Hunting Clothing help

Nathan · December 26, 2018, 11:15 PM

I’m looking for a hunting suit....I know, bad choice of words.

Right now, I hunt in an outer garment that is a rain jacket and pants of waterproof/breathable material. The bottoms are a drawstring elastic waist with 1/2 zip sides. Fit is like sweat pants. The top is full front zip. Both have a soft touch material that is pretty quiet. The problem is it has gotten some holes in it and the camo is not great for dry mountain terrain like Montana.

I’m looking for the same with a nice quiet suede or micro fleece material and a western camo. Any ideas? Also, this land is pretty dry. In MT, rain is much more rare, but snow does happen. I think it doesn’t need to be so waterproof.

I would like to stay under $200 or so since I have under $125 in the current gear.

Jack Ryan · December 26, 2018, 11:24 PM

If I was buying a hunting jacket today I'd go straight to Bass pro and buy this...
https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/cabe...most-windshear

I've ALWAYS wanted one and some how I've bought practically every kind of jacket on the planet and have them piled up in one room in the house completely full with nothing but jackets and not an inch left for another one or I'd have that.

Tried it on today, I'd buy it to fit perfectly not bigger for anything to fit under it at all. It is quiet as a morgue, you could do jumping jacks on broken glass with cement over shoes and not make a sound in this jacket.

Mobuck · December 27, 2018, 06:28 AM

The next month or so will have numerous sales of last year's hunting apparel so begin looking for bargains.
Look for a coat that allows wearing layers w/o being a tent if worn alone--that's a challenge. Pants are less challenging but need to be of proper length so they don't drag the ground or leave boot top gaps when seated.
There are so many fabric choices, I can't even recommend a good one.

Nathan · December 27, 2018, 02:36 PM

My experience shopping thus far has been. Waterproof/Breathable’s seem to be made thin and loud....you know crackle crackle, crunch crunch sound. The unlined fleece is quiet, but either warm or cold based on wind, but rarely comfortable.

There are a few microfleece or quieter waterproof/breathables, but they are often high dollar, not sage brush/dry forest camo and are a non-layering slim fit vs a more generous sweatsuit fit.

jmr40 · December 27, 2018, 03:17 PM

I don't recommend buying a dedicated hunting outfit of clothing. And a $200 budget will not be enough for everything you need. Quality stuff costs money.

Knowing where you hunt and weather conditions helps. Most of my hunting gear has been picked up a piece at a time over a period of years. I live in GA, but sometimes travel to hunt. I also hunt waterfowl, big game, turkey, and small game. Temperature ranges from over 90 to below 0. Rain is sometimes a factor, but wind is more common. Much of my gear is actually designed and sold as back packing, tactical, or sporting goods gear. I get better quality for the money. it doesn't have to be camo; brown, black, gray and green gear works fine for most hunting. Turkey and waterfowl require camo, but not most other game.

You want breathable pants and shirts. Unless all your hunting is in hot weather avoid 100% cotton like the plague. I've found lots of stuff made of 65% polyester, 35% cotton that works well for pants. I almost never wear long under wear bottoms even in temps down to 0. I wear boxer brief underwear that comes down almost to my knees and wool socks reaching almost to the knees. There is only a few inches around my knees not covered by layers.

Tops can be cheap long or short sleeve T-shirts made of polyester material. Available at Walmart for a few dollars. Wear 2-3 as needed for temps. Over that a budget store fleece jacket or insulated jacket or vest. Instead of one heavy jacket a lighter vest under another jacket of similar weight is warmer and provides versatility for changing conditions. I always carry a pack to store extra gear.

For wind or rain a lightweight waterproof shell that is only used when needed.

A head covering is the key to staying warm. Keep your head warm and your feet will stay warm.

Some ideas that I actually use.

