Putting together a layering system

[crmiller84]

I'm wanting to upgrade my hunting clothing into a good layering system that will work for me here in IN, but also out west for next year when I do my first elk hunt. I will be going to CO for a second rifle OTC hunt. So far the only things I am certain of are going with merino base layers and that my budget won't allow for Sitka .

I don't know anything about this, because I've always been the guy that wears the heaviest coat and bibs to stand hunt. I've been researching First Lite, Kryptek, Sitka, etc, but I feel a little lost. So, can you guys help a greenhorn figure this out?

 

[Seth1913]

Are you dead set on having a certain camo pattern? or will solid colors work for you?

 

[COlineman78]

The system that I ran for 3rd season last year day hunting was as follows (it snowed heavily over a foot of acum., glassing and hiking):

- Ice Breaker 210 bottoms
- First Lite North Branch Pants
- First Lite Llano QZ
- First Lite Halstead Tech Fleece
- First Lite Sanctuary Jacket

I plan on using the same system for archery except swapping out the NB pants for Corrugate Guide Pants and the Sanctuary for a Uncompaghre Puffy which will only be used for still hunting at dawn/dusk that time of year. The problem with 2nd season in CO is that it could be 60 degrees like most years or 10 and blizzard like this year. The above system will work for most everything IMO, however if you plan on backpacking I would swap out the Sanctuary for a Puffy as it is a fraction of the weight. If you want something a touch warmer but still light enough to pack in look at the Kifaru Lost Park Parka.

 

[jeffy]

in looking at the kifaru parka, is that water resistant enough to not need a more specific and dedicated rain system top?

 

[COlineman78]

in looking at the kifaru parka, is that water resistant enough to not need a more specific and dedicated rain system top?

It is a combination of DWR coated nylon and Cordura. As such, I personally would consider it sufficient for 90-95% of the weather in Colorado, leaving the rare torrential downpour that rarely lasts long. If you were to leave the rain coat behind you would have to make a choice: being that it's synthetic insulation you are going to remain warm even if you get wet so you can just put up with any seepage, or you can just take cover for the storm.

 

[jeffy]

very good, just wondering if i could option this in and forego a dedicated rain shell and maybe a smaller lighter cheaper poncho for the just in case moments of cold and raining.

 

[COlineman78]

very good, just wondering if i could option this in and forego a dedicated rain shell and maybe a smaller lighter cheaper poncho for the just in case moments of cold and raining.

It's very warm, so you will probably get more wet from the inside out rather than outside in. I plan on picking up the new First Lite Vapor when it comes out this summer (12oz). Being that it's hard to justify such expensive rain gear exclusively for hunting I plan on getting it in Dry Earth to be able to use it year-round.

 

[fngTony]

I had a nasty 2nd rifle in Colorado were it rained and snowed for 3 days. I stayed dry enough in carhart stuff but wasn't warm enough ( think their insulation is cotton?). Haven't bought the kifaru parka,yet, but checked it out first hand and would feel confident with that and a poncho just in case.

Camo isn't necessary for Colorado rifle. All the brands you mentioned make great stuff. I had great experiences with sitka, kuiu, firstlite helping me make decisions. Kuiu fit my lanky $%@ the best. Kryptek had the best average joe cut.

I have a 5 layer system for my upper body: merino, fleece,1 of 2 puffys (condition dependant) soft shell and rain jacket. also a poncho. I will wear both puffys if constantly cold and little activity, skipping the soft shell.

For my legs its one of 3 pants, scentlok Savannah pants for archery, predator poly twill for mid to late season or snow pants. Any of these paired with either sitka merini boxers or walmart poly long johns.

Honestly, I'm liking my full leg zip rain pants with gaiters over snow pants. Its more versatile for 2nd or 3rd rifle in Colorado.

Kuiu is releasing a zip off pant version of their kenai jacket. That would be great since its quite and breathable.

 

[crmiller84]

Great info guys. On the camo thing, I don't care much at all. I've always mismatched patterns and worn combos of camo and solid colors while hunting anyways. My only thing is I've noticed that while hunting whitetail I've had better luck with camo tops and solid bottoms rather than vice-versa.

So far what I'm thinking is:

Upper body:
Lightweight merino
Midweight merino hoody
Kryptek Kratos II (this piece I already have)
Another heavier puffy (Uncompagrhe or Kifaru)
Lightweight rain shell

Lower body:
Lightweight merino baselayer
FL Kanab 2.0 pant (really liking this one from my research, but other suggestions are welcome)
Lightweight rain pant
Gaiters

Typing this out feels like I'm going way overkill on warmth, but I chill easily, so I don't know. My ultimate goal is to have the pieces that I can combine for 70 degree archery hunts to predator hunting in 0 degree weather with wind.

One other thing, suspenders for the pants are a must. I am cursed with no butt to keep my pants up, so any kind of belt in hunting types of activity just start sliding down and kill my hips.

 

[jquarnberg]

Weird I know... but the patagonia R1 hoody blows away any of the mid layer stuff I have tried. So warm, so light, and so comfortable.

And I dont know how I lived without a puffy jacket. Whatever brand or type you go with... the puffy is a critical part.

 

[fort fireman]

Disclaimer- I don't hunt out west( however I hope to in a couple years.

I have all kryptek stuff except s fleece.
TOP-
Kryptek merino top
A condor coyote color fleece or a kryptek Helios shirt. ( depends on the weather)
Kryptek Vidarvest( mostly used in later archery to cut the chill in a tree)
Kryptek Kratos puffy
Kryptek einar soft shell( wish I would have gotten the dalibor)
No rain gear yet.
BOTTOM
kryptek merino
Dalibor pants.

I used that in the mountains of NC for a week and it worked well in temps ranging from 18- around 60. I do however think I need a bit thicker base layer of merino for my legs and if I get a heavier bottom I wil just go ahead and get the top to.

I'm not really sure how this system would work in rifle season in PA stand hunting however. Haven't used it for that yet.