Unconventional layering for early seasons?

[Dave0317]

Maybe this is a pretty niche idea, or maybe just plain dumb. But on the hunt I just got back from (CO 1st rifle) I hunted a steep unit and found I tended to get pretty warm every time I moved, but at the same time, a base and mid layer were barely enough for the morning and evening sits when temps could be in the mid 20s.

This got me thinking, if moving is best done in a single layer, and sitting still usually required multiple layers and/or a puffy, why not ditch all the layers and basically have two options, hike in normal clothes and soon as I stop, just use a puffy jacket and pants over the normal pants and shirt.

Obviously once it gets much colder you probably need base, mid, and puffy all together. But for early seasons does anyone just avoid most layers and go puffy or nothing?

I figure this may be a way to save some weight and bulk.

 

[DB29]

That is what I do, even in late season. Wear only the minimum needed to not freeze as I walk in. Once I get where I am going to stop and glass I put puffy pants and jacket on. If it’s windy or raining I add a rain layer over that as needed.

 

[Sundodger]

My biggest hunt of the year is in September where it can be 75 deg or 20 deg. I wear a lightweight base layer top with a hood for sun protection and lightweight pants. Pack in a puffy coat with hood, puffy pants, and puffy gloves for glassing. No long underwear, it's heavy and provides minimal warmth. If I am feeling luxurious I bring a light mid layer. If it's mid-late Oct I bring a mid layer and a warm hat.


I can hike in quite cold conditions in basically zero clothes, it's sitting on windy glassing knobs that are the problem.

 

[199p]

Try wearing gloves too i find keeping your hands warm when walking in a tshirt can help a lot

 

[MO00]

I’ve hunted CO during second rifle and I definitely over did it on layers. By day 2 I basically ended up doing exactly what you described. The guys we were with however had some experiences being snowed in so I think it’s good to have access to many different layers but stay flexible on what you’re wearing.