I am wondering how you fellas manage to stay warm in the field without wearing so much clothing that it affects your draw.
I have been practicing lately with my cold weather gear on and i can feel the clothing "pulling" back while i'm drawing.
Not that this matters, but I do not own wool, nor do I plan on it(nothing against it, just don't care for that look) and I don't currently own the "top dollar" material.
My typical cold weather gear is a base layer, a long sleeve, and a jacket(either a thicker zip up one or a wind proof one).
I am just trying to figure out how in the world I can wear enough clothes to stay warm, but also not feel it while drawying..
Finally converted to wool only about 5 years ago. I don't really dig the patterns but there is nothing warmer and as quiet.
I "do" layer. I have an outer layer of a tight weave Fleece by Gamehide that also keeps the wind out and is super quiet as well as stretching without binding. This last weekend it was 14 degrees up north, and I was out 2 sits each day for about 5 hours each sit.
Wool. Merino wool base layers, Wool Pendelton 10 oz.shirts followed by a Silent Predator lined vest and Silent Predator unlined wool/shirt jacket. Great combination that doesn't interfere with the bow arm and also keeps you extremely warm.You can put on and take off based on temperature. What you pay for is what you get in regards to quality hunting clothes.
Ron
I use the Kuiu layering system down to 32 deg.
This consists of 185 short sleeve, 185 longsleeve, 210 zip, and guide jacket up top. 185 bottoms and guide pants down bottom.
This is not blucky and keeps me warm!
I go to havy wool bibbs and jacket when it is below freezing.
A good vest (or two), whether wool or other, keeps your torso warm and keeps your arms bulk free. Try it , it really works. Wear a decent hat, put a cloth face mask on, one that covers your neck and keeps the wind out. If it is windy, make use of golf shirts, the kind that they wear that keeps the wind out, not the short sleeved Izod kind, but wear it under an outer layer to keep noise at bay.
I like wool and wear it a lot, but other materials work fine too, especially if you are hunting down south.
ChuckC
I prefer function over look. Wool for me. How cold of temps do you hunt.
I used to go through the same as you with multiple bulky layers, then I got wool (good fleece can be just as good). Get some good wool or fleece my friend:) red head has some great fleece and king of the mountain or asbell wool is probably the best I've found. It sure beats freezing!
I hunted Tuesday morning at 16F with a wind chill of 6! Two layers (cotton thermals and the amazing king of the mountain wool).
I put a light leavy jacket which I have modified for better string clearance over everything.
QuoteOriginally posted by kadbow:
I prefer function over look. Wool for me. How cold of temps do you hunt.
Realistically, it wont get down to '0' here, at least i hope not!!. But it will get down 20 or so, which in the south is FRIGGIN COLD!!! I am afraid to see how cold this winter is going to be. It has already been in the 30's and it usually doesn't get that cold before christmas. lol.
First Lite merino wool is nice and comes in good patterns as well. Little pricey, but quality.
I have found that wearing a wool vest or two as well as a nice neck gaiter makes all the difference. The vests reduce bulk in your arm area which usually is the problem when dressed heavily.
So far we already had temps down to 0 and wind chills -10 here in PA this year...I don't own "top dollar" gear either, but the right stuff will go a long ways.
I wear a long sleeved shirt, a quarter zip rocky long sleeve that I got at a garage sale for a quarter, a quarter zip fleece, an under armour pull over (but a sweatshirt would do the trick), and then a Scentlock jacket I got on sale for $100 on top. Most Scentlock gear is made for bowhunting, so it's really form fitting in the arms and as warm as warm gets. I usually wear a neck gaiter as well.
For my bottoms I wear sweatpants and a pair of Rocky bibs that I got for $100. The bibs were easily the biggest upgrade for me to stay warm. They are worth their weight in gold.
I sit all day from morning til dark in 10 degree weather and never get cold (except for my feet - but that's a different issue).
