cotton in cold weather

[BUCKY]

I know not to wear cotton next to my skin in cold weather but how about as a middle layer? I would wear my merino wool base layer,thin fleece vest,cotton hooded sweatshirt and my KOM bowman jacket. The reason I'm asking is I really like my hoodie and I'm trying to work it into my layering system.

[YORNOC]

If it holds moisture, it will get cold if the outside air gets to it.
  In the middle like that, who knows? Give it a shot. I love hooded sweatshirts myself.  Just try not to get too overheasted walking in, maybe put your KOM on when you get to your area to let the cotton breath as you're exherting yourself.

[BUCKY]

Dave I walk in just with my base layer,everything else is put on at the stand.

[donw]

as long as you don't get it wet, you should be OK.

i put cotton UNDER any waterproof outer layer i use.

[Ragnarok Forge]

I avoid it when it is raining or misty.  Other than that it will work. I do have to say it is a poor insulating layer.  For really cold weather an Asbell pull over with the hood would be a good option.

[Rob W.]

I didn't know what wool was til I got on this site. 20+ years of hunting and Ice fishing with cotton and fleece. I have switched to wool base layers but still use cotton pants and sweatshirts.


Rob

[YORNOC]

You should be fine with your approach in my opinion.

[reddogge]

I have a bunch of friends who hunt but aren't traditional bowhunters and they live in cotton hoodies, blue jeans, etc. They never seem to complain.

[Zbearclaw]

Hunting the back 40 in cotton is common place.  Going somewhere with weather and a possibility of being stuck there...and cotton kills.

Over 80deg is the only time I would even consider cotton, and that is still a stretch given the good synthetic or wool fiber options.

But I am looking at it from a backpack hunting perspective.  Day hunts are a different beast.

Good luck!

[Bishop]

Did you ever consider a Under Armour type hoddie? I have couple and love them as mid layers.

[BUCKY]

Marc Under Armour says the polyester keeps you cool but I have heard they keep you warm so how does poly work?

[Bishop]

I wear merino wool under mine and I like it. The sweatshirts are fleeced on the inside. They aren't priced cheap but I'm going on year 4 on the first one I bought and wear it all time, not just for hunting.

[Dimondback]

I led sea kayaking trips on the coast of SC back in college and part of the safety briefing I always gave was leave all cotton (jeans, sweatshirts, etc) back home. One lady brought only the above and managed to roll her boat. We later hit some minor showers and the temperature dropped to around 45-50 degrees. She started becoming hypothermic and myself, another trip leader and some of the other trip guests had to shed some of their gear to keep her from dying on an island. Poor choices in outdoor gear doesn't only affect the user but also all the other folks who have to place themselves in limbo to keep you from dying. Fleece is often cheaper at TJMax/Ross than a sweatshirt and will be a better option. Not being nasty...just a sore spot from a preventable situation 10 years ago....choose wisely.

[PaddyMac]

I've had "cotton kills" drilled into my head since I moved to the Northwest from Illinois in 1980. But I still wear it. But way more of my stuff now is fleece or wool.