You Have $2,000 - Build Your Layering System

[Sliverslinger]

You have $1,500-2,000 that you have to spend this weekend ordering a complete clothing system from baselayers up to outer shell. This will be all you take for high country deer and elk hunts in September and October. Lot's of moving, no treestands or full days sitting. Temps range from 100 degrees - to 40 and raining - to 20 and windy. You wear the same clothes for 5-7 days at a time.  You can mix and match brands, but this will be your clothing system for the next 4-5 years. What items do you purchase?

I'm thinking:

First Lite Red Desert Merino Boxers
First Lite Llano SS Merino T-Shirt
First Lite Llano QZ
First Lite Chama Hoody (love the thumbholes)
First Lite Springer Vest or Kuiu Guide DCS Vest
Kuiu Spindrift Jacket
Kuiu Merino 185 bottom
Kuiu attack pants (maybe First Lite Kanab)
Kuiu Chugach Rain Jacket
Kuiu Chugach Rain Pant
First Lite Wind River Balaclava
First Lite brimmed beanie
Kuiu Guide Glove
Yukon Gaiters


I've been reading and researching for  weeks. I just wish Kuiu, Sitka, and First Lite had some mutual camo color. I can't stand the idea of wearing an ASAT top and Verde bottoms. What set up would you guys put together?

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

I would get the Kuiu Down Jacket over the Spindrift. 

Why wouldn't you just pick one brand?  They are all comparable.

[scottcrb]

definitely gonna watch this thread. but i like the sitka and kuiu stuff too first lite seems a little pricey. might go smartwool  over first light but stick with merino.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

I'll play though, here is what I should have completed by the end of the year.

KUIU: 185 T
KUIU: 230 Zip T
KUIU: Hooded Down Jacket
KUIU: Chugach Rain Jacket
KUIU: 185 Merino
KUIU: Attack Pants
KUIU: Chugach Rain Pant
KUIU: Beanie (Or Ballcap when they come out!)
Boots:  Still up in the air, I'm deciding between Hanwag and Kenetreks and Zamberlands
Socks: Kenetrek Alaskans
Gloves: None

[Bmcox86]

I'm going to watch this too as I'm trying to transfer to Alaska in the next two years and don't know much about this stuff.

I do recommend darn tough socks though. Warm, made in USA and lifetime warranty.

[Sliverslinger]

I've heard of guys who only take two pairs of merino wools socks and just rotate them back and forth 2ce a day. I'm trying to cut weight in my pack and clothing and feed take up the most. It's because my UA synthetic stuff gets so smelly and grungy after a day or two that I end up packing a ton of socks, pants, and shirts. I hear I can got for a week with Merino and it won't smell or start getting funky. I'm gonna research who makes the best socks because those are really, really important.

[Colville]

Too much brand chasing.

You can get a layered back country outfit of quality for a big fraction that spend. Investigate diminishing returns because they are in crazy effect here.

[fillthefreezer]

i dont thnk id change my current set up much. maybe change a couple things that would cut a few oz for me if i had $$$ to blow.
my current layers are
kuiu 185 "T"
kuiu 230
spindrift (upgrade to super down)
precip jacket (upgrade to chugach)
c4e boxers (upgrade to firstlite)
HH dry long johns (maybe go merino)
ascent "shorts"
HH odin guide pant
OR neoplume pant (maybe super down pant)
precip pant (chugach pant)
smartwool midwt socks (might try darn tough)
smartwool liner socks
OR flextex gaiters
kuiu gaiters
OR stocking hat
c4e light poly stocking hat

overall i wouldn't change much

[colockumelk]

Here is what I currently own. 
Smartwool Lite Hikers- These socks were a life changing event for me. (Best sock on the planet.  I no longer own cotton socks because of this sock.  I wear these socks to work even in the summer    )
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___19868

Lowa Hunter GTX- I was torn between this and the Kenetrek Mtn Extreme.  I went with the Lowa.  For my foot it felt the best.  All the boots you mentioned are fantastic boots.  All are great quality.  I recommend you try them all on and see which boot fits your foot the best. 
http://www.altrec.com/lowa-boots/mens-hunter-gtx-extreme-boot/

After you buy your boots the first thing you need to do is remove the insert and replace it with one of these.  A Superfeet insole, the green ones.  Literally life changing.  Almost as much as discovering wool socks.
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___17980

My underwear is just Under Armour compression style boxer briefs. My t-shirts are Under Armour heat gear.  Nothing special. 

