Cheap (but not cheap) Camo/Clothing?

[Lark Bunting]

Without sounding like a broken record, I'm new to hunting. The only camo clothes I have now are the cheap Walmart stuff my wife bought me when I first started getting into hunting. They are 100% cotton pants and some blended fabric shirt, and a coat.

It's time to upgrade but there is no way in he!! I will spend the money on Sitka or any of the other ridiculously priced clothing out there. It would just open the flood gate for my wife to buy those $200 jeans she's always wanted and I'm not going down that road.

I'd like new pants for sure and a light jacket/hoodie. I'll look at shirts as well since they aren't too expensive.

Cabelas's has their Micro-tex and the Silent Weave product line. Any preference between the two?

I'd like to spend around $200 for pants and light jacket, maybe even a long sleeved shirt. Is this doable?

I like these:
Pants:
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Clothing/Mens-Hunting-Clothing/Mens-Lightweight-Camo-Clothing/Mens-Lightweight-Camo-Pants|/pc/104797080/c/104748480/sc/104431680/i/104017680/Cabelas-Microtexreg-Lite8482-Six-Pocket-Pants-mdash-Regular/730743.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fmens-lightweight-camo-pants%2Fcabelas%2F_%2FN-1100950%2B1000002949%2FNe-1000002949%2FNs-MIN_SALE_PRICE%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104797080%253Bcat104748480%253Bcat104431680%26WTz_st%3DGuidedNav%26WTz_stype%3DGNU&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104797080%3Bcat104748480%3Bcat104431680%3Bcat104017680
Hoodie:
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Home/Lig ... t157671180

I've searched for the Russel Outdoor stuff but it's getting hard to find items in my size.
This will be for Colorado in September, BTW.
Other thoughts?

[timberland]

I don't mind cheap. for our early season archery I have about 6 sets of cotton camo pants and 6 long sleeve tee's. This is so I can change into new clothes every day or two. Add a light jacket or insulated underwear for the cool mornings and it's a pretty cheap way to go. I did splurge on some different camo colors to mix things up. Since I hunt on the ground, I tend to stay with the lighter patterns. Open Country seems to work the best for me.

[cnelk]

Tom
Search eBay for Seclusion 3D camo.

That is the pattern I use and like.

You should be able to outfit you and your son without breaking the bank

Like this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cabelas-Microte ... 4ad0171482

[WapitiTalk1]

Tom, what is your size? I'll do some digging around for some RO gear. Can't beat it for the price if you can find it in your size. The Cabelas Microtex is great stuff. I use the pants every year. Not so sure you want a hoodie though. An actual zipper jacket with can be unzipped to breath, and normally, has better pockets ..

Edit: Yep, it look like the RO gear is pretty much gone on all the small company web pages where I've seen it in the past six months (unless you're a small). I think the Cabelas Microtex pants are very good, and, I looked at the Silent Weave Bowhunters jacket and it looks like it would serve you well. It does not have a hood but they only mess with your hearing anyway .. Good luck on your shopping.

[ctdad]

camofire.com Buy core4element as it comes up (which is often). I bet you could get light jacket and pants for $200 or darn close.

I've used core4 and been very happy with it. I own some sitka gear too and I'd say they are fairly similar.

[Lark Bunting]

Tom
Search eBay for Seclusion 3D camo.

That is the pattern I use and like.

You should be able to outfit you and your son without breaking the bank

Like this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cabelas-Microte ... 4ad0171482

That is a great deal! I'm a 32x34 pant size but I could probably make those work.

My son actually has much nicer stuff than I do. (If they still fit!!!)

Tom, what is your size? I'll do some digging around for some RO gear. Can't beat it for the price if you can find it in your size. The Cabelas Microtex is great stuff. I use the pants every year. Not so sure you want a hoodie though. An actual zipper jacket with can be unzipped to breath, and normally, has better pockets ..

Edit: Yep, it look like the RO gear is pretty much gone on all the small company web pages where I've seen it in the past six months (unless you're a small). I think the Cabelas Microtex pants are very good, and, I looked at the Silent Weave Bowhunters jacket and it looks like it would serve you well. It does not have a hood but they only mess with your hearing anyway .. Good luck on your shopping.

32x34, size large shirt.

My buddy killed it on the sales on RO last year apparently. (Maybe because we're both built similarly is why he didn't let me know of the sakes going on!)

[>>>---WW---->]

If you are on a budget, there's nothing wrong with military BDUs. I have several sets of them. I also like camo wrangler jeans and long sleeve camo t-shirts.

