Critic my gear

[Jaegerr]

I finally pulled my first elk license and been planning for a few years and buying bits as things go on sale after spending a lot of time researching on here. Now with a tag in hand, I’m evaluating what I have and what I may need for a November rifle hunt in Montana. Completely open to recommendations!

Base layers: None yet, planning on getting a set of First Lite Kiln

Mid-Layers: Peloton 97 & 240, and Kenai Vest

Insulation: Stone Glacier Grumman (this thing is ridiculously warm)

Pants: Pair of attack pants, two pairs of First Lite Corrugate Guide pants I got on the recent scheels sale I saw on here

Rain Gear: Probably Kuiu Chugach?

Boots: Whatever major brand like Crispi or Kenetrek’s I can find on sale that fit me well

Socks: Couple pairs of darn tough wool socks

Accessories: Pretty open here. I have misc. gloves and glove liners and some chopper ski mitts and such.

Bag: Open here too, looked the evo frames but that’s about it

Obviously being on Rokslide I have a tikka I’m building but this isn’t the right sub thread for that combo. Looking forward to suggestions on gear and what I may be missing or what I may be carrying too much. I should add this won’t be a pack in, back country hunt, so weight isn’t a top concern for this hunt.

 

[Cyril]

I think some things will depend on the style of hunt…back pack, horse back or truck/base camp. A couple of notes:

On the pants, my opinion is the corrugate guide pants will be useless in Montana come November. I have them and they are my go to for stationary, early season whitetail. I would not want them late season in the mountains. I run catalyst pants in third season Colorado, and picked up the catalyst foundry on Black Friday sale which I believe will be better suited for me with vents. To me, both feel warmer than attack pants and fit me really well. I also think puffy pants will be a necessity.

Up top, you may need a little more warmth depending on weather. Stationary, glassing for hours with temps in the teens, I run kiln, kuiu super down vest, Rab synthetic jacket(similar to Kenai), catalyst jacket and puffy jacket. Depends on how you deal with the cold and style of hunt. If weight doesn’t matter, first lite storm tight rain jacket is nice, durable wind and rain proof, but heavy for back pack hunt.

Boot…hanwag sale, if still running has perhaps the best value you will find. If they are not marked final sale, they are returnable and it was quick and easy for me. Tried three different models and ended up keeping one.

Good luck.

 

[Jaegerr]

I think some things will depend on the style of hunt…back pack, horse back or truck/base camp. A couple of notes:

On the pants, my opinion is the corrugate guide pants will be useless in Montana come November. I have them and they are my go to for stationary, early season whitetail. I would not want them late season in the mountains. I run catalyst pants in third season Colorado, and picked up the catalyst foundry on Black Friday sale which I believe will be better suited for me with vents. To me, both feel warmer than attack pants and fit me really well. I also think puffy pants will be a necessity.

Up top, you may need a little more warmth depending on weather. Stationary, glassing for hours with temps in the teens, I run kiln, kuiu super down vest, Rab synthetic jacket(similar to Kenai), catalyst jacket and puffy jacket. Depends on how you deal with the cold and style of hunt. If weight doesn’t matter, first lite storm tight rain jacket is nice, durable wind and rain proof, but heavy for back pack hunt.

Boot…hanwag sale, if still running has perhaps the best value you will find. If they are not marked final sale, they are returnable and it was quick and easy for me. Tried three different models and ended up keeping one.

Good luck.

Notes on the plants. I just got them in and thought the same. They’ll be good for early seasons hunts tho, so for $55 I’ll take them. I’ll look into the other pants you mentioned but I do get hot. I definitely looked into some of the mil surp. puffy pants or some form of them.

lll look into another upper layer. I thought between base layer, both peloton’s, vest, grumman down jacket and a rain jacket id be toasty but this is why I wanted to pick peoples brains!

 

[Blackbird]

Probably be able to get away with no rain gear that time of year. I would look at some down pants though. Makes glassing sessions late in the year much more comfortable. I have the Sitkas but you couldn’t go wrong with any high quality brand.