Pants, these are available in camo but I hunt in green or brown quite often.

https://www.amazon.com/Tru-Spec-Tact...men&th=1&psc=1

waterproof shell

https://www.amazon.com/Red-Ledge-Uni...ge+rain+jacket

Best socks I've ever worn, but not cheap

https://www.amazon.com/Darn-Tough-Me...ough+socks+men

The best time to buy gear like this is spring or summer. Stores like REI and others sell their winter stuff cheap then. I have some North Face, Marmont, and Patagonia gear for up to 75% off bought in July. About the same price as Walmart gear, but much better.

reinert · December 28, 2018, 12:45 PM

Hey Nathan, just an old guy's thoughts here on clothing:

Clothing selection for hunting purposes has so many facets, beside the fact as to where you live and hunt. Warm weather, cold weather, in between weather; example: you find yourself experiencing a 40 degree change of temp. in the course of a day. That type of temp. change can happen very easily on a mountain, or even in the plains where I live in Wyoming, and that's not uncommon at all. So, look to the National Weather Service report for the area you plan to hunt, and make the clothing call... and wait for that buck or bull, or go stalk him. Waiting, and stalking, two different methods, for two different types of clothing needs.

Your years of hunting experience will have you acquiring (sometimes) a single clothing piece at a time (IMO; anyway, that's how it's worked out for me) as YOUR own personal need requires. The more you go, the more you'll know...for you. How cold was it this morning? Geeze, but it got warm this afternoon... A GOOD, well thought out daypack for YOUR needs, is a very essential requirement, too (IMO), with lots of cordage inside (and partly for tying extra clothing to your pack as a certain day in the field presents itself).

So, what I've found that personally works for me, generally, is a base of Merino wool blended with a GOOD wicking acrylic of some sort, and a polar-tech fleece vest that zips to a turtle neck WITH the material under the zipper in the neck area to block the wind. I'm relating here as to how I hunt, generally in the late fall, and that's spot and stalk, and on the move mostly. I have to have clothing that will dry quickly, wicking perspiration away from the body quickly.

I have an old, light weight insulated wool shirt my folks gave me for Christmas at least 30 years ago that I still use every year elk hunting (the ONLY time it gets used at all, so it's still in fairly good shape and fits me perfectly with my under garments). With the Merino wool underwear and the fleece vest mentioned, that combination of clothing still works great as to how I hunt on the mountain. I also have a super lightweight, insulated jacket in a waterproof cover lashed to my daypack, if I need an extra garment in a bad change of weather while hunting (it fits loosely completely over my "wool shirt" system). Since I've been hunting for quite a number of years now, I can pretty much say I have what I need for any hunting situation I need clothing for. I've rifle hunted many times in 10+ degrees below zero weather, and bow hunted in 70 degree weather in the early seasons. I have what I need for either weather experience, acquired through lots of hunting seasons past, and most always, a piece of needful (maybe) clothing at a time.

What sort of prompted me here to your clothing question OP, was the raingear concern you had, along with mountain hunting you're thinking about in Montana. I had that concern once, too (the raincoat deal). I found a really nice (one piece at a time) waterproof, "breathable," extremely quiet outer shell, that fit perfectly over my old, insulated wool shirt system. Well, here's what I found regarding that particular garment (supposedly a Gore-Tex type material):

While hunting the Black Hills for elk a number of years ago, the weather was around 15 degrees, and snowing with a couple of inches of snow on the ground. My brother dropped me off to do a full day's still hunt back to his home. I thought it would be the perfect day to use that "breathable" outer shell. About mid-way through the day, I started to get cold and couldn't figure out why. I was moving, so, like most anytime else, I shouldn't be cold; shrugged (shivered) it off. I finally made it back to my bros place, shivering like crazy. Once indoors, I took off that outer shell, and found it was quite wet inside. My wool clothes had been wicking just fine, but the outer shell wouldn't let enough moisture out while I was walking, and I was losing body heat, warming up my own rainwater... I learned a pretty good lesson right there; that "breathable" outer garment didn't breath enough for my personal activity. Had I spent anymore time on that particular hunting day, I might have had a good recipe for hypothermia going on, and didn't even know it. They say, that's kind of how that works. Because I was walking continually on that hunt, I figured I shouldn't be cold, but I was, and maybe should've stopped to maybe build a fire (at least should've considered a gear check). Nope, just kept walking "to the house." Didn't see an elk that day, either.