A good pair of bibs, a few layers, and a good jacket transform cold weather hunting for sure.
If you are primarily stand hunting, check out heater body suits. You can get away with less bulky clothing, especially down south I would guess.
It is kind of like a sleeping bag with legs, but when you need to shoot it easily moves behind you so you can shoot with less bulk.
Or a blind with a Big Buddy propane heater works well, but is a little noisier.
I have resigned to the fact that if I want to stay comfortable in cold weather I will have to spend some money on something.
If not stand hunting and constantly moving a lot of materials will work. I am fine til I am sitting for more than an hour or so.
Of course, I am hunting in North Dakota and Northern Minnesota. It gets a little cool up here in November, December. After that I am done.
QuoteOriginally posted by Alex Shreffler:
So far we already had temps down to 0 and wind chills -10 here in PA this year...I don't own "top dollar" gear either, but the right stuff will go a long ways.
I wear a long sleeved shirt, a quarter zip rocky long sleeve that I got at a garage sale for a quarter, a quarter zip fleece, an under armour pull over (but a sweatshirt would do the trick), and then a Scentlock jacket I got on sale for $100 on top. Most Scentlock gear is made for bowhunting, so it's really form fitting in the arms and as warm as warm gets. I usually wear a neck gaiter as well.
For my bottoms I wear sweatpants and a pair of Rocky bibs that I got for $100. The bibs were easily the biggest upgrade for me to stay warm. They are worth their weight in gold.
I sit all day from morning til dark in 10 degree weather and never get cold (except for my feet - but that's a different issue).
A good pair of bibs, a few layers, and a good jacket transform cold weather hunting for sure.
Alex, thank you for the reply. I have some stuff for the bottom. I have some Red Head bibs that always take care of me. lol.
I am more concerned with the top of my body, but i think I may have found a good piece of clothing..
anyone have any experience with this:
http://www.basspro.com/RedHead-1856-Fleece-Windproof-Lined-Camo-Jacket-for-Men/product/103640/?cmCat=CROSSSELL_PRODUCT
I prefer the red head line up bc I get a good discount on it.
That looks like a nice jacket and would probably help a lot. The only concern I would have would be whether or not it is quiet when you draw. Most winstopper fabrics that I have found tend to make significant noise when you try to draw, even if you wear something else over the top of it. It's not much of an issue when the wind is blowing since that helps a lot to cover the noise, but if it is fairly calm it can be a problem. Cold temperatures make them even noiser. I had one top that sounding like I was crinkling plastic when it got below freezing.
Start at the top - a good balacalava for your face and the warmest hat you can find is the first line of defense.
The previous suggestions are good. Whether you like the looks or not, it is hard to beat good wool. Fleece is good too, but doesn't do much to stop wind unless it has windstopper fabric. And a vest, or even two of them, is great for keeping the core warm.
You need to learn to love wool.......period! And really......do you think anybody cares how you look when hunting!
well there is one suggestion that may not work well for you...get used to the cold. lol. our bodies do adjust, but since you're in the deep south, I don't know how well that would work since you won't have much opportunity before a cold snap hits.
up here in MA, we're routinely in the teens/twenties at day break in Nov/Dec. late Dec/early Jan single digits.
I do the smart wool base, fleece mids (4way strech fleece is a miracle fabric) and wool bibs and wool asbell jacket. a good hat, a neck cover is an absolute must, and in really cold (single digits for me) I have fleece balaclava/hood that I pull over my hat.
the thing that gets me is the wind. this year I found a nice columbia windproof jacket on clearance at a sporting goods store. it works perfect under my aspell wool without adding too much bulk. doesn't hinder my draw, and no noise at all. I actually wore my aspell into the store, put the jacket on and the aspell over it and moved quite a bit to test it out. now I just need to find something similar for my legs.
