Bought some new wool bibs today

Mike Vines · November 25, 2010, 12:56:00 PM

I went to Bass Pro Shop this morning to buy my oldest his first BB gun, and while there I saw the Columbia Gallatin wool bibs. I' have been wanting a set of wool bibs for hunting, so my legs can keep warm, so I tried them on. So far this season, I have been carrying a wool pull over in my back pack so I can put it on my lap. Well, it seemed redundant, so I figured why not give these a try.

I like the room that is inside of these, I can sit down and not have them squish my short hairs. They do come unhemmed, which wont be a problem when I'm wearing my Lacrosse rubber boots, but for when I use them bunny hunting I am going to have to get them hemmed. I can see these are going to be a welcome addition to my hunting arsenal.

I really liked the price, $99, so for that price I think I will be happy with the results. The knit is tight. I put it up to a light, and none came thru. I tried the Bass pro fleece pants with a pair of long johns underneath, but they just couldn't give me the comfort I demand from my clothes.

After my next hunt, I will post back. It might be a little while though. I tore my back up at work earlier this week, and will be out for atleast another week.

Good luck to all of you, and Happy Thanksgiving.

Mike

greyghost · November 25, 2010, 01:12:00 PM

Columbia makes a decent wool. I think you will be happy. I have the coat, trousers and vest.

njloco · November 25, 2010, 01:16:00 PM

Happy Thanksgiving, feel better, and I look forward to your review.

I just squashed my finger in the garage door, bad cut, can't pull the string back unless I want blood all over the arrows and bow. Oh well looks like I'm out of it for awhile too.

Autumnarcher · November 25, 2010, 01:59:00 PM

Cabelas had a great sale on their Outfitter series wool, and fleece clothing lines. I already have the wool, which I love, and bought a fleece pullover with windshear liner for $52.00, reg price was 139 I think. The wool bibs with dry plus liner were 99, reg 239. Unreal sales.

Mike Vines · November 25, 2010, 02:02:00 PM

There is a guy I know who had surgery on his finger right before season. He is now using a release for the season. He admittedly was leary of using one, and even more leary of telling us he was. But to his credit, he is not calling the season over, he just improvised, adapted then overcame his obsticle.

Mike Vines · November 25, 2010, 02:23:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Autumnarcher:
Cabelas had a great sale on their Outfitter series wool, and fleece clothing lines. I already have the wool, which I love, and bought a fleece pullover with windshear liner for $52.00, reg price was 139 I think. The wool bibs with dry plus liner were 99, reg 239. Unreal sales.

I just looked and couldn't find the sale you mentioned, so I reread the post and you said "had". Oh well, I should shop around a little more, but I think I will be happy with this purchase.

ron w · November 25, 2010, 02:27:00 PM

Can't beat wool bibs when it's cold......

blueslfb · November 25, 2010, 02:34:00 PM

I have the bibs, pants and shirt jacket. I have had the bibs and jacket for the better part of 10yrs and they are goin strong. Great stuff at a great price. It does not stop the wind but not a big deal when layering.

GrayRhino · November 25, 2010, 02:54:00 PM

I have the Columbia wool pants and have used them for several years hunting in Alaska. I wore them on several bowhunts for moose, and many, many trips predator calling in the dead of winter.

Good quality and warm. I like 'em.

-Ryan

Mike Vines · November 25, 2010, 03:15:00 PM

Blueslfb...Do you have the Columbia wool?

GrayRhino...I thought about the pants, but I know my tendencies to get larger, so bibs were a no brainer.

GrayRhino · November 25, 2010, 06:53:00 PM

I probably would have bought the bibs, but only the pants and shirts (not the bibs) were on sale from Bass Pro online a few years ago. That extra bit of fabric on the bibs makes a big difference holding the heat in. I'm certain you'll be satisfied with them.

Hope you back gets mended up soon, and good hunting.

-Ryan

Cookus · November 25, 2010, 07:05:00 PM

Good luck with your back Mike and happy Thanksgiving! Hope the Columbia works for ya!

ksbowman · November 25, 2010, 07:07:00 PM

I have the Colombia Gallatin hooded jacket, pants and bibs. They are very good and warm,but lack the wind shear lining. When it gets real cold and windy I wear my rain gear over them and they work extremely well.My rain gear is made out of a soft,quiet material but still not as quiet as the wool clothing.

NoCams · November 25, 2010, 08:18:00 PM

ksbowman hit the nail on the head ! We wear our Gallatin range pants when it is cold.... as long as the wind is not blowing over 5-10MPH. Anything over that and out comes the rainsuit to go over or get out our Gray Wolf Woolens that are lined with the best liner on the planet. No wind, no noise. I bought a vest this year at Compton and it has become my favorite piece of gear quick ! Love the half forearm deep pockets, collar that is taller in the back and long tail to keep your butt warm. I do love the thickness, comfort, and quietness of the Columbia Gallatin range gear. For the $$$ it is a great product. Just useless in a wind over 10MPH if it is below 40 degrees. JMHO

Mike Vines · November 25, 2010, 08:30:00 PM

Thanks Cookus. How's the Hill treating you?

A big decider in buying the bibs over the pants was having the material there to cover my back.

iawoody2 · November 25, 2010, 08:36:00 PM

Great buy. I have the Gallatin by Columbia wool pants, bibs, and shirt jac. They work great here in Iowa. Just yesterday I was out in 15 degrees and 20 mph wind. With proper under layers no problems. The only problem with the shirt jac is no slash side pockets, my wife fixed that by cutting in the slashes and finishing the edges, works great.
Thanks, Bob

Cookus · November 25, 2010, 08:53:00 PM

I love it Mike! I just sent it back to Craig at HHA this week to add a whitetail inlay after shooting it this past weekend. She shoots like a champ with 55-60 PO cedars and 165 grains up front! The bow I purchased from you puts my Black Widow PSA's to shame... The bow just became a natural extension of my arm and took me back to my childhood! Gentlemen, if you ever buy a bow from Mike (Grapes) it will be top-notch! I agree with your choice to purchase the bibs over pants... In northern climates, if you're sitting, bibs cover the lower back and add warmth. Personally, I prefer a KOM beavertail vest... It's good (Providing the winds not howling) until about 20 degrees coupled with a trapper pullover and a merino wool base!

Zbone · November 25, 2010, 08:54:00 PM

Have owned a pair of the Columbia wool bibs for a few years now and luv'm.

mmisciag · November 25, 2010, 09:04:00 PM

I have looked at the Columbia Wool clothing for a while. I own an Asbel pullover. When I get into the wind its warmth escapes. I did use the pullover today in 35 degrees with rain and no wind. I was still hunting and I was warm. Only when I sit with wind do I get cold.

I want to buy the wool bibs but need to understand how to layer so that the wind does not rob me of warmth. What would you wear under or over the bibs?

TIA,

Martin

Cookus · November 25, 2010, 09:38:00 PM

mmisciag,
Wear a merino wool base layer (400) next to your skin and add a wind-blocker of some sort (Cabelas Wind-Stopper ex.) next before putting on your final layer of wool. If I'm heading uphill for the tree-stand and I know I'll sweat, the next-to-skin layer is Under Armor which I'll change when I reach the flat the tree-stand is on. Experiment and find out what works for you.