Now sitting in a tree, or in a ground blind, while it was cold and snowing on that particular hunting day, that garment probably would've been great (along with insulated bibs and another upper garment, too, no doubt). I just made a bad clothing call, but learned a great lesson while choosing the proper clothing for a certain type of hunting method. As far as waterproof gear I use? I have a lightweight, waterproof, army style rain poncho in my daypack (in there all the time) to keep me dry, when I REALLY need to keep dry. The open sides of the poncho provide enough ventilation to let my clothing wick and get rid of the moisture as I'm moving. Yeah, it ain't worth a hoot bowhunting, but it's fine for rifle hunting (side snaps there too, if needed). When I have to break the poncho out, I've usually got the firm notion to get back to the vehicle, or camp, anyway... Hunting clothing, and most any type of gear you'll need in the course of your own accumulated years of experience in the field, will most likely be "one piece at a time." Kind of like Johnny Cash's song...only it'll cost you more than a dime, generally.

All this is just stuff I've found that works very well for me, and your hunting needs' mileage will no doubt vary. And likely one piece at a time, will mean way more than just the lyrics to an old tune. Also, I made it through another hunting season safe and sound and ready for next year, all things permitting. Got all the clothes I need, still, too! Ha!

Happy New Year, Nathan! And, good hunting! For game, and for the clothes!

reinert

BTW, the gaiters I use have the "real deal" Gore-Tex material in them. I use them all the time, in any activity, when out in wet weather; fine things, indeed.

Nathan · December 28, 2018, 06:22 PM

Thank you Reinert. Sounds like you have a nice assortment of clothing. I forgot to mention that I have to get the whole shebang in a suitcase as I’ve moved out-of-state.

I too have amassed and cut some clothing. I’ve always chosen synthetics over wool, but I know it is warm. I too spot and stalk hunt out west.

Maybe I should just focus on bibs or pants for the time being...

Red Devil · January 19, 2019, 02:19 PM

Have Two of THESE 50/50 NyCo sateen M-65 field jackets that come w/ polyester quilted liners. (~ $70 on sale)

One L/L and another XL/L. (I'm 6'-1/180 lb)

Wear the L/L as a three-Season jacket w/o the liner.

Button the L/L liner in on top of the XL/L liner to double'em up in the XL/L jacket for Winter.

Snow/water repellent, windproof, breathable, and able to open/adjust for exertion heat/moisture.

The liners are also open at the arm pits, which aids in moisture control.

Wear surplus ECWCS GORE-TEX Pants.

As for Camo?

Depending on the game, ungulates have relatively poor vision and a blue dominate color band that extends into the near infrared range. They will detect motion and scent long before outline.

Given that, any pattern that breaks outline at range, lacks blue based colors, and is low reflective in the near infrared range should work fine.

Woodland (M81) pattern, washed in non-UV brightener soap and a baking soda rinse, does that very well.

Red

Schlitz 45 · January 19, 2019, 06:35 PM

As a young man (poor) most of my hunting clothes came from the army surplus store-some German wool flight deck pants and wool commando sweater combined with a poncho got me through some pretty tough conditions & the poncho was great for keeping my rifle out of the elements when still hunting.Warm & quiet but heavy, especially when they got wet. I picked up some fleece goretex coveralls at the bargain cave & they’re my go to top layer now for many seasons-love today’s breathable fabric$.

Vicki lynn · January 20, 2019, 09:59 PM

What will you be hunting?
I gear up for whitetail deer and my dad went overboard with ever color camo possible and each has its own weight and thickness. The black and white winter camo is real thick. I dont use it much anymore, depending on weather I go out in carhartt. Use to be fun to get all camouflaged up and have your face painted. Then the orange vest or hat came about and I started asking questions. Come to find out deer are colored blind so it doesn't matter what i wear.
If your looking for camo check and see if ya have a Army surplus near you or a discount store that sells hunting supplies such as Walmart.

