Wyoming’s Teton Mountains are among the most beautiful and challenging places to hunt in North America and proved to be a perfect test track for Pnuma’s new Waypoint gear during the rifle elk season.  I was excited to have the opportunity to test the new products and nature couldn’t have provide a more perfect gauntlet of elements.

The remnants of an Asian monsoon traveled across the Pacific Ocean and dumped its liquid cargo on the Northwest and eventually onto Southwest Wyoming.  Our camp was deep in a national forest and well out of cell service so we had to rely on weather forecasts that were several days old.  As we mounted our horses for the climb to 10,000 feet we didn’t know whether to expect rain, snow, wind, or freezing temperatures.  Ironically, we encountered them all which made for an excellent test.

The hooded Waypoint jacket blocked a consistent wind and insulated well.
The hooded Waypoint jacket blocked a consistent wind and insulated well.

Scott Schultz reviews the characteristics of the Waypoint line in the attached YouTube video, yet here’s what I experienced.

  •                 Loved the hood- Riding and walking in 20-30 mph winds, it kept the frigid air from penetrating my layers and snow from dropping down my back.
  •                 The knee pads are wonderful.  Due to the engineering of the pants, I had not abrasion from the pads and actually didn’t know I had them until I kneeled on a rock.  Additionally, when sitting in snow, my knees didn’t get cold, something that often happens in tree stands or other places of inactivity.
  •                 The fabric is soft and quiet, yet broke a continually blowing wind.
  •                 The chest pockets are perfect for quick access to a rangefinder, call, or cell phone storage.
  •                 The Waypoint isn’t waterproof, like raingear, yet I sat in snow for over an hour and had no sensation of moisture.
  •                 The athletic fit of the gear makes movement easier, even mounting a horse for a fellow with short legs.  If you like to bulk up with under-layers, you may want to order a size larger than normal.

The essence of Pnuma is quality gear at a reasonable price.  Ironically, my hunting buddy wore a full set of a competitor’s gear that cost twice as much (literally) and he was often cold and wet.  With the onset of deer and a bear season, you can bet I’ll be wearing Waypoint every time out.  Here’s a YouTube account of all the features: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqipCHq8jSA

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