I have struggle to find the right mid layer piece. I am very happy with my base layers witch mostly consist of merino wool and fleece vests. Most of the merino is First Lite, a few are Black Ovis. I am very happy with my bibs and jacket, which are the First Lite Solitude set. With my base layer options and the puffy vest I tend to wear under my Solitude jacket, I can comfortably hunt most conditions in south/central Illinois. I have been struggling to find that piece when I need a little more than the base layer but not quite needing the solitude jacket. A light weight jacket that blocks the wind would be great and I think would fill my gap, but it needs to be silent. The puffy jacket thread got me really thinking about this again. A puffy would fit this spot well, if it were silent, but it is not silent enough as an outer layer. I have been searching for this piece for a while, but have not found one that fits this need. Any suggestions?
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Mid Layer Piece
- Thread starter Diesel40
- Start date
That is a tough one. I have some great mid-layers that I love but they are not windproof. The Stratus jacket from Sitka is windproof and quiet but maybe a little bulkier than you'd like but also a bit similar to the Solitude. Not sure I don't know much about the FL stuff. Interested to see what others recommend. I am a Sitka guy and can't think of anything off the top of my head from them that would be quiet enough for you.
Not exactly a mid layer. But I used a cycling vest as a wind proof layer this season and was happily surprised. I thought it would be negligible but it made a big difference. I’m usually wearing it under a heavy shirt or fleece jacket.
Not wind proof, but I really like a fleece pullover as a mid layer. Doesn't weight anything, packs to nothing, and is pretty warm between good base layers and a windproof outer layer. I like my outer layer wind/waterproof.
Not wind proof, but warm and packable. I have thee vest and use it as a mid-layer.
Men's PrimaLoft Packaway Jacket | Insulated Jackets at L.L.Bean (llbean.com)
Men's PrimaLoft Packaway Jacket | Insulated Jackets at L.L.Bean (llbean.com)
If you have a puffy you love, try layering a light fleece, cotton, or wool layer over the top for muffling the noise of the puffy. If not, this Hunting Hoody thread has lots of great discussion about similar items.
I don't have a lot of high-end camo clothing. I tend to just layer backpacking/outdoors clothing underneath a camo outer layer. So I will second what @TNbowhunter said about adding any puffy you like under a fleece or wool camo jacket.
For early- to mid-season, I have a cheap softshell camo jacket that's lined with piled fleece--I think it's a Rocky brand, maybe--and I just add a merino base layer or maybe a base layer + fleece underneath it. There's a wide variety of different softshell materials, some much louder than others, but this one is plenty quiet for my needs, and it does a good job of cutting wind and shedding a little light drizzle.
For later in the season, I have a bibs/coat combo from Bass Pro or Cabelas. The jacket is a 3-in-1 with an outer waterproof shell and an inner insulating jacket. I remove the inner jacket and instead wear a North Face down puffy with hood. I actually love the hood! I don't wear it a lot because I want to hear everything I can, but when it's really cold and the wind feels like it's getting around my neck, that hood is the best thing in the world!
For early- to mid-season, I have a cheap softshell camo jacket that's lined with piled fleece--I think it's a Rocky brand, maybe--and I just add a merino base layer or maybe a base layer + fleece underneath it. There's a wide variety of different softshell materials, some much louder than others, but this one is plenty quiet for my needs, and it does a good job of cutting wind and shedding a little light drizzle.
For later in the season, I have a bibs/coat combo from Bass Pro or Cabelas. The jacket is a 3-in-1 with an outer waterproof shell and an inner insulating jacket. I remove the inner jacket and instead wear a North Face down puffy with hood. I actually love the hood! I don't wear it a lot because I want to hear everything I can, but when it's really cold and the wind feels like it's getting around my neck, that hood is the best thing in the world!
I need to go through this thread. I had checked it out before, it might have some options to my situation. Thanks
As I am reading through everyone’s responses, I realize it I am looking for something more like the perfect hunting hoodie. Something that can be a standalone outer garment, that does help block or at least reduce the wind chill. But also that will layer under my jacket. It would be great to find a hoodie like garment that is light and blocks the wind while being silent.
It’s tough finding the perfect piece but even tougher recommending one because everyone’s level of comfort in different temperatures varies so much. I’m running mostly First Lite now but I had Sitka in the past.
Without a doubt, my favorite Sitka piece was the Celsius Midi Jacket. It’s basically a puffy with a softer and quieter outer material. I wore that thing almost every hunt from 55° - 20° either as an outer or layering piece. It isn’t wind proof but it’s not bulky at all, knocks the chill off as an outer, and is the best layering piece I’ve ever had.
I have the First Lite Uncompahgre jacket and hoped it would be similar but it’s apples to oranges. I like the Uncomp, a lot actually, but it’s way noisier. I’ll throw a Kiln hoody over top the Uncomp just to quiet it down. It’s also much bulkier. Great jacket, but not as versatile, quiet, and tough as the Celsius Midi.
I sold the Midi along with the rest of my Sitka and I’ve regretted parting with that jacket ever since. If I ever come across a good deal I’ll buy another. Just my .2¢.
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Without a doubt, my favorite Sitka piece was the Celsius Midi Jacket. It’s basically a puffy with a softer and quieter outer material. I wore that thing almost every hunt from 55° - 20° either as an outer or layering piece. It isn’t wind proof but it’s not bulky at all, knocks the chill off as an outer, and is the best layering piece I’ve ever had.