IMO I don't care what I look like, I just care what the deer think I look like, and whether I'm comfortable. :)
QuoteOriginally posted by ron w:
You need to learn to love wool.......period! And really......do you think anybody cares how you look when hunting!
yeah, i do. Plus i can't see paying $75 for a hat. No offense to wool people, I understand everything has a process to being made and some times they are very timely and require a lot of work. But for me, I wont spend that much on ANY item of clothing.. Unless my wife wants it of coarse..
what Ron said. I go for comfort and function, its not a fashion statement. In my experience, all the latest, greatest hi tech camo patterns look impressive, then you take you're fingers and rake across it and it sounds like you are crumpling cellophane, which is useless for bowhunting. Deer may not see you, but they will surely hear you. Easier to fool their eyes than their nose. Fleece is good, wool is better.
You only have to buy it once. If I had all the money I spent on cheap gear I would have 3 sets of the best now, and maybe a couple of custom bows too. If you're carefull you can find good stuff used, as military surplus, goodwill , or classifieds on these sites.
Cabelas late season coveralls with polypro long johns and sweats underneath! Guaranteed warmth at 20 degrees and price is very reasonable. I own snow camo and a regular camo pair. Couldnt sit without them....gets dang cold here in Iowa!!
http://www.armysurpluswarehouse.com/outdoor-camping-gear/hunting/m1951-wool-field-pants.html
Just ordered these after I got back the second day of 38 degree weather here in FL. Think with shipping it was $32. Reviews say they are warm. Now I am trying to get my wife to purchase a Asbell pull over for me.
Daniel: your base layers matter, get the best you can afford, as they reduce the bulkiness of the outer layers. The heavy weight Under Armor works, although it is high; I can hardly make myself pay for it, but I do. I have some fleece windstopper clothing from Cabellas that works and is quiet. I got it on sale in the Bargain Cave online. Good wool works, but it's heavy and expensive as well. If you feel like your clothing is pulling on you, you might need to buy the outer layers one size larger to allow for layering.
QuoteOriginally posted by DanielB89:
QuoteOriginally posted by ron w:
You need to learn to love wool.......period! And really......do you think anybody cares how you look when hunting!
yeah, i do. Plus i can't see paying $75 for a hat. No offense to wool people, I understand everything has a process to being made and some times they are very timely and require a lot of work. But for me, I wont spend that much on ANY item of clothing.. Unless my wife wants it of coarse.. [/b]
You can lead a horse to water but ya can't make him drink!
I'm with Ron W on this one.
Start with a real good merino wool baselayer and that includes a wool balacalava. The thing with wool and it's hard to understand until you try it is that it really allows such a wide range of temps.
QuoteOriginally posted by Diamond Paul:
Daniel: your base layers matter, get the best you can afford, as they reduce the bulkiness of the outer layers. The heavy weight Under Armor works, although it is high; I can hardly make myself pay for it, but I do. I have some fleece windstopper clothing from Cabellas that works and is quiet. I got it on sale in the Bargain Cave online. Good wool works, but it's heavy and expensive as well. If you feel like your clothing is pulling on you, you might need to buy the outer layers one size larger to allow for layering.
that is what I hope to do. I am looking into getting some of the pants i posted above and Have a good base layer(just bought one at academy last week and then a good shirt should keep me a little warmer and eliminate some of the bulk..atleast that is my hope.
I agree that 20 degrees down here feels bitter for some reason; in dryer climates I have walked around in just a sweater at that kind of temp without a problem, but not down here.
One thing overlooked by a lot of southern hunters that hunt in the cold occasionally is head and neck wear. I have a thinsulate skull cap topped by a wool full face camo stocking cap. A barclava (sp?) for the neck area is a big help too. I buy boots one size bigger than my shoe size for wool socks underneath and a lil air space helps tremendously with the feet. Wool just cant be beat Daniel for thickness/bulkiness vs. the warmth factor IMO. You will spend a pile of money trying to beat it. There is darn good woolen military stuff too for a lot less money.
