What's your backcountry layering system?

[Hunter mike]

What types of layers is everyone wearing/bringing in the backcountry?  I've upgraded a few things since last year and want to improve a few more.  Here's where I'm at at the moment:

Baselayer: Lighweight poly (columbia or north face) pants/long sleeve shirt
                  Lightweight short-sleeve poly shirt for warmer weather
                  (might upgrade to some merino for the coming season)

Midlayer: North Face Lightweight fleece under a lighweight softshell jacket for wind
               protection (softshell TBD).  I'd like to find one layer that does the job of
               both but I like the lightweight option of just one.  Also light fleece pants.

Outer/Rain: I kind of count the soft shell as an outer layer/wind break when not
                   raining.  Columbia shell pants/Jacket (lightweight/uninsulated) for rain.
                   Non-rain I like climbing/hiking type pants because my outer shells are
                   kind of loud for my preference.

I also use the Costco wool trail socks or Wigwam wool socks when its colder out.  I might look into some liner socks for this season as well...


It seems like I have too much weight in clothes right now - I do carry an extra pair of underwear, socks, and baselayers (my baselayer is ususally ultralight stuff, most of the insulation in the mid-layers.

My system is versatile down to pretty cold temps (and would replace the middle layers with heavy fleece or down for very cold weather (hopefully soon to be primaloft or climashield).



Any other suggestions?  I'd love to hear what others are using and what items work the best for you.  I personally don't sweat getting everything in camo, but try for earthy colors (this is for rifle hunting mostly).  I mostly try to get quality and comfort first and then slowly upgrade items to high-end camo pieces as I go, but even then I mix and match patterns a lot.

[fillthefreezer]

i run a redram merino tee, 185 or 230 merino from kuiu depending on temp, spindrift, marmot precip shell
this year ill be trying my new ascent "shorts" , core4 merino undies, with long johns from HH or maybe pick up some merino, precip pants. if its later in the year im wearing HH odin guide pants instead of shorts. if its bad weather i bring OR neoplume pants as well.
if im near the truck i wear my guide jacket sometimes
i run a smartwool merino liner with midweight sock over year round
spare underwear, spare liner socks, spare over socks.



this is what ive used from 20-80deg or so

[Hunter mike]

What do you think of the Precip jackets and pants for waterproof-ness and breathability?  I've been wanting to pick up a non-camo outer layer for earlier season scouting and hiking (stealth mode )

[jackelope]

Sitka Core long sleeve top, traverse hoodie, mountain shirt, 90% jacket, jetstream vest, Marmot Precip or Cabela's space rain jacket.

REI merino bottoms or HH polypro bottoms depending on weather. Sitka mountain pants or 90% pants or Marmot scree pants, Cabela's space rain pants. Kinda would like to get a pair of Precip pants or better quality rain pants. The space rains work well though...can't complain, especially for the price.


All weather dependant.

I think the Marmot precip is a great jacket. I use it hiking, around town, work, etc and have never been wet. I've even been running in it this winter. Pit zips are a must have!!

[fillthefreezer]

What do you think of the Precip jackets and pants for waterproof-ness and breathability?  I've been wanting to pick up a non-camo outer layer for earlier season scouting and hiking (stealth mode )

theres better options but not at that price point. its light, functional, and a good value i think. my wife has been running a similar one by patagonia and she really likes it. was like $15 more than the marmot but cut better for her..

[JM]

One thing that I would like to point out to anyone reading this thread is that you don't have to buy Kuiu or Sitka or any of those other over priced backcountry hunting clothing. I know that they are taylored towards hunting and I also know that they are great products, but some of the prices that they charge are ridiculous!! If you go to a websites like backcountry.com or Campmor.com you can get backcountry clothing from a broader market and better prices and they actually have sales. For example I purchased a pair of Stoic microcloth pants recently for $60 bucks they're are water repellent, wind proof, stretchable and quiet enough for archery hunting in my opinion. Now find a new pair of sitka pants for something close to that. The only problem that you'll have is finding stuff that is'nt so flashy and bright, it kinda seems like thats the theme for the granola's.

[Branden]

Agree with JM. Also, you can find deals on sitka etc. I got a pair of ascent pants for $70. Probably my fave pants I've ever used for hunting.

Marmot Precip works well. I use it everyday in the high country whether its raining or not. Plenty of nice fleece on sale all year if you know where to look for midlayers.

