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Activated Carbon Information

Just added to the "list of things not to discuss at a dinner party" (along with religion and politics) ...scent control :smirk:

I do appreciate the viewpoints on both sides of this debate and the passion which each supports their views. As the ole saying goes, it's better to have 1 person with passion than 99 with a casual interest. And I can feel the passion on both sides!

I do NOT own a scent suit, and fall into the camp of playing wind/thermals, but I do wash my clothes in scent free detergent and bathe in scent free soap ...and yes, I have been busted - times that I have known about and likely many more times I did not know about.

At the end-of-the-day, I appreciate hearing the arguments for and against all topics and feel like sites such as this provide an avenue for people to be informed beyond what we get from a companies 60 second elevator pitch!

Just remember, there are lots of methods, and no single one has proven any more superior than another at achieving the ultimate objective - Dead deer!
  • Compound vs Traditional
  • Stand vs Saddle
  • Fixed blade vs mechanical
  • rubber boots vs lace ups
  • sticks vs wild edge steps vs bolts vs SRT vs screw ins
  • Doyle's Gear Hoist vs figure 8 or daisy chain paracord
  • Run and gun setups vs tried and true setups
  • private land vs public land
  • ...the list goes on
We all fall into a category and have certain preferences based on experience, research, mentors etc.

But for some reason, as many things as we debate, scent control seems to get people fired up more than any. And in reality, it probably stems from our personal mentors and the beliefs they have shared with us along the way. Example: Are you in the Dan camp or John Camp? - two very different styles. Two very successful hunters. Two very strong and independent personalities. Two walls each full of massive public land giants.

I like the passion & the forum that allows for free speech/debate. And I hope it doesn't result in hurt feelings and frustration with one another.
 
Good topic and a good read. For me, this information is why I enjoy this site. A group out of the box thinkers stating what they think and we (the audience) have the chance to interpret it as we view it. I hope this site never stops topics like this.

I am a completely unbiased bystander would really like to see how much human scent is escaping the suit when worn properly. Maybe if Scentlok devised a test like putting a person in full Scentlok suit as it should be worn and cared for and then put another suit over the first. Cut several samples in the same spot from each suit and the percentage of human scent existing within the outer layer vs. the inner layer would give you some idea of the amount escaping as a percentage of the amount trapped in the inner layer. It would not tell you how much is escaping, but would actually confirm if any is escaping and secondarily give you some indication as to the amount. Example if the inner layer has roughly the same amount of trapped odor then we can safely assume it is pretty porous. Conversely, if the inner layer has 100 times the trapped content then you can safely assume it is blocking the majority of scent. I have been involved in product development utilizing active filtration in the past and know that this sort of testing can and has been done.

If you have had good results and believe ScentLok is the reason then Godspeed. I really hope it works in a real hunting scenario, but from what I have seen I am not convinced....yet.
 
I've always assumed that John was paid by Scent Lok to promote their products. I might be wrong but from what I've read, he works their booths at shows, but there is nothing in his signature indicating that. I know the forum rules state that if that's the case it needs to be posted.

"All vendor owners, employees, prostaff, or associates must disclose relationship information in their site signature."
 
  • Compound vs Traditional
  • Stand vs Saddle
  • Fixed blade vs mechanical
  • rubber boots vs lace ups
  • sticks vs wild edge steps vs bolts vs SRT vs screw ins
  • Doyle's Gear Hoist vs figure 8 or daisy chain paracord
  • Run and gun setups vs tried and true setups
  • private land vs public land
  • ...the list goes on
Let me tell you
compound
saddle
mechanical
rubber boots
sticks
carry as you go
run and gun
public
any thing to the contrary is ludicrous :wink:
 
I’m not sure why this subject gets people so fired up.John E is a great hunter and Dan is a great hunter and I believe both of their methods work proof is in their walls.On the weekends when there is time to use scent lok that’s what I try to do but on weekdays or when time is limited hunting the wind is only way to go. I do use scent lok and feel it does help but my wall is not nearly as impressive as theirs but that’s because of my failures at moment of truth and laziness in scouting and set ups
 
Scentlok may or may not work. But.....using milkweed floaters to watch the wind and keeping the wind in your favor as much as possible works 100 percent. Never had a deer smell me that way. I trust 100 percent better than maybe. Watch your entry and exit and your noise. Fred Bear never had scentlok. Great woodsmanship matters! That is why I love the challenge of hunting whitetail.......no gimmicks. I think it is more fun to use the wind to your advantage. People who figure out how use something that stops our scent will in the end possibly keep from passing down great woodsmanship to the next generation. Sorry but that bothers me most.......teaching the next generation about why we hunt how to watch wildlife and put a plan in place and try.....put forth the effort and learn. Success will follow. Yes I wash me and my clothes but I want to learn and get better at woodsmanship. "If at first you don't succeed try try again! "
 
