[Tommy Gun]

I was trying to get my Christmas wish list together and thought you folks may have some good advice. I am interested in some good cold weather clothing for late deer season hunting and something to use into the winter for varmints, etc.. While looking at the Cabelas web site they list all kinds of options. Wool vs. synthetic fibers, different patterns, some are better in the wet weather then others and "system garments" all with expensive price tags.....;G

What would work well and be a good value? What do you use and what would you use if you could afford it?

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...inCatcat470076

[Dan]

I bought the Cabelas Polar Tech insulated underwear and like them a lot. First time this year I used them, I felt a difference.

[MI10mm]

I'd look for clothing with a waterproof/breatheable insert such as Gore Tex for the outergarment. You can find other names for these membranes, but being waterproof AND breatheable is the most important thing to look for. If you happen to sweat while walking to your stand, the Gore Tex ( or whatever you choose) will let you dry off, without getting cold and clammy. It is also windproof. My whole hunting outfit is Gore Tex lined, from my boots to my hat. It makes a BIG difference when hunting. MI10mm

[tjpet]

Get a set of original weight silk underwear. Lets you move and shoot without being bulky. Very comfortable and lightweight. Silk will help retain body heat and wick perspiration away but is not the best choice if you sit on stand for hours at a time. Best for someone who sits and moves from time to time. About $40 for a top and bottom.

Other then that I wear jeans, a lightweight down jacket, Sorrel boots, and a wool watch cap. For camo I bought a surplus East German winter cloth poncho (white backround sprinkled with conifer boughs/needles) that goes on or off in a second. Provides plenty of cover in most winter settings. Paid $14 through a surplus store.

[treemanjohn]

www.kingofthemountain.com . I was Gore-tex all the way before I found wool. You'll pay maybe a little more for wool, but you'll be silent in the woods and always warm and dry.

[Elk Hunter]

I recomend wool also.Keeps you warm even when it gets wet.Check for military surplus or a Woolridge outlet store for the best deals.

[A.F. Lineman]

I would recomend Wool also. Or at least some of the soft coverings over the gortex. You really need to feel and try on the items before you buy them Look around at some of the local stores. Mosttimes you can get them for the same price or cheaper than mailorser with shipping.

[ithaca_deerslayer]

Layers.

Do you ski? I've got tons of cold weather stuff from skiing.

When I want to be warm, I mix and match different sizes. Tighter fitting stuff on first, then loose fitting stuff on top of that.

For example, I have a pair of gore-tex insulated hunting pants that are loose. I also have an old ski jacket that is loose. That stuff goes on the outside. Underneath goes an old pair of tighter fitting ski pants and a heavy wool flannel shirt that fits over a turtleneck sweatshirt.

Of course, you also need a fleece neck gaiter to pull up over your face, or one of those foam face masks. I have an oversize cabelas hunting cap with ear flaps. Under that goes an insulted skull cap (I think it was made to fit under ski helmuts).

Gore-tex insulated ski gloves are a must. Mine are camo, of course. Gloves have to be gore-tex, or else they get damp and fingers get cold. Other things don't have to be gore-tex if you can't afford it, but it is always nice to have. I at least like some kind windbreak and water shedding material on the outside. Doesn't have to be water proof, because snow won't likely melt through it. I don't like wool for an outer layer, I like it only as a middle layer.

Feet. I like the tall rubber boots (farm style) that have a thick felt liner inside. My feet don't get bothered by moisture, and the rubber is great in going through semi-frozen streams. Gore-tex boots are ok, but they are not as waterproof as rubber. Maybe initially, but after walking a season the gore-tex just won't be 100%. And of course the boots are slightly oversize so I can wear a heavy wool sock.

This get up protects me down to 0 for sitting still for up to four hours (more or less depending upon how close to 0).

For below 0, I find I just have to pack in some extra outerwear. One solution that works good is a heavy wool blanket to huddle under while you wait to ambush the big one!

