Basic first layering system

[tyler.klinesteke]

I’m new to hunting, and will be mainly bow hunting out of a stand in Michigan. I’m looking to put together my first good layering system and get some camo, so I can stop wearing my old army uniforms. I know that I can get a decent discount from first lite, and that skre gives one as well and the prices seem right. But I’m looking for opinions on a basic system.

Basically just wondering what everyone’s must have pieces are, since there seem to be about 100 different options from each company. Thanks!


Edit: I am 6’ 3” and 210 lbs so sizing suggestions for anyone of a similar build would be welcome as well

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[WhatToHunt]

First off, thanks for your service.
Layering can be done relatively inexpensively, although it can add up fast of course. But the discounts you mentioned might get you some sweet gear at great prices. Decent long underwear is easy to find and then from there I layer with some type of fleece tops, 1 or 2 depending how cold. And a vest is always on in any chilly temps. Would highly recommend a windproof layer. And I like a puffy jacket under my outermost layer on real cold sits. For my legs I will wear one or two base layers and again, when cold, some insulated Gore-Tex bibs. If it's a long walk I can put the bibs on at the stand/base of tree. Accessories: muff for hands and a neck gaiter. Two must-haves for me in the cold.

 

[Boarmaster]

When I started I bought several sets of mid weight base layers. I doubled them up if it was very cold. If it wasnt too cold then I had a fresh set to wear on multi day hunts. the next layer I had was insulated cabelas fleece bibs and jacket with dry plus. This got me insulation and rain protection in one set. Later I added a quality rain shell pants and jacket to wear over my base layers If it was warmer And too hot for my insulated bibs and jacket.
i have added different items over the years but that was my basic set up I started with.
this set up I used in Ohio for walk in and sit in national forest. So mostly cool Or cold and raIn.

 

[tyler.klinesteke]

First off, thanks for your service.
Layering can be done relatively inexpensively, although it can add up fast of course. But the discounts you mentioned might get you some sweet gear at great prices. Decent long underwear is easy to find and then from there I layer with some type of fleece tops, 1 or 2 depending how cold. And a vest is always on in any chilly temps. Would highly recommend a windproof layer. And I like a puffy jacket under my outermost layer on real cold sits. For my legs I will wear one or two base layers and again, when cold, some insulated Gore-Tex bibs. If it's a long walk I can put the bibs on at the stand/base of tree. Accessories: muff for hands and a neck gaiter. Two must-haves for me in the cold.

I appreciate the advice


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[tyler.klinesteke]

When I started I bought several sets of mid weight base layers. I doubled them up if it was very cold. If it wasnt too cold then I had a fresh set to wear on multi day hunts. the next layer I had was insulated cabelas fleece bibs and jacket with dry plus. This got me insulation and rain protection in one set. Later I added a quality rain shell pants and jacket to wear over my base layers If it was warmer And too hot for my insulated bibs and jacket.
i have added different items over the years but that was my basic set up I started with.
this set up I used in Ohio for walk in and sit in national forest. So mostly cool Or cold and raIn.

Thanks for the thoughts


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[matthewmt]

I wear a lano or chama top with first lites hooded fleece, ill pack my uncompaghre puffy and a marmot precip depending on conditions. Other wise kuiu attack pants or Prana Zions with the appropriate long underwear and these things have worked well for me.
Block ovis merino hood with whatever fleece outer layer over that with the appropriate insulating layers after obviously.
A friend runs the same system but also uses a sitka vest.
We are mostly moving tho so tree stand hunting may change things.

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[mikear]

This is my Oklahoma stand hunting system (5-75°F, always windy it seems).

Legs:
Base: No name lightweight merino OR FL Furnace

Mid: FL Obsidian OR Prana Zions

Outer: Under Armour Ridge Reaper Infil Windstopper pants OR FL Solitude bibs OR FL Sanctuary bibs

Shell: ECWCS Goretex pants

Socks: Darn Tough lightweight wool socks

Torso & head:
Base: FL lightweight merino top OR FL Furnace top

Mid: FL Klamath fleece

Outer: UA Ridge Reaper Infil windstopper jacket OR FL Solitude jacket OR FL Sanctuary jacket

Shell: FL Seak Stormtight jacket

Hands: FL fingerless wool

Head: FL neck gaiter or balaclava

Couple pointers. If your hike is very far, wear a pair of socks which you will change out once you get in the tree. Helps my feet tremendously to stay warm by changing sweaty socks.

