I'm hoping it helps someone planning their first trip out West! Please note that everyone is a little different on their system and I missed some points in the video. I do see a lot of people looking for one jacket to do it all like tree stand hunting and that just doesn't work in the backcountry. Lastly, don't think because of the thumbnail that I am advocating for all Kuiu (or matching systems of any brand like Sitka or First Lite), it's just what I have. Lots of great ways to acquire miss matched layers that do just as good of a job at less cost through ebay, REI garage sale, military surplus, facebook marketplace, HuntTalk, etc. The important part is to have all the functioning layers for your system.
My plan is to hunt Idaho archery elk unless I draw AZ which is unlikely. Getting excited! Hope this helps someone!
Franklin, gear is definitely getting ridiculous on price! Top shelf gear won’t make you a better hunter though.
Military surplus silk weight base layers( polar tec) and synthetic under -armor style long sleeve t shirts as amid layer from Walmart($30 total).
Get a decent set of quick dry hiking pants(I wear Columbia or Cabelas xpg camo ($40 ) .
A mid weight fleece jacket($50) and quality packable rain suit (I have a Marmot Precip suit ($90) on sale).
Add a down puffy if you anticipate cold weather, I got a black one on sale for about $50.
I like the merino wool and higher end stuff but if you are on a budget the stuff I listed will get you by (safely and comfortably) for about 1/4 the price. A lot of the hiking gear companies are offering gear in more subdued colors that work well for hunting, watch for sales!The Sitka or Kuiu equivalent of the gear setup I mentioned above is about $1200, the difference will almost finance an out of state elk hunt for me! Boots are really the only place where I don't pay too much attention to cost.
