We'll be the first to admit it – buying hunting outerwear for all the micro-seasons within the greater season gets costly. You have early season, the transitional period from early to midseason, midseason, and so on… It all adds up. And if you're as serious about the pursuit as we are, skimping isn't an option.
TUO's solution is the new Solent Jacket and Pant, which hunts like a warrior from midseason all the way through that last icy eyelash of the season.
The cornerstone of Solent, like all TUO designs, is the material. "We aimed high," said TUO Marketing Director, Steve Allie, about Solent's progressive three-layer polyester softshell material. "It does everything you could ask for in a material to construct this ultra-premium and versatile jacket and pant."
But even before verbalizing the merits of the shell material and inner layer, Allie recognized Solent's windproof DNA. "You can function in a wide range of cold temperatures by completely blocking the wind. So, whether you're wearing Solent as a standalone outer shell or layered amongst other TUO pieces, when the wind is blocked, the warming begins."
To achieve this, TUO bonds AeroGuard™ Windproof Membrane – the company's own secret sauce – between the shell and interior fabric. The breathable technology integrates into the softshell fabrics to block harsh winds while encouraging excess heat and moisture to escape.
Continuing along, Solent's outer polyester fleece material is soft, yet durable, and remarkably quiet. You'll thank the silent fabric on those "pin drop" quiet mornings when thinking too hard can spook a buck.
Internally, a checked, or grid-fleece polyester supplies warmth, comfort, and makes layering a cinch as the material holds in place while slipping a lighter layer into the arms and legs. Checkering also improves durability and assists in moisture management. Technically, checkered fleece is where the inner surface is knit into a repeating grid or checkerboard pattern instead of a smooth, uniform pile. The loft is arranged in raised shapes separated by channels that let air and moisture move more freely while the raised squares trap warm air. Voila!
Combined, the material also boasts significant stretch. "For such warm outerwear, Solent is super stretchy and easy to move around in," said Allie.
Allie finished on the topic of temperature by hailing Solent's role in the ultimate cold weather combo. "For late, late season, you can wear the TUO Molten Heated Vest or Clement Puffy Jacket and Amp Puffy Pant underneath."
Feature-wise, the Solent Jacket's hood is a standout. For one, it's removable, which accommodates your with or without preference, as well as layering situations where an underneath hoodie provides ample protection. The hood is sculpted with precision cut panels that trace the shape of your head. Moreover, the hood moves in synchronicity when you turn left or right. Lastly, TUO carefully cut the face of the hood to sit behind your eyes, which advances peripheral vision.
Its four zippered pockets include two chest and two waist. Also, the chest pockets include tether loops for securing a rangefinder.
Special to the pants are side seam vent zips with mesh linings for temperature regulation, letting you quickly dump heat after an aggressive trek. The legs also offer knee high zippers for quick on and off in the field with boots laced.
Locomotion in the Solent Pant is promoted by articulation in the knees and a gusseted crotch area. Articulation, or preformed bend in the knee is achieved through supplementary fabric cuts and stitches, which promote mobility and keep the legs from hiking up while you sit. Gusseting means TUO stitched a separate fabric panel in the crotch area, which vastly improves range of motion while on the go, as well as providing greater looseness when sitting in the stand.
A full slate of six pockets includes two front waist, two thigh cargo, and a pair of zip pockets on the rear.
Solent Jacket FEATURES:
- 340g 3-layer quiet polyester fleece outer with a check fleece backing for warmth and comfort
- 4-way stretch for great range-of-motion
- AeroGuard™ Windproof membrane protects against harsh wind
- Removable hood that attaches with zipper and snaps at the neck seam for optional coverage if needed
- Adjustable hood with Lycra binding around the sides and a shallower depth for better peripheral vision
- 3.5" collar height to keep your neck warm
- Articulated elbows for mobility
- Four zippered pockets (2 waist, 2 chest) for secure storage
- Lycra cuff inserts for a tapered fit and bow clearance
- Safety harness access opening
- Adjustable waist with cord lock
MSRP $349.99
Solent Pant FEATURES:
- 340g 3-layer quiet polyester fleece outer with a check fleece backing for warmth and comfort
- 4-way stretch for great range-of-motion
- AeroGuard™ Windproof membrane protects against harsh wind
- Functional zip fly
- Six pockets for storage (2 front waist, 2 thigh cargo, 2 zip back)
- Side seam vent zips with mesh lining for temperature regulation
- Articulated knees and inner thigh gusset
MSRP $319.99