Gear Wise: Code of Silence RiverWolf Jacket & Pant

For bowhunters across most of whitetail country, rut hunting typically means cold weather. If you’re lucky, there may even be a layer of fresh snow on the ground, quieting your approach and making it easier for you to spot approaching deer as they move across the landscape.

Of course, along with that snow often comes a whipping winter wind that presents its own set of challenges — not the least of which is staying warm long enough to wait for Mr. Big’s arrival. From the rut through the late season, having bowhunting apparel you can count on to keep you warm, comfortable and concealed from deer is critical. Based on my testing, the new RiverWolf Jacket and Pant from Code of Silence fit the bill, thanks to ultra-quiet fabric, a highly effective camouflage pattern, top-quality materials and a host of thoughtful features designed with bowhunters in mind.

Having quiet bowhunting clothing is critical, a lesson most often learned the hard way when noise created by pivoting into shooting position or drawing the bow sends nearby deer running in the opposite direction. Well, silence is, unsurprisingly, Code of Silence’s calling card, and the brand has built a loyal following by making arguably the stealthiest hunting apparel on the market. Both the RiverWolf Jacket and Pant are made from jacquard knitted Merino Fleece Tec Shell and Merino Flex Tec paneling. In addition to being extremely warm and having anti-microbial properties that help prevent odors, merino wool is very quiet and remains so regardless of how low the mercury drops. This is no small thing on those dead calm, bitterly cold days when it seems as though the buck approaching into bow range could hear a pin drop from 100 yards out.

RiverWolf garments also keep you well-hidden with Code of Silence’s exclusive S-18 Camo, so named because it uses natural colors, shapes and textures to mimic the branch canopy 18 feet off the ground, making it an ideal pattern for treestand and saddle hunting. S-18 Camo utilizes Neutral-LR Technology, where the pattern is literally woven into the fabric rather than printed on top. This process requires much less ink than traditional camouflage printing and, along with the textured surface of the wool fabric, results in garments that are far less reflective than those made from synthetic fabric. The result is a more natural looking camouflage that is highly effective at blending into the surroundings. This is something I consider extremely important as a bowhunter. The way I describe it is that the RiverWolf garments appear “dull,” in a good way, compared to polyester bowhunting outfits that could better be described as “shiny.”

Rated for temperatures from 15-45 degrees Fahrenheit, Code of Silence adds to the warmth of both garments with QuietLoft insulation and Windseal TC-3 technology to shield you from biting breezes. And on the inside of both garments is a proprietary, tricot ScentTech lining that both wicks moisture away from your body and destroys odors.

Upon receiving the RiverWolf Jacket and Pant, the first thing I noticed was the weight of the garments. At 4.5 pounds each, these items have some heft, and it’s not hard to understand how they do such a good job protecting you from the cold and wind. Despite the weight, however, the clothing is not thick or bulky. In fact, it fits great, allows great range of motion and doesn’t make me look like the Michelin man! I also appreciated a host of smart features. Let’s take a closer look.

On the Jacket, there’s an extended tail in the rear to block the wind, and both the sleeves and main pockets include elastic cuffs to seal out the cold. Meanwhile, a pair of zippered, upper chest pockets allow you to keep essential items such as a release aid, deer call or cell phone at the ready. The Jacket also features a pair of zippered side vents, a drawstring lower hem, safety harness slot, and an adjustable, visored hood.

On the Pant, there is a raised, reinforced back to block cold drafts even while seated, and full-length leg zips that make it easy to put on or take off with bulky boots on, as well as vent heat or access the pockets of other pants you may be wearing underneath. There is also a pair of zippered front leg pockets ideal for holding things such as hats, gloves and headlamps, along with removable, no-slip suspenders and articulated, reinforced knees for enhanced mobility and durability.

I am really confident about how the RiverWolf garments work for me, and if you’re also a demanding bowhunter who doesn’t want to compromise on comfort, quiet or concealment, I suggest you give them a look. I’d like to close by adding one more observation: with a price tag of less than $300 each, the RiverWolf Jacket and Pant represent good value that stacks up very favorably against competing brands that charge a lot more for comparable options.

$280 each (RiverWolf Jacket and Pant) | codeofsilence.com

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