Mobile Cold Weather Clothing

[justlooking]

I’m trying to figure out how to improve my hunting clothing, particularly for late season. I’m in the SE so thankfully don’t have to deal with frigid temps, but it’s not uncommon to spend the first few hours of a hunt hiking in the 50’s working up a sweat, and then sitting until dark and the temp can drop down into the 30s. The idea is to find clothes that are relatively lightweight and packable but then be able to keep me warm on stand, potentially down into the 20s. I’m considering the Sitka stratus line, maybe even the fanatic jacket, or the first light solitude line. The built in kangaroo pouch of the fanatic jacket looks awesome, but I think the FL patterns are more versatile. Looking at maybe zip off long johns. How about boots? I HATE rubber boots to hike in, but my hiking boots get cold fast. Also considering puffy pants and boot warmers but not sure how they’d be to hunt out of. Any ideas? Any recommendations? Thanks!

 

[sconnieVLP]

Puffy jacket and pants are going to be the most packable. May want to use them as a mid layer and put something quieter over the top as most of the puffy (down or synthetic) is likely going to be kind of noisy.

Down into the 30s I don’t normally need additional layers on my legs, but I walk in with a long sleeve shirt and then add a puffy vest and additional puffy jacket if I need it. For bowhunting I like the FL Source vest and jacket, it’s much quieter than any other puffy I’ve found.

For boots, I also normally wear hiking boots unless I have to. Once you get in you can use something like the Arctic Shield boot covers or similar boot blanket and a toe warmer over your boots once you’re in.

 

[bigmike23]

The Fanatic is my under 35° jacket. It does not pack down well but it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make its so great. The greatest hidden gem for mobile hunting is the uncompagre puffy pants from FL. They are nearly windproof, and way warmer than you'd expect. You cannot bust brush with them whatsoever or you'll mutilate them. I wear them alone with base layers and my corrugate pants on down to about 35-40. They can also be an amazing midlayer under the Stratus bibs for when its colder

 

[shmelton]

I wish Sitka would make some full length puffy pants, instead of those ugly ass 3/4 things they have.


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[Swampwalker]

Even the Stratus pants are excellent. Wind proof and not as hot as the bibs. I’ve always worn bibs here in Mi. Nice to have options.

 

[bigmike23]

Even the Stratus pants are excellent. Wind proof and not as hot as the bibs. I’ve always worn bibs here in Mi. Nice to have options.

I always thought the pants were a huge fail because they don't have side zips. How they haven't added those after all this time is beyond me

 

[Camelcluch]

The stratus pants would be amazing with hip zips. I can wear the stratus pants down to 20 with my Kuiu peloton zip offs. The puffy layers are fantastic too. They add a ton of warmth for not a lot of weight. I can also use the fanatic vest to add a ton of warmth.

 

[Kayl]

Puffy jacket and pants are going to be the most packable. May want to use them as a mid layer and put something quieter over the top as most of the puffy (down or synthetic) is likely going to be kind of noisy.

Down into the 30s I don’t normally need additional layers on my legs, but I walk in with a long sleeve shirt and then add a puffy vest and additional puffy jacket if I need it. For bowhunting I like the FL Source vest and jacket, it’s much quieter than any other puffy I’ve found.

For boots, I also normally wear hiking boots unless I have to. Once you get in you can use something like the Arctic Shield boot covers or similar boot blanket and a toe warmer over your boots once you’re in.

Down is a great fit for this.

UnderArmour currently has 40% off for first responders, health care, teachers, etc.

I own their down pants. These pack down to about the size of a nalgene and are stupid warm, but you don't want to be walking in them (fragile with thorns): https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/p...rm_ridge_reaper_alpine_ops_pants/1316856.html

I don't have one of their coats, but they have two good down options:

Men's UA Storm Ridge Reaper® Alpine Ops Parka

Shop Under Armour for Men's UA Storm Ridge Reaper® Alpine Ops Parka

www.underarmour.com

Men's UA Storm Ridge Reaper Down Hooded Jacket

Shop Under Armour for Men's UA Storm Ridge Reaper Down Hooded Jacket

www.underarmour.com

 

[TK161BOONER]

I run two jackets a L and XL FL uncompagre puffy in asat and the pants also but those are brown. They pack really nice and if it’s pretty cold I’ve been running my cabelas stand hunter primal loft base layer.

 

[bowhunthard88]

Either the First Lite Umcompaghre set or the Badlands Shift set are hard to beat for "puffy" layers. I have both and I use the FL set for under 30 and the Badlands set for above.

 

[tailgunner]

A true ultralight layering system like backpackers use has yet to be created for hunting.pet peve

 

[roosterstraw]

If you use the puffy as a mid layer won’t it compress it?

 

[bowhunthard88]

If you use the puffy as a mid layer won’t it compress it?

Your outer layers have to be sized to not compress any puffy layers. You also should be able to use a lighter shell because of the puffy insulation factor. BUT, yes, you are correct that a compressed puffy is basically useless.

 

[Bigterp]

In the 30s I’d add a heated vest & a couple wool insulation layers & roll with that. You could add to based on comfort…… then it’s part of your kit

 

[justlooking]

I appreciate all the info guys. Sounds like puffy layers are the way to go. Anyone have experience with both the FL source verse the uncompahgre?

 

[sconnieVLP]

I appreciate all the info guys. Sounds like puffy layers are the way to go. Anyone have experience with both the FL source verse the uncompahgre?

They are pretty different pieces. The Source is much quieter and has 80g of Primaloft Gold, the Uncompahgre has 100g of 37.5 in the body and the two have totally different outer shell materials. For bowhunting I’d go Source over Uncompahgre without a doubt.

 

[justlooking]

They are pretty different pieces. The Source is much quieter and has 80g of Primaloft Gold, the Uncompahgre has 100g of 37.5 in the body and the two have totally different outer shell materials. For bowhunting I’d go Source over Uncompahgre without a doubt.

Thank you. How do they compare warmth wise? Uncompahgre seems like it would be warmer maybe?

 

[Kayl]

The Source is awesome and super warm, but there is no wind resistance. I love my Source jacket, definitely a good choice.

 

[sconnieVLP]

Thank you. How do they compare warmth wise? Uncompahgre seems like it would be warmer maybe?

I don’t own an Uncompahgre (have handled one before) but based on the wind resistance and the increase in insulation I’d say that would be warmer than the Source.

If you went base layer, vest, Source you would be fine for your temperatures most likely.

My normal layering for into the 20s:
Walk in:
Merino T-shirt
Merino 150-weight long sleeve

Additional layers in order:
Fleece hoody (normally the FL Origin)
Kuiu Kenai Vest
FL Source Jacket

If it’s windy I’ll swap the Source for a softshell jacket.

 

[raisins]

Your outer layers have to be sized to not compress any puffy layers. You also should be able to use a lighter shell because of the puffy insulation factor. BUT, yes, you are correct that a compressed puffy is basically useless.

I wear high loft goose down under my jacket all the time and it still works great. Even slightly compressed, it is still pound for pound and compressed volume-wise the warmest thing out there. A down puffy under my jacket is at least twice as warm as a fleece jacket under it.