[fillthefreezer]

One thing that I would like to point out to anyone reading this thread is that you don't have to buy Kuiu or Sitka or any of those other over priced backcountry hunting clothing. I know that they are taylored towards hunting and I also know that they are great products, but some of the prices that they charge are ridiculous!! If you go to a websites like backcountry.com or Campmor.com you can get backcountry clothing from a broader market and better prices and they actually have sales. For example I purchased a pair of Stoic microcloth pants recently for $60 bucks they're are water repellent, wind proof, stretchable and quiet enough for archery hunting in my opinion. Now find a new pair of sitka pants for something close to that. The only problem that you'll have is finding stuff that is'nt so flashy and bright, it kinda seems like thats the theme for the granola's.

this is very true and i have alot of gear from granola outfits and im always trying to buy when stuff is on sale but on the other hand, if you need something and are paying full price, support a company that supports hunting

[fillthefreezer]

Marmot Precip works well. I use it everyday in the high country whether its raining or not. Plenty of nice fleece on sale all year if you know where to look for midlayers.

i know you guys like to go super light but do you ever have the need for more insulation than just the hard shell?

[JM]

One thing that I would like to point out to anyone reading this thread is that you don't have to buy Kuiu or Sitka or any of those other over priced backcountry hunting clothing. I know that they are taylored towards hunting and I also know that they are great products, but some of the prices that they charge are ridiculous!! If you go to a websites like backcountry.com or Campmor.com you can get backcountry clothing from a broader market and better prices and they actually have sales. For example I purchased a pair of Stoic microcloth pants recently for $60 bucks they're are water repellent, wind proof, stretchable and quiet enough for archery hunting in my opinion. Now find a new pair of sitka pants for something close to that. The only problem that you'll have is finding stuff that is'nt so flashy and bright, it kinda seems like thats the theme for the granola's.

this is very true and i have alot of gear from granola outfits and im always trying to buy when stuff is on sale but on the other hand, if you need something and are paying full price, support a company that supports hunting

That's a very good point and I never really thought about it that way, but anymore with the expense of the real necessities like tags and gas money I'll cut corners where I can to support my habit. I just can't get myself to pay some of their prices for stuff.

[JackOfAllTrades]

On warm days... REI convertable shorts/pants that are nylon infused cotton (with belt loops!), and a cotton camo T shirt or Wilson athletic poly T shirt. (just like underarmor but cheeper) Sometimes a pair of cotton cargo shorts.  If there's even one cloud in sky, a pair of packable Sterns Hushhide rain pants/hooded jacket.
 
On colder days, Cabela's medium weight poly long underwear/pants/long sleeve shirt under a pair of light wool surplus pants. (Italian military slacks) Or a pair of heavier weight surplus US Army wool pants. Or a pair of heavy weight surplus US Army wool cargo pants. Along with a surplus US Army wool shirt/jacket over a wool sweater and/or the forementioned Wilson athletic poly T shirt. Topped by the hushhide rain gear. I'll wear the rain gear in cold winds.
 
For the really cold days,  Cabela's gortex/thinsilate heavy parka and pants over what doesn't get me over heated when walking.
 
I'm looking for a down vest to maybe take place of the sweater.
 
I wear a ball cap or REI rain hat, and in colder climates I always have a wool watch cap and/or poly balaclava at the ready. Good gloves are a must, as you can lighten up some of the body wear if you keep heat loss from extremities to a minimum.

-Steve

[JLS]

Marmot Precip works well. I use it everyday in the high country whether its raining or not. Plenty of nice fleece on sale all year if you know where to look for midlayers.

i know you guys like to go super light but do you ever have the need for more insulation than just the hard shell?

Yes, hollofil coats are a great way to accomplish this.  Shop around and you can find one for 60-70 bucks, pack up the size of a nalgene liter bottle and weigh next to nothing.

[fillthefreezer]

Marmot Precip works well. I use it everyday in the high country whether its raining or not. Plenty of nice fleece on sale all year if you know where to look for midlayers.

i know you guys like to go super light but do you ever have the need for more insulation than just the hard shell?

Yes, hollofil coats are a great way to accomplish this.  Shop around and you can find one for 60-70 bucks, pack up the size of a nalgene liter bottle and weigh next to nothing.

i use a spindrift or tnf down vest and am happy with them. (got my spindrift on fathers day sale )
i was just asking branden because they go UL and he wears his rain gear as a layer

[jackelope]

The only new Sitka stuff I bought was the jetstream vest and the traverse hoodie(that was a gift). Everything else I have purchased used off of web forum classifieds. I don't have the money to buy new.

I also use an Eddie Bauer primaloft synthetic down jacket when it's cold. Clearance at one of their outlets for $40.00. It's a great layer when it's cold and its very lightweight.

