Late October Idaho Elk Hun: Clothing Recommendations

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Lil-Rokslider
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Hey y'all,

I am doing a late October elk hunt in Idaho (Sawtooth zone) and I need to put together my clothing system. I am from South Carolina so really need to build my system from the ground up. I do tend to run a cold so warmer is always better. I'm on a budget as much as possible but I'll spend what I need to to be comfortable. What are your recommendations? Thanks in advance.

Edit: Guess I'm really looking to hear what exact systems people are using just to get a feel for what I need and see what brands people like. Whatcha got?

Remington
 
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you need to decide on what you want to spend, 200 or 2000. Start with a good base layer I prefer merino.. I switched over to sitka this year. I have already spent more than i was planning but have a good system . when you look at a garment pick the ones that have a few uses . you don't say if you backing packing? that makes a huge difference
 
you need to decide on what you want to spend, 200 or 2000. Start with a good base layer I prefer merino.. I switched over to sitka this year. I have already spent more than i was planning but have a good system . when you look at a garment pick the ones that have a few uses . you don't say if you backing packing? that makes a huge difference
Yup, so i am going to be doing a backpack in hunt and spend most days glassing. As far as what I want to spend, I don't know/will spend what I need. Do you have any brand/ item recommendations?
 
I will hunting Idaho October Mule Deer

I use Sitka Gear for most of my layers.

This is what I run::

Top
Ice Breaker Merino T-Shirt
Sitka Core Lightweight Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Sitka Core Heavyweight Hoody
Sitka Cloudburst Rain Jacket
Sitka Kelvin WS Hoody

Bottoms:
Smartwool Merino Boxerbriefs
Kuhl Renegades
Western Mountaineering Flash Pants:
Sitka Cloudburst Rain Pants

Darn Tough Full Cushion Boot Socks
Scarpa Charmoz

Most of this stuff stays in my pack until I get to my glassing locations.
 
Yup, so i am going to be doing a backpack in hunt and spend most days glassing. As far as what I want to spend, I don't know/will spend what I need. Do you have any brand/ item recommendations?


I don't do a lot of backpacking, but there is plenty of guys on here that do and I am sure they jump in. of course weight becomes a concern. as far as brands there a lot of good stuff out there Sitka,firstlight Kuiu and some others.
 
Alot of people don't know it but Columbia makes some really nice hunting clothing and can be had for a decent price I'm on my second set of gear from them and the first lasted about 11 years ...and I still use the original outer layer coat it seems to last a long time and is comfortable and warm while also being lite in weight.
 
Under layer tops: Firstlite. I have about 6 tops of different thickness, including the Sawtooth top. The rest is Kuiu, Attack pants, Guide jacket, 210 merino zip-off thermals, the Superdown jacket. I carry a set of FL rain gear in my pack. I wear Darn tough socks and some Kuiu socks. I wear the FL beanie with the brim almost all the time and then when it gets real cold, the thick Kuiu beanie on top of that. I backpack hunt so I love those two brands of clothing. I have had guide gloves with the merino liners for most applications, then the FL grizzly gloves for glassing when the temps drop. Hope this helps.
 
I am also doing my first backpack hunt in ID in mid to late October. Do you guys feel the need to use gaiters? What are the odds of deep snow this time of year? Anything helps. Thanks
 
I always have my gaiters with me. Might leave them at the truck but I like to have the option. I don’t care how waterproof your pants and boots are. Enough snow walking, they will get wet.


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You need a system that has layers. Base, mid, insulation, outer. And make sure you had an outer layer that is wind proof. Sitting glassing you will want to keep the wind from pulling heat out of the inner layers. Tip find a pant insulation layer that has full zippers so you can put on or take off without fully removing pants and boots. I use a pair from kuiu.
 
All the mountain hunting clothing companies (Sitka, Kuiu, etc) seem to make decent stuff, but it almost always has too many bells and whistles. Heavy and expensive. I try to buy most of my outdoor clothing in grey and brown, and use that for hunting. Rifle hunting I think solids do just fine, especially as I (in MT) have to wear an orange vest anyways.
 
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