Best all around clothing?

[180-GRAIN]

Wondering what everyones thoughts are for the best available all around hunting clothing on the market. I am ready to replace my hunting wardrobe with the best money can buy. I have been using rivers west for the last 5 years or so and have decided I'm done with it. Living here on the west coast Its great stuff for keeping rain out but it keeps sweat in. After hiking all day to get to the top of a mountain I really do not like to get cold and that's what happens with rivers west. I am looking for something I can wear in the summer on high hunts and in the winter for the extreme elements. Preferably something that keeps the moisture I create out and will keep you warm when the weather picks up. Just wanted a few opinions before I spend the money on something and end up unhappy with its performance.

[fillthefreezer]

i would look at what kuiu is offering. others if you don't like theirs. but think layers. wicking (merino, polypro). insulator. hard shell.

[buglebuster]

  but I don't like the camo pattern of kuiu, that's why i am slowly buying sitka, i think optifade is the best camo out. Any of the higher end clothing will suit your needs. But its all about layers!

[LivinTheDream]

I am looking for something I can wear in the summer on high hunts and in the winter for the extreme elements.

Sorry to pee in your cheerios, but no such thing. FTF, is right think layers. Kuiu offers some great clothing. I do like my sitka, alot of guys dont but mine has held up well. Firstlite also has some nice gear. Overall I think kuiu is running away with the market. Best price, best quality, but ordering from them is tough most of the time they are out of stock.

[180-GRAIN]

Im not a fan of that camo pattern either! I do like the looks of the sitka gear, That and the russell apxg2 is what I have been looking at.

[washelkhunter]

i would look at what kuiu is offering. others if you don't like theirs. but think layers. wicking (merino, polypro). insulator. hard shell.
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I havent tried kuiu, but i am jonesen for the wool pullover base layer. Im big on wool, polypro and fleece, all garments that you can shake out dry. Wool actually dries out as you are wearing it. If it raining i like a shell thats long enough to sort of act like an umbrella for adove the knees then i just use gaiters. I havent had issues with rivers west. If im going to wear it i just drop down to a base layer and shirt.

[washingtonmuley]

I am looking for something I can wear in the summer on high hunts and in the winter for the extreme elements.

Sorry to pee in your cheerios, but no such thing. FTF, is right think layers. Kuiu offers some great clothing. I do like my sitka, alot of guys dont but mine has held up well. Firstlite also has some nice gear. Overall I think kuiu is running away with the market. Best price, best quality, but ordering from them is tough most of the time they are out of stock.

You are certainly going to  have to invest in layers to do all seasons. You don't need to go and spend thousands on one companies different layering systems. I bought the Sitka ascent jacket and pants last year and was able you use it form 50 degrees to 0 degrees while layering with under armour, mountain hardwear and others. I really like the sitka stuff for hunting up and down the mountains.

[jackelope]

I've got sitka core base layers, merino long underwear if its colder, sitka traverse hoodie, sitka 90% pants and jacket and cabelas space rain rain gear. If it gets real cold I've got some wooltimate fleece from Cabelas and I think I've got 98% of my bases covered.  I do think I could improve my rain gear but it packs down so small and the price is right.

[180-GRAIN]

The problem I have with the riversa west is it holds my sweat inside and then when it cools off it gets pretty uncomfortable. I have wore polypro underneath and it still does the same thing, its just hard to dry out. It is really good for keeping moisture out but its also really good at keeping moisture in.

[livnright]

i have firstlite, and is ok, have some kuiu, seem the sizing runs small, try and find someone that has your size. i bought a xlarge jacket, and was so out of wack in fit and sent it back, i would wait some and check out the outlet store. sure they are getting alot of stuff back.

[BrushChimp]

We (Primetime Outdoors) run Kryptek exclusively. Can't say enough good things about 'em. We hunted with 'em in early archery elk as well as a snowy 3 days in rifle elk season. They held up well in all regards and I couldn't believe it, but I really liked the built in knee pads. Can't beat merino wool!
They are due to come out with their new line featured in their new 'Highlander' pattern. Cutting edge military camo pattern is what it is. Kryptek is owned and operated by servicemen so they know a thing or two about high end performance hunting clothing.
If you're hunting Western Wa I would really look into their new 'Mandrake' pattern. It looks sweet!

http://www.kryptek.com/leaf/

[blackveltbowhunter]

    @ BrushChimp... Did you guys have any experience with the Koldo Blockage? I just ordered a set from cabelas as it was to stupid cheap not to try it out.

    I agree with layering. 180... I have the same experience with rivers west, great gear but It has to be cold, or in a  stand for me to be comfortable in it. I like my sitka raingear, its held up well and has ventilation options for when I am moving. Its dumb expensive tho and Im not sold that its better than other products that can be had for less. I have never worn it but Kuiu seems like a good option from the look of fabric and materials, the kryptek I mentioned above also seemed very well constructed 3 lam and will see how that works out.

   A quality base layer is gonna be what makes or breaks your system  and IMO merino is litterally gods gift. I have used, sitkas core, and UA, but if i get wet I get cold and damp.  The sitka merino series is nice I have the top but the fabric has not held up well for a garment that cost 100 bucks. The firstlite has held up much better.  I have some off brand merino bottoms that rock and cost a fraction of the money, not camo but they work great.



    If you choose synthetics the sitka core was the best. I love my UA for working out, but have a couple of their top of the line sets of coldgear for sale if interested      When I layer up If im gonna be moving alot in reasonable temps I usually go merino then raingear, or shell. I add mid layers as needed based on temps and activity level.

[WonkyWapiti]

BrushChimp, who sells Kryptek on the west side?

[dupedc]

Hey 180, here's a great article and review of layering systems by all of the top manufacturers...maybe it will help you out!

http://www.eastmans.com/exclusives/the-6-critical-layers.html

[jbeaumont21]

I can't say enough about the Sitka Downpour OPTIFADE™ Forest. My opinion its the best thing since sliced bread.  Layer with what ever you want but when it comes to wet rainy west side weather it cannot be beat.  light DURABLE and breathable.  What else can you ask for. Spendy but well woth it period.

[180-GRAIN]

That Kryptek looks awesome and sounds perfect for the westside. How durable is it brushchimp?

[JPhelps]

blackvelvetbowhunter, I know both BrushChimp and Primetime used the koldo blockade last year (I will tell them to get on here and let you know about it).

180-grain, the kryptek worked awesome for us last year from the himalayan blackberry patches to the high alpine areas of Eastern Washington.  All of my gear is still in great shape and ready to roll this year.

[alecvg]

I dont think there is any best. I use sitka, kuiu, and am ordering first lite soon.  Its all good.

[kentrek]

I am looking for something I can wear in the summer on high hunts and in the winter for the extreme elements.

Sorry to pee in your cheerios, but no such thing. FTF, is right think layers. Kuiu offers some great clothing. I do like my sitka, alot of guys dont but mine has held up well. Firstlite also has some nice gear. Overall I think kuiu is running away with the market. Best price, best quality, but ordering from them is tough most of the time they are out of stock.

i disagree,if your hiking the only difference is one light isulating layer and somthing to cut the wind...i pack both for high hunts and winter..

first light

[JackOfAllTrades]

USMC or Italian greens wool blend pants are breathable, light weight and great for summer hikes. Cut a pair and hem them as shorts.

WWI surplus wool army greens are a bit heavier and nice for fall days.

WWII surplus wool army greens (6 pocket) are warm and repel water better than spendy Filson.

I wear the army green wool heavy shirt as a light outer jacket.

Any of these combined with silk, silkweight or middleweight wool, or poly bottom layers give you choices for your environmental conditions.

Rain and wind gear that is light and packable has been my mode of operation for years.

No... None of what I reference is camo, but I wear that blasted blaze orange vest anyway...  And while not camo.. NOTHING beats wool for being quiet in the brush. If I do get wet.. I'll be warm.

