Best cold weather coat

[carpsniperg2]

I have some kuiu and firtlite gear but usually don't hunt super cold late season hunts. However this year I have several that might get very cold. So I am looking for suggestions.

For a coat I want something warm and not to bulky/super heavy in weight. With a hood or detachable.  I don't need 500 pockets lol. Don't have a set price so any price range.

No Sitka for me. Let me know if you guys have a favorite coat to take a look at that might fit this bill.

thanks guys

[JimmyHoffa]

How cold are you talking?  layers are usually the best way to go.  Even with gloves-- liners/woolies/shell.

[carpsniperg2]

20-40deg I will for sure still layer. I will have base layers and wool on already. So that is why I am not looking for something bulky. There will be 2 layers under the coat already.

[GoldenOscar]

The Cabela's Wooltimate is pretty money in the really cold weather 0-30 deg

It is Kinda Heavy and picks up burs but I do like mine for the cold stuff

[MtnMuley]

Too bad about no sitka, because the best overall jacket built in my eyes is their Stratus Jacket. It is exactly what you've described in your needs.

[carpsniperg2]

Thanks for the info guys.

Sitka brand is just not a good fit for me.

[Buzz2401]

I wear a filson double mackinaw when it get cold.  All other times I use the single Mackinaw.  Nothing to fail just good Made in USA clothing

[Duckslayer89]

http://www.fortbraggsurplus.us/GEN-III-ECW-Parka-Urban-Grey-p/geniii-ecw-parka.htm

Everyone says these are the warmest jackets out there and they compress down to nothing, insulate when wet, dry quickly, made in USA. Not overpriced. I bought the jacket and pant set, both size medium regular and I'm 6'0 215 pounds. They are sized to fit over body armor and stuff so the medium fits me perfect.

I also bought the jacket and pant set of the goretex rainwear from the same site and it is B.A. Extremely liteweight and durable.

[Magnum_Willys]

Kuiu has an outlet sale today - $89 for teton jacket. Primaloft insulation layer. Great everyday jkt too. For use under a shell if in wet or brush.  Bit much for hiking more of a static layer like that military listed above.

[Dhoey07]

20-40deg I will for sure still layer. I will have base layers and wool on already. So that is why I am not looking for something bulky. There will be 2 layers under the coat already.

Are you sitting in a blind/treestand or on the move?  At 20-40 degrees, you'll be just fine with 2 layers and any ole wool/fleece coat.   

[BULLBLASTER]

Sitka kelvin lite hoody...     


Or first lite unpronounceable puffy

[bracer40]

Duckslayer, thanks for the link. Looks like a good source for some tree stand gear. Last year we had a stretch of days where the temp range was 11-20 for a dark to dark sit during late season. Those are the days you insert hot packs over the kidneys and knees as well as hands and feet!

[kentrek]

I like puffy jackets.....if it's windy or rainy I Layer my chugach rain jacket but if it's just one of those cold dead still days I prefer all wool or similar on every layer

I hate the noise of synthetics on a still day

A good fluffy hat and neck gator is pretty Iimportant as well....then you can trap all of that inside your rain jacket hood  and do your best to not fall asleep 

[Jonathan_S]

The Uncompahgre by First Lite is sure nice. I sat on an alpine meadow in high cold winds for an hour and was perfectly fine. I just got mine but I am sold on it. Packs into its own pocket. I realize that is a feature created for backpackers but any hunter should appreciate that!

[carpsniperg2]

Kuiu has an outlet sale today - $89 for teton jacket. Primaloft insulation layer. Great everyday jkt too. For use under a shell if in wet or brush.  Bit much for hiking more of a static layer like that military listed above.

I have a soft shell Teton and that will probably be the other layer under the coat or a kuiu 145 zip t.

Sitka kelvin lite hoody...     


Or first lite unpronounceable puffy

The Uncompahgre by First Lite is sure nice. I sat on an alpine meadow in high cold winds for an hour and was perfectly fine. I just got mine but I am sold on it. Packs into its own pocket. I realize that is a feature created for backpackers but any hunter should appreciate that!

  I can never spell it or say it You should see some of the yahoo searches that pop up with my messed up spelling of there puffy

Glad to hear the feedback on it as this is one I have seen online that I might like. Is it loud and makes a bunch of noise is my only concern for you guys that run this?

thanks all.

[boneaddict]

I'm going to harass you if you think 20 to 40 is cold weather. : )

[carpsniperg2]

20-40deg I will for sure still layer. I will have base layers and wool on already. So that is why I am not looking for something bulky. There will be 2 layers under the coat already.

Are you sitting in a blind/treestand or on the move?  At 20-40 degrees, you'll be just fine with 2 layers and any ole wool/fleece coat.   

Mainly moving but also sitting and glassing for hrs. A few of the hunts I will also be traveling around on a quad late season and the wind killed me last year. It was well at zero with wind chill and one reason I am looking to upgrade. I had 2 pairs of gloves on and my hands still ended up getting frost bit on my knuckles. Anyone who has had frost bit can fill my pain. I never thought it would hurt so much and ached for days! No more of that stuff!

I'm going to harass you if you think 20 to 40 is cold weather. : )

  im guessing that will be the temps outside with wind chill it will be colder

[Bofire]

dry windy or wet cold? layers or course, 20 -40 does not sound cold to me. wool is good but does not break the wind, rain gear breaks the wind and you stay dry but you sweat.
Carl

[carpsniperg2]

Depends on the day. Im sure I will experience both

[kentrek]

Look up volt heated clothing, they make some gloves that are awesome for quads in the cold weather

[Jonathan_S]

Kuiu has an outlet sale today - $89 for teton jacket. Primaloft insulation layer. Great everyday jkt too. For use under a shell if in wet or brush.  Bit much for hiking more of a static layer like that military listed above.

