Blacktail Hunting Pants

[ridgefire]

I am looking for a pair of hunting pants for hunting Blacktails and I’m curious what you guys are using. I currently use a pair of Sitka Thunderhead pants and I love them but I cannot stand the pocket layout of them. I have been thinking about trying out the Filson Tin pants or the Outback Trading Oilskin Western Overpants because of the durability factor and supposedly they are fairly water resistant. Have any of you tried these pants out and if so, do you like them? How long can you hunt in them in the typical Blacktail hunting weather before they soak thru? Is one brand better than the other? Is there any other pants I should be looking at? Thanks.

[elksnout]

Hard to beat wool. I’ll never give up on mine. I also have a pair of microtex pants I bought years and years ago. Quiet and soft. Dry quickly. Cargo pockets.


elksnout

[Born2late]

https://dayonecamouflage.com/products/pants-cowboy-suede-windowcamo?variant=43502366720221
This is what me and my hunting partner went to. The quietest camo I’ve worn and is super comfortable. Cowboy suede is like a micro fleece. I wash it with polar plus makes it water proof for the most part. Breathes good and can layer to your liking underneath. Huge pockets. We had them make us custom pack covers also so you don’t get the swooshing noise rubbing off limbs.they made us gaiters and their design doesn’t work, I need to cut them apart and make them how I want them. There are things I would like different but for the most part they work perfect for our area. I have lots of Sitka and firstlite also and always wear the day one for my blacktail hunts only. I wear the other stuff for Idaho rifle hunts.or Alaska hunts.

[BigGoonTuna]

A vote for wool here also.  I haven't found anything that matches the quietness of wool and nothing seems to breathe as well either.  It's a shame that Cabela's stopped making their washable wool gear, had I known they would discontinue it, I would have bought several sets of shirts and pants.

The trick for me is wearing merino under layers, I can get pretty soaked and not really feel "wet" since you stay warm.  If it's supposed to be really nasty weather I break out the PVC raingear most of the time these days.

[Boss .300 winmag]

I can’t imagine hunting in tin pants, I wore them one winter working outside and that wasn’t much fun. Hunting in them would be terrible.🤯

I wear wool bibs when the weather gets cold.

[GASoline71]

Wool pants treated with Scotchguard to help make them water repellant.  Been doing that for eons in the elk and deer woods.

Gary

[James]

Ill throw out some newer waterproof options:
-Patagonia pow slayer bibs
-First lite Omen Stormshelter.

Most of the time I am elk or blacktail hunting I just wear rain gear like they are regular clothes. Maybe you guys are more lucky than I when it comes to finding days to hunt that are not constant downpours.

Little louder than wool, but better in the sopping wet.

[Taco280AI]

I really like Kuiu pants, mostly wear the guide pants. If wet the Yukon with Merino wool under.

[blackveltbowhunter]

https://pfannercanada.ca/product/loden-pants/

   I bought a pair of these a couple years back. Absolutely love them. They remind me of the old army surplus ones. But hold up better IMO. Big bill makes another option that looks similar but is like half the cost. I might pick up a pair of those this year to test out and compare.

  Steady rain is actually one of the easiest condition to stay dry as noise is nearly a non factor in good canopy with good rain. Pvc and wool and moving slow is super comfy. Once the rain stops is when things get wierd.

   BT hunters vary widely as well. Hunting in the rain is very different if your  hiking  logging road glassing cuts and covering big swathes of ground, vs still hunting timber benches and reprod all day.

[metlhead]

Most BT been killed by guys in jeans. Hard to go wrong with facts.

[7mmfan]

If I don't have to hike far or climb mountains, rubber boots, rubber pants, rubber coat. If I'm covering ground and climbing mountains, Kuiu Yukon Pants/Jacket and merino base layer. Always wear rubber boots if I can, but walking miles of logging roads in them is tough on the feet.

[2MANY]

If I was serious about hunting timber ground in Western WA for BT I would go to Madsens and buy a pair of these new Danner caulk(sp?) boots.

I used to love wearing my caulk shoes hunting.
Run up slick wet logs like a cougar.

[Mustelidae]

Tin pants have been good to me. Been wearing them for over 10 years and they will likely last my whole life. Theyre good for beating the brush, don't have to worry about blackberries or rips and tears. Also pretty water-resistant especially if you keep the fronts greased up. If I'm out in a torrential downpour the knees will usually get damp but it's not bad. Only bad thing is filson quit making them in the US. I bought a tin vest last year and was surprised to see it was made in bangladesh. The quality still seems good but I don't think I want to pay a hefty price for something made overseas.