Mobuck · January 21, 2019, 07:27 AM

"I forgot to mention that I have to get the whole shebang in a suitcase"

HMMM, wouldn't work for me. The duffle bag I use for my primary hunting "wardrobe" on even moderate weather hunts is the size of a 33 gallon barrel (40" long X 20" diameter) which doesn't include footwear (and that's in addition to a backpack with toiletries/underwear/travel necessities).

Geezerbiker · January 21, 2019, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vicki lynn

What will you be hunting?
I gear up for whitetail deer and my dad went overboard with ever color camo possible and each has its own weight and thickness. The black and white winter camo is real thick. I dont use it much anymore, depending on weather I go out in carhartt. Use to be fun to get all camouflaged up and have your face painted. Then the orange vest or hat came about and I started asking questions. Come to find out deer are colored blind so it doesn't matter what i wear.
If your looking for camo check and see if ya have a Army surplus near you or a discount store that sells hunting supplies such as Walmart.

Actually deer are red/green color blind but see blue and yellow. So wearing blue jeans is a quick way to help deer see you. There's not much in the forest that's blue...

Tony

2wheelwander · January 21, 2019, 05:12 PM

Just stumbled upon this thread. Midway USA has GREAT sales starting in late fall every year. Hunting clothes, cold weather, boots, etc. It is all dependent on what sizes/patterns they have left over, but It isn't uncommon to find some nice cold weather bib overalls and a jacket at 50%-75%, or more, off. I snagged some coldweather camo bibs for my self and insulated cold weather hunting jackets fro the kids it was so cheap. I remember spending $90 per jacket for my kids and these jackets are insulate, fleece lined, no snag, quite in the woods, jackets. As I recall they were normally near $300 each.

I also got a pair of Under Armor tactical side zipper boots for riding my motorcycle. I paid $50 for them, Amazon wanted $150 for the same boot.

MidwayUSA start looking in late fall, click on the clearance tab and start at eh 75% off tab. Tons of deals. The common sizes go fast.

December 26, 2018, 11:15 PM	#1
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,331	Hunting Clothing help I’m looking for a hunting suit....I know, bad choice of words. Right now, I hunt in an outer garment that is a rain jacket and pants of waterproof/breathable material. The bottoms are a drawstring elastic waist with 1/2 zip sides. Fit is like sweat pants. The top is full front zip. Both have a soft touch material that is pretty quiet. The problem is it has gotten some holes in it and the camo is not great for dry mountain terrain like Montana. I’m looking for the same with a nice quiet suede or micro fleece material and a western camo. Any ideas? Also, this land is pretty dry. In MT, rain is much more rare, but snow does happen. I think it doesn’t need to be so waterproof. I would like to stay under $200 or so since I have under $125 in the current gear.

December 26, 2018, 11:24 PM	#2
Jack Ryan Member Join Date: November 9, 2009 Posts: 61	If I was buying a hunting jacket today I'd go straight to Bass pro and buy this... https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/cabe...most-windshear I've ALWAYS wanted one and some how I've bought practically every kind of jacket on the planet and have them piled up in one room in the house completely full with nothing but jackets and not an inch left for another one or I'd have that. Tried it on today, I'd buy it to fit perfectly not bigger for anything to fit under it at all. It is quiet as a morgue, you could do jumping jacks on broken glass with cement over shoes and not make a sound in this jacket. __________________ Free men own guns. Slaves don't.

