Post by: Kc_Kracker on October 19, 2018, 08:23:52 AM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on October 19, 2018, 08:27:38 AM
In dry weather its not a big deal if you don’t sweat .
Post by: Kc_Kracker on October 19, 2018, 08:49:07 AM
Post by: mburrows on October 19, 2018, 08:53:01 AM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on October 19, 2018, 08:57:23 AM
Post by: bobcat on October 19, 2018, 08:59:00 AM
Post by: Stein on October 19, 2018, 09:04:48 AM
Post by: Bobvernon2 on October 19, 2018, 09:07:39 AM
Post by: Switchback on October 19, 2018, 09:08:18 AM
Most all of the "performance" hunting stuff is made/marketed with the theory of getting wet, and/or extended trips. Cotton stops being good (in theory) if you're in the backcountry, because you can't guarantee you won't get rained on or sweat through it – and once cotton is wet, it stays wet. But if you're doing a day hunt, and there's no chance of rain, cotton is fine. It's very breathable, doesn't reflect UV light like synthetics, and it's a comfortable fabric. It can be woven tightly for durability like Carhartts/jeans, or a loose, breathable lightweight weave for a shirt.
Never heard of anyone who had to stop hunting because they were wearing cotton, or anyone who didn't get an animal because they happened to be wearing cotton.
It's definitely not the best fabric choice for every hunt, but it's just fine in a lot of applications. That's my :twocents: anyway.
Post by: Tiger1358 on October 19, 2018, 09:09:10 AM
In military uniforms, the higher the cotton %, the less you will sweat. That's why they still haven't removed cotton from military uniforms worldwide.
But yea, when it gets wet, it doesn't feel good for sure. I wear cotton/poly blend most of the time though.
Post by: mburrows on October 19, 2018, 09:21:40 AM
Theres a reason all the high end apparel brands use wool and synthetics in their products over cotton.
Post by: Kc_Kracker on October 19, 2018, 09:22:21 AM
Post by: MountainWalk on October 19, 2018, 09:26:15 AM
Post by: MountainWalk on October 19, 2018, 09:27:31 AM
Post by: jackelope on October 19, 2018, 09:33:56 AM
so what is stuff like underarmor made of ?
Nylon, polyesters, other synthetics. Cotton doesn't dry nearly as quick as synthetics or wools. That's the problem. If you get real wet in cotton, you're gonna have problems.
Post by: npaull on October 19, 2018, 10:04:04 AM
Post by: Troutnut on October 19, 2018, 10:05:36 AM
Post by: X-Force on October 19, 2018, 10:48:57 AM
I've found the best use for cotton in hunting is wearing it to the store to buy proper hunting gear, although it also works well for sitting on the couch ordering hunting gear online.
:chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: addicted1 on October 19, 2018, 11:10:55 AM
Post by: WSU on October 19, 2018, 11:22:07 AM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on October 19, 2018, 11:42:32 AM
so what is stuff like underarmor made of ?I switched away from under armour base layers to merino wool about 6 years ago. Less sweat, and no smell. Smell under armour pit after a day....
Post by: dwils233 on October 19, 2018, 11:50:54 AM
Do a simple experiment. Run some cotton and synthetics or wool through the wash. When you unload the clothes, you can feel the difference. Cotton holds the water well, like very well. While the synthetics will feel nearly dried out from the spin cycle.A
I believe it's also a poor insulator at the same time so if it's wet and cold you'll be wet and cold(er) than you would be with wool/synthetic materials
Post by: Kc_Kracker on October 19, 2018, 12:46:13 PM
Everyone knows it's impossible to kill deer or elk unless your outfit costs upwards of $300.not referring to killing an animal at all, referring to mistakes in general, mostly comfort and risk of hypothermia
Post by: yakimanoob on October 19, 2018, 01:19:20 PM
Post by: yakimanoob on October 19, 2018, 01:27:50 PM
That said, you can hunt just fine in cotton gear if the conditions are right.
Post by: Stein on October 19, 2018, 01:44:45 PM
I bet many a hunt are called off early due to discomfort or worse that are easily addressed.
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Post by: Alchase on October 19, 2018, 04:53:31 PM
Everyone knows you'll make mistakes, be uncomfortable and get hypothermia unless your outfit costs upwards of $300.
