September Bow Hunting Clothes

stlhdr1 · 07-19-2008, 12:40 PM

What do you suggest for September Bow Hunting Clothes? I'm looking for something light weight, waterproof and warm or cool I guess...

Any suggestions on some of the stuff you guys have used with comfort?

Everything I have is late Muzzleloader type clothes which I think will be a bit warm for what I plan to do...

Keith

whtelk · 07-19-2008, 01:58 PM

It depends, it will get pretty chilly in September most years. I carry a camo T shirt in my day pack for when the day starts to warm up.

ehunter · 07-19-2008, 02:19 PM

Not sure where your hunting at but I am sold on the Cabela's Hunt Tech Long-Sleeve Tee and pants this stuff works in warm weather and cool mornings and drys fast and breaths well and is affordable. I usally wear a tee and a fleece vest is all for most of bow season unless it is really cold then a jacket. If you elk hunting like the rest of us think layers for hiking and a nice fleece pull over for setting and calling in the shade if there is a breeze.

lor · 07-19-2008, 02:24 PM

You need a full arsenal, especially if your hunting eastern Oregon.
I've seen it go from 90's to rain, wind, sleet, snow, and belowing freezing temps within days. I would buy/pack a little of everything you have from wool socks and thermal underwear to heavy gear cause you just never know and depending on where your hunting, it might not be feasible to resupply in town.

Eagleclaw · 07-19-2008, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lor

You need a full arsenal, especially if your hunting eastern Oregon.
I've seen it go from 90's to rain, wind, sleet, snow, and belowing freezing temps within days. I would buy/pack a little of everything you have from wool socks and thermal underwear to heavy gear cause you just never know and depending on where your hunting, it might not be feasible to resupply in town.

stlhdr1 · 07-19-2008, 04:06 PM

Our gameplan is a 4 day pack-in hunt near the base of Mt. St. Helens hunting around 5000 ft or so. I'm thinking I want hunting gear that is well rounded as I don't have much opportunity to pack a suitcase....

Has anyone had any luck with the Cabelas MT-050 Eclipse stuff? Looks to be fairly light but 100% waterproof. I have the insulated MT-050 stuff and it's excellent but don't know if the Eclipse stuff will be cool enough. The stuff is seen here.. http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...823&id=0058265

Or has anyone tried any of this stuff? How's the waterproofness?
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...823&hasJS=true

Keith

in 'em · 07-19-2008, 08:58 PM

Sitka. You can buy camo every couple years as it fades and springs leaks, or you can pay the penny for Sitka and use it forever.

jmg · 07-19-2008, 09:29 PM

My dad and I wear Cabela's Silent Weave bibs. We both really like them and work well for archery and rifle season. We throw on a long sleeve camo t shirt and your all set.

stlhdr1 · 07-19-2008, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by in 'em

Sitka. You can buy camo every couple years as it fades and springs leaks, or you can pay the penny for Sitka and use it forever.

So you've used this stuff?? I'm a guy that will spend the extra penny to get something that will last me 4-5 years. I'm pretty hard on my gear but in the fishing world I've been through lots of raingear resulting in a larger purchase on the Simms G3 gear and I can't preach enough about it. It's top notch and has got the job done for the last 3 years without a leak.....

Let me know, I'm game if the Sitka is full on waterproof.

Keith

sliverpicker · 07-20-2008, 04:54 AM

Most the time it's so warm, I just wear liteweight cotton camo. Some is over 20 years old and faded and torn. I do have heavier and warmer clothes I keep in my truck, camp, home if the conditions warrant a change.

I don't worry about having waterproof clothes around here in September. Boots yes, but clothes no. If you plan on sitting in a treestand every day from daylight to dark, then you might want some raingear. Lack of movement will chill you even at 55*

Rimrocks · 07-20-2008, 05:59 AM

Stlhdr1-
I've heard great things about Sitka also. It is in many hunting magazines now. You can get it in Hillsboro at a particular specialty hunting store, but I can't recall the name right now.

Columbia Silent Rain is also good stuff, but I can't seem to find any on line this year...like they discontinued it, but I know it will meet your needs. Amazingly quiet and water proof.

micah · 07-20-2008, 11:10 AM

Depends on the weather. Over east the weather can change quickly. I usually wear Under Armor heat gear but I also pack insulated camo incase the weather turns. I like Ghost Ridge camo Hardwoods for over east and Mossy Oak on the west side.

spottedhawk36 · 07-20-2008, 12:18 PM

where we archery hunt for elk a few years ago last week of season we had 80 degree days, and some days where it was snow, sleet and rain so you never know mountain weather is crazy so i have gear thats waterproof as well as my light weight cotton camo for you average oregon archery weather, but my boots are always waterproof with goretex regardless even on days when it gonna be warm your feet get wet when you have a nice frost over night.

jmg · 07-21-2008, 11:00 AM

I think the store in Hillsboro that you are thinking of is Janssens.