Get a good base layer and when it is cold I use a neck gaiter to keep my neck covered. Keeping my neck covered make a big difference in how warm I stay.
All I wear for hunting is wool. But I just got a pair of the BassPro pants with the wind stopper and what little I have worn them (a couple of short hikes) they did not seem to be noisy and they did stop the wind. I plan on using them for X country skiing this winter.
Daniel, all we need here is a mid-weight merino wool base layer, windproof vest in fleece and a medium weight outer jacket that is WATERPROOF
I used to be the biggest proponent for good wool, and still am to a degree but for sitting long periods in a cold treestand I have found nothing even compares to the Fanatic set by Sitka gear. I was recently hunting for four days with a buddy of mine and he could not believe I was staying warm in 15 degree temps with layers light enough that "it looked like I was wearing a hooded sweatshirt" as far as bulk. (His words). In those temps I need only the merino wool base layer, the Traverse top and the Fanatic coat and bibs. Lightweight. Extremely functional and unsurpassed in warmth. Try it out guys. You will love it.
I wear wool year around. I have inexpensive Army surplus and I have expensive stuff like Filsons, Swanndri, Asbells, Pendleton, etc. it is great stuff, warm when wet, quiet, durable, adapts to a wide temperature range.
I do have a couple issues with wool, and they are most noteworthy when I am backpacking, like a multi day mountain goat hunt.
One issue is with wet. Although warm when wet, it is warmer when dry! And when it gets wet, it is hard to dry until you get to a heated cabin/tent/boat or until the sun comes out. When wet it is a drag to put back on in the morning, especially if it froze during the night. It also gets heavy when sodden.
It rains/snows 80-100 inches a year here, plus we are in boats all the time. Lots of chances to get wet. Fleece is easier to wring out and get a little recovery overnight in a cold tent.
The other issue is packability. It is harder to carry in the pack than some of the synthetics like fleece, primaloft, etc. that you can compress, and can wring out some of the water so you arent packing it around. Again, more of an issue when living out of a backpack.
So for some situations I go with the less traditional synthetics. Wool is great stuff, but sometimes I make a switch.
I'm becoming less and less a fan of temperatures below 30. My favorite set-up starts with bibs, then KUIU Merino base layers, down or primaloft vest, and a Sitka Gear coat.
I care first about silence, then comfortable fit, and then warmth. I can't stand any form of gloves although I carry them with me.
Of all this I think the bibs and vests are the best for weight vs. bulk.
The Columbia Gallatin Range wool clothing, while not 100% wool and not as good as the high-end stuff, is a good compromise between price and warmth. I have the shirt-jac and the boonie hat and like them both. I plan on getting some of the pants soon.
When it gets down to those temps where Long johns and a wool pullover just don't cut it anymore.....I just turn on my Little Buddy heater in my tent blind! Nice and toasty, no problems! :thumbsup:
LD
Google heat factory kidney belt. It will be the best 20 bucks you will ever spend to keep you warm. Simple, light, scent free, it works.
Sorry for repeating myself but when this topic comes up I only have one answer,Heater Body Suit!
Layers with more on head and core and less on arms.
1. Wicking moisture transport next to skin
2. Insulating layers
3. Wind and snow/rain protection if required
Down vests work really well if covered by another quieting garment. You can cut sleeves off stuff if you need to reduce bulk on arms.
Head and neck covering balaclava type hat with another regular larger hat on top of that.
Disposable hand and toe warmers, buy these in a big box at Costco or similar.
Thin liner type gloves with silicone print on palms and fingers for bow grip. I cut out an area from the palm to be able to feel the bow and the finger tips off my glove hand.
Put it all on and then go shoot at the range, you will probably need an arm guard or strap to compress your bow hand sleeve. Once it gets cold I try to always practice with the gloves on.
I am pretty frugal myself and buy quality off brand stuff on sale. Not everything needs to be camo except for the outermost layer.
