Am I getting wiser in my old age?

[Burden24]

I have the under armour get up, switched over from scent blocker a year ago. It is expensive but the other imitations aren't up to par with it. I like it cause it's lightweight, not bulky, and I don't have to wear as many layers underneath. That being said, I never buy anything before the season. I wait till after or can find them online for alot lower pricing. Dicks is usually like a clearing house after the season, where is basspro never really changes because all they sell is hunting stuff.

[chiefbkt]

I buy some pretty expensive hunting gear but I never pay full price for it.  I'll buy last years models or if you know people who work at some of the big retailers like I do, you can have them buy the stuff for you and get their discount.  I actually had my buddy who works at a sporting goods store (not Dick's and not Bass Pro) buy me pants and a jacket last year.  They were normally $129 a piece but were on sale in their flyer for $69 a piece.  With his discount I spent $100 total.  Shop the bargains online too and you can find some really good quality stuff at pretty good prices.  

[AdirondackBH]

As someone else said, when it comes to my gear, I spend the extra money for the quality. When im hunting full day sits in November you can bet im comfortable and warm. I cheaped out on gear before and for the amount of time I spend in the woods it is worth the extra dollars. I dont ever buy full price right before the season, wait until dec or jan and buy then at huge discounts!

[Five Seasons]

Plastic rainwear is a big no no. Swish, swish, swish through the woods. Your best bet for good outerwear is after the season clearance or sportsmansguide. I've had the same set for years. You do pay a little more for the good stuff but it's worth it. Keeps you in the stand longer and more comfortable. That said. UA is overpriced and you really don't need the scent stuff for outer layers. Get some good base layer scent control and a head and you're fine.

My favorite gear is no longer made. It was cheaper and wind/rain proof and quiet. Whitewater was the brand. I think they were sold to Robinson outdoors.

Edited September 25, 2014 by Belo

[Five Seasons]

This is one area I don't skimp on. I have a few of the Sitka suits and the quality is awesome. Highly Breathable will keep you warm and dry and have a ton of pockets in all my the right places. Also merino wool cannot be beat for under layers even though its a bit pricey. You can wear the same stuff for days and it will not smell. Really lightens my load as opposed to going away for a week and bringing a different set of base layers for each day.

John

I agree with this too. As hard as it is to justify the price, if you try on an UA jacket and then try on a field and stream jacket the difference is night and day. Do deer care? Of course not. With the 100 different camo patterns out there, do you need the matching pants? No. Will the deer notice if your pants are mossy oak and your jacket realtree ap? No.

However if you want comfortable, breathable, waterproof and warm you're going to pay. I like the tight fitting jackets for bow as it keeps the stuff away from my string. With gun? You can kind of wear whatever you want as long as it's warm haha.

I bought a pair of UA gloves off clearance in March. They retail for $74. Unbelievable for gloves. But my hands don't sweat. They're warm and waterproof. But they were $30 on sale. That's when you need to buy.

Edited September 25, 2014 by Belo

[Two Track]

You are just getting more sensible or penny-wise.

 

When started rabbit hunting as a kid, jeans, an old regular jacket, orange vest & hat.

No camo type gear until bit older and started deer and goose hunting - brown brush pants and brown hunting jacket for sitting in field blind.  Tosses on the orange hat and vest for deer and rabbit.

 

Later Dad got a couple pairs orange insulated coveralls to use when tree-stand sitting..

 

After college and married - needed new gear.  Less active and my wife's Italian cooking made things a bit tight.

Bought most stuff off season on sale, unless there was a real need.

 

I use over-sized camo pants to layer under them as necessary - warm day may be a pair shorts or moisture-wicking hiking pants under the camo pants.  Cold days will be fleece-lined climbing pants bought on sale 25 years ago from LL Bean under it - very warm and comfortable.

 

As base layer I do use a silver-lined moisture-wicking camo shirt for scent control - on sale at Walmart. 3 years ago.

 

My hunting insulated orange hunting jacket is highly water resistant - bought on sale 75% off from Cabela's online.

Water resistant Insulated camo gauntlet type gloves from Dicks at 75% off

 

It is the deals like that to get to good stuff at a reasonable price.

 

 

Edited September 25, 2014 by Two Track