Scentlok may or may not work. But.....using milkweed floaters to watch the wind and keeping the wind in your favor as much as possible works 100 percent. Never had a deer smell me that way. I trust 100 percent better than maybe. Watch your entry and exit and your noise. Fred Bear never had scentlok. Great woodsmanship matters! That is why I love the challenge of hunting whitetail.......no gimmicks. I think it is more fun to use the wind to your advantage. People who figure out how use something that stops our scent will in the end possibly keep from passing down great woodsmanship to the next generation. Sorry but that bothers me most.......teaching the next generation about why we hunt how to watch wildlife and put a plan in place and try.....put forth the effort and learn. Success will follow. Yes I wash me and my clothes but I want to learn and get better at woodsmanship. "If at first you don't succeed try try again! "

You guys do realize that these two things are not mutually exclusive, right? Woodsmanship isn't defined as killing a deer while smelling as bad as you possibly can. Read about the steps Ishi took to cover his sent before he went hunting, I'm not sure many would question his woodsmanship.

I had stepped away from this topic because the arrogance in some of the posts was becoming a little too much to handle. The vast majority of scent lok users that I know, especially on this site don't think scentlok is some magic suit that makes you invisible to deer. They use it simply as a tool, just like showering, washing your clothes in scent-free detergent, not wearing your boots in the gas station parking lot, etc. It's simply one more step to help reduce your odor footprint, and there is at least some evidence that it does reduce odor to some degree.

A couple posters here have done a good job setting up this straw man of "odor elimination", knocking it over and then patting themselves on the back for it but it's a straw man that most people, at least from my exeprience on this site, don't believe to begin with.

Most of that post wasn't directed at you @BigAl , I just wanted to point out to you that woodsmanship and scent lok aren't really related.

I have spent too much of my time debating this topic on this forum, I think it's time to step away and go find a less controversial topic to discuss. Like whether you should use a Ropeman on your tether. ;)
 
I think the thing that bothers me most about this entire topic is that the only time people are tired of hearing about it, or really take issue with a stance is when they have something negative to say about scentlok. Whether it's factual or opinion. But nobody post behind John, this is too controversial everybody needs to just shut up. He gets a free pass. Why is that? His celebrity status? And especially when he's as guilty as anybody of belittling someone for their opinion. I'd tell you what I really think about the man, but I'd probably get banned. Outside of that I think everyone, including John, is entitled to their opinion. I think threads like this should exist so we can make informed decisions. I know if I only listened to what John had to say I would believe I could go into the woods in a deer can never smell me. Without having heard the argument from the other side I would be left in the dark the only follow one person's opinion, sales pitch, or whatever you want to label it as. I like information. That is why I come here. For those who find this topic, or the arguments contained within it aggravating, or frustrating, you have the choice to turn the channel. You don't have to listen, or read, or partake. But to say the discussion shouldn't be allowed to take place because you are not enjoying it it's to only take information (that I and others may want) away from me. That is to say, to take my choice away.
I only hope these discussions will continue to be allowed here so we as grown men, and women can make our own informed decision. I hope everyone involved in these discussions can keep name calling, and mudslinging out of the discussion. Also I think it would be wise for people to stop using infinite's, such as always and never. Those are forever words and a endlessly changing and temporary place.
 
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You guys do realize that these two things are not mutually exclusive, right? Woodsmanship isn't defined as killing a deer while smelling as bad as you possibly can. Read about the steps Ishi took to cover his sent before he went hunting, I'm not sure many would question his woodsmanship.

I had stepped away from this topic because the arrogance in some of the posts was becoming a little too much to handle. The vast majority of scent lok users that I know, especially on this site don't think scentlok is some magic suit that makes you invisible to deer. They use it simply as a tool, just like showering, washing your clothes in scent-free detergent, not wearing your boots in the gas station parking lot, etc. It's simply one more step to help reduce your odor footprint, and there is at least some evidence that it does reduce odor to some degree.

A couple posters here have done a good job setting up this straw man of "odor elimination", knocking it over and then patting themselves on the back for it but it's a straw man that most people, at least from my exeprience on this site, don't believe to begin with.

Most of that post wasn't directed at you @BigAl , I just wanted to point out to you that woodsmanship and scent lok aren't really related.

