Elk Hunt Clothing System

[ryndxt]

First time elk hunter from Southeast. Here’s what I am working on from a layering system. I’m tied to Sitka.
The hunt is in New Mexico, Middle of October.

Boots: Crispi Nevadas — worn in; been hiking in these since December. Darn Tough Socks
Pants: Sitka Endure Pants; Have lightweight and heavyweight Sitka base layers
Top:
1) Core lightweight crew shirt
2) Sitka Ambient Hoody Jacket
3) options here: Sitka Kelvin Aerolight Jacket and/or JetStream Jacket —this is where i could use opinions most
4) Sitka downpour rain jacket

Kinco leather gloves
Beanie

I will bring an extra pair of socks and 1 extra pair of briefs.

So looking for opinions on cold layers and other opinions on if i am missing anything or items you would add. This is only pertaining to what i will wear.

 

[Pulleye16]

Brynje baselayer... just don't get caught in public with them.

My advice, wear the least amount of clothing on your hike in. Once I reach the elevation I'm hunting, I put on midlayer clothing for slow spot and stalks. If I'm glassing , the puffies come out.

Sometimes I won't even wear a baselayer on the hike in as I'll be drenched.

 

[ryndxt]

Good advice. I was thinking I’d wear just pants; add a bottom base layer if we stop.

What I can;t decide on the top is if jetstream or the aerolite puffy is the better top.

I realize i didn’t mention, but i also have a Barbary sheep hunt in December, so expect ill use lessons learned in October to adjust for December

 

[LCguy]

What unit? It could still be getting into the 70s and 80s in mid-October, so I would recommend a lighter-weight long-sleeve shirt somewhere as sun protection during the day/when hiking. Don't discount that the sun is much more intense in the mountain west.

Editing to add: My elk and deer hunts are always in that same mid-late October/early November time frame. I am typically in just my First Lite Kiln Hoodie by around 11 a.m., switching to a lighter sunshirt like the one I'd use for fishing by 2 p.m., before it starts to cool off again and I layer back up. I never hike in with more than a wool long-sleeve and my pants. You will be sweaty and regretting it if you are wearing your jacket to start. I exclusively hunt units south of Albuquerque, however, so YMMV.

 

[ChrisAU]

Soft shells in general are not worth the weight IMO. A puffy is warmer, usually just as good in the wind, and much much lighter and packs way smaller. I would never move around in either one.

 

[Phaseolus]

Get yourself a pair of long underwear that can zip off, it's much easier to take off or put on layers that you can change just by dropping your pants and zipping/unzipping all while keeping your boots on.

 

[Phaseolus]

I'd love to see a fleece upper with pitzips, you used to be able to get them but not anymore. I'd pay extra for that feature but I'm a sweaty guy. Conversely, if you know of a thicker fleece upper that has zips let us Know!!

 

[LongWayAround]

I can't imagine you will need a heavyweight bottom base layer.

A hooded long-sleeve shirt should be in your wardrobe. I've become a fan of the go hunt approach hoodie. It's basically a heavier sun shirt.

I don't see a need to have a softshell and a rain jacket.

What kind of hunt are you doing?

I'm bringing more than two pairs of socks, unless I'm backpacking. Even backpacking, I probably have two pairs to wear and one pair to sleep in.

Ambient and kelvin seems kind of redundant to me.

Base<mid< insulation<shell