Lets talk layers

[Hilljackoutlaw]

I recently acquired some first lite merino wool furnace top and bottoms. I have not worn them yet. My pondering is with tomorrow going to be really cold in the treestand should I wear my under armour 3.0 underneath the furnace tops and bottoms or will this defeat some of the purpose of what the merino wool is used for by not having it as my base layer wicking away moisture and all that other stuff it does?
Or will wearing both the UA and furnace base layers help me stay warmer?

Im interested in what your layering system for under 20 degree treestand sitting is?

 

[elkduds]

0 treestand experience. For early and late sitting/glassing in CO, around 0-10 degrees I use merino next to my skin. Then a fleece layer, then an insulated outer layer. