Tips for clothing

[ol mike]

Howdy Mike33 !

How you are going to hunt has a huge bearing on what type clothes to buy ,for example if you're hunting off of a horse you'd need different clothing than if you are backpacking in.
If you are stationary -sitting and glassing for long periods of time you will need a lot of insulating layers -if you are moving through thick timber carrying a backpack/rifle etc. you will still need less cloths.

This is just my opinion -no cotton ! -if you work up the slightest sweat the cotton will stay damp all day.
There are many high performance clothes out there and over time i have used most of them.
I have started using what is considered mountain climbing type pants look at mammut -cloudveil -arbourwear they have what's known as a gusseted crotch = spandex sewn in to keep the pant from binding.If your pants bind and hinder your every uphill step -you will be a tired pilgrim come sundown !
For boots i'd look at cabelas "meindl's" or lowa banff in 6-7" height and get a lightweight set of gaiters -montbell- has some nice lightweight gaiters.I have found that the tall boots wear me out compared to a lower cut boot.Wear the gaiters on the inside of your pants..
Stick with wool -smart wool or silk baselayers these natural fibers have evolved over thousands of years and man made materials cannot compete with them as an overall performance layer.
The problem with synthetics is the body odor they hold after a couple of days in the field ,with wool or silk you can get by for a few days without too much stink.

Let us know how you think you'll be hunting then i'll blather on some more.
-Mike

[bigngreen]

I don't think anyone mentioned it but get something for your neck, I always wear a silk scarf doubled around and knotted. It keeps your neck warm and the breeze out and as I walk I loosen it up or take it off when I get warm.
I wear regular gor-tex hiking boots with good socks and good gaiters, it makes for good traction and light walking.
Wool is king for the outer layer, I usually go out in allot of layers that I can open and close to regulate body temp. And never forget the wool beanie.

[mike33]

Okey, i went to cabela's today in hamburg pa. Got out the door but very expensive like a kid in a candy store. So far i got a 7 in 1 parka item # Jk-931552 had to order they had it on sale for 300.00 last night. They did not have winter items out in store. So i will have to buy bibs later. Any way i did get 3 pairs of heavyweight socks " in genius ", Danner elk hunter boots, Silk series heavy weight 8 gauge base layer, and a wind shear 111 vest, along a lot of misc. items. Very fun day, wife even enjoyed.
Mike

[mike33]

BTW, i just picked up a 300 saum what do you guys think of it for elk. Been shooting the 180 accur bond but i picked up a box of 165 barnes tripple shock yesterday. I shoot 1/4 bores back here in md on whitetail and does fine but thought i would get something a little heavier for elk. If this works it will stay as my elk gun. Would appreciate opinions on the 300 saum i got a good deal on it even though i know the ultra would of been better.
Mike

[yotefever]

I like a zippered fleece turtleneck top so I can open the neck when walking or just cold and windy. If not real cold just a polyester zippered top, thin material but not polypro, it holds body odor.

[mtelkhntr78]

Mike, the 300SAUM will handle an elk just fine. I would opt for the 180gr over the 165 if you are still undecided. Thats not to say the 165 wont do the job, but Elk are tough critters that never cease to amaze me and something with a bit extra punch sure can make a difference. The reality of it is go with the bullet you are more comfortable with shooting. I will take an accurate shot with a 165gr bullet over any poorly placed bullet. The last bull I killed was with a 165 Barnes and I wasnt upset with the performance of the bullet at all.
BTW I think you will like those boots. I love mine!

Is it me or is hunting season not coming fast enough?

[linksmechanic]

If your going to back pack in and camp look for a boot with more support like the kenetrek and lowa. they are more money than danners but they are designed to pack a heavy load and do really well with a load while crossing rocky or unstable terrain. I will never go back to danners after using these type of boots. Plus they are completely waterproof and come in uninsulated,400 and 1000 gram options. I haved used the 400 gram in 10 degree weather with a heavy sock.