"I don't like that look".....
One word... SWEATERS!!!!!
Wool Sweaters are warm!!! and they S-T-R-E-T-C-H!!!!!
We have all heard the "old saying" Cotton Kills.... Well, I have been using wool sweaters for layering,under cotton camo, for YEARS!!! It honestly sounds to me like your clothes are too tight. You can find 100% Wool "Yuppy vests" at the GoodWill Store,for $3-$4 each.(they were "styling" a few years back) Add a couple of 100% wool sweaters (GoodWill Store) Then top it off with a Camo shirt or jacket, AT LEAST 1 size larger than you normaly wear.
You should be "Roasty-Toasty" with plenty of freedom of movement. Plus, I shouldn't hamper your shooting at all!!!!! :thumbsup:
see that is the deal, my clothes aren't tight at all, but my shoulders are broad(which has always been my problem) and long arms(6'1" with a 6'4" wingspan). So when i draw my sleeves slide up then get caught on my forearms, stop sliding, and then starts to add tension to my draw. I hope that made sense.
Thank you for all the responses.
I am going to locate a GOOD baselayer and i have a vest already. That should help and just go light over the vest.
QuoteOriginally posted by DanielB89:
I am wondering how you fellas manage to stay warm in the field without wearing so much clothing that it affects your draw.
I have been practicing lately with my cold weather gear on and i can feel the clothing "pulling" back while i'm drawing.
Not that this matters, but I do not own wool, nor do I plan on it(nothing against it, just don't care for that look) and I don't currently own the "top dollar" material.
My typical cold weather gear is a base layer, a long sleeve, and a jacket(either a thicker zip up one or a wind proof one).
I am just trying to figure out how in the world I can wear enough clothes to stay warm, but also not feel it while drawying..
"I don't like that look"???? I sat this morning for 3 hours. I wore ugly wool. I was comfortable the entire time. When I got to my truck the thermometer read -3....NEGATIVE 3. I LOVE that look of my skin not freezing....
No cotton against your skin. I buy "Starter" brand undergarments at WalMart in late winter for a song. Check the tag. Polyester is your friend.
I gave a polypro t shirt to an old friend some years back. He's not the sharpest pencil in the box so I explained the wicking principle to him.
Next time we came in from the woods he complained about the cold. As he undressed I noticed a cotton T shirt next to his skin, a cotton long underwear top next and then the poly top I gave him.
Buy 'em books and buy 'em books!
I also gave him a neck gaiter but he thought it looked effeminate. He cut holes in it for eyes, nose and mouth then lost it within the month.
Let him freeze. I'm done. :banghead:
Also, a good cheap wind breaker is well a wind breaker. I buy them at wal mart when on sale. Cheap nylon wind break top and bottom under fleece or wool is quiet and adds considerably to the heat retention. I picked that tip up from Bobby Worthington who knows a few things about hunting big whitetails in the cold. It also is a great aid in slowing down human scent release.
The big difference for me handling the cold, whether it is waterfowl hunting or deer hunting...has been my Sitka gear.
No matter where you go as soon as you mentioned Sitka, people comment awesome stuff but very pricey. Well a gallon of gas isn't worth 3 to 4 dollars a gallon either, and its the same gas we been using for over twenty years. With Sitka at least you are getting state of the art material with top research behind it.
That all being said, the layering system is the key with a good outer covering. To me the outer covering must have wind blocker, with a soft covering for noise. Nothing beats that than the fanatic system bar none...and if its severely cold the incinerator with a wool next to skin is all I wear with that system, almost too warm.
But the key I have learned is I never wear anything cotton next to my skin, no matter how hard I try not to sweat, it happens. The cotton traps all moisture and holds it next to the skin, and with no wind blocker the air seeps through the material leaving me chilled to the bone.
I know its a huge expense, but being able to handle colder weather longer and more comfortably without the bulk...that's invest I'm willing to make.