December 27, 2018, 03:17 PM	#5
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,808	I don't recommend buying a dedicated hunting outfit of clothing. And a $200 budget will not be enough for everything you need. Quality stuff costs money. Knowing where you hunt and weather conditions helps. Most of my hunting gear has been picked up a piece at a time over a period of years. I live in GA, but sometimes travel to hunt. I also hunt waterfowl, big game, turkey, and small game. Temperature ranges from over 90 to below 0. Rain is sometimes a factor, but wind is more common. Much of my gear is actually designed and sold as back packing, tactical, or sporting goods gear. I get better quality for the money. it doesn't have to be camo; brown, black, gray and green gear works fine for most hunting. Turkey and waterfowl require camo, but not most other game. You want breathable pants and shirts. Unless all your hunting is in hot weather avoid 100% cotton like the plague. I've found lots of stuff made of 65% polyester, 35% cotton that works well for pants. I almost never wear long under wear bottoms even in temps down to 0. I wear boxer brief underwear that comes down almost to my knees and wool socks reaching almost to the knees. There is only a few inches around my knees not covered by layers. Tops can be cheap long or short sleeve T-shirts made of polyester material. Available at Walmart for a few dollars. Wear 2-3 as needed for temps. Over that a budget store fleece jacket or insulated jacket or vest. Instead of one heavy jacket a lighter vest under another jacket of similar weight is warmer and provides versatility for changing conditions. I always carry a pack to store extra gear. For wind or rain a lightweight waterproof shell that is only used when needed. A head covering is the key to staying warm. Keep your head warm and your feet will stay warm. Some ideas that I actually use. Pants, these are available in camo but I hunt in green or brown quite often. https://www.amazon.com/Tru-Spec-Tact...men&th=1&psc=1 waterproof shell https://www.amazon.com/Red-Ledge-Uni...ge+rain+jacket Best socks I've ever worn, but not cheap https://www.amazon.com/Darn-Tough-Me...ough+socks+men The best time to buy gear like this is spring or summer. Stores like REI and others sell their winter stuff cheap then. I have some North Face, Marmont, and Patagonia gear for up to 75% off bought in July. About the same price as Walmart gear, but much better. __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

January 19, 2019, 02:19 PM	#8
Red Devil Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2010 Posts: 274	Have Two of THESE 50/50 NyCo sateen M-65 field jackets that come w/ polyester quilted liners. (~ $70 on sale) One L/L and another XL/L. (I'm 6'-1/180 lb) Wear the L/L as a three-Season jacket w/o the liner. Button the L/L liner in on top of the XL/L liner to double'em up in the XL/L jacket for Winter. Snow/water repellent, windproof, breathable, and able to open/adjust for exertion heat/moisture. The liners are also open at the arm pits, which aids in moisture control. Wear surplus ECWCS GORE-TEX Pants. As for Camo? Depending on the game, ungulates have relatively poor vision and a blue dominate color band that extends into the near infrared range. They will detect motion and scent long before outline. Given that, any pattern that breaks outline at range, lacks blue based colors, and is low reflective in the near infrared range should work fine. Woodland (M81) pattern, washed in non-UV brightener soap and a baking soda rinse, does that very well. Red Last edited by Red Devil; January 19, 2019 at 02:28 PM.

December 27, 2018, 06:28 AM	#3
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	The next month or so will have numerous sales of last year's hunting apparel so begin looking for bargains. Look for a coat that allows wearing layers w/o being a tent if worn alone--that's a challenge. Pants are less challenging but need to be of proper length so they don't drag the ground or leave boot top gaps when seated. There are so many fabric choices, I can't even recommend a good one.

December 27, 2018, 02:36 PM	#4
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,331	My experience shopping thus far has been. Waterproof/Breathable’s seem to be made thin and loud....you know crackle crackle, crunch crunch sound. The unlined fleece is quiet, but either warm or cold based on wind, but rarely comfortable. There are a few microfleece or quieter waterproof/breathables, but they are often high dollar, not sage brush/dry forest camo and are a non-layering slim fit vs a more generous sweatsuit fit.

