Help me with treestand layering

[PAhntr91]

I’ve been searching through old threads but can’t find what I’m looking for I hunt Pennsylvania and Ohio tree stand hunting. Looking to get into more technical clothing. I’m tired of being cold. So I’m trying to figure out my clothes for next season. I’m hoping I can get some advice on some versatile pieces. I know I have good set up for early season. End of sept to mid october. Im looking to pick up the fanatic set or stratus set for the is season. Which would be more versatile? If running the stratus set would I need a puffy of some sort under that? Just have to many questions to type up.

I have sitka light weight top and bottom. Fl kiln top and bottom. A cheap wal mart puffy. A pair of thinner fleece pants. Other cheap clothes. And a fl solitude jacket. Hoping someone can help get a list together of what I could use. Thanks in advance.

 

[Drenalin]

I have the Stratus jacket, which I like a lot. It’s versatile, but not necessarily warm. Decent with wind, kind of a heavy midlayer. Good mid season jacket for me with a base and maybe a light fleece under it. Sleeves are too tight for me layer with a puffy jacket under, but it would work with a puffy vest under. I’m not sure how the Fanatic compares to the Solitude, but they seem close enough in purpose to be kind of redundant. You may need to be looking at something like the Sanctuary or Incinerator if you want to sit for a long time in really cold temps.

 

[switchback270]

I too whitetail hunt PA and OH on occasion. I have accumulated a lot of First Lite clothing over the years and have found the following to be great for the all day sits in the later part of the season. I'll start with the merino wool allegheny bottoms, liner socks with heavy wool socks over them, and the FL chama hoody as my base layer. The mid layer will be the FL kanab pants and the FL halstead fleece top. Next comes the puffy layer which historically has been the FL uncompahgre jacket and the FL puffy pants. I've given those to my dad and have replaced with Kifaru Lost Park Parka jacket and pants for this fall. Usually I'll stop at the puffy layer if the temps are in the 40s. Once the temps start dipping into the 30s and below I will wear the FL Sanctuary jacket and bibs as my outer layer. I should add that i'll wear a merino neck gaiter/face mask if it's brisk as well as a merino hat and Carhartt beanie. The boots I wear for the colder hunts are the Rocky bear claw 1200 gram.

 

[STL]

Stratus is arguably the most versatile whitetail sets there is. It’s a fleece-lined wind proof quiet shell though. I would need some actual insulation to be comfortable around 40 or so for extended sits. The Celsius midi, or a similar insulating piece, and the fanatic vest can extend it quite a bit. The fanatic set is purpose built for staying warm in the cold. I would look at it and the first lite sanctuary for cold weather.

I’m in Missouri, so we don’t get as cold for as long, but some of my favorite whitetail pieces are:
FL furnace and zip offs long Johns - very warm and comfortable, essential whitetail cold weather base layers imo
Kuiu peloton 240 - nice, versatile wind cutting fleece
FL uncompahgre pants and vest - great for throwing on and off when needed and as mid layers when it’s really cold
FL tundra balaclava - it has a lofty fleece inside and is very warm and comfortable
Heated vest - can really extend the comfort and useful temp range of any set

I run hot so a key for me for not getting cold is minimizing sweat on the walk in, which means packing in layers. The full length zips on the furnace zip off long johns, uncompahgre pants, and solitude bibs make it easy for me to add and remove layers as needed without taking my boots off.

 

[Bloodsoakedberber]

I'm in WV right between PA and Ohio so not exactly what you were looking for but pretty close. I think the stratus jacket is going to overlap with your solitude jacket too much to suggest you go that route. I see a lot of people saying they can wear the solitude into some pretty cold temperatures but I'm not that tough and think the fanatic jacket would be better for the really cold temperatures later into the season. However if versatility is what you're after the stratus is definitely the way to go, just similar to what you already have.

 

[aaron14]

If you're sick of being cold, get the Fanatic. It's the best whitetail outerwear there is. I have the Stratus as well but find myself wearing the Fanatic more since I'd rather have a little extra warmth. Stratus I'll wear 40s-60, Fanatic I'll wear from 40s down to below zero with the right layering.

 

[PAhntr91]

I’m definitely not set on keeping the solitude jacket. I picked it up last season. I only got to use it once. It was alright for one sit I did. I have heard it is not as wind proof and the stratus or the fanatic. I had the Klamath it was to small for me so I sold it. I did like that piece but would prefer the hood. Although I’ve heard good things about the kuiu pelaton so may be leaning in that direction.

