Need suggestions for WARM but thin/light clothing

[Black Titan]

Bout darn near froze myself today. Temp wasn't that cold at 54 degrees but the wind was non-stop ALL DAY LONG. Then it rained. It got so bad before I left that if a deer did walk by I probably couldn't have even drawn my bow. I had 2 layers up top, but nothing meant for cold weather. It's more mid grade stuff. Not for cold, but not for warm weather either.

My cold weather stuff is too bulky for saddle hunting. So what is a good gear choice for something saddle-friendly but that will also keep me toasty?

I've been home an hour and I'm still shivering from the inside out. And I'm normally a cold natured person. This is crazy.

BT

 

[jphillips97]

Whitetail Catalyst Bib Pant | First Lite

The Whitetail Catalyst Bib Pant is for serious whitetail hunters that demand high-end performance during early and mid-season conditions. It's ultra-quiet, durable, breathable, water-resistant, insulates, and breathes exceptionally well, making it a versatile option for a wide range of...

www.firstlite.com

Whitetail Catalyst Jacket | First Lite

The Whitetail Catalyst Jacket is for serious whitetail hunters that demand high-end performance during early and mid-season conditions. It's ultra-quiet, durable, breathable, water-resistant, insulates, and breathes exceptionally well, making it a versatile option for a wide range of...

www.firstlite.com

Plus a thin merino base layer

 

[Kayl]

The First Lite source jacket (https://www.firstlite.com/products/source-jacket.html) is awesome. I had it last year and loved it. Super packable and light weight. It is not a windstop layer though. If you use the source jacket and the solitude vest (https://www.firstlite.com/products/mens-solitude-insulated-vest.html) you can be good down to 20° with regular layers underneath IMO

Another option might just be the solitude jacket.

Men's Solitude Insulated Jacket | First Lite

As part of the do-it-all Solitude System, the Men's Solitude Jacket is made for the heart of the whitetail season and features our 2-layer softshell exterior that makes your movements dead-silent, 37.5 synthetic insulation that will help regulate your body temperature, and our KitLink™ pass-thru...

www.firstlite.com

Edit: I like to layer the Ridgeline qz under my source jacket as a wind barrier. Works well.

Men's Ridgeline QZ Pullover | First Lite

The Ridgeline QZ Pullover is the ideal layer for hunters who want additional protection from thick brush and wind, but don't want a suffocating fabric that'll eventually have you in an all-out sweat. The Ridgeline finds a critical balance of performance, durability, and packability using...

www.firstlite.com

 

[jphillips97]

Men's Kiln Boot Top Bottom | First Lite

If you're looking for a true ace-of-spades in your layering system, look no further. From September elk to January mallards, the Men's Kiln Boot Top is the do-it-all bottom of hunting clothing.

www.firstlite.com

Men's Kiln Quarter Zip | First Lite

Using our soft Merino-X fabric, a mid-coverage collar, and a zippered neck, the Kiln Quarter Zip is an essential tool for your hunting kit. Worn as either a first or second layer, it's guaranteed to keep you comfortable and odor-free all season long.

www.firstlite.com

Yes, I like First Lite gear

 

[Black Titan]

Men's Kiln Boot Top Bottom | First Lite

If you're looking for a true ace-of-spades in your layering system, look no further. From September elk to January mallards, the Men's Kiln Boot Top is the do-it-all bottom of hunting clothing.

www.firstlite.com

Men's Kiln Quarter Zip | First Lite

Using our soft Merino-X fabric, a mid-coverage collar, and a zippered neck, the Kiln Quarter Zip is an essential tool for your hunting kit. Worn as either a first or second layer, it's guaranteed to keep you comfortable and odor-free all season long.

www.firstlite.com

Yes, I like First Lite gear

Whitetail Catalyst Bib Pant | First Lite

The Whitetail Catalyst Bib Pant is for serious whitetail hunters that demand high-end performance during early and mid-season conditions. It's ultra-quiet, durable, breathable, water-resistant, insulates, and breathes exceptionally well, making it a versatile option for a wide range of...

www.firstlite.com

Whitetail Catalyst Jacket | First Lite

The Whitetail Catalyst Jacket is for serious whitetail hunters that demand high-end performance during early and mid-season conditions. It's ultra-quiet, durable, breathable, water-resistant, insulates, and breathes exceptionally well, making it a versatile option for a wide range of...

www.firstlite.com

Plus a thin merino base layer

Yeeeouch! I'm sure it's probably worth it, but that's almost $800 for 4 articles of clothing!

