Elk Backcountry hunters what are you wearing

[Jeff Nash]

I would be dissapointed but not surprised to find out they contribute to PETA... If so, I'll never buy any smartwool again.. I already banned Camelback for similar reasons a couple years ago.. Baffleing that they market to the very people who they lobby against with contributions... I'll be waiting to hear what the skinny is here...Sorry for the rant...

[snag]

It wouldn't surprise me Jeff. Heck, they are selling to REI and that place is full of PETA lovers. However they can make $$$ to support their cause they will. I'll let you know if I receive a response back from my inquiry.

[amar911]

The gear I will be using whenever I get it will be mostly the new Kuiu products. As many of us prefer, the base layers will be Merino wool. What I like best about the Kuiu line is how lightweight and compact it will be, which is great for clothing I will have to be packing around using my own power. I have a bunch of Sitka Gear that is very nice, but I think the Kuiu items will be significantly better.

Allan

[Weasel]

This will be my first backpack elk hunt. I will be using KUIU gear all the way.

Check them out at KUIU.com. Then go to their blog. Jason has done a great job of showing photos and describing each individual article. They are a sponsor here.

Jerry

[eagleone]

wow that kuiu stuff looks great- wish i had more money!  keep us posted how it works out!

[Cyclic-Rivers]

As far as rain gear goes,

Are Frog Toggs good or do you have a better recommendation?

[eagleone]

I personally have only examined frog toggs in the store and did not care for them.  I ended up getting cabelas space rain jacket- which i might add feels very wimpy- i bought it with the expectation that I would destroy it on the mountain- I didnt- it worked great.  Also pack a poncho- some guys will say get a 99cent poncho- spend the 5 or 7 bucks for the thicker one and leave it in your daypack.. if you get caught in some nasty stuff you wont regret it.

[jhg]

Know thy weaknesses when planning your clothing...

There are a couple items I always must have. I take them no matter the weather or temps, since things change or what kind of hunt I am on. Without them I'd be sick in no time.

A good warm hat besides the hat I wear most of the time.

 And a thin wool Dickey.

 Mine has a good front panel that protects my chest. Thats my weak spot along with my head. Fighting forest fires and having pneumonia left my upper lungs very susceptible to infections if I do not keep that area warm.

A dickey is light takes up little room and gives a lot of warmth for its size by protecting your core.

I know guys that can stand out on 15* windswept lakes with nothing more than a jack shirt on half buttoned up in front and never get a sniffle. That ain't me.

Joshua

[Knotter]

I heard that smartwool had some association with anti lobby.  That's besides the point.  The best investment you can put between your skin and your boots is a Thorlo.  They last forever and they are more comfortable than anything I have ever owned.  The mountaineering socks are the best of the best IMHO.  Living in Alberta I can attest to severe conditions.  I was on a whitetail hunt this fall and the temp was -30C.  Thorlos made it tolerable.  

Other things I wear in the bush - I have a set of stanfields merino lond underwear that I love.  I'm also a huge fan of the shoeller dri wear stuff.  Light and effective.

[John Scifres]

You all really should check things out before you post them.  I can find no "association" between SmartWool and pETA.  If you have some other info, I would appreicate it.  There was some press on SmartWool refusing to buy Australian wool because of some questionable animal cruelty practices.  In general, pETA is not real fond of wool anyways.

[Rik]

For rain gear, I prefer Peter Storm gear.

It stretchable and breathable, but more importantly, it dries almost instantly. No cloth liner to stay wet for days and days.

[beachbowhunter]

Microtex in Cabelas Outfitter camo, like Elknut, thin layers!  they have a line of very light pants, etc that was great last year.  And very affordable!