December 28, 2018, 12:45 PM	#6
reinert Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 646	Hey Nathan, just an old guy's thoughts here on clothing: Clothing selection for hunting purposes has so many facets, beside the fact as to where you live and hunt. Warm weather, cold weather, in between weather; example: you find yourself experiencing a 40 degree change of temp. in the course of a day. That type of temp. change can happen very easily on a mountain, or even in the plains where I live in Wyoming, and that's not uncommon at all. So, look to the National Weather Service report for the area you plan to hunt, and make the clothing call... and wait for that buck or bull, or go stalk him. Waiting, and stalking, two different methods, for two different types of clothing needs. Your years of hunting experience will have you acquiring (sometimes) a single clothing piece at a time (IMO; anyway, that's how it's worked out for me) as YOUR own personal need requires. The more you go, the more you'll know...for you. How cold was it this morning? Geeze, but it got warm this afternoon... A GOOD, well thought out daypack for YOUR needs, is a very essential requirement, too (IMO), with lots of cordage inside (and partly for tying extra clothing to your pack as a certain day in the field presents itself). So, what I've found that personally works for me, generally, is a base of Merino wool blended with a GOOD wicking acrylic of some sort, and a polar-tech fleece vest that zips to a turtle neck WITH the material under the zipper in the neck area to block the wind. I'm relating here as to how I hunt, generally in the late fall, and that's spot and stalk, and on the move mostly. I have to have clothing that will dry quickly, wicking perspiration away from the body quickly. I have an old, light weight insulated wool shirt my folks gave me for Christmas at least 30 years ago that I still use every year elk hunting (the ONLY time it gets used at all, so it's still in fairly good shape and fits me perfectly with my under garments). With the Merino wool underwear and the fleece vest mentioned, that combination of clothing still works great as to how I hunt on the mountain. I also have a super lightweight, insulated jacket in a waterproof cover lashed to my daypack, if I need an extra garment in a bad change of weather while hunting (it fits loosely completely over my "wool shirt" system). Since I've been hunting for quite a number of years now, I can pretty much say I have what I need for any hunting situation I need clothing for. I've rifle hunted many times in 10+ degrees below zero weather, and bow hunted in 70 degree weather in the early seasons. I have what I need for either weather experience, acquired through lots of hunting seasons past, and most always, a piece of needful (maybe) clothing at a time. What sort of prompted me here to your clothing question OP, was the raingear concern you had, along with mountain hunting you're thinking about in Montana. I had that concern once, too (the raincoat deal). I found a really nice (one piece at a time) waterproof, "breathable," extremely quiet outer shell, that fit perfectly over my old, insulated wool shirt system. Well, here's what I found regarding that particular garment (supposedly a Gore-Tex type material): While hunting the Black Hills for elk a number of years ago, the weather was around 15 degrees, and snowing with a couple of inches of snow on the ground. My brother dropped me off to do a full day's still hunt back to his home. I thought it would be the perfect day to use that "breathable" outer shell. About mid-way through the day, I started to get cold and couldn't figure out why. I was moving, so, like most anytime else, I shouldn't be cold; shrugged (shivered) it off. I finally made it back to my bros place, shivering like crazy. Once indoors, I took off that outer shell, and found it was quite wet inside. My wool clothes had been wicking just fine, but the outer shell wouldn't let enough moisture out while I was walking, and I was losing body heat, warming up my own rainwater... I learned a pretty good lesson right there; that "breathable" outer garment didn't breath enough for my personal activity. Had I spent anymore time on that particular hunting day, I might have had a good recipe for hypothermia going on, and didn't even know it. They say, that's kind of how that works. Because I was walking continually on that hunt, I figured I shouldn't be cold, but I was, and maybe should've stopped to maybe build a fire (at least should've considered a gear check). Nope, just kept walking "to the house." Didn't see an elk that day, either. Now sitting in a tree, or in a ground blind, while it was cold and snowing on that particular hunting day, that garment probably would've been great (along with insulated bibs and another upper garment, too, no doubt). I just made a bad clothing call, but learned a great lesson while choosing the proper clothing for a certain type of hunting method. As far as waterproof gear I use? I have a lightweight, waterproof, army style rain poncho in my daypack (in there all the time) to keep me dry, when I REALLY need to keep dry. The open sides of the poncho provide enough ventilation to let my clothing wick and get rid of the moisture as I'm moving. Yeah, it ain't worth a hoot bowhunting, but it's fine for rifle hunting (side snaps there too, if needed). When I have to break the poncho out, I've usually got the firm notion to get back to the vehicle, or camp, anyway... Hunting clothing, and most any type of gear you'll need in the course of your own accumulated years of experience in the field, will most likely be "one piece at a time." Kind of like Johnny Cash's song...only it'll cost you more than a dime, generally. All this is just stuff I've found that works very well for me, and your hunting needs' mileage will no doubt vary. And likely one piece at a time, will mean way more than just the lyrics to an old tune. Also, I made it through another hunting season safe and sound and ready for next year, all things permitting. Got all the clothes I need, still, too! Ha! Happy New Year, Nathan! And, good hunting! For game, and for the clothes! reinert BTW, the gaiters I use have the "real deal" Gore-Tex material in them. I use them all the time, in any activity, when out in wet weather; fine things, indeed.