[Lark Bunting]

If you are on a budget, there's nothing wrong with military BDUs. I have several sets of them. I also like camo wrangler jeans and long sleeve camo t-shirts.

Aren't BDU's cotton?

[Swede]

Most of the time cheap Mal-Wart clothes are fine. In mild dry weather that is all you need. To stretch your budget, just get a few pieces of the really good stuff. Another way to stretch your dollars is to go to Good Will stores, garage sales, and flea markets. I have found some great stuff at an unbelievable price there.

[stringunner]

I use both the silent weave and micro-tex. I like them both for mild hunting weather during September. But I also hunt from a base camp so have easy access to a change of clothes when needed if it rains or the weather turns cold. If I had to pick one, go with the micro-tex. It doesn't fade as fast as the silent weave when washing. It also dries faster. I purchase at walmart, the under armor type equivalent shirts for my base layer, it wicks the moisture and this stuff is cheap but lasts me a long time given I only wear it during hunting season.

[WapitiTalk1]

If you are on a budget, there's nothing wrong with military BDUs. I have several sets of them. I also like camo wrangler jeans and long sleeve camo t-shirts.

Aren't BDU's cotton?

Honestly, the pants aren't that big of a deal. Yes, BDUs and many pants are cotton. BDUs are very tough, won't burr up, and rip resistant. Get a few pairs of moisture wicking drawers (synthetic) and you'll be fine. For torso, good base layers are worth their weight in gold...you can find some decent brands for a reasonable price. The silent weave bow hunters jacket and a lightweight vest will set u up fine for most weather. Are you good on the lightweight, pack able rain gear? Lastly, merino wool socks with silk sock liners will keep your feet happy

[ST52V]

Check out kings camo they have pro hunter pants in mt. Shadow on sale for $50.00. The same in a full zip hoodie is $65.00. This stuff is not cotton. They also have a mt. Shadow bundle for $90.00. You get a wind proof fleece jacket, hat, and a set of set of gaiters. They also have a desert shadow bundle for $100. You get the pro hunter pants, soft shell vest , reversible beanie and ball cap. You may be able to find russell apx stuff in med sizes if that will fit your son.

[jmez]

Not all BDU's are cotton. I have a couple sets that are polyester and nylon. There are several different fabric choices for BDU's. Just have to check the tags.

Cabelas Microtex is good stuff. It is low knap but still loves burrs if you get into them.

Core 4 element is good stuff and like was said good deals on camofire.

I like the Kryptek clothing and think it is comparable to Sitka for a lot less money. I believe it is on sale on Cabelas's website.

[ST52V]

If you hurry sportsman warehouse has some good red tag closeouts going on and if you spend over $250 online you get $50 off. You could really clean up. Columbia stealth shot jacket for $49.00 normally $145.00. Team whitetail micro fleece pants $22.00 instead of $80.00. Just some examples.

[Lark Bunting]

Thank you all for the advice. I am going to do some looking tomorrow, Cabela's, Goodwill and Bass Pro. I have to see if we still have a Sportsmans on the south side of town. For some reason I'm thinking it closed. (225 & Mississippi??)

I am also going to keep an eye out on ebay and craigslist, also AT classifieds.

Thank you again. I'll check in with what I find.

[itsnlkthing]

I think the North side towards Thornton is the only location now for Sportsmans Warehouse In Denver.

[husky390]

I would not recommend anything in cotton, even for early season. One nice jaunt through waist high grass first thing in the morning will have you agreeing. I found that out the hard way.

Check out Cabela's microtex, bugs and bullets asat polyester or the core4element stuff on camofire.

[Triplebhunters]

I'm with others on the microtex. Buy waist one size big if your gut is on border.
As far as cotton and walmart I avoid it for hunting, but I sweat a lot.
Cabelas will be having a big sale soon usually in March. If you don't have fliers sent to your house (yet) say so on here and someone will let you know or send them to you. Everyone tries to use banners at top of the page to support this site but they also realize what pinching pennies is about.

When you buy those $200, pants for your wife it does give you an edge when you do want to buy that Sitka jacket down the road.

[JGH]

When you buy those $200, pants for your wife it does give you an edge when you do want to buy that Sitka jacket down the road.

Exactly. Doing well in marriage means approaching everything like a chess game ... think several moves down the road.

She gets the jeans ... you "pocket" that ...

Honestly, I think finding good clothing now is not too hard. Even the high-end stuff goes on sale. The other thing to keep in mind is to buy solids instead of camouflage ... this opens up other stores, like REI, and they have some great sales from time to time.

