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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Elsecaller on January 07, 2022, 10:21:23 AM
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I'm looking to move from synthetics to wool, and I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for something I could layer with wool to help block the wind without adding a lot of noise. Any suggestions?
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You will need a wind-blocking layer. The wind pullovers that are made for playing golf are inexpensive and effective. Wearing one of those inside your outer layer works well.
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My favorite wind blocking item that I wear under a wool jacket and to be honest never leaves my pack in September is the First Lite Ridgeline QZ pullover. It’s very light, blocks wind, and sheds light precipitation. It’s a great layering peace Or pull over in warmer weather. Sitka also makes some really good wind blocking garments but seam to be made more as a outer layer.
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Carhartt
Blocks wind
I live in it December on through winter
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<—————————<<<<<
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I actually have the orange vest and a mackinaw that I used to use a great deal but not recently. I always like the mackinaw over my normal clothing but always wondered if a CO might say it didn't meet the minimal sq inch orange requirement. ( I measured it and it does)
The only negative and it is a very insignificant negative...is that the orange fibers tend to shed against your other clothing and vehicle seats.
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Sorry....misread the OP's question.
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Also, understand that if you want this to actually work, the wind block goes on the outside, it is supposed to prevent the wind from sucking the heat out of the insulation. It can't do that if it's under it. :banghead:
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I like my kuiu guide vest over my asbell pathfinder. When it’s really cold wool is a mid layer and synthetic wind stopper on the outside. For me that starts around 20 degrees
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I might be backwards but in the past I've worn my very light rain jacket under my heavy wool shirts and stayed nice and toasty. The rain jacket doesn't breathe so you have to be careful not to start sweating.
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I have a Cam-wool-flage vest that I put over the Asbell Pathfinder if needed. Underneath I have a UA shirt and a wool sweater vest from long ago. Sometimes I wrap a wide scarf and cross it over my chest under the top layer to keep the warm in.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2:
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When it is really windy or cold I wear my raingear over my wool and it works great. My rain gear has a suede feel to it and is very quiet so you have the best of both worlds.
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You will need a wind-blocking layer. The wind pullovers that are made for playing golf are inexpensive and effective. Wearing one of those inside your outer layer works well.
In your experience they aren't too noisy?
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I’ve got one of those. I put it just under my most outer layer and it works great. Not noisy at all
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I've used a golf rain shirt as the layer under my wool top and it works very well. Wool under and wool over it.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2:
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I appreciate everyone's input and recommendations.
I think for now I may just try to pair it with a cheap windbreaker jacket. Wool under and over like Wudstix said.
Long term I'm looking into a Loden Green Wolfskin vest from Grey Wolf Woolens or a Loden Green Cowboy Seude vest from Day One. Both materials are supposed to block wind pretty well and can be lined with windbreaker material that is very quiet according to the reviews and comments I've read. They aren't in the budget for this year but maybe next year.
Anyone have thoughts on that plan?
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I'll wear my Cabelas Wooltimate vest or jacket over my Asbel wool pullover on windy days and merino wool base layers.
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Buckskin vest
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Any of the cabelas windshear stuff is a great barrier, I have been running their wooltimate for several years no complaints
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FYI
I have a heavy Alpaca or Llama (can't remember which) wool pullover sweater a hunting buddy gave me that is the warmest pc of clothing I own. It replaces two layers of anything else.
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Been satisfied with Cabelas Wooltimate as my outer layer for several years. Get it roomy and layer under.
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FYI
I have a heavy Alpaca or Llama (can't remember which) wool pullover sweater a hunting buddy gave me that is the warmest pc of clothing I own. It replaces two layers of anything else.
I had one of those once, got it for a deal at a local fair. Every time I wore it I'd sweat my butt off.
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I don't have a man bun or a straight billed hat but I do have a Sitka Stratus Jacket that works great when coupled with a wool layer underneath LOL.
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Minus 33 Merino wool , expedition weight . Merino wool socks . Works for me , Usually thinsulate bibs and parka over . Your choice all name brands are good.
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My wool is older and well worn (Sleeping Indian) and the weave has tightened considerably from getting wet and drying while being worn etc, so it does a great job on wind by itself. It started out as an XL 25 years ago and now fits like a L. Maybe even an Xtra Medium :biglaugh: I can’t layer much under it without hindering drawing the bow, so I wear a t shirt, layer of merino wool, and a flannel most days. Down in the teens and colder I add a lightweight down vest.