That's definitely not in my budget. Any cheaper recommendations?

BT

 

[jphillips97]

Yeeeouch! I'm sure it's probably worth it, but that's almost $800 for 4 articles of clothing!

That's definitely not in my budget. Any cheaper recommendations?

BT

I have bought cheep in the past and have regretted it.... I have given First Lite a ridiculous amount of my money the last 2 years but I think they are the best hunting clothes I have worn, but I know it is high. Some guys sell used on the classifieds here.

For less money

Men's Furnace Zip Off Boot Top | First Lite

Made with our 350g merino wool, the First Lite's Furnace Zip Off Boot Top bottoms give you warmth in the coldest of temps and versatility at all times of the day. The Zip-Off feature of this hunting base layer allows you to easily put them on or take them off without removing your boots or pants...

www.firstlite.com

Men's Furnace Quarter Zip | First Lite

Whether you are down to the closing bell in the treestand or trying to punch a late-season elk tag, First Lite's Furnace Quarter Zip is the perfect tool to keep you in the game during cold weather. Our Merino-X 350g EXP weight fabric provides lofted insulation and comfort in the toughest of...

www.firstlite.com

This is a thicker base layer and then put whatever you have over it. Pair it with some good wool socks. I think quality base layers are critical

 

[Jtaylor]

Maybe try some heated gear? I have a cheapo puffy down jacket from Costco thats light and packable and can get me down close to freezing with maybe a heated vest and some polypro bottoms. Any colder and windier I've went to the IWOM suit.

 

[thedutchtouch]

Check out meriwool for base layers. @GCTerpfan reccomended them a while ago and I'm a big fan.

 

[Cajunyankee]

Adding this under your outer layer will stop the wind in those situations for under $35

Port Authority Men's Core Soft Shell Vest https://a.co/d/ibE10Ks

 

[VASteve]

Adding this under your outer layer will stop the wind in those situations for under $35

Port Authority Men's Core Soft Shell Vest https://a.co/d/ibE10Ks

I second the vests. I have a thin fleece one for the earlier season then a medium thick one with wool for mid season and a heated one for really cold stuff. Allows arm movement for shooting the bow and are easily packable so if you don't need it, it can stay in the pack.

 

[Plebe]

Any top and bottom with a membrane that blocks the wind is a start. Keep in mind water repellency and fabric noise.
Next consider your insulation needs. This all can come in a single packaged product, or shells and layers.

@Maverick1 has a chart about CLO values of insulation that you can look up. @ricky racer will point you to Wiggy’s Lamilite insulating layers like the liner jacket for outstanding value.

A heated vest, as suggested, might be worth a look, if in the budget.

I like bibs, which prevent a draft.

Brand really only matters for fit, construction, and ergonomics. You can get the right materials you need across clothing made for numerous disciplines.

 

[DelaWhere_Arrow]

Look no further than GameHide.com. Warm and QUIET. Got two of their parkas and some pants, they’re AWESOME. Price point is for the 9-5’ers on a grind, it’s just as warm and “technical” as many other brands, comfy, and I reiterate: QUIET.
*not a sponsor
**could be

 

[HunterBob]

I'm budget minded with almost everything and hunting is no different. I've found that it's all about layering and dressing for the specific weather you are dealing with. Have a warm but moisture wicking base layer, then a layer of fleece, and then an outer layer that is windproof or waterproof if raining. You don't have to spend 800 on a system that works well.

 

[Plebe]

I'm budget minded with almost everything and hunting is no different. I've found that it's all about layering and dressing for the specific weather you are dealing with. Have a warm but moisture wicking base layer, then a layer of fleece, and then an outer layer that is windproof or waterproof if raining. You don't have to spend 800 on a system that works well.

