Best Thermal Top and Bottoms
Whitetail Deer
Contributors to this thread:
Looking for a base layer top and bottom for Tree stand Hunting in COLD weather. Not too bulky but warm as you can get it. Any Suggestions?
TIA
Cabelas polar weight MTP fleece is a great. I wear a wool base layer next to my skin, then the MTP, then other various layers if need be. I don't put it on until I get to my stand otherwise I would be lathered up way worse than I normally am. Haven't tried their ECWS stuff yet but some friends really like it.
The MTP is on sale right now too, in certain sizes.
Not sure what your definition is of a base layer, however, I really like "Merino wool". Light and very warm. I buy the "SITKA brand". Lots to choose from. Everything from underwear to outer layers. Good luck.
I've used the cheap Redhead E.C.W.S polar fleece from BassPro for many years, and it has always done well for me. Another bonus, is they make it in "tall" sizes, as well. Besides, getting a top & bottom for about $40 is almost rare to non-existent these days. I'd like to try some of the more expensive stuff, but really haven't had a reason to do so.
For stand hunting I find that nothing beats a micro grid fleece base for pure warmth. The two that come to mind, and I own sets of both is the Sitka core heavy weight and the cabelas ECWS polar weight made by polar tech. Merino is great on the move however I don't find it nearly as warm for pure stand hunting in cold weather. That said the warmest wool bases I used and still have is wool power Ullfrotté. It's excellent quality.
Ullfrotte Wool Wool Power
Best pieces of clothing that I own for cold weather. I have a set of the heaviest version and they are probably 15-20 years old. They were made to last back then. I haven't had any experience with the stuff they make now, but it is about time for me to think about a new set. I wouldn't hesitate to spend the money to try them again.
I'm going on almost a decade of using Scentblocker's merino wool base layers; I have both heavy and mid weight in them. I have always been one to be highly suspicious of the veracity of the "scentblocking" claims most companies throw out there, but the garment itself is top-notch quality and that's why I bought it. The merino does a superb job in wicking away body moisture.
For a pure warmth stationary hunt situation I don't particularly think most merino pieces on the market today are ideal. Great gear, but imo more suited for mobile hunting. Warmth to weight ratio is good, as are the moisture wicking properties, but not on par with some of the other fleece-type pieces or traditional wool in terms of pure warmth.
I have some of the MTP series stuff from Cabelas. It is a great value in terms of stationary hunting warmth. You may want to check out the stand-hunter series. I also have a couple ECWCS polar weight hoodies and love them. They are very versatile, but probably not quite what I would consider max-warmth pieces.
Cabelas MTP is the warmest I've found. I put it on next to skin. Friends have it as well. Only downer is once you have it on you better get your a$$ out the door! I put it on in my landing at home because crikey it's hot once you're wearing it!
Another vote for wool power its bullet proof Lewis
I use a underarmour or similar type shirt then a fleece then layer on top of that.very warm and with the zippers can regulate.
Ha - there are two Will's on here.
Fellow Will - I have had great luck with Cabelas ECWCS (I think that's their acronym) system. The heaviest version is awesome on stand, though I've used several versions with good success. they have a new one which has a zippered upper that has polyfill - spendy, but likely extremely warm.
That said, the main ECWCS line up has been great here in central New England through the season, including late season sits in December when it starts out 10 below. It wick's very well and is warm.
Firstlite has all of their realtree camo at 40% off on the website. I dont own any but heard its good stuff.
Cabelas ECWS is my pick. Incredibly warm. Where it snowmobiling as well and never get cold.
Kuiu merino base with Ullfrotte Wool Power second layer
I got a stack of my wifes old stretchy pants that r great for cold, My top is from mossyoakapperal . Its also some sort a stretchy material . If the weather continues here as it is I will have worn shorts for every hunt this season. My coldest day this season at day break was 54deg. Beeerrrrrr that's cold.
Sitka Core Mid or Heavy depending on your needs
For the cold sits on stand I love some old Justin Charles merino wool I bought on clearance.
You bastards. . . Is that Ulfrotte stuff good? I love wool. I have top and bottoms in my "shopping cart" and am about to hit the go button.
I hate you guys
Anyone had their hands on the cabelas X-bionic??? At $200 a pop I doubt there are many.
For cold weather treestand sits I highly recommend the Cabela's MTP Polar Weight base layers as others have said above. Used these as a second layer over a light or mid weight base layer the last couple of years on cold days and for the price I couldn't be happier. As someone else stated, you better be ready to go out the door when you get them on and that wasn't a bad idea about putting them on at your stand either.
