Base Layers

[noobshooter]

Been doing a lot of reading on here and see that Merino base layers are really popular. I'm curious as to what weight you guys would recommend for a late season archery elk hunt. This will be my first year going late season and Im expecting it to be cold and have plenty of rain (west side maybe southwest). Would you guys recommend going with expedition weight underneath or something lighter? Im sure we will be doing plenty of hiking and I plan on bringing the Impertech and my Rivers West fleece gear. Also, Im not exactly sure on how cold its going to be so any pointers to the new guy are much appreciated.

[bobcat]

I'd go with the lightest weight. You can add an extra layer over the top if you need it, but if you're too hot with your base layer there's not much you can do. I'd only use the heaviest stuff if I was planning on sitting still all day.

[Miles]

I'd go with the lightest weight. You can add an extra layer over the top if you need it, but if you're too hot with your base layer there's not much you can do. .

You can take them off.  I've had to take my base layer off more than once because it warmed up too much mid-day.

[noobshooter]

Awesome thanks, any ideas on temp ranges that time of year?

[noobshooter]

Also, has anyone used the Helly Hanson Impertech stuff on an elk hunt before? I'm a little concerned with it's inability to breathe on some of the hiking we will surely be doing.

[sisu]

I have 100, 150, 200 and 230 or maybe it's 250 can't remember as Icebreaker used different number than Smartwool and I have both. The heaviest I use if I am in SUPER cold conditions in one of my kayaks with my dry suit on. Other wise I use the 100-150 stuff for walking around in. I usually wear the T-shirt tops with a shirt. If the temps drop then on goes the long sleeve top over the T. If temps drop more then off go pants and on go long johns. I carry this gear with me as it is light and take no space. I gave away most of my Patagonia poly-pro gear as it had zero worth to me once I started going retro (using wool again).

BTW I look for WWII wool field pants. Have one pair that are about one or two sizes to big but I use them and another that are fitted just right. Only problem with the field pants is they pick up a lot of tag along plant stickers, but they are WARM as heck.