Not cold around here, but when I go home later this year, I need soem help with layering.
I have a set of columbia wool bibs/coat, but what should I wear under it...
Stand hunting..
I have worn the columbian brand wool before and the wind cuts thru it pretty good...
What are some suggestions?
thanks
I use Merino wool or fleece base layers under my Columbia wool and stay warm sitting still for hours in Michigan and Colorado every year. You can pick up some decent Rocky fleece at wally world for a good price and it's served me well for the last couple years. Good luck this season!
I wear any base layers that are either wool, wool blend or synthetic such as polypropolene. I then wear LOOSE fitting clothing over that with WINDSTOPPER or equivalent wear. The key to stsying warm is to block the wind and allow circulation through your body, which is why I mention LOOSE fitting clothing and boots.
For the coldest days here. It's Texas so keep that in mind. I love to hunt the 20 degree days, but just like you we have a bitter cold that goes right down to the bone from the humidity.
I wear a Silk or Underarmour style long sleeve shirt, then a 100% wool sweater,a berber pullover from cabelas, and my wooltamite vest with windstopper liner.
I basically create a shell around me with the windblocker with wool insulation. I can sit on the coldest mornings, wind, and rain and just barely get the sniffles.
Hope that helps
Coby
I have a set of the packable goretex rain gear I keep in my gear box. The top and pants each stuff into a stuff sack the size of a beer can. I find when the cold winds starts cutting through, I wear it just under my outer layer of wool, so its still quiet, and it does a great job keeping the wind out.
For day to day stuff, I have a fleece vest with windstoppper that works great. There are some good wool sweaters withthe WS lining as well.
I wear merino wool or polypro base layers. Prefer the merino wool.
Cool... Thnx guys
FWIW I've replaced all of my cold weather insulated stuff with a Heater Body Suit. That way I can wear my regular hunting clothes, not get sweated up walking, wear my uninsulated lightweight boots and still NEVER get cold. I would give up my bow before I sold that peice of gear.
Wool is always a good thing. One of the very best things I've ever learned to keep me warmer in the coldest of temps is....
http://www.thermacare.com/article/112/heat-wraps-transforming-heat-therapy.aspx?source=Google+-+General+heat+wrap+heat+wraps
One thing to keep in mind is to avoid getting hot on your way to your set-up. Sometimes over half of my clothing may be packed in. And then I may add layers in increments. Additional layers are added prior to getting a chill.
Not all hunts can afford this. I have found that the process in itself, by stealthily adding layers warms me up.
I aways put silk(cabelas silk) next to the skin then layer on top of that with wool. Silk wicks an wool wicks you stay warm and still can move free. Best combo i found
If hunted harsh wind cutting places i would deffently look at the heater body suits you have the cut the wind to stay warm. I have used those thermacare things too there great. Even whens its only in the low 30s for guys with bad backs they keep you loose.
Wool, wool, wool, and wool.
I third the body heater suit. It sound like Mike and me use it the same way. If it gets down to 5-10 with the wind blowing. I use KOM with a merino wool underwear and a polarfleece vest with hot pockets sewed in. I carry it up the mountain to my stand and up the tree. Body heater suit is the best piece of equipment I have ever bought, would hunt the cold season without it.
I'm also a marino wool guy. I like fleece as a middle layer. Fleece with windlbocker even better.
Also if you dont have a wind blocker on their find something...even sleeveless vest to go over your main coat. You'll be amazed at how much it helps. or the fleece jacket/vest underneath.... Over or under find a place for it and you wont regret it one bit! :)
Lastly dont walk into the stand with everything on...go in and be comfortably cool or heck even slightly cold. Warm means you're perspiring, ie wet. Add a little wind and time and you're going to get cold. Bring an extra pair of socks if you can.
Don't overlook good Carhart products. I use a carhart vest under my top layer when out hunting, and that super-tight weave really cuts the wind.
+100 on the heater body suit. i have a hard time shooting trad with too much bulk but in NY it does get very cold come mid nov half way through the season. i have literally spent hours in stand on single digit degree days in carharts and a flannel shirt in the heater when something shows it sheds easily and quietly letting me shoot with little obstruction. great piece of gear. just wish i could figure out how to make it work when using my tree saddle.
My Columbia wool tightened up a good bit when I washed it and with 2 or three layers of thin merino I've not had any real wind issues.......I've found that seveal thin layers blocks wind and insulates better than 1 bulky layer..........just dont wait to the last minute if you have to take leak...............