Game ON!
#ROAR 2026
The Roar
What Is It And Why We Love It
Each autumn, the mountains, valleys, and bush of New Zealand come alive with one of the most iconic sounds in hunting, the roar of the red stag.
The roar is the breeding call of dominant stags during the rut. As temperatures drop and daylight shortens, stags begin to challenge rivals and gather hinds. Their deep, guttural roar echoes through the valleys as they establish territory and dominance.
For hunters, it signals something special.
It is the moment months of preparation finally lead to the hills. Early mornings, long climbs, and listening carefully as the bush slowly wakes. One distant roar can change the entire plan for the day.
But the roar also rewards those who are prepared. Changing weather, long days in the backcountry, and the physical demands of hunting mean the right gear and preparation can make all the difference when the opportunity finally presents itself.
The roar is not just a hunting season, it is a tradition. A time when hunters reconnect with the land, test their skills, and experience one of the most electrifying moments the backcountry can offer.
It is why every year, when the roar begins, we answer the call.
The Stoney Creek Layering System
Built For Changing Conditions
UNDERSTANDING LAYERING SYSTEMS
Conditions during the roar can change quickly. Cold mornings, warm climbs, sudden rain, and strong winds all demand gear that can adapt throughout the day. That is why a proper layering system is essential.
The Stoney Creek layering system allows you to regulate temperature, manage moisture, and stay protected in the backcountry. By combining the right layers, you can stay comfortable and focused from first light to the last roar of the evening.
Base Layer
Your base layer sits closest to the skin and is designed to manage moisture and regulate body temperature. A quality base layer keeps you dry during climbs and helps retain warmth when temperatures drop.
Learn more about Base Layers →
Mid Layer
Mid layers provide breathable warmth while allowing excess heat to escape during physical activity. They are ideal for active hunting where you need insulation without overheating.
Learn more about Mid Layers →
Insulation Layer
When temperatures fall or you stop moving, insulation layers trap heat and maintain warmth in exposed conditions. These layers are essential for glassing, waiting on a stag, or cold alpine mornings.
Learn more about Insulation →
Rainwear
Weather in the hills can change quickly. A reliable rain layer protects you from wind and rain while remaining breathable enough to prevent overheating during movement.
Learn more about Rainwear →
With the right layering system, you can adapt to whatever the roar throws your way and stay comfortable in the hills all day.
SHOP Layering Systems
The Guardian Range
a.k.a Beauty in the beast
Some rainwear is tough but heavy.
Some is light but fragile.
Some is waterproof but suffocating to wear.
The Guardian Jacket lives in the Goldilocks zone.
Powered by WEATHATECH FLEX 3-layer fabric, it delivers serious mountain-ready protection with 20,000mm waterproofing and 30,000g breathability, giving you the durability needed for harsh backcountry conditions without sacrificing comfort or mobility.
Strong enough to withstand brutal alpine weather.
Light enough to pack for multi-day expeditions.
Breathable enough to keep you moving when the hunt heats up.
This is the beauty in the beast.
A rainwear system that strikes the perfect balance between protection, weight, durability and breathability, so when the weather turns, you stay focused on the hunt.
What is your next hunting mission?
With the Roar just around the corner, whether you're heading out for a quick day hunt, planning a tough multi-day mission, chasing hard-running stags, or gearing up for any other adventure, make sure you’re properly kitted out with the right gear to maximise your experience in the wild.
Built For Her
Fit For Purpose Sisterhood Range
The roar is not just a tradition for men. More and more women are stepping into the hills each year, and we believe they deserve gear built specifically for the way they hunt.
Our Sisterhood range is designed with women in mind, delivering fit for purpose performance, comfort, and durability in the environments hunters face during the roar. From long climbs before daylight to unpredictable alpine weather, the range is built to support women who want gear that performs when it matters most.
At Stoney Creek we are proud to support the growing community of women in hunting, celebrating their passion for the outdoors and ensuring they have the gear to make the most of every moment in the hills.
Roar Safety
LightWeight Camping
FOR THE DOG
Our Study
Roar Hunting Tips
Simon's Take on the Roar
The Roar is all about the challenge, reading stags, making the right moves, and getting in close when it counts....
