Wanted to post my initial thoughts on some new gear I got this year. A buddy of mine gave me a code to receive 50% off all Badlands Products. I initially just got an ultra day pack to supplement my 2200, but after looking at my gear, I felt it was time for an upgrade and 50% if hard to pass up!
I ended up going with the following...
Mid to Late Season Gear
http://www.badlandspacks.com/gear/apparel/hybrid-jacket-approachhttp://www.badlandspacks.com/hybrid-pant-approachhttp://www.badlandspacks.com/gear/apparel/calor-beanie-approach-bcalthosEarly Season Gear
http://www.badlandspacks.com/calor-1-4-ziphttp://www.badlandspacks.com/gear/apparel/rev-pant-approachhttp://www.badlandspacks.com/gear/apparel/high-uintas-vestWhen I received the gear I immediately held a fashion show. The stuff fits great, the material is quite and durable, and it appears to be constructed very well. I really like the camo pattern as well. The sizing is spot on for me. I am 6'1" and 185. Large fit me very well and the inseam on the pants was perfect. My buddy needed rain gear so he got the Exo Pant and Jacket and that is very quite and durable as well for being so lightweight. I will continue to use my RiversWest until it fails, if it does I will be placing an order for their rain gear next time I get the code
They are also planning on releasing some more early season gear next year, which I will probably try and pick up as well.
I can tell the Hybrid Jacket and pants will be great for those cold, snowy hunts. It is not cumbersome or heavy like wool or fleece, but it is warm and supposed to be extremely water resistant. This will be a nice change since I just throw my rain gear on when there is snow on the ground currently, and that really makes me sweat.
The beanie is very light, so I will use it year round. I may have to swap it out for something thicker come November, it feels to thin to really keep the cold out.
The Rev pants are light, quite, and tough. I have no doubt they will be perfect for my archery hunts and I plan on wearing them when the temp drops with some thermals underneath, unless its raining or snowy. They will probably be soaked in no time under wet conditions.
I added the vest for those cold mornings in September when I dont want to pack a jacket all day. It will also be great in the late season for layering.