I have a soft shell Teton and that will probably be the other layer under the coat or a kuiu 145 zip t.

Sitka kelvin lite hoody...     


Or first lite unpronounceable puffy

The Uncompahgre by First Lite is sure nice. I sat on an alpine meadow in high cold winds for an hour and was perfectly fine. I just got mine but I am sold on it. Packs into its own pocket. I realize that is a feature created for backpackers but any hunter should appreciate that!

  I can never spell it or say it You should see some of the yahoo searches that pop up with my messed up spelling of there puffy

Glad to hear the feedback on it as this is one I have seen online that I might like. Is it loud and makes a bunch of noise is my only concern for you guys that run this?

thanks all.

Definitely not noisy. It also isn't whisper quiet like fleece but it is very quiet especially for something that breaks the wind so well

[carpsniperg2]

Thank you for the info guys.

There is a new one out from first lite called the woodbury that looks promising as well.

[jackelope]

Merino base layer, top shirt of your choice, puffy jacket and a light rainjacket if it gets wet or windy.
That way if it's 30-40 degrees out and you're walking, you can shed some layers, then bundle back up if you're sitting.

[MtnMuley]

Jack hit it pretty well. It's all about layering. For a cold weather pack in hunt, I will wear a 210 merino base layer of any brand that's on top. Next is Sitka heavyweight core 1/4 zip. I'll hike in that and depending of the type of hiking, will go with the Sitka Stratus jacket. 90% of the time that's the most I'll wear. In my pack in have a KUIU Super Down hooded jacket and pants that can be used as needed glassing in frigid conditions. With this layering system I can be very comfortable during nearly any condition. Wool is another great option especially if there's not a lot of hiking involved. I don't like hiking in wool unless it's in January in a foot of snow in the low teens. I sweat too much and it's heavy.  Also, the new generation Stratus jacket doesn't have near the "athletic fit" as the old one.

[carpsniperg2]

Understand I am the same way. I love my kuiu and my wool but I also sweat a lot and with the outer coat I was using last year as my third layer it was turning me into a steaming oven lol. I do like that jacket you listed. I might see if I can find one around to try on or a good deal to snag as it looks like it might fit with what I am looking for well and I also am going to have to look more at the firstlite puffy.

I have there new release face mask system that just shipped and should be here soon. Im excited as it looks like it will keep the old whiskers warm lol.

[thinkingman]

I hunted late archery elk last year, temps in the teens and snow 6" deep.
Hiking uphill in the sun was a sweatbath and glassing in the shade was frigid.
I wore two layers of capilene undershirts and the Core4element Element softshell jacket and pants.
When I sweat, it evaporated right off and I never felt clammy and was warm while sitting. Great gear at a great price although discontinued. You may find a bargain.
The lesson learned was pullover layers suck when you want to shed a layer.
I am now experimenting with carrying my full zip Patagucci down sweater as a layer under the camo for stationary hunting and quickly zip it off for moving. I am trying to reduce my 'collection and the down sweater is great for everyday wear.

[trophyhunt]

All you need is good quality layers from kuiu and firstlite.  The halstead fleece with the puffy from firstlite is a great combo from firstlite.  Light shell and gloves, with layers on your lower section.  Good to go. 

[Wetwoodshunter]

My system this year is:

SEEK Jacket
Uncompagre Puffy
Chama hoody
Llano qz
Knitted thick wool hat - made by my sister

The uncompagre from first lite absolutely rocks, its by far my favorite piece of clothing I own. I like to put hand warmers in it in the cold and since the inside pocket lining is kinda thin the heat transfers throughout the jacket surprisingly well. With the Chama/llano and uncompagre I was able to be comfortable at 30* with hand warmers, although I had a terrible hat that day. (first lite beanie is not a warm hat)

I have not received my SEEK jacket yet but for where I live and hunt I'm hoping its the bees knees.

[Wetwoodshunter]

You know Carp, if you wanted to check out my stuff I would let you. I come over to Goldendale about every 2 months.

My SEEK should be here in the next few weeks.

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

When the temp drops and there is snow on the ground, I throw on my rivers west midweight rain gear.  It keeps me dry and plenty warm with layers underneath.

[Duckslayer89]

All you need is good quality layers from kuiu and firstlite.  The halstead fleece with the puffy from firstlite is a great combo from firstlite.  Light shell and gloves, with layers on your lower section.  Good to go.

I agree but backpacking in is really hard when it's raining to carry all those layers up switchbacks into the wilderness. I'll be running icebreaker merino wool layer, first lite chama, first lite Kanab, then when sitting in meadows the ECWCS cold weather layer on top. Be running that for 10 days in the backcountry with the goretex rain gear when it rains which is most of the time in September.

[Dhoey07]

Leo Dicaprio wore a bear on his back for what seemed like months in the frigid wilderness in The Revenant, maybe give that a go 

[carpsniperg2]

You know Carp, if you wanted to check out my stuff I would let you. I come over to Goldendale about every 2 months.

My SEEK should be here in the next few weeks.

thanks for the great offer.

[Jonathan_S]

http://www.firstlite.com/sanctuary-insulated-jacket-july-2014-rt.html

"Dead Quiet and Hotter than July"

for $210 the 37.5 by Cocona is worth it!

[carpsniperg2]

Perfect thanks jonathan. I order a sanctuary and a halstead.