S2H Winter Rifle Course Observations/lessons

Duckworth, the company that prides itself in using wool from Montana sheep, the ones in conflict with wild sheep in the gravely range… Not a chance I'll ever give them money for "hunting" gear.
 
DangerRanger said:
Sorry if I missed it, but are there any outer layer top recommendations for over the mid layer commando sweater?
Click to expand...
I wear an OR or Patagonia hooded soft shell most times. I’m sure there are good soft shells from other companies too. I’ll switch that with a rain jacket if conditions dictate. If I’m sitting still (and it’s cold enough) I’ll put a puffy jacket on.
 
Is there a solution to the "straps" issue?

I like my SG stuff, but holy straps. Sucks in the wind, and if they get wet/cold and then freeze... also sucks.

Or is this one of those "it's a feature, not a bug" deals, because all those straps are what allow these packs to carry meat + bag.

Formidilosus said:
Packs:

... Most are/were too strappy, and all lacked the ability to access required insulation/gear without undoing the straps, buckles, and the bag itself. Bag yard sales were common each day. It was either that, or they looked and sounded like Samwise Gamgee- crap strapped all over their bags clanging and clattering each step they took.
Having to undue multiple straps, open the main bag up, undue buckles, etc to reach puff suits, tripods, spotters/binos, etc. is just silly and sucks as a user. ...
Click to expand...
 
Question for the S2H staff on here:
Could a fella bring an AR and do well? Or would that weapon choice hold me back from certain training aspects of the course?
How reliably would you expect a quality AR platform to perform with this kind of winter stress testing?
 
43.6N said:
Question for the S2H staff on here:
Could a fella bring an AR and do well? Or would that weapon choice hold me back from certain training aspects of the course?
Click to expand...


Yes you can use an AR in the classes. However, they aren’t designed around them- but other than not leaning how to use a bolt action optimally, no real issue.



43.6N said:
How reliably would you expect a quality AR platform to perform with this kind of winter stress testing?
Click to expand...

They work very well.
 
DangerRanger said:
How does a wool or wool blend commando sweater compare to something like a first lite furnace or other 300+ mid layer merino shirt/zip/hoodie
Click to expand...
i cant compare to all but we are using a lot our woolpower ulfrotte 300 a lot and they are great but be cautious to adjust your clothing on your effort as you might wet very fast as they are really warm. just my 2 cents. by the way a great interesting test.
 
DangerRanger said:
How does a wool or wool blend commando sweater compare to something like a first lite furnace or other 300+ mid layer merino shirt/zip/hoodie
Click to expand...
Significantly heavier, much warmer. I have used an old woolie poolie as a mid/outer layer and really liked it. I just got one of the atlantic rancher sweaters as a gift and it's much more substantial. I was shocked at how much heavier it was than the mil sweater. I believe it weighs a little over 2 pounds. I suspect the warmth will increase as well, but I haven't had a chance to test that yet.
 
Dave_S said:
Significantly heavier, much warmer. I have used an old woolie poolie as a mid/outer layer and really liked it. I just got one of the atlantic rancher sweaters as a gift and it's much more substantial. I was shocked at how much heavier it was than the mil sweater. I believe it weighs a little over 2 pounds. I suspect the warmth will increase as well, but I haven't had a chance to test that yet.
Click to expand...
if the layer you are using is made of wool at 100% or close completely true like the swedish and finnish are offering but if there is anything inside like polyester it might weight but not that much insulation again my experiences here in the yukon. we dropped a few wool layers that were not completely great to keep as of today two main brands like woolpower and ivanhoe and a little made with schoeller wool. if that can helps.
 
Formidilosus said:
Packs:

Packs used were Kuiu, Stone Glacier, Exo K4’s, and a hiking bag. Most are/were too strappy, and all lacked the ability to access required insulation/gear without undoing the straps, buckles, and the bag itself. Bag yard sales were common each day. It was either that, or they looked and sounded like Samwise Gamgee- crap strapped all over their bags clanging and clattering each step they took.
Having to undue multiple straps, open the main bag up, undue buckles, etc to reach puff suits, tripods, spotters/binos, etc. is just silly and sucks as a user. There were two bags present that were/are specifically designed for winter backpack hunting- half the buckles of most packs, and not one buckle or strap has to be undone to access what is required for the day. By far they were the cleanest and most elegant solution present.
Click to expand...
Pros / cons to it but I made my personal bag years ago taking features from SG, dana, etc. to facilitate easier access, I use a SG frame. The big center zip requires no straps undone to access, I routinely access my 15s and layers when stopping to glass through that. In fact I normally run it like a SG pack in day mode so I mainly only use the center zipper for access. Packing out meat I open up the top to load it or if I'm truly backpacking and need the space. The tube pockets work well for shorter tripods and other gear often accessed. If I have a taller tripod or treking poles on my pack (vs hands) the side pockets can work without undoing the straps if they aren't too tight, if they're tight they need to be undone. This setup wouldn't work well for carrying a bow since it lacks straps on the back. Also strapping antlers on top can be fairly janky without a lid on.

There are some things I'd change but the main fundamentals fit my personal preferences/needs well and sounds like it addresses many of the short comings you've mentioned above.

37NOg8Ll.jpg
 
westsloper said:
Awesome info here. Seems like the major issue with the synthetic bags is that they weren't warm enough. Makes the comparison not as helpful as it could be. I'd like to see a comparison of synthetic bags that are accurately rated to the conditions vs similarly rated down bags.
Click to expand...
Problem with synthetic bags rated for really cold weather is they are heavy and BULKY.
 
I wish you were still sewing, or I had some semblance of skills (I don’t). I have a pack bag roughed out in my mind.
 
medvedyt said:
if the layer you are using is made of wool at 100% or close completely true like the swedish and finnish are offering but if there is anything inside like polyester it might weight but not that much insulation again my experiences here in the yukon. we dropped a few wool layers that were not completely great to keep as of today two main brands like woolpower and ivanhoe and a little made with schoeller wool. if that can helps.
Click to expand...
Cool, I ordered a lambs wool blend from Duluth on sale, see if that works.

I can’t swing 300$ on a sweater but those look awesome
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Featured Video

Latest Articles

Back
Top