Just returned from another great hunt with Ray Hammond at Hog Heaven.  I learn more about hunting these critters each time I go out.  

What hunting pants do you fellow TradGang members recommend to ward off the thorns that are a given in tight hog cover, but are still quiet, and, since I'm looking for it all, water-resistant?

Bob C

What about chaps... Just an idea.

Lol at Iron Workers pants by LL Bean.

I have a pair of Boarhide chaps that have gotten "fuzzy" over the years.  They are waterproof and work in all but the longest, sharpest briars (i.e. long reds) and are quieter than when new.  You can usually find them for sale in Cabelas about this time of year.  They work great for training a dirty retriever also.

Bob, the best thing to do s get a pair of clippers to cut them out of your way. Anything that will keep them from sticking you , will make too much durn noise! And anything real soft like fleece will grab them. So just clip them and go !

That's look at not lol

Lol at Iron Workers pants by LL Bean.

QuoteOriginally posted by Squirrel Bait:
Bob, the best thing to do s get a pair of clippers to cut them out of your way. Anything that will keep them from sticking you , will make too much durn noise! And anything real soft like fleece will grab them. So just clip them and go !

X 2

Thanks, Squirrel Bait.  I think I spent more time getting myself unhooked by the thorns, then I did hunting pigs.  What is that tall grass (as Ray explains - like Cat-tails, but with tufts at top) that the bigguns like to bed up in?  Seemed like that stuff was always surrounded by a ring of thorns!

Enjoyed meeting you in camp, and look forward to hunting with you again!

Bob

I bought 8 pairs of pants years ago...thick cotton for $8 each, but fine thread, not like carhart(texture is noisy).....and I have worn and washed them so many times that they are soft...and quiet....

I never used fabric softener...but if I ever buy pants like that again I will to soften them up quicker.

I'd rather get scratches and a shot than wear noisy pants and get no scratches and go hungry.

That's my take.      

carhartt makes a lighter "canvas" pant (I think it's 7oz fabric) that is very tough but quiet also.  It's soft stuff, not like the thick, stiff stuff Terry referenced.  I rotated the same 3 pairs for almost 2 years at work before they needed replacing.

Phragmites !

I think the guys in Ga have the answer. Clippers and as soft as can be obtained  trousers will get you in close

Best thing for briars is leather..my dad was a big quail hunter back in the 50's and used deer hide without the fur, had it sewed on the front legs of his hunting pants.

It's heavy, but I remember he wore those pants till the briars wore out the pants and had the deer hide sewed on another pair.

I go with the snips.

Carhartt lighter weight was what I was thinking also as a possible item.

Layering helps if it is not too hot.

I like Filson Chaps for not so quiet but great thorn stopping.  

How about some hair on chaps or hair on chinks? Hair on skin works for the critters.

Duluth Trading Fire Hose cotton canvas cargo work pants.  11.5 oz, pre-washed to be soft, quieter than Carhartt, but tougher.

QuoteOriginally posted by NC BowBender:
Duluth Trading Fire Hose cotton canvas cargo work pants.  11.5 oz, pre-washed to be soft, quieter than Carhartt, but tougher.

Cool....I'll check them out....going on over 10 years with the 8 pairs I bought...might be needing some new ones.

QuoteOriginally posted by Hoyt:
Best thing for briars is leather..my dad was a big quail hunter back in the 50's and used deer hide without the fur, had it sewed on the front legs of his hunting pants.

It's heavy, but I remember he wore those pants till the briars wore out the pants and had the deer hide sewed on another pair.

I go with the snips.

Yeah...and can be quiet...but also HOT down here when its 'off season' for everything else...and don't even mention the humidity!!!

You're right Terry. It was in Georgia where he used them. I grew up there. But, I forgot about hogs being hunted in the warm and hot months now. Weren't all that many hogs running loose in Ga. back then accept at Ft. Stewart and some along the rivers.

Shorts, 89 humid degrees here right now.