If a guy knew what he was doing, you could probably buy your wool on the roomy side and shrink it a bit to tighten the weave to get the same effect.
:campfire:
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Grey Wolf is primo!!! Well made and last for ever, not to mention fully functional. You can even have it custom made to fit you perfect as a bowhunter. Great company, and long time Sponsor of Tradgang. I will be passing mine down to my grandson as it still looks brand new after a decade.
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Grey Wolf is primo!!! Well made and last for ever, not to mention fully functional. You can even have it custom made to fit you perfect as a bowhunter. Great company, and long time Sponsor of Tradgang. I will be passing mine down to my grandson as it still looks brand new after a decade.
It is expensive, but the quality is well worth it. i only wish he offered more plain colored options or plaids as opposed to the camo patterns.
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Just dug out a 1/4 zip wool top from New Zealand wool that fits great, will perhaps fit a light layer or two under it. Perfect for underneath my Asbell pathfinder, with room for a wind blocker vest, if needed.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2:
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I really like wool for its many properties and I like to have an external layer of wool clothing because it’s quiet and it absorbs the light. If in the need of a wind barrier and extra warm I layer under with different weights down vests.
Some old solid cachemire pull over are light weight a super cozy.
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Under the wool underwear, I like a pair of silk long johns such as a skier would wear. This adds a layer of warmth with no noticeable weight increase, which is helpful, because I have not found a fully effective non-synthetic top layer. Fortunately, winter in the South is not generally excessively cold or windy so my down vest gives a fair amount of wind breaking protection. Not being a wool purist, I usually just reach for my camo Army field jacket. However, I do remember seeing a German sweater with a wind breaker lining in a military surplus ad some time ago, possibly Sportsman's Guide, but I don't recall if it had any customer rating.
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So, I think I have a system worked out.
Base Layer - Merino Wool base layers
Insulating Layer 1 - Merino Wool Jogger Pants and Merino Wool Hoodie. Swap out a Carhartt Wind Fighter fleece if it's really windy.
Insulating Layer 2 - If necessary I have a lightweight down vest I can fit under the outer layer for a top. For bottoms I have nice fleece bibs unless its unseasonably warm, then I just have some great cargo pants.
Outer Layer - Asbell Wool Pathfinder. For rifle season throw my hunter orange mackinaw cape over. Pack a lightweight rain jacket
that fits over in case it rains.
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Yes. Synthetics. 😄😉
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Haven't had the need to layer much wool this season, so far. Took some to LTR but it stayed in the luggage bag.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2:
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Cabelas wool bibs (it has wind stopper of some kind in it) a light weight down jacket over that covered by an Asbell anorak. It works pretty well, until it’s really cold —0.
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In my younger days, I often hunted in below zero conditions. The problem with synthetics that block wind completely is perspiration. It all depends if you are hiking a long ways or still in slingshot range of your pickup. Some wool is much better at blocking enough wind to stay warm enough. I have Pendleton soft wool shirts that I have worn all day on canoe trips when temps reached 80 degrees and did not feel that i was over heating, they breath in the breeze, but still in the evening when the wind died down was comfortable in the lower 60s. Good wool has a very wide comfort range. An oversized Frog Tog rain jacket packs tight in the back pocket of my Filson Double mac camo coat, but if the wind chill starts getting through the Frog Tog will block more than enough while I am not mobile, it also comes in camo patterns.
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Pretty much what elsecaller does. Almost exact. If super windy I have a sleeping Indian wool vest with wind blocker I might use instead of the down vest. I do like the down for light weight and pack ability.
Don’t skimp on base layers!! And get 200 and higher weight. 400 is great for really cold
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In my younger days, I often hunted in below zero conditions. The problem with synthetics that block wind completely is perspiration. It all depends if you are hiking a long ways or still in slingshot range of your pickup. Some wool is much better at blocking enough wind to stay warm enough. I have Pendleton soft wool shirts that I have worn all day on canoe trips when temps reached 80 degrees and did not feel that i was over heating, they breath in the breeze, but still in the evening when the wind died down was comfortable in the lower 60s. Good wool has a very wide comfort range. An oversized Frog Tog rain jacket packs tight in the back pocket of my Filson Double mac camo coat, but if the wind chill starts getting through the Frog Tog will block more than enough while I am not mobile, it also comes in camo patterns.