 

[Texasbuckeye]

Where in montana and how are you going to be hunting?

I did a montana early november elk hunt with an outfitter so it was lodge based, and for two days we sat in a blind with blistering winds and cold air. The morning of the third day we saw a large elk herd crossing on the property and hiked over to stage for them, that day it ended up being pleasantly warm, and by the end of the hike we were all stripped down to our base layers and then were stationary for a few hours while we waited for the herd to re-emerge. Having good layers was huge.

The week before and the week after it snowed, and was cold if I remember correctly. We did not have any precip the whole week we were there.

The ability to have good moisture moving layers coupled with good insulating layers is going to pay big dividends for you no matter how you hunt. The altitude will kick your butt, so expect to sweat some if you run hot just because your body will be working in the decreased O2 levels, unless you are from altitude (guessing not due to drawing tags).

I second the puffy pants that were mentioned above. A good hat system will be helpful as well. Not sure what you have planned for up top, but something that has wind blocker in it is going to be your friend.

Get the boots going early, do not waste time on the break in process. the longer you have those the better. Unless you know you won't be doing a ton of hiking.

 

[Jaegerr]

Where in montana and how are you going to be hunting?

I did a montana early november elk hunt with an outfitter so it was lodge based, and for two days we sat in a blind with blistering winds and cold air. The morning of the third day we saw a large elk herd crossing on the property and hiked over to stage for them, that day it ended up being pleasantly warm, and by the end of the hike we were all stripped down to our base layers and then were stationary for a few hours while we waited for the herd to re-emerge. Having good layers was huge.

The week before and the week after it snowed, and was cold if I remember correctly. We did not have any precip the whole week we were there.

The ability to have good moisture moving layers coupled with good insulating layers is going to pay big dividends for you no matter how you hunt. The altitude will kick your butt, so expect to sweat some if you run hot just because your body will be working in the decreased O2 levels, unless you are from altitude (guessing not due to drawing tags).

I second the puffy pants that were mentioned above. A good hat system will be helpful as well. Not sure what you have planned for up top, but something that has wind blocker in it is going to be your friend.

Get the boots going early, do not waste time on the break in process. the longer you have those the better. Unless you know you won't be doing a ton of hiking.

November gun hunt and noted on all the suggestions. I lived in Montana previously for work for a while so I agree on the elevation and the lack of oxygen will make you sweat like no other if you start changing elevation a lot.

 

[LongWayAround]

I would look elsewhere than the kiln base layer.

I have the kiln hooded shirt. It is very comfortable, but not very warm for it's weight and takes a rather long time to dry. It's essentially my spring turkey shirt or any time temperature and exertion are mild.

I have never hunted Montana, but late season in Colorado I am wearing lightweight merino short sleeve shirt and boxers with another light weight synthetic later over them. I use the peloton 118 zip-offs as my bottom and whatever synthetic hoody i have that day (something like your peloton 97).

I resisted puffy pants for several years before getting them. They make life much nicer.

 

[Jaegerr]

I would look elsewhere than the kiln base layer.

I have the kiln hooded shirt. It is very comfortable, but not very warm for it's weight and takes a rather long time to dry. It's essentially my spring turkey shirt or any time temperature and exertion are mild.

I have never hunted Montana, but late season in Colorado I am wearing lightweight merino short sleeve shirt and boxers with another light weight synthetic later over them. I use the peloton 118 zip-offs as my bottom and whatever synthetic hoody i have that day (something like your peloton 97).

I resisted puffy pants for several years before getting them. They make life much nicer.

Got it! I definitely want a set of puffy pants for gold glassing. The black orvis 800 fill zip offs for the price seem like a good value.

 

[Shaun0915]

For pants in November I would go with Stone Glacier Dehavilland. I’m also partial to just running all there stuff as I have the last 2-3 years though.


