My gear/pack layout from base layers to binos

[Formidilosus]

I have a Buffalo systems Jacket I picked up years ago while in the UK. Haven't run it much. Is it supposed to be worn next to skin? I thought I had heard that.

Yes, next to skin.

 

[FZMT]

Any more feedback with this? I’m seriously contemplating pulling the trigger on it. Thanks.

I can confirm it breathes better than most mid layer options and is thick/plush.

I haven’t had the opportunity to really put it through its paces.

I’m very sensitive to constricting necklines, this sweater is particularly constricting for me given the construction. I reached out to AR to see if they’re making a 1/4 zip with the same material, nothing definite but they seemed somewhat interested.

It’s very well made and I’ll get a 1/4 zip if they release one.

 

[FZMT]

I ordered several pairs of the 100% camel and yak wool socks from Mongulai’s Etsy page. I also ordered the yak blend.

They’re excellent socks, the camel in particular run cooler and are more suitable for a wider temperature range. I’ve put a good number of miles on them and they’ll be my go-to sock this season.

I’ll use the 100% wool versions unless durability becomes an issue, but so far they’ve been acceptable in the durability category.

Both breath and otherwise handle moisture better than standard merino Smartwool hiking socks.

I do use them with the Ininji liner socks which I’ve worn for several years now and have performed excellently, though durability is sub-par in my experience. My synthetics developed small holes between the toes after around a year of constant use, Ininji did warranty them. The wool ones seem more prone to holes on the bottom, particularly around the proximal phalanges.

The synthetic have been more durable than the wool.

 

[FZMT]

Just because it’s easier to comment here than find the mesh base layer thread, I did order a pair of the Aclima woolnet and after 1.5 year of use I can report that they’re excellent.

The Aclima are by far the best base layer I’ve used, they wick moisture like no other. I used them every time I went out, I haven’t found a better option for high-exertion cold weather activities.

I will say that you may need to rethink your layering system a bit if you use them, they’re very warm when you put a layer over them. I have worn wool mid layers for a very long time and would compare the woolnet to a ~200wt merino when the net is covered with another layer.

I found that I could generally go much lighter for a mid layer when using them, I most frequently paired them with a Sitka Core Lightweight hoody or t shirt down to about freezing temps.

 

[Hydr]

Atlantic Rancher Ranger Sweater came in today. It feels incredible. Super robust, soft, and almost airy feeling.

The neck closing is smaller than what I am used to having. It is not uncomfortable just is sitting higher up on the collarbone. A heftier weight buff might have a tough time going under it (I typically have mine going under the outer layer a bit.) I will run it through its paces this hunting season.

 

[Formidilosus]

Atlantic Rancher Ranger Sweater came in today. It feels incredible. Super robust, soft, and almost airy feeling.

The neck closing is smaller than what I am used to having. It is not uncomfortable just is sitting higher up on the collarbone. A heftier weight buff might have a tough time going under it (I typically have mine going under the outer layer a bit.) I will run it through its paces this hunting season.

The neck will loosen up a bit over time, and I roll/fold mine in which gets it off your throat.

 

[FZMT]

The neck will loosen up a bit over time, and I roll/fold mine in which gets it off your throat.

Do you by any chance have a picture showing how much it rolls/folds? Mine will stay slightly rolled but still is pretty tight.

BTW - thank you for sharing your gear list and all the other tidbits through the years. They’ve been amazingly helpful.

 

[Formidilosus]

Do you by any chance have a picture showing how much it rolls/folds? Mine will stay slightly rolled but still is pretty tight.

That’s as good as I’ve got. It’s loose enough I often don’t roll it anymore. Probably took a month or so of wear and a washing to loosen up.

BTW - thank you for sharing your gear list and all the other tidbits through the years. They’ve been amazingly helpful.

You are welcome, I’m glad to hear it has been of some use.

 

[fwafwow]

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.

Anyone have suggestions on toboggan/sled/beanie? I've got a bison wool one that is itchy AF on me for some reason. My on hand choices are a couple of FL beanies (they feel pretty good), or a Sitka monstrosity fit for Nebraska tree stands. Am I overlooking something - like a Yak or Camel hair option? (Those socks are pretty comfy.)

