Is it just me losing interest in "latest gear"?

[coastalyeti]

I used to buy the latest stuff as soon as it came out, couldn't wait. But lately?
I'm moving into mostly wool now. The "hi-tech" stuff is just starting to seem too noisy for hunting clothes. I've gone back to Grey Wolf woolens, Cabela's Berber, and stuff like that, except for rain gear, and some base layers (which again, are wool/merino). I think it's mostly because of the noise factor, but also, the more generous cut of the clothes. Its just plain more Comfy. I'm starting to mix camo patterns a lot more too: say ASAT up top with Predator pants, etc. Call me old fashioned, or whatever, but it can't JUST be me, I have a feeling other folks have been feeling the same, what's your thoughts?

 

[mtswampfox]

Been a fan of wool and grey wolf especially for years. She makes some great lined fleece as well

 

[Tuscor]

If by "latest gear" you mean gear made of the most modern material then yes - I've never been particularly interested in modern synthetics, outside of waterproofs... I love merino base and mid layers.

I also don't particularly like most camo patterns (although I am partial to highlander here and there). I like plain old coyote brown/dry earth colours, with a bit of pine green.

 

[Laelkhunter]

Sometimes you find the old and proven works better than the newest latest high tech materials. Just like the latest computer and phone, it is new and best when you are buying it, but when you get it home, something newer and better has come out to replace what you just bought.
I find the new high tech clothes don't fit as well, and the older items I have in the closet are more comfortable and fit better.
I don't like the idea of spending high $$$ to get some super synthetic this or that, and end up wearing last years clothing because it is more comfortable.

 

[bates]

I always tend to look at the latest and greatest when buying new stuff but then once I have something and it works I am usually content and will run that until it breaks, wears out or for a long time etc.

 

[justin davis]

Grey wolf is awesome! I use the wolfskin pants. Been using them for years! By far my favorite pants

 

[wyosteve]

Funny you mention this. I was just thinking recently that for many years I wore army surplus wool pants, a surplus M-65 Army jacket with polypropolene base layer and a wool shirt and took just as many critters as when I wear the latest and greatest!

 

[beachbunny]

I tend to stick with my old time tested woolens also but than I am an old person, I guarantee I have no UA stuff (except stock,lol)
I,ve got a friend of mine that I call inspector gadget cause he is a victim of the latest ,greatest, he has a lot of stuff!

 

[5MilesBack]

I've been tweaking my gear for the past 35 years. But unless something is going to significantly out do, or work better than what I currently use......I'm not interested. I also do a cost-benefit analysis on everything I try. Then I'll either use it or sell it depending on where it falls in the spectrum.

Even with all the new expensive clothes out, I still think that Cabela's Microtex Lite over a good lightweight merino base layer is the best CO archery season clothing I can find. Unfortunately they stopped making the Lite.

The other consideration I always have to look at regardless of how good stuff is, is whether it will fit. I just need to find several yards of the Microtex Lite material somewhere and have some pants made for me.

 

[DWinVA]

I the latest gear from a few years ago.

God Bless.

 

[KHNC]

I recently bought some NOMAD gear. After using it for a month, I find I return back to my First Lite merino and Scentlok clothing. NOMAD is quality made but a little noisy and doesn't breathe well. First outright new clothing I have tried in last few years. I will stick with First Lite in the future I think.

 

[striker3]

I am perfectly happy with wool base layers a normal plaid shirt, and comfortable, loose pants. I find it hard to spend a lot of money on consumable items such as clothes. Would rather spend money on equipment that will last me a decade or me rather than clothing that will last a season two.

 

[Ross]

I always ask myself will this help me become a better hunter, let me stay out longer , fill a void, is it better than what I have. Sometimes I make the right choice and sometimes it is just something cool that I say what the heck I don't waste money on booze so why not.

 

[lchavez]

I've got some kryptek gear that really saved my butt on a cold elk hunt. I was warm and dry in windy slushy 30 degree weather. With that said, that's the only time I used it. My Duluth, wool boreal and carhartt gets the most use.

 

[mtluckydan]

Wool or Cabelas Legacy Fleece has been go to for years. Micotex definitely nice in early season. I have no use for clothing noise when hunting. The only exception would be with rain gear and I still search for the quietest I can find. Usually Cabela's MT050 - a little heavy, but can hunt quietly even when the rain stops. I do like synthetic base layers, but have transitioned to merino wool as much as possible. Some hunts, elk as an example, you can get away with a little more noise. However, when trying to kill whitetails - no noise is the best.

 

[Felix40]

I would be on board with the latest and greatest stuff if I could afford it. With that said, I upgraded my pants and pack for this year's elk hunt and it was the best money I have spent in a long time. I was able to out hike the guy in my group who is part mountain goat because I was comfortable and light. Just a few weeks ago I bought a used EE quilt and an exped pad too. I sleep warmer in the new quilt than I did in my old mummy bag and it saves me close to 4 pounds. You couldn't pay me enough to go back to the old 1995 mummy bag or to quit wearing my synthetic pants. And I personally like the athletic fit of clothes because they aren't bulky and loose all the time.

 

[alecvg]

I am sick of the newest "best" stuff. As a guide, I spend over a hundred days a year in the mountains a year. Probably significantly more than that. I have Kuiu, Sitka, Firstlite, Under Armour, but most days I wear Wranglers and a wool shirt - if its real cold then I break out the wool pants. I kill just as much wearing Wranglers and plaid as the techy crap.

 

[robby denning]

Pretty much why I posted this thread last summer

http://www.rokslide.com/forums/show...at-you-got-post-it-up&highlight=robby+denning

Not so much losing interest, but like some have said here, just using what you have if it works, buy better if you can afford, if not, just keep hunting.

 

[Shrek]

I'm not so much loosing interest but a lot of the new stuff is only marginally better if better at all and very expensive. much of it is over promised and under delivers. The membrane stuff is all over promised imo. It works great for a little while then the performance goes down hill as the pores clog with dust and sweat. The clothing can be washed but it is never the same. Membrane boots are the leading disapointment.

 

[sodaksooner]

I am not to the point of losing interest in the new stuff either. I just have all of it that I really need. I typically don't replace items, I just add to my collection and use what I have that I like as well. When I buy, i try and get the best I can, but I try and make it last.

I have gone back to wool though...Merino as base layers(when I wear them) and socks. The synthetic base layers pretty much stays home, or at least remain as backups.