[blackveltbowhunter]

Corks are great as long as not doing any gravel road travel. I still use hoffmans rubber quite often. Dont wear them with your fancy kuiu yukon tho. 

[2MANY]

They are a little noisy on gravel BUT there is nothing better for hunting in the wet cliff type BT country.
Those things can grab the smallest crack and get you places you should NEVER be. lol

[GASoline71]

-Patagonia pow slayer bibs

I know Patagonia makes some good snow stuff... but no way could I support them by buying any products from them, as they are anti-hatchery, anti-hunting, with a huge climate change agenda.

Gary

[2MANY]

Oh yea.
Screw em.

[Sundance]

Light rain= Kuiu Axis pants. Moderate rain= Kuiu Yukon. Coastal downpour rain= P/U rubber pants.

[TripleB]

Most BT been killed by guys in jeans. Hard to go wrong with facts.

I’ll second that and still love my jeans, sure I’ve gotten soaked plenty but I’ve saved a lot of money doing it. I couldn’t personally imagine spending a ton of money on camo when I’ve killed plenty of deer (archery and rifle) in jeans. Especially that Sitka.They are way to proud of it.

Cold weather like yearly  idaho trip I wear my cheap camo bibs over my under layers and long sleeve shirt and a frog togg rain coat from amazon. Maybe spent 75 bucks on them. Coldest day last year was 9 degrees and snowing  when we left on the quads. I was sweating.

[7mmfan]

Most BT been killed by guys in jeans. Hard to go wrong with facts.

I’ll second that and still love my jeans, sure I’ve gotten soaked plenty but I’ve saved a lot of money doing it. I couldn’t personally imagine spending a ton of money on camo when I’ve killed plenty of deer (archery and rifle) in jeans. Especially that Sitka.They are way to proud of it.

Cold weather like yearly  idaho trip I wear my cheap camo bibs over my under layers and long sleeve shirt and a frog togg rain coat from amazon. Maybe spent 75 bucks on them. Coldest day last year was 9 degrees and snowing  when we left on the quads. I was sweating.

There's a big difference between being warm/dry, and being comfortable. I've hunted many days in jeans, killed many animals in jeans. I will likely never wear a pair of jeans into the woods hunting again though. I watched my Dad on a day where we literally never stopped moving, killed a big bull, packed it all out in pouring rain, get hypothermic because he was wearing jeans and a cotton t-shirt under his other layers.

In my expensive rain gear, I can climb mountains without getting horribly sweaty, dry off the little bit that I do get quickly, and then dive into the brush and still hunt all day without getting wet. I couldn't do that in jeans or rubber rain gear.

To each his own, I certainly wouldn't criticize you for choosing to wear jeans, you're just tougher than I am.

[Dark2Dark]

Most BT been killed by guys in jeans. Hard to go wrong with facts.

I’ll second that and still love my jeans, sure I’ve gotten soaked plenty but I’ve saved a lot of money doing it. I couldn’t personally imagine spending a ton of money on camo when I’ve killed plenty of deer (archery and rifle) in jeans. Especially that Sitka.They are way to proud of it.

Cold weather like yearly  idaho trip I wear my cheap camo bibs over my under layers and long sleeve shirt and a frog togg rain coat from amazon. Maybe spent 75 bucks on them. Coldest day last year was 9 degrees and snowing  when we left on the quads. I was sweating.

My days in the woods are too long and too hard of work to be miserably wet in cotton.

I came here to suggest Sitka Thunderhead- the pockets do suck but other than that, they are amazing and not really all that expensive.

I can hunt rainforest conditions and with the right hat/jacket/pants/gator/boot combination come out of the woods without being soaked- maybe a little leaking down the neck or arms or sweat.

I have hunted a ton of days where if I hadn’t invested in quality gear I would have been back to camp early or never gotten out of the truck (which I’m guessing is how MOST blacktail are killed in jeans).

I see way more jeans in pics of spikes and forks than I do of mature 4pt bucks.

[TripleB]

Most BT been killed by guys in jeans. Hard to go wrong with facts.

I’ll second that and still love my jeans, sure I’ve gotten soaked plenty but I’ve saved a lot of money doing it. I couldn’t personally imagine spending a ton of money on camo when I’ve killed plenty of deer (archery and rifle) in jeans. Especially that Sitka.They are way to proud of it.