Now, if we are talking about walking around, then ditch the middle layers, ditch the wool socks, the ski pants, the wool flannel, the face mask, then go out. Otherwise, you will overheat!

No matter what, don't have anything too tight. Tight = cold (if it is constricting your blood flow). That's why I find mixing and matching the way to go. Different sizes fit together and create warm layers that don't constrict.

[Tommy Gun]

Thanks for all the advice. You all seem to have your preferences and use what works. I have been using mix and match stuff over the years. I have used mostly wool items mixed with skiing gear. I have never owned or used Gortex before.

I did ask Santa for the Cabelas MT050 parka and bib. A lot of money for me! Anything could show up Christmass day. Woolrich, LL Bean, Codet, Wal-Mart, etc.. We will see.......

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/horizontal-pod.jhtml?id=0009892&navAction=push&navCount=3&indexId=cat470091&parentId=cat470091&parentType=index &rid=&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fcatalog%2Fpod-link.jhtml_A&_DAV=

Thanks again, and the best to you all in 2004!

[MarkCO]

I hunt elk, goose and pheasants from November to February in Colorado. In fact I just got back from elk hunting. I've tried about everything and hunted with folks trying everytihng else over the paast 25 years. Two things I know. First, not everytihng that works for one person works for another. You personal "thermostat" activity, tendency to sweat etc all come into play. Second, Cabela's dry Plus is the best stuff I have ever used and most of the folks that hunt that have tried it stick with it. It is quiet, windproof (important) waterproof and relatively light for the amount of insulation you get. I have a jacket, a pants and two hooded pull-overs. I hunt in the hooded pullovers most of the time. I also really like Cabelas Quest boots. Good pants and jacekts are worthless if your feet (or your head) is freezing.

[anomad]

How cold are we talking? If its well below freezing gore tex is a waste, its even a problem in really cold temps as your body vapor will frost on the inside of the membrane, soon you'll be walking around in a giant ice cube.

I have found versatility is key. If you are wearing enough to be warm when stand or blind hunting, you'll roast with even the lightest activity. If you are chasing chukkars up and down the hills you will freeze if you stop walking.

Whatever material you choose, get something with lots of zippers and vents that can be opened and closed as your needs change. And wear layers that can come on and off without too much hassle.

[philkryder]

Originally posted by tjpet
Get a set of original weight silk underwear. ....

Where did you get the silks?

[onemilmhz]

Most of my hunting gear, cold weather or otherwise, either came from my days in the military or was handed down by my father-in-law. The best cold weather items in my closet are a pair of military issue poly-pro long underwear and the Rocky cold weather boots I was issued in Korea.

[modgun]

Yes sir, on that silk!

Ive got a few but the one that was handy to look at was just a cheap Eddie Bauer deal. Sure they sell it online too.

As was said, it really depends on what you mean by cold. Where I grew up it was regularly -40F, and not uncommon to go to -60F. Thats without wind.
After about 40 below it gets much harder to tell the temperature drop. Things start to break if it stays that cold long. But youd be surprised how well everyday things go on at -30 or -40.

Whatever you get make the first layer silk, especially if you go with wool!
And wear a hat.

[modgun]

And silk glove liners!

[modgun]

And silk glove liners!

[Tommy Gun]

Originally posted by anomad
How cold are we talking? If its well below freezing gore tex is a waste, its even a problem in really cold temps as your body vapor will frost on the inside of the membrane, soon you'll be walking around in a giant ice cube.

I have found versatility is key. If you are wearing enough to be warm when stand or blind hunting, you'll roast with even the lightest activity. If you are chasing chukkars up and down the hills you will freeze if you stop walking.

Whatever material you choose, get something with lots of zippers and vents that can be opened and closed as your needs change. And wear layers that can come on and off without too much hassle.

I figure the temps will range from 32 to 0 degrees F.

