What to wear for September Wyoming elk hunt

[Rick Richard]

I am going to do a hunt this mid September for elk in wyoming and was looking for recommendations for clothing to wear including boots, long underwear (type and weight) and outer clothing. Any information will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
Rick

[Matty]

A wind breaker
   

[**DONOTDELETE**]

A loin cloth...

[Mike Vines]

I'd recommend Sitka products.  Best hunting clothes I ever bought.

[Whip]

Boots are by far the most important part of the get up.  Spend the money to buy a good pair - you won't regret it!  Next most important on my list are socks.  Again, buy good socks, and wear them to break in your boots.  Put a bunch of miles on well before your hunt.  Nothing can ruin it faster than blisters.

As to the rest of it, a good set of mid-weight merino wool long underwear are the best thing next to your skin for the early mornings.  Over the top of that a light weight wicking layer.  When it warms up you can shed the wool if you want and still be comfortable.  Add a vest next for the cooler mornings.

For an outer layer something soft and quiet is good.  If you can afford a good set of outer wear I really like the Gray Wolf Wolfskin clothes.  Sitka Gear and KUIU are a couple more that would do real well for you.

If budget is an issue, put the money into the boots first.  And most of all, have a great time!  Not a thing better than chasing bulls in the mountains during September!

[Buxndiverdux]

^^^^ except wrapping your hands around the antlers....  

[FerretWYO]

Like joe mentioned boots are the most important. More than one pair and broke in when you get to the hunt.

Second is layers. Joe gave you a great start on what you need as far as that goes.

[FerretWYO]

Originally posted by Matty:
A wind breaker
     

One of these too ha ha ha

[ron w]

Go prepared for anything.........spend what you can, but get the best boots and rain gear you can afford.!! Have a great time!!  

[centaur]

I have been snowed on on the 1st of September, and hunted in a tee shirt in October, and everything in between. As stated above, you need good boots that are well broken in, but clothes can range from summer wear to snow camo. The higher the altitude, the better chance for cool weather. If you bring layers, you should be ready for any conditions. How's that for an all inclusive answer??

[Onions]

Here is my gear list from my Sept 2012 elk hunt:
Top:
First Lite Chama as base layer.
Sitka Traverse Shirt
Cabelas Ultra light Synthetic down jacket
Realtree's Rubline Rain jacket.
Bottoms:
Polartec Power Dry Medium base layer
KUIU Attack pants
Realtree Rubline rain pants.
I had weather from the low 80's all the way to blizzard conditions. Was comfortable to entire trip.
Since I backpacked in, I was concerned with weight, so I left my vest behind, but did wish I had it a few times.
Boots:
Kenetrek Mtn. 400gr boots. Next trip I will go with non insulated boots.
Any more questions let me know!

chris <><

[Flatshooter]

Bathing suit and boots!

[Bill Kissner]

There are a few scenarios that would dictate how you dress. One would be would be elevation. If above 10,000 feet or hunting from a treestand in the early morn or late evening, it would mean dressing in heavier clothes. If still hunting below 9000, you can most usually get by with minimal weight stuff.

[Rick Richard]

Any recommendations on rain gear?

Would mid weight merino underwear be too heavy and warm or should I go for light weight stuff?

[Shedrock]

Lightweight merino wool bottoms with Carhart pants, thin layers of merino wool tops, with cotton or light wool plaids shirts. Shop at the goodwill store, wool rules! That high dollar, designer brand stuff is way over rated. Are sheep wearing Sitka or Kuiu? They live out here in 100 degrees down to minus 40, and they wear wool. Wool is the best, PERIOD!

Just my 2 cents. I work out here, outside, year round, and wool is the best. Cool and really darned cold, wool rules!

If some man made product was better, God would have dressed sheep in it.  

[MountainManZ]

Coming from a WY hunter, do yourself a favor and check out Kuiu! It's as good if not usually better than Sitka in almost every way, including price. It's worth a look! (founded by one of the co-founders of Sitka)

TOP: On an average day's WY elk hunt the Merino 185 is all I wear for a top layer (carry one more light base layer shirt that I wear under it in the morning and evening).

BOTTOM: Check out the Kuiu Attack Pant.

FACE: Always carry a light balaclava or face mask for evening sits/calling. Check out Kuiu's Merino neck gator.

RAINGEAR: Kuiu's raingear is awesome! Great reviews everywhere you look.

I try to avoid too many extra layers, especially when I'm having to pack everything int the back country on my back. I find raingear can be used in place of some of the DWR-type layers when needed.
LAYERS:
Top- two light long sleeve T's, PrimaLoft puff jacket & Rain Jacket (rain jacket works great for adding a little extra warmth when a puff jacket isn't needed)
Bottom- light base layer, 4-way style pant (like the Attack pant) and rain pants (rain pants can also add extra warmth if needed)

 http://www.kuiu.com/

Hope that helps a little.

[njloco]

This is all great information for newbies, but  does this also depend on one's age ? I'm 63 and was just able to get 3 weeks vacation during Sept.13, and would like to plan an elk hunt. My circulation is very good and am not really susceptible to getting cold.

At present, for the East coast, I wear wool ! like Shed says it's great, but I'm not far from the car at any time and can go and change whenever I want,

So Shed, what do you do if your way out and your wearing your warm wool and you get a down pour ?, now I know wool will keep you warm when wet but still, your wet !

Don't mean to steal the thread, but this might help all of us as these guys know from experience.

Thanks, and a Happy and Healthy New Year to all.

[njloco]

[Shedrock]

I have a packable raincoat in my pack when it rains.

[easyup]

Originally posted by njloco:


So Shed, what do you do if your way out and your wearing your warm wool and you get a down pour ?, now I know wool will keep you warm when wet but still, your wet !

You did not steal the thread you asked the exact important question.  Read what Whip wrote.  My family has lived in and hunted the Bighorns for three generations and have a deep respect for modern materials.  Wet wool (even just pant legs) can make for a miserable day.  Aside from time with family an elk hunt is my most precious time so I don't take chances.  Check everything from boots to hat (don't forget the pack) for staying dry.