “Extreme Photography Suit”. The two previous reviews of these products can be found on my website (Review 1, click HERE - Review 2, click HERE). This time, I was able to test the new "Extreme Photographers Jacket 3" with matching fleece "Extreme Photographers Fleece 2", the new "Stealth Gear Thermal underwear" and the new "Stealth Gear Rain Covers”.
A week ago the sun was shining like never before, but today Saturday Oct. 8, this already seems so long ago. The weather today is gray and raining, the temperature dropped to below 10° C. The cold wind makes it even colder! Today I leave with a friend/photographer to the Belgian Ardennes in order to capture some wildlife on film/CF card. Obviously, the intention was to test the clothes.
The "Extreme Photographers Jacket 3":
The new jacket can be compared with the previous one that I have reviewed some two years ago. This new jacket is almost identical with only a few new adjustments. Yet, these changes are very useful and especially helpful! Your shoulders are now covered with an anti-slip strip protection to prevent your camera strap to slip of your shoulder. The closure at the end of the sleeves is extended and improved (especially for use with gloves). The brown textile in the collar is replaced with green fleece. A layer of mousse now better protects your elbows much better. At the height of your hips, two large pockets are located that can be opened with 2 zippers on the side (rather than a large zip around) to increase the size of these pockets. Across the jacket, there are a dozen of small to very large pockets, even a few small pockets to store your memory cards to a pocket (at your back) from 40x40cm! The jacket is available in standard green or "charcoal" for 279,95 Euro. As I said before, this is quite a lot of money, but you'll get a completely custom jacket and in combination with the fleece. I personally think this is definitely worth recommending.
© Stealth Gear
© Stealth Gear
The "Extreme Photographers Fleece 2":
Since the launch of the first fleece, this piece is my favorite! Unfortunately, the fleece was a long time out of order and moreover, it did not fit into the new jacket! This problem is solved. This is, as mentioned above, specially made for the jacket and can be fixed into the jacket. In this new version, the sleeves are improved at the height of your wrists and all pockets (4 in total) can be closed now. The fleece is splash water- and wind resistant and made into a nice fabric. What strikes me the most, is how good he can warm you and still stay such a lightweight. For 79.95 euros, it’s all yours.
© Stealth Gear
Thermal underwear:
In places where it is chilly, you can use the jacket, fleece and trouser to keep yourself warm. But what if it gets too cold? Stealth Gear designed for that reason the thermal underwear, made from 50% polyester and 50% bamboo. This green underwear feels good and after wearing it for a long period, it doesn’t feel clammy. The supplier pretends even that there is an "anti-odor" finishing so the eventual animals in your neighborhood cannot smell you, but of course this is difficult to test. The prices are very democratic: 24.95 Euro for one item and 39.95 Euro as a set.
© Stealth Gear
© Stealth Gear
Rain Covers:
If you compare the Stealth Gear rain covers with others brands, it is clear that these covers belong in the gamut of "simple but reliable rain covers." It isn`t a plastic bag, but definitely a rain cover with appropriate closures as a strap is closing the hood. Furthermore at the bottom of the sleeve, there are a few buttons to keep everything together. The cover is completely waterproof and beautiful in the line of your Stealth Gear clothing. However, it cannot be compared to the professional rain cover of Think Tank, which is however five times the price! Depending on the size, you pay 29.95 to 39.95Euros for these covers.
© Stealth Gear
© Stealth Gear
Conclusion:
Stealth Gear has managed to expand their range and was even able to improve it. The products - which were clearly adapted by photographers who spend every day in nature - are certainly made of very durable material. The jacket and fleece are good to keep your body nice and warm in extreme weather conditions. The thermal underwear is a must if it is really cold during winter.
For more information, take a look on the website www.stealth-gear.com
Stealth Gear can also offer you: adapted trouser, smock, Transport Trolley, 4 hides, camouflage tape, flat- & double beanbag, card wallet, Padded Seat, bracers, poncho or full rain suit, gaiters and gloves.
Best regards,
Sven Michiels