Cold weather like yearly  idaho trip I wear my cheap camo bibs over my under layers and long sleeve shirt and a frog togg rain coat from amazon. Maybe spent 75 bucks on them. Coldest day last year was 9 degrees and snowing  when we left on the quads. I was sweating.

My days in the woods are too long and too hard of work to be miserably wet in cotton.

I came here to suggest Sitka Thunderhead- the pockets do suck but other than that, they are amazing and not really all that expensive.

I can hunt rainforest conditions and with the right hat/jacket/pants/gator/boot combination come out of the woods without being soaked- maybe a little leaking down the neck or arms or sweat.

I have hunted a ton of days where if I hadn’t invested in quality gear I would have been back to camp early or never gotten out of the truck (which I’m guessing is how MOST blacktail are killed in jeans).

I see way more jeans in pics of spikes and forks than I do of mature 4pt bucks.

Most BT been killed by guys in jeans. Hard to go wrong with facts.

I’ll second that and still love my jeans, sure I’ve gotten soaked plenty but I’ve saved a lot of money doing it. I couldn’t personally imagine spending a ton of money on camo when I’ve killed plenty of deer (archery and rifle) in jeans. Especially that Sitka.They are way to proud of it.

Cold weather like yearly  idaho trip I wear my cheap camo bibs over my under layers and long sleeve shirt and a frog togg rain coat from amazon. Maybe spent 75 bucks on them. Coldest day last year was 9 degrees and snowing  when we left on the quads. I was sweating.

There's a big difference between being warm/dry, and being comfortable. I've hunted many days in jeans, killed many animals in jeans. I will likely never wear a pair of jeans into the woods hunting again though. I watched my Dad on a day where we literally never stopped moving, killed a big bull, packed it all out in pouring rain, get hypothermic because he was wearing jeans and a cotton t-shirt under his other layers.

In my expensive rain gear, I can climb mountains without getting horribly sweaty, dry off the little bit that I do get quickly, and then dive into the brush and still hunt all day without getting wet. I couldn't do that in jeans or rubber rain gear.

To each his own, I certainly wouldn't criticize you for choosing to wear jeans, you're just tougher than I am.

Absolutely, I won’t criticize anybody over what they choose to wear and how much money they spend. It’s their money. And I would agree, I see more spikes and small forks in pictures with guys are blue jeans but big bucks do happen occasionally. I have a 4 x 3 and a smaller 3x2 we’re both shot in blue jeans.

I should’ve added in my earlier statement that weather does depend on what I wear. Just because I like blue jeans doesn’t mean I’m gonna be out in the middle of winter while it’s snowy rainy in that attire. I’m not gonna risk dying from hypothermia or something of the sorts.  Jeans is going to be nice weather hunting for when we’re just starting fall and we have some rainy days. Once you started getting into the late season, my clothing changes dramatically, but I still order everything from Amazon order from Walmart because I’m cheap.

[Dark2Dark]

Most BT been killed by guys in jeans. Hard to go wrong with facts.

I’ll second that and still love my jeans, sure I’ve gotten soaked plenty but I’ve saved a lot of money doing it. I couldn’t personally imagine spending a ton of money on camo when I’ve killed plenty of deer (archery and rifle) in jeans. Especially that Sitka.They are way to proud of it.

Cold weather like yearly  idaho trip I wear my cheap camo bibs over my under layers and long sleeve shirt and a frog togg rain coat from amazon. Maybe spent 75 bucks on them. Coldest day last year was 9 degrees and snowing  when we left on the quads. I was sweating.

My days in the woods are too long and too hard of work to be miserably wet in cotton.

I came here to suggest Sitka Thunderhead- the pockets do suck but other than that, they are amazing and not really all that expensive.

I can hunt rainforest conditions and with the right hat/jacket/pants/gator/boot combination come out of the woods without being soaked- maybe a little leaking down the neck or arms or sweat.

I have hunted a ton of days where if I hadn’t invested in quality gear I would have been back to camp early or never gotten out of the truck (which I’m guessing is how MOST blacktail are killed in jeans).

I see way more jeans in pics of spikes and forks than I do of mature 4pt bucks.

Most BT been killed by guys in jeans. Hard to go wrong with facts.

I’ll second that and still love my jeans, sure I’ve gotten soaked plenty but I’ve saved a lot of money doing it. I couldn’t personally imagine spending a ton of money on camo when I’ve killed plenty of deer (archery and rifle) in jeans. Especially that Sitka.They are way to proud of it.

