I'm attempting to go camo-less elk hunting here in WA. This will be 180 degree turn from my hunting areas in NM. I'm looking for some guidance in my choice in rainwear. First of all, except for the jacket and bibs, everything is either 100% virgin or merrino wool(thanks Goodwill!). For rain, the bibs and jacket I have are both black Arcteryx ($$$) and issued, so I'm cheap as well. There are side leg and armpit zips for ventilation, but being all black, I thought I'd wear a plaid red/black vest to break it up. Does this sound like overkill, or should I stick to plain wool pants and wool layers above? My main problem is that I may be staying out there, and probably will not be able to dry out my stuff in a camp.
I am stationed at Fort Lewis and grew up in WA. If you are planning on sitting around a lot you will be good but otherwise you are going to be burning up. Throw any synthetic shirt that breaks up the outline a little bit over you raingear. I love wool but just remember two things. 1. heavy 2. although it will still be warm when wet it will be that way for a long time. synthetic can be dried out quickly so taylor your gear hunt specific. If you are on Mchord you should check out Tacoma Sportmans club or Skookum. Good luck
Thanks Timothy; what pants are you generally wearing for late season and if you're on the move?
I wear my cabelas revolution fleece unisulated if if it's cold or just silk weight poly pro bottoms with some of my old BDUs
The fleece has dry plus.
Thanks.
look out for wearing all black. at distance you could be a bear or moose to some rifle hunter (but you knew that already). My problem with raingear is the noise unless you find a spot and stay put. this is a time to get under the trees. I know of someone that wears leather for wind/rain, less noise.