What does your layering system look like?

[big10hunter]

For a Mid-September Elk hunt here is what I am thinking...

Llano FL Base layer
Optional: Chama FL Mid layer
Puffy
Pants? - I have not idea yeat? Suggestions?


And...here is where I am obsessing. For my outside "top" layer should it be a rain jacket or soft shell? I like the thought of a rain jacket because it
is an "all in one" solution of wind and water barrier. Some guys go softshell. If you go soft sheel, are you also carrying anything for a rain jacket?

Please tell me your reason for choosing either. Also, is matching camo top and bottom important to you?

Thanks

 

[rodney482]

Firstlite boxer
Firstlite top
Sitka Ascent pant
Sitka Ascent jacket

Kuiu spindrift
North Face rain jacket
Columbia fleece



Base layers ... Merino

The Sitka Ascent.., super lighweight and comfy

The fleece for when sun goes down.

The spindrift if fleece isnt getting it done.

 

[Nick Muche]

Attack Pants
FL Alleghany bottoms (sleep in or wear if chilly)
FL Llano top
FL Chama Zip T
Superdown
Chugach or FL Boundary Stormtight

 

[bbrown]

For tops:
-FL Llano
-Kuiu 185 zip
-Sitka Traverse 1/4 zip
-Sitka Kelvin lite vest or kuiu spindrift depending on weather
-Sitka 90% jacket or Sitka Cloudburst if the weather calls for it.
*During early seasons when the weather is good I don't bring either but I always have the Cabela's space gear top in the pack for the occasional high country sprinkle.

Bottoms:
-FL ore Core4 Boxers
-either poly pro or UA base if needed.
-Kuiu Attacks or Sitka mountain pants

I have spent a few years getting this dialed in but I think its about perfect for my needs.

 

[pyroducksx3]

Well this is weather dependent but this is my entire clothing list I took last year and have no plans on changing it at all.
Worn in
Smart wool socks
First lite boxer briefs
Kuiu attack pants
Sleeveless Adidas climalite shirt

In the pack
1 pr smart wool socks
1 pr of first lite boxer briefs
First lite llano top
First lite Allegheny bottom
Kuiu spindrift
Kuiu chugach rain set
Kuiu guide beanie
First lite neck gaiter

I like softshell for day hunting but when backpacking I just don't like the weight. If it rains I use the rain gear if I get cold I layer up. If I'm moving I stay warm enough with the two shirts on and put the spindrift on after I set up, which keeps it from getting too beat up and sweaty. The softshells just don't have enough of a use to justify the weight in my pack for me. I have the kuiu guide jacket and it gets a lot of use during regular season

 

[ohhiitznik]

My system

Top
Base layer: Kuiu 180 quarter Zip
Insulation: I have a sitka traverse but I'm toying around getting the superdown or the firstlite puffy. Had a spindrift last year
Hard Shell: Gore tex paclite

Bottom
Base layer: Kuiu 180
Outer: Kuiu Attack

Socks: Smartwool Hikers

Gloves: Filson finger tipless

Boxers: Exefficio

Beanie: Kuiu 180 merino + A drake waterfowl for colder/less activity

 

[pyroducksx3]

I guess it depends on where you hunt also. I'm in Washington so a rain layer is a must in Colorado I hear some people say they don't even take any unless its forecasted.

 

[Trout bum]

For Colorado I use:

Top- Smartwool merino T shirt
Kuiu 185 Zip T
Sitka Celsius Vest
Nano or Spindrift puffy
Kuiu Chugach

Bottom- 185 base layer
Attack Pants
Stormfront lite rain pants
OR crocs or Kuiu gaiters

 

[SMITTY1HUNTER]

I recently read a good review from an outfitter about the Browning Hell's Canyon jacket. Cabela's has it on sale for $89 right now. I haven't got it yet but I was looking for an outer layer pretty much exactly what you are describing and this seemed to be worth a try.

 

[tradair1980]

For oregon east side I carry:
kuiu 185 zip T
first light chama zip
merino boxer briefs
darn tough ul boot socks
sitka 90% jacket
sitka ascent pants
sitka stormfront light pants
UA stealth top
UA cold gear beanie
Ball cap
I dont carry a base layer pant, I dont seem to haave problems getting cold in my lower half.. probally will get me in trouble one day but I'll roll with it!

 

[jmez]

Tops: Core4 Merino base layer
Kryptek Alois hunting shirt
Kryptek vidar scout vest
Kryptek Koldo rain jacket

Bottoms: Core4 merino boxers
Sitka mountain pants
Koldo rain pants

Mine don't match. Kryptek is mix of highlander and moutain mimicry and sitka is optifade open country.

 

[Craig Van Arsdale]

Basically all KUIU for me I have the whole line up in Vias to use for whatever hunt i am on. Throw in smart wool and darn tough socks as well.

 

[jcodyc40]

Tops: IO 160 grm merino
FL Chama QZ
FL Springer Vest

Bottoms: FL Red Desert Boxer
Polar tec silk wight
BDU or DCU pants.

I use a Natural Gear rain jacket in Western Montana, in the Breaks if I see a rain cloud it is time to pack up and haul butt.

Cody

 

[HellsCanyon]

FirstLite merino base layers, Russel Tundra pullover, FirstLite Merino Vest, FirstLite Puffy and rain jacket. I also have the heavy FirstLite merino zip-T but believe I'll opt for the Russel. It's warmer, cuts the wind better and lighter. I know it won't handle odor as well but the warmth for weight is better for me as a mid layer. Bottom layer consists of merino base layer, C4E Element pants, and Kuiu Gaitors. Don't really like packing rainpants but I rarely hunt in very wet weather.

Mike

 

[dryflyguy]

Mid September in northwest Wyoming:
Base Layer is First Lite Chama top and Allegheny bottom
Traverse Quarter Zip
Kelvin vest
Mountain Pant
Smart wool socks
Ball cap and a Traverse Beanie
Rain Gear

 

[tstowater]

Basically all KUIU for me I have the whole line up in Vias to use for whatever hunt i am on. Throw in smart wool and darn tough socks as well.

+1, also use FL boxers and just added Superdown Hooded jacket to use if not taking Spindrift.

 

[BlackBear]

+2 on all KUIU. Merino 185 top, Merino 230 top, Merino 250 bottom, Superdown Hooded Jacket, Guide DCS Jacket, Guide or Attack Pant, Merino or Guide Beanie. All KUIU needs are socks and underwear! Oh yea, Chugach rain gear in the bottom of the pack.

 

[Maxhunter]

KUIU Attack Pants
KUIU 185 Top or First Lite
KUIU Vest
KUIU Guide Jacket

 

[bigeasygator]

Last year was my first time outfitted in all FL and I loved it. Have a closet full of Sitka gear, but for "warmer" weather hunts, it's going to be FL all the way:

FL boxers
FL Kanab pant
FL Llano top
FL Labrador sweater
Sitka Kelvin Jacket (will replace with the new FL puffy when it comes out)
Darn Tough socks
Kenetrek liner socks

 

[Jared Lampton]

I notice most of you guys opt for the kuiu or FL merino. What's the advantage over Sitka merino, besides Sitka probably being a little more expensive?