Hi All:
My wife tried hunting last week and although we didn't see anything meaningful she enjoyed it. She's been shooting off and on this summer and her interest continues to grow. She's disappointed in what she finds in the big name catalogues for women's hunting apparel (or lack thereof)
Want to see what folks recommend for women's hunting clothes:
1. We have 4 young kids and no local family so she would not be out too many times a year.
2. Likely blind hunting. I may buy a 2 person ladder stand.
3. Warmth is a factor. She gets cold easily.
Any recommendations on reaonably priced wool? Other ideas? I am thinking of muted colors in wool so she could wear this for outside winter activities other than hunting too. However, she's not wanting to break the budget since she'll likely only get out a couple of weekends a year.
THANK YOU!
I would invest in a good pop up blind and then what she wears will not be near as big an issue. Search "She Safari" an entire line of ladys hunting clothes.
Tracy has both She Safari,and High Maintenace Camo.She says the She Safari fits much better then the High Maintenance stuff.She was checking out the Prois camo at the ATA show last year.Tracy realy liked the fit of it,and it comes in heavier insulation values.HOWEVER, Like any good garment all of these brands are a bit more pricey.Tracy says if you have anymore questions that she may be able to help with, feel free to call.(937)444-0904
Bill
In a "pop up" blind anything "Black", quiet, and warm will sufice along with a pair on warm boots... Just make sure if buying a pop up also, that it has the black interior , get her a comfortable stool or chair and a thermos of what ever she likes "Hot" to drink... Your on to some fun here...sure wish my wife would have been doing the same with me this past 31 years.
Gene
Look into the Prois clothing I think it is much better than the She Safari line but it is a little pricey
http://www.proishunting.com/
Gander Mountain stores carry a goodline of clothes for the ladies and kids as well and the price is good
I really hope you wife comes to love the outdoors and hunting it is a great family event
Tracey
Is she not happy with what it LOOKS like...or fit?
Keeping warm is the biggest key...start with a good pair of merino wool long underwear. Its better than any synthetic out there, very soft and comfortable, you can wash it, comes in different weights..etc. Keep heat packets to put by her toes in her boots and in her pockets.
I know nothing about women's outer clothing but the best base possible will give some forgiveness to the outer layers she chooses.
Just go to good will,More lady clothes available.Then get a cover suit from the big C just for the camo.
Colin, I have found alot of nice wool sweaters for just a few bucks right in Hartville. Goodwill and Gift and Thrift.
My wife says the SHE SAFARI fits better than everything slae she's tried.
the women I hunt with love She Safari they tell me its one of the best for the lady's and designed by a woman so it fits great bd
Stormkloth makes a women's line and my wife loves it. Warm, quiet, well fitting, and good camo choices. She's tried women's Redhead, She Safari, and women's microtex from Cabela's and Stormkloth is her favorite.
My wife likes the Gray Wolf Woolens camo that was made to her specs. We both have a set of the "wolfskin".....bibs, jacket, mittens, and even an "Elmer Fudd" hat.
Excellent quality, but to warm for early season. I just ordered us both a ghillie suit for the early season.....we should be set for several years now.
Winterhawk1960
For men or women, it's the long underwear that counts. Polypro or silk. wool might itch her.
If wool outers are too high, a dark fleece or polar fleece can be had fairly inexpensively, and she can wear it outside besides hunting. They are awfully comfortable too
Nice that you can do this together. My wife won't even think about it
Sam
Thanks all for the recommendations. Sorry for the late reply, I was out of the country and then went hunting yesterday (no, didn't even see a deer). There are some good leads here. It was the fit that bothered her with what she tried on before and the lack of selection at the local store.
My wife hunts also and has the same "range of selection" issues with boots and clothing as yoru wife. She does like wool as an outer layer though. She starts with a silk/techsilk base layer for comfort then adds layers as it gets colder. The marino wool long johns over thin silk base is the way to go for colder weather and the p/u blind should keep the wind off of her. Have her try the chemical heater foot bed type insoles too. Very warm and designed to function well in low oxygen/clamy environs found in boots.
For keeping your feet warm (both men and women) Buy a pair of Ice King boot liners 2 sizes bigger than your feet. Next put the liner in a Polar Shield boot blanket. These are for when you get to your stand. Before you head out, put a hot pack in the bootie. When I get to my stand, I take off my hiking boots and change socks then put on the bootie. In 0 degree weather, I have been able to sit for hours with warm feet. Trust me it works. I found this by needing a way to keep my feet warm after hiking in rubber knee boots to my stand in a swamp. Do not walk in the they may rip.
A good buddy hunts with his wife in a blind during the winter. His wife is a very accomplished archer and has killed some great deer. She doesn't like the cold much. They use a pop-up with a Big Buddy space heater in their blind. Hunt in black t-shirts.
Good outdoor marino wool underwear, good socks and sock liners, a good wool plaid or solid colored shirt and a Asbell wool vest with hood would be a great place to start. Boots and pants that are roomy enough to accomodate the underwear, socks, etc. should be easy to find but they must be tried on. Buy whats comfortable, that allows her to move freely, and draw her bow with ease. Check out your local REI or backpacking store (Mountain Hideout). :thumbsup:
Thanks all. Quick update:
I bought her a Walls camo coverall. I figured she'd wear it playing with the kids in the snow as well as hunting.
We got out in a ground blind this past weekend. Sunday/Monday were her 2nd/3rd days hunting ever.
We had a small 8pt come in broadside at 15-20 yards. This would be her first trad (or ever) shot (mind you I haven't had a trad deer shot yet either). On her draw the arrow fell off the shelf. Oh well, it happens.
Today she found a spot to sit for a while. She just so happened to have snuck in within 15 yards of a bedded doe! After a while it spooked and since she didn't know it was there. She could not get a shot off.
She really enjoyed both days.
Thanks to all of you for your input!