Looking for east coast gear recommendations

[Kazimir]

I have been hunting in a blind with my grandfather the last several years in the VA mountains. I normally wear jeans and a flannel with merino wool base layer and a jacket as needed. Last year in 5f weather I tried my uncles redhead stay puff camo suit. It was amazingly warmer and more comfy. My problem was I found mobility limited and it was a bit heavy, granted he has 70lbs on me, so it was a bit larger than needed.

Never having looked into hunting gear, are there better options out there? I am planning to add some tree stand hunts this year in addition to the blind. Temps range anywhere from 0-25f when we go out and increase 20-25f during daylight. It is common for dew on the ground and jeans to get wet up to the knees. Additionally, there are thick pines and briars in the woods we hunt. Budget isn't a major concern, but I don't want to waste money.

Primary focus initially is a good pair of pants for tracking/dragging the deer out and bibs sitting for 6hour stints.

 

[Elmer J. Fudd]

My brothers and I have had good luck with artic shield outer layers. It is not the most durable stuff out there but if a guy stuffs it in their backpack for the walk out they should be fine. I also recommend their boot warmers but go big on the sizing if wearing a typical hunting boot. Mine were too small so I ended up taking off my boots and wearing them like slippers. I’ve also had good luck with thrift store down and the ecws mil surplus pants for temps into the teens. My father has an iwom suit which is like a sleeping bag that he swears by.

 

[Desk Jockey]

Welcome.


I hunt a lot in PA and NY. For stand gear, and those temps, I upgraded my old a cabelas stuff a couple of years ago. Top of the line IMO is Sitka. First lite is a notch below but still good. Neither are cheap But they are buy once, cry once type of gear that will last decades with normal use. After a bit of research I opted to go with a set of solitude bibs and jacket from first lite. I can layer them up when it is super cold and they handle my temps which are usually teens to 40s in late season. The Sitka stuff is great and $$$$ but it seems a little speacializedfor me. I wanted something that could work in a duck blind along with a deer stand.

for pants, I like kuiu. Attacks. Great all around. There are some options for wetter conditions that have waterproofing in the knees and seat. Those are good. There are others that have water proofing in the lower leg. Better for comfort. Worse of moose IMO.

 

[FLS]

I like a light weight base layer, first lite corrugate pants, and a mid weight hoody for the walk in and carry a pair of bibs and a coat for long sits when it’s cold.

 

[eaglemountainman]

Look at the Kryptek Aegis or Vellus lines and save yourself a lot of money.

I personally prefer my old vintage Woolrich Pennsylvania tuxedo. Layered with merino wool to suit the conditions. It stays warm, even when soaking wet. Check ebay.

 

[Elmer J. Fudd]

Don’t be afraid to use gaiters for the walk. Since I started using them my feet stay dryer and warmer.

 

[Mpw20]

APO made very affordable bibs, jackets and full suits. ThAts what we wear for tree stand hunting in NW PA during rifle season.

 

[Kazimir]

So I have been looking at a ton of gear and I think this would be a good layerable start. Looking for some feedback if im on the right track. Note, I have other clothes for backpacking and whatnot I will bring if I find I am still cold, to include some ratty 8yo minus 33 bases.

Bibs - Sitka Incinerator Aerolite
Pants- wrangler outdoor and Prana (going to try both and see which i like)
Base- FL Kiln crew and long johns
Mid- FL origin hoody
Top- Columbia ascended jacket
Extras- cabelas goretex hand warmer sleeve, merino buff, merino socks mid or heavy, have several warmer hats.

 

[Elmer J. Fudd]

I have 2 of the Colombia jackets. I have been very pleased with them. They have a nice fit and I think work pretty well keeping me warM but not hot when active in the teens and lower. I’ve also used the wrangler pants and have no complaints. Unlike that they dry out fast

 

[EdP]

I always use gaiters both for staying dry and for the added warmth. For my lower body a good base layer under milsurp camo pants works for me down to the mid 30's. At lower temps I go to milsurp wool pants. They are a light wool with a very tight weave, made in 1951 but available unused if you search the web. No need to break the bank by paying hundreds of $ for pants and jackets unless you are backpack hunting where ounces matter.

 

[Beagle1]

For long cold sits stand hunting, Skre Guardian jacket and bibs. But you do not want to track or haul a deer out in them.