early season backcountry clothes

[vandeman17]

What kind of clothes do you guys wear when hunting the early season backcountry? I am looking for some gear that will keep my warm on the chilly mornings but won't make me burn up by mid morning when I start to strip down. I also like the tighter fitting, less bulky stuff because I like to cover many miles and it makes it feel easier. I have looked at Sitka Gear and a few like that but they are pretty darn pricey. I am looking for a few shirts, maybe a light jacket and a pair of pants or two.

[dreamingbig]

If you have to pick and choose, I suggest Kuiu or firstlite merino wool base layers.  They are the perfect backcountry shirt.  You can wear them into the 80s F and they stink much less after 4-5 days than anything else will.  I also love the firstlite kanab pants or Kuiu attack.

Happy shopping!

[hughjorgan]

I would give first lite merino wool a look. It works great at thermal regulation and does not smell.

[JPhelps]

I just bought the sitka mountain pants.  The ascents are lighter but I liked the knee pads, belt and cargo pockets.  They are made out of the same material.

Up top I have the core, traverse, Jetstream vest and 90% jacket for layering.  I should be covered.

I will also use icebreaker Marino as a baselayer.

If you are looking to save some money the cabelas microtex and microtex lite perform awesome for their price (I used it last year).

[JackOfAllTrades]

Hunting or hiking in warmer weather, I wear light layers. Athletic cut polypro/fast wicking shirt for a base. Sometimes a cotton tee over that, (choose your camo/color), and a wool button up shirt. If I'm on the move right out of camp, the tee and wool are in my day pack until I stop to glass. I started wearing shorts instead of long pants too.  I'll duck down behind some saige or a tree to slip on the warmth before I slide into my glassing spot that I could be in for quite some time. I try really hard not to get over heated/sweaty any time. I'd rather be a little chilled.
 
-Steve

[wildmanoutdoors]

I wear Cabelas Microtex. Its great stuff and very affordable.
Especially if you get it after the season in the B cave.

[Shawn Ryan]

Layers.  I use Ice Breaker merino wool for the warmth and it doesn't stink, even after several days use.  My 1/4 zip, 150 weight top gets worn all day.  Its black, not "camo," and I don't care--plenty of black in the woods.  Merino is expensive, but one piece is more versatile than most other clothes.  Much better than the polyester clothes because it retains less odor.

Convertible/zip-off pants.  You can vent the knees or drop the lower leg for the warm parts of the day.  Mine are REI poly/cotton (yeah, I know--"no cotton"--but they are great pants).  Harder to find camo zip-off pants, but I have a few. I carry lightweight, packable rain pants, but hardly ever use them on that hunt because wet weather is not that common there in September--maybe 10-20% of the days. 

I use a Gore-Tex shell parka/jacket and a down vest under it for the real cold mornings.  Since the down vest is never used as an outside layer, mine doesn't need to be expensive, camo, or weather proof. I purchased one for $3 at a used clothes store.  Very compactable and lots of warmth for the weight.  It doubles as extra warmth on the nights I bivy out. When you are covering lots of ground, you can remove the down vest and it doesn't weigh down your pack.

Take some baking soda and a gallon Ziploc or a small tub with you and wash your clothes part way through the hunt. That will extend the usefulness of your clothes during your week.

You'll have plenty of room in your paniers for a variety of clothes, so take a pair of your heavier, weather-proof pants and parka. That way you have more choices if the weather turns.

You don't have to have the best brand-name clothes for that hunt. If you can afford them, that is great.  You will have a great time with some cheaper, basic clothes, though.

[JLS]

Good advice above.  Think lots of layers.  Fleece is heavy and bulky relative to hollofill or down.  Your raingear can double as a shell to block the wind.

Merino wool 1/4 zips are very versatile.  I usually carry some long underwear in my pack.  When I leave the truck I'm rarely wearing anything more than a t-shirt so I don't sweat it up too bad.  If I'm going to be stopped for a while glassing, I'll layer up. 

Once you get a system down, it's pretty quick and easy to know what you need to wear, and add or subtract layers accordingly.

[Broken Arrow]

Anything and everything that is quite. Removing layers is just part of the process.

[BULLBLASTER]

Merino wool and sitka have been my choice. I have both the ascent and mountain pants and dither would do well. They aren't the same material the mountain pants are slightly heavier material and not quite as.stretchy as the ascent but very minor differences. I would say microtex also if on a smaller budget. Or maybe the cabelas hunt tec.
I started gearing up with sitka and firstlite last year and it still amazes me how might better I like that gear than anything else I've used. Its spendy but worth it IMO. 

[jjhunter]

Ascent pants and merino or synthetic 1/4 zips. 

[BULLBLASTER]

Not surewhat size you are but there's some good deals here...

 http://www.mountain-archery.com/closeouts.aspx

I ordered some about a month ago.

[JPhelps]

Merino wool and sitka have been my choice. I have both the ascent and mountain pants and dither would do well. They aren't the same material the mountain pants are slightly heavier material and not quite as.stretchy as the ascent but very minor differences. I would say microtex also if on a smaller budget. Or maybe the cabelas hunt tec.
I started gearing up with sitka and firstlite last year and it still amazes me how might better I like that gear than anything else I've used. Its spendy but worth it IMO. 

Don't want to derail the thread but the ascent and mountain pants use the same exact textile (same weight and material).  The difference is the cargo pockets, built in belt and sewn in pockets for knee pads.  Thus making the mountain pants heavier, slightly warmer and less stretchy.

[BigTines]

What do you guys think about the under armour evo long sleeve t? It's super lightweight and suppose to help with staying cool.  I was also looking at the cabelas microtec but it seems like its pretty heavy for early September where the temps hit 80's where I live. Any input? The only concern I had was the durability of the material of the under armour.

[Forks]

Sitka Ascent and Kuiu Attack pants, Kuiu 185 tops, Kuiu vest work great for me. Any merino top should treat you well.