I know the Celsius midi is made for layering. Would you suggest that or a normal puffy? Just for the versatility factor of using in western situations?

 

[Brian Fahs]

I spend as much time in a treestand in cold weather as I possibly can and it's a lot.
I own or have owned about every piece of FL Sitka and kuiu.
For me cabelas berber or the discontinued outfitter wool from cabelas are my go to.
I like my first lite merino base and a sitka hoody or 2 but that's about it for cold weather.
The berber extreme bibs from cabelas are a furnace. I wear a heavy wool hat or sometimes 2 of them.
Chemical handwarmers are your friend.
There is no reason now stays to be cold on stand.
Moisture management is key. If you are dry it's much easier to stay warm than when sweated up. Carry the heavy stuff in with you and dress at tree.
I may look like a guy from a 2005 cabelas catalog in the woods but I'm a warm comfortable hunter.

 

[fwafwow]

I run cold so I won’t bore you with all of my crazy base and mid layers, but here are a few things to consider.

1. I wear the Fanatic bibs and Incinerator top. But maybe my three most important Sitka items - my hat, gaiter and muff. Can’t remember if they are Fanatic or Incinerator - just the heaviest they offer
2. Don’t forget your feet. There are plenty of threads on the footwear forum about socks and boots, as well as boot covers.
3. I like a heated vest (Pnuma) and may get the new heated bottoms. Extra batteries for a long sit.

The prices of clothing add up, especially for the outer layer and some of the heavier merino layers. But as I’ve said on other posts, the best way to increase your kill chances is to be in the stand longer.

 

[Bloodsoakedberber]

I spend as much time in a treestand in cold weather as I possibly can and it's a lot.
I own or have owned about every piece of FL Sitka and kuiu.
For me cabelas berber or the discontinued outfitter wool from cabelas are my go to.
I like my first lite merino base and a sitka hoody or 2 but that's about it for cold weather.
The berber extreme bibs from cabelas are a furnace. I wear a heavy wool hat or sometimes 2 of them.
Chemical handwarmers are your friend.
There is no reason now stays to be cold on stand.
Moisture management is key. If you are dry it's much easier to stay warm than when sweated up. Carry the heavy stuff in with you and dress at tree.
I may look like a guy from a 2005 cabelas catalog in the woods but I'm a warm comfortable hunter.

To me the cabelas Berber extreme is warmer than the incinerator jacket and the sanctuary jacket. Trade off is its just physically heavier and not as nice to pack in. For some reason I have all three of those don’t ask me why.

 

[Bloodsoakedberber]

I’m definitely not set on keeping the solitude jacket. I picked it up last season. I only got to use it once. It was alright for one sit I did. I have heard it is not as wind proof and the stratus or the fanatic.

If you’re not planning on keeping and utilizing the solitude I’d replace it with the stratus top and bottoms then. It’s the versatile setup you’re after and is better in the wind. I don’t know that it will get you to the end of your season though. Everyone’s cold tolerance is different but I couldn’t do it.

 

[Texasbuckeye]

Truth be told, my
Celcius midi jacket fits extremely well under my stratus jacket same size (L both). I have both stratus pant and stratus bibs, for different applications as well as one for me and for my son to wear. I was OK in 11 degrees this past season for a morning hunt in stratus pants (dodnt have the bibs until after season) with a pair of kuiu superdown pro pants under (size L) and base merino pants, with a fanatic jacket and some layers on top. Was a dry day, but not super calm, wind wasn’t felt and the layers under made little to no noise to spook deer.
i have since bought the stratus bibs for a little more protection (not planning on getting fanatic bibs) and warmth in colder days and a fanatic hoody to use in this system as well. I plan to utilize anything from single layers all the way up to 3 layers under each top and bottom and somehow the stratus and fanatic jackets are not bulky by themselves but don’t get bulky with layers either. Its a good set up. Honestly, the mid and under layers do not need to he sitka, it would he whatever you have that fits and wears well and keeps you warm enough.

