Cold Weather System
Wisconsin
Contributors to this thread:
Does anybody have recommendations for cold weather clothing. For years I have relied on bulky parkas and bibs, but the newer stuff coming from Sitka or Under Armour is supposed to be just as warm without the bulk. I hunt big woods and typically walk over a mile. I'm getting sick of packing all that clothes in. Is the newer clothing as warm as they claim? Also, are the expensive thermal underwear worth the money? I could never justify paying $50 a piece for long underwear.
shedhunter,,,,,,, I hunt N wis and the UP, I have looked at some of the new clothing, and actually used pair of the new style bibs, borrowed from a friend and was not impressed, from your above list......
I cut a lot of country, need to be warm, yet not get sweaty up. I first put on silk, long underwear, then a ECWS pair from Cabelas, (no weight, controls moisture, is lite and works well)
then I wear wool pants. I just bought a new pair last week, were on sale from 82.00 to 69.00. These are made in Canada, made by Big Bills. These are the type that are for the use of a belt, and have the buttons for suspenders if needed. not the type that have suspenders built in.......
I can assure you, they work well, break the wind well, keep me very warm, yet I do not sweat up........
I wear lite long sleeve ECWS, and pack a wool shirt in pack if needed, and that is it........
to sit in extreme weather, last year I used a friends heater body suit, and I can assure you I will have one for this year, they are great.......
good luck
Heavy Under Armor base layer (long johns) worth every penny. Never wear cotton anything as base layer ( next to skin) go for what you can afford but recomment polyester or merino wool. Anything gortex will block wind and keep you dry. Wool is the best insulator when damp or even wet. Fleece can be purchased for low prices and packs light but keeps you warm. No need to pack old heavy clothes any longer. Use layers and good luck.
I do not see myself ever using anything but merino wool for a base layer. I have tried the other stuff and there is no comparison in my opinion. Merino wool all the way. I also have a heater body suit and Cabelas MT050 which are nice but it all starts with the base layer.
Do you have any problems with the deer seeing you in the heater body suit. My buddy has one and loves it, but I am 260 lbs and already look like a pretty big lump in a tree. I would think the body suit would be worse.
Merino wool with Heater Body Suit I have never had trouble being a big "lump" The camo pattern seems to work good. I have 2 with different patterns and both have been good.
Merino wool layers with either GWW wool bibs and jacket or Sitka Fanatic top and bibs.
Depending on the cold and how long of a sit.
smokey's Link
I cannot afford the Sitka system but would like to try it out.
Here is a link to a company that was talked about on the main board last year. The bibs and liners seemed to get great reviews. I have not yet used them but plan on it if I ever get enough cash for it.
In my opinion, you are better off having quality thin merino wool base and first layers, possibly a medium weight jacket and combine them with a Heater Body Suit. That combination kept me on the stand sun-up to sun-down even during the coldest late deer and muzzy seasons there.
I have First Lite base and first layers and see no reason to ever try anything else.
It's all about the layers. For the coldest late season sits,I have 2 layers of Under Armour cold gear, scent blocker under layer, and gray wolf insulated bibs (with comfort max & lite loft.) You can stuff hand warmers in the pockets and use a larger body warmer on the small of your back (get the ones with adhesive & stick between layers. ) I use insulated LaCrosse boots and have 2 layers of socks, which is from Smart wool. When I walk in, the jacket is tied around my waist and the bib side zippers are 3/4 the way open. That avoids getting too sweaty on the way in.
Try Bemidji Woolen Mills stuff. It is made well and lasts a long time and it's American Made as well.
The thing about the HBS and others like it is this. It is yet another thing to carry to the stand/blind. While the design is great and it keeps you toasty warm, it is bulky. It's also a bit cumbersome on stand. I like mine, but I will be buying good quality bibs and a coat as they are more versatile. I will more than likely be going the Day One route as ASAT is my camo of choice.
Yes, you carry HBS system to stand, but usually on back with pack if hunting back in like I do. I would have to carry anything extra back in to avoid getting sweated up.
Another vote for merino wool, I use all Minus33 brand and love it. I tried UA right away when it came out and I hated it.