Yup! Just as I thought... You need sweaters! They STRETCH!!!
I'm 5'7" 230# I have a 40" waist & a 54" chest! I have to have AT LEAST a XXL to fit my broad shoulders. My 2 boys, are 6'1" & 6'3" and they both inherited my broad shoulders. Sweaters cure the tightness in your back... Trust me! :thumbsup:
QuoteOriginally posted by Bigriver:
Google heat factory kidney belt. It will be the best 20 bucks you will ever spend to keep you warm. Simple, light, scent free, it works.
I've got something similar that must be nearly antique. My grandparents used it in the 30's and 40's deer hunting in Michigan. It's a kidney belt with two pockets for hand warmers.
homebru
Sat a few all day sits in 0 to 20 degrees this year. Very cold here in KS!!! I get cold easily (no fat I guess!). . .I hate feeling cold when I need to shoot. . . I hate sweating going in. . . and I hate anything Michelin-man feeling:
My system-
Walk-in:
-Merino base layers (goodwill merino sweater on top, merino long underwear bottom.)
-Sleeveless Cabelas Polartec union suit
-Lightwt First Lite pants for the walk-in
On Stand (don't laugh!):
-Insulated wind resistant Bibs over the walk in
-Super large (very light) fleece pants (almost like pajamas) over the Bibs-quiets everything.
-Large/loose wool sweater
-Fleece thinsulate vest
-Predator Fleece jacket with their absolute quiet windblock.
- balaclava, hat, neck gaitor
-handmuff with warmers
-2 pair wool socks (one high wader type)
-pack boots
Did pretty well. Snowy, 20 degree day yielded me a bruiser beast at 130PM. Saw 2 other 150"+ deer between 1030 and 1200 another day. Needed to be out there all day!! Love wool- use it A LOT- but it is WAY too heavy for long hikes and stand/sticks set up, all day sits, and clothes bungee to stand (on back).
Last year bought a heated vest from Cabelas has made all the difference . Keeps your body core warm without affecting your draw,works for me.
I just got a Patagonia Air Nano jacket as an early Christmas present from my father-in-law. It has a soft shell and is very quiet under my Day One fleece. Depending on how cold it is I vary the base layers. It is light weight, not bulky, is packable, washable, can wear it in the rain, stretches and breathes. A lot better than the scratchy nylon jackets/vests that are down or man made insulation. After doing research on Primaloft I can't think of why any other insulation in a layering system would be considered except that I realize it does not fit everyone's budget.
Bill- I have primaloft too, but even under fleece the light shells seem to make too much noise for those dead still evenings.
KSdan...When I went to the local store to see what they had I told the salesman that I was a bowhunter. I brought along a fleece top to determine if the cost was worth it. Noise was not going to make a sale. I tried on a North Face top a friend of mine likes but I found it to be too noisy but not bad. The salesman's brother bow hunted and understood my needs. He went straight to the rack of Patagonia stuff and handed me a jacket. Much quieter than the North Face but pricier. However, since it was a gift without a price limit I got it and don't regret it for a minute. While wearing it in a tree stand a few days later I was able to get the draw on a mature tom turkey at about 12 yards. He did not hear me but caught me drawing back the bow. It was my first shot wearing the garment. No noise drawing back. No turkey to show for it...but that will change before the season ends. I guess what I am saying is that the brands use different materials in their garments. My jacket is as much a layering garment (it is red in color) as it is a casual go to dinner jacket. I just wish they would make underwear like it so I can keep my legs as warm and bulk free as my upper body is right now. The search for those leggings is on. LL Bean has them but they may be too noisy. We are planning a trip up there after the season to check them out.
Good input. I might try some others as well. Mine is the Russell APXg2 (awesome stuff and they closed it all out 2 yrs ago). It still makes too much noise for me though (as does KUIU and Sitka as well). I looked into the LL BEAN bottoms (instead of the Bibs I mentioned above). They may work on stand as legs do not move during the bow draw. Look to hear more from guys on all of this. I actually think most of the soft shell stuff (even by the high end guys) makes too much noise for me.
