Camo that isn't big bucks

[Redmondbrewer]

Anyone have any suggestions for some hunting camo that isn't going to make my wife cringe and start an argument due to the price? I realize that the sitka, first lite...stuff is really good and you get what you pay for but for the average hunter with 2 little kids and not a lot of spending money, it just isn't feasible. Has anybody found a company/brand that they thing is near comparable but won't make me feel like I'm neglecting my family? Seems to me like the cost of some of this stuff has gotten out of hand.

[saddlesore]

Might try Army surplus stores. If I were on a limited budget, camo would be the last thing on my list

[Swede]

Most of the stuff I have is really garden variety clothes. I have bought camo from MalWart in the winter when it is on sale. I also find some at garage sales. I get good long underwear and rain gear but the most is Cheap. For me it works as well as the high priced stuff especially in a tree stand. Sometimes my wife alters it a little on the sewing machine. I have been know to try my hand at sewing too, but when it needs to be 100% I ask her to take over. I like the sleeve and torso to fit real well and not be baggy. Most camo is designed good enough for bow hunters, but some is not. Camofire on here has some great prices and they are 100% quick and reliable. Check their site a couple of time each day for their specials.

[Elkduds]

Look for Sitka/Core4 etc used @ WT sponsor Camofire, or Rokslide classifieds. Pants, jackets, raingear in the $50 range. Base layers $20ish. WT sponsor Cabela's bargain cave as well. Understand the best gear will last a decade or more, and may have a lifetime warranty. Buy once, cry once.

[WapitiTalk1]

No, it doesn't have to be super duper top of the line name brand stuff to get the job done (I agree its very expensive) but the Pnuma, Sitka, Kuiu, Core4, etc., is really good stuff that will last a lifetime, literally. The Army BDUs worked fine for me for many years (as Saddlesore mentioned). Like Elkduds mentioned, great deals can be found on used high end clothing by shopping around (either new or pre-owned). It seems gear and hunting clothing addicts (for the lack of a better term) are always searching/buying the latest and greatest and are willing to part with their old gear at significant discounts. All this said, I have a pretty good handful of camo clothing I was going to send on its way (some Russell Outdoors, Cabelas, and a lot of off name brand stuff). If you're interested, I'll run through my hunt clothes closet this weekend and see what kind of a stack I have that you may be interested in? Mostly XL stuff although I'm not XL . I too, have went a bit nuts over the past few years with hunting clothing (Sitka mostly but getting ready to purchase a handful of items of the Pnuma gear). RJ

[Brendan]

Kuiu is good stuff, tends to be a little cheaper. I second Camofire or the Rokslide classifieds.

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

Elk don't care what you look like. As mentioned, BDU's are just fine. Often as not, I find myself wearing old faded blue jeans and a long sleave camo T-shirt.

[Redmondbrewer]

No, it doesn't have to be super duper top of the line name brand stuff to get the job done (I agree its very expensive) but the Pnuma, Sitka, Kuiu, Core4, etc., is really good stuff that will last a lifetime, literally. The Army BDUs worked fine for me for many years (as Saddlesore mentioned). Like Elkduds mentioned, great deals can be found on used high end clothing by shopping around (either new or pre-owned). It seems gear and hunting clothing addicts (for the lack of a better term) are always searching/buying the latest and greatest and are willing to part with their old gear at significant discounts. All this said, I have a pretty good handful of camo clothing I was going to send on its way (some Russell Outdoors, Cabelas, and a lot of off name brand stuff). If you're interested, I'll run through my hunt clothes closet this weekend and see what kind of a stack I have that you may be interested in? Mostly XL stuff although I'm not XL . I too, have went a bit nuts over the past few years with hunting clothing (Sitka mostly but getting ready to purchase a handful of items of the Pnuma gear). RJ

Thanks for the offer but I have similar stuff, I think I get caught up in all of the kuiu, merino wool and sitka ads thinking "I have to have it". I agree with the quality stuff last a long time theory, I'm just not in a financial position to purchase it yet. Thanks for the offer

[Swede]

Elk don't care what you look like. As mentioned, BDU's are just fine. Often as not, I find myself wearing old faded blue jeans and a long sleave camo T-shirt.

Absolutely correct. The elk like plaid as much as any other color scheme. I have wore the blue jeans and plaid shirt many times. I have been known to sit in my stand wearing blue jeans and a white tee shirt and killed an elk at the time too. I like some of the good camo out today as it dries quickly and helps with odor problems. Still who cares if you are warm, dry and not sweating profusely? Hunting is good.