There are many good brands that make great clothes for hiking/hunting that don’t cost anywhere near the cost of The odserdly expensinsive hunting clothes lines.
Post by: Kc_Kracker on October 19, 2018, 06:49:50 PM
How do you guys hunt and not either sweat or get rained on or both?
I bet many a hunt are called off early due to discomfort or worse that are easily addressed.
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Post by: dscubame on October 19, 2018, 07:16:37 PM
Synthetics will stink so bad so fast.
Merino wool will air out and no matter how many sweat showers i have taken climbing out of deep holes it always airs out and no stink.
Post by: NorseNW on October 19, 2018, 07:43:06 PM
Don't get me wrong I think the guy is great and want his lifestyle for sure but I'm pretty sure the U.S. military has been yelling this for years at least about socks. I recall drill sergeants screaming that cotton kills! I'm pretty sure everything else was basically cotton for by golly those green wool socks would cure cancer from what they said.
Post by: Bob33 on October 19, 2018, 09:00:29 PM
Post by: GBoyd on October 19, 2018, 09:16:24 PM
It's my go to for mountain hunting for bears in August and all through the archery elk season. It's just plain more comfortable. I don't know where you guys are getting the idea that cotton makes you sweat, I'm pretty sure that's not true. It keeps you cool and dry in summer for the same reason it gives you hypothermia in the winter: it's constantly wicking, turning moisture into evaporative cooling. On your next hot-weather trip, you should bring some $20 Walmart cotton camo pants to alternate with you Kuiu. I think you might find the cotton works better.
Except for socks. Cotton socks are garbage.
Post by: huntnfmly on October 19, 2018, 09:33:51 PM
Do a simple experiment. Run some cotton and synthetics or wool through the wash. When you unload the clothes, you can feel the difference. Cotton holds the water well, like very well. While the synthetics will feel nearly dried out from the spin cycle.X2
Post by: MountainWalk on October 19, 2018, 09:47:58 PM
Post by: j_h_nimrod on October 19, 2018, 10:11:56 PM
Cotton, poly pro, wool, etc. at the same insulating weight will not make you sweat any more or less. What they will do is transport moisture away from your skin at varying speeds and insulate, or not, when wet.
Cotton is great at evaporative cooling, the moisture in the fabric will draw heat away from your body at a much higher rate than wool or most of the other synthetics.
Evaporative cooling is what you are trying to balance in your environment, how you hunt, and how hot or cold your body runs.
If I am hiking fast and sweating a lot in warm temps I will usually wear a cotton tee, if it is cooler I will wear a synthetic that will dry more quickly and insulate better when I stop.
Post by: RadSav on October 20, 2018, 01:58:54 AM
My early days we wore a lot of cotton. Toyed with hypothermia more than once. Perhaps what he says about making you sweat more has to do with how much energy it takes to move in wet cotton. It sticks to your knees, gotta pull the crotch up before you step over a log, sticks catch on it constantly, it holds water like a sponge yet refuses to heat up so it evaporates off. I hate the stuff with a passion unless I'm tagged out and want to watch football on the couch.
Once I got my first pair of Sitka pants hiking got a hell of a lot easier. Now I might have a cotton bird vest still in the closet but that would be the only thing cotton allowed in my hunting closet. Never liked it, certainly won't ever miss it!!
Post by: CaNINE on October 20, 2018, 06:49:29 AM
Post by: Special T on October 20, 2018, 07:38:50 AM
Everyone knows it's impossible to kill deer or elk unless your outfit costs upwards of $300.It is completely possible to wear all synthetic for cheap. We likely agree.
99% of the time I bow hunt on the west side I wear polypropylene & wool socks. Some kind of polypropylene/spandex base layer and fleece. Usually earth tone sweats over shorts and on the top just a button up shirt possibly a jacket for layering and some rain gear. Often Its earth tone fleece but I have several light fleece jackets that are camo.
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Post by: Special T on October 20, 2018, 07:40:07 AM
Biggest mistake? Come on, Steve. The biggest mistake most hunters make is hunting where there isn't game to hunt.Lol truth!
