I thought this would be an interesting topic, though I can maybe guess at what a few answers will be :P
What are your favorite pieces of clothing you've ever bought for hunting and why?
I'll start, I have a few. In order:
1. Aclima Woolnet Baselayers - YMMV but these have been a game changer for me. I no longer have to worry about getting sweated up on my way to a stand or blind, or worry about having to change clothes when I get there. Superior warmth, comfort, and drying properties IMO. The only baselayers I wear anymore, I get use out of them from the 60s down to the -20s.
2. Appalachian Gear Company All-Paca Hoodie - Light, warm, breathable, naturally silent and odor resistant. I love this thing and use it whenever I can, 50s down to -20s, outer layer or midlayer, stand or spot and stalk.
3. Dachstein Boiled wool sweater - Make no mistake, it's heavy, its not packable, and it certainly isn't cheap. That said I absolutely love this thing for stand hunting in late season. It's a heater, it's surprisingly good at blocking the wind and snow, and despite it's warmth it breathes exceptionally well. This sweater offers great flexibility, and is as quiet as any outer shell I've ever used, EVER. The collar is great, rising up tocover your neck in comfort and warmth. Another benefit is you can buy the Mil-Tec knock off for a third of the price and get 95% of the functionality.
4. Stone Glacier Grumman Down Vest - This thing packs down nicely, weighs pretty much nothing, and is sleek enough to wear under your shell without looking like the Michelin Man. Very happy with the amount of warmth it provides and it helps break the wind as well if you like to wear a wool layer over it like me.
5. Asbell Pathfinder + Mackinaw Cape - When it isn't cold enough for the Dachstein it's Asbell time. The Timber Ghost is the best camo I own, hands down. If you don't have a cape for your pathfinder or jacket, get one, you won't regret it. I have two capes, one hunter orange for rifle season and one Timber Ghost to match my pathfinder. I find myself wearing the cape over not just the pathfinder, but a lot of other stuff I wear as well. What's not to love? It's quiet, blends in with a wide variety of environments, breathes, and gives me the range of motion I need.
Honorable mentions - Woolpower 400 Ulfrotte vest, Swazi Cairnsman hooded sweater, Grey Wolf Woolens Boot Blankets.
With my last name being Jones, as a kid I always thought it was cool that my dad hunted with a Jones-style hat. Well, Dad died in March 2011 and I just recently found one of his hats. He had two and the one I knew of was too small for my "grape." However the one I just found a month or so ago, while kinda tight, is something I can work with.
So this Jones-style hat worn by the late Bill Jones will be my favorite piece of hunting clothes!
My Favorite piece would be my ASAT Leafy suit for sure. It goes over my shorts and T-shirt early season, and over heavier clothing later in the season.
Dammit-why did I click on this?! Just when I think I have the clothing piece covered, Elsecaller's list has me shopping for things I didn't even know I needed! :goldtooth: My favorite piece is probably a merino base layer top. In all but the hottest temperatures, they just work well for me. I'm definitely going to check out eh Alcima woolnet...
Asbell wool and Schnees pac boots,because they work
1. KOM Bushman shirt.. Only shirt I bow hunt in until it gets cold.. blends in well, quiet, tough and most importantly, it protects my chest when climbing my tree. I don't use a climbing aide, I hug the tree and pull myself up....
Sorry Gents... I misread and thought it meant all types of gear, not just clothes.. I deleted the unneeded parts...
Winona (Bob Fratzke) synthetic fleece lined belt pocket to keep my string hand in until needed without needing to wear a glove on that hand.
Wool fingerless mittens (my wife made from our sheep's wool).
Terramar long underwear, beanie and glove-liners.
Quote from: charlie chocks on February 12, 2023, 06:59:08 PM
With my last name being Jones, as a kid I always thought it was cool that my dad hunted with a Jones-style hat. Well, Dad died in March 2011 and I just recently found one of his hats. He had two and the one I knew of was too small for my "grape." However the one I just found a month or so ago, while kinda tight, is something I can work with.
So this Jones-style hat worn by the late Bill Jones will be my favorite piece of hunting clothes!
