3rd season clothing system

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Mar 25, 2016
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Going to be hunting 3rd season Colorado for the first time this year, only have done archery and 1st Season so far. My clothing system is currently:
FL Unc puffy
FL kiln merino
FL lightweight merino shirt
FL 308 pants
FL omen rain jacket sometimes gets thrown in

For 3rd season I think I want to have a warmer jacket instead of the unc puffy. What jackets are people running this season and what else would you want to add to the system? Ie long undies etc.
 
What kind of temps are you going to have? For really really cold temps (10 degrees or less) or when I'm sitting and glassing I'll throw on a REI 850 fill or the SG Grumman. That's usually on top of a base layer, a mid layer, and the SG De Haviland Jacket. And for bottoms I stay pretty warm with long johns, and de Haviland pants. And if it's really cold and I'm glassing, puffy pants have been a game changer!
 
What kind of temps are you going to have? For really really cold temps (10 degrees or less) or when I'm sitting and glassing I'll throw on a REI 850 fill or the SG Grumman. That's usually on top of a base layer, a mid layer, and the SG De Haviland Jacket. And for bottoms I stay pretty warm with long johns, and de Haviland pants. And if it's really cold and I'm glassing, puffy pants have been a game changer!
Google says avg high for closest town is 45 and low is 17.. I did forget to add I have the unc puffy pants I’m planning on bringing. so mostly need to add a warmer jacket and long j’s. Maybe another layer inside of there like the de haviland?
 
If you are particular to FL the chamberlain will keep you warm for sure it’s on the bulkier end but works. Also base layer pants with a zipper is pretty great that way if you do get warm moving while moving around you can zip them off easily.
 
For 3rd rifle, I'll usually stack 2 puffies for the early morning -either a puffy vest under a puffy jacket or a synthetic puffy under a down puffy. Lots of variables depending on the year, but I'll often find myself in the shade glassing the sunny slopes on the coldest mornings and its gets pretty dang cold sitting still. I'll also wear a pair of mountaineering in the early morning and switch to some lighter socks once it warms up.

Zip off base layer pants are non negotiable.
 
I only hunt the later seasons here in Colorado, and it’s usually cold. I generally start with a long sleeve baselayer top and a puffy vest. Once I stop the puffy jacket and pants come on.

I don’t wear a baselayer bottom, just a pair of pants.
 
Wild variation of temps, it’s really hard to nail down, last year it was freezing the first couple of days, 18” of snow where I was, then warmed up and burned off, wet feet are the worst… if you are truck camping, it’s easy to bring extra clothes and tailor what you need, harder if you are packing in.
 
In general, pack for the coldest temperatures expected plus some and expect snow (12”-24”) if hunting higher elevations. In town weather is usually at lower elevation and warmer however nothing is guaranteed weather wise. Most important lesson is to dress in layers and keep your feet dry and warm. I am not familiar with FL clothing so not much help there, however my general system is two layers of zip off long underwear bottoms. One pair wool and one synthetic works pretty well. I can wear just one or both (one light one heavier). Next would be heavy and light wool pants or something like Kuiu Guide pants or Attack pants for warmer weather and I pack puffy pants for long sits. On top I usually have two Merino base layers (one lighter and one heavier) and can wear either one or both. Over top is one light or heavier synthetic mid layer than can be worn alone or together. Top those off with puffy or wool vest, puffy coat and a windproof layer. On my head I like to have a florescent baseball cap, stocking cap beanie and a really warm insulated hat for long sits. Multi wool gloves and some mittens. Once you arrive just mix and match what you have with the weather you actual have. I always have rain gear, but rarely used. Good luck and hope for nice weather. 20221030_142543.jpeg
 
I have spent two seasons in Colorado 3rd rifle hunting. Both times, I am set up to truck camp with either mild to medium day hikes, nothing to strenuous, or stationary, glass from camp. The first year, overnight lows were between minus 12 and about plus 10 Fahrenheit. Daytime highs rarely above freezing with snow starting at 24” at 9000 feet. It was cold and you couldn’t wear enough layers to stay warm in the mornings if it was windy at all. Last year was probably a more typical year with overnight lows from around 15 to 20 and daytime highs between 30 and 50. The morning I shot my bull was about 18 degrees with a pretty steady wind at 15 mph, it was cold.

Bottoms:
Kiln
Catalyst foundry - the full length zippers make these great for hiking because you can dump so much heat
Puffy pants for morning glassing - black ovis

Tops:
Wick
Kuiu strong fleece 190
Kuiu super down vest
Rab synthetic mid layer puffy-#similar to Kenai
Catalyst soft shell jacket
Puffy jacket for morning glassing - black Ovis again

Gloves:
150 weight merino
First light Alpine cold weather - I am switching to the black Ovis down mittens for next year, hands were freezing on the glass, bought the mittens in black, the color seems to make them warmer

Medium weight darn tough socks with heated insoles(love truck camping). The heated insoles are clutch when standing in snow all day, feet stay toasty warm.

Really depends on your camping set up, I would have to pair back or swap out some things if I was back pack hunting. E first season I was out, there were times I put rain gear on over top to lock in warmth and lock out wind.

Good luck.
 
You had me zooming in to check out your 32” barrel on this pic. Second glance I damn near thought you had a bayonet!
Good catch! Funny, I hadn’t noticed the bayonet earlier. Must be a shadow or something on the lens’s. Right of the green shooting sticks you can see white tape on the end of the muzzle. I think my son’s 30-06 is a standard 22” barrel that’s without bayonet.
 
Good catch! Funny, I hadn’t noticed the bayonet earlier. Must be a shadow or something on the lens’s. Right of the green shooting sticks you can see white tape on the end of the muzzle. I think my son’s 30-06 is a standard 22” barrel that’s without bayonet.
Yeah, maybe a shadow of the barrel. Just had me doing a double take.

Great buck though!

@WoolyBugger my setup is base top and bottom (gonna try the fish nets this year!), Sitka Core Lightweight hoody, Beyond Alpha midlayer (compare to Sitka Ambient), Beyond Wind Shirt, Marmot down hoody, Kuiu zip off thermal leggings, Kuiu Attack or Kutana pants, mix and match as desired based on weather and physical activity.

If you’re truck camping, just bring everything you have.
 
Don’t overthink it, if it’s cold put something on or eat/drink something warm.

I have used a four layer system for years and it’s worked all over the globe. I could add more pieces, but that adds weight and I just don’t use them.

This year I’m working on putting a wind jacket back into the line up.
 
@justinspicher if you’ve got too much money, this one is really great. I managed to snag one for $150 a couple of years ago. Their retail pricing just seems absurd, but different folks have different financials. I’ve noted here before that Beyond seems to randomly mark down products to 50% - 75% off, so I just watch for their sales.

 
I second the previous recommendation for a wind layer to add to your current setup. Adding the Sitka Jetstream on top of a puffy has made a huge difference for me late season. I’m sure there are good options from other manufacturers as well.
 
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