Warm without Bulk. Really?

[Bullfrog 1]

I'm starting to think this is an oxymoron. What are you guys using when it starts getting cold without looking like the Michelin man.   Bill

[Matty]

I'm thinking you're addressing this primarily to the guys who sit in stands. Out here in the west. Elk hunting. It can be done just cause we're continuously moving. You almost have to keep from sweating on your base layer. Sitting still in a tree or blind has got to be a challenge. I can't see it happening without looking like the little kid from a Christmas Story..

[woodchucker]

What are you wearing now??? (specificly)

I wear wool. For whatever reason, my legs rarely if ever get cold. I work outside all winter long with a pair of bluejeans on my butt & nothing else. I wear upper body layers, as the weather dictates. For hunting & work, I have over a dozen 100% wool sweaters I have picked up at the GoodWill store over the past years. I'm probly fortunate as wearing wool against my skin,does not bother me at all!!! For a "base layer" as some would call it, I wear a thin Merino Wool sweater, or a wool "yuppie sweater" sleeveless sweater vest, instead of a T-shirt. Then, 1 or 2 sweaters over that, then my favorite ODgreen&black plaid Woolrich hunting shirt. Or, if it's REALLY cold!!! A caped wool Mackinaw. I'm usualy comfortable down into the single digits.

Remember, You are wearing LAYERS! So, they should be sized accordingly... I'm a BIG guy,(ok,short & fat,whatever) An XL sweater is snug on me, so I have a few XLs for under,and some XXL & XXXL for over. Most folks buy their hunting clothes to "fit" instead of buying them oversized, to allow for underlayers.

Another thing... "Cotton KILLS"!!! We have all heard this before... Blah,Blah,Blah.....

Cotton as a base layer,is bad because it holds the dampness against your skin & saps your body heat. Cotton OVER your wool clothing is one of the best and CHEAPEST windblockers you will find!!!! I have worn 2 heavy wool sweaters,(against my skin) with a XXXL cotton camo shirt,(unlined) and been warm & comfortable in windy/rainy,windy/snowy, weather with temps down into the teens. The cotton keeps the rain/snow and dampness away from your skin AND keeps the warmth of your body heat(trapped in the wool)against your skin!!! (Think "waterboarding"... Air will not travel through a wet towel) My appoligies, if that offended anyone! But,it's the best example I can think of now...

Pick up a couple of 100% wool sweaters from the thrift store and give it a try!!!

Good Luck!!!!!

[centaur]

The morning pictured, it was about 10 below. I was wearing a tee shirt, windproof sweater, and Asbell wool on top, and wool pants with long johns on the bottom. Boots were Kennetrek pacs, and I had chemical hand warmers and foot warmers. Filson Rancher hat and a face mask. Not all that bulky, certainly not the Michelin man. It wasn't the warmest I have ever been, but it was pretty comfortable.
I was hunting on the ground, but found this deer on his bed and I wasn't moving fast, just creeping along still hunting.

   

[ChuckC]

vests.  One or more.  You don't need a lot of sleeve coverage to keep warm, but your core needs it.

ChuckC

[LB_hntr]

I stand hunt northern Michigan all thru December. IMO the best way to layer up to beat cold mornings on stand is to use more thermal layers.
I love the rocky heavy weight thermals you get at Walmart. Cheap but thick and work very well. I will wear 3 sets of rocky thermals and then wool or fleece pants, a wool shirt and a vest. In this I'm good down to zero temps. Below zero I have to add another layer.  
For me the multiple layering of thermal layers is the key. I don't believe in the standard base, mid, outter method. Its all about stacking the thermals.

[killinstuff]

Wear a vest, keep your arms free with less layers. I hate the cold and it was 26 degrees this morning but I hunt no matter what.  Layer it up and top it off with a warm vest and I survive sitting in the cold.

[Coach Jones]

The heavy weight endure skin from BPS or UA Cold Gear for a base layer.   The wool lifetime socks from BPS are a must.   Then a couple of layers.   I like my Nat Gear winterceptor fleece bibs.   I have some cabelas fleece with wind barrier to be honest I get to hot and sweaty if I have far to walk.   I also love a good stocking hat and something around the neck.

