Need advice for hunting clothes

[NBK]

I'm trying real hard to thin out my gear a bit and I'd like to get one set of all purpose hunting clothes.  I mostly hunt from treestands here in northern Wisconsin and my average hike into a stand is about 40-60 min through spruce swamps.  Even though I routinely wear hip boots my current cotton pants still get pretty damp.    When hunting the rut I usually sit all day, which is over 10hrs in the stand.  I have a "Heater Bodysuit" that I use when it's cold, but it's bulky carrying it in along with a stand, pack etc.  It's also not waterproof and you can get wet through it.  I just picked up the new predator fleece jacket and pants with the windblocker lining, but dang it, they're as heavy as my wool! and I can't stand feeling like the michelin man when you're all bulked up like that.  I'm becoming more of a minimalist, so for those of you that "go deep" what's your gear of choice that allows you the maximum mobility while still staying relatively warm and dry?

[Ragnarok Forge]

warm weather is predator cotton pants and T shirt.  Cool weather add long sleeve wool shirt.  Cold weather means pants over merino wool thermals.  Merino wool thermals added for really cold water.  Waterproof coat and pants for heavy rains.  Extra clothes go in the pack for hiking in.

[wapitimike1]

Switched over to Sitkas stuff seems to be doing the job with less bulk.

[hunt it]

With a hike like that, there is very little that will work well on the way in and also when on stand. If you dress for warmth or for rain you'll be soaked from sweat when you arrive.I would dress light for the trip in and out and go to a bigger pack. That way you can carry the propper clothes for stand conditions that day and change once in there. It is a price to pay for comfort but to last all day you need to be warm and comfortable.

[Billy]

What huntit said.

And, some sort of "runner" type under garments works for warm OR cold weather. Then you don't need to strip all the way to the skin when dressing at the stand.

[ron w]

Layers, layers, layers, and dress to be comfortable, Heat and cold play a factor as does rain or snow. But it is most important that no matter what you are comfortable. Thing that wick sweat and breath, wool that's warm when wet, all things to have at hand.

[lpcjon2]

Personally I would get a Longhunter wool shirt with hood from La Clair's due to the length of the shirt which covers your lower back. And you can add many layers to it. as far as pants I wood look at the military ECWS( extreme cold weather system) pants they are Gortex (I used these in Norway)and stop the wind. I also stand by polypropylene under garmet's.I don't care weather my clothes match or not.Gloves I would go with a glommit style wool.

[jhg]

I wear three layers. A skin-like base, a thin merino wool sweater (this is thin like a tee shirt thin) and a wool jac-shirt. In my pack (you need a small pack) is a packable down vest. These are meant as an under layer, pack into a small ball, are very light yet insulate very well. In addition, I carry a stretch vest. This is wind block type fabric (polartec?) that does not rely on a liner which would be heavy. Rather relys on its tight weave. Also quite thin and light, but does a great job over the down vest, or alone.

I wear thin wool pants and if it gets cold put on a thin pair of long johns under them.

Thin wool is very adaptable. Most guys wear wool that is pretty thick. I like the thin stuff because it does not over-heat you like the thicker does when its warm or you are hiking in. I can take off the jac-shirt, or the sweater, or both. Then put on the thin vest, or the down vest (or both) or everything if its cold. Thus I can stand temps from the upper 20's into the lower 70's with this system.


A small pack will make this whole clothing problem a lot easier to solve.


Joshua.

[Orion]

For dark to dark sits in northern Wisconsin during November, I use merino wool long johns under KOM wools.  I, too, go in pretty far.  Usually carry my coat, open my pants and walk slow on the way in and out.

[Jerry Jeffer]

If there was one set of clothes that did it all, the maker would be rich. Wear as little as possible when hiking, then layer up on stand. I have hiked in wearing just under armor, once I cool down a bit at my spot, I get dressed.

[NBK]

Thanks for the replies.  Take home message for me was to invest in a better pack!  Funny that only one mention of Sitka gear, you hear so much about it these days.

[Jeff MacKenzie]

Originally posted by NBK:
Thanks for the replies.  Take home message for me was to invest in a better pack!  Funny that only one mention of Sitka gear, you hear so much about it these days.

I think that sitka has over priced their clothing.....that being said, king of the mountain is expensive wool, but you cannot beat wool for its performance in all types of weather. And, it is a lot better around fire than the synthetics. Keeps you warm when wet as well.

[lpcjon2]

Most of the wool outfits are so expensive,it's cheaper to get a girlfriend to keep you warm.     the walk to the stand can be fixed by layering,but the lack of movement in the stand is the problem.I think your base layers are what will be the ticket for warmth.I have some navy watch pants that are wool lined and they are great for long sits.Food is another item that can help keep you warmer.Goose down is great for its light weight and its warmth.I'd rather pack some extra clothes than be cold and miserable.Trial and error.

[30coupe]

Originally posted by lpcjon2:
Food is another item that can help keep you warmer.Goose down is great for its light weight and its warmth.

But how does it taste?  

[lpcjon2]

Originally posted by 30coupe:
 

quote:Originally posted by lpcjon2:
Food is another item that can help keep you warmer.Goose down is great for its light weight and its warmth.

But how does it taste?        

[Jeff Strubberg]

Most of the wool outfits are so expensive,it's cheaper to get a girlfriend to keep you warm.

I must be doing it wrong, then.  My wool was a HECK of a lot cheaper!!

[Guru]

Another vote for Sitka Gear....best warmth-to -weight ratio on the market!  

[Mike Vines]

Hit your local Salvation Army, or Goodwill store to find good cheap wool articles.  The best time I have found is in the spring to late spring, after all the people clean out their closets (spring cleaning) and figure I haven't wore this in years, I might as well donate it for the write off.  I have gotten some awesome deals on wool, and if you go at the right time, it's buy one get one free or half off.  They never advertize it, it's just if your lucky or not on the day you decide to go there.