Cold weather like yearly  idaho trip I wear my cheap camo bibs over my under layers and long sleeve shirt and a frog togg rain coat from amazon. Maybe spent 75 bucks on them. Coldest day last year was 9 degrees and snowing  when we left on the quads. I was sweating.

There's a big difference between being warm/dry, and being comfortable. I've hunted many days in jeans, killed many animals in jeans. I will likely never wear a pair of jeans into the woods hunting again though. I watched my Dad on a day where we literally never stopped moving, killed a big bull, packed it all out in pouring rain, get hypothermic because he was wearing jeans and a cotton t-shirt under his other layers.

In my expensive rain gear, I can climb mountains without getting horribly sweaty, dry off the little bit that I do get quickly, and then dive into the brush and still hunt all day without getting wet. I couldn't do that in jeans or rubber rain gear.

To each his own, I certainly wouldn't criticize you for choosing to wear jeans, you're just tougher than I am.

Absolutely, I won’t criticize anybody over what they choose to wear and how much money they spend. It’s their money. And I would agree, I see more spikes and small forks in pictures with guys are blue jeans but big bucks do happen occasionally. I have a 4 x 3 and a smaller 3x2 we’re both shot in blue jeans.

I should’ve added in my earlier statement that weather does depend on what I wear. Just because I like blue jeans doesn’t mean I’m gonna be out in the middle of winter while it’s snowy rainy in that attire. I’m not gonna risk dying from hypothermia or something of the sorts.  Jeans is going to be nice weather hunting for when we’re just starting fall and we have some rainy days. Once you started getting into the late season, my clothing changes dramatically, but I still order everything from Amazon order from Walmart because I’m cheap.

Sometimes, Ignorance is bliss.

I used to hunt in non waterproof pants with a single layer synthetic camo shirt and just get absolutely soaked head to toe. I’d carry a few dry layers with me so a couple times a day I could change into dry clothes.

Once you spend a downpour day in the woods and come out dry, it’s very difficult to go back.

It’s kinda like hunting with a suppressor. The bang never really bothered me when shooting an animal and neither did the recoil. But now that I hunt with a suppressor and so do my buddies, there’s absolutely no going back.

I’m “fortunate” to not have a wife or kids so my hunting budget is pretty unfettered.

[fishngamereaper]

I prefer to stay dry
Currently I'm wearing kuiu Talus hybrid, gators, and I pack my kuiu rain pants.

If it's wet enough to need the rain pants the little extra noise doesn't matter because the woods are going to be noisy anyway...

I killed allot of BT in jeans and a flannel and cheap shoes...

But I'm older and wiser now.... comfort is king...

[Harbor_hunter]

Tin pants have been good to me as well.  Hunted in them for a long time. Pretty waterproof and I also think they block the wind really well. Pretty warm also and it takes a lot to tear them. I think your range of motion is not quite as good as newer gear because they are kind of stiff. That has never bothered me though.  Maybe not the flashiest choice of gear, but they flat out work.

[ridgefire]

Thanks for the responses. I think I’m going to use my Sitka until they wear out and then maybe try out the tin pants. I know my logging buddies used to wear them during the winter and they swore by them.

[Boss .300 winmag]

Thanks for the responses. I think I’m going to use my Sitka until they wear out and then maybe try out the tin pants. I know my logging buddies used to wear them during the winter and they swore by them.

Tin pants do not allow for any sweat evaporation.😉

[skagitsteel]

Kuiu chugach or kryptek Takur for me all day everyday in rifle season.  Both are 'quiet enough' if you move slow and reasonably waterproof for 2 seasons of very hard use if you wash them after every few days of wear.  I replace mine every other year and just accept it as part of the cost.  Rubber is a no go for me with how far I'm hiking in

[Fletch]

Im a big fan of wool myself when it is wet, snowy or both... not to thread jack but has anybody tried northboundgear pants? I have seen them advertised recently and just wondering if anybody has tried.

[2MANY]

Grew up hunting in wool with lots of Scotchguard.
Gets heavy when it gets wet and dries slowly.

[pianoman9701]

I like my Sitka Ascent pants. They move with me when I'm climbing. You can get a 40% discount if you're military or an honorably-discharged vet.

[ganghis]

When it comes to being quiet in the woods, I don't think you can beat crochet pants.  They will also alert other hunters to your presence in the woods - safety can't be understated!!

[pianoman9701]

 

[Twispriver]

I really like the Rivers West Artemis pants. They are soft, quiet and waterproof.