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[K_pem]

Congrats! Looks like you're off to a good start. Considering this is not a backpack hunt and you'll likely have the ability to pick and choose some pieces as the weather conditions warrant, I'll give you an idea of what I would plan to have/bring with me, and you can make game time decisions based on your body and the needs of the environment/ hunt plan for the day.

Base layer: I like to have a synthetic and a lightweight merino blend option, the synthetic is generally not as warm and can wick moisture away and dry (pivotal for a BL) much better than merino when high exertion or warmer temps are in the forecast; Merino is nicer next to skin and warmer for sure, it will keep you warm (to some extent) even when its wet, so I prefer it when I can, especially on wet base camp hunts where I know I can dry it out later.
- My choices are the Sitka Core LW hoody and the Core Merino 120 hoody, but the FL Wick stuff is great as are a ton of other cheaper options on the market. The Kiln is too thick and warm as a base layer IMO for mountain hunting, it takes too long to dry being mostly merino and is unnecessarily heavy. Another tactic I started using last year are the Bryjne mesh merino layers next to skin with a CORE LW over that and I really like the versatility.

Mid layer/active insulation: The layers you have are fine and should pair well together as needed. I would probably choose based on the day between the 97 or the 240 and pack the vest as needed with either. I love how warm the 97 is for the weight but it may not be enough for November in MT. The 240 is an excellent piece as well but it's not really what I would consider an "active insulation" piece (more of a light wind resistant mid layer), since it doesn't breathe all that well, so you will sweat a lot if wearing it while hiking much. I used to own all 3 of these pieces and have since traded them in for the Sitka Ambient line and I love the versatility of those pieces for true mountain hunting mid layers; but I also carry a windproof layer most of the time, which I would suggest looking into, especially since this isn't a backpack hunt and you can easily justify the weight. Hard to beat the Sitka Jetstream for later season cold weather base camp hunts, but I also own the Mountain Evo jacket for when weight is more of a priority. However, there are a ton of much cheaper options to fill this void.

Static insulation: You have what most would consider (myself included) the best warmth to weight puffy on the market already haha. ALWAYS pack it and you should be good when you stop as long as you're managing your moisture/other layers accordingly. Maybe consider some puffy pants if you're going to be sitting and glassing for extended periods.

Pants: The Kuiu Attack pants are arguably the most popular pant on the market for a reason; they'll serve you well. I'd still bring along a pair of the Corrugates just for around camp or on super wet days though were you find yourself in rain gear all day as the Attacks could get a little warm. On that note also, I would consider some mid-layer zip offs, something like the Peloton 97 bottoms would be perfect but you could always go with merino too (I like my Sitka Core 330's for much colder/static conditions).

Rain Gear: The KUIU Chugach would be fine, I prefer the Stone Glacier M5 but I'd say that they are fairly comparable. Honestly, if I were in the market and had time to wait, I would keep an eye out for the new Go Hunt rain gear that should be coming out in the next few months; it might save you a few bucks and I'm sure will be competitive to the rain gear from the big 3-4, hunting apparel brands.

Boots: Like you mentioned just make sure that you try them on extensively and break them in before your hunt. That time of year I'm typically on the fence between choosing my Hanwag Makra Combi vs my Hoffman Explorer 400's. This next year I may pick up a pair of more flexible uninsulated leather boots for that time frame. Ill group into this category (since you didn't mention them) gaiters, I would definitely get a pair before your hunt (I've had good luck with the KUIU Yukon's, but I just this last year picked up some of the Peax and they seem super stout; I'd stay away from the Sitka and FL ones). I'd also recommend bringing a pair of waterproof/useable pair of shoes for around camp/in the truck and a boot dryer.

Socks: You hit the nail on the head, I love my DT socks. Make sure to bring multiple pairs of different warmth and thickness levels so you can adjust accordingly, your feet may swell up after a couple days of hard hiking and sometimes just that next step down in cushion can be the difference in comfortable feet vs blistering.