That's an awesome story. I have a similar story, kind of. My grandfather passed away in 2017 and we were really close. He had an old Stetson he always wore that always reminded me of him. Needless to say when he passed I wanted it, but my melon is way too big. It wouldn't even fit at all, much less comfortably because I have a freakish big head. I finally pulled the trigger on buying one that looked like his in a bigger size. I love it, though I don't often wear it hunting because it gets knocked off when I'm walking through thick branches.
I'm a big fan of the old predator camo in the green pattern made from saddle cloth. I have 3 full sets I've used for many, many years.
Another favorite is my ghillie suit.
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Sitka Fanatic coat and bibs. Yes I know they are rediculously expensive, but they work so well to keep me warm while sitting on a cold stand in MN/ND winters.
BDU pants, couldn't live without them.
Would hate not to have a pair of Muck Wetlands snake boots as well.
Quote from: MnFn on February 12, 2023, 11:23:37 PM
Sitka Fanatic coat and bibs. Yes I know they are rediculously expensive, but they work so well to keep me warm while sitting on a cold stand in MN/ND winters.
No judgement here. If you added up all my wool and down it would cost just as much as those Fanatic Bibs/Coat.
Love the cold late season so my Heater Body Suit is my favorite.
When it's cold enough Filson camo wool jacket, it just works.
Another vote for BDU pants, they last.
LL Bean Maine hunting boots.
I recently lost enough weight to get back into my favorite Woolrich bibs. Comfortable, tough, and quiet. My early season favorite is a green cotton "commando sweater." Takes the early and late chill off, but not too hot. Had to find a new one a few years ago, after a bear stole the one I wore for years. I bow killed a nice Saskatchewan color phase red bear and had to walk out to get help to get him back to camp. I didn't want another bear messing up the beautiful fur, so I took off my sweater and draped it over him. When I returned the sweater was gone! I guess a bear needed it more than I did.
One of my favorites is a Woolrich wool jacket. It's a great camo pattern , the right thickness for most of our SC hunting weather. I also picked it up at a flea market for I think $7.00 . But it was summer time and not many folks were in the market for winter coats.
I'm pretty much a fair-weather hunter anymore. I dont mind chilly and breezey but if I need heavy clothing for bow-hunting, I'm probably not going. That said, I've gotten a fair collection of things like cotton/nylon sweatpants in grey and camo, insulated hooded sweatshirts in grey and camo, different hats from boonie hats to knitted, rag-wool gloves and fleece neck gaitors. Light weight stuff, inexpensive and easy to get. I like the grey for hunting in harwoods, the camo for hunting in brush and grass and for turkey. I also like the medium height Bean boots too. Pretty cheap and simple.
It's hard to figure which is my favorite, but I've been wearing this Cabelas Windstopper pull over wool sweater for about 20/25 years now and I wear it on ever hunt. It's traveled to Alaska, Georgia, Quebec, New Brunswick, Maine, Saskatchewan, Montana, Wyoming, Texas and a few others. It's even gone with me to Florida!! I think that this is the earliest picture I have of it from about 2005 or so[attachment=1]
I have a gray wolf predator wool vest that I don't go anywhere without . I also like my King of the mountain wool Jacket and shirt . Pants I go through so many but just plain cotton predator pants work the best for me . I have worn a LL Bean wool sweater for about 25 years and I think it is going to out last me .
My Boonie hat and First Lite Obsidian pants green and Kuiu light weight Merino wool glove and light weight hoodie both in Mossy Oak Bottom land camo and Kuiu Verde camo.
My King of the Mountain shirt
Fun thread...Maybe add what areas/weather we hunt with this cothing ....and how long we have hunted it as Sean has done....
Ohio here...Pretty extreme in change/fluctuation during our Bowhunting season...From 70+---to -20 below (and colder), with just as wide a range of damp wind mixed it.....I will add I am hot blooded , so you might need the warmer clothing earlier than this Wolf :dunno:
1)I Love my Cableas Hunting Fleece pants/jackets....In the lightweight design early to mid season & heavy weight with wind liner late. All of mine is in that 20-30 year range with hard/yearly usage . Still like New . That says a LOT about a product !
2) Fleece hunting Vest ! Priceless piece of clothing imho....I have a Old Whitewater That I wear almost all season unless I have to have windshearing for those late artic season Ohio hunts. Then I use my Cabelas fleece vest. and or a bicycle wind vest under. Both of these are also in that 20-30 year age and still like New !
