Montana Base Layer Advice

[rratzlaff1490]

Coming up fast on my Montana November Rifle hunt. I do not like to be cold but I understand it comes with the territory. I feel that I have plenty of gear to stay warm, but looking for some advice in how to wear, or layer it "properly".

Gear list;

Tops- (not going to wear all of this at one time)
Sitka core light weight hoodie
Kuiu 125 merino crew
Kuiu 210 Hoodie
FL Chama
Guide Vest
Kuiu puffy

Bottoms;
Kuiu axis
patagonia long johns (super warm)
yukon gaiters

Other;
Guide gloves
non insulated boots
stormy kromer
kuiu 145 neck gaiter


Thank you in advance!

 

[MTSasquatch]

It’ll depend on weather when you arrive. Some Novembers up here are brutal, but I’ve also seen it be in the 40-50’s.

If you’re planning an active hunt, the 125 as your base with one of the hoodies over that would be great. Vest over that, and stuff the puffy in your pack for low temps, wind, or glassing. I usually don’t wear thermal bottoms unless it’s cold. Like temps lower than 20. Big country out here so you should be staying plenty warm getting to critters or hiking up a mountain. I carry layers in my pack, and begin the day with the mantra “be bold, start cold.” Even when it’s 10 degrees out, I warm up hiking about in the elk woods.

Works for me anyways, might not for others. Best of luck this season.

 

[Werty]

Depending on how cold and if glassing a lot you might need more for you legs.
Unless its windy, the super warm long johns might be too much for hiking " maybe put long John's after you get to you glassing spot". When I'm starting out in the morning, I'm almost shivering before I start my hike. See it to often, guys stopping to shed layers in the first 200 yards, unless that doesn't bother you. I carry an extra pair of socks in my pack so I can switch or double up if I need to " i run uninsulated boots as well".
IMO. Good luck. What part of the state are you hunting?

 

[rratzlaff1490]

Depending on how cold and if glassing a lot you might need more for you legs.
Unless its windy, the super warm long johns might be too much for hiking " maybe put long John's after you get to you glassing spot". When I'm starting out in the morning, I'm almost shivering before I start my hike. See it to often, guys stopping to shed layers in the first 200 yards, unless that doesn't bother you. I carry an extra pair of socks in my pack so I can switch or double up if I need to " i run uninsulated boots as well".
IMO. Good luck. What part of the state are you hunting?

Sounds like im on the right track! Thanks guys. There will definitely be an extra pair or two of socks in the pack. A couple buddies and myself will be hunting around the Ennis area. Hopefully the bears will be asleep by then .. one of my buddies that I am going with has plenty of experience in the area being an eastern Montana native, but hes a big burly dude that doesn't get cold very easy so his advice is always "dont be a sissy"

 

[BluMtn]

The last 4 years I have been hunting in Montana around Thanksgiving and it has been around 0 during the day and -15 at night sleeping in a nylon tent. Hiking around 10 to 15 miles a day I still dressed warm. My avatar picture on the left was a crystal clear day at -10 when I took the picture.

 

[rratzlaff1490]

The last 4 years I have been hunting in Montana around Thanksgiving and it has been around 0 during the day and -15 at night sleeping in a nylon tent. Hiking around 10 to 15 miles a day I still dressed warm. My avatar picture on the left was a crystal clear day at -10 when I took the picture.

So what you’re telling me is, that I better get real comfortable real quick!

 

[BluMtn]

Just saying be ready for anything. Could get lucky and be in the 30's when you are there. Good luck.