“You can’t control the weather, but you can control the gear that you’re counting on to keep you dry,” said Evietta Chapman, Apparel Product Line Manager for Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “The Storm Warden Rain Gear System is a premium line of rainwear that’s designed to perform through the very worst of what Mother Nature might throw at you.”
This is a brand-new product; so new, in fact, the only color available to review happened to be black. So rather than spending a few cold rainy days in the deer woods back east, enraging a few black bears as I lumbered through their turf looking like a human bear decoy, I hit the relic fields with my metal detector around the infamous Manassas battlefields on a cold, windy and wet day sporting Leupold’s latest soft-good, the Storm Warden. It is important to note this property was not a winterized beanfield or cut-over alfalfa field—it is covered in scrubby hawthorn and briars with mixed cut-throughs—certainly a tough spot to try out some rain gear. And to save you the read if you’re short on time, the Storm Warden Rain Gear System worked great—no holes, no leaks. But if you have a minute, read on.
At first blush, the Storm Warden Jacket and Pant designs are handsome, and a few practical cues jump out straight away—I’m not talking about adjustable turrets or lens coatings in this Leupold product review, but things like YKK AquaGuard zippers, top and bottom; taped and glued seams all throughout the interior; a short bill built-in to the hood for to deflect water up top; zippered vents where you need it; and hook-and-loop fasteners at the cuffs for a custom fit. Even the Pants have full-length, ankle-to-hip zippers and clasps down at the cuff to keep the legs fastened in place. All told, a well-contrived system engineered by soggy Northwesterners (although made overseas).
As for fitment, the XXL fit me great; I liken it to an active cut, so there’s not wasted material in places that slow you down. That said, the set came just loose enough to accommodate a few layers underneath without sacrificing mobility. Although I trekked through some rashy areas, the 70D nylon and spandex blend proved quite durable, with no marks, holes or tears left behind, other than a bit of Virginia clay from unearthing a few shotgun shells and brass cases. Rain spat on and off and wind was blowing 30 mph+ but I didn’t feel it thanks to Leupold’s latest product. In fact, throughout my time metal detecting, I noticed I didn’t overheat like I have with other windbreakers, which is a testament to the StormShield fabric’s breathability.
Considering the mostly dry weather lately and my need for testing rain gear, I suited up and made a date with the garden hose. Under full pressure, the Storm Warden series knocked out all water—nothing came through, which is shocking considering its volume and pressure—proving its capacity for handling dreary days outdoors. It was here that I realized how much I appreciated the two-point adjustable hood and the thoughtfully designed hand pockets included with the system. I look forward to more time in the field with Leupold’s Storm Warden series, hopefully next on a wet boat ride chasing birds and fish.
Head over to facebook.com/AmericanHunter to see this rain gear get pelted while keeping me dry! A+ Leupold!
The Storm Warden Rain Jacket ($299.99) and Storm Warden Rain Pant ($274.99) are sold separately. Both are available in sizes ranging from Small to 3XL with colors in black and green. For more information, visit leupold.com.