[haus]

I am looking for a pair of hunting pants for hunting Blacktails and I’m curious what you guys are using. I currently use a pair of Sitka Thunderhead pants and I love them but I cannot stand the pocket layout of them. I have been thinking about trying out the Filson Tin pants or the Outback Trading Oilskin Western Overpants because of the durability factor and supposedly they are fairly water resistant. Have any of you tried these pants out and if so, do you like them? How long can you hunt in them in the typical Blacktail hunting weather before they soak thru? Is one brand better than the other? Is there any other pants I should be looking at? Thanks.

I just use the Sitka mountain pants or ascent. If the rains getting serious then I have the cheapest packable rain paint from kuiu that’s offered. Works fine, those rain pants aren’t built to go to war with the blackberry vines, but they hold up if ya pick through it slow.

[PolarBear]

I wear fleece. The water pretty much runs through it but even wet I never get cold. I prefer to hunt in the rain and can’t stand sneaking through the brush in noisy, sweaty rain gear.

[jackelope]

Most BT been killed by guys in jeans. Hard to go wrong with facts.

Nothing better than cold, wet, cotton jeans that will be dry by some time tomorrow....

[jackelope]

I think the best hunting pants I've ever had are my Sitka Timberlines. DWR, waterproof butt and knees, they're super comfortable and durable.

[JakeLand]

I think the best hunting pants I've ever had are my Sitka Timberlines. DWR, waterproof butt and knees, they're super comfortable and durable.

X2 ! Favorite pants

[Bullkllr]

I think the best hunting pants I've ever had are my Sitka Timberlines. DWR, waterproof butt and knees, they're super comfortable and durable.

X2 ! Favorite pants

Those look pretty interesting. Don't get too hot too often?

Scheels has a good deal going

[jackelope]

I think the best hunting pants I've ever had are my Sitka Timberlines. DWR, waterproof butt and knees, they're super comfortable and durable.

X2 ! Favorite pants

Those look pretty interesting. Don't get too hot too often?

Scheels has a good deal going

They’re awesome pants. I wouldn’t wear them in warm weather. I’ve worn them at 70 or so degrees and that’s pushing it. I’ve got mountain and ascent pants too. I also just bought a pair of Fjalraven Vidda Pro pants and they’re pretty awesome too and probably more warm weather friendly.

[savagehunter]

I'm sitting in the rain hunrting blacktail wearing my favorite sitka coldfront pants I wear them rain or shine i have 2 pairs one the older one hs been waterproof for 6 years. Merino long handle under and I'm warm enough in the snow or by themselves in 80 degrees

[280ackley]

Kuiu Attack pants with Yukon gaiters is all i wear now, when it gets wet i add a wool base layer. 

[muleyslayer#1]

If you have a Costco membership I highly recommend the Gerry pants. They make both insulated and non insulated pants. I mainly wear solids now and the Gerry insulated pants are very comfortable and durable. Plus they’re only like $20-$30 so if you rip or put a hole in them it’s not the end of the world.

[RustyNail]

I always start off with base layers. Typically merino wool. If it's cold and/or snow ill wear woop bibs. You can find a good pair on mecari used for a good deal or go get wool pants from a surplus store. If its rain I'll wear filson tin pants. Wax them once a year. Super easy just takes a little time. They are spendy but worth the money and if you use them for hunting they should last you 10+ years. If its showers throughout the day ill wear some kinda hunting pants and bring a packable rain pant that rolls up small in my pack. I believe mine are by kings? Camofire is a discount app for hunting yall should have. Hope this helps

Sent from my SM-S916U1 using Tapatalk

[James]

-Patagonia pow slayer bibs

I know Patagonia makes some good snow stuff... but no way could I support them by buying any products from them, as they are anti-hatchery, anti-hunting, with a huge climate change agenda.

Gary

Fair point on pataguchie, that “documentary” they made which conflated hatcheries and fish farming was ridiculous propaganda. The owner has come out and talked about hunting himself, but I suspect if you poled employees of the company the opinion of hunting wouldn’t be very high.

Overall, my point is alpine mountaineering bibs are far superior to rain pants for hiking and climbing off trail. Feel free to buy a pair from a different company like OR or whatever, just get the top of the line membrane (3L pro last time I checked). Their river salt 4L jacket though, I don’t know if there is an equivalent.  It’s made out of their wader material and can last many seasons in the worst brush busting and stay waterproof. It’s amazing.