Technical hunting clothing.

[Wireman07]

I'm starting to get fed up with buying name brand hunting clothing. I have pieces from Kuiu, Sitka, Firstlite, and Stone Glacier. Don't get me wrong I really like everything that I have currently for the most part. I have had this gear for years, but lately I'm just sick of the high prices of this gear and if I want to replace an item that got tore up or whatever it may be it's costs a lot of money. Most of this is made over seas in a sweat shop and I'm just over the price gouging. I would like to.get your ideas on a relatively inexpensive clothing system from base layers all the way to the rain gear. TIA

Baselayers?
Midlayers?
Insulation?
Shell?

 

[goathunter]

If you want America made try Gulch Gear. It's just as expensive though

 

[justinspicher]

I buy everything used. I also have a second hand outdoor store in town. That really helps.

 

[DenimChicken]

You can always buy non hunting brand outdoor clothes. REI has a ton of options. Costco has options for base layers for super cheap.

 

[yfarm]

USGI ebay. US made, quality construction, low cost( as long as you don’t buy Patagonia made) only thing missing is quiet raingear. The synthetic puffys are heavier than down, for that I buy EB 800 fill, also on ebay. I can’t fathom the prices for some of these brands for stuff made in China and Vietnam as well as Central America. By buying you encourage the companies to continue this craziness. Think about it, you are paying more for a jacket than for a rifle. The rifle may be used by several generations of hunters, the “waterproof breathable” is good for a couple of seasons.

 

[Buckhead]

Have been an avid hunter and outdoorsman for 50+ years. Guess that puts me in the “Senior “ category. Anyway, hunting clothing has come a long, long way. Back in the day, everything was made from cotton. For camo, military surplus and cheap coveralls were about your only choices. Then came Realtree and Mossy Oak, others. The cotton blends didn’t hold up well. Faded over time, absorbed water and odors, no warmth.

Over the last 20 years or so, the technical clothing market emerged. Was a skeptic at first, refusing to pay the high prices. Over time the market expanded and prices came down. Bought a few pieces on sale and became a believer.

Have accumulated a lot of it. Kuiu, First Lite, Sitka, Kryptek, you name it. The new stuff is virtually all synthetic fabrics. Doesn’t fade, little odor absorption, is warmer, more durable and better fitting. Some gear is even waterproof, insect proof and wind proof. Being an older hunter, I really appreciate these innovations.

I never pay full retail. All of my gear was acquired during sales promotions, on EBay, etc… I generally pick up stuff at 40-50% off retail. My advice is to be patient and monitor the online sites. At the prices I pay, the latest technical clothing is absolutely worth it.

 

[Texasbuckeye]

Agree with no paying list on anything. The only reason someone lays list price is if they are impatient. There are plenty of sales and technical gear can be found at good discounts sometimes up to 40-50% if willing to wait and don’t need “right now”.

Also, the used market is a bery viable option to get technical clothing and fear in great condition at similar discount levels. I have a ton of high end hunting clothes, but have paid retail list maybe once or twice, almost always at a good discount and much of it has been significant discount. Quite a bit has been barely used second hand, some of
It has even been never used second hand.

Kind of like complaining about paying for new car prices when there is plenty of used market in excellent condition out there to pay less.


Having said all that….there are some good options to be had in ski and hiking brands, and solid colors are not a problem when hunting. Where the rubber meets the road is the noise factor. Really that’s only an issie in bow hunting tho.

 

[rookieforever33]

Shop the sales and closeouts. Usually can get deep discounts on many items. Also many store brands have good options for less money. Kings camo has some good options. Read the tags.

 

[rookieforever33]

Shop the Sitka outlet section on the website. Free shipping. Then they send you a 15 percent discount code for next time.

 

[Wireman07]

I buy everything used. I also have a second hand outdoor store in town. That really helps.

I've bought used on the last few pieces.

USGI ebay. US made, quality construction, low cost( as long as you don’t buy Patagonia made) only thing missing is quiet raingear. The synthetic puffys are heavier than down, for that I buy EB 800 fill, also on ebay. I can’t fathom the prices for some of these brands for stuff made in China and Vietnam as well as Central America. By buying you encourage the companies to continue this craziness. Think about it, you are paying more for a jacket than for a rifle. The rifle may be used by several generations of hunters, the “waterproof breathable” is good for a couple of seasons.

I hear you. That's why I'm done buying new. If anything I will buy some second hand items that are cheaper. Prices are getting ridiculous anymore, and half of the stuff isn't very durable.

 

[Wireman07]

Shop the sales and closeouts. Usually can get deep discounts on many items. Also many store brands have good options for less money. Kings camo has some good options. Read the tags.

That's usually what I try to do if they have my sizing and what left in stock

 

[Texasbuckeye]

OP, i have found sitka, stone glacier, and kuiu to be very reliable. I have a lot less first lite but what i have of theirs has been reliable as well. I have used a lot of ly gear for dual purposes and have used a lot for skiing and other outdoor activities. Has held up well over many years of use hinting and other stuff.

It certainly is not a couple of seasons and done

 

[Elkhntr6]

I also recommend eBay and waiting for discounts. I have about $1200 of Sitka, Kuiu, Kryptek, and Pnuma that full retail would put me at close to $3000. Sitka keeps having deep discounts so definitely keep an eye on that and also the Kuiu outlet. eBay is definitely the best place though imo. If you look long enough you will find a good deal. Just my 2c.

 

[Honyock]

Watch the Rokslide classifieds and closeouts. I've never paid close to full price for Kuiu or Sitka. I'm a tight ass when it comes to spending money, but I don't regret buying technical hunting clothes.

 

[Koda_]

I grew up poor and totally get being on a budget, Ive found some really good life out of the Midwayusa house brand hunting clothes. Costco has some good deals on base and mid layers. With generic brands what Ive found is you will get duck down instead of goose down, wool blends with polyester synthetics instead of 100% wool. Often they have less features too like pocket, YKK zippers that last or double stitching in critical areas. Some items last, most don't, its hit and miss with the generic brands and in the end you will spend as much on just one of the higher end equivalent.

 

[Wannabebowhuntr]

Classifieds, thrift stores/second hand stores, and online sales or clearance racks in store. I always keep an eye on non hunting brand sales as well as most of their gear is just as good or better than hunting brands. Buying secondhand is my favorite, keeping an eye on the classifieds is a great way to find like new or great condition pieces for a fraction of the cost. And it’s small potatoes in the grand scheme of how things are now, but it feels like the “greenest” way to shop to me.

 

[Robinhood21]

It's not going to be American made but I feel like you can get incredible value with the Black Ovis clothing and gear when they have sales or on camofire.