dress for success

[ryan]

want to change my hunting clothing this gun season I currently use Yukon gear insulated pants and outer jacket works great but its too bulky.. want to go further in the woods this season and im looking for something that's warm and dry and that's not to heavy or bulky but also affordable any suggestions ?

[Buckmaster7600]

WOOL, it's the only option in my opinion.


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[left field]

There's a book written in 1904 by Stewart Edward White called Camp and Trail which offers sound advice on wilderness travel. In it, White says that his only consideration to outerwear is a thick wool sweater, which he finds more versatile and functional than any coat. White spent most of his time in the CA mountains and dealt with a wide variety of weather and conditions.

Obviously, you have to consider modern fabrics and technology, but I agree with BM that wool is a great choice for the majority of outdoor activities.

[BKhunter]

Layering system.You can shed and add clothing depending on your body temperature. If you're going to be walking in further you need to go in with less clothing and then add once you are posted. Big bulky clothing is a waste in my opinion. You need a good base layer, mid weight later, heavy mid layer and a good outer layer.

[ryan]

any brand recommendation keeping the pocket in mind

[Buckmaster7600]

The wool I wear is made by beagle wear and they are no longer in business. I bought a new pair of pants this year from silent predator "my old ones shrunk in the waste for some reason" quality wool clothing is not cheap but lasts a lifetime. My jacket is 15 years old and looks like new. Modern synthetic material doesn't come close to wool in durability.


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[DirtTime]

https://www.jimsformalwear.com/styles/Camouflage-Tuxedo

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Camo-Sport-Coat/RM00018_____GREN_38___RG__,default,pd.html?cmp=ppc_us_GG_pla_AllProducts&gclid=COWG58fpjM8CFdZahgod0-UFbg

 

I just use the stuff from Wallyworld. Coat, long sleeve tees a little big so I can fit a sweatshirt or fleece under it, and pants big enough for long john bottoms and a pair of sweat pants. Boots are the big one, but my boots were only $70 and keep my feet warm for as long as I am able to sit for with a pair of wool sox. 

[adkhunter71]

7 hours ago, ryan said:

any brand recommendation keeping the pocket in mind

As others have said, wool is best.  I use First Lite gear.  It is pricey, but I have found out the hard way that I spent more money on cheap gear over the years and would have saved in the long run if I would have just gotten the more expensive and better quality gear in the first place.  

X2 on the layering. 

[Rockspek]

I don't over think hunting too much.  I wear whatever clothes I would normally wear during the day.  If I go out in the evening I keep whatever clothes on I wore that day unless they got really greasy or got something on them that particularly smells out of the norm.  Last year was my first year of hunting.  I got two deer with my shotgun and one was at 10 yards.  This year I'm going to be bow hunting so we'll see if I have a change of heart.  It was also mild last years deer season.

[airedale]

A good hunting outfit like your firearm or bow is an investment and while it can be expensive when you buy quality stuff it will last many years. Buying subpar equipment will insure that you will be leaving the woods early when weather conditions get bad because you are wet and cold or your feet feel frozen and just plain miserable.

When it comes to hunting clothing I am in the wool camp, yes it is expensive but remember it will last many, many hunting seasons and it works like nothing else. I believe Cabela's, Johnson and Woolrich, LL Bean along with some others are still available, an internet search will get you pointed in the right direction.  Also check out ebay for wool hunting clothes and maybe save some big bucks on like new used items.

As for base clothing I have found what the US military issues to it's troops as good as it gets. It is poly based so it keeps moisture away from your skin which is the number one reason a person gets cold from sweating. It comes in light, medium and heavy weights and the best part it is about half the cost of the designer stuff.

 

Al

Edited September 14, 2016 by airedale

[Gencountyzeek]

I wear sitka outer wear and under armour under it, when it's warmer out I have a pair of cabelas alaskan guide pants, and I'll just wear a under armour quater zip top. I've walked pretty far in the cold with a climber on my back, in those cases I leave my jacket off until I get to the right tree. I recommend under armour for base layers.

[ryan]

15 hours ago, adkhunter71 said:

As others have said, wool is best.  I use First Lite gear.  It is pricey, but I have found out the hard way that I spent more money on cheap gear over the years and would have saved in the long run if I would have just gotten the more expensive and better quality gear in the first place.  

X2 on the layering. 

thanks makes sense, I will invest in some wool clothing.

[adkhunter71]

6 minutes ago, ryan said:

thanks makes sense, I will invest in some wool clothing.

If you don't have a ton of money to spend, at least pick up some merino wool base layers.  As far as outerwear, I don't use wool pants or jackets, though it certainly wouldn't hurt if you can find something light weight and affordable.  I use merino wool base and mid layers, and outer layers are typically something that is water proof and breathable.  I have found that the worst thing that you can do is start with a base layer that is made of cotton as it absorbs perspiration as opposed to wicking it away the way that merino wool does.  Wet=cold.

[Fletch]

I definitely layer. I tend to get warm quick when headed into stand. I have multiple base layers of different weights depending on temperature out. I used to use wool back in 1846 but have converted to high tech gear. Wool is great but gets heavy when wet and it rains on me a lot!! I am using Core4 currently but have liked others too. The issue with a lot of these big high tech brands I find is the stitching and thread quality. They make great cloth and design and the threads come apart!! Under armor is the worst for that. I hunt hard and want my stuff to hold up. I look for a company that backs there stuff up as well, buy from a reputable source.

I will then roll up my mid and or outer layer and fasten to my pack. I feel you can go cheaper on under layers if you are careful. Use sweat pants, dry fit sports clothes you already have as under layers. One of my favorite mid layer tops for real cold is a very tight woven high end fleece I got as a work gift, sucker is WARM. The outer layer needs to keep you dry and stop the wind. Feet, head and neck are a lot more important than folks realize when trying to stay warm on stand. As well as your lower back where the top of your pants and shirt/jacket meet. Get cold there on your kidneys and your done.

[turkeyfeathers]

3 hours ago, Fletch said:

 I used to use wool back in 1846 but have converted to high tech gear.

The Smithsonian called, they want their stuff back. You are a lot older than I thought.

[Fletch]

1 hour ago, turkeyfeathers said:

The Smithsonian called, they want their stuff back. You are a lot older than I thought.

Alcohol preserves well, hence all the posts in the beer thread!!

[germs087]

I have accumulated quite a few pieces of Sitka over the last two years. In my opinion, you cant beat the performance and functionality. Buy once cry once.