December 28, 2018, 06:22 PM	#7
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,331	Thank you Reinert. Sounds like you have a nice assortment of clothing. I forgot to mention that I have to get the whole shebang in a suitcase as I’ve moved out-of-state. I too have amassed and cut some clothing. I’ve always chosen synthetics over wool, but I know it is warm. I too spot and stalk hunt out west. Maybe I should just focus on bibs or pants for the time being...

January 19, 2019, 06:35 PM	#9
Schlitz 45 Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 2018 Location: Colorado Posts: 385	As a young man (poor) most of my hunting clothes came from the army surplus store-some German wool flight deck pants and wool commando sweater combined with a poncho got me through some pretty tough conditions & the poncho was great for keeping my rifle out of the elements when still hunting.Warm & quiet but heavy, especially when they got wet. I picked up some fleece goretex coveralls at the bargain cave & they’re my go to top layer now for many seasons-love today’s breathable fabric$.

January 20, 2019, 09:59 PM	#10
Vicki lynn Junior Member Join Date: January 20, 2019 Location: USA Posts: 7	What will you be hunting? I gear up for whitetail deer and my dad went overboard with ever color camo possible and each has its own weight and thickness. The black and white winter camo is real thick. I dont use it much anymore, depending on weather I go out in carhartt. Use to be fun to get all camouflaged up and have your face painted. Then the orange vest or hat came about and I started asking questions. Come to find out deer are colored blind so it doesn't matter what i wear. If your looking for camo check and see if ya have a Army surplus near you or a discount store that sells hunting supplies such as Walmart.

January 21, 2019, 07:27 AM	#11
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	"I forgot to mention that I have to get the whole shebang in a suitcase" HMMM, wouldn't work for me. The duffle bag I use for my primary hunting "wardrobe" on even moderate weather hunts is the size of a 33 gallon barrel (40" long X 20" diameter) which doesn't include footwear (and that's in addition to a backpack with toiletries/underwear/travel necessities).

January 21, 2019, 05:12 PM	#13
2wheelwander Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2018 Posts: 539	Just stumbled upon this thread. Midway USA has GREAT sales starting in late fall every year. Hunting clothes, cold weather, boots, etc. It is all dependent on what sizes/patterns they have left over, but It isn't uncommon to find some nice cold weather bib overalls and a jacket at 50%-75%, or more, off. I snagged some coldweather camo bibs for my self and insulated cold weather hunting jackets fro the kids it was so cheap. I remember spending $90 per jacket for my kids and these jackets are insulate, fleece lined, no snag, quite in the woods, jackets. As I recall they were normally near $300 each. I also got a pair of Under Armor tactical side zipper boots for riding my motorcycle. I paid $50 for them, Amazon wanted $150 for the same boot. MidwayUSA start looking in late fall, click on the clearance tab and start at eh 75% off tab. Tons of deals. The common sizes go fast.