Sure enough. But I wouldn’t necessarily recommend fleece as a mid-layer. It’s ok, but fleece doesn’t have a very high CLO compared to other insulations. It can be a good insulator, for example, in high pile next to skin applications like Buffalo Systems UK uses, where the fleece is designed to trap large pockets of warm air and wick moisture from skin efficiently. But there are higher CLO insulators that are more advantageous for mid layers, imo.

 

[Black Titan]

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions!

I think one thing I need to do is learn HOW to layer. I normally get hot very easy, and sweat alot. That's why I like the cold weather. But I didn't wear my thermals yesterday because I was afraid I would get too hot, sweat, then freeze. I've always been the type to where if it's cold and I'll be outside for extended periods, I'll just throw on long Jon's and wear a thicker jacket. Now that I'm outside hunting I need to learn the proper way to layer different materials.

I have some bibs, and a matching 3 layer jacket, but it is meant to go over other layers and super bulky. It's also extremely toast, too warm for right now. It's more for temps in the teens and 20s. With the bulk, I don't know how it would work out in a saddle.

I'll look into some of this stuff. Looks like I'm going to need a bigger pack to be able to pack in more layers or pack out layers that I've shed off.

BT

 

[elk yinzer]

Yeah, it seems like you know the answer is better layering. Need a windproof shell on the outside in any kind of serious wind. In moist conditions, even just cold humid air, wool really shines as an insulator.

50, wet, and windy isn't as balmy as it may sound. That's getting well into type-II fun territory.

Proper layering is a mindset and logistical adjustment. If I have to I'll haul an entirely dry set of clothes in and change at the tree, that's what it takes sometimes. Putting dry stuff over stuff you got wet walking in does zero good.

 

[raisins]

I am glad I created my own layering system.

The warmest thing right now is high loft goose down (by weight and packability)

Yes, putting it under another garment does compress it and hurt the insulation, but this is also true of any "puffy" style insulation and even when compressed slightly, high loft goose down is still the standard.

I would buy 4 items:

1. stuff sack to carry this stuff in
2. high loft goose down thin puffy vest (750 fill power or more....with bonus points for the down being coated with a water repellent)
3. high loft goose down thin puffy jacket
4. a thin, wind-repelling layer (wind shirt)

Pack the sack with wind shirt in bottom then jacket then vest (in order of putting it on)

Walk to the tree an outer layer and base layer (I walk in slightly cold so I don't sweat).

Once at height, I put these on my base layer

hothands adhesive body warmers - Google Search

And then the vest, then jacket, then wind shirt, then exterior jacket.

The thickest jacket I usually wear in WV is a medium weight one (fleece one from Midwayusa that isn't fuzzy on the outside but has substance).

I have low body fat and am somewhat tall and get cold easy. I am never cold in this layering system that evolved over several years.


Links in case it helps:

here's a good jacket i wear....they go on massive sale in the spring...sorry it's bad timing

https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/38832402/men's-microtherm(r)-2.0-down-jacket?sp=1&color=Black

I also have the same thing but a vest, I do not see any down vests there now at Eddie's

Then this goes over the down but under the jacket

Charles River Apparel mens Legend Windshirt (Regular & Big-tall Sizes) at Amazon Men’s Clothing store

Buy Charles River Apparel mens Legend Windshirt (Regular & Big-tall Sizes) and other Windbreakers at Amazon.com. Our wide selection is elegible for free shipping and free returns.

www.amazon.com

I never walk in with a windproof sweat box on me unless it is raining and I have to wear a waterproof jacket.

This is like a Tyvek vapor barrier over your down and turbo charges it.

With these things and something like this jacket over it all (and just a medium base layer)

MidwayUSA Men's Prairie Creek Softshell Jacket Realtree EDGE Camo

The workhorse of the hunting lineup, the MidwayUSA Prairie Creek Softshell Jacket will soon become your favorite. This extremely comfortable, windproof...

www.midwayusa.com

I can easily sit all long in freezing temperatures.