Same goes for base layers. I start cold before the walk in. Wear no bottom base layer, just pants, and only wear my merino lightweight top and maybe the Klamath. Once I cool off at the tree I’ll put my bottom base and other layers on.

The Sanctuary and Solitude are somewhat redundant in all but the most extreme cold temps. If I had to pick one it would be the Solitude that I can adjust base layers with to extend into the coldest part of the season. Plus you won’t need a muff with the Solitude bibs (built in).

The UA windstopper stuff was on sale and is great when it’s windy but 45-55° with a light baselayer. FL catalyst would be similar but doesn’t have a windstopper layer.

 

[WCB]

As some stated above and my number one must have....get yourself some good windbreaking gear you will be much warmer and can layer thinner especially late season. Also, Bibs and vests are two must haves for me also. I hate jackets until it gets cold like (low 30s) so vests keep my core warm and I can rotate what I wear under it to adjust for temp.

 

[tyler.klinesteke]

I wear a lano or chama top with first lites hooded fleece, ill pack my uncompaghre puffy and a marmot precip depending on conditions. Other wise kuiu attack pants or Prana Zions with the appropriate long underwear and these things have worked well for me.
Block ovis merino hood with whatever fleece outer layer over that with the appropriate insulating layers after obviously.
A friend runs the same system but also uses a sitka vest.
We are mostly moving tho so tree stand hunting may change things.

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Thanks


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[tyler.klinesteke]

This is my Oklahoma stand hunting system (5-75°F, always windy it seems).

Legs:
Base: No name lightweight merino OR FL Furnace

Mid: FL Obsidian OR Prana Zions

Outer: Under Armour Ridge Reaper Infil Windstopper pants OR FL Solitude bibs OR FL Sanctuary bibs

Shell: ECWCS Goretex pants

Socks: Darn Tough lightweight wool socks

Torso & head:
Base: FL lightweight merino top OR FL Furnace top

Mid: FL Klamath fleece

Outer: UA Ridge Reaper Infil windstopper jacket OR FL Solitude jacket OR FL Sanctuary jacket

Shell: FL Seak Stormtight jacket

Hands: FL fingerless wool

Head: FL neck gaiter or balaclava

Couple pointers. If your hike is very far, wear a pair of socks which you will change out once you get in the tree. Helps my feet tremendously to stay warm by changing sweaty socks.

Same goes for base layers. I start cold before the walk in. Wear no bottom base layer, just pants, and only wear my merino lightweight top and maybe the Klamath. Once I cool off at the tree I’ll put my bottom base and other layers on.

The Sanctuary and Solitude are somewhat redundant in all but the most extreme cold temps. If I had to pick one it would be the Solitude that I can adjust base layers with to extend into the coldest part of the season. Plus you won’t need a muff with the Solitude bibs (built in).

The UA windstopper stuff was on sale and is great when it’s windy but 45-55° with a light baselayer. FL catalyst would be similar but doesn’t have a windstopper layer.

Perfect thanks for the detailed list!


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[tyler.klinesteke]

As some stated above and my number one must have....get yourself some good windbreaking gear you will be much warmer and can layer thinner especially late season. Also, Bibs and vests are two must haves for me also. I hate jackets until it gets cold like (low 30s) so vests keep my core warm and I can rotate what I wear under it to adjust for temp.

Thanks, I haven’t really even considered vests before as I’ve never worn them.


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[Agross]

I literally wear my chama hoody every time I hunt. Almost always have a fleece layer as well as a vest depending on temps. I never understood why people liked vests until I tried one. Now I have three.

 

[Gman12]

Depending on how much money you want to spend is a big factor. You do not have to go with the big expensive names to reach a good result. A Sitka fanatic jacket/bibs is great stuff and really warm but it is very expensive. I recently purchased some medium weight merino long sleeve shirts from Midway USA that were on sale for I believe $49 and they work great next to skin. Then I use a heavy North Face fleece pullover for my mid layer. I love NF fleece pullovers and wear them almost every day when it is cold and have two different types, one of which is really lightweight and the other type is much heavier. If it is really cold I wear both at the same time one over the other. I did just purchase a merino wool First Lite Furnace 3/4" pullover and it seems really nice and can't wait to try it.