Post by: bowman on July 26, 2021, 03:10:33 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on July 26, 2021, 03:13:35 PM
Post by: ian_padron on July 26, 2021, 03:48:39 PM
The year prior we spent the better part of 5 straight days waiting out storms, including one of the gnarliest white outs I've ever experienced.
In 2018, I killed a buck on the 19th, my InReach said 17 degrees when I crawled out of my sleeping bag at 7k feet lol.
You really have to watch the forecast and be ready to adjust on the fly in the days leading up to your hunt.
The most versatile clothing kit would look something like this, starting from the ground up:
Feet: 2 pairs of mid-weight merino hiking/hunting socks, 1 pair of lightweight athletic socks for the hike in, uninsulated mountain boot of your choice.
Legs: 2 pairs merino or synthetic underwear (one worn on the way in), 1 pair of synthetic or merino long johns. I usually pack a pair of puffy pants as well, morning glassing sessions at 7500 feet can be frigid. 1 pair durable and fast drying hunting pants, shorts to wear on the hike in.
Upper Body: Merino quarter zip x2, hooded fleece mid-layer, puffy, hardshell. That's it. Anything else is dead weight. I'm considering dropping down to 1 quarter zip but like to have a backup in the event I get soaked, especially since merino takes forever to dry.
Hands/Head/Neck: light/midweight windproof gloves, down glassing mittens (often overkill but when you need them, you NEED them), neck gaiter (most underrated piece hands down), wind-proof beanie.
That will get it done on all but the most insane September hunts. Be mindful in the Pasayten, the forecast is quite frequently VERY wrong, especially in certain pockets back there. Lots of weird systems move in-out quickly and without a whole lot of warning. Better to be safe and pack extra layers, than to get caught shivering in your tent for a couple days.
Post by: ganghis on July 26, 2021, 04:26:58 PM
The only thing I'd add is possible additional rain gear especially on the wet side. If it's going to be really wet, you might consider a rain pant / gaiter combination (just the rain pants will drain water onto you're boots, but the gaiters dissipate some of that). Don't get me wrong, your boots will still probably end up soaked but it would prolong the inevitable. Rain pants can be loud but can make things a lot more comfortable if it's dumping. If rain isn't forecast to be that bad I might just take gaiters and deal with wet legs.
Post by: jstone on July 26, 2021, 04:28:21 PM
Post by: Jpmiller on July 26, 2021, 06:41:11 PM
I do throw on gaiters if it's westside wet brush or snows possible.
Post by: teanawayslayer on July 26, 2021, 07:44:17 PM
Post by: SpicyTacos on August 03, 2021, 07:01:07 AM
Darn tough
First lite
Simlair brands
Two brands that are too notch. You pay the big bucks up front. However the payoff is huge. Keeps you warm, drys fast and provides sun protection up in the high country.
Post by: predatorG on September 01, 2021, 03:08:13 PM
Merino wool.
Darn tough
First lite
Simlair brands
Two brands that are too notch. You pay the big bucks up front. However the payoff is huge. Keeps you warm, drys fast and provides sun protection up in the high country.
The poster here reminded me of another good backcountry rule I often forget: No eating spicy tacos the night before leaving!!
Post by: yakimanoob on September 09, 2021, 11:11:04 AM
FWIW, here's my system. I typically carry one set of gear for when I'm not sleeping, and one set (typically of just baselayers) to wear when I'm in my sleeping bag. This helps me stay MUCH less stanky and generally a lot more comfortable. For example, it's a lot easier to keep your chin up and stay focused on the hunt when you're wet, cold, and dirty, so long as you know you have clean, dry clothes and a warm bag to crawl into that night.
For when I'm outside my sleeping bag:
- 1 pair darn tough hiking socks
- prana stretch zion hiking pants
- free fly bamboo boxer briefs (or outdoor research echo boxer briefs, depending on what's clean when I leave :chuckle:)
- Kuhl "airkuhl" sun hooded ls shirt
- Patagonia Nanopuff insulated jacket
- OR Ferrosi softshell jacket
- hat
- beanie
- sunglasses
- OR Foray rain jacket
- Black Diamond gaiters
Depending on the weather I may also carry:
- MH down pants (these things were a gift from my wife and they weight nothing and are SO NICE when it's cold out)
- MH Phantom puffy down jacket
- OR Foray rain pants
- OR Cirque II softshell pants (I hike VERY warm, so it has to be pretty dang cold for me to bring these along)
- various pairs of gloves depending on the situation
For sleeping (and there for emergencies):
- a pair of Black Diamond wool-blend long johns
- Patagonia Capilene thermal-weight top
- a pair of darn tough socks (or fluffy smartwool socks if it's really cold)