I have the First Lite Uncompahgre jacket and hoped it would be similar but it’s apples to oranges. I like the Uncomp, a lot actually, but it’s way noisier. I’ll throw a Kiln hoody over top the Uncomp just to quiet it down. It’s also much bulkier. Great jacket, but not as versatile, quiet, and tough as the Celsius Midi.
I sold the Midi along with the rest of my Sitka and I’ve regretted parting with that jacket ever since. If I ever come across a good deal I’ll buy another. Just my .2¢.
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Kuiu Kenai is a very quiet puffy with synthetic fill. I have a vest and it's light, warm, damn near windproof and quiet. I also love their Peloton 97 as a mid layer when I don't need wind resistance and their Strongfleece 260 when I want more warmth and some wind blocking. The Peloton 240 is another vaible option with solid wind blocking capability. I have that vest as well. I think all are a great deal when you can catch them on sale and Vias and Valo are great patterns too.
I've never had a need to do this for a hunting situation so keep that in mind....I never even thought about it till reading this thread
Whenever it's cold and we're going out deep sea fishing I will put on a frog tog ultralight jacket and pants on as a midlayer for the ride out. I got a set 1 size smaller than I would normally buy so they are a little more fitted. I normally wear a large shirt/jacket and if I wear that large as an outer layer it loud as heck flapping in the wind. But the smaller size as a midlayer is 100 windproof, pretty warm, breathable, and with a regular cotton or fleece on top of it it's quiet....the large is just too billowy to wear under something else.
I never thought of using it as a layer for hunting before but now that I thinking about it I'm definetly gonna experiment
Whenever it's cold and we're going out deep sea fishing I will put on a frog tog ultralight jacket and pants on as a midlayer for the ride out. I got a set 1 size smaller than I would normally buy so they are a little more fitted. I normally wear a large shirt/jacket and if I wear that large as an outer layer it loud as heck flapping in the wind. But the smaller size as a midlayer is 100 windproof, pretty warm, breathable, and with a regular cotton or fleece on top of it it's quiet....the large is just too billowy to wear under something else.
I never thought of using it as a layer for hunting before but now that I thinking about it I'm definetly gonna experiment
Not sure how you feel about hoodies, but check out Kings Camo Anorak:
www.kingscamo.com
It’s wind blocking, not sure if it would have enough insulation for Illinois but it’s got high loft fleece. It’s sold out now, they’re supposed to be releasing a newer version come fall that’s lighter.
I have a Scentlok piece I really like but it’s not windproof. I’ve worn it in light wind and it did fine but I bet if it was windier you’d need a vest over the top. It’s got 133g of primaloft.
www.scentlok.com
XKG Wind-Defender Anorak
The XKG Wind-Defender Anorak is an uncompromising soft shell hybrid outer layer made with a unique, innovative fabric. The woven stretch polyester face fabric is bonded with a pile fleece backing to create a highly wind resistant and moisture-wicking thermal jacket. Water Resistant and Windproof...
www.kingscamo.com
I have a Scentlok piece I really like but it’s not windproof. I’ve worn it in light wind and it did fine but I bet if it was windier you’d need a vest over the top. It’s got 133g of primaloft.
BE:1 Reactor Jacket | Insulated Hunting Jackets for Cold Weather | ScentLok
The BE:1 Reactor Jacket is the bowhunter's solution to on-demand insulation without the noise of traditional puff jackets. Order insulated hunting jackets from ScentLok!
www.scentlok.com
I am currently re-reviewing the hoodie thread that is active right now to see if I can find something. I have been looking at anorak.Not sure how you feel about hoodies, but check out Kings Camo Anorak:
It’s wind blocking, not sure if it would have enough insulation for Illinois but it’s got high loft fleece. It’s sold out now, they’re supposed to be releasing a newer version come fall that’s lighter.XKG Wind-Defender Anorak
The XKG Wind-Defender Anorak is an uncompromising soft shell hybrid outer layer made with a unique, innovative fabric. The woven stretch polyester face fabric is bonded with a pile fleece backing to create a highly wind resistant and moisture-wicking thermal jacket. Water Resistant and Windproof...
I have a Scentlok piece I really like but it’s not windproof. I’ve worn it in light wind and it did fine but I bet if it was windier you’d need a vest over the top. It’s got 133g of primaloft.
BE:1 Reactor Jacket | Insulated Hunting Jackets for Cold Weather | ScentLok
The BE:1 Reactor Jacket is the bowhunter's solution to on-demand insulation without the noise of traditional puff jackets. Order insulated hunting jackets from ScentLok!
I hunt southern Illinois & use the first lite furnace base layers. The furnace & klamath quarter zip get me through most of the season. A lot of times it's too hot so I'll just wear a t shirt & the klamath. If it is colder or windy I put the solitude jacket on & am good to go.
I do have a Pnuma heated vest that I wear if it's really cold & it is awesome. Helps keep the bulk down.
I do have a Pnuma heated vest that I wear if it's really cold & it is awesome. Helps keep the bulk down.
Your setup isn't much different than mine. I have several of the FS shirts - Wick, Kiln, Chama and 2 older ones; one t-shirt and one long sleeve but I cannot remember the names. I wear a combination of these depending on the temps. Those in combo with a cheap Cabela's fleece vest and my solitude set I can hunt through November. I do not have a Klamath and have almost pulled the trigger on it a couple of times. It just never felt like the right piece. Does it cut the wind? I'm looking for something like that, but that cuts the wind and can still layer under my solitude jacket.
One of my favorite go-to's ...