Dan in KS
Goose down, light and nothing is warmer... pair it merino base layers and fleece on the outside and it is quiet and not bulky
Bryce- what Goose Down do you use? Everything I have found makes too much noise. I must be able to draw absolutely silent when it is dead-still. And typically-it is dead-still at last PM/first AM and winter cold!
QuoteOriginally posted by Ron Vought:
Wool. Merino wool base layers, Wool Pendelton 10 oz.shirts followed by a Silent Predator lined vest and Silent Predator unlined wool/shirt jacket. Great combination that doesn't interfere with the bow arm and also keeps you extremely warm.You can put on and take off based on temperature. What you pay for is what you get in regards to quality hunting clothes.
Ron
Scary. That is exactly what I am wearing. That Silent Predator Vest and jacket is a great combo.
Wear no cotton. use heat factory kidney belt plus an additional warmer in the shirt pockets. This along with a heavy pair of longjohns and a good windproof shell provides me with good warmth to About 15 degrees or so. Dave
QuoteOriginally posted by Diamond Paul:
The Columbia Gallatin Range wool clothing, while not 100% wool and not as good as the high-end stuff
I agree with most of what is posted...but I've owned this Gallatin stuff and its real heavy and doesn't fit right. If it gets wet...then it feels like a big heavy wet blanket.
I've tried just about every combination and many have said it; Merino wool base layers to keep the bulk down and then a windproof shell that flexes so you can draw and shoot. I prefer the merino now on mtn hunts too as it wicks pretty good and you can wear it for days without any stink.
I haven't had any deer spook from my draw while wearing the Sitka Gear. It is not as quiet as wool....but then nothing is. Also it gets much quieter after it has been washed 4 or 5 times. Good luck guys!
JonS- I am wondering if you think the Sitka's warmth can be attributed to the Primaloft? I see it has 130g. I just found -on sale- a Primaloft bib by LL Bean with the same 130g of Primaloft. I am not as concerned about noise on a bib, besides I wear a polar fleece cover up over it anyway. Curious your thoughts??
Hey Daniel check out some of the base layers that some of the fly fishing companies offer for cold weather. I have a pair of reddington fleece mid weight pants that I use for both hunting and fly fishing in 20-30 degree temperatures and they're awesome! For a top look at the Simms waderwick thermal top or guide mid top (also look at the pants/bottoms) for both of these. Both Redingtons and Simms' stuff is top notch. I got the redington bottoms just because at the time they were a little cheaper and are just as good as the Simms. For a mid layer try looking for any long sleeve flannel shirt in either dark colors or camo and for pants I like insulated carhart's for hunting or a pair of cabela's fleece micro berber pants. My outer jacket is always my russell outdoors jacket. With these layers on I'm good to go for down to the mid teens.
Disposable toe warmers. After you get to your stand, stick one to your baselayer in each armpit, open another pack and stick one, again on the baselayer, in the small of your back and the other on your bellybutton. If you've sweated a bit, the heat will actually dry out the wet.
I have the precursor to this wool jacket w the bowhunter cut.
http://www.graywolfwoolens.com/store/home.php?cat=20
The sleeves are cut special too, and have the sewn in armbands with adjusters. Really is great for bows. But it's not lightweight for long haul packs w stands, but nice otherwise.
I'm not sure who else makes special bow cut jackets these days, but glad I bought this way back when I did. Prob wouldn't do it now, lol.
I abandoned goose down for bow hunting yrs ago because of the noise, and forgot how stinking warm it is! I have a down filled shirt-jacket that I pulled out of mothballs last year and couldn't believe how warm it kept me in some serious frigid windy weather. Noise is still an issue but if you put it under the right outer garment it can be greatly minimized.