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I can't begin to count the number of times that I've hunted with people that spent a bat shyte crazy amount of money for "designer" cold weather gear only to wind up stinkin' sweaty and 3/4 frozen stiff and miserable. I've been with guys that spent $300 for "down-filled" parkas only to have branches and raspberry vines rip it to shreds first time out with feathers poofing from here to next week with every step which is truly hilarious.
I can't believe how much thought goes into this, I guess not many guys work outside anymore.
LOL....you can always find a "kit-" with deep pockets. Doesn't matter where you are.Quote:
Originally Posted by trimmer21
Mike...you're probably of a vintage where you recall being issued One parka......and that was your main layer too...Quote:
Originally Posted by MikePal
what a great parka it was though..multiple layers built right in.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bluebulldog
Wanna stay warm...take a look at what the flag person on a road crew is wearing...all day outside wearing Carhart work cloths.
Wisdom here.Quote:
Originally Posted by fratri
Ah man dont get pulled into the rookie quest for camo. I did that when i was first getting into hunting. But now im actually trying to de-camo a bit, it becomes excessive. Just look back at the greats like Fred Bear, he usually wore a green and black plaid shirt with green pants and he took tons of game. Keep it basic.
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So as everyone has pointed out, CAMO is not necessarily an essential. Yes it does help, but there are other contributing factors for success. I was in the same boat a year ago and i dropped some money on the camo outter wear and i enjoy wearing it. I know for a fact it helps with my waterfowl hunts.
As others have said, sitting still is key as most game animals have extraordinary eye sight. To do that in a spring turkey or a fall deer hunt you have to be able to regulate your body temp and wick mositure away.
I may have just started hunting but years of backcountry skiing, winter camping (tent), snowshoeing etc has taught me how to deal with body heat and perspiration on a very important level as it could lead to major issues when in the backcountry.. The UA products work great and do cost a lot of money, but there not the only brand out there. Merino wools are fantastic and again lots of brands that will set you back $$$$ but you have options.
If your not familiar with the new age technical clothing do a quick google search about layering. You will be suprised at how in depth some articles are and how easy it is to apply a camping, skiing, snowshoeing concept to the sport of hunting. Just think of the weather patterns we have.
If your on a budget, I would highly recommend the store MEC (it's my adult toys R' us) as they have their own merino wool line and can get some clearance items (remember the color is hidden as its an underlayer) and the other place where i have found some great shirts and base layer merino/socks is Costco.... all wick moisture away helping regulate body temp making your long sit more bearable and keeping you warm and dry means less movement.
Now count how many times you've heard people gripe about spending X on crap that doesn't work as advertised or remain water proof, blows seems and zippers.Quote:
Originally Posted by trimmer21
I bet they far outnumber the number of complaints about spending more and tearing it on a branch or unseen barbed wire.
I have a pair of Sitkas 90% pants (just one item among many). I mention these specifically because I have put by now thousands of hours in them, a lot of it...hard use they are 7 years old now. I use these pants for everything from hunting, when Im chasing WTs with my camera, to fishing spring through fall, camping with the kids and more.
They are like new and no blown seams, no loose threads, no blown zippers, etc, etc. In fact when I was in a rifle camp back in Nov amongst about a dozen hunters and many asked me about Sitka...All of them were blown away when I told them the pants I was wearing were 7 years old and had seen thousands of hours of use.
Also have Sitkas "Incinerator" set for my late season hunts. Down filled bibs and jacket with goretex. Haven't over heated once.
Then again wearing good technical clothing that's vented, breathes and base layers that wick moisture.....
Again, don't take the above as a recommendation to go out and spend good coin, as that's whats needed.
But if a scope that only makes a difference, once or a few times a year is worth $300. And sits in a cabinet......Or six rifles and 2 shot guns (can only use one at time) and is worth many thousands......
Isnt good clothing you can wear and abuse, that gets you out, keeps you out and worst case...
Worth the same?
Always shake my head that so many wont blink at spending $300 to $1,000 on a scope........But not good clothing, or a $300 jacket.
No need to buy the most expensive, thinking you'll be better off...
A quick look at a pair of Sitka Bibs will cost you $500..
http://www.sitkagear.com/products/wh...ncinerator-bib
A quick look at Carhartt bibs will cost you $130...
http://www.carhartt.com/products/car...veralls-101226
For the average guy who hunts a week or two a year the Carhartt will last them a life time...if not you could replace them almost 4x for the same cost.
No need to buy a Lamborghini when a Toyota do the same thing.....