lets talk merino wool cold weather gear

[speck1]

First Lite.

[bk_tradguy88]

The key IMO to being prepared for that weather and warmer is proper layers. The best hunting money I ever spent was to break down and buy some good wool outer layers, but I still suffered some. I had the same cheap base layers with good wool over that. I purchased a good set of fleece base layers last year and it made a great difference. I wear the cabelas polar weight fleece base layers when it is really getting cold, or under armor base layers when it isn't too bad. Then I have a fleece lined shirt jacket, a heavyweight wool sweater, cabelas outfitter series wool pants and vest, natural gear 4 in 1 parka, and a Fred asbell wool hoodie. I can combine these in different ways to handle some colds sits and not be too bulky.

Bowhunting and rifle hunting I change the combination some. If I am sitting in a rifle blind I will generally pack in my heavier layers and then put them on at the blind, and I will usually add a little more to not worry about getting cold. Doesn't hurt me to not be as flexible sitting in a rifle blind. I don't have pretty box blinds with heaters. Just a chair and brush piled up.
B

[TxHunter06]

i got midweight top and bottoms from Minus33 for my Montana hunt last year. Awesome stuff! No itch and super warm.

X2 this is what I got 2 years ago. They are awesome and half the price of first lite.

[JES]

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?

You need both layers. I've hunted in KS and our place is North of Abilene in Aspermont, I understand it gets cold up there. You really need both layers for it to be effective.

[LivinADream]

You need both layers. I've hunted in KS and our place is North of Abilene in Aspermont, I understand it gets cold up there. You really need both layers for it to be effective.

I think this is the answer I was looking for. I had no doubt adding wool to the wardrobe would be a great advantage, just didn't know if I needed one layer, 2 layers, or which layer if only one... Thanks for all of the replies as they have all been helpful. Now to break out the pocket book.

[TxHunter06]

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.

What brand of silk and where are you buying it from? I've been looking for some silk layers but there are allot of choices lol

[TxAg]

i got midweight top and bottoms from Minus33 for my Montana hunt last year. Awesome stuff! No itch and super warm.

This

[TWP]

I love my Sitka and First Lite gear, but don't sleep on fleece if you are whitetail hunting. Good fleece with wind stopper is awful tough to beat. As for stand hunting the new Sitka whitetail/fleece stuff looks awesome.

[TWP]

I also have a couple pieces of the Kelvin insulation that is pretty tough to beat, IMO

[Dejashoot]

Light silk weight first layer. Middle weight merino wool mid-later. Heavy water and wind proof outer layer. Don't overlook a Mr Buddy heater if you are going to sit in a popup. It can keep you warm! Also allows just a light later that isn't restrictive of motion.

[JES]

What brand of silk and where are you buying it from? I've been looking for some silk layers but there are allot of choices lol

It's not really silk, it's a very thin layer of Merino wool, just feels like silk.

The brand I have is Ulvang, not sure you can get it here in the U.S.

[fulmer34]

Tagged

[Mayhem]

lets talk merino wool cold weather gear

I have the minus 33, mid weight base layer and it is fantastic. After a week of wearing it hunting if virtually had zero oder to it. My under armour cold hear stinks after one hunt.

[LivinADream]

alright well i ordered a lightweight base layer pant, and midweight top from minus 33. i like their prices a lot better than the first lite. will get more when i get out of the doghouse for this order.

[joebriles]

I got a set of these a couple of years ago in the bargin cave during the summer time for around $85 for the set. I have hunted in a tree stand and a tripod when it was in the 20's. The only thing cold on me was my feet and my hands. (Thin under armour gloves and non insulated rubber boots to thank for that) I have never worn any of the expensive Merino wool so I couldn't tell you how it would compare. I did however read somewhere that it is too warm to wear in Texas. But what I can tell you is if your hunting in a box blind don't turn your heater on. You will sweat your rear off.