Dear Matt,

I’ve had a cougar hunt booked in Idaho for the past two years. Before leaving on that hunt, I realized my need for some specialized clothing. The weather for the last week of December was to be brutally cold with fresh snow daily. I had to be able to keep up with a pack of hounds over some of the most rugged terrain in the United States. I needed to stay warm, yet freedom of movement was essential.

Le me just start by saying that I live in the South for a reason. I cannot handle cold weather! When I was handed the Rivers West jacket and pants at the store, I thought it was a joke. The material was so thin! I inspected the tags hanging from the jacket that included some artic testimonials. I was dubious but purchased it anyway.

This outfit proved to be most satisfactory. Because the clothes were lightweight, I was not slowed in my strenuous uphill pursuit after the dogs. It kept me so warm it would have been stifling if not for the side ventilation zippers that allowed the cool air in without loss of body heat. I was able to sit atop snow-covered snow-covered boulders without any awareness of the cold beneath me. I wish I could say that my headgear and gloves served me as well, but they didn’t. They were another brand. I have since gone back to the store and purchased a Rivers West sweater jacket for deer season. Bring on the cold! I’m ready!

I’ve enclosed some pictures, which show the ruggedness of the terrain and conditions, as well as some of my cougar. Thank you for making my hunt more enjoyable.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Harris
January 9, 2004