 

[Kbhillhunter]

Truth be told, my
Celcius midi jacket fits extremely well under my stratus jacket same size (L both). I have both stratus pant and stratus bibs, for different applications as well as one for me and for my son to wear. I was OK in 11 degrees this past season for a morning hunt in stratus pants (dodnt have the bibs until after season) with a pair of kuiu superdown pro pants under (size L) and base merino pants, with a fanatic jacket and some layers on top. Was a dry day, but not super calm, wind wasn’t felt and the layers under made little to no noise to spook deer.
i have since bought the stratus bibs for a little more protection (not planning on getting fanatic bibs) and warmth in colder days and a fanatic hoody to use in this system as well. I plan to utilize anything from single layers all the way up to 3 layers under each top and bottom and somehow the stratus and fanatic jackets are not bulky by themselves but don’t get bulky with layers either. Its a good set up. Honestly, the mid and under layers do not need to he sitka, it would he whatever you have that fits and wears well and keeps you warm enough.

What kind of temps did you use the midi+stratus in? I just ordered the stratus jacket and pants, a Celsius midi, and the fanatic bibs. I'm really hoping this can be my 20-50 degree system with merino layering. My hope is that the insulation of the fanatic bibs in the torso combined with the midi under the stratus will provide enough warmth on the colder end of the spectrum (paired with 350 weight merino). Do you think that will be sufficient or will additional insulation be needed?

I'm a big guy so I really don't like heavy bulky outer layers, and I like having pieces that can be flexed across a spectrum of temps instead of pieces devoted to specific circumstances. I was on the fence about getting the incinerator vs the stratus and midi, and the potential for versatility is what pushed me to the latter.

 

[Texasbuckeye]

So i picked up the midi after season this year for the exact reason you are talking about, to extend both the stratus and fanatic jackets. The fanatic is def more bulky than the stratus so for me i prefer using the stratus to its low end before going to the fanatic, just as ypu dont prefer bulky i dont either. The midi under the stratus was not bulky at all, and have a feeling that with a base top will take ke into the solid mid 30’ mornings That warm into the 40’s during rhe day. For sub 30’s the fanatic will be my go to jacket and will work well into the teens with the midi comfortably (i did 11 as above with less than the midi last season). But for you with the danatic bibs, those will almost act as another puffy vest and may allow you to go deeper into the 20’s comfortably. I have the stratus bibs but picked them up after season and never used them. I prefer pants early season for sure, but late season a bib is awesome. The stratus pants and bibs have fouble zips up the pegs which allow me to walk in wearing them, i do not believe the fanatics do, but if they dont you may carry them in an put them on once at location. Fanatic gear is warm and not meant to walk in.
i think your plan will work wuite well for you with the main factor being dry weather. Your plan can handle light moisture well, my son has sat in his fanatic jacket in a driving drizzle and done fine, but a steady rain or snow may not work well if it wets out. Thays where the incinerator comes in, or another set up...i have cabelas silent suede bibs and jackets for waterproof needs and they are warm but not super quiet, so they come out only in foul weather.

 

[PAhntr91]

I think I’m leading towards getting the stratus jacket and bibs. Seems more versatile than the fanatic.. how does the solitude and stratus compare? Anyone know why first lite is selling the solitude so cheap now?
Then either pick up the Celsius midi or similar puffy

 

[hibernation]

From my treestand experience, here's my main tips for staying warm:

• Don't be sweaty
• Heavy-weight base layers make more difference than a sweater
• One thick layer is better than multiple thinner layers
• Stop the wind
• Watch for conductive heat loss through your stand

Sweat is key, always carry your layers to the stand rather than wearing them. I meet way too many guys who pile everything on and waddle a half-mile, just to overheat and then freeze as soon as they stop. Pace yourself on the hike in so you don't sweat too much, or change out your t-shirt when you get to your stand if there's no avoiding the sweat.

Form-fitting, heavyweight polypropylene/capilene/wool should be the foundation of your setup. A really good base layer will keep you warmer than a loose-fitting sweater or fleece jacket, but the emphasis here is that you need the heaviest-weight base layers that the brand offers. Get whatever you can find on sale from REI, backcountry.com, etc, the hunting brands are going to be way more expensive for something that doesn't need to be camouflage at all.

One quick note - synthetic will be the cheapest, most durable, and lighter/warmer compared to merino options. Merino has the advantage of not holding as much human scent, which may or may not matter if you're just doing day hunts and aren't stuck wearing the same thing for a week. If you're on a budget and returning home after your hunts, I'd really consider sticking to synthetics for your base layers.