[Skyvalhunter]

And doubles as a pillow

[JackOfAllTrades]

What's a pillow?   
 
-Steve

[JackOfAllTrades]

The thing is to take off a layer 'before' you start to sweat.  Depending on the exersion, taking the middle warm layer off while leaving the outer weather protecting layer is the best move. Climate circumstances and your level of physical activity dictate what to do.
 
-Steve

[jackelope]

And doubles as a pillow

I stuff it into one of my bags and it makes a dandy pillow.

[300rum]

6 Layers on top.
     Merino Wool Shortsleeve T-shirt, Microweight  (Smartwool Brand)
     Merino Wool 1/4 zip Long Sleeve T-shirt, Mid weight  (Smartwool Brand)
     Military Wool Longsleeve Shirt, Heavy Weight (can be used as a light jacket)
     Fleece zippered Jacket (I use it as a backup, a pillow, an ultra cold weather layer and a jacket just for sitting around the fire at camp)
     Wool Coat, heavy weight
     Mad Dog brand packable rain jacket

The Key to Layering is to start out freezing your butt off.  If you are warm when you start walking, you have way too much on.  Rarely do I ever need more then the first 3 layers when walking, usually the first two until about the upper teens.  I never leave camp without all the layers (except the fleece jacket).  I don't leave camp unless I am prepared to stay out there a few days.  I can sleep comfortable without a fire in this stuff in some pretty brutal weather.  The only thing expendable is the Fleece jacket but it is so nice to have a dry warm jacket ready at camp for chores and sitting around the fire and stuff.

Lowers
     Smart Wool brand Socks (The only "spare" pair of anything I carry is an extra pair of socks)
     Synthetic Underwear  (Buy the expensive ones)
     Under Armour Long John's
     Wool Pants

I have thought about Merino Wool underwear but I'm not conviced that they will hold up and I am o.k. with Merino Wool on top but nervous about it on the bottom.  As for the uppers, I can sleep with this stuff comfortable, even when soaked.   

[Andrew]

All I have is granola wear. 

- Base layer  Patagoochie long underware (capalene?). 
- Pants North Face light weight, quick drying, stretchable hiking pants
- Top Patagoochie light weight fleece hoody (this was the bomb at night, hate wearing hats while sleeping so I didn't get those 30 degree drafts).  During the day I took this off and replaced it with a orange running shirt (was able to ditch the light weight blaze vest)
- If it got colder and wetter I have a lightweight gortex jacket and pants to throw on over everything else.
-Socks 100% wool.  I change mine out half way through the day to let the other pair dry.

FYI - you guys joke about a pillow, I bought these sleeping bag stuff sacks at REI that are fleece lined...totally worth it, can't beat double dipped items!

[Quicksilver]

sitka base leggings under sitka rain pants, or columbia PHG omniheat pants if dry. sitka base t shirt or sitka base long sleeve, sitka half zip hoody, sitka traverse coat, sitka rain coat if wet, sitka traverse beanie, sitka traverse gloves or north face gloves if snowy/wet. smartwool socks and danner pronghorn boots. the rain gear packs up pretty small since it's just a gore tex lining and no insulation. regardless they do keep you pretty warm. i was in about 30 degrees and snowing, doing some crawling and stayed warm enough with nothing on underneath. i try to be as prepared as possible...yet pack as light as possible haha. the never ending battle

[huntnnw]

sometimes its true that u can find the same clothing other than KUIU and Sitka...but not always sometimes you pay more..I just looked at a Mountain hardware primaloft coat its was $75 more than basically the same coat as KUIU...Ill never own North face talk about over priced

[elkhunter00]

Is there a cheap version of non-cotton Hiking/hunting clothes? 

[JLS]

Is there a cheap version of non-cotton Hiking/hunting clothes?

The ones on sale.

[jackelope]

Is there a cheap version of non-cotton Hiking/hunting clothes?

Watch sites like sierratradingpost.com. You'll find merino wool base layers for $20-25 each. There's lots of deals to be had on there. Sign up as a member and they'll send you coupons for extra discounts.

[Hunter mike]

Ditto on Sierra Trading Post - tons of great deals to be had on there!  I never pay their asking prices (which are typically already pretty good for a given item).  They always have 40% off sales and once you're on their e-mail list, you get lots of coupon codes to use.  Usually worst case I can get free shipping or 25% off, but I usually hold out for 30-40% off.

[ellensburgpo]

Camofire has Firstlite gear fairly often at a discounted price.

