Badlands Rise Pro Jacket – Men’s Review

Let’s Dive into Badlands Rise Pro Jacket – Men’s

The Badlands Rise Pro Jacket – Men’s promises versatility, stealth, and weather protection for hunters. Badlands, a name synonymous with rugged outdoor gear, aims to improve upon their already successful Rise jacket. This “Pro” version boasts PrimaLoft Gold insulation and Wind Weave fabric for enhanced warmth and wind resistance.

My search for the perfect mid-season hunting jacket led me here. I needed something warm enough for chilly mornings, windproof for exposed ridges, and quiet enough to stalk game undetected. The Badlands Rise Pro Jacket – Men’s seemed to tick all the boxes.

Upon unboxing, the jacket felt substantial without being bulky. The fleece outer had a soft, quiet feel, and the overall construction appeared solid. The stitching was clean, and the zippers operated smoothly.

Compared to my older fleece jacket from Sitka Gear and a lighter softshell from Kuiu, the Badlands Rise Pro Jacket – Men’s offered a compromise. It’s warmer than the Kuiu but likely less waterproof than the Sitka in a downpour, however, it’s also significantly quieter than both. Initial impressions were positive; I was excited to put it to the test in the field.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Badlands Rise Pro Jacket – Men’s to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Badlands Rise Pro Jacket – Men’s on a recent deer hunt in the Pennsylvania mountains. The weather was typical for late October: crisp mornings around 35 degrees Fahrenheit, with a stiff wind and occasional light drizzle. I wore it as an outer layer over a merino wool base layer.

The jacket performed admirably in the cold and wind. The Badlands Wind Weave Fabric truly lived up to its name, cutting through the wind effectively. The PrimaLoft Gold insulation provided ample warmth without causing me to overheat during periods of activity.

The jacket was easy to move in, and the stretch-fleece underarm panels provided excellent ventilation. I didn’t experience any issues with noise while moving through the woods, which is critical for stealth hunting. After the first sit in a tree stand, I was very impressed.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Badlands Rise Pro Jacket – Men’s has proven to be a reliable piece of gear. I’ve worn it on multiple hunts, hikes, and even around town on chilly evenings. The jacket has held up well to the rigors of the outdoors.

I haven’t noticed any significant signs of wear and tear. The fleece outer remains in good condition, and the zippers still function flawlessly. The jacket is easy to clean; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove mud and dirt.

Compared to my experience with other hunting jackets, the Badlands Rise Pro Jacket – Men’s offers a superior balance of warmth, wind resistance, and quietness. It outperforms my lighter softshell in colder conditions and is quieter than my heavier, more waterproof options. I am very pleased.

Breaking Down the Features of Badlands Rise Pro Jacket – Men’s

Specifications

• The Badlands Rise Pro Jacket – Men’s features a Rise Pro Fleece Quiet Outer. This provides a stealthy and comfortable exterior.
• It includes Primaloft Gold Insulation providing excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. The 40 grams of insulation offers substantial warmth without unnecessary bulk.
• The jacket uses Badlands Wind Weave Fabric. This drastically improves wind resistance compared to traditional fleece, enhancing comfort in blustery conditions.
• It is Water Resistant, offering protection against light rain and snow. While not fully waterproof, it can handle brief exposure to moisture.
• Features a Zippered Chest Garage Pocket with Internal Pocket and Tether. Provides secure storage for valuables with added security for small items.
• It has Zippered Hand and Chest Pockets, offering ample storage for essential gear. The chest pockets are conveniently located for easy access.
• Includes a Treestand Safety Harness Port. Allows for safe and easy connection to a treestand safety harness.
• Features Stretch-Fleece Underarm for Movement and Venting. Enhances mobility and allows for improved breathability during physical activity.
• An Elongated Fit for Layering and for Sitting provides comfortable coverage and prevents the jacket from riding up. This adds comfort and flexibility.
• The Upper Chest Handwarmer Pockets provide additional warmth for your hands in cold weather. These are strategically placed for easy access and comfort.

These specifications combine to create a versatile and functional hunting jacket. Each feature is designed to enhance the hunter’s experience in the field. The windproof fabric and insulation offer protection from the elements, while the quiet outer and strategically placed pockets provide stealth and convenience.

Performance & Functionality

The Badlands Rise Pro Jacket – Men’s excels at providing warmth and wind protection in a quiet package. Its primary function is to keep hunters comfortable and concealed, and it does this exceptionally well. The Wind Weave fabric effectively blocks wind, and the PrimaLoft Gold insulation provides ample warmth.

The jacket’s strengths lie in its balance of features. It’s warm, windproof, quiet, and comfortable. The water resistance is adequate for light precipitation. The only area for improvement might be the level of water resistance for wetter climates.

It meets and exceeds my expectations for a mid-season hunting jacket. It’s become my go-to choice for most hunts. The only time I will not wear it is when I know I will face very heavy rain.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Badlands Rise Pro Jacket – Men’s is excellent. The materials feel durable and well-constructed. The jacket feels substantial without being overly heavy, striking a good balance between durability and comfort.

The jacket is user-friendly and requires no learning curve. The pockets are well-placed and easily accessible, and the zippers operate smoothly. The elongated fit and stretch-fleece underarm panels enhance comfort and mobility.

Durability & Maintenance

The Badlands Rise Pro Jacket – Men’s appears to be built to last. The materials and construction suggest that it will withstand years of use. As I noted above, I have seen no significant wear after several weeks of moderate use.

The jacket is easy to maintain and repair. A quick wipe-down is usually sufficient for cleaning, and any minor repairs can likely be done with basic sewing skills. The durability, ease of maintenance, and reputation of the Badlands brand all point to this lasting a long time.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Badlands Rise Pro Jacket – Men’s doesn’t come with a plethora of accessories. Its main feature is its design as a standalone, functional hunting jacket. However, its compatibility with layering systems makes it highly customizable.

The jacket pairs well with various base layers and outer shells. This allows hunters to adapt to different weather conditions. Due to the neutral color options, it can be incorporated with other brand’s gear for a seamless system.

Pros and Cons of Badlands Rise Pro Jacket – Men’s

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Badlands Rise Pro Jacket – Men’s?

The Badlands Rise Pro Jacket – Men’s is perfect for hunters, wildlife photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts. It’s ideal for those who need a warm, windproof, and quiet jacket for mid-season hunts or outdoor activities. Treestand hunters will also greatly benefit from the safety harness port.

Those who primarily hunt in areas with heavy rainfall may want to consider a fully waterproof option instead. The jacket may be overkill for warmer climates or for activities where maximum breathability is required. It also may not be ideal for those who have a minimal budget.

A must-have accessory is a high-quality waterproof outer shell. This will allow you to adapt to wetter conditions. Also, layering a merino wool base layer is advisable for temperature control and moisture wicking.

Conclusion on Badlands Rise Pro Jacket – Men’s

The Badlands Rise Pro Jacket – Men’s is an excellent piece of gear that delivers on its promises. It offers a winning combination of warmth, wind resistance, and quietness, making it a valuable asset for any hunter or outdoor enthusiast. The jacket’s well-thought-out design and durable construction make it a reliable choice for years to come.

At $189.99, the price is justified by the jacket’s performance and features. It represents a solid investment in your comfort and success in the field. This is a great quality, durable, and versatile piece of kit.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Badlands Rise Pro Jacket – Men’s to anyone looking for a high-quality mid-season hunting jacket. Go ahead, upgrade your hunting experience and stay warm, quiet, and comfortable on your next adventure!