[beendare]

IMO, Warm without bulk is only true if you are moving. Thin layers can trap air enhancing the effect....but that all goes out the window when you are sitting in a tree in 20 degree weather- then you need more bulk as insulation against that cold that just creeps in.

[Dan bree]

Any body ware a Filson double mackinaw  and how are they ?  I was looking to get one for late season .  Can you shoot with it . .

[drewsbow]

I just purchased some wooltimate  from one of the big stores . This is wool fleece blend with wind sheer liner , seems like a nice fit and quality . I used it this morning and was nice and warm without a lot of bulk, first impression is good . I will know more as things cool down and wind picks up.

[jonsimoneau]

If you guys can swing it, take a look at the Sitka gear. Get the Fanatic set. This is the best stuff I have worn for cold November through January treestand sits. I only wear 3 layers total and that is including the coat. Merino wool base, traverse top and then the Fanatic jacket. That's I all need.

[woodchucker]

Dan, I've worn wool Mackinaws for years!!!!!    

Never had a problem shooting with them either!!!

Just remember, they ain't CHEAP..... I've never had a Filson's, But I've had them from Johnson's, Woolrich, and have one now from L.L.Bean.

Make sure you get one at LEAST one size larger than you normaly wear.

[snakebit40]

I just started getting into First Lite. I love it! Sitka gear is good stuff too like Jon said.

[Archer1977]

Second First Lite. Comfortable, quiet, versatile.

[Onions]

I have been one who has always struggled to stay warm in the treestand. Because of this I have tried almost everything. I did the meriono wool thing, First Lite, and Woolpower. I did like the no stink qualities of the wool, but I did not stay warm. Plus I would wear 6 layers then a jacket. IMO this was crazy.
Since then I have switch completely to synthetics for base layers in cold temps.
I love Polartec products! Power Dry for next to skin, then Power Stretch over top.
Power dry wicks moisture extremely fast, and the power stretch has some wind resistance. The power stretch also has a "slick" outside finish, which makes it easier to slip jackets on/off.
This morning in Michigan was 22 degrees, I wore two pair of longjohns (medium weight power dry)On top two power dry medium weight shirts, a power stretch medium weight 1/4 zip pullover, Sitka Celcuis vest, and a Day One light fleece (with windstop, very important). My legs did get a little cold, b/c I was wearing a pair of cotton pants. Overall I was quite toasty for 3 plus hours on stand.
Many companies are license for Polartec products, patagonia, marmot, LL bean, Cabelas, Marmot etc.

Just my two cents

chris <><

[Roadkill]

Swandri, wool coat, the length comes down partially over the thighs- the larger leg muscles. Layer under that .  Wear a neck scarf to keep heat in.  My feet are my critical vulnerability

[hightop_hunter]

I had this problem a few years back the winters in Alberta are really cold -30c (-22f) and thats when alot of the bucks on my property would move around. so i was bundled up in layers and layers of stuff. i was warm but when the shot cam the sting caught on my sleeve and the arrow went now were near the buck i was aiming at. So i said screw it and i started wearing the one piece Carharts that i wear when i am cleaning stalls at the barn. Its warm! its brown! and in a tree stand or a ground blind its comfy to sit in. It smells like a Horse so the deer dont seem to mind to much as there are lots of horses in the area. all i do to shoot is un zip it and grab my bow by stiking my arm out of the onzy there is no bulk to get in the way and i can sit warm and cozzy for hours. Its probably for every one but it seems to work alright for me.

[mgf]

Another vote here for Good Will Wool sweaters. I got a bunch. I made vests out of some. My wife even made me a pear of leggings from the arms of a large sweater.

It's the warmest I've ever been and the least I've ever spent.

The best part is it's not all that bulky and it has some stretch so I can shoot AND it's quiet.

[BUCKY]

The mid 30's up I layer. Lower 30's and down Heater Body Suit! Best piece of clothing/gear I ever bought!