Late Season Warmth

[Gorp2007]

I'm getting ready for a Colorado 4th Rifle Season elk hunt this November and I'm looking for some advice regarding warmth while glassing. Right now I think I've got my upper body pretty well covered, but I'm worried about my legs and feet. I'm currently debating between getting a USGI woobie and wrapping that around my legs/feet while stationary or getting a pair of the FL Uncompaghre puffy pants when they come out this year. Anyone have any strong opinions one way or another? My concern with the poncho liner is that it might not be as warm as the pants, but it will be a bit more flexible and I'll be able to wrap it around my feet. Plus, I'll save some cash that I can immediately spend on something else related to this trip. The puffy pants will probably be a little warmer, but I'll probably still need something for my feet.

Anyone have experience using the USGI poncho liner this way? Am I way off base?

A third and final option would be to bring a pair of heavy softshell pants and figure my legs will be warm enough with merino, Corrugates, and heavier softshells over top and just get a pair of overboots for my toes.

 

[Back Country Hunter 2]

If I recall, you are going on a guided hunt. If that is the case, I would talk to whoever you purchased the hunt from (owner/guide). They probably guide that hunt every year so they would have a great idea of what to wear in those conditions.

 

[Gorp2007]

If I recall, you are going on a guided hunt. If that is the case, I would talk to whoever you purchased the hunt from (owner/guide). They probably guide that hunt every year so they would have a great idea of what to wear in those conditions.

The guide has provided a list of recommended clothing, but it's all tailored towards someone who is hunting out of a guided camp and isn't traveling more than a mile from camp on any given day. I'm a relatively young man (31) and I just moved to South Dakota and hope to do more western big game hunting in the future. With that in mind, I'd rather have gear that I can use on future hunts that probably won't be guided and where I won't have a horse carrying all of my crap for me. The rest of my family is outfitting themselves in what I would consider eastern whitetail stand clothing and while that will all be plenty warm, I don't really want to shell out the cash for a pair of bib overalls this year if I won't use them on a public land muley hunt next year. I hope that makes some sense.

 

[Back Country Hunter 2]

The guide has provided a list of recommended clothing, but it's all tailored towards someone who is hunting out of a guided camp and isn't traveling more than a mile from camp on any given day. I'm a relatively young man (31) and I just moved to South Dakota and hope to do more western big game hunting in the future. With that in mind, I'd rather have gear that I can use on future hunts that probably won't be guided and where I won't have a horse carrying all of my crap for me. The rest of my family is outfitting themselves in what I would consider eastern whitetail stand clothing and while that will all be plenty warm, I don't really want to shell out the cash for a pair of bib overalls this year if I won't use them on a public land muley hunt next year. I hope that makes some sense.

It makes perfect sense! I can't help with the pants as I don't use a puffy pant when I'm glassing during 3rd season here in CO. I wear a fleece lined pant that is wind proof and in case a merino bottom (have rain pant as well). As for your feet, if you are wearing an insulated pair of boots it should be manageable.

 

[chuckeglenn]

I used Sitka's puffy pants this year for a Montana rifle hunt. They did an excellent job for me. I highly recommend them for late season. I'm sure First Lite's will be just as good. No experience with a woobie.

 

[FreeRange]

The military issue cold weather pants are reasonably light and very warm for glassing. They're noisy and bulky but those really aren't issues when you're sitting and glassing. They have full leg zips so are easy to get on and off while keeping your boots on, which is a big deal. I got some for $60 and think they weigh just over a pound but I'd have to double check that.

A Kifaru woobie would be pretty good, a standard issue poncho liner is not nearly as warm.

Most of all, a sit pad like a z seat is key in all seasons but especially when it comes to sitting in the snow for long periods of time.

 

[Rucker61]

A Kifaru woobie would be pretty good, a standard issue poncho liner is not nearly as warm.

Most of all, a sit pad like a z seat is key in all seasons but especially when it comes to sitting in the snow for long periods of time.

I carry both the woobie and the z-seat for late season glassing.