[saddlesore]

Pretty much proven by the 50,000+ elk killed every year in Colorado by hunters wearing blaze orange. Most camo is sold because you can't hardly find any hunting close without it.

[Redmondbrewer]

I guess the camo thing is true, but I sweat pretty good and was thinking about smell. I suppose you could get clothing that is non camo (hiking apparel) that has the same wicking capability as some of these high end companies at a much lower cost.

[Heartwood]

If you work in a public service job,you can get a 40% discount on Sitka and others on Leo adventures website.

[Elkhunttoo]

Almost exactly a year ago I bought over $200 of camo from Walmart for around $25. Best archery hunter I have ever hunted with wore blue jeans and a camo t-shirt I bet he didn't pay 5 bucks for... all my hunting clothes I used on last years hunt including boots and both packs I used wouldn't add up to $100, don't tell that to the bull in my freezer though ... it comes down to needs or wants, I just taught a budgeting class in church last Sunday and with my life I don't feel at this point it's worth spending much on hunting gear. Every person is different and in a different situation though.

[stringunner]

I have to budget hunt as well. Too many mouths to feed at home. I watch camo fire often, between October and August a guy can pick up a piece here and there and come September be ready to go with some quality gear. I like good base layers, merino wool and a good vest, pants and shirts are secondary to those( meaning I won't spend as much) Socks and boots are equally as important to good base layers and a vest. I have spent way less by watching for good quality products on sale all year as opposed to just buying it all at once.

[Scorpyd shooter]

I like natgear camo

[Cbb]

I watch for sales.
Most of the chain stores have 50% off sales end of January through March. They usually get cleaned out quick of common sizes.

I bought a set every year for 3 years. Various scent lock scent blocker and even the off brand stuff. Never paid over 150 for jacket and pants combined. This past Christmas my wife spoiled me with a nice set of rain gear from Cabelas. So now I wear a set for a hunt or 2 then let them hang on the porch while I wear another set to keep scent down.

Camofire has some good deals. You just have to watch and be patient. I almost bought a set of Sitka gear a couple weeks ago. jacket and pants would have been about $240. I didnt think that was too bad. But I just sent Montana almost 1100$ so I held off.

[Rangerz]

Might take a look at King's Camo. Some decent mid range stuff and they sometimes have pretty good sales.

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

Like Elkhuntoo stated, "It all comes down to needs and wants"! And that is exactly why companies that are related to the hunting business are sticking it to us. They all know that there will always be guys out there that place wants over needs and a good sales pitch will sucker them in every time.

[Elkhunttoo]

Yep, every hunting trip I leave on I feel like I'm Forgetting something. So I make a quick list, ....license, tags, weapon, knive, headlight, TP.... I figure everything else is a luxurie

[Beendare]

Camo is WAY over rated. But fabric choice in the mtns is not. Many times on Archery hunts I will wear a solid pant with a camo shirt...and I've had elk walk within arms length of me.

I really like those TOL fabrics like Kuiu and Sitka on mtn hunts...they shine in the varying weather conditions.

That Microtex Cabelas sells can be bought for under $50 for a pair of pants [I think they still make it] The Tiburon stuff from Kuiu is good. I've heard buddies rave about the mtn pants Costco sells for like $29. What you get with the more expensive stuff is higher tech fabric with a little stretch...

A guy can buy excellent Merino base layers on Camo fire or Sierra trading for under $40.....

[ishy]

I feel your pain. I think that a lot of guys can't fathom that young families can't just go buy top end stuff even on sale. I don't think they comprehend that a tag and gas to use that tag are stretches to some budgets that strain relationships. I know I will get questioned a couple times a year if I really put family first. So ya I hit Walmart and Kmart every February and watch camofire and the bargain barn. My wife is a thrift store shopper/garage saler and has picked up gear and clothes throughout the year, some of it still with tags. One other plug is to look into Dave Ramsey or a similar program. It will help open your eyes to what you really need and what you can accomplish with a little restraint while your young.

[Wyo67]

Camo is WAY over rated. But fabric choice in the mtns is not. Many times on Archery hunts I will wear a solid pant with a camo shirt...and I've had elk walk within arms length of me.

I really like those TOL fabrics like Kuiu and Sitka on mtn hunts...they shine in the varying weather conditions.

That Microtex Cabelas sells can be bought for under $50 for a pair of pants [I think they still make it] The Tiburon stuff from Kuiu is good. I've heard buddies rave about the mtn pants Costco sells for like $29. What you get with the more expensive stuff is higher tech fabric with a little stretch...