 

[Dobermann]

Anyone have suggestions on toboggan/sled/beanie? I've got a bison wool one that is itchy AF on me for some reason. My on hand choices are a couple of FL beanies (they feel pretty good), or a Sitka monstrosity fit for Nebraska tree stands. Am I overlooking something - like a Yak or Camel hair option? (Those socks are pretty comfy.)

As much as I dislike Icebreaker as a company, I've had good luck with their beanies over the years.

Back when they made higher-quality merino products, you could get a thin version and a thick one - carrying both was minimal weight penalty for three different warmth options. I still carry both every day, and the heavyweight one must be about 25 years old and still going strong. (But their quality did go down soon after...)

 

[Deli]

Anyone have suggestions on toboggan/sled/beanie? I've got a bison wool one that is itchy AF on me for some reason. My on hand choices are a couple of FL beanies (they feel pretty good), or a Sitka monstrosity fit for Nebraska tree stands. Am I overlooking something - like a Yak or Camel hair option? (Those socks are pretty comfy.)

Minus33 wool ridge beanie is the best I've found. It's not itchy or too heavy so I can use it in a variety of temps in combination with hoods. Price is also reasonable.

Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk

 

[cubdriver84d]

Minus33 wool ridge beanie is the best I've found. It's not itchy or too heavy so I can use it in a variety of temps in combination with hoods. Price is also reasonable.

Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk

My favorite too.

 

[Shraggs]

As much as I dislike Icebreaker as a company, I've had good luck with their beanies over the years.

Back when they made higher-quality merino products, you could get a thin version and a thick one - carrying both was minimal weight penalty for three different warmth options. I still carry both every day, and the heavyweight one must be about 25 years old and still going strong. (But their quality did go down soon after...)

Hadn’t thought about this until your post - I have several first generation ice breaker , the merino that was still a bit itchy. 2 sets of tops bottoms, glove liners and beanie.

Must be at least 20 years old and zero signs of wear.

 

[Shraggs]

Anyone have suggestions on toboggan/sled/beanie? I've got a bison wool one that is itchy AF on me for some reason. My on hand choices are a couple of FL beanies (they feel pretty good), or a Sitka monstrosity fit for Nebraska tree stands. Am I overlooking something - like a Yak or Camel hair option? (Those socks are pretty comfy.)

I really like the kuhl beanie with ear flaps and chin strap. Very thin warm and comfortable. I also use it at night sleeping when hunting since it stays in place where my beanie falls off. If super cold I put merino beanie under it.

 

[fwafwow]

Thanks for the beanie recommendations. My first reaction is that the Minus33 looked like a better choice than Icebreaker, but that the options also look similar to my two FL beanies. I will have to try to dig up the specs to compare. @Shraggs it looks like you are referencing the Alf Hat? Looks pretty economical.

In contrast, and as I could not prevent myself from sliding down the yak/camel/other beast wool options, I found the following - some of which are price competitive to the Minus33 (especially the Expedition - $40):

• https://www.koraoutdoor.com/products/mens-freedom-hat-storm - $45 - yak + merino
• https://www.happyyak.com/products/the-ultra-lux-black-ultra-soft-100-yak-cashmere (mo money - $68, but on sale!), plus some other options - a couple of which were "too good" as sale items (yes, anchoring works) for me to pass on....
• https://mountainmeadowwool.com/collections/apparel/products/yak-ribbed-cuff-wool-beanie-1 - $46 for yak, tencel and merino
• https://www.bon-clic-bon-genre.us/rib-knit-yak-hat.htm - wow - $106 for all yak - must be the German design and construction

 

[ztc92]

Thanks for the beanie recommendations. My first reaction is that the Minus33 looked like a better choice than Icebreaker, but that the options also look similar to my two FL beanies. I will have to try to dig up the specs to compare. @Shraggs it looks like you are referencing the Alf Hat? Looks pretty economical.

