East Elk Hunt

[Optimusprime]

Alright fellas/ladies, about to do my first elk hunt over east this year. Never hunted cold weather so I'm trying to figure out what I need in terms of clothes. I have a soft sheel jacket/ pants and medium weight merino wool base layers. What else do you guys wear? Supposed to be single digits-low 20's.

[CamoDup]

whatever you do don't wear jeans! Saw a guy yesterday hiking in a foot of snow with jeans on  he was soaked and probably really cold. Your best bet is to wear wool.    A waterproof jacket won't hurt either. Rain/snow likely all week.

[ellensburgpo]

Stay away from cotton. Hard to go wrong with wool for the late season.

[Optimusprime]

what else should i bring for layering? sorry, not much of a snow guy.

[ellensburgpo]

If you have a merino wool base layer that should work for you. I like fleece for a middle layer with wool over the top if its really cold. Lots of different opinions and options out there. I would just stay away from cotton.

[Selkirk]

Pac Boots, long underwear (top and bottom), several layers of wool,  balaclava, insulated or wool gloves.  Make sure your boots are not too tight (thick socks are not always your friend). Tight boots reduce circulation and make for cold feet. 

[washelkhunter]

top end i use poly base, wool shirt, fleece vest or jacket then a waterproof shell.
lower end poly base, wool socks, wool pants maybe gaiters depending on conditions, 200-600gr gortex boots. waterproof hat and wool gloves. its impossible for me to find waterproof gloves so i just go wool; at least im warm.

[Labs07]

 Top I use polypro long underware, wool long sleeve shirt and wool coat with a hood and if it is reall coold a wool vest.  Bottom I wear polypro long underware and wool pants.  I use smartwool socks and boots with 600 grams thinsulate in them.  Warm all the time.  Wool is the best in my opinion.. it is quite and warm even when wet but is it weighs a lot when wet.

[deadwoodbuck]

pack boots with two layers, one nylon the other wool, socks, long johns, a complete set top and bottom Rivers West camo outfit.  they will allow you to lay in a snow bank and not get wet...totally dry.  a good beenies and fingeless gloves, a neck gator.  all that to keep you warm and dry.

[runningboard]

big factor for me is to get stuff dry overnight for next day's use, nothing worse than putting on damp gear in the morning

[mdbuck5x5]

I agree wool is definitely your friend. It'll keep you warm and generally keeps dry!