Cabela's Alaskan Guide series clothing

[Pheonixarcher]

I tried a search both here and on Google, but didn't come up with much info. It must be relatively new on the market. Does anyone here have any experience and feed back they can provide?

I'm actually really just looking for a good hunting pant for late season. I recently lost an old pair of gander mountain guide series pants that were somewhat wind proof and water resistant. I used them over my wool pants during cold or inclement weather. I'd like something to replace them, and possibly upgrade to something of a bit more quality and versitity. I guess I'm just looking for something that is quiet, wind proof, breathable, and with good water repellency that I can slip over my First Lite Kanab pants in early season, and over my heavy weight wool pants during late season.

Anyone know of something that might fit the bill? Thanks.

[Pheonixarcher]

Any thoughts?

[ksbowman]

If you're just using them over your wool pants for wind break, why not wear a good quality suede rain suit over them. This is what I do. If it's real windy or cold, I just put on my Mad Dog suede rain gear. They are very quiet and really break the wind and keep the heat in and cold out. Also they are in my pack for rain anyway so why not double duty them. Cabelas also has an equally good , quiet rain gear that will do the same.

[Pheonixarcher]

I've thought about that, but most of the rain gear type pants that I can afford are usually of lesser quality, and are loud when it's cold. These will basically be an outer layer for winter, and a wind breaker on those other cold and windy days.

Maybe I just need to replace my heavy wool pants with something that is a more purpose built pant, and just wear them without much underneath on those warmer but windy days.

I went to a Cabela's last weekend and was rather disappointed in the selection they had. I did however get to put my hands on some of the Wooltimate and Alaskan Guide series apparel (none in my size of course), and liked what I saw. So I was hoping to get a little feedback from those with in the field experience.

[Justin Falon]

Junk! Honestly. I've owned a lot of quality camo and other hunting clothes over the past 35 years. Last year I bought the Alaskan Guide stuff from Cabelas because I wanted to use it as an under layer. I have a custom built Cocoon, similar to a warm bag. It is the insulation for cold weather hunting without the bulk and the expense of high dollar outdoor clothes. Anyway, I went to Owatanna, MN Cabelas store to visit with staff personally before I made up my mind to buy it. I told them exactly how I would be using it. Keep in mind, this entire process took me about 6 months so it was NOT a hasty decision. The stuff arrived via mail service from Cabelas. It fit well and was very light weight.

Wore in once in October in warmer weather. It's stiff and noisy on cold mornings.
Wore is for a second time in November in 20 degree weather over the top of my poly pro long underwear and under my Cocoon which I put on when I get to the stand. FROZE MY REAR END OFF. Stuff cannot block even a gentle breeze. It's noisy, stiff has zero wind blocking ability, zero insulation, and can safely say that I see ZERO value in buying it. Now, I am not all down on Cabelas.

I recently purchased their Outfitter Berber Fleece. Top notch stuff. Bibs and parka. Warm. Wind resistant and no bulk. As good as I have seen with a stand up warranty, which is important to me. I've used Swannie, King the Mountain, Hidden Wolf, and now Cabelas. This stuff is really good quality and will not disappoint. I used it during the late season here in South Dakota where we had weeks on end of minus 15 degree temps and NEVER GOT COLD.

I would pass on any Alaskan Guide stuff because despite the advertising, it will not keep your warm!

[Pheonixarcher]

Thanks Justin! That's the type of info I am looking for. I'll look into the Berber fleece.

[ksbowman]

Buy some quality rain gear and it will give you double duty plus you'll have double use out of it. I use mine with Columbia wool and Brownig wool which don't have wind block. Between them and the rain gear I can match it to the weather and don't get wet either.

[Pheonixarcher]

I have a Sitka Downpour jacket and pants in the darker forest optifade. It works pretty good for wind and rain, but it's a little too snug to fit over my late season layers, and it's a little loud when it gets cold. Maybe I should just look into getting some dedicated late season gear and not worry about layering up so much. I'm sure it'll cost me a lot more money, but in the long run, it might prove to be the better option. There are just so many choices, and I've been so disappointed in the performance of "expensive quality" garments in the past, that I'm hesitant to spend too much money. Ahhh! This is so frustrating. Thanks for everyone's help so far.

[Justin Falon]

I only hunt during the rut so buying a name brand like sitka never made any sense to me.  I checked with dozens of manufacturers and hunters before Makino my purchase.  What I bought should last me a lifetime!

[Justin Falon]

When it comes to staying warm, I have found nothing better than a heater body suit.  But u still need a good insulating layer under that.  I've finally found a winning combination!