Sierra Trading Post is real useful when going after base-layers and socks. You can get good Merino that will last many years ... for cheap. Also, go there for boots. They have excellent boots at great prices.

MicroTex from Cabelas is great stuff, and I'll be getting more the next time I need something.

Oh, and put a "WTB" ("want to buy") post on the classifieds on this site, RokSlide, and Kifaru. People on these sites often are gear-heavy, and they also have addictions to feed ... meaning that they want to sell stuff to you so they can get their next $2000 binoculars or whatever.

My thoughts on gear follow the reasoning that sometimes the most expensive thing you can do is buy cheap stuff ... so therefore, buying the higher-end stuff on sale is sometimes the most financially prudent thing to do. A close second is to buy used high-end stuff, which is often less-expensive than "cheap" stuff.

A friend got an older, used Kifaru pack a couple years ago. It's funny now to think that since Kifaru has newer packs, this one is somehow "junk"! Heck, just a few years ago, it was the Bee's Knees! In truth, of course ... it still is! And he got it for a fraction of the price.

[Lark Bunting]

Picked up a pair of microtex pants today for $39. They were in the bargain cave as "discontinued" and marked down to $49, but when the store employee came by he "noticed" a stain and marked them down to $39. There was no stain, he must have seen the excitement on my face that they had these and i found a pair which fit perfectly. I also picked up some boots for my son that were originally $80 and we got them for $49. I bought t hem 1 size big as I know his foot will grow between now and September.

Goodwill didn't have anything that jumped out at me, too bad because they announced a 50% off hour just after we walked in. I'd have loved to find some merino wool sweaters or something for 50% off the $5.00 most sweaters were going for.

[mtnmutt]

Thank you all for the advice. I am going to do some looking tomorrow, Cabela's, Goodwill and Bass Pro. I have to see if we still have a Sportsmans on the south side of town. For some reason I'm thinking it closed. (225 & Mississippi??)

There is also Gander Mountain just off 225, just east of 225, north of Iliff along Abilene.

[Lefty]

Im cheap, maybe more budget minded. I cant stand buying overpriced camo but I do like the high tech fabrics.
I don't think I own a piece of camo I paid more than 40% of the previous pricing, Not manufacture list either

In store specials at Cabelas and buying certain items at International Sportsman's shows (Salt Lake CIty the past 16 years)
One manufacture had the camo pattern sewn upside down on the sleeves,
Paid $5.00 for Polaris bibs, 2 x torso but 44 inch inseam legs
Buy non Armourr-all underwear
Keeping a close eye on what Kings has on clearance and again sales at ISE
Bought at Browning outlet ( Morgan Utah ) rain pants
Undergarments dont need to be top end or camo
You dont need lots of outerwear in camo, I own some super-ultra light fabric pants($5.))) Fashion wise they dont look like a manly cut, elastic waist but they have deep cargo pockets weigh nothing and are cool, I dont wear them to town
kings camo shirts($5.00) ,
a cheap booner hat,
Fleece jacket $15.00
Drake waterfowl pull over, insulate and fleece $39 or 49.00 ( from $150)
Poly underwear and Armuor all on sale end of season
Silver wool socks
I do spend $100 on boots,
I do keep a bunch of stuff back at camp, Wrangler/Wallmart camo jeans, Got those for $5.00 too, best fitting jean I own.
then lots of no camo under layers

Bought this jacket for my Son in Law in desert shadow $49.00 http://www.kingscamo.com/APXG2-L4-Primaloft-Lightning-Jacket_p_698.html
You dont need to "shop", just keep an eye out for clearance items

[Lefty]

I just jumped off of Kings site, Need to be carefull some items are way over priced then marked down
Clearance items with limited selection tends to be the best buys
synthetic long sleeve T $15.00 with ugly wrists and neck
The Russel Jacket 49.00
Russel Pants $50. (More than What I would pay)

[ferris bugler]

I love those pants you are looking at in Outfitter Camo. They last forever. I recently bought Kuiu pants which I like better, but for the price you can't beat the Cabelas stuff. Look for the guide version. It has zippered pockets. Do yourself a favor and buy one merino wool undershirt to layer with. Then that Microtex shirt can go over it or you wear it against your ski.

[Indian Summer]

Gander Mountain is cheaper than the others. I like their stuff. Polyester is polyester. Actually Wal-Mart has some decent 100% polyester shirts.