I have spent too much of my time debating this topic on this forum, I think it's time to step away and go find a less controversial topic to discuss. Like whether you should use a Ropeman on your tether. ;)
I agree. I just wanted to bring up that we hunt to enjoy the outdoors also and be sure to pass all knowing all woods ways. I started archery in 1978, scent killing was not on the map and I enjoyed hunting so much I'm still addicted...LOL Like some guys use traditional archery and some don't, I really think embracing the old ways gives a challenge that is deeper than I others can understand. I haven't read about ishi so I cannot comment on that. My thoughts on it was.....enjoy being in nature and pass it on unencumbered by to much stuff. Maybe I'm just old fashioned but the older I get....simple is more enjoyable. Just my 2 cents. Thanks for the allowing me share on this site. Like you I do enjoy all and I do mean all the people who share their experiences and info. Thanks redsquirrel for starting it.
 
I think the thing that bothers me most about this entire topic is that the only time people are tired of hearing about it, or really take issue with a stance is when they have something negative to say about scentlok. Whether it's factual or opinion. But nobody post behind John, this is too controversial everybody needs to just shut up. He gets a free pass. Why is that? His celebrity status? And especially when he's as guilty as anybody of belittling someone for their opinion. I'd tell you what I really think about the man, but I'd probably get banned. Outside of that I think everyone, including John, is entitled to their opinion. I think threads like this should exist so we can make informed decisions. I know if I only listened to what John had to say I would believe I could go into the woods in a deer can never smell me. Without having heard the argument from the other side I would be left in the dark the only follow one person's opinion, sales pitch, or whatever you want to label it as. I like information. That is why I come here. For those who find this topic, or the arguments contained within it aggravating, or frustrating, you have the choice to turn the channel. You don't have to listen, or read, or partake. But to say the discussion shouldn't be allowed to take place because you are not enjoying it it's to only take information (that I and others may want) away from me. That is to say, to take my choice away.
I only hope these discussions will continue to be allowed here so we as grown men, and women can make our own informed decision. I hope everyone involved in these discussions can keep name calling, and mudslinging out of the discussion. Also I think it would be wise for people to stop using infants, such as always and never. Those are forever words and a endlessly changing and temporary place.


I totally agree with your comment regarding John. He didn’t last too long on the beast because of his demeanor. But whatever. I enjoy reading about new information, especially new information about deer and deer hunting. I appreciate this topic and hearing both sides. I for one this scent lock and all things repeated to are a huge scam. But again...whatever.
I think what Al was trying to say is...Woodsmanship but more so the lack there of has lead more hunters to believe that scent elimination works. A lot of guys don’t understand deer behavior and wind currents enough to decipher what and why they’re seeing what they’re seeing. I’m far from mastering this too. But I can understand deer enough to have a good idea about why they do what they do. This misunderstanding has made a lot of people a lot of money.
I doubt old Fred Bear would agree with too much John has to say about scent elimination.
 
Y’all act like Fred Bear is still hunting today with the extra 100 million Americans and the thousands of lost acres to hunt. Woodmanship will only take you so far then there’s a house now days.
Yeah I know. My Dad always the best hunter on Earth and my Uncle a close second. They could kill a deer anywhere. Even my uncle will tell you things have changed, deer hunting has changed. They both routinely killed awesome mullies and black tails all over the state of Ca in checkered flannels and blue jeans
Again I challenge why not use every gimmick in the book to help? Just don’t depend on it.
For the record I hunt the wind in my scentloc suit. I don’t think it works early season where just getting dressed and walking out side has sweat pouring off you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Not saying any hunter or method is foolproof.....I'm saying....Let's learn all we can about our sport and pass it on. Use what you want and enjoy! I like it simple......I'm not a nth degree person on scent control other than using apps to know the direction of the wind and floaters to keep check. To each his own on all else....if it's fun for you, more power to you.
 
Ok, this might be a stupid question.... But why not. My budget is super tight when it comes to hunting. I might not even be able to leave the ground for another year or two, and bought a compound bow as I figured it was cheaper than replacing the strings on my crossbow after too many unsuccessful hunts. Instead of buying a spray like DDW, why not just buy a 5lb bag of fine activated carbon and mix with a little "high quality h2o" and spray everything down with that and let dry?
 
Totally new to the forum- and first post. I've been thinking about this so heavily the last few days, I had to post a link to this article I thought was fascinating. First, here's the link: http://www.fieldandstream.com/artic...s-vs-a-drug-dog?dom=fas&loc=hpslider2&lnk=IMG

The article includes links to four separate tests (initiated by field and stream) done with police trained dogs. The article did pretty much what the police veteran friend did in the above post and they did it rather scientifically I thought. The result? Basically found carbon activated AND scent cover sprays held no distinguishable advantage over just walking in as a stinky sweaty mess. As Eberhart and others would probably point out- we don't know how well the carbon activated clothes were cared for, and whether the scent control regimen was actually as thorough as Eberhart and others would have done it. So I still kinda think its up in the air a bit except...

