Clothing question

[Jtoplinesales]

Need advice on type of pants and tops for late sept archery hunt in southern co.
I have a heavy scent block fleece suit that will prob be fine
If its cold enough, but i think i will probably need somthing
Lighter to wear if its warm. I have plenty of cold gear, i just havent done
Much hiking. I think the suit is probably too heavy for hiking in the
50-60's. thanks for the advice

[Swede]

Jim: I am not sure how to respond, but will attempt to share some observations I have made about hunting clothes. Some of the modern fabrics on sale are excellent and offer properties such as quick drying, wicking moisture away from your body, and scent reduction, that not available when I was a young hunter. That said, much clothing offered, is designed as much to appeal to our eyes as they are to be practical. Camo patters are not critical, but I like large light and dark splotches. If you get good hunting clothes, they last a long time and make a good investment. Cabela's has a good variety of hunting clothes and they explain the properties they offer. I would check them out or go with a comparable retailer.

[mtnmutt]

Merino wool: keeps you cool in warm weather and warm in cold weather.

For summer hiking, I wear very light 150 gram long sleeve in <85 degree weather. After sweating and temps drop from a thunder storm, I stay warm. Dries faster than synthetics and I don't feel chilly cold in wool if it is still damp from sweat.

For September CO hunting in southern or central mtns, I have a first lite ASAT wool top layer over a merino wool base layer. My base layer weight changes as the temp changes, as does the number of layers.

Sometimes, I still use my old cablea's fleece tops, but the wool works better. With wool, I don't have to peel off layers as much as when I use fleece. I am more likely to over heat with fleece while hunting. If you are staying still and not moving, fleece is fine.

I add a wind/rain jacket as needed.

Icebreaker.com merino wool is currently on sale 30% off, but it does not come in camo. LLBean has cheaper wool base layers but only in black. If you want camo base layer, first lite has many options. There are other companies also selling merino wool camo.

This year, I will be trying the first lite kanab merino wool pants. In the past, I used cabela's camo pants over merino wool base layer.

[Jtoplinesales]

Thanks for the replys guys. I have plenty of base layers, mostly underarmor with a few fleece as well. Im trying to figure out whats best for the outer layer. I looked at the merino wool, it looked good for layering, didnt see much for outer wear type stuff. Appreciate the advice will search a lil mor on the wool and see what i can find.

[Indian Summer]

I'd go sign up on Camofire.com which is one of our sponsors. There's been a lot of Core4 & other clothing on there. What kind of budget do you have to work with before I go making suggestions?

Also... what elevation? It could very well be cooler than 60s in late Sept at higher elevations.

[Jtoplinesales]

I'm not really on much of a budget. I think our camp is suppose to be around 9,000 ft. I have looked at kryptek, Sitka and core4. Along with merino and underarmor. I'm leaning more towards a lighter breathable pant than heavier. Thanks

[Broken arrow]

+1 on camofire and first lite.

[elkmtngear]

The problem with synthetics is they get rank after multiple day hunts.

A heavier Merino Shirt (like the Chama) can be used as an outer layer in 30 degree temps if you are constantly hoofing it, and just throw on a light jacket if it gets colder.

Once I went Merino, I never went back. Love the fact I can wear it for 3 days with no stink!

[pointysticks]

The problem with synthetics is they get rank after multiple day hunts.

A heavier Merino Shirt (like the Chama) can be used as an outer layer in 30 degree temps if you are constantly hoofing it, and just throw on a light jacket if it gets colder.

Once I went Merino, I never went back. Love the fact I can wear it for 3 days with no stink!

this. difficult to slide into a sleeping bag wearing stinky synthetics. ooff! merino wool is much much better as sleep wear on cold nights.

[ST52V]

Last year I used Merino wool (c4) tops,bottoms, and boxers under Cabelas's microtex pants and shirt. It was the regular weight stuff and liked it. My father in laws bear spray exploded in his pants pocket and didn't even stain the stuff. I told him to put it on his belt or better yet leave it in the tent. We sat down to take a break and heard this pop. I looked at him and he started to jump around from the burning on his leg. I about died laughing.
It was a good layering system for mid September.

[Indian Summer]

If you want clothing that you'll be sure to love try some Sitka Gear. I held out for a long time because I felt it was just overpriced. I still think it is but man it is some really nice stuff. No need to get their merino base if you can find 1st Lite cheaper. I have Sitka merino and love it. But their Timberline pants with waterproof knees and seat are awesome. Likewise the Ascent jacket for warm days and the Jetstream for an outer layer can't be beat. I top that off with their Kelvin vest if I really need to trap some air in between layers to stay warm.

All non bulky layers so your pack won't be overstuffed. I think one thing you find with Sitka that others can't quite match is the flexibility factor. Others can chime in here but being able to move so absolutely freely with no restrictions at all is a great feeling. Their stuff was on backorder for the first half of this year but most items are in stock as of last month.

As with Core 4 and First Lite... keep an eye on Camofire if you aren't in a hurry.

[ElkNut1]

camofire also has great pricing on sitka gear!

ElkNut1

[G Posik]

I typically hunt Colorado the last two weeks of archery season. This year I will be hunting the first two weeks. My clothing is and will be be, light weight Marino wool base later, Kuhl Raptor pants(Charcoal grey) a Sitka traverse top. Marino Wool boxers Marino wool socks and I carry a KUIU spin drift down pull-over. I carry rain gear for the most outer layer if really windy and cold. Marino wool will be your best friend on a 10 day trip.

Glenn

[Indian Summer]

HEY!!!! It's Sunday morning and I just saw Camofire has Sitka 90% pants on sale. Regular $249 now $90 off. Also the jacket for $99 regular $269!

If you're in the market for some nice elk hunting clothes I'd get over there in a hurry.

While you're at it: Got a day pack? They have the Badlands 2800 as well. They'll let you combine shipping too.

[Jtoplinesales]

Thanks for all the help guys! Picking up some merino bases, and boxers. Chama looks like a good shirt.

[huntabsarokee]

Can't go wrong with Cabelas Microtex pants either regular or light weight if it is very warm. They dry very quickly. I swear you can take them off and spin them around your head and they are dry. They are also very durable. Not as trendy as some of the newer stuff. I also use Core 4 pants Switchback pants.