Need some opinions guys

[jimbo91]

Hey all, with hunting season right around the corner, and my birthday in about a week, my fiance told me she would love to buy me a new outfit, as I have been using some hand me downs for awhile now and they are starting to fall apart. I have no idea what to get. I want something very warm, I can sit in the woods for a long time without food or drink, I can even hold my bathroom trips for a long time if I have to. My biggest enemy is the cold, even in bow season I tend to get cold from lack of movement and have to go in for awhile. Heres what I want, tops and bottoms 100% waterproof, as warm as possible, many pockets, quiet with a good design, and if it has removable liners, thats a plus too. What do you guys think?

[phade]

I think you have a keeper...but that's just me.

Windproof fleece.

[Culvercreek hunt club]

I personally think that if I had to have one outfit it would be a quad parka and a set of bibs. I am going to use the term Gortex, but they have many types of that membrane out now. Waterproof and the ability to layer to fit the conditions using the quad parks. To me bibs are warmer than pants.....keeps that wind off your kidneys and back.

Edited August 31, 2011 by Culvercreek hunt club

[burmjohn]

Bibs for sure, I'm glad I switched to them. I have one set for cold weather and one set for bow.

[apertureguy]

I don't care for the bibs...I like having my belt on to carry my knife.

I recently went to walmart and got some decent heavy camo over clothes. This way, I can reduce the clothing I wear as weather permits and don't have to worry about a strap bothering me or not sitting right while I am trying to shoot quickly.

At least this is what works for me.

[UpStateRedNeck]

Don't bother with ScentLok. Windproof Fleece is nice. I recommend Predator camo pattern, breaks up your silhouette so well. And invest in multiple base layers so no matter what you get outer-wear, you can layer appropriately underneath. Cabelas is a wonderful thing.

[Fletch]

I think key is layering. The technology of what we used to call thermal underwear is crazy now. Get a thin wicking base layer, a medium layer and a heavy fleece varity layer for cold. Then I have a medium weight camo pants and jacket windproof, quiet and water resistant.Then just make sure outer layer is roomy and depending on weather wear one, two or all three underlayers. In extreme cold I will add a good quality extra fleece top layer.

The main reason for getting cold is losing heat at the head/face/neck area so get a good hat, again I use a double aproach where I have a thin one and have a heavier one to put over. Get a neck gator that you can pull up over nose as well, fleece is good and soft.

Next is hands. Get a muff and put a chemical hand warmer in it.

Last is feet. Always buy boots wearing your hunting socks and make sure they do not squeeze your feet in any way. Slowing the circulation in your feet by tight boots equals cold feet quick. Wear a wicking liner sock then a good qulity cold weather sock. I like boots from 800mg for regular weather and I have 1800mg high boots for cold and snow. If super cold and sitting you can drop in a chemical toe warmer, I would not do this walking due to it will make your feet sweat. Sweat is bad. Carry in outer layers to your watch and go slow. If you get all sweaty you will not last long as well as give off a lot of human odor.

Everyone has their favorite brands and usually in this instance quality does cost more and is worth it. But do your research a couple of the big names and highest priced are not worth it in my opinion. You can usually get some good stuff reasonable if you do your homework. But as well an outfit you pay 15 bucks for is gonna work like something you paid 15 bucks for when it is 10 degrees out.

Good luck.

Edited August 31, 2011 by Fletch

[Fantail]

When it's real cold I have this one peice, off the top of my head I don't remember the material so I'll just agree that fleece is good. And what Fletch said about keeping your feet warm, & a good neck gator.

Edited August 31, 2011 by Fantail

[growalot]

I have two sets...one for very cold and one that I can layer under for warm to some what cold...the cold suit is a Cabela's brand I got on sale and it was still expensive years ago...best money EVER spent...I don't like bibs so I got pants with a "kidney warmer" waist band....Sat out in -13 degrees for 8 hours in a snow storm and was cozy....I had good boots on as well...the warmer weather suit is also Cabela's...but not as pleased with water proofing on that one

[eagle rider]

Rocky makes a really nice set of Scent IQ parka and bib. Not too bulky (so you can bow hunt in it too). Its quiet and available in Mossy Oak. I think you will like it. They sell it at Dicks and I think Gander has it too. 100% waterproof with something called "windstopper." I bought a set last year myself. Love it. Keep the girl. She's supporting your habbit

[WNYBuckHunter]

The Predator parka and bibs are great. I usually just wear a base layer and then those. I will start wearing them once temps go below 40 or so.