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Post by: Magnum_Willys on October 20, 2018, 09:49:27 AM
Post by: bobcat on October 20, 2018, 10:01:48 AM
As a kid: Cotton long underwear, jeans, cotton socks with bread bags over them, cotton flannel shirt, heavy cotton jacket. No raingear. Model 94 30-30. Shot big bucks every year. :dunno:
👍
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Post by: BigGoonTuna on October 20, 2018, 10:15:49 AM
of course, it's all discontinued now. i found the pants at value village for 5 bucks and the shirt was probably $20 in the bargain cave. i like it so much i'm going to see if my seamstress mother in law can use it for a pattern and make me a couple more.
for layering up, i really like merino wool better than synthetic stuff. i find myself getting chilly often after hiking up a hill and stopping to glass wearing 100% synthetic, like it gets sweaty and uncomfortable. don't get that with the wool, and as a bonus, if you are on an extended hunt, you can air it out and it doesn't get stinky like synthetics.
Post by: PlateauNDN on October 20, 2018, 10:16:40 AM
As a kid: Cotton long underwear, jeans, cotton socks with bread bags over them, cotton flannel shirt, heavy cotton jacket. No raingear. Model 94 30-30. Shot big bucks every year. :dunno:
👍
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I seen plenty of photos of my grandpa, uncles and dad wearing flannels and jeans posing with elk and deer and their 94 30-30's. :tup:
I inerited 2 of those 94s' have not hunted with them yet but someday will.
Post by: Alpine Mojo on October 20, 2018, 03:31:41 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on October 20, 2018, 03:55:42 PM
Post by: grundy53 on October 20, 2018, 04:35:15 PM
We also used to ride horses as a main mode of transportation :chuckle::Yeah: horse and buggy and oxen...
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Post by: grundy53 on October 20, 2018, 04:35:56 PM
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Post by: hunter399 on October 20, 2018, 08:16:43 PM
As a kid: Cotton long underwear, jeans, cotton socks with bread bags over them, cotton flannel shirt, heavy cotton jacket. No raingear. Model 94 30-30. Shot big bucks every year. :dunno:I have to agree
This new concept of I must have this or that is bs.
Back to basics, jeans,flannel shirt, rifle,ammo,and a good knife you sharpen yourself on a stone. :dunno:
Post by: Karl Blanchard on October 20, 2018, 08:56:14 PM
Post by: CaNINE on October 20, 2018, 10:46:51 PM
As a kid: Cotton long underwear, jeans, cotton socks with bread bags over them, cotton flannel shirt, heavy cotton jacket. No raingear. Model 94 30-30. Shot big bucks every year. :dunno:
Ha ha yeah this was pretty much my uniform when I was kid too. I remember being pretty dang miserable. :chuckle:
Post by: dscubame on October 20, 2018, 11:04:44 PM
Post by: RadSav on October 21, 2018, 09:56:22 AM
In my youth I was involved in dozens of search and rescue events. Zipped more than one body into a body bag. Not one involved a hunter wearing wool.
Post by: Jim/WA on October 21, 2018, 10:48:01 AM
As a kid: Cotton long underwear, jeans, cotton socks with bread bags over them, cotton flannel shirt, heavy cotton jacket. No raingear. Model 94 30-30. Shot big bucks every year. :dunno:
Ha ha yeah this was pretty much my uniform when I was kid too. I remember being pretty dang miserable. :chuckle:
That's exactly what I was thinking. Add cotton Jersey gloves to that as well. All my early memories of deer hunting with my grandfather seem to involve cold feet, cold hands, and lots of shivering.
Post by: jackelope on October 22, 2018, 07:56:24 AM
Post by: Stein on October 22, 2018, 08:09:55 AM
Post by: Seahawk12 on October 22, 2018, 09:31:28 AM
If I was offered a full set-up, free of charge, that I had to use to hunt for the next 5 years I'm pretty darned sure there wouldn't be much cotton in there.
Maybe a pair of socks that are wool in the boot, but have cotton weaved in the calf area for wicking sweat/moisture up out of the boot.
Just my .02.
Post by: MountainWalk on October 22, 2018, 10:21:16 AM
Post by: Special T on October 22, 2018, 10:42:13 AM
Post by: MountainWalk on October 22, 2018, 10:43:42 AM
Post by: Special T on October 22, 2018, 10:54:10 AM
My Double tins are cotten....... special t, toilet gasket was works
My wife is into soap making and has a few pounds of bees wax. Did you only use the wax or did you use the oils as well?
