im tired of freezing my butt off while hunting. going to bite the bullet on some good gear. ive been looking mostly at first lite base layers. i guess my question is, is a base layer what im looking for? i feel like i have some pretty decent outer layer clothing, but its missing something. is a good base layer going to be that extra "something" im looking for, or is my gear just not capable of keeping me warm? i hunted 2 weeks last year without seeing a temp above 29 degrees, actually 29 was warm for them 2 weeks. about 2 hours in the sit was about all i wanted. while these temps aren't the norm, i would like to be able to hunt them if need be. im also not interested in buying something that is useless unless it does get that cold, thus the reason for looking at the wool. what say you oh mighty green screeners?
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If you get some really good merino wool, two layers, it will make a huge difference. Get a very thin, silk like layer that goes against your skin and then on colder days a mid-weight layer. You won't need a heavy layer here in TX. Those two layers will make a world of difference. If you get too warm you can pull off the mid-weight and the thin will still keep you warm. You can't even imagine how well a quality merino system will help you until you wear it properly
I just returned from living in Norway and those people never leave the house without at least one layer on. They even wear it in the Summer!
Don't neglect your feet, same thing for socks, a thin bottom layer against your skin and then a kid-weight on top. Could go with a heavy weight instead of mid-weight if you are sitting on stand in the temps you mentioned.Last edited by JES; 09-28-2015, 06:57 PM. -
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Maybe not in south Texas but we have hunting days in the teens and 20's or colder every season in north Texas. The panhandle gets brutally cold too.Originally posted by JES View PostComment
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I don't know since I don't know about your other gear, but I bit the bullet 2 years ago and bought some light weight merino wool base layers, and now it is my go to stuff for all my hunting and outdoor cool to cold activities. It has a decent range of temperature that it is good for, but when it gets real cold, I have to put some mid layers on top of it. I have since bought more for me and my son to use. Lightweight and it does not stink... whats not to like?Comment
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That is what I was thinking. Temps in the 20s and 30s with a 20mph north wind isn't uncommon.Originally posted by Grayson View PostComment
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You just need the right stuff in layers. Gore-Tex outer layer cuts wind and breathes to let moisture out. Retained moisture gets you cold. A good warm under layer that isn't too tight is important. Don't wear anything anywhere that is so tight that it restricts your circulation. No tight boots. No tight long johns. No tight anything.
Keep your core warm. Keep your neck and head well-insulated. Wear merino wool socks under good boots with at least 600 gr Thinsulate and Gore-Tex (and keep them loose). Wear moisture wicking liner socks under the wool socks if your feet sweat. Don't wear boots with steel toes or rubber boots. That stuff is just cold.
Wear fleece as a middle layer, both on your legs and your upper body. I wear polypropelene or some other warm underwear top and bottom, fleece pants and jacket, and then camo pants and warm coat when it's sub-freezing. Liner gloves under thinsulate-insulated gloves, fleece neck gaitor/face mask, and a good warm head covering (usually a cap with a warm beanie of some sort on top that covers my ears).
I can sit all day in 10-20 degree weather like that. If I'm walking, I'll usually have to take a layer off and store it in my pack to keep from sweating too much. I'll put it back on after I sit again.
All you have to do is stay dry and layered up. South Texas apparel won't cut it in the Panhandle or Kansas.Comment
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I have worn synthetic until last year and dang near always got cold. Went to Merino Wool last year and the difference is unmatched. I am a firm believer! You said you don't want to get something that is useless unless the temp gets down low, I feel like there will always be a few of those pieces in your hunting gear for the simple fact we hunt in Texas. Early season I am dang sure not wearing my merino, (this weekend). I agree on above said comments about the silk weight as a next to skin with merino on top in colder situations. I think you'll be happy with your purchase.Comment
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i spend a lot of time hunting in ks, which is where this will be used most, i was just saying that a 29 degree high for 2 weeks isn't the norm. it is always quite a bit colder than what we're used to here. so if you were in my place, and could only afford 1 or the other right now, would you start with a base layer wool, or midweight?Comment
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I bought the First Lite Chama EXP and Allegeheny EXP for my mule deer hunt in New Mexico in mid November. Expensive but nice stuffComment
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I have used the merino wool base layers and know they work well. I hunt Kansas in mid November and nearly froze to death last year in some 10 degree weather. I have been looking at the First Lite sanctuary jacket to put over the merino. Has anyone had any experience with this jacket?Comment
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Midweight if you sit in a stand all the time. Light weight if you walk mostly.Originally posted by LivinADream View PostComment
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i got midweight top and bottoms from Minus33 for my Montana hunt last year. Awesome stuff! No itch and super warm.Comment
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It isn't great for bowhunting cold still days because it's a little crunchy, but my Arctic Shield pants, jacket, boot covers and gloves are crazy warm. I can't wear the coat walking to the stand because I sweat, even in freezing weather. I bought them all on Ebay at a great discount.Comment
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Check out the Camo fire app and steep & cheap app- usually have some good deals on merino woolComment
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