[jackelope]

Camofire is good too.

[fair-chase]

Is there a cheap version of non-cotton Hiking/hunting clothes?

http://www.geartrade.com/

[JLS]

Steep and Cheap and REI Outlet are two others to watch.

[Cascade_fisher]

Sierra Trading Post has some items and if you subscribe to their email newsletter you generally get 20% more off.  I use Filson wool bibs with a silk base layer and Feathered Friends down coat under a Browning rain shell.  My tops vary upon the weather but I always have the down and shell in my pack regardless and almost always wear wool bottoms.

[colockumelk]

Anyone ever try the Firstlite brand of clothing?

[crazysccrmd]

I generally use my Army provided stuff. The thin (silk weight) bottom layers are light, pack small and usually plenty warm for Washington weather, especially if you're on the move. The thicker (waffles) are pretty good as well. I've seen them for sale at Cabela's in civilian colors too. My pants are Columbia brand zip offs that are pretty waterproof, and I have a Columbia jacket with zip in liner if it's going to get cold/wet.

[HighCountryHunter88]

Anyone ever try the Firstlite brand of clothing?

i use it and love that stuff! i have the under layers and the vest. i want to get a pair of their pants i think i remember seeing some of it in hirshey's pictures some time? or maybe it was just the same pattern. but its great stuff!

i wore their llano for ten days during archery and it didnt smell at all i only washed it once cuz i got blood on it 

[WAcoyotehunter]

depends on the weather.  I dress lightly, even in the cold because I'm usually walking.  I wear a light Under Armor long sleeve t shirt, and a north face fleece pullover (or a woolrich wool shirt...whichever is clean(er).) Then a light pair of microfiber long johns and wool pants with OR gaiters.  I always have a stocking cap and a super lightweight windbreaker in my pack.  If it's real cold I will keep a wool jacket on my pack too.

 

[hillbillyhunting]

just picked up some silvertec stuff on cabelas bargain cave for really cheap.  Not sure how it will perform but the cheap stuff is out there.  I needed some lighter weight base layers.  I have been running the underarmor coldgear and really like it, but it can be too warm.

[actionshooter]

For me its smartwool, polar fleece, Primaloft or down jacket, Sitka downpour shell.
90% pants

[Wea300mag]

For me its smartwool, polar fleece, Primaloft or down jacket, Sitka downpour shell.
90% pants

You are expensive!!!

[Sliverslinger]

Apparently I'm the only one here so far with this approach, But I have the Under Armour set up:  Top: Cold gear compression top/ Cold gear Hoodie/ Cold gear fleece vest/ Derecho jacket.  Bottoms: Cold gear compression/ Ayton II pants. Rain gear - Cabelas Space Rain.  UA light gloves when warm, with a no name fleece gloves when colder. Under Armour wool/polyester boot socks or merino socks. Cabelas Perfekt boots. Lucky Shot Archery hat with a polartec or Rivers West beanie in the pack. Still have my neck gator from the army 11 years later and always take it with me.

I love the current system, but have about worn through the pants and coat. Debating whether or not to go to UA Ridge Reaper outwear, or to Sitka or Kuiu.

[actionshooter]

For me its smartwool, polar fleece, Primaloft or down jacket, Sitka downpour shell.
90% pants

You are expensive!!!

And you sound like my wife!!   

[actionshooter]

I should add that everything I have was bought on sale or a retail pro-staff deal.    Otherwise I couldn't bring myself to do it.

[haugenna]

Anyone ever try the Firstlite brand of clothing?

The Red Desert boxer and merino wool bottoms are pretty good.  I hear the sizes run similar to sitka.  Short inseams for taller guys.  I just got Kuiu attack pants and guide jacket.  Fit is perfect.  Performance TBD in Sept and Nov.

My layers will be Merino base layers, Kuiu Quix Down Tee, Kuiu Guide jacket and Attack pants and MT050 for rain gear and wind break.

[dreamingbig]

Anyone ever try the Firstlite brand of clothing?

Yep.  Their boxers are my go to backcountry underwear.  I also have their 2012 pants.  They are awesome lightweight wool pants.

[rieses]

Im with the OP about not worrying about camo too much, rather have quality clothes and am not usually willing to pay for the overpriced camo patterns.
I usually use a UA base, then a quarter zip merino wool top then either a fleece lightweight pullover or a camo fleece pullover.
bottoms i use UA boxer briefs and then mid wieight insulated then light pants from REI.

for raingear i use Grundens lightweight  for the wet side and on the east i have a packable pullover and my poncho