Post by: jackelope on October 22, 2018, 11:10:36 AM
Who is wearing wool out summer bear hunting? This thread is getting a little ridiculous.
I would wear a lightweight merino wool in a heartbeat. Also synthetics work well in the summertime...
Post by: MountainWalk on October 22, 2018, 11:23:20 AM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on October 22, 2018, 11:41:25 AM
My wool t shirts are my favorite to wear in the summer. Most of my other hunting clothing is synthetic but love my wool t shirts and boxers.Who is wearing wool out summer bear hunting? This thread is getting a little ridiculous.
I would wear a lightweight merino wool in a heartbeat. Also synthetics work well in the summertime...
Post by: Karl Blanchard on October 22, 2018, 11:51:41 AM
Post by: MountainWalk on October 22, 2018, 12:17:15 PM
Post by: idaho guy on October 22, 2018, 12:56:54 PM
All those years setting chokers, pulling riggin, tree climbing, tending hook, all in cotton, I don't know how I survived. It's a wonder I never sucambe to the dreaded 'thermia. Much less even kill a bear.
:yeah: wool is still the best fabric hands down yall can spend thousands on Sitka if you want. (disclosure I did buy kuiu pants and jacket this year :chuckle: but it was with a gift card I recieved ) I posted up some old pictures here a few years ago with a truckload of big animails wearing my lettermans jacket and 20 year old pants from army navy. Cotton kills in Alaska especially southeast where it changes from sunny to downpour on a dime but if you are hunting nice weather cotton works great. Its simple just dress for the specific hunt and anticipated weather. FYI I bought Sitka accent pants and shredded them in a short period of time last year(I sent them in and they sent them back saying they are unable to be repaired and wanted to charge me for shipping to send them back!) I switched to my 40 dollar green wool pants with black and red checkered wool shirt and killed a 6 by 10 and a 6 by 7 bull elk,nice 5 point whitetail and a really nice lion wearing that exact combo. I think Sitka and others are ripping people off. Generic statements like wearing cotton is the biggest mistake hunters make is an ignorant comment by somebody as well known as Steve Rinnella. I can think of quite a few other bigger mistakes hunters make. It just lets Sitka and the "flat bill army" further the lie that you need 400 jackets to be successful. Dress appropriate for the hunt you are on that simple. Not all hunts require super advanced or expensive clothing and they have never made anything better than WOOL!!
Post by: Karl Blanchard on October 22, 2018, 01:07:55 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on October 22, 2018, 01:08:33 PM
Post by: Jonathan_S on October 22, 2018, 01:08:55 PM
I prefer synthetics and wool for comfort, ease of drying and lack of odor. If I didn’t have it or couldn’t afford it I would still hunt.
Post by: MountainWalk on October 22, 2018, 01:13:57 PM
Post by: Special T on October 22, 2018, 01:55:43 PM
All those years setting chokers, pulling riggin, tree climbing, tending hook,in the summertime, all in cotton, I don't know how I survived. It's a wonder I never sucambe to the dreaded 'thermia. Much less even kill a bear.
your never cold when your moving... its when you stop to take a breather or glass a spot. Im not sure Tin pants really count as cotton since they are waterproofed. I dont imagine they hold heat much either.
Post by: Stein on October 22, 2018, 02:32:27 PM
Hunters used to use black powder exclusively, but hardly anyone truly uses black powder smooth bore guns or corrosive ammo rifles anymore because humans have invented better ways to do things.
To each their own, big boy rules.
Post by: Jpmiller on October 22, 2018, 06:42:29 PM
I will add my completely wool outfit has been so much quieter than the guys I've been out with in their synthetic outfits. Even just the fabric hitting itself when you walk down a trail and your legs rub. I love wool and wear it whenever. Switched to wool britches and boy oh boy is that nice.
Post by: JimmyHoffa on October 22, 2018, 07:11:54 PM
Post by: Kc_Kracker on October 22, 2018, 07:41:36 PM
Post by: baker5150 on October 22, 2018, 07:44:14 PM
I haven't noticed cotton being that bad. But only use it for my shirts, really. If I'm going into the high stuff in January, I just pack an extra shirt or two to change out after the climb.
Or carry one shirt, for the same cost as 2, but less weight, and not have to change it
Give merino a shot, camofire has Blackovis stuff for cheap on the regular. You won’t be disappointed.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on October 22, 2018, 07:53:24 PM
Post by: baker5150 on October 22, 2018, 07:57:12 PM
Black ovis wool is good stuff. I've got a few pieces of Firstlite still but main staple is black ovis and non hunting brand synthetic hiking pants. The mountaineering industry has been making this stuff for a long time and dont feel the need to gouge their customers like the hunting brands do
I love my black ovis stuff
I still run a lot of Burton and Special Blend baseleyers from my younger days.
It’s tough and well made. Fit for athletic movement, but a little warm for hiking, great for cold glassing.
Post by: idaho guy on October 22, 2018, 08:05:16 PM
In the end wear what you want. Nobody cares :chuckle:
:tup: I am just mad at Sitka ha ha I do think a lot of these hunting clothes are a ripoff but hunters should wear what they want
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on October 22, 2018, 08:26:54 PM
The majority of hunting seasons take place during times when counting on weather is very difficult. Most folks are not gonna get out of the warm truck in Levi's and Jean jacket for a 6 hour tromp thru the forest in a downpour. It's the guy who gets out of the warm truck in bluebird sky and 2 hours in gets hit with the downpour who gets dead. I like Cotton's durability, comfort and affordability. If I think I can wear it and be safe doing so, I would rather trash those clothes than a
more expensive ensemble. Be cognizant of your surroundings and abilities and Taylor the clothing's strengths and weaknesses to your specific needs.
Post by: CaNINE on October 23, 2018, 11:15:37 AM
Post by: idaho guy on October 23, 2018, 01:47:12 PM
Some context is required here. KC I assume you’re referring to the conversation Steve and Remi Warren were having about what “mistakes” hunters make that limit their success when showing up to guided hunts. Other examples included being out of shape, not knowing their rifle, being incapable of setting up and getting off shots in a timely manner, and wearing cotton which meant freezing their asses off and not being able to stay in the field long enough.
Oops should have read that post before my earlier comments. Context is everything! in that context I agree with him. I grew up with the understanding cotton can kill in the wrong circumstances. I don't and wont wear cotton on extended backcountry or late season hunt. I have still harvested more animals in my green woolies than anything else and you can still buy them 40 bucks at north 40 in Coeur d alene. I have also stayed warmer and quieter in the woolies under all conditions. Only downside to wool is it gets heavy when really wet. I cant quit commenting on this because it just bothers me the way these hunting clothes companies are convincing a bunch of hunters you need to spend 2000 dollars on an outfit to be succesfull. And a lot of the synthetic stuff is really loud and sounds unnatural when brushing up on stuff. Not to mention its not durable at all! I posted earlier on some animals I got last year in my woolies just to make that point not pat myself on the back. Kuiu I think if you can afford it might be worth it but that's the only one. I promise not to post on this anymore :chuckle:
Post by: Magnum_Willys on October 23, 2018, 02:48:05 PM
Post by: Odell on October 24, 2018, 09:35:55 AM
Depending on how you look at it, cotton is the newcomer as wool has been around much, much longer. It just happens to be cheaper and much less suitable for hunting.
That’s what i was thinking. Wool is no new fancy invention.
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Post by: ctwiggs1 on November 13, 2018, 01:30:29 PM
is the same mindset as:
"You can't hunt in cotton."
Hunt in whatever you have. It's like voting - just get out and do it.
BUT - it never hurts to research and continually improve gear over the years.
And in the context of what they were talking about... If you've got $5k (minimum, generally) to spend on a guide, surely you can pony up for a little better clothing to keep you out longer.
Post by: huntnfmly on November 13, 2018, 01:43:00 PM
Post by: CoryTDF on November 13, 2018, 02:10:02 PM
Cotton kills is what I’ve had driven into my head from hunting Alaska. Cotton absorbs a crap ton of moisture and traps it close to your body speeding up hypothermia. A cool test is placing the very end of a cotton sock into a glass of water and watch it spread. Polypro base layers and wool socks are what I preach and practice. Oh did I mention that cotton weighs a metric crap ton when soaked.
My good buddy is from Alaska and this "Cotton Kills" was his saying as well. That and "No banana's on a fishing boat" LOL.