In contrast, and as I could not prevent myself from sliding down the yak/camel/other beast wool options, I found the following - some of which are price competitive to the Minus33 (especially the Expedition - $40):

• https://www.koraoutdoor.com/products/mens-freedom-hat-storm - $45 - yak + merino
• https://www.happyyak.com/products/the-ultra-lux-black-ultra-soft-100-yak-cashmere (mo money - $68, but on sale!), plus some other options - a couple of which were "too good" as sale items (yes, anchoring works) for me to pass on....
• https://mountainmeadowwool.com/collections/apparel/products/yak-ribbed-cuff-wool-beanie-1 - $46 for yak, tencel and merino
• https://www.bon-clic-bon-genre.us/rib-knit-yak-hat.htm - wow - $106 for all yak - must be the German design and construction

Another you might look at is Duckworth, they focus on merino wool from Dillon, MT. I don’t have any of their hats (I have the orange Minus33 beanie and love it though) but I have some of their shirts and socks and they are great. Price is pretty good for USA made wool garments too.

Merino Wool Hats

100% Merino Wool knit hats, for men and women, for cold weather. Stylish, soft and no-itch wool hats. One size fits all.

www.duckworthco.com

 

[Shraggs]

Thanks for the beanie recommendations. My first reaction is that the Minus33 looked like a better choice than Icebreaker, but that the options also look similar to my two FL beanies. I will have to try to dig up the specs to compare. @Shraggs it looks like you are referencing the Alf Hat? Looks pretty economical.

In contrast, and as I could not prevent myself from sliding down the yak/camel/other beast wool options, I found the following - some of which are price competitive to the Minus33 (especially the Expedition - $40):

• https://www.koraoutdoor.com/products/mens-freedom-hat-storm - $45 - yak + merino
• https://www.happyyak.com/products/the-ultra-lux-black-ultra-soft-100-yak-cashmere (mo money - $68, but on sale!), plus some other options - a couple of which were "too good" as sale items (yes, anchoring works) for me to pass on....
• https://mountainmeadowwool.com/collections/apparel/products/yak-ribbed-cuff-wool-beanie-1 - $46 for yak, tencel and merino
• https://www.bon-clic-bon-genre.us/rib-knit-yak-hat.htm - wow - $106 for all yak - must be the German design and construction

Yes Alf hat. I love it like my thin merino beanies from FL and Sitka. Alf is warmer and doesn’t creep up if active or sleeping. Great for that chilly and sunny and I want a bill hat to keep sun off my eyes with Alf under it.

I see your links, if warmth is high priority
https://www.sitkagear.com/products/blizzard-gtx-hat/optifade-waterfowl-timber Is another favorite. But I like short billed hats though.

I’m huge wool fan but both of these work in my options.

 

[Dobermann]

Hadn’t thought about this until your post - I have several first generation ice breaker , the merino that was still a bit itchy. 2 sets of tops bottoms, glove liners and beanie.

Must be at least 20 years old and zero signs of wear.

Yeah, I don't know what it was about their early-generation stuff, but it was very good quality.

I had an Icebreaker vest, purchased circa 1999 that was still going strong until a few years ago when I'd finally filled out enough for it to not fit anymore ... gave it away and it's still going.

Granted, it wasn't worn under backpacks; just as an insulation layer during breaks or at camp. But it was closer to being felted, and was incredibly well made.

By comparison, I've had other Icebreaker gear since where the elastic has failed after a couple of years, and the merino itself has worn through in a matter of months.

I'm still looking for the holy grail of merino boxers that last more than a year or so of once-a-week wear. Icebreaker aren't great. FL similar. Macpac marginally better. If anyone knows of quality boxers, post them up!

 

[fwafwow]

Yes Alf hat. I love it like my thin merino beanies from FL and Sitka. Alf is warmer and doesn’t creep up if active or sleeping. Great for that chilly and sunny and I want a bill hat to keep sun off my eyes with Alf under it.

I see your links, if warmth is high priority
https://www.sitkagear.com/products/blizzard-gtx-hat/optifade-waterfowl-timber Is another favorite. But I like short billed hats though.

I’m huge wool fan but both of these work in my options.

Thanks. I do have the Sitka Fanatic beanie, but it's the one I reference above that's been used for cold hunts sitting still. I do like the option of the Alf with the drawstring.

 

[fwafwow]

Thanks for the beanie recommendations.

This just arrived today - https://www.happyyak.com/products/alpaca-double-layered-reversible-beanie?variant=49372826468658

It's comfortable enough so far that I would sleep in it. In my house.