3)Asbell /LaClair wool jacket and Longhunter wool ! Great late mid season on with my Bicycle wind vest for cold windy days . I think I have around 10 seasons on these ? and yes...excellent and like New !
4) smartwool/cabelas Wool socks year Round . Socks take a beating , so 4-6 seasons on average with proper care. They are another priceless item imho...
5)My Outback style wool crushable hat , custom cut & shaped for me so as to have NO CONTACT while shooting .;)
Had this a LOT of years. Perfect amount of sun/light protection , and beads off the rain.Love it ..
6)..If you want to include boots ;) My Lacrosse Grange 16" rubber boots are what I wear every day hunting until we get to single digits. Then I use 1000 Lacrosse rubber boots 16"....Not for scent control, but this wolf hunts crosses wild water often , and nothing beats Rubber inthat department for me....Id have to think how long I have had these last pair of grange...Thinking 7-8 seasons .The 1000's likely 10-15 yrs. I don't wear them near as often.
I like these type threads , as it might be helpful to someone looking to hunt a certain region or add some New hunting clothing to the tote;) .....Just a little window into some of those many many years of usage ;)
Yes I'm ..."Thrifty" :biglaugh:
:campfire:
Quote from: trad_bowhunter1965 on February 13, 2023, 11:40:31 AM
My Boonie hat and First Lite Obsidian pants green and Kuiu light weight Merino wool glove and light weight hoodie both in Mossy Oak Bottom land camo and Kuiu Verde camo.
You would not believe how hard it is for me to find a dang boonie hat to fit my ginormous head.
My snake boots. I just am not comfortable in the woods without them.
Lot of years between most of those pictures.....and most I have the same jacket... I do have the same Cabelas fleece pants in all the pics ;^)))
Most all the same cloths this year , and still look and perform Excellent....Just for some odd reason they fit a little ..tighter :biglaugh:
Don't know if this counts as clothing (probably not), but my favorite is my LED headlight. No more gutting animals after dark with a mini mag in my mouth while spit runs off the end of it ! LOL :biglaugh:
It was probably 1972. I received some cash for Christmas. My sister wanted to hit a few big department stores afterwards to see what was on sale, and I tagged along. Sweaters were half off at one place, and I bought two. One was somewhat dressy, and the other was an acrylic number with a short zipper at the neck. It was sort of a forest green with some lighter colors here and there. Eventually, the nicer of the two disappeared, and the green one worked it's way into my hunting clothing. I still use it every year. It blends in with everything- pine, juniper, oak and so on. It is my favorite of all my camo when the weather is mild, and makes a nice base layer in colder weather.
Sitka Gear bibs.
Most vests.
My standard issue uniform for over 20 years is still working....
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And when it gets cool..... just add fleece.....
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When it gets ugly, just add Grey Wolf wool both top and bottom...
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Some really great suggestions and pics here, thanks for sharing them. :campfire:
I'll take a suggestion from my friend Ralph the Riverwolf and share the climate I hunt and then post some pics of some of my favorite clothing/boots.
I hunt southwestern PA and the temps. can range from in the 80's at the beginning of archery season to the negatives with wind chills during our second season after Christmas.
I've never posted multiple pics at once so hopefully this will work.
Picture 1 shows an early season hunt temps in the upper 70's. I really like my LL Bean boots and Khaki moisture wicking shorts. In a tree my legs have never got me busted....yet :biglaugh:
Picture 2 is another early season hunt temps 70's low 80's. Plain old camo t shirts and the tattoos have provided enough camo while in a tree for quite a few years.
Picture 3 this was this past season. This green Predator pattern is excellent in my opinion.
Picutre 4 it was in the 40's on this day if I remember correctly. I've had this insulated camo hoodie for about 20 years and will be really bummed when I have to retire it. It made a good spot for my son to lean on for a nap. This is my all time favorite hunting picture as well.
Picture 5 about 15 degrees on this day. You can see my Predator fall grey pants and my Muck Artic pro boots.
Picture 6 another day in the teens with plenty of snow. Predator fall grey, a warm beanie, fleece gator and rag wool finger mittens.