A guy can buy excellent Merino base layers on Camo fire or Sierra trading for under $40.....

Agree 100%. I made the switch from cotton to the Kryptek brand clothing last year and was surprised at how well it worked and wished I had done so sooner. The ability of the clothing to keep wicking the sweat away will help keep you cooler during the warmer days and if you layer well, will help keep you warmer when the weather turns cooler.

I try to cycle through Camofire, Rokslide, Blackovis and the sale items on the Cabelas website a few times a week. Deals can be found if you're patient. Got a complete set of the Icebreaker merino from Cabelas last year for less than $50.

[CurlyTail]

Midway USA has some camo synthetic clothing for very reasonable, and the MAX-1 pattern I prefer for Elk hunting

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/939206313/midwayusa-mens-level-one-long-sleeve-base-layer-shirt?color=Realtree+Max-1+XT

[Stick]

[quote="Beendare"]Camo is WAY over rated. But fabric choice in the mtns is not.

And that my friends is the gospel. Camo you can make your argument.....fabric is where the difference becomes stark reality.

[Redmondbrewer]

This post is great!! I already found some good deals after tracking down some of your leads. I like the comment that camo isn't as important as material......do ya'll have a favorite material? seems like the Merino is the spendy stuff. Is it worth the money or have ya'll found other less expensive materials like polyester work just fine?

[WapitiTalk1]

This post is great!! I already found some good deals after tracking down some of your leads. I like the comment that camo isn't as important as material......do ya'll have a favorite material? seems like the Merino is the spendy stuff. Is it worth the money or have ya'll found other less expensive materials like polyester work just fine?

Merino wool is top notch fabric for hunting applications for many reasons, poly or poly blend is great also (both wick moisture, breath, and dry easily/well).

[saddlesore]

At times ,Costco has Merino wool /poly blend of base layers, very very low price.

They had straight poly ones for about $7 a top or bottom this past year. It wasn't as good a quality as the merino blend.Worked great though.
Can't beat the price of their merino wool blend socks either

[rkieson]

Merino is best base layer. Ordered some from LL Bean 2 years ago, just b/c needed new long johns. Was difficult to spend $60.00 for undershirt. It is worth every penny. Look for sales and can find more reasonably priced. Will never have any other base.

[Lefty]

Just wait for sales Ive bought Sitka, Kui for 1/2 price. All my Kings camo from some sale or another. But don't forget Cabelas either. Ihave some laate 90 poly base layers slightly heavier than marino wool , but near 20 years old and performs well layered
My wife just put n another zipper on a purchased in 1993 Cabelas fleece,.. tough as nails Ive worn out two pairs of Carhart bibs over that sweatshirt, Ive been trying to wear it out,.. it just wont
My daughter works at Sportsmans warehouse. Some customers claim the Rustic Ridge is a good performer.

Ther are some no-name brands , while it may not perform like the high dollar gear some gets close for a fraction . Someone mentioned the Costco wool poly blend truely a great buy
While high tech closes are far above outer and under wear of old You still need layers

[scrubs]

Not camo, but reasonably priced wool base layer https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/us/ca ... aselayers/

[saddlesore]

Don't buy any Cabelas clothes with plastic zippers. They don't last

[Lefty]

While at the sportsman expo I picked up rain bibs that list for $190 for $50 from Kings check their on line clearances

[Tigger]

I would add the Cabelas bargain cave to the list of places to check out.

I wholeheartedly agree on the material being the most important. I have gotten Sitka stuff on clearance/bargain cave/camofire and I LOVE it for the fabric. My hunting buddies and I all agreed it is like hunting in your jammies it is so comfy.

Merino doesn't retain odors (doesn't stink). Poly stinks to high heaven after a day or 2. that is the big difference. Merino has more insulating value also per unit weight.

Somebody mentioned it and I will second the motion.....vests rock! A great way to add or subtract a little warmth and not restrict movement.

I tried the Cabelas microfiber and hated the fit, which if kind of funny since I am pretty average size (5' 10" 185) and most things fit me well.

[Elkduds]

Best $20 warm weather pants you will ever own (not camo): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZbWkY0JT9A

Good deal on quality softshell jackets today: https://www.camofire.com/index.php/Deals/11

[Redmondbrewer]

http://www.kingscamo.com/Featured_c_224.html?=banner

Kings Camo Spring cleaning....70% off

[WhoDey78]

I just posted some Sitka camo in classified forum if you're still looking.