I need better clothes - input wanted

[Sam McMichael]

The best under layers I have found is the silk underwear from the ski catalog covered by merino wool underwear. Up top I wear a wool shirt, a wool sweater, and a fleece vest under my hunting jacket. A wooly-pully cap is very warm. Down here in Georgia, it is very seldom that all this much warmth is required, but since it is layered, it can be adjusted to any changes in temperature.

A lot of guys sweat very easily, which is a problem walking in. Carrying in some of the clothes helps. I once read of a guy who carried a towel into the stand and dried down thoroughly before putting on the needed layers. For outer layers, when rain is not an issue, it is very simple. I either use militay surplus BDU's or Carhartt field pants. Being diabetic, my biggest issue is cold feet so I use more insulation in my boots than most.

Warming layers can often be bought very cheaply at thrift shops, particularly wool sweaters. For most of us, it is not necessary to spend the money that some of the leading brands command, while still being decked out effectively. Maybe the deep wilderness expeditions into bitter winter weather may require the super expensive stuff. However, a morning in the lower 40 wood lot does not need to cost as much as an African safari.

[BOHO]

I’d just keep doing what your doing. When you get to your stand tho, don’t put on everything you’ve got. Just put on your long sleeve shirt and camo pants/bibs. Put your heavy stuff in a back pack or tie it to your stand. Then once you get to hunting height , with your harness on and around the tree of course, put on your outer layer. I use bibs and a jacket cause it gives me lots of freedom of movement versus coveralls. Slide the bibs on and wait a bit. Then when your ready slip your jacket on.  Just reverse the process when your coming down.  As far as staying warm on really cold days, hard to beat arctic shield. Also thermal underwear is great but if you walk a lot your gonna get drenched.

[Ky longbow]

For base layers, merino wool would be the way to go. I personally have first lite merino and its fantastic. That said, Black ovis makes pretty good merino for a third of the cost. Isnt offered in any camo pattern but would be perfect for a good base layer in the late season. They often run sales on their flash sale website called camofire.com

Silk, you want the high grade silk undies, then one of pure merino wool undies, then Filsen wool shirt, then Filsen wool vest, then the Swandri wool jacket.  I have this picture in my head of some guy walking around in the twilight with rubber boots, boxer undies and a strap top 'T' shirt.  I have never understood those T shirts with the bra straps instead of sleeves.  On a good looking college girl, I suppose it may have an intent and purpose, but for a man's under garment, it makes no sense. Keeps your belly warm and lets some air get to the pits I guess.

[Tedd]

I'm not trying to be a a smart a$$, is there some science showing that wool is warm when wet? Or warmer that say Kuiu synthetics? I'd really like to know because  it rains away too often when I go. I'm do for a sunny day please!!!  I was weaned on woolwich from head to toe back in the day. The coldest I have ever been in my life was after hiking then trying to sit using all wool. The wind blows right through. Wet or dry. I had those super thick heavy wool pants that would just about bust your suspenders when wet. After 30 years I finally got tired of it. I think the only wool I have now are my first light socks and a merino neck gator.  You can throw all your synthetics in the washer too. I just got home from the hills. Sat in an on and off  rain Thursday and all day rain Friday. Dried my stuff quickly each evening  then sat for 5 hours in 31 degrees and windy this morning. Didn't kill anything but I was ok for temp most of the time. Hike out on a muddy road and got all hogged up. Just threw the pile of Kuiu in the washer and dryer. I always felt like the wool was like a human scent wick. Especially after a week of north woods deer camp.

My Swandri wool jacket and merino wool longhorns are warmer when wet than the synthetics that I have used.  I have been soaked on many Canadian canoe trips, I hate wearing ran gear.  With the coats they have natural lanolin treatment, not the Scotch Guard crap, from the dry cleaner, they smell like sheep.  When they get wet the wind does not penetrate and thus are warmer to me.  Not all wool or synthetics are equal, there may well be synthetics that are just as good.  Problem is that high quality wool lasts a life time and I cannot justify spending money on something that i don't know about.  I have a closet full of just Filson stuff and the old Bruner jackets.  You want stink, you should should smell me when I go on canoe trips with nothing but poly long johns those nylon fast dry pants and shirts, and that oiled/now waxed Filson packer hat.  It's like being downwind of a circus.   I take buckets showers, but it takes a good washing machine to get the smell out of the poly and the synthetics.  Last time I wore them, my wife through them in the garbage at the outfitter. she declared that we were not having any of that in the car for the long ride home.

[kevsuperg]

Well if you're fairly sedentary I'd choose layers of fleece and wool, if it's even the slightest bit breezy add a windproof layer, I use my rain jacket.
 I wouldnt use the technical gear, Sitka etc. Good stuff but definitely made for the active hunter. I know Sitka makes heavier gear for stand hunting but haven't tried it yet.
 I bought a traverse t, mountain pants and a Kelvin jacket. Returned them within a week after freezing within 30 minutes on stand in 32-35* temps.
 bought Cabela's Merino wool jacket n pants. Much happier, I layer them with Cabela's wooltimate  pants if its below 32*, decent base layer of what ever you like, add a vest and a nice black/green filson jacket add a togue and I'm all set.
 Layering is really the trick.

[kevsuperg]

Another consideration if you are sitting would be to try a one piece insulted suit again Cabela's has a nice Merino wool synthetic blend , I find one piece suits to be very warm.
 You could look into the heater body suit. I've never owned one, they are pricey but I've heard good things.

[Bud B.]

If you are using a climber, consider using a ladder stand or strap on stand with climbing sticks, already in place. When climbing using a climber you use several large muscle groups. Reduce the large muscle group use and you will reduce your sweat output.