Mountain hunters across the West have happily joined in the ground swell of new gear for backcountry enthusiasts in previous years as companies release more options than ever before. Gone are the days of having to choose between bargain bin quality or supporting a company that doesn’t share our values. Stone Glacier of Bozeman, Montana has been a key player in bringing high-quality gear to the hunting industry market, all while supporting conservation efforts and their customer base.
I wore their M5 raingear on several hunts this year and, like most Stone Glacier offerings, found it well thought out and dependable. The impetus for new raingear was a very full docket of hunts on the agenda and I was hoping to have a lineup of quality clothing that would go the distance as I didn’t have time in between hunts to search for new gear. My first hunt was a Dall sheep in Alaska; the tent was barely up when the rain clouds let loose with an ocean weather system that didn’t let up for a week. Except for getting into a damp sleeping bag at the end of the day or a rare patch of sunshine, we lived entirely in our rain jackets and pants; after a long week of crawling through cliffs and shale slides my M5s didn’t have so much as a whole in them.
The M5 system is made up of Stone Glacier’s own waterproof textile technology, a three-layer stretch laminate called HydraShield. Because of this, the M5s lead the industry in waterproof and breathability rating, a feature that was tested thoroughly as we traversed several thousand feet of elevation gain and loss a day in the incessant showers. The pit-zips on the jacket were an oft-utilized addition as well, giving the option of dumping heat while moving, then zipping them back up for a water break and glassing session. Due to SG’s forethought, the two front pockets with waterproof zippers can be utilized with a pack on. This feature was especially handy on a ten hour hike out of our hunting area, I loaded the pockets with snacks and kept burning boot leather down the trail.
The M5 pants feature full-length side zippers to regulate heat as well as making them easy to put on and take off over boots, another nice feature when sharing a tent and space is at a premium on foul weather days. I appreciated the cuff fit over my boots as well, the cut of the pants availed itself to not riding up footwear, even in the brush and alders of Alaska creek bottoms.
The M5 Jacket and Pant are covered by Stone Glacier’s 30 Day Money-back Guarantee as well as a lifetime warranty for manufacturer defects so buyers can shop with confidence. Suggested MSRP for the Jacket and Pant are $329.00 and $299.00, respectively. If you’re in the market for dependable, thought-out rain gear, give the M5 system by Stone Glacier a look. Check them out here at https://www.stoneglacier.com/collections/outerwear and see the specs below for further details.
Jacket
- Weight: 17.6 oz. (L)
- Shell Textile: 3-layer HydraShield™ Laminate
- Face Fabric: Soft and quiet Polyester Textile
- Backer Fabric: Tricot Backer
- Zippers : YKK VISLON® and Aquaguard® zippers
- Waterproof Rating: 31,000mm
- MVTR Breathability Rating: 27,600g/m2/24hr
- Articulated Hood: Maximizes weatherproofing with two chinch shock cord lockers
Pant
- Weight: 19 oz. (L)
- Shell Fabric: 3-layer HydraShield™ Laminate
- Face Fabric: Soft and quiet Polyester Textile
- Backer Fabric: Tricot Backer
- Zippers: YKK Aquaguard® zippers
- Waterproof Rating: 31,000mm
- MVTR Breathability Rating: 27,600g/m2/24hr
- Patented Contour Waist ™ System: Allows for a perfect fit every time