The venting advice and the point you make about "versatility" are sound but I am surprised to read that the Gortex will not breath as well as the manufacturer claims it will. This is the first time I have heard this. Does anyone else find that Gortex "frosts"?

[anomad]

Originally posted by Tommy Gun
I figure the temps will range from 32 to 0 degrees F.

You shouldn't have a problem with frosting at 0F or above. I've only experienced it below zero or in really strong winds where I was sweating pretty good. Its no fault on gore-tex's (or whatever brand) part, it happens when the condensation point is inside your shell. That is, if your shell is below freezing, when the water vapor from your body hits it, it condenses and freezes right there.

At 20-40F gore-tex is perfect! If Santa brought me an MT050 parka and bib I would be tickled. I have an older cabelas gore-tex bib and parka that kept me more than happy all winter in the lower 48.

[tjpet]

Originally posted by philkryder
Where did you get the silks?

They can be found through most of the big discount houses like Cabela's, Eddie Bauer's, etc.

Right now I'm getting mine through Sierra Traditions for under $30 per set (top and bottom.) These are sold as factory seconds but I've yet to see any difference except they're $10 cheaper.

Go to http://www.sierratradingpost.com to check them out.

[philkryder]

Originally posted by tjpet
They can be found through most of the big discount houses like Cabela's, Eddie Bauer's, etc.

Right now I'm getting mine through Sierra Traditions for under $30 per set (top and bottom.) These are sold as factory seconds but I've yet to see any difference except they're $10 cheaper.

Go to http://www.sierratradingpost.com to check them out.

Thanks!
That's about half what I paid for mine at LLBEAN.
I just ordered a couple more "before the hoarders get them!?!"

[OH37]

I didn't read every post, sorry if I repeat advice already given. I go with a polypropylene/wool blend longjohn against my skin. Inexpensive (K-Mart, Walmart, Meijer) I don't know what stores are around you. This will wick moisture away and create dead air space (which is the key to staying warm) Other than that, I use a lot of wool and fleece. (surplus stores and thrift stores to save money) Some other things to consider are a hand muff, neoprene socks, and at least 1000 gram thinsulate boots. (warm feet are critical to keep you in the woods-also, buy the boots a little big so they aren't too tight once you layer the socks)(remember-dead air space) Probably the most important thing that I've learned is called "warm air return". This basically means cover your nose and mouth with something, so you aren't breathing cold air straight in. You will be amazed at the difference this makes. If you are bowhunting, don't bulk up so much that you can't draw your bow. And buy quiet clothing!!! My deer tags are filled, but yesterday I was videoing for my uncle. He was all proud of his new snow-camo cold weather outer garment. Every time he moved, it sounded like rustling newspapers. If a deer would have showed up, I doubt he would've gotten drawn back undetected. The deer are VERY jumpy here after the gun season!!! Be safe!

[blackopsglock]

Having lived worked and played outdoors in horrid conditions in the past here are my 2 cents worth.

Layers. Lots of layers.
No cotton.None! Not at all.
Wiggy’s fishnet long johns (worth every penny)
Wool pants and jacket
Gore-Tex boots
Nylon or silk sock liners and wool socks. Seal skins work good too.
Gloves, glove liners and cut out shooting mitts made of wool.
Hat.Backlava (sp) around neck Watch cap on head. Pull Baklava over head for horrid conditions.

Layers! Did I mention layers?

[paynter2]

Wow! What one wears can vary so much with what one is doing. If I'm fishing in a late fall rain/wind, I want Gortex or Dryplus. When I was a kid running a chain saw to save money for college, I dressed completely different than I would for sitting on a deer stand. We used to go to work with those chainsaws if it was WARMER than -30F. Actually, the cold weather was easier on a guy than warm weather when the snow was melting. Then, one was wet all day long.

There was mention, in above posts, of wool. I'm a big fan of wool for most deer hunting that I do. Here's a link to a grea wool producer in northern MN. I use and love the stuff they make.

http://www.bemidjiwool.com/