My gear/pack layout from base layers to binos

[TxxAgg]

Tagged

 

[mtnwrunner]

Excellent.

Randy

 

[rbutcher1234]

OST

 

[JollyRoger]

Interested to see if the Nightforce spotting scope with the reticle compares to the Leupold Mark4

 

[Team4LongGun]

Great call on the grill-I don't go anywhere without mine.

But mine was not gifted by Fabio..

 

[Formidilosus]

I can't wait to hear about that one ...

[Edited: turns out that's a beanie/wool hat, not a sled. And here was I thinking that Form was about to blow our minds with some newfangled-old tech way of covering ground in snowy conditions. Right, as you were ...]

Oh that’s for another post.

 

[Formidilosus]

Thanks for putting this together. It’s good to see since it’s not the conventional stuff most are using.

Haha. That’s the truth.

I’ve got a ton of questions but first: Why/how are soft shell pants a one time use item? Is it the DWR that’s never quite the same? Or are they getting shredded?

DWR loses its ability to shed water pretty quick once it gets dirty. They still are functional, as in not torn, but they are never able to shed water as when new. So, if I am going to put me knee down in snow and it soak through, I might as well have lighter or different pants.

My experience with mountain hunting, and 20 years of mountaineering and ice climbing is that most softshell garments perform their best when new, but they maintain durability and breathability for a long time. And are generally pretty durable at the expense of weight and usually not waterproof

Yes sir to all. The difference is that the waxed Fjallravens is when rewaxed are as good as new for life. Same for the canvas on the Sarma Wool pants- wax them and they are waterproof with no real life span.

 

[Formidilosus]

How are the fjallraven gaiters for quiet compared to something like the or crocs?

When waxed and worn in, better than Crocs.

 

[Formidilosus]

Appreciate all the time you invest and information you give! Been getting into the minimalist footwear for a couple years now. How are the vivos as far as being waterproof. How do you treat them?

There’s a good thread in the footwear section about them with a lot of info. For me and most that I hunt with, they are fantastic- not waterproof but very water resistant. Just use an oil or wax after each hunt.

I'm also struggling with a winter choice as my feet get cold EASY. What brand of mukluks are you using and do you know of any other cold weather options.

Steger Mukluks Arctic. If they offered any kind of sole with real traction options, they’d be what I use for most snow hunts.

 

[Formidilosus]

First time in my life I’ve ever heard someone call a toque a toboggan. I also had to Google this. Southern speak it turns out.

Yankees…. grin

 

[Formidilosus]

First Q for me, on the Woolnet bottoms, any thoughts on the 3/4 length vs full length?

Full length for me, do not like 3/4 length.

And any thoughts on the Woolnet Hybrid top for colder weather, or stick with the original top and up the mid layer?

The whole reason the Woolnet works is don’t the netting, I don’t want solid pieces on it. Just add more insulation over top if needed

 

[Formidilosus]

Interested to see if the Nightforce spotting scope with the reticle compares to the Leupold Mark4

We shall see…

 

[Formidilosus]

Great call on the grill-I don't go anywhere without mine.

But mine was not gifted by Fabio..

Haha. It really is a nice luxury.

 

[fwafwow]

That Ranger sweater looks great - albeit a bit spendy. I've been searching for a replacement/addition to some sweaters from Filson that I really like but that aren't made anymore (and unfortunately those were made in China). How do they run on sizing?

 

[Jimbee]

When and what are waterproof socks used for?

 

[Formidilosus]

That Ranger sweater looks great - albeit a bit spendy. I've been searching for a replacement/addition to some sweaters from Filson that I really like but that aren't made anymore (and unfortunately those were made in China). How do they run on sizing?

Sizing is about right, not too tight, not too loose.

 

[DakotaBPNW]

I wholeheartedly agree with your experience regarding K4 bags. The frame itself was fine, but those bags I just couldn’t deal with. The outside pockets are useless because your stuff just falls out when you loosen the straps to pull your tripod or whatever off. The whole thing just becomes overly strappy and complicated in field use.

 

[Formidilosus]

When and what are waterproof socks used for?

There are no waterproof boots- they all leak. Goretex socks can be changed and dried out.

 

[Dobermann]

I knew as soon as the first picture was posted that this thread was going to cost me money.

Yep ... especially now that those placeholder posts are filled.

Was waaaay cheaper when we only had Form's first post, rather than the list of the actual stuff.

Well, there goes the next six nights of reading and researching, and the next six weeks of disposable income.

Game on.

 

[rbutcher1234]

Would love a breakdown on any minimalist shoes - my lifting shoes are inov8 bares, but never thought of applying it to the backcountry with heavy loads.