First Colorado Elk/camping trip mid October

[muddydogs]

I'll go a week straight wearing my poly liner socks and merino boots socks........even from base camp. No issues.

I've lived dirty for weeks at a time, its hard to get dirtier they one gets on the fire line. Pants that will stand up on there own, shirts that won't come clean after being washed multiple time and underwear that just needs thrown out once home but theres something just wrong about putting on a pair of crusty stiff socks in the morning. Ya i've worn socks for more then a day at a time but it just ain't right.

 

[Hootsma]

I concur with everyone else. Good boots are a must. However, they don't have to cost a fortune if your ok with used boots. If you wear a size 10, I have a pair of Asolo Powermatics for sale in the classifieds for much less than $100, here:

http://www.rokslide.com/forums/roks...-power-matic-200-gv-size-10m.html#post1000007

And since this will be your first elk hunt, I'd be willing to work with you even more on the price.

In regards to mernio wool. I have a bunch of it and I was a die hard merino wool fan because of the no stink factor. However, I'm slowly starting to change my ways. Synthentics beat out merino wool in almost every category. Synthetics dry faster, wick perspiration better, last longer, doesn't itch (even superfine merino itches me a little, YMMV) and are significantly cheaper. Their only drawback is the stink accumulation. That's changed though. Look up polygiene. It's a permanent treatment to synthetics developed in Europe. It's fairly new to the US, but has a proven track record in the European market. Sitka Core shirts are using it and cost $70.

I'm not sure what Exofficio uses to treat their synthetics, but I've run their boxer/brief for several years and they have the same odor resistance as any merino wool boxer/brief and they last much much longer. Get the sport mesh style. They tend to run a little shorter in the waist and order a size smaller than normal.

Keep a close eye on the Classifieds because there's a ton of quality gear at great prices on there.

Good luck on your trip. You're going to have a blast!!!

 

[jorswift]

I have gotten most things I believe that I will need for this trip. I still need a quality rain parka that breathes.

But how do you all dry your boots every day/night? I got some Gore-Tex boots, but I am sure my feet will sweat and some moisture will creep in. Thanks.

 

[xziang]

Gaiters will help a little bit in keeping boots dry. Rain gear i think cabelas space rain was on sale. Be sure to check out sierra trading post and rei outlet for neutral color rain jacket maybe.

 

[Blackbruin]

Merino sweated up vs manmade materials against the skin give you a clamy feeling..plus add the no stink and winner winner chicken dinner

 

[rayporter]

if it is cold you get used to putting on frozen boots- or you learn to put them in a garbage bag inside your sleeping bag.

I have observed more than one pair melt by the fire.

 

[5MilesBack]

but theres something just wrong about putting on a pair of crusty stiff socks in the morning.

I've never put on crusty stiff socks in the morning or any other time. The liner socks are still soft like when I put them on, and the merino socks dry at night and are fine in the morning. Ya, I would definitely be changing out crusty socks.