No pics but I really like my heated vest, merino wool base layers and socks when It's cold. I also like fleece vests as well.
Always liked those Predator patterns/color's.....To me it's kinda like Strata in that it's camo wihout looking so much like camo.
Good stuff Terry.
Jim, LOL...love the skin camo ....especially the tattoo pattern ;)
Yep, hunted often in shorts in Ohio as well on those Gawga temp type days ;^))
I have some Ground griz pics someplace with me in my high tech stalking outfit....Cream colored shirt-light colored shorts and...WHITE tennis shoes ;^))))) That will sharpen you spot and stalk skills with Mr. Ground Griz ;) I did find this picture of me after stalking a Ground griz .One of those get off work...grab your bow...and hit the fields days .........Least I had my work boots one :biglaugh:
Good stuff gents....Like mentioned , it's fun and likely helpful in some way to fellow Bowhunters wanting to get a handle on what type clothing- with various temps/conditions will/do work !
Keep them coming , and Thank you for joining in ! :clapper:
This thread has me thinking of Papa LaClair......and his famous Loincloth pic :scared:........ :biglaugh:
I sure do miss him ....... :campfire:
I got a fair amount of stuff and really like it all and for different reasons but there is one piece that stands out partly cuz it really saves my butt when the temps drop and everything else about it too just makes it a game changing garment ........ SITKA Fanatic Jacket. Been using it for 3 years now. Because I'm always sitting still, it doesn't experience much wear and tear so it should last many years. Other than it not having any level of water repellant, it's near perfect. You cannot wear this jacket and be mobile, unless maybe it were below zero temps and even then ....... unbelievable warm especially for a jacket that is fairly stream lined with minimal bulk. It is worth every penny.
I've got several pairs of Wolfskin predator camo pants that I actually purchased on classifieds here on Tradgang a number of years ago. They are the best! They show no signs of wear and I can layer or not to suit quite a variety of temperature ranges.
Quiet and comfortable.
Grey Wolf Woolen bibs, had them for 18 years and still going strong, then Asbell pullover love it.
a couple I would find it hard to do without....
1) Winona camo sweater. I have a couple from the Knit Tree made by Sharon and they are perfect for fall and winter.
2) Two Tracks felted wool camo Vest and camo wool Coups Cap. Charles & his wife do excellent work. Wish they still made them.
3) Asbell Wool vest & pullover. Classic Quality from a great Lady!
Rubber boots!
Merino wool stocking cap and neck gaiter, Bean plaid wool shirts and Filson wool socks. ( And Muck boots)
I think if I had to pick one, it would be a Filson vest.
Every winter I make it through with my Day One Wool ASAT pants with the big waist "kidney protector" lined with everything.
This year, after injury and surgery to a hand I was on a quest for the right gloves. I found the Sitka liners to be very good, but brought out of retirement some irreplacable and remarkable gloves from Cabela. They have a thinsulate lining, fleece camo back and suede over the palm and front of the fingers. They have been out of production for 20 years, as far as I can figure, and thank goodness that I bought 2 pairs. What was I thinking?? :)
I really like some of the Swazi garments at the moment. their forest pants are fantastic for our cooler weather hunts. They're mostly waterproof so you can bash through brush in them OK but they are also fairly stretchy so you can hike in them without your legs and joints fatiguing as much. They also released a jumper last year called the Cairnsman which has quickly become my favourite garment of all time. It's made of merino wool, has a hood, tight cuffs around your wrists, and is lined with possum wool so it's soft. I wore it for a week straight on a backpack hunt last year and then wore it out to dinner and various other places while on holiday for a week with my wife and my parents.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/923/2Yrzef.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pn2Yrzefj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/7BF1VV.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pm7BF1VVj)
Good stuff Dylan !
I have been looking for a good warm weather light flexable pant for roving and early season on this side of the pond;)
I've been looking at the Carhartt rugged flex steel cargo pants....
anyone try these ?
I've not tried the Carharts yet Ralph.
I got turned onto the Wrangler ATG pants last year and wear the heck out of them. Very durable and comfy, zippered pockets, reasonably priced at Wallyworld $30 but you can get them on sale sometimes. They are earth tones.
I even got a pair in black for when the wife wants to step out fancy and requires more than jeans from me.
