Clothing Help

[wibowhunter]

So I've spent hours researching on here and other sites, and I'm completely confused/overwhelmed... I'm a whitetail hunter living in the midwest who is looking to head west for the first time next fall for an elk hunt (leaning towards archery, possibly rifle... most likely Colorado). I'm far from rich, but have an opportunity to get a pretty good discount on some Sitka gear and I'm trying to decide what, if anything, I should get.

Let me start by saying that I have some midweight merino wool tops/bottoms/socks/beanie that I wear deer hunting all season, so I "think" I'm set with that??... I currently couple that with some fleece pants and jacket (Predator fleece), but it's pretty heavy/warm stuff meant for stand hunting so I don't think it's going to be the best for out west... I also have frogg toggs that I wear in light rain while on stand... I'm trying to decide what gear to get for out west, I'm trying to also figure out if I can double it up as whitetail gear. So keep that in mind.

I currently am considering:
Baselayers:
Sticking with my current pants/top merino baselayers

Pants:
Sitka Mountain Pants (these seem to be the most versatile pants?)

Tops:
Sitka Jetstream Jacket (this seems to be the most versatile as well - is it too heavy for a Sept hunt? I know it's not a rain jacket, but does it do ok at repelling water?)
Kelvin Lite Hoody (wear this as a standalone outer layer if it's warm... and as an insulating piece if it gets cold)

Can I pass a rainstorm with the Jetstream? Or is raingear a must-have (trying to be budget conscious... I don't think I can swing a Jetstream AND another raingear jacket/pants if my frogg toggs and jetstream wouldn't be sufficient)

What about the Traverse Zip T - could that take the place of the Kelvin Lite Hoody?

What else am I missing, or any substitutions? Thanks in advance for your help, I'm overwhelmed...

 

[Back Country Hunter 2]

First off, I agree that the mountain pants are the most versatile. The Jetstream has great DWR in my opinion. As far as using as a rain jacket, for me it depends on if your truck or backpack camping. Personally, if I’m backpacking I’m bringing real rain gear that doubles as wind protection. If I’m truck camping then it’s weather dependent. Most times the Jetstream will get you through most days as long as you can dry it out at night if there is any significant weather. However, Mother Nature is unpredictable. Your frogg toggs will do a good job of keeping you dry while sitting, but hiking in them you will sweat profusely and get wet from the inside out. My recommendation is first off make sure you have a good pair of boots and pack. Next buy the mountain pants and a puffy. The Costco puffy is good and will save you money. Then decided on if it is a rifle or bow hunt. If rifle get the Jetstream, if not then don’t. I leave the Jetstream at home during backcountry hunts. The type of hunt you go in will determine the rest of your layering system. You might have some things from your whitetail setup that can work as well. You should post up what you have so others can chime in. Good luck!

 

[zacattack]

If you’re looking at Sitka there is a ton of it for sale on Campfire right now FYI

 

[wibowhunter]

So I've got the boots and pack all set, I'm good to go there. I currently have my whitetail setup:

1 lightweight merino short sleeve
1 midweight merino crew long sleeve
1 midweight merino quarter zip long sleeve
2 midweight merino bottoms
1 Cabelas lightweight hooded vest
1 Cabelas Windstopper jacket (used for whitetail hunting - it is great at stopping the wind but sucks at breathability)
1 heavy fleece pants (used for whitetail hunting)
1 heavy fleece jacket (used for whitetail hunting)

So I know I "need" some lighter pants, and I'm pretty set on the Mountain unless someone convinces me otherwise

What do I "need" for tops? I really like the Traverse Zip T (although I see they don't make a hooded version?? bummer), Kelvin Lite Hoody, Jestream jacket... how would you mix/match with what I currently have with those? Or could a rain top take the place of, say, the Jetstream?

 

[Wiscohunter]

I'm in the same boat as you and watching this thread with interest. My whitetail gear is warm, but heavy and my raingear works because i can throw it in the dryer at night. Are you planning this gear list for backpacking or are you hunting out of your truck? If i backpack i'm thinking of bringing more of my hiking stuff than whitetail gear.

 

[optimusprime]

For tops, I would look at the core heavyweight hoody. It’s warm and very light. Probably same warmth as the traverse but lighter and has a hood. You will definitely want the lightweight kelvin jacket. It’s a nice piece. If you also get a discount with expert voice you can get a first lite uncompahgre for less and I personally think it’s better. I was going to get the mountain pants or Timberlines because I also get a discount but ended up getting the new Kuiu Axis pants. They are the same weight as the Sitka Timberlines I believe, maybe lighter. They have the same sort of waterproof seat and knees PLUS they have hip vents which is where Kuiu pants separate from the rest. Really a game changer. You can zip me up to keep the wind and rain out and open them up for hiking. They’d probably be awesome if you are hunting in cooler to cold conditions. I’m glad I did even though they cost me more money. Also, they are absolutely indestructible. If you need a new rain jacket for cheap, the Cabelas rainy river parka has served me well and is very light. About half the price as a Sitka with the discount. Get that along with a mountain jacket for the wind for less than a storm front. Just some ideas.