Sitka layering options for early season mule deer

[rhendrix]

My wife, in all her awesomeness, offered to outfit me in some Sitka gear. I picked up a pair of ascent pants and core 1/4 zip used already and I have a marmot precip rain jacket as well which worked awesome, also going to pick up a first lite ss. Just trying to look into some insulation layers, really digging the traverse hoody, any thoughts or experiences? Was also looking at something to use in lieu of a puffy, not finding anything really compares to the weight to warmth ratio of a stoic puffy though, I'm open to suggestions though.

Thanks for any input.

 

[Jason Snyder]

The Traverse is a great shirt. I wear mine all the time.

 

[wapitibob]

I have the core, traverse, and 90% jacket. That's all I wear for most of my hunts thru mid October.

 

[rhendrix]

Are you guys using multiple core tops on extended trips (5-10 days)? I've got a minus33 merino wool SS shirt that I was thinking I could wear as my next to skin layer and just put the core 1/4 zip over it. Not sure how bad the core tops will stink after 5-10 days of use and not sure if I want to take another base layer.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

How do you hunt em? Spot and stalk or stand?

 

[rhendrix]

Spot and stalk

 

[SDHNTR]

Get a couple Merino Zip Ts and a Jetstream vest to go with what ya got.

 

[Rucker61]

This year for archery season I used mountain pants, merino shirt and Ascent jacket for archery season, with a Jetstream Lite vest for early mornings. When it got warm I ditched the merino base layer. Last year it was merino base layer and Traverse shirt for a warm October. That combo proved to be a bit warm for hiking up but was great for sitting and glassing. The Traverse shirt is my favorite Sitka piece.

 

[rhendrix]

Get a couple Merino Zip Ts and a Jetstream vest to go with what ya got.

This year for archery season I used mountain pants, merino shirt and Ascent jacket for archery season, with a Jetstream Lite vest for early mornings. When it got warm I ditched the merino base layer. Last year it was merino base layer and Traverse shirt for a warm October. That combo proved to be a bit warm for hiking up but was great for sitting and glassing. The Traverse shirt is my favorite Sitka piece.

In the process of saving up for a Montbell Ultralight Down jacket, and I've already got a Marmot Precip Rain Jacket. Figured one more merino tee couldn't hurt, but I didn't wanna pack what I don't need. If I get drawn in SW CO, I think this should cover all my bases, if I get drawn in Utah or Nevada I'll probably leave the puffy in the truck. Sound like a good idea?

 

[Where's Bruce?]

As a western spot & stalk bowhunter, I wear light merino base with mountain pants, Traverse zip tee & Jetstream hooded jacket. If it gets really cold and i'm still hunting, i throw on a Kelvin vest along with heavier gloves and wool beanie w/ bandit. I would never put myself in the position of removing my base layer during a hunt. If it's really cold then i grab my Celsuis bibs and jacket. The new Timberline pants are a fine choice IMO, especially for the tougher neighborhoods in AZ where everything seems to bite, sting, or poke ya.

 

[bigeasygator]

The Traverse is an awesome hunting layer during the early season. It too is my favorite Sitka piece. Couple it with a Core long sleeve and a puffy and you are good for most anything the high country will throw at you temperature wise in the early season.

 

[Highcountry_Hellrazor]

The only thing that sucks on the traverse hoodie is the bright ass white hood. Whenever the hood isn't on I feel like I'm waving a surrender flag to the animals. Might bring some antelope to me sometime... Other then that it is a great for the early morning chill, or layering up for later season hunts. I'd go with a merino base and then the traverse.

 

[rhendrix]

High country, I've heard a lot of guys say that. Was going to dye the inside of the hoody grey actually to fix that issue.

 

[Rucker61]

In the process of saving up for a Montbell Ultralight Down jacket, and I've already got a Marmot Precip Rain Jacket. Figured one more merino tee couldn't hurt, but I didn't wanna pack what I don't need. If I get drawn in SW CO, I think this should cover all my bases, if I get drawn in Utah or Nevada I'll probably leave the puffy in the truck. Sound like a good idea?

My puffy was nice for the early mornings in camp in CO archery. I don't know how treacherous the weather in Utah or Arizona be during the Mulie season, but for the weight penalty, I'd probably tote it along.

 

[bigeasygator]

The only thing that sucks on the traverse hoodie is the bright ass white hood.

That's the truth. I have the hooded version and the non-hooded version and I prefer the one without the hood.

 

[bbrown]

Definitely get the traverse 1/4 zip - my favorite piece by far. I am going to pick up the hooded version this winter in black for around town.
Other than that I would stick with FL merino base layers and I really like my Kelvin Lite vest or jacket for those cold mornings or long glassing sessions.

I am typically on the move/spot and stalk and my system for early archery thru 1st rifle (sometimes second too) here in CO is:
Tops: FL Llano long sleeve, Traverse 1/4 zip, Kelvin Lite vest and 90% jacket (or Cloudburst with Kuiu Spindrift if the weather sucks and leave the vest and 90% at the truck).
Bottoms: FL boxers, light to mid base layer depending on weather and Mountain pants.

 

[Matt W.]

X2 or X3 or where ever we are now on the Traverse.

I tend to switch gear around a lot as I like testing stuff out, but the Traverse shirt has been a constant staple item for a while now. I have 3 of them.. One in Optifade, one in gray, and the hoody. I wear them all year around. I wish they made more colors! : )

 

[Where's Bruce?]

Jetstream jacket hood is gray inside...no worries.

 

[Highcountry_Hellrazor]

High country, I've heard a lot of guys say that. Was going to dye the inside of the hoody grey actually to fix that issue.

You should let me know how it turns out, and the process you used. I would def do it if it worked for you.

 

[Steve O]

Merino base, Traverse hoody, Mountain pants, Jetstream Jacket, and a Kelvin Vest cover you from 70 to 0...and I am in the -15 to 5 range with it chasing mountain lions in MT right now.