Crayfin · 07-21-2008, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stlhdr1

So you've used this stuff?? I'm a guy that will spend the extra penny to get something that will last me 4-5 years. I'm pretty hard on my gear but in the fishing world I've been through lots of raingear resulting in a larger purchase on the Simms G3 gear and I can't preach enough about it. It's top notch and has got the job done for the last 3 years without a leak.....

Let me know, I'm game if the Sitka is full on waterproof.

Keith

Absolutely 100% waterproof. I wore mine in Quebec for that Caribou hunt in driving rains and never got a single drop inside my raingear....best I have EVER had

stlhdr1 · 07-21-2008, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crayfin

Absolutely 100% waterproof. I wore mine in Quebec for that Caribou hunt in driving rains and never got a single drop inside my raingear....best I have EVER had

Todd,

So is the stuff like the Rivers West stuff where it doesn't breathe well????

Is it too much for a warm summer day to hunt and hike in?

Keith

Crayfin · 07-21-2008, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stlhdr1

Todd,

So is the stuff like the Rivers West stuff where it doesn't breathe well????

Is it too much for a warm summer day to hunt and hike in?

Keith

Super light weight with vents sewn in to help with ventilation. You would think it would tear easy it is so lite but the stuff is pretty darn tough. I was really suprised. The way that it is constructed it does not have the seem across your shoulders like other "raingear" which just gives you a perfect spot for a leak to start. It has more of a collar that comes down from your shoulders before you have a seem.

So far as I can tell...it is a perfect marriage of raingear and light weight. It breaths 10x better than Rivers West and is at least half the weight.

stlhdr1 · 07-21-2008, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crayfin

Super light weight with vents sewn in to help with ventilation. You would think it would tear easy it is so lite but the stuff is pretty darn tough. I was really suprised. The way that it is constructed it does not have the seem across your shoulders like other "raingear" which just gives you a perfect spot for a leak to start. It has more of a collar that comes down from your shoulders before you have a seem.

So far as I can tell...it is a perfect marriage of raingear and light weight. It breaths 10x better than Rivers West and is at least half the weight.

So have you worn the pants on a 70 degree day? It's easy to take a coat off and hunt in a Tshirt but pants are a little different....

Keith

Crayfin · 07-21-2008, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stlhdr1

So have you worn the pants on a 70 degree day? It's easy to take a coat off and hunt in a Tshirt but pants are a little different....

Keith

The rainpants are very light and are more of an "over pants" kinda thing. I dont think I would hunt in them if I did not have too. I always hunt with at least a small pack so they stuff into very small spaces. I have a set of their regular pants--whatever they are called and they are water resistant but not like the actual rainpants. They are tough as hell though to and I have worn them pretty exclusively for the last year hunting. Anyone that knows me.....knows I put my stuff through the paces and they have been great. Extra material where it is needed which is nice because I tend to sit quite a bit and glass

glowball · 07-22-2008, 07:50 AM

I'm going through the same quandry as you Keith. I've tried a lot of different rain gear that leaves me still searching for that 1 piece of gear to get it done. I've got the rivers west. New and old. Very waterproof, but even the newer lighter pants are too much in sept. It's the most waterproof gear I've used. I recently bought a pair of guidewear bibs from cabelas for fishing. They worked great. I'm thinking that their mt050 gore-tex might be the closest thing we'll find to a good waterproof breathable pant. Their rain suede works good for a few seasons, but I think there is room for improvement. That sitka gear is supposed to be good, but I can't see it being that much better than the mt050. The price they ask. You'd think it was heads and shoulders above. I was just on their site and the pants didn't even say 100% waterproof. They are water resistant. I tried to find the warranty info, but the site is a little goofy. I know with cabelas. That you could try em out and if they don't work (breathe) like you want. They'd take em back.

Another idea I've been pondering is taking a pair of waterproof gators to keep the dew off of the legs in the morning than taking em off after the sun comes up. Just wear them over a light pant. Obviously one would have to watch the weather reports. If no storms were do. Than it should work good. If you have ran on the horizon. Than you'd need your raingear. Probably wouldn't be quite as warm than. So maybe it wouldn't be to bad.

I'm guessing you've already checked this guy out. If not here is a link to his site. He has a few reviews on there.
http://www.hardcoreoutdoor.com/

I also remember reading that David Long from Eastmans was coming out with a new line of rain gear. Might look into that as well.