Thanks Jim ....
I haven't looked at those wrangler's yet. Are they mostly of cotton ? I did look at some wrangler riggs. They were like 97-98% cotton. I was looking for something like ripstop in water repellent and fast drying , light& airy ;)
For the warmer months.....I do like you and ain't against shorts....but man do the nettles rip ya a new one in these parts ....err sting ya a new one I should say.... :biglaugh:
The Carhartts have a nice look & feel to them . Might save the pennies up and get a pair...on sale ... :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:
The wrangler atgs are nylon, fairly stretchy, and they are lightweight. I wear them everyday for work. Wore them as my lighter pants in AK last fall. I'd wear them out west hunting in the right situation. They don't work for me here in the Midwest for deer. They snag on thorns and the little beggars lice cling to them too tightly. I prefer cotton for early season around here. No briars or burrs the atgs are great.
My favorite single hunting garment is a green lambswool quarter zip sweater I got in France while visiting my wife's family. The sweaters were in a French version of like a Burlington coat factory for around 20 bucks. I bought myself an olive green one and a brown one for my buddy in MT. Both are worn out after 15 years and I could never find them again. Should have bought a half dozen! I've killed a truckload of critters while wearing that old sweater!
R
Thank ya for the input Ryan...I'll have to check those wrangler ATG'S out as you and Jim have recommended !
Nylon blends are pretty tough stuff in general....I hunt Ohio mostly(looking to change that somewhat;),so I get the thorn-beggars lice issues '')
I also wear cotton early and summer....but early morning roves/hunts-damp conditions and cotton loses it's thrill real quick for me... ;^))
Thanks for the input gentlemen !
Just checked..looks like Wrangler makes a 97% cotton version and a Nylon version ;)
Dew rag and a worn out turtle neck work for me[attachment=1]
Ryan, do you have a pic with that sweater in it?
Cabelas Berber jacket outfitter camo.
Here you go, Terry, a couple that were handy with the sweater on the outside. Usually it's underneath something else.
R
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I have a either Llama or Alpaca wool sweater that is so warm I can eliminate 2-3 layers. A old hunting buddy gave it to me after he outgrew it. I've lost 20# over the last year and a half so its big on me now. Need to find someone to unravel and knit me a medium. :bigsmyl:
Catquiver 1. Have used it for years and years. Arrow fletching well protected, and works great when walking thru the corn fields. I hang it on a hook when I get to my treestand, no quiver on the bow for me.
A couple must haves for me.. Hand muff and vest. The hand muff serves so many purposes I usually have it on when its not even that cold.
Normally not big on the name brand stuff but did discover the AFTCO Reaper hoodie this season. The wind stop and built in neck gator are amazing.
I have a old green wool military button up shirt I wear a lot. And a fleece reversible crusher hat. I do love my day one cowboy suede pullover and pants. Can wear all year with layers or not. Boots now don't get me started. Lol. I have so many pairs it's really not funny but bean boots for early to mid season and schnee and kentrek pac boots for late fall through winter. Also lacrosse burley's for swamps. Same with vests. Have way to many but always have one just depends on temps what kind I have under my cowboy sued pullover
Quote from: supernaut on February 18, 2023, 06:47:19 PM
I've not tried the Carharts yet Ralph.
I got turned onto the Wrangler ATG pants last year and wear the heck out of them. Very durable and comfy, zippered pockets, reasonably priced at Wallyworld $30 but you can get them on sale sometimes. They are earth tones.
I even got a pair in black for when the wife wants to step out fancy and requires more than jeans from me.
Those ATG's are fairly quiet?
Elsecaller, yes the ATG'S are very quiet in my opinion.
Just bought a pair in the sea turtle color....I think they could use some help in the color name game, but excited to try them out.
Things I wouldn't do without:
KOM bowman, Two tracks wool hat, FL zip off long underwear, Grumman puffy, woolpower tops, smartwool socks, arctic shield boot covers, muff
Quote from: Overspined on February 22, 2023, 08:53:44 AM
Things I wouldn't do without:
KOM bowman, Two tracks wool hat, FL zip off long underwear, Grumman puffy, woolpower tops, smartwool socks, arctic shield boot covers, muff
Ditto on the Grumman and Woolpower!