Layering works.

-Steve

[CAMPMEAT]

Logger boots, levis and hickory shirts. Probably killed more animals dressed like that than any fancy stuff on the market. That's what I wear . 

[jackmaster]

i have hunted the wetside my whole life like many others have, i still havent found anything better than my mid weight rivers west, i have learned how to dress underneath and it made all the differance in the world, i also learned to bring a pair of hike in clothes no matter how nasty it is, when i get to my huntn spot i change clothes wait till i get cold and then slip my rivers west on with a long sleeve tshirt and i am good to go all day, but you definatly cannot hike hard in the stuff unless you want a heat stroke, if its fairly mild out i wear my good ole army bdu's from when i waqs in the service in the early 90s, jungle boots and a good ole hickory shirt

[fillthefreezer]

Logger boots, levis and hickory shirts. Probably killed more animals dressed like that than any fancy stuff on the market. That's what I wear . 

sounds like a good way to end up needing an emergency fire. may work ok when youre close to the truck but you wont find me in deep wearing heavy cotton...

[CAMPMEAT]

Logger boots, levis and hickory shirts. Probably killed more animals dressed like that than any fancy stuff on the market. That's what I wear . 

sounds like a good way to end up needing an emergency fire. may work ok when youre close to the truck but you wont find me in deep wearing heavy cotton...

None of it is heavy cotton.

I do actually wear wool underneath my shirt, wool socks, wool gloves etc. Kinda egging you guys on..............

[wrongway]

predator Green Deception all the way, I feel it is the best on the market, I have been using it for several  years now and it works good for the west side. Go the there web site and take a look.

[WAcoueshunter]

I've used Sitka for a few years, but now stick to merino, primarily First Lite.  Doesn't feel any different than the sitka stuff, but the merino wool just has better heating/cooling and scent control properties.  I also have some of the Core4Element merino base layers - same deal.  Merino is just a better material.  I get one day of hard hunting out of a Sitka shirt before it is stinky...takes about three days for one of the merino shirts to get to the same point. 

[AKBowman]

predator Green Deception all the way, I feel it is the best on the market, I have been using it for several  years now and it works good for the west side. Go the there web site and take a look.

I agree!! Only second to Predator Spring Green but they are moving away from the Spring Green and going towards Green Deception. They (Predator) are starting to make better stuff, my cousin works there and he said they are starting to taylor their gear towards the western hunter. They orginally sold to the midwest guys who are mostly fine with cotton.

I bought a set of the pants in the link below last year and they have been outstanding, the klind of pants the more you were them the better they get. They shed water really well and dried out very quickly, are light weight and breathable but do a decent job at cutting the wind. I use the light weight poly henly green deception top and it seems hard to beat for the early archery elk season on the west side. They should soon be coming out with a rain gear line of top and bottom that is in green depception, brown decpetion and predator grey only that is along the lines of the Sitka stuff. The pants being ~$100 and top ~$120.

http://www.predatorcamo.com/lrsStore/ViewProduct/515

[AKBowman]

As a follow up to my post above...I know there is better stuff on the market but for $60 these are the best I've worn.

[BrushChimp]

@blackveltbowhunter: I used the Koldo Blockage last year quite a bit and it worked well for me. Kept me dry and it is lightweight and packable. It has a bit of an oversized hood which works well for having a ball cap on. The hood will extend just past the end of my cap and my cap stays dry too.

If anyone is looking at picking up some used (1 season only) Kryptek sized in Med. and Mountain Mimicry camo, PM me.

[pianoman9701]

I've just replaced all of my camo this year, mostly on Camofire. I have several Core4Element shirts, either poly or merino. The pants are the hard part for me. I'm having a hard time finding quiet pants that offer some moisture resistance along with durability and breathability. The Core4 switchback pants are way too noisy. For outer layer tops, I have fleece, some of which are Goretex.

[akirkland]

KRYPTEK is what this guy will be purchasing this summer.