Similar to what you're saying I've found that if I wear a few good layers of wool between my skin and a synthetic out layer for rain or wind I can maintain some of that breathability/moisture wicking while also not getting soaked or chilled to the bone.
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Lofty wool is best. Like a nice wool sweater, wool power, I like KOM, other brands, ETC. ONLY in windy or super cold conditions I use down underneath and if necessary a goretex cover. A heated pnuma vest on Med lasts 4 hrs. Gotta just adjust with the conditions when sitting still.
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...imho for a wind blocker while wearing wool you can do no better than a super light/thin cycling/running vest worn over a base layer under your wool. If in real cold driven winds you might opt for the jacket. You can get these on-line in real thin - super light weight material. I don't want to be like Ralphie's little brother in Christmas story trying to shoot a bow :biglaugh: , so for my mid base wind protection I reach for the synthetic ultra light cycling/running vest .
Cheap , light , comfortable , effective. I let the wool do the keeping warm part , and the tech. stop the wind in light weight fashion :goldtooth:
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a company called Sporthill makes pullovers in a material called 3SP.It is dead quiet, stretches, and is windproof to 35 mph. I use it a lot under my Graywolf and KOM stuff. It is one of my go to pieces of gear.
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I just wear wool with appropriate layers as long as the wind isn't blowing too much. If it is really ripping and you don't have to worry about noise, you can use any windbarrier that you want to. It is those intermediate times that are tricky. If it is a medium wind, I usually use a tighter knit layer either just under or over, but it still has to be somewhat quiet. I have berber fleece vests with a windshear lining that are pretty quiet that I wear over the top. Not having the liner in the sleaves helps immensely, but then I use a tighter weave layer for the sleaves. Sometimes a Klamath from first light, but just about anything will do.
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Good stuff Pat. I agree with the sleeve =bulk of noise comment . Vest are my choice until the real cold Ohio winds blow.
I have /use Cabela's berber vest/coats with and without windeshear . Again , excellent product , but those sleeves are noise makers. The ultra thin cycling/running vest are much quietier . It's not water proof /repellent, nor do I wear it as an outer layer (often have high vis strips added ;). Adds virtually no bulk to a layering system and extremely quiet .
Keeping the core warm is key , so vest are of HIGH priority in my outdoor clothing department ;^)
It's nice we have so many choices .....
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I bought the thermal/windproof Brushed soft fleece interior bike jacket and pants, really liking them under my wool. Pay attention to the comments on size. They were around $40 for each.
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Update:
I've tried out quite a few different options based on advice here and I think I've come to a point I have a system nailed down that I'm happy with.
Baselayer: Thin alpaca/merino base layer tops/bottoms.
Midlayer: Alpaca sweater and merino jogger sweats
Windblocking layer - Thin running windbreaker
Outer Layer - Asbell Wool Pathfinder
This system works for almost any temperature level I find myself in. If it's too warm I can just take out the midlayers and wear the baselayer with the Pathfinder.
If it gets really cold though I've found I'm more comfortable in a Sitka Fanatic. Came to the conclusion it was worth it to me to be warm in the stand without getting too bulky.
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Look into garments made with Schoeller fabric. They make fabric for outdoor wear and a lot of it is wool blend.
I have been using pants and jacket made with Schoeller Dynamic fabric for years. Its very wind and water repellent, breathable and QUIET.
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Idk, Maybe it's me...?? :dunno:
In my nearly 50 years of hunting in wool, I've never seen the need for a "wind stopper" layer.
Then again, when I hunt, I'm usually moving....
Johnsons Wool jacket & pants
Woolrich shirt under it
Maybe a wool pullover sweater under that?
If you want wool to REALLY work... You have to wear it against your skin
:thumbsup: :archer: :thumbsup:
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Idk, Maybe it's me...?? :dunno:
In my nearly 50 years of hunting in wool, I've never seen the need for a "wind stopper" layer.
Then again, when I hunt, I'm usually moving....
Johnsons Wool jacket & pants
Woolrich shirt under it
Maybe a wool pullover sweater under that?
If you want wool to REALLY work... You have to wear it against your skin
:thumbsup: :archer: :thumbsup:
Moving makes a huge difference. If I'm moving I have no problem staying warm, but I like to do a good bit of stationary hunting because I'm not as good at hunting when moving. I only still hunt late season when i absolutely have to.
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Hmmm, just a thought....
I have an old "MossyOak Treestand" cotton bowhunting shirt, that's my "lucky" bowhunting shirt.