Accessories: Sounds like you have gloves pretty well covered; I'd add to bring a pair of either leather lined work gloves or Mechanix gloves that you can fit on over your liners. Any warm mitt you have will do you well for glassing. I would suggest picking up a windproof beanie (I like the Sitka Jetstream, but you can go warmer if you want) as well as a simple neck gaiter (I rock the FL Merino ones), they are really nice while glassing to be able to really bundle up (that wind will zap your heat) or to keep snow from going down your neck. Another clothing thing to consider that I didn't mention earlier is underwear; make sure you have something moisture wicking and test it on training hikes beforehand with your pants. You don't want to find on your hunt that you're chaffing somewhere or that your annoyed as hell that they keep riding up or flipping over your beltline.

Pack: Theres a lot of good options out there and I've tried quite a few; the EXO packs in my opinion/experience have been the best, they're well thought out, user friendly, carry loads very well and are comfortable to wear all day, plus their CS is next to none, but I sound bias haha. Biggest thing I would advise here is if you're on a budget, there is nothing wrong with picking up a used pack to save some coin if it means getting you into a quality pack. Get an EXO, MR, SG, IA, Kifaru, whatever you fancy; just make sure it is fit well to you, and you test it before hand and know how to adjust/use it. DO NOT buy some off brand pack just to save money or get into something new.

My very extended 2cents... hahaha

 

[K_pem]

For pants in November I would go with Stone Glacier Dehavilland. I’m also partial to just running all there stuff as I have the last 2-3 years though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No reason to run out and buy the DH pants if he has the Attacks already. I've owned and ran both, the DH do nothing that the Attacks don't already do (arguably better).

 

[K_pem]

I would look elsewhere than the kiln base layer.

I have the kiln hooded shirt. It is very comfortable, but not very warm for it's weight and takes a rather long time to dry. It's essentially my spring turkey shirt or any time temperature and exertion are mild.

I have never hunted Montana, but late season in Colorado I am wearing lightweight merino short sleeve shirt and boxers with another light weight synthetic later over them. I use the peloton 118 zip-offs as my bottom and whatever synthetic hoody i have that day (something like your peloton 97).

I resisted puffy pants for several years before getting them. They make life much nicer.

Agreed. Not a fan of the Kiln in general but especially as a base layer. Its just way too heavy, not breathable and takes forever to dry.

 

[K_pem]

OP since you have the time to wait, Id hold off to see some of the new offerings from Go Hunt; Outdoor Vitals is supposed to be releasing some new apparel designed in conjunction with the guys at EXO too.

If you're buying used then just be on the lookout for new gear drops then lurk the classifieds and you'll surely find some deals from people upgrading lol.

 

[Jaegerr]

Congrats! Looks like you're off to a good start. Considering this is not a backpack hunt and you'll likely have the ability to pick and choose some pieces as the weather conditions warrant, I'll give you an idea of what I would plan to have/bring with me, and you can make game time decisions based on your body and the needs of the environment/ hunt plan for the day.

Base layer: I like to have a synthetic and a lightweight merino blend option, the synthetic is generally not as warm and can wick moisture away and dry (pivotal for a BL) much better than merino when high exertion or warmer temps are in the forecast; Merino is nicer next to skin and warmer for sure, it will keep you warm (to some extent) even when its wet, so I prefer it when I can, especially on wet base camp hunts where I know I can dry it out later.
- My choices are the Sitka Core LW hoody and the Core Merino 120 hoody, but the FL Wick stuff is great as are a ton of other cheaper options on the market. The Kiln is too thick and warm as a base layer IMO for mountain hunting, it takes too long to dry being mostly merino and is unnecessarily heavy. Another tactic I started using last year are the Bryjne mesh merino layers next to skin with a CORE LW over that and I really like the versatility.

