Looking for new camo system

[Poeschel]

Hello. I’ve acquired way too many pieces of camo over the years. I’m trying to simplify things and just get into one system. I’m in PA and need to cover early bow hunting (50-75 degrees) all the way to late February (single digits and up). Hunting whitetail, duck, turkey, small game.
Ideally I’d like to get everything from the same company. Something like jacket/bibs and vest. Also base layers. What suggestions do you have? Thanks

 

[Bump79]

Personally, I love to mix and match. Some companies just nail certain pieces and it's worth paying for. On the other hand there are some pieces there's no point in spending the premium. I have Kuiu, First Lite, Sitka, Black Ovis, UA, Thlete and Pnuma. Each has their place.

 

[dan33]

Yeah mixing and matching is the way to go. You can get it done a lot cheaper that way. Scheels will probably have some decent sales coming up soon. The first lite merino stuff treated me very well this year.

 

[Mtn_Nomad]

Hate to just echo what the others guys are saying but they're exactly right. Cant go wrong with any of the big 3 along with Stone Glacier, Black Ovis, Etc. But each have pieces that excel and fit better for different people

 

[dan33]

Exactly. Don't be afraid to get something "off brand" either. I got a 30 dollar mountain hardwear grid fleece on amazon that saw close to 50 or 60 days in the field this year and if it wasn't for needing some tp I'd be using it next year too.

 

[SDHNTR]

Camo is the last thing that needs a “system”. To even call it that is silly, imo. Camo is entirely overrated and unnecessary anyway.

 

[tjus]

Mix and match, get the best of what someone makes for each instead of settling because you wanted all the same brand. Get solid colors, no camo. The animals won't think you less stylish, different brands match in solids and you can use the same clothes for hiking.

 

[Sinistram]

I'm also in PA and went through the same decision process about a year ago. I got tired of trying to figure which camo pattern worked in which season and in what terrain. Like others suggested, I went full solid and regret nothing. If you go that route, you can select the exact pieces you want from a given company, as many of them make their pieces in earthy colors. I'm wearing Sitka, Kuiu, Browning, Badlands, and a few others in various shades. Plus, you can wear them outside the field. I just wore my Jetstream jacket to work today. No one's the wiser!

If you want to stick to one brand, Kuiu's "ash" is about the most perfect color for hunting gear I've ever experienced. I have yet to find a season or environment where it doesn't almost totally disappear.

 

[Texasbuckeye]

And to echo the others on here in a different vein, who cares if the camp pattern doesn't match. Deer don't see the camo colors, hey see the pattern.

A big solid blob that doesn't move and doesn't stink is WAY better than a perfectly matched camo "system" that moves, makes to much noise, and smells like funky human.

 

[Eastcoast Hunter]

Sitka Duck oven

 

[thinhorn_AK]

What’s a camo “system” like matching pants and top???

 

[Thatguy308]

Id go with Phantomleaf gear. Works amazing and theyve got plenty options.

 

[Ditt44]

I'm in PA as well and have hunted most every corner of the state at some point and season. You can find great stuff from most sources but seldom everything you want/need, especially at the price points you may be comfortable with. I am about 80% Sitka, having started several years ago slowly switching over from countless no-name or little-known vendors.

What's your budget? This time of year you can find sales and good deals from guys who geared up for a hunting trip and are now looking to dump stuff with low miles on it. You have months to slowly acquire new items.

I started out piecing Sitka from Ebay. I've bought a few pieces from members here as well. Once I qualified for the Sitka Pro program, that made me pretty loyal. I still buy a piece here and there from other major names but I generally do not "need" anything.

I suggest getting out to try on as much stuff as possible. With some vendors, like Kuiu, you just can't. Pay attention to what guys say here, reviews, etc. Not all pretty items are suited for sitting all day or still hunting, like most of us PA guys are used to. So much stuff is attractive but when you think about it, will you really "use" it? Likely you end up with three or four early to mid season pieces and three of four late season ones.

You are going to find that good base and mid-layers play all year. Focus there. Outer wear can be more subjective but IMO, the Sitka Stratus jacket and bibs are up to 70% of my use, the Fanatic jacket when it's 35 or colder. Mix and match base and mid/insulation layers. I put in 400 or more hours a year, September to end of February so I use a wide range of items mixed across temps and methods.

If you are curious, PM me and I'll send you my gear list etc, I know I made one at some point.