I've been wearing it for years, usually over a Woolrich shirt or wool sweater.
Maybe that's a wind stopper...??? :dunno:
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Cabelas used to sell a quiet light windblocker jacket. I like the idea of the golf shirt but I find they are not quiet
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My thoughts on wool clothing: Buy once cry once.
I have owned and used most every wool clothing over the past 40 years, finally settled on Gray Wolf based on the quality and function of the product and the people.
They make wool clothing with a silent built in wind breaker, that works. My heavy weight vest with the built in wind breaker is by far my favorite piece of clothing for hunting in treestands. They will custom make your clothing to fit for little to no extra charge, add any accessory pockets you want, where you want them, for a minimal charge.
Need a Grunt tube pocket on front of the right shoulder which allows you to use it without hands? They will do it for you.
Needs a limb tip pocket on the outside of the left thigh to hold your bow in place while waiting that eternity for the critter to close the distance without your arm getting tired? They can make that happen.
Need an extra long collar that goes up and around your chin to hold the heat in and keep the -20 below zero, 30 mph wind out. They can do that to.
Those are a few recommendations they suggested when buying my insulated bibs, jacket, vest, pants, and bomber cap around twenty years ago. They look like there is at least another twenty years of heavy use left in them.
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I am mainly a ambush (stand hunter). I have used the golf wind pullover shirt and it worked good, when have to add extra layer on cold days, and yes you want it on the outside, be careful of the noise factor, as many make noise when cold drawing bow. For me, I echo what others have found the "Buy once, cry once" (until realize value). I have wool made from Renee original rushcreek, Dayone (when did wool) and grey wolf woolen. These compared to other "blended" versions have lasted over 20 years and still good to go, best value for money in hunting to me. Layering, I have used everything imagine as came up before the "high tech" gear came in for underwear. To me, wool power and Minus 33 the best bang for buck out there, especially when matched with wool above. I think that Darn Tough socks (made in America, lifetime warranty) the best socks I ever bought, all wool. I have pair it with a poly sock liner, when a lot of walking in cold weather, not a mickey mouse boot, but close with Mucks. When the temperature get's below 20 degrees, I wear a Serius Poly glove liner (most underrated layering part of body), this will pair well with any gloves with great dexterity.
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This year Ihave been layering silk, wool with zip up high collar, then Sitka vest (which is a little noisy on its own) then wool shirt THEN whatever layer is necessary depending on weather and temperature. It is not bulky and works fine. On bottom, silk, then layers of wool depending on temp. My Day One ASAT wool pants have a lining AND wind proof.
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I have a thin no-name micro fiber pullover that has a windblock added. I can wear it under an Asbell pullover and stay toasty in pretty ugly weather.
Smart layering is key....good thin long johns, etc.
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So, I've been doing some reading on Dachstein sweaters and from everything I've read they are very good at blocking wind.
Anyone have any experience with a Dachstein?
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Yes Toddster, wool socks are all I wear..... year round.
et al.
About socks, you want to get the right thickness for YOUR boots you are going to wear. I wear an everyday sock bit with a little extra padding on the bottom for my lighter weight 'fair weather' boots. And a thick sock with my cold weather boot.
KEY!!! Do NOT use a sock that makes you fit too tight, and don't 'over tighten' you boots. A tight boot fit equals cold feet.
Also, don't forget about foot warmers.
I also had a wool vest made that I had the manufacturer put kidney pockets on the back for hand warmers.
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I use almost all wool top to bottom base to outer. Synthetics make me stink and I love how quiet it is..
One game changer! Stone Galcier Grumman down coat. Dude! It’s like putting on a furnace and it’s the softest most comfortable garment I own. I literally want to wear it all the time. I layer under my KOM. Not enough noise to matter
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I use a wicking layer, then a merino top, then an Asbell wool Longshirt, then a Raven Wear vest. Still looking for the quietest wind blocker.
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Wind blocker under Asbell wool,if it is really cold Asbell wool vest too
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Wish Teresa offered Timber Ghost in blanket weight :/
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I use almost all wool top to bottom base to outer. Synthetics make me stink and I love how quiet it is..
One game changer! Stone Galcier Grumman down coat. Dude! It’s like putting on a furnace and it’s the softest most comfortable garment I own. I literally want to wear it all the time. I layer under my KOM. Not enough noise to matter
I'm the same. Does the Grumman block the wind? I dont think I'd want the coat, but a vest I would like to try.