All this stuffs down to the size of a football in my pack and only weighs a pound or two.

 

[DelaWhere_Arrow]

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions!

I think one thing I need to do is learn HOW to layer. I normally get hot very easy, and sweat alot. That's why I like the cold weather. But I didn't wear my thermals yesterday because I was afraid I would get too hot, sweat, then freeze. I've always been the type to where if it's cold and I'll be outside for extended periods, I'll just throw on long Jon's and wear a thicker jacket. Now that I'm outside hunting I need to learn the proper way to layer different materials.

I have some bibs, and a matching 3 layer jacket, but it is meant to go over other layers and super bulky. It's also extremely toast, too warm for right now. It's more for temps in the teens and 20s. With the bulk, I don't know how it would work out in a saddle.

I'll look into some of this stuff. Looks like I'm going to need a bigger pack to be able to pack in more layers or pack out layers that I've shed off.

BT

You’re in DE, right? Thing about those Falls and Winters, especially on public land, is the WET. All the damn time. And sometimes the sun rising over a cold day makes it even colder, even wetter for a brief period. And when it’s not wet because the temps are pushing/below 0 (infrequently), anything wet on you will freeze, including your nose hairs and eyeball juices. Then your body will decide any moisture in the air is enough to keep you sheathed in a layer of frost all day.
OR…
You spend the morning layered for a hunt and it’s 70 degrees in December.
There’s really no middle ground. I was always either on the verge of frostbite, or so sweaty I thought it must surely be May already.
Then I discovered the GameHide stuff. Holy crap did I warm up quickly for a price that fit my wallet. BUT you can do it for even cheaper if you’re a thrifty shopper and you know how to spot quality materials on bargain racks, Wally World, the Classifieds and such. Layering is great but for me it’s all about the tight warm base layer and the outer layer has to be windproof and lined with down or some kind of fleece. Wind proof is the key because windproof keeps the moisture at bay whether it’s the wet air or the wet snow or the wet freezing rain or the wet swamps or the windy muddy cornfield or the tree that’s a-swangin’ to and fro while your wet cold fingers hang onto your tether or bow. Now in OH where it’s actually truly cold and highly windy all the time but the air is much dryer in colder seasons, it’s still appropriate because that damn wind is the equalizer. I just put on more thin fleece or polyester layers in between.
Oh, and SOCKS. Get you some warm freaking socks. I’d spend top dollar on a great pair of socks.

 

[bowhunthard88]

As has been stated: build a system, from the base layers out, with each layer having a purpose. I personally like the Badlands Silens set for this type of conditions, but fleece does soak up water (so if I know it's gonna rain, I'm probably wearing rain gear over top). The Silens only covers your outer/mid layer though, so you still need base layers, etc. My layering setup would look like (from base layer out and you could sub anything that accomplishes the same purpose): wool/poly mesh T/B, thin synthetic base T/B, midweight fleece pants (or a good softshell if you're packing in) B, Silens bibs B, puffy jacket (nylon outer to help block wind if your shell doesn't) T, Silens sweatshirt/pullover T, and IF it's raining a lightweight and quiet set of rain gear (will also block wind, but lacks breathability for higher exertion levels). I'll take this setup down to about 20-25F. Boots, socks, and gloves are another topic lol. This setup is not going to be the lightest weight, but fairly mobile, and it flat out works.

 

[Weldabeast]

Military surplus if u budget. High of 50s, windy, and rain id have long johns with fast dry layer on top for walking, vest, wool sweater, and the outer jacket in tow. I'd have my poncho and rain hat, wool half glove, maybe a beanie, and probably the hand muff. My boots got waterproof chaps. Id probably only use a quarter of all that cause that's just how it works out every time

Easy layers attachment

Slow at work today and I had some paracord laying around.... Tie 2 celtic stopper knot onto a loop of paracord, girth hitch to pack, vest, batttlebelt, etc.. With 2 stoppers on each loop u can attach multiple layers..

saddlehunter.com