Favorite Cold Weather Midlayer

[TJD2]

I will bump what alot of others said - Sitka Ambient hoody has been awesome the last few elk seasons. I have ran it in mornings in the low 40s and afternoons in the high 70s. Its great for all conditions.

 

[Stache Attack]

KUIU peleton 240 or sadly discontinued and what I use more the 260 strong fleece

 

[mtnbound]

Most of the time, I am wearing a wool button-up shirt or an FL Klin hoodie.

 

[Wolfshead]

For the last couple years I’ve used a Kuiu Strongfleece Hybrid 280 Full Zip Hoodie.
I’m not sure they offer it anymore as I only see a 275 strongfleece hoody now?
Not a big fan of the peloton line, but that’s just me, it doesn’t help keep me warm.

 

[COJoe]

Sitka Ambient 100 hooded jacket is so versatile, from teens to 50 degrees still hunting through dark timber. Moving slow while wearing it is the key, any exertion and it warms you up pretty fast. I have also used an older version of the fanatic hoody and it works very well at the same temps for me.

 

[NealS02]

Another Ambient hoody vote

 

[theavgjoe]

Sitka kelvin down vest or jetstream vest depending on weather and exertion level

 

[Fritz D]

Another vote for the Ambient 100. Though I also like the Sitka Traverse or Patagonia R1 hoody, if I’m doing more sitting in the cold than hiking.

 

[RADunfee]

The original Ambient 150 jacket. I hate stacking hoods.

 

[TaperPin]

Being able to hear is so important I don’t own any hoodies and don’t cover the ears unless it’s really cold. My mid layer(s) are all fleece. A thinner grid fleece that hugs my two base layer polypropylene 1/4 zips. On top of the grid fleece would be a thick wind stopper fleece. Then Goretex shell. If it’s really cold another puffy layer could be used under the shell.

There’s too much talk about layers being written in stone as having to be a certain number or thickness. That fits marketing lingo, but is quite an artificial distinction. As long as each layer fits well over the one under it and has good articulation, the number of layers means little. I’ve worked outside all winter @ 8,000’ in three, four, five or six total layers and it wasn’t any more or less warm or comfortable to have more thin layers or fewer thick layers.

 

[WyoKid]

Military Wool Sweater in Olive Drab with a quiet windproof vest from Sitka on the outside. Works really well still hunting as it is quiet and breathable without being unnecessarily bulky. If it is too cold for that or really windy, a wind resistant softshell goes on top.

 

[fshaw]

Being able to hear is so important I don’t own any hoodies and don’t cover the ears unless it’s really cold. My mid layer(s) are all fleece. A thinner grid fleece that hugs my two base layer polypropylene 1/4 zips. On top of the grid fleece would be a thick wind stopper fleece. Then Goretex shell. If it’s really cold another puffy layer could be used under the shell.

There’s too much talk about layers being written in stone as having to be a certain number or thickness. That fits marketing lingo, but is quite an artificial distinction. As long as each layer fits well over the one under it and has good articulation, the number of layers means little. I’ve worked outside all winter @ 8,000’ in three, four, five or six total layers and it wasn’t any more or less warm or comfortable to have more thin layers or fewer thick layers.

What do you use for a wind proof fleece? Thanks.

 

[Small-foot]

Depends on your preference for material, but a 100% wool knit sweater is damn good in slow moving conditions and if stitched well (tight weave) they’re fairly windproof. The premium option is the Atlantic rancher, but if you’re not dropping that much money a mil surplus I’ve heard is good, I haven’t used one though. *edit to correct my original post- per Form’s gear dump thread the Atlantic rancher is not 100% wool, his post states: “Atlantic Rancher Ranger sweater. This is a merino blend with some synthetic”. I picked up an off brand wool sweater from Sierra about 6 years ago, I think it’s Barbour brand? I use it all winter in more static activities, if it’s real cold I’ll use it XC skiing even since it does breathe well.

I get really cold when still and heat up quick when moving, so I struggle to balance the two. This year I picked up a double layered Alpha fleece from beyond clothing ~$55 on sale, it’s not windproof at all, but a great breathable mid layer. I wore my base, a synthetic shirt, that alpha, and a wind jacket for probably 80% of the season this year in temps from 10-40 degrees very comfortably. I’ll also add there’s quite a few small companies making lighter Alpha layers as well now.

 

[TaperPin]

What do you use for a wind proof fleece? Thanks.

I’ve primarily used solid neutral colors from Patagonia and other “climbing/backpacking” brands. The size, thickness, and fit of each model and brand seems to change over time so I don’t know any possible way around trying them on to see how they interact with other layers. When looking for a replacement I’ve tried on over a half dozen different jackets and sometimes a jacket is so good it replaces a non wind stopper layer. I weigh each jacket and make a judgement of its weight vs “loft”. Some models that block wind well are also quite heavy, while others you can’t tell are wind blockers unless holding up to your mouth and blowing air through.

 

[Eastonsgrandpa]

What’s your favorite mid layer for warmth when you’re still hunting slowly or stalking game in cold weather? Understand that cold is relative, for me it’s about 15F and below. Don’t need much layering advice, just wondering what your personal favorite mid layer for cold conditions is.

Skwala merino top and bottom. They are a fly fishing company and make what I believe is the best in this category. Super warm and comfortable. I ended up buying a second set for daily wear. Been tramping around in them all too frequently for a couple years now. Most durable merino I’ve used.

 

[fshaw]

I’ve primarily used solid neutral colors from Patagonia and other “climbing/backpacking” brands. The size, thickness, and fit of each model and brand seems to change over time so I don’t know any possible way around trying them on to see how they interact with other layers. When looking for a replacement I’ve tried on over a half dozen different jackets and sometimes a jacket is so good it replaces a non wind stopper layer. I weigh each jacket and make a judgement of its weight vs “loft”. Some models that block wind well are also quite heavy, while others you can’t tell are wind blockers unless holding up to your mouth and blowing air through.

Do you have a favorite Patagonia piece? R1/2 Techface, Houdini, etc?

 

[fshaw]

I really appreciate all the replies.

 

[Davyalabama]

Favorite mid layer --- heated vest, bar none!!!!!!

Now, if you are talking a mid layer to remove moisture from my merino, I use a few different things --- one an old pembleton sweater bought off ebay, light warm, wicks ok. If it is in the twenties-teens, I use Orvis sweaters with fleece inside that I bought at costco. Those things are too warm to use if it's in the 30's with the merino base layers. I just have an old cabelas scent lok thin outer shell.

Now, if I'm hunting a stand where I have to walk a long way and sweating, potentially. I will walk in with just my pants, my mesh base layers and another thin merino shirt on top. Sure, I'm cold when I start, especially driving in on the sxs, but I can start out cold, I don't want to sweat. Even in the teens, I don't need much to heat up quickly carrying all those garments, plus bibs, a gun, all the junk in my bino harness.