Outerwear on a Budget

[J Dean]

While always looking for deal I thought about outer layers and coats and what could be used that would still be warm and quiet while blending in.  Then I thought about the plaid jacket or lumberjacket.  Looked at a couple in the local brgain store and saw these.  They are plush fleece and lined (quilted or poly/fleece).  I wear these all the time and with the right base layers may do the trick.  Now they will never replace wool, but they cost a fraction as well.  These were $20 each.

What do you think?  Many patterns available  Anyone use similar jackaet?

 

 

 

John

[carbonflyr]

those first two jackets should work perfectly fine, congrats on the find!  

[Rob W.]

I have one similar to the top one in a brown pattern. Works great!

I'm starting to like wool for my base, middle layers and whatever works best for the outer. Nice to throw my outer in the wash sometimes.


Rob

[hunt4life]

For me, as long as it's not cotton, I'm good. Proper wicking base layer, middle layers to suit, and a quiet outer layer in a good color, and I can be dressed from 90 to 10 degrees fairly easily. Cotton is the only thing I make sure I look for and avoid.

[Sam McMichael]

I actually like all of them, depending on the terrain. They may not be as warm as wool, but you can do a lot with your first and middle layers to compensate for that.

My problem is gloves that will keep my hands warm and still allow me to handle the bow when it gets very cold. Fleece gloves do well in moderate cold and still allows me to use my tab effectively, especially when using chemical hand warmers, but that forces me to keep my hands in my pockets rather than holding my bow. What do you guys, who live in the real winter areas, do for hand warmth?

[Sharpend60]

My background is from a climbing standpoint not just hunting
Very, very cold at times (-30 cold enough?) and weight is an issue.
Though wool is nice it is not always the solution, despite what you read.

I think you will do just fine with the top two.
As long as it is not cotton, allows you to move and fits in your price range. It is good to go.

Just like many subjects on this site, don't overthink it... Sometime the internet does as much harm as good...

Are ya warm enough to do what you set out to do?
End of story.

[Roger Norris]

For $20 it can't hurt to try.

Sharpend60 - I have heard the same thng from lots of folks with regards to wool and climbing. There is no question that there are man made materials that are lighter, and made to move better on a climb.

But wool works in the hunting field for reasons way beyond mobility. Most modern materials have a reflective quality that makes them stick out like a sore thumb. And for my money, nothing keeps me warmer in more different conditions than wool. And wool can be very inexpensive. It isn't all priced like Filson or KOM.

[ddauler]

Wool also wont melt all over you if you get in a tent or cabin fire!

[Sharpend60]

I do own much wool.
It certainly has its advantages, I'm not putting it down. I actually prefer it for many things.

There are other things that work great too, thats all. Including the garments shown.

Basically it comes down to if your warm enough. There are lots of ways to stay warm, not just wool.