Mid October Clothing...

[mkelley12]

I am doing my first elk hunt this year near Dunton Colorado. I was able to pull first rifle so i will be there mid October. We plan on spike/bivy camping.
I am trying to figure out what clothing to take. Do i take two of anything or bring the thicker coat and pant in case it gets cold? It will be for 4-5 days. Most of my stuff is first lite and some under Armour. I need to go lite so not sure what I can cut. What is everyone else doing?

thanks

 

[Maverick940]

I change underwear (briefs) and socks every three days. For hunts that are less than 14 days, I wear the same clothing -- with the exception of changing briefs and socks -- throughout the entire hunt. No reason to take along a bunch of unnecessary stuff, especially if you're backpacking.

 

[Back Country Hunter 2]

I bring an extra set of socks, underwear, and a top base layer when backpacking. I like switching each of those out at the end of the day and sleeping in non sweaty material. I'll have an extra set of pants, jacket, and puffy (all scouting stuff) in a bag in the truck in case something gets ripped.

 

[hobbes]

Think layers instead of one heavy garment. On average a light to medium wt thermal (I wear them both if I need heavy) with Sitka Access pants, a long sleeve Kings tshirt, sitka1/2 zip T, a sitka mountain vest, and an unlined fleece orange jacket would cover most conditions I see in Montana mid-October and anything I recall in Colorado. A lot of that will be in my pack if its much of a hike. However, my wife had a first season tag one year in Colorado that saw us hiking in a foot of snow. Mid-October could be dry and warm or snow and cold, or anything in between.

 

[hobbes]

As far as extra.....extra socks are a must. I hate wet sweaty feet.

 

[wannakillabigbull]

I wouldn't go without rain gear. I hunted near Rico last year during archery and it rained every day without fail. The weather in that area can be harsh and unpredictable. Prepare accordingly and stay safe!

 

[ATX762]

The more wool under and mid layers you bring, the less you have to change them. Synthetic stuff regardless of brand gets funky quick. Example I have not found briefs I like except in synthetic. So I change them every two days and always have a third pair I am washing/drying. But my top/bottom base layers are wool so I change them hardly at all.

But not just as a pleasantry (i.e. so you don't get zits all over and smell so bad you can't stand yourself)...dry socks are a must unless you want to walk very very painfully. Two pair minimum for sure and three pair if it's really wet and you're worried about being able to get your socks dry.