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Field jacket liner under a Johnson Woolen Mills coat works for me as a windbreaker. Usually have a Kuiu short and long sleeve synthetic shirt underneath although their merino wool would work just as well if you don’t sweat a lot.
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I got a green wind blocker sleeveless vest from the Asbell site years ago. Best piece of hunting attire that own. I use it all the time.
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I do really like a fleece shirt as a base layer but I'm a day hunter and if its raining I'm usually not out... fleece plaid shirt, cut the collar off just above the stitch line and its instant warmth,,,, wool sweater and wool jacket over that and I'm good down to 0 degrees..
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I use almost all wool top to bottom base to outer. Synthetics make me stink and I love how quiet it is..
One game changer! Stone Galcier Grumman down coat. Dude! It’s like putting on a furnace and it’s the softest most comfortable garment I own. I literally want to wear it all the time. I layer under my KOM. Not enough noise to matter
I just wanted to come back a few years later and tell you this was hands down one of the best items anyone has ever told me to buy. I got the vest, not the jacket but man you were right about it being a game changer. I wear wool base, mid, and shell, but layer the Grumman between the mid and shell and it keeps me toasty warm. Nothing else has made me this comfortable on stand. So thank you, sorry it took me so long to get back to you and let you know!
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Wow old thread but cool to come back and hear what worked, isnt denier pentex synthetic? But i noticed they make a pant the same way so if its that warm this might be the ticket for those -0 + wind chill days we hunt in January here in the north east as long as you dont have to keep removing it cause its too warm
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Wow old thread but cool to come back and hear what worked, isnt denier pentex synthetic? But i noticed they make a pant the same way so if its that warm this might be the ticket for those -0 + wind chill days we hunt in January here in the north east as long as you dont have to keep removing it cause its too warm
Oh yeah, it's definitely synthetic, but I rationalize it because down is natural :P At least having this one layer let's me use wool and alpaca for all of my other layers and be warm.
I came to the conclusion I could be a purist or I could be warm. I've tried every combination of natural fibers possible (alpaca, possum, cashmere, silk, yak fiber, several different kinds of wool) and I just can't stay warm when I'm sitting completely still for multiple hours in a tree stand or on the ground in 10F or colder. And where I live, that can be a significant portion of the late season.
As to whether you would have to keep removing them...that will depend on a lot of factors, most notably how you like to hunt and your body. If you're getting up and moving a lot it's probably going to be too warm, I know I can't walk around for more than a few minutes with them on without starting to overheat. But if you're sitting still 3-8+ hours I don't foresee you having to remove them at all. But the caveat I will give is that I think movement effects me more than most people when it comes to body temperature. If I'm moving I can be comfortable in very little and overheat easily if I wear too much, but if I'm sitting still I struggle to keep warm. The opening day of rifle this year it was 18F, with a windchill factor of -1F and when I walked out I was fine in my woolnet baselayer and a thin alpaca hoodie, but as soon as I sit down I need something really warm over top within 15-20 minutes.
I like to pick a spot and sit for 3-8+ hours, and it works perfectly for me when I'm just sitting still waiting for something to come by. I just take them off when it's time for me to pack up for the day and head back in, or if I decide midday I want to go sit somewhere else. I loved the vest so much I got the pants too, and some down booties from a different company. It's great because the down packs down nicely so you can fit it easily in your pack and it's super light. I just hike out in very light clothes, throw the vest and pants on over my light clothes when I get close to where I'm going to sit and then put my wool bibs and wool pullover on over top and sit down, then reverse the process when I want to leave.
But that is my experience. Your mileage may vary.
Also worth mentioning is that they are expensive pieces of equipment and I realize that's not for everyone. Just what has worked for me, and in the end it's worth it for me.
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I agree i wear synthetics now too especially in bitter cold temps.. , a good warm boot to look into is the baffin impact mens polar its from canada and rated to -100 below.. i stood in 2' of snow in -14 windchills and my toes where toasty warm.
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FYI, Ms. Asbell makes some great wool too
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I really like the First Lite Kiln base layers (they are super fancy long johns) and a bonus is they just don't seem to stink. When it gets in the 20s I like my cabelas wooltimate pants and coat. anything above that my kiln baselayers and asblell wool pathfinder is pretty good.
Good luck there is a lot of good stuff out there now but I do recommend a merino base layer.