Core4element Switchback or Element Pants late Sept?

[aion2come]

I'm hunting the last week of bow season in Sept near Crested Butte. I've always hunted the first week until this year. I'll be hunting between 8500 and 10000 feet and am wanting to know which pant to bring the lightweight switchback or the medium weight Element. Thanks for your help.

 

[Elkfitness]

I'd personally use the lighter pant. I have the element and I can only use it when it's colder. You could throw on some merino bottoms under the switchbacks. I'd keep the elements in the truck though. If you can down there and the weather forecast looks "colder" you can switch them out before you head up. I'd bring a light pair of pants to hike in with though.

 

[bohunterm]

I'd personally use the lighter pant. I have the element and I can only use it when it's colder. You could throw on some merino bottoms under the switchbacks. I'd keep the elements in the truck though. If you can down there and the weather forecast looks "colder" you can switch them out before you head up. I'd bring a light pair of pants to hike in with though.

+1 Switchback and merino

 

[warrior80]

I'd personally use the lighter pant. I have the element and I can only use it when it's colder. You could throw on some merino bottoms under the switchbacks. I'd keep the elements in the truck though. If you can down there and the weather forecast looks "colder" you can switch them out before you head up. I'd bring a light pair of pants to hike in with though.

I agree with this. I have both and really only use the Element when it's cold. With Merino leggings and gaiters you should be fine with the Switchbacks. But always good to have the Elements as backups in case it is really cold.

 

[goodgrouper]

I have both and concur with the guys above, merino and switchbacks.

 

[aion2come]

Thanks guys!

 

[KMT]

I agree with the others. I have both pants yet have never HUNTED in the elements. Too thick for me.

 

[tttoadman]

I agree on the switchbacks. Roll em up in shorts mode for the trek in. The new Highline pants are medium wt. The element pants are really heavyweight IMO.

 

[Terrapin]

My switchbacks decomposed after 1 year... they offered to fix them (good customer service), but I figured it was just polishing a turd. If you hunt more than 20 days a year I would look at one of the other top names.

 

[GotDraw?]

Something else to consider and add to confusion with regard to pants...

I like multi-function... Take a look at Fjallraven's Keb Gaiter Trousers, they are unique zip-offs. After doing a bunch of research, I will be using these pants this year.

1) The lower leg, seat bottom, knees and front thigh are made of brush proof material. The back of the thigh and area above the seat bottom are stretch material so they are super flexible for climbing. Crotch is gusseted.

2) The lower legs zip off and turn into gaiters- complete with a hook to grab your boot laces and drawstring for your calves. If you want to take the lower legs off completely while your boots are on, they also have side zippers.

3) The sides of pants also zip open at the thigh to help keep you cool while climbing. Thus, you can vent the pant while it is in full long-pant conformation, or if you're super hot while climbing in shorts, you can vent them too.

You can also wax the gaiters to make them even more waterproof. Fjallraven has a number of videos about this.

Good luck with gear choices!

JL