Be sure to read their latest test with Ozonics! WOW! You have to read article to appreciate the difference it made, but it's pretty impressive. I'm sold!


Old post I know but I also want to point out the dog is tracking not trying to hide from you. I'm a dog guy myself. Maybe a novice, but I've watched my dog do a fair amount of tracking. She's going to follow the scent cone so long as it's getting stronger the closer she gets to it. How well the dog's nose is trained is also a big part of this. Dogs and I'm sure deer track many types of scent wind scent, ground scent, ground that becomes wind scent and wind scent that becomes ground scent. It's really cool to watch a dog work these situations in the field.

If you have a pup at home, I'm sure you've noticed that your dog seems to be able to tell time. They seem to know exactly when you're about to pull into the driveway. Contrary to popular belief your dog is not psychic. Dogs can tell time by how diluted your scent is throughout the day. Pretty amazing stuff. Dogs sense of smell when they enter a room is like a human seeing all the colors in the room. If they could talk they could enter a room and tell you everything that is within it.

My understanding this, is why I decided to buy ScentLok. I don't expect it to 100% block my scent. I expect it to greatly reduce it and give the deer the impression that I'm far away and not a threat. I'm honestly concerned the scentlok will be too effective and I'm going to end up bumping the bears on my way in. I'm debating dressing after passing the area where I'm tracking the bears on my trail cams.

Well that's my take on this. Who knows how I'll feel after hunting in ScentLok a season. I'm a newbie at this.
 
Ok, this might be a stupid question.... But why not. My budget is super tight when it comes to hunting. I might not even be able to leave the ground for another year or two, and bought a compound bow as I figured it was cheaper than replacing the strings on my crossbow after too many unsuccessful hunts. Instead of buying a spray like DDW, why not just buy a 5lb bag of fine activated carbon and mix with a little "high quality h2o" and spray everything down with that and let dry?
If money is tight, spend it wisely, don't waste it on magic clothes. Spend your money on clothing that will keep you warm and comfortable. Shop for bargains and don't be afraid to buy used. Some good deals can be had on quality clothing on ebay or in the classifieds here. Get the most use out of each dollar you have available. In general, be a good steward of the blessings you've received.
 
Just arrived! Any of you have opinions on the stuff sack vs tote? I'm going to need another one to also fit the parka.

As you can see, I'm drinking the kool-aid and gonna give it a go. Whew! this stuff is hot. The base layer is much thicker than I thought. I didn't realize the Reactor pants don't fit over the boot. I think you're either wearing this layer for the day along with the Voyage pant or your only going out with the Voyage pant.

If you're only going to get one light weight set in this line up I'd say, get the Voyage pant which covers your boots and the Reactor top or maybe both tops. The Fortress depends on your season and climate. I only went with the parka in the rare event it snows or some other late season opportunity comes up.


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Yes, I’m replying to my own post...

I’ve had time to do some research and get more familiar with John and his quest. Can’t have nothing but respect for someone who has had the success he has had. I added some more Scentlok to my wardrobe and I’m going to give it shot this season but not to the point that it becomes nutty. We’ll see...

If it has no effect, I’m not out that much $ and have some very functional clothes either way.
 
Ok, this might be a stupid question.... But why not. My budget is super tight when it comes to hunting. I might not even be able to leave the ground for another year or two, and bought a compound bow as I figured it was cheaper than replacing the strings on my crossbow after too many unsuccessful hunts. Instead of buying a spray like DDW, why not just buy a 5lb bag of fine activated carbon and mix with a little "high quality h2o" and spray everything down with that and let dry?

Because the activated carbon will absorb the H2O molecules (the water), to its maximum absorptive capacity and consequently be completely ineffective. Remember - activated carbon does not discriminate in what it absorbs. It does not work on your schedule as to when that absorption starts. It will absorb whatever it is exposed to. This includes water and humidity in the atmosphere. Nitrogen in the atmosphere. Air pollutants in the atmosphere. Oxygen, carbon dioxide, etc. etc. etc... This is also why when you buy activated carbon filters for chemical masks and such they come in sealed, airtight containers and the manufacturers (like 3M for example) print all over the container that they're only good for a short time once you open the packaging. That's just one such example of this reality.

ScentLok would have you believe that the trace amounts of activated carbon they employ in their clothing are absorbing only human odor. Unfortunately for the hunter, this is not the case. The trace amounts of AC they employ will reach their absorptive capacity only shortly after being exposed to open air.
 
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