Also, ignore the usual advice about layering. That's for managing temperature while you're hiking, not staying warm while you sit for 4-6 hours. One big super-warm layer is going to be a lot more maneuverable than a whole bunch of fleeces on top of each other.

 

[LateRiser]

I hunt New England all fall and through the end of December. Stratus is my go-to 90% of the time. My buddy has a Solitude jacket and is always freezing - the wind block is the key, as is the light weight. I have a Fanatic set, but can't walk 100 yds in it without bursting into flames, even if it's below zero. For the rare occasions that I hunt less than a half mile in, I love the fanatic if it's in the teens or below, but it's just too bulky and heavy to carry a long way.

So most days if I'm stand/saddle hunting, or sitting on the ground foe a long time, even down to zero, I wear merino base layers with the Stratus pants and jacket on top for the hike in. Once I'm in the tree I put on Kuiu Kenai insulated pants under my Stratus pants (full side zips so I don't have to take my boots off). Up top I add a fleece mid layer and a Kryptek Ghar puffy under my stratus jacket. Hand warmers in my chopper mittens, and then a warm hat and neck gaiter.

A good DOWN puffy is a must for really cold temps if you have to walk a ways. Lightweight, compresses to nothing, and warmer than anything else. The Celcius midi is a good jacket, but it's nowhere near as warm as an 850-900 fill down puffy. Downside is, I hate having it on the outside because of noise and the inevitable snow falling off the trees and soaking it. Stratus jacket is roomy enough for me that it doesn't compress the down much, makes the puffy silent, and I've stayed very warm like that. inevitably, it's my feet that give out first.

If I'm still hunting or tracking I wear a thin merino base layer and Kuiu Guide Jacket and pants. (upgrading to first lite corrugate foundry pants this year). They breathe, unlike the Stratus set, so I can keep moving without overheating, shed snow (unlike the Stratus), are lightweight and really allow me to be more efficient covering 7-10 miles in the mountains. But if I stop for more than 10 minutes I freeze my ass off. I carry the puffy for those times, of course, but for sitting still the Stratus is miles better than a soft-shell.

 

[Kbhillhunter]

I think I’m leading towards getting the stratus jacket and bibs. Seems more versatile than the fanatic.. how does the solitude and stratus compare? Anyone know why first lite is selling the solitude so cheap now?
Then either pick up the Celsius midi or similar puffy

Stratus has no insulation, just a fleeced windproof shell

I believe first lite is running their inventory out on it so they can reissue the solitude set in the new specter camo pattern which will be the designated whitetail pattern for them. I have seen or heard nothing to suggest any other changes are coming to the solitude set

 

[PAhntr91]

I feel the stratus has very mixed opinions.. I mostly public land hunt. Hang on or saddle. I know I wouldn’t walk in wearing this much insulation. Seems like the going trend would be a nice puffy jacket and pants under the stratus. If getting into lower temps. and the stratus would cover the noise ..

but... would it be more practical to get the fanatic set and not have more layers? Or go the stratus and puffy. And use in multiple situations?

Guess I’m just cheap and when spending this much money wanna make sure I’m making the right decision

 

[Kbhillhunter]

I feel the stratus has very mixed opinions.. I mostly public land hunt. Hang on or saddle. I know I wouldn’t walk in wearing this much insulation. Seems like the going trend would be a nice puffy jacket and pants under the stratus. If getting into lower temps. and the stratus would cover the noise ..

but... would it be more practical to get the fanatic set and not have more layers? Or go the stratus and puffy. And use in multiple situations?

Guess I’m just cheap and when spending this much money wanna make sure I’m making the right decision

I have gone back and forth with the exact same question for awhile now. A few years back I was using the FL catalyst softshell jacket and pants and would wear puffys under it when it got cold. It worked ok, but was likely held back by no windproof. The thing about this that I didn't like was that it was just hard to dump heat with all those layers so id get sweaty and stay damp.

I'm hoping to use the stratus with light base layers until temperatures dip, or for still hunting when it's very cold. For cold stand hunting then I'll add in the fanatic bibs and midi. For heat management I'm hoping the leg zips on the bibs will help. If I was packing in on public I'd probably throw the bibs in a pack and just wear the stratus in.

You can tell I am clearly not speaking from experience when it comes to the Sitka pieces, so will just need to prove it out in the field, and tweak accordingly. But I have had the same questions as you, primarily hunting in NY and PA.