They are lightweight and cuts down on the number of layers I have needed.
My two cents. I have had several military surplus type Extreme Cold Weather polypropolene 1/4 zip thermal tops (like Cabelas ECWS). You can buy online at Midway USA for under $20. The cut of the collar on the 1/4 zip is at an angle, so if you zip it to the top, it runs up to the bottom of your chin. This is breathable to help keep you comfortable. There are 2 down sides to this piece: Order 1 size larger. I am usually a Large, but need an XL on this top to ensure the sleeves are long enough. Second negative is that the surface of the fabric "pills", most noticeably on the chest and belly for me. This happens when it rubs against the backside of the zipper of the coat I am wearing. This doesn't effect the garment, it just makes the surface look like it has littel snags. Doesn't bother me a bit. Whether duck or deer hunting, I start with an "under armour type" base layer next to my skin, the ECW zip top, a thin fleece vest and the appropriate coat / jacket. At only $20, I have purchased 3 over the last 15 years or so and am quite pleased with the results.
My two cents. I have had several military surplus type Extreme Cold Weather polypropolene 1/4 zip thermal tops (like Cabelas ECWS). You can buy online at Midway USA for under $20. The cut of the collar on the 1/4 zip is at an angle, so if you zip it to the top, it runs up to the bottom of your chin. This is breathable to help keep you comfortable. There are 2 down sides to this piece: Order 1 size larger. I am usually a Large, but need an XL on this top to ensure the sleeves are long enough. Second negative is that the surface of the fabric "pills", most noticeably on the chest and belly for me. This happens when it rubs against the backside of the zipper of the coat I am wearing. This doesn't effect the garment, it just makes the surface look like it has littel snags. Doesn't bother me a bit. Whether duck or deer hunting, I start with an "under armour type" base layer next to my skin, the ECW zip top, a thin fleece vest and the appropriate coat / jacket. At only $20, I have purchased 3 over the last 15 years or so and am quite pleased with the results.
Kirkus, you mind providing any more info. on sizing; i.e. your height, weight, etc.?
I like merino wool for a base layer.
Cabelas ECWS - one of the few times I can say "worth the $"
Redhead has some polar tech that can get really cheap on sale. Its so warm I can't hardly wear the bottoms.
I like wearing fleece wader pants when it gets really cold out. Warm, comfortable and the foot straps keep them from riding up.
Military Poly pro's. Dang they are warm. Breath well too. But they are a little bulky. Nothing serious. they simply are stiffer than newer materials and Merino wool.
Merino or Polartec mostly now. Neither are as warm as the Poly pro's but, bot are much thinner and limber too. They are still really warm though. God Bless men
Franzen - I didn't check back in after posting this. I am a fuzz under 6 feet and about 200 lbs., with a bit of a belly. 36 x 32 jeans. 16-1/2 x 34/35 dress shirt. Also turning gray and going bald, but there is no thermals that can help me with that.
Jwoods - I have a pair of fleece wader pants with the stirrups as well. Love them!
WV Mountaineer has good point on the ECW having thicker material. I don't find them that bulky, but he is correct that there are thinner materials out there, Usually more expensive. There are also ECW military poly pro long johns of the same material. I don't have a pair, since I think the thicker material would not be as comfortable under pants. I do have thinner poly pro long johns from Duo Fold - probably a mid weight, not an "arctic" or extreme cold weight. Been using a pair for about 20 years or so and they are getting a little thin in a few spots. Bought another pair for under $30 a few years back.
Biggest issue I have is that I sweat, so I like thin layers that I can walk to the stand, then put on my vest and jacket. The zipper on the 1/4 zip is great for venting while walking and zip it up when you start to cool down. I wear them both while still hunting and on stand. Just about everyone in my family has them since I bought my first one.
Best of luck to everyone this season!
Bake......not sure if it's any better is just my "snob" play and try to drop the name as often as I can....:) That said the stuff has big loops that make it really comfortable and traps alot of air.....Its more "non itch" that my base merino actually.The most comfortable wool I've ever worn
X2 Genesis I have some that is way north of 20 years old and still in great shape good luck Lewis
mnocito79's Link
I find these super warm for how thin they are and really cheap too. They are an Amazon "off brand" but they have held up really well. In fact I have 2 pairs just to wear around the house since the misses likes the heat at 65. I think I paid about $20 a pair (includes top and bottoms).
Ovis merino base layers, pure wool not blended and different weight choices.