Good luck and let us know what you figure out.
Kris

glowball · 07-22-2008, 08:00 AM

I just noticed that cabelas sell sitka as well. So you could buy one of each and take back the ones you don't want.

Also the ascent pants are the ones I was referring to. It appears the nimbus are waterproof.

stlhdr1 · 07-22-2008, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glowball

I just noticed that cabelas sell sitka as well. So you could buy one of each and take back the ones you don't want.

Also the ascent pants are the ones I was referring to. It appears the nimbus are waterproof.

That's kind of what I'm leaning towards, just ordering both and checking them out it is what I love about Cabelas.

We are planning a pretty extreme hunt so I don't want to be unprepared. We're going in 8-9 miles and there will be no going back to get what you need from the truck. Our plan is to stay for 3 days but things can change, especially with me. If we're in the animals I'll stay for a week and eat huckleberries for all I care... But, if a storm blows in it could ruin a hunt if you don't have the proper essentials...

I've narrowed it down to camo sweatpants which are easy to pack and very light, underarmour hot and cold gear but I want to take in a lightweight coat and rain pants. I'm leaning towards the Sitka gear as Todd and a few other members have talked highly of it.

I currently own the MT-050 in the insulated version and love the stuff. I've used it for 3 years and it still keeps me dry even through the down pours and melting snow during the muzzleloader season so I have a lot of faith in that gear but just don't know how light the "uninsulated" pants will be.. Why can't they have a Cabelas in Portland or Vancouver????

Keith

stlhdr1 · 07-22-2008, 09:37 AM

OK, now what to do...

So I go onto Cabelas and get ready to order the Sitka Nimbus Pants and Jacket and one guy writes a review on the Jacket and says

"Was not to please with the product. It looks as if it will not last long. Too much money. Returned it and purchase Cabelas MT050 rainwear instead."

Hmmm. Leaving me hanging here... What to do?

Keith

glowball · 07-22-2008, 11:21 AM

We are doing a similar hunt this september. I'm leaning towards buying a pair of the mt050 pants. I'm going to use my rain suede jacket. For this hunt it will do a good job. I wear the heat gear underarmour. Haven't needed the cold gear. I don't sit much though. Over that I wear a button up shirt. I like to have the front pockets for calls and rangefinder when the jacket is in the pack. The most important part for me is the socks. I wear a good liner with a smart wool over it. Feet will break a hunt quick. I'll pack a back up pair of each sock and a pair of undies. I'll throw in a stocking cap and pair of gloves. No more clothes make it into the pack. I like to run light when going deep.

If I don't buy the mt050. I'll just run the rain suede pants. They still work good, but I'd like to have a little lighter weight pant. I see they redesigned them. So I might have to look into those as well. Choices choices.

Crayfin · 07-22-2008, 11:53 AM

I admit--they dont look tough but they are! Very lightweight material I was indeed sceptical myself--I would not want to wear them through blackberries like I do my Filson raincoat--but they ARE awesome!

in 'em · 07-22-2008, 09:08 PM

Click on the website below, enter the site, go to "About" and click on "Design".

http://sitkagear.com/

If you have the money, Sitka is hands down the way to go. The "stretch" fabric they refer to is just that...it stretches a bit as you move for added comfort, mobility and durability...it's also quiet, super light, fast drying and it doesn't fade. They basically took what mountaineers already new and designed, and formulated a system for hunters in camo with a few critiques. And while I can't tell you how well it handles colder temps, I can tell you its much better than cotton during September. I have the lightweight pants and a long sleeve base layer shirt that work great when it's warmer. You get full coverage, but it's still breathable and light. The vest is great for evening and mornings when it's a little colder too...to keep your core warm. And for now, I just slip on some thermal underwear under the pants when it's cold then take them off as the days gets hotter. Can't go wrong with Sitka...just make sure you hide the reciept from your wife!

Jellyhead · 07-23-2008, 10:03 AM

My suggestion would be to go with a quality packable rain coat. On pants, I prefer wool. (medium weight) I don't like to hunt in the rain if I can help it, and wool will keep you warm and dries out fast during the afternoons if you get dew/rain soaked in the morning (especially if you couple it with the under-armor).

So, my list would be the Underarmor, Med. Wool pants, Lightweight tee, Wool sweater, and a Quality raincoat. This covers 90% of my bowhunting needs from frosty mornings east to rainsoaked coastal rainforest.

The only thing that would be nice to add would be a set of lightweight pants for the really hot afternoons, but I'm usually not hunting that time of day.

It's not the lightest, most space age gear, but I'm not cameron haines either......

Aaron