Mid layer/active insulation: The layers you have are fine and should pair well together as needed. I would probably choose based on the day between the 97 or the 240 and pack the vest as needed with either. I love how warm the 97 is for the weight but it may not be enough for November in MT. The 240 is an excellent piece as well but it's not really what I would consider an "active insulation" piece (more of a light wind resistant mid layer), since it doesn't breathe all that well, so you will sweat a lot if wearing it while hiking much. I used to own all 3 of these pieces and have since traded them in for the Sitka Ambient line and I love the versatility of those pieces for true mountain hunting mid layers; but I also carry a windproof layer most of the time, which I would suggest looking into, especially since this isn't a backpack hunt and you can easily justify the weight. Hard to beat the Sitka Jetstream for later season cold weather base camp hunts, but I also own the Mountain Evo jacket for when weight is more of a priority. However, there are a ton of much cheaper options to fill this void.

Static insulation: You have what most would consider (myself included) the best warmth to weight puffy on the market already haha. ALWAYS pack it and you should be good when you stop as long as you're managing your moisture/other layers accordingly. Maybe consider some puffy pants if you're going to be sitting and glassing for extended periods.

Pants: The Kuiu Attack pants are arguably the most popular pant on the market for a reason; they'll serve you well. I'd still bring along a pair of the Corrugates just for around camp or on super wet days though were you find yourself in rain gear all day as the Attacks could get a little warm. On that note also, I would consider some mid-layer zip offs, something like the Peloton 97 bottoms would be perfect but you could always go with merino too (I like my Sitka Core 330's for much colder/static conditions).

Rain Gear: The KUIU Chugach would be fine, I prefer the Stone Glacier M5 but I'd say that they are fairly comparable. Honestly, if I were in the market and had time to wait, I would keep an eye out for the new Go Hunt rain gear that should be coming out in the next few months; it might save you a few bucks and I'm sure will be competitive to the rain gear from the big 3-4, hunting apparel brands.

Boots: Like you mentioned just make sure that you try them on extensively and break them in before your hunt. That time of year I'm typically on the fence between choosing my Hanwag Makra Combi vs my Hoffman Explorer 400's. This next year I may pick up a pair of more flexible uninsulated leather boots for that time frame. Ill group into this category (since you didn't mention them) gaiters, I would definitely get a pair before your hunt (I've had good luck with the KUIU Yukon's, but I just this last year picked up some of the Peax and they seem super stout; I'd stay away from the Sitka and FL ones). I'd also recommend bringing a pair of waterproof/useable pair of shoes for around camp/in the truck and a boot dryer.

Socks: You hit the nail on the head, I love my DT socks. Make sure to bring multiple pairs of different warmth and thickness levels so you can adjust accordingly, your feet may swell up after a couple days of hard hiking and sometimes just that next step down in cushion can be the difference in comfortable feet vs blistering.

Accessories: Sounds like you have gloves pretty well covered; I'd add to bring a pair of either leather lined work gloves or Mechanix gloves that you can fit on over your liners. Any warm mitt you have will do you well for glassing. I would suggest picking up a windproof beanie (I like the Sitka Jetstream, but you can go warmer if you want) as well as a simple neck gaiter (I rock the FL Merino ones), they are really nice while glassing to be able to really bundle up (that wind will zap your heat) or to keep snow from going down your neck. Another clothing thing to consider that I didn't mention earlier is underwear; make sure you have something moisture wicking and test it on training hikes beforehand with your pants. You don't want to find on your hunt that you're chaffing somewhere or that your annoyed as hell that they keep riding up or flipping over your beltline.

Pack: Theres a lot of good options out there and I've tried quite a few; the EXO packs in my opinion/experience have been the best, they're well thought out, user friendly, carry loads very well and are comfortable to wear all day, plus their CS is next to none, but I sound bias haha. Biggest thing I would advise here is if you're on a budget, there is nothing wrong with picking up a used pack to save some coin if it means getting you into a quality pack. Get an EXO, MR, SG, IA, Kifaru, whatever you fancy; just make sure it is fit well to you, and you test it before hand and know how to adjust/use it. DO NOT buy some off brand pack just to save money or get into something new.

My very extended 2cents... hahaha

Thanks so much for the in depth comment! It was a lot of help!