- Thread Starter
- #21
Boots: Crispi's are far and away the best that I've used
Jacket: I think my sitka jackets are the best built and toughest of any I own.
Pants: I really like Prana Zion's for summer and FL Catalyst for winter, both very comfortable, tough and fit great.
Base layers: I like FL although I wouldn't say their stuff is tough, but it's comfortable and their merino is solid.
Anything waterfowl: The Sitka waterfowl line is AWESOME stuff. I wear the Dakota hoody nearly everyday and absolutely love it.
In this topic, I now have more Kuiu pants than any others. More tops and outer pieces from Sitka. Two earlier season pieces from Firstlite. I don’t care about the “fashion” aspect, I’ve started only trying to buy the best built/designed piece that fits the need, regardless of brand.
I'm just echoing what a lot of folks have already listed
Pants: Timberlines and the Ascents, I wear the Ascents pretty much every single day of archery season, switch to the Timberlines late archery in MT. I also really like the Obsidians and Corrugate pants from First Lite but the Timberlines are bomb proof.
Gloves: I really like the First Lite Talus gloves they just aren't very durable, SKD Tactical makes a real nice utility glove called PIG Full Dexterity Delta, and for late stuff and glassing in the cold I really like the Sitka Blizzard mitten, I buy them a couple sizes too big and then I can wear just about any glove inside them that I want
Jackets/vest: I pretty much wear the Sitka Kelvin light vest with a Kifaru LP parka in the bag as a backup
Baselayers: First Lite, pretty much any combo of the Wick or Kiln lines, much prefer the 3/4 bottoms to the full length. Another that really surprised me was the Mtn Ops base layer tops, super comfortable and functional
Rain gear: I currently use an Arcteryx jacket and Sitka Stormfront pants but I have yet to find my balance between lightweight and durability, seems like you get one or the other with rain gear
Gaiters: I've used most of them from the hunting brands, I'm currently trying out the Peax, need some snow to see how they do while snoeshowing but I haven't found a pair yet I can't live without, I know a lot of guys on here much prefer Outdoor Research Crocs but I haven't used them...yet
Boots: Crispi Colorados are my current favorite but I really like the Nevadas too
Socks: Pretty much all Darn Tough, haven't worn out a pair of their socks yet
I carry a Jetstream beanie with me just in case I need extra on my head, great little windstopper beanie
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I love the combo Sitka Ascent pants with the core lightweight hoody for hot weather. The hoody not only helps to keen the wind off your neck and face in the early mornings, but also when the sun comes up will protect you from the sun and it’s ultra light dries super fast. The knee pad option on the pants it’s great as well.
What are the best pieces of gear you have used and continue to use from each hunting brand? Including gloves from each company.
The gear I love:
Base/mid layers: FL merino (for cut/comfort/warmth)
Raingear: FL SEAK jacket and boundary stormtight pants (have the SEAK pants too but honestly haven’t needed to wear them because I’ve been so impressed by the boundary. I live and hunt west WA so I basically live in rain gear)
Insulating down midlayer: FL Brooks down vest
Boots: crispi
gear I like but maybe not hunting
Raingear: FL vapor light jacket doesn’t live up to my climate so now it is my light rain jacket for non hunting activities
Gloves: FL talus gloves (really like them for more casual but they’re just not warm/tough enough to make it in my hunting pack unless it’s early season)
What size rain pants do you have in the Boundary? I have been thinking about getting them. How durable are they?
I have a large. I bought them a couple years ago when they were called vapor storm light pants to match the light jacket. I don’t know if they’ve changed anything besides the name but I really like them. They’re form fitting but light and flexible enough. Pretty easy on/off with the full side zips. They keep the rain out and they’ve held up to what I’m walking through. Which is basically a wet thick jungle but I do my best to avoid thorn/prickers. I do usually use them in combination with gaiters. Only downside might be the lack of external pockets but those are on the SEAK pants. I just use the side zips to access my internal pants pockets if need be. Where are you hunting that you’re thinking about them?
I am coming at this from a MI stand hunter, never been east of MS River. We deal with some cold weather here. I also have not yet bought any “Gucci gear”
Cabelas: They have the wooltimate series of clothes. I have a jacket and will soon be buying the mittens. They have a little zipper by the trigger fingers so you can work a trigger.
I also love their 2000gm thinsulste boot”the inferno” I will say it is not a comfortable walking boot, but a damn fine short distance boot. I wear them late season hunting and when ice fishing.
Danner: the pronghorn boot is my fave boot for early season. I got a pair for free (safety points for not crashing equipment at work) and they have held up great for about 10 years.