Cold weather 'under' gear...

JMc

JMc

Super Moderator
I'm sure we all have our favorites but I want to share some info on gear I use to stay warm. I hate wearing heavy coats while hunting so I've learned to layer. One of the best I have come across is WinterSilks www.wintersilks.com. I use the mock turtle top and lightweight long underwear then either use UA or Nike cold gear over that. The 100% pure silk is outstanding. I'm thinking of ordering one of each weight. No affiiation, just a suggestion. What do you guys wear?
 
From inside out:
Long-sleeve cotton t-shirt. (maybe an undershirt too if it's really, REALLY cold)
Medium weight fleece pullover.
Old camo hunting vest that cuts wind from blowing through my core & holds up to a box of shells in 1 pocket, dog treats & granola bars in the other, big bottle of water & 3 roosters.
If it's really cold & real windy, I'll also wear my old Cabela's Goretex camo coat underneath my vest & maybe my Turtle Fur neck warmer.
 
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I will second silk as a first layer. I usually have a long sleeve carhart, cotton, then my Mcallister pullover and then strap hunting vest, if really cold ditch pullover and vest for my berrata upland hunting coat. Usually wear carhart pants with either chaps or bibs over them.
 
Heavy cotton T; cotton long sleeve turtleneck; Hanes cotton lounge pants or long underwear; cotton field coat; heavier or Gortex lined brush pants; wool stocking cap.
 
Under Armor or Merino wool first layer . Long sleeve shirt , fleece vest and my Cableas lined hooded jacket . I was good to -6 last weekend .
 
For a top I like a quarter zipper. My old thermostat doesn't seem to work like it used to and I can heat up or cool down way too quick. The quarter zip allows me to unzip, especially when climbing some elevation in elk camp and to zip up when I am start cooling down after the climb is over. Works well for me doing daily chores at ranch also.

First Lite Chama EXP 330g Merino Quarter Zip
 
Really surprised by all the guys wearing cotton.

I wear wool as a baselayer but a lot of synthetics are good too. Cotton does the opposite of what I want against my skin when being active. Especially when it's cold.
 
base layer is usually "performance" shirt/underwear, Ski socks. Usually a synthetic blend fabric. UA/Nike/Champion etc. They all work. My main cold weather down to 10 degrees is Dry-fit t-shirt, Sherpa Shirt and UA sweatshirt(Or mid weight jacket).

Still working on pants. Usually wear Fleece lined jeans with filson Double tin but after several 1/2 day hunts in them, need a material that sheds water better and thick for cold weather. Pretty much have to wear chaps to prevent abrasive wear from CRP grass.
 
I tend to run "hot" as I follow my dogs. I'm always on the move, blocking doesn't really appeal to me. Oh, I'll block if necessary but I'd rather walk behind my dogs.

So...as has been mentioned upthread, I'll start with just a long sleeve cotton T shirt and cordura faced Cabela's hunting pants, strap vest, usually a mesh baseball cap and light goatskin gloves. This setup will take me down into the upper 40s.

If it gets windy, I've got a Gore-Tex windbreaker to layer over the T-shirt and maybe switch to a GoreTex/thinsulate ball cap.

If it starts dropping into the low 40s/upper 30s, I'll add a fleece vest to keep the core warm.

If it's going to be low 30s I'll use the same setup with a set of light long underwear beneath it all.

If the wind pops up then, I've got a great Cabela's hooded jacket of their Windstopper fleece that pretty much covers me no matter how low it goes.

<Edit> Oh yeah..I also have a pair of GoreTex uninsulated bib overalls for wet weather and/or layering in cold weather. </edit>

My basic view is light is better and layers are key. I've got a heavy duty waterproof storage box with all the extra clothing in it that I keep strapped on top of my kennel in the back of the truck. Easy to layer up or down to suit changing conditions.
 
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I wear a long sleeve "heat 32" top(found them at Costco for $6), Tshirt, Sweat shirt, Windblocker jacket or another zip sweatshirt...all over the "wool sweater" baselayer that God give me that my wife hates......
 
Recently in the cold -5 to 10 above I have been wearing the following

On top...
Merino wool base
Sitka heavyweight core
Sitka traverse zip t
Hoodie

On bottom...
Merino wool base
UA Wader pants
Cabelas instinct upland pants

Also wear a ball cap and the Sitka Gunner gloves.


PS Sitka is where it is at. Lots of layers but all layers are thin and promote mobility.
 
I like using my first lite medium weight base layer then usually a t shirt and my hunting jeans from Cabelas. Top that off with one of their 7 in 1 jackets so I can shed layers or add if needed. Keeps me plenty warm on windy 0 degree days here in SD.
 
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