2nd half of september central Colorado... CLOTHING

[Bonedalien]

lots of good lists and advice already mentioned . I just wanted too add that the last weekend of archery season in CO last year (sept 28-29), we were hunting in 2 inches of fresh snow.

 

[Bar]

lots of good lists and advice already mentioned . I just wanted too add that the last weekend of archery season in CO last year (sept 28-29), we were hunting in 2 inches of fresh snow.

One of the worst winters in a long time. The year before that we were sweating our butts off.

 

[bz_711]

Been reading a lot on this forum. Gear, packs, boots, clothing etc.

Do the majority of you guys actually have 12-18 hundy in clothes simply to hunt elk in?

No prostaffers, no bs... What is the bare min for hunting high elevation. What makes these clothes so great? I simply do not have 1500 in this hunting budget for clothes...

Thanks for any replies.

I don't think I have $200 total in my daily clothing (including gloves/hat and merino socks - Not including boots though). I do have Microtex pants I paid $60 for, after that, everything else is Polyester from Sierra Trading Post or fleece midlayer and fleece vest. I've always been warm and dry last week of CO...even in a couple good snow storms I did not have to add layers - even 23 degree mornings in the mountains are SOOO much warmer than 40 degree mornings in IL...IMO.

Don't ever let high prices keep you out of the woods - there are ways to be every bit as comfortable for fraction of the price...the Elk don't care what you are wearing.
Good Luck!

 

[LJ Buck]

I would look for some Russelle APX gear. Great stuff and sells for cheap now.

 

[camelcluch]

Spend what you can. Yes, some clothes are nicer than others. However, I would not strap your self on clothes. Cables Microtex, Predator Adrenaline and the Gamehide stuff is all nice and resonable in cost. Sales are always good and if you dont care about color and brand will be a huge resource.

 

[Tejasbow]

kinda leaning towards wearing my existing polyester base layer instead of buying merino wool base. Thoughts?

If I do that I am only looking for a wool shirt, (flannel being preferred) a puffy vest, and a pair of polyester exterior pants as I have a light polyester rain jacket already, Merino wool socks and underwear.

 

[Bar]

kinda leaning towards wearing my existing polyester base layer instead of buying merino wool base. Thoughts?

If I do that I am only looking for a wool shirt, (flannel being preferred) a puffy vest, and a pair of polyester exterior pants as I have a light polyester rain jacket already, Merino wool socks and underwear.

It sounds fine, except the flannel(cotton) shirt. Once it gets wet it takes forever to dry. A wool shirt would be better.

 

[Browtine]

kinda leaning towards wearing my existing polyester base layer instead of buying merino wool base. Thoughts?

The only difference you'll notice is a little xtra stink which won't hurt you a bit.

 

[2rocky]

I started hunting cold country with Surplus clothing from the Army navy store. Swedish or Russian wool pants were the best in OD green or tan. Navy button up wool shirt, was handy, until my father borrowed it and kept it.

As mentioned before New stuff, Cabelas Microtex is a good value. Mine is 8 years old now.

Your poly will work fine, as Browtine said, stink comes with the territory.

Down vest or jacket in a solid color is light weight insulation. Good summer sale item.

I'll splurge on quality goretex lined boots. Or Pac-Boots for late season.

 

[7stw]

I have some kuiu and sitka gear. Most was bought used on here and a few other forums. Is it needed ? Not really but it's sure nice to have. I started with some old forrest service issue wool from my dad. Served me very well for years. I upgraded from that to some filson and Columbia wool. From there to some cabelas stuff that was nice and as it wore out or I got fatter I started picking up some used sitka and later kuiu. I prefer the kuiu stuff over the sitka but my meager cow mans wages don't allow for total wardrobe purchases all at once. My pack however I bought new with a discount through kuiu. Major improvement over my old cabelas external frame. Just use what you have and replace what doesn't work as need be. Also check some backpacking/mountain expedition stuff used as well. My puffy is a patigonia I picked up used locally on craigslist.

 

[katdaddy2013]

Boy glad I came to this thread. My son and I still need a few clothing items for our elk hunt. Went to Cabela's bargain cave and got the Microtex pants for $59.88, had been wanting the Sitka mountain pants. Then the black Cabelas Switzer Primaloft for $54.99. And .99 shipping today. Earlier this year I got a Ralph Lauren puffy vest on sale for $20 bucks.

 

[sodaksooner]

I would look for some Russell APX gear. Great stuff and sells for cheap now.

If you can still find it....lol. That is what I did. Never paid more than $75 for any piece of it and go all the way up through the L-4. Probably $500 total in that gear.

I did spend $200 on Cabelas packable rain gear last year...I am so glad I did after the rain in CO last fall....whew.

However, I did pick up some Kuiu Attacks, a guide vest, and a 145 zip tee this year to try out.

The APX base layers do get funky really quickly so trying merino this year...actually all my socks are already merino and they were great.