[SoDakElk]

This might be a stupid question but do you guys think that it is more important to put money into your close or better gear? I'm tore because if you get uncomfortable clothes you may be uncomfortable the entire trip, or get spend the extra money on better optics?

[Indian Summer]

I'd say clothes are gear. That's because they have to be functional. Like gear or tools there is not one tool for any job so you'll need some options to go to when conditions change. One word there: layers.

Base layers can make or break you so I'd suggest you keep your eye out for some merino wool bases. You won't regret it. Camofire has Core4 Element regularly and that is nice stuff. Polyester bases layers like Under Armour and others stinks! It traps bacteria and causes odor... big time. The merino is not only comfortable but it stays odor free incredibly long. I think it's one area where you should spend a few more bucks insead of wearing cheaper long underwear.

For everything else just look for polyester and there is lots of less expensive stuff out there beside all these big names you keep hearing. If you plan on hunting really cold weather my choice is heavier wool for an outer layer.

For outer layers, especially pants, one main criteria is durable. I'm sure you'll get many suggestions on here for those. Kryptek makes a durable pant. Had a friend who guides and likes his. You can sometimes save money on outerwear by buying solid colors like olive green etc instead of camo.

Mid layers just need to trap air. Like a quilted vest or lightweight jacket, that goes in between bases and outer before you would have a need for heavier outer layers. Mid layers can actually be outer layers if there's no need for anything more. Those can be heavier polyester shirts/hoodies maybe one of the heavier Under Armour shirts etc as well as a lightweight down. Don't let the down get wet!

The last thing is rain gear. Just like the base layer this can make or break you. Number one criteria should be 100% waterproof and forget about how nice it's supposed to breath. Breathing is hogwash and that softshell stuff wicks water up the sleeves and cuffs so nothing else matters. In this department you definitely want to buy the best you can afford. A suggestion would be Helly Hansen Impertech. Waterproof, durable, stretchy so you can walk!

Yes clothes should be considered important. But you don't have to get a 2nd job to pay for a brand name. If you are cold or wet... or too hot, you're hunt is doomed. I'd say more often than not people dress to warm before they dress too lightly.

[bowhunter99]

For anyone near the Gander Mountain in Denver metro area, I just stopped by the one in Aurora and they have a lot of their camo 50% off. Some of it is cotton but quite a bit of it are the synthetics. Even some Scentloc. I don't wear that as it's too warm during archery, but figured some will. Also some rain gear on sale.
Thought someone might be interested

[pointysticks]

Lark buddy.

what size are you? pant and jacket?

[pointysticks]

i think RiversWest is very good stuff, and should meet your budget.

i've tried some of the stuff on and it is very Sitka like. (sitka light?)

and you should see the stuff for sale over at Rokslide.com. everyone is selling stuff..i think they are chasing some fashion ghost..you could save A LOT of dough if you buy used..

and KUIU has a factory seconds bin..if you ever want me to go and rummage thru the pile for you..i'd be happy to. most of the stuff is return stuff because the sizing is off..you would be taking a chance because i think there is no exchange/returns..but you save more than 50%.. i could rummage and have them put it aside for you to pay and they ship...just a thought.

[Elkduds]

The Rivers west online retailer, Cascade Direct, is having a clearance sale on last year's Rivers West clothing- more than 50% off in most cases. I wasn't really shopping, but I think I am now.

http://www.cascadedirect.net/productcar ... ategory=33

[WapitiTalk1]

The Rivers west online retailer, Cascade Direct, is having a clearance sale on last year's Rivers West clothing- more than 50% off in most cases. I wasn't really shopping, but I think I am now.

http://www.cascadedirect.net/productcar ... ategory=33

Wow! Some killer deals there for sure. I have a Rivers West Backcountry SE Jacket that I really like.

[Lark Bunting]

Lark buddy.

what size are you? pant and jacket?

32ish waiste x 32-34 length, depends on the brand of pants. I'm between a medium and large jacket. Again, depends on the jacket. I'm 5'-11" 162#.

I will check out those other sites posted and I will go check out Gander this weekend. I bought my wife a plane ticket to go see her family in FL. I deserve some camo.

[Elkduds]

Sportsman's Warehouse carries Rivers West.

[Elkduds]

Close to pulling the trigger on the Rivers West Spider jacket, $80 on clearance @ Cascade Direct. Any better ideas?

[timberland]

Yesterday picked up the tech2o rain gear at gander 50% off. Its nice enough I will probably use it as a light jacket for cool mornings. Jacket was $59 and the pants $55