I won't bore you with my pants, shirt and jacket.  You have money to spend and dont want to hear about cheaper stuff.  But here is what I do plan on owning when I return from Afghanistan.

Basically all First Lite stuff.  If someone came out with a merino wool line in multi cam I would buy it right now.  I LOVE multi cam.

[ORCA_SIX]

About 2 years ago I wanted to change out all of my backcountry/ big game clothing and I ended up basically buying the whole KUIU line and add some of the Firstlite tops. Worth every penny on both lines.

[dreamingbig]

My Kuiu and first lite gear is also worth every penny.  It allows me to stay warmer and drier and does ith wi th less weight and stink.  You might not notice the benefit as much if you are out for two days butby the 7th, 8th, and 9th days you are thanking yourself greatly.

[SGTDuffman]

I dumped Sitka and jumped on Kuiu when they first came out. I think I've spent something like $2,500 on Kuiu, but that's with 2 complete packs, an extra chugach for the wife, duplicates of the neck gaiter, beanie, and 185 top in Verde, and 3 other pairs of attack pants, so I'd think you'd still be well under your budget.

I just added all the Kuiu stuff to the cart again and it's $1,560 for the stuff below. If you keep an eye on the outlet, or buy when they're doing sales and stuff though you can knock that down quite a bit too. I got an Outlet Guide Jacket for $140, Chugach set on sale for $100 off, Spindrift on sale for $115, Attacks on sale for $120, Guide gloves on sale for $35, Beanie one sale for $15. So that'd be like $300 less than what the cart says, if you can catch stuff on sale or in the outlet. This was almost all in 2011 though, so I don't know if they'll keep doing those kinds of deals or not. The outlet is still a good place to snag stuff for cheap though. I bought a Chugach jacket from the outlet, and it had a pen mark on the sleeve cuff that I had to look to see, so it was like way less than a new one. The outlet stuff is still good stuff, there's nothing functionally wrong with it. There are Chugach pants on there right now for $100 less than new and the older style Guide Jackets without the dual chest pockets and the sleeve pocket for $50 off.

I use Kuiu (all in Vias):
Merino Neck Gaitor
Merino Beanie
185 Zip T top
250 Zip T top
Spindrift Jacket
Guide Vest
Guide Jacket
Chugach Jacket
Usually Red Ram merino boxers, if I do long underwear on my legs it's also the Kuiu merino
Attack Pants
Chugach Pants
Smart Wool socks
Lowa Uplander GTX boots
Guide Glove

For archery last year, I never used the long bottoms, the 250 top, the guide jacket, the gloves, the spindrift, or either of the chugach pieces, though I still took both of those.

[Sliverslinger]

I dumped Sitka and jumped on Kuiu when they first came out. I think I've spent something like $2,500 on Kuiu, but that's with 2 complete packs, an extra chugach for the wife, duplicates of the neck gaiter, beanie, and 185 top in Verde, and 3 other pairs of attack pants, so I'd think you'd still be well under your budget.

I just added all the Kuiu stuff to the cart again and it's $1,560 for the stuff below. If you keep an eye on the outlet, or buy when they're doing sales and stuff though you can knock that down quite a bit too. I got an Outlet Guide Jacket for $140, Chugach set on sale for $100 off, Spindrift on sale for $115, Attacks on sale for $120, Guide gloves on sale for $35, Beanie one sale for $15. So that'd be like $300 less than what the cart says, if you can catch stuff on sale or in the outlet. This was almost all in 2011 though, so I don't know if they'll keep doing those kinds of deals or not. The outlet is still a good place to snag stuff for cheap though. I bought a Chugach jacket from the outlet, and it had a pen mark on the sleeve cuff that I had to look to see, so it was like way less than a new one. The outlet stuff is still good stuff, there's nothing functionally wrong with it. There are Chugach pants on there right now for $100 less than new and the older style Guide Jackets without the dual chest pockets and the sleeve pocket for $50 off.

I use Kuiu (all in Vias):
Merino Neck Gaitor
Merino Beanie
185 Zip T top
250 Zip T top
Spindrift Jacket
Guide Vest
Guide Jacket
Chugach Jacket
Usually Red Ram merino boxers, if I do long underwear on my legs it's also the Kuiu merino
Attack Pants
Chugach Pants
Smart Wool socks
Lowa Uplander GTX boots
Guide Glove

For archery last year, I never used the long bottoms, the 250 top, the guide jacket, the gloves, the spindrift, or either of the chugach pieces, though I still took both of those.

Wow, thanks for all the input. Much appreciated. I'm definitely hoping to end up with some Kuiu gear. I think that for base layers Kuiu and First lite are top of the line. I went with the First Lite because of two reasons. First, the thumbholes in the sleeves were huge for me, as was the length of the tail. I'm 6'4 with long arms and I hate shirt riding up while I'm hiking or sleeves that won't stay down. I went first light all the way to the heavy vest. I'm not sure what I'll do yet for the thick, puffy insulating layer or the outer layer.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

I dumped Sitka and jumped on Kuiu when they first came out. I think I've spent something like $2,500 on Kuiu, but that's with 2 complete packs, an extra chugach for the wife, duplicates of the neck gaiter, beanie, and 185 top in Verde, and 3 other pairs of attack pants, so I'd think you'd still be well under your budget.

I just added all the Kuiu stuff to the cart again and it's $1,560 for the stuff below. If you keep an eye on the outlet, or buy when they're doing sales and stuff though you can knock that down quite a bit too. I got an Outlet Guide Jacket for $140, Chugach set on sale for $100 off, Spindrift on sale for $115, Attacks on sale for $120, Guide gloves on sale for $35, Beanie one sale for $15. So that'd be like $300 less than what the cart says, if you can catch stuff on sale or in the outlet. This was almost all in 2011 though, so I don't know if they'll keep doing those kinds of deals or not. The outlet is still a good place to snag stuff for cheap though. I bought a Chugach jacket from the outlet, and it had a pen mark on the sleeve cuff that I had to look to see, so it was like way less than a new one. The outlet stuff is still good stuff, there's nothing functionally wrong with it. There are Chugach pants on there right now for $100 less than new and the older style Guide Jackets without the dual chest pockets and the sleeve pocket for $50 off.

I use Kuiu (all in Vias):
Merino Neck Gaitor
Merino Beanie
185 Zip T top
250 Zip T top
Spindrift Jacket
Guide Vest
Guide Jacket
Chugach Jacket
Usually Red Ram merino boxers, if I do long underwear on my legs it's also the Kuiu merino
Attack Pants
Chugach Pants
Smart Wool socks
Lowa Uplander GTX boots
Guide Glove

For archery last year, I never used the long bottoms, the 250 top, the guide jacket, the gloves, the spindrift, or either of the chugach pieces, though I still took both of those.

Wow, thanks for all the input. Much appreciated. I'm definitely hoping to end up with some Kuiu gear. I think that for base layers Kuiu and First lite are top of the line. I went with the First Lite because of two reasons. First, the thumbholes in the sleeves were huge for me, as was the length of the tail. I'm 6'4 with long arms and I hate shirt riding up while I'm hiking or sleeves that won't stay down. I went first light all the way to the heavy vest. I'm not sure what I'll do yet for the thick, puffy insulating layer or the outer layer.

Funny the way different gear fits different people.  I am not a huge fan of thumbholes in clothes.

[JoeE]

I've been watching the KUIU outlet and buying stuff as it comes available. I just picked up the Chuguch rain pants for $100 off.

[fillthefreezer]

Funny the way different gear fits different people.  I am not a huge fan of thumbholes in clothes.

yip, cant get over feeling like a hipster or something with those thumbholes unless were talking stocks ...
my wife loves thumbholes...

[SGTDuffman]

I have some stuff with thumbholes and I find the only time I ever use them is when I put a jacket or something on, to keep the sleeve from riding up. Once I get the jacket on I take my thumbs out of the holes because I don't like having the obstruction on my hands. So I guess I'm pretty indifferent to having them or not. If they don't have the holes I just pull the sleeve down and grab them with my fingers, then put on a layer and let go. Nothing rides up while I'm wearing it, just when I put something on over it.

I'd have to go pull one out and look, but I'm pretty sure the tail on Kuiu wool is longer than the front. Most of Kuiu's stuff is built for pretty tall guys. All of the pants are sold with a 35" inseam. It's a lot easier to hem a sleeve or a pant leg than to add fabric to it.

[wilsongideon]

If I had two thousand dollars Id put it towards a spotting scope.

[Sliverslinger]

If I had two thousand dollars Id put it towards a spotting scope.

You going to hunt naked?

[Alan K]

If I had two thousand dollars Id put it towards a spotting scope.

You going to hunt naked?

Probably more like $1750 on a spotting scope and $250 on camo. 

My first reaction to this thread was similar, 2k on clothing!    But it sounds like it's got some justification for the price.  I might have to try out a few small pieces and judge for myself.  It's probably something I never knew I was missing out on.  For quite a while I got by with low to mid range glass, and thought it was ludicrous to spend more than $300-400 on binoculars.  Now that I've made the jump I can't see ever going back.  Maybe the ultralight hunting gear is the same way. 

[SGTDuffman]

I'd still say $2k is more than enough. I got all my Kuiu stuff, at least as far as the clothing goes for maybe $1,200. Expensive for clothes I guess, but it depends on what you need. If you hunt archery, you probably don't need some of it, and can cut it back to well below $1k. If you just plan on archery stuff, I'd say keep the pants, the 2 wool tops, the vest, the beanie, the gaitor, and both rain pieces. Late season guys would want the jacket, insulating layer, and the wool bottoms as well.

Regardless of what brand you prefer or how much it costs, I'd highly recommend merino wool, from anyone that makes it. All these new spandex type undergarments can't hold a candle to wool. Wool works when it's wet and does wonders for getting rid of your smell. I like the Kuiu rain stuff much better than Gore Tex as well. I can't find any information on the breathability of Gore Tex, but I don't get the same clammy rubbery feeling the Sitka Stormfront Lite gave me. For supposedly being high end high tech fabrics, it just felt like a rubber rain slicker on the inside. The Kuiu stuff just seems like fabric inside.

[Sliverslinger]

Yah, I put $2,000 down, not necessarily to indicate how much I need to spend, but more to say that for this one clothing system, money is no real serious object. It's actually a graduation present for me when I finish my MBA in about 4 weeks.as far as the rain gear, it will be Kuiu or I heard that First Lite is coming out with their rain gear in June and they are claiming it to be the most breathable rain gear available. I want to look at it before I decide.

[wilsongideon]

Well I am not saying I wouldnt love to try all these products because I am sure they are well worth the money!!!some of them Id should say, But you can be pretty comfortable for a lot less then 2 grand. And so that being said unless I had 5 grand to spend on both...I would rather see the animals then be in the best clothing and wonder if I should get closer to that group of deer or not. 

[deerslyr]

I would go with all kuiu personally.

I actually dreamt of taking out a $5k loan and buying all high quality gear that would fit me for life. Soon after I started adding up costs and tossing in optics and a bow $5k wasnt even close to what I needed. More like $15k  Guess ill continue on with my budget system.

[wilsongideon]

I know seriously....and would it really last for life?  I already have gear that I will not use except for the actual hunt so that it wont wear out faster then I can afford to replace it.

[deerslyr]

Your probably right  More power to the guys who can afford it, im surely jealous Some of the systems these hard core dudes are running require nearly 20k in gear on there back at any given time 

[wilsongideon]

  definitly jealous, I saw a couple guys last year who were decked out in nice gear, had the optics, packs, custom rifles. One of the guys worked for a guide service and Ill bet he had 8-9k just in his optics.

[SGTDuffman]

I can't bring myself to spend big money on optics. I have Vortex Viper HD's and I spent half a day in Cbaela's manhandling all of the big name stuff, looking through Zeiss and Swaro's. I was hard pressed to find any meaningful difference between them, and certainly didn't see $1,500-2,000 worth of difference. I figure what I saved on optics more than paid for my clothes.

[sirmissalot]

If I had two thousand dollars Id put it towards a spotting scope.

Absolutely. I hunt in carharts more often than not. I love the higher end stuff and have some of it, but wearing 2k in clothing sounds ridiculous. Optics on the other hand... That will increase your odds significantly.

[jackelope]

If I had two thousand dollars Id put it towards a spotting scope.

Absolutely. I hunt in carharts more often than not. I love the higher end stuff and have some of it, but wearing 2k in clothing sounds ridiculous. Optics on the other hand... That will increase your odds significantly.

What happens when you're soaked in your carharts and can't hunt and it takes 2 days to dry them out? Disclaimer: I don't own $2k in clothing or expensive optics. Just the best I can afford.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

If I had two thousand dollars Id put it towards a spotting scope.

Absolutely. I hunt in carharts more often than not. I love the higher end stuff and have some of it, but wearing 2k in clothing sounds ridiculous. Optics on the other hand... That will increase your odds significantly.

What happens when you're soaked in your carharts and can't hunt and it takes 2 days to dry them out? Disclaimer: I don't own $2k in clothing or expensive optics. Just the best I can afford.

No offense to the poster here who hunts in carharts, that's great.  But you obviously do a different type of hunting then one that would require an expensive layering system.  I know I plan on spending 8 days in a wilderness area this year, and when you do that, you could get away with carharts, but it's not going to be very much fun.  I'm there to hunt, and enjoy myself.  If I go with sub par gear, and a situation arises that I wish I had better gear, that effects the whole hunt, and takes away from what I'm trying to accomplish. 

I'm not saying what you're doing is wrong, but I don't think I would blast a group of people for wanting high end gear because YOU don't think it's necessary.  Tell me how your carharts are going to be wearing on day 4 when you've woken up to 6 inches of snow, then it rains all morning, followed by sun and 60 in the afternoon.

Again, I know  you can hunt with cheaper gear, I've done it.  But I can also tell you from experience, I couldn't wait to upgrade.

Welcome to Washington...

[fillthefreezer]

I can't bring myself to spend big money on optics. I have Vortex Viper HD's and I spent half a day in Cbaela's manhandling all of the big name stuff, looking through Zeiss and Swaro's. I was hard pressed to find any meaningful difference between them, and certainly didn't see $1,500-2,000 worth of difference. I figure what I saved on optics more than paid for my clothes.

gotta get out of the store, at dusk, counting points at a half mile with the sun at a poor angle... thats where the high end earn their keep...



what silk said x2

[MtnMuley]

Myself personally, I buy what I feel is the best piece of gear for my needs reguardless of brand.  Quality, durability, fit, and comfort are what I base my choices on, not price.  I've got some of nearly everything mentioned above.  Sitka builds a jacket that I think is unbeatable, while First Lite has some of the best base layers.  Kuiu's superdown insulating jacket is by far the best piece I've added recently.  As far as camo patterns go, I personally like to mix/match them.  I feel the overall break-up is better.

[jackelope]

Myself personally, I buy what I feel is the best piece of gear for my needs reguardless of brand.  Quality, durability, fit, and comfort are what I base my choices on, not price.  I've got some of nearly everything mentioned above.  Sitka builds a jacket that I think is unbeatable, while First Lite has some of the best base layers.  Kuiu's superdown insulating jacket is by far the best piece I've added recently.  As far as camo patterns go, I personally like to mix/match them.  I feel the overall break-up is better.

Where's the fashion statement in that? All different camo? 

[jjhunter]

Don't you feel bad for his old lady?  Ha ha

[sirmissalot]

If I had two thousand dollars Id put it towards a spotting scope.

Absolutely. I hunt in carharts more often than not. I love the higher end stuff and have some of it, but wearing 2k in clothing sounds ridiculous. Optics on the other hand... That will increase your odds significantly.

What happens when you're soaked in your carharts and can't hunt and it takes 2 days to dry them out? Disclaimer: I don't own $2k in clothing or expensive optics. Just the best I can afford.

If its raining I probably wouldn't be wearing carharts. Also Carharts don't take 2 days to dry out 

I don't remember saying carharts are the answer, I just said I wear them more often than my Sitka gortex stuff. That stuff is always in my pack, and when I need it I throw it on. (over my carharts  ) When I don't, I take it off.

If I had two thousand dollars Id put it towards a spotting scope.

Absolutely. I hunt in carharts more often than not. I love the higher end stuff and have some of it, but wearing 2k in clothing sounds ridiculous. Optics on the other hand... That will increase your odds significantly.

What happens when you're soaked in your carharts and can't hunt and it takes 2 days to dry them out? Disclaimer: I don't own $2k in clothing or expensive optics. Just the best I can afford.

No offense to the poster here who hunts in carharts, that's great.  But you obviously do a different type of hunting then one that would require an expensive layering system.  I know I plan on spending 8 days in a wilderness area this year, and when you do that, you could get away with carharts, but it's not going to be very much fun.  I'm there to hunt, and enjoy myself.  If I go with sub par gear, and a situation arises that I wish I had better gear, that effects the whole hunt, and takes away from what I'm trying to accomplish. 

I'm not saying what you're doing is wrong, but I don't think I would blast a group of people for wanting high end gear because YOU don't think it's necessary.  Tell me how your carharts are going to be wearing on day 4 when you've woken up to 6 inches of snow, then it rains all morning, followed by sun and 60 in the afternoon.

Again, I know  you can hunt with cheaper gear, I've done it.  But I can also tell you from experience, I couldn't wait to upgrade.

Welcome to Washington...

I'm trying trying to blast anyone? I just think $2k in brand new clothing sounds ridiculous, especially when you're just talking about all this fancy brand stuff, if you were including some good wool for late season stuff, I'd agree a little more.  I own Sitka, Kuiu, first lite, as well as many other lower end brands, including carharts. I simply gave my input of what I normally wear.  Not trying to be a know it all, because I certainly don't. Its not uncommon for me to have to hear about my fancy optics, some guys choose to hunt with Nikon or Bushnell. I don't!

[jackelope]

If I had two thousand dollars Id put it towards a spotting scope.

Absolutely. I hunt in carharts more often than not. I love the higher end stuff and have some of it, but wearing 2k in clothing sounds ridiculous. Optics on the other hand... That will increase your odds significantly.

What happens when you're soaked in your carharts and can't hunt and it takes 2 days to dry them out? Disclaimer: I don't own $2k in clothing or expensive optics. Just the best I can afford.

If its raining I probably wouldn't be wearing carharts. Also Carharts don't take 2 days to dry out 

I don't remember saying carharts are the answer, I just said I wear them more often than my Sitka gortex stuff. That stuff is always in my pack, and when I need it I throw it on. (over my carharts  ) When I don't, I take it off.

That answers my question. Although in a tent at 7k' with no heat source, it probably would take 2 days to dry out your Carhartts....but not if you had your raingear on over the top.

 

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

If I had two thousand dollars Id put it towards a spotting scope.

Absolutely. I hunt in carharts more often than not. I love the higher end stuff and have some of it, but wearing 2k in clothing sounds ridiculous. Optics on the other hand... That will increase your odds significantly.

What happens when you're soaked in your carharts and can't hunt and it takes 2 days to dry them out? Disclaimer: I don't own $2k in clothing or expensive optics. Just the best I can afford.

If its raining I probably wouldn't be wearing carharts. Also Carharts don't take 2 days to dry out 

I don't remember saying carharts are the answer, I just said I wear them more often than my Sitka gortex stuff. That stuff is always in my pack, and when I need it I throw it on. (over my carharts  ) When I don't, I take it off.

If I had two thousand dollars Id put it towards a spotting scope.

Absolutely. I hunt in carharts more often than not. I love the higher end stuff and have some of it, but wearing 2k in clothing sounds ridiculous. Optics on the other hand... That will increase your odds significantly.

What happens when you're soaked in your carharts and can't hunt and it takes 2 days to dry them out? Disclaimer: I don't own $2k in clothing or expensive optics. Just the best I can afford.

No offense to the poster here who hunts in carharts, that's great.  But you obviously do a different type of hunting then one that would require an expensive layering system.  I know I plan on spending 8 days in a wilderness area this year, and when you do that, you could get away with carharts, but it's not going to be very much fun.  I'm there to hunt, and enjoy myself.  If I go with sub par gear, and a situation arises that I wish I had better gear, that effects the whole hunt, and takes away from what I'm trying to accomplish. 

I'm not saying what you're doing is wrong, but I don't think I would blast a group of people for wanting high end gear because YOU don't think it's necessary.  Tell me how your carharts are going to be wearing on day 4 when you've woken up to 6 inches of snow, then it rains all morning, followed by sun and 60 in the afternoon.

Again, I know  you can hunt with cheaper gear, I've done it.  But I can also tell you from experience, I couldn't wait to upgrade.

Welcome to Washington...

SF

I'm trying trying to blast anyone? I just think $2k in brand new clothing sounds ridiculous, especially when you're just talking about all this fancy brand stuff, if you were including some good wool for late season stuff, I'd agree a little more.  I own Sitka, Kuiu, first lite, as well as many other lower end brands, including carharts. I simply gave my input of what I normally wear.  Not trying to be a know it all, because I certainly don't. Its not uncommon for me to have to hear about my fancy optics, some guys choose to hunt with Nikon or Bushnell. I don't!

Again, i'm not trying to be combative, but you get what you pay for.

From the looks of your profile picture you do just fine.

[BLUEBULLS]

If I had two thousand dollars Id put it towards a spotting scope.

Absolutely. I hunt in carharts more often than not. I love the higher end stuff and have some of it, but wearing 2k in clothing sounds ridiculous. Optics on the other hand... That will increase your odds significantly.

What happens when you're soaked in your carharts and can't hunt and it takes 2 days to dry them out? Disclaimer: I don't own $2k in clothing or expensive optics. Just the best I can afford.

If its raining I probably wouldn't be wearing carharts. Also Carharts don't take 2 days to dry out 

I don't remember saying carharts are the answer, I just said I wear them more often than my Sitka gortex stuff. That stuff is always in my pack, and when I need it I throw it on. (over my carharts  ) When I don't, I take it off.

If I had two thousand dollars Id put it towards a spotting scope.

Absolutely. I hunt in carharts more often than not. I love the higher end stuff and have some of it, but wearing 2k in clothing sounds ridiculous. Optics on the other hand... That will increase your odds significantly.

What happens when you're soaked in your carharts and can't hunt and it takes 2 days to dry them out? Disclaimer: I don't own $2k in clothing or expensive optics. Just the best I can afford.

No offense to the poster here who hunts in carharts, that's great.  But you obviously do a different type of hunting then one that would require an expensive layering system.  I know I plan on spending 8 days in a wilderness area this year, and when you do that, you could get away with carharts, but it's not going to be very much fun.  I'm there to hunt, and enjoy myself.  If I go with sub par gear, and a situation arises that I wish I had better gear, that effects the whole hunt, and takes away from what I'm trying to accomplish. 

I'm not saying what you're doing is wrong, but I don't think I would blast a group of people for wanting high end gear because YOU don't think it's necessary.  Tell me how your carharts are going to be wearing on day 4 when you've woken up to 6 inches of snow, then it rains all morning, followed by sun and 60 in the afternoon.

Again, I know  you can hunt with cheaper gear, I've done it.  But I can also tell you from experience, I couldn't wait to upgrade.

Welcome to Washington...

SF

I'm trying trying to blast anyone? I just think $2k in brand new clothing sounds ridiculous, especially when you're just talking about all this fancy brand stuff, if you were including some good wool for late season stuff, I'd agree a little more.  I own Sitka, Kuiu, first lite, as well as many other lower end brands, including carharts. I simply gave my input of what I normally wear.  Not trying to be a know it all, because I certainly don't. Its not uncommon for me to have to hear about my fancy optics, some guys choose to hunt with Nikon or Bushnell. I don't!

Again, i'm not trying to be combative, but you get what you pay for.

From the looks of your profile picture you do just fine.

I'd say with the high end stuff, you get "most of what you pay for"

[coachcw]

I don't wear expensive gear to look the part but because it's good stuff . I will wear sitka pants and a cotton tee at times . As far as base layer systems by day two mine pretty miss matched . I love smart wools and HH thermals , Ecofico under wear flat rock and are all I buy ant more for everything , they are the best $25.00 dollar undies I've ever had. Cabellas has a six pocket pant that works really well for me is quiet . In all I much rather spend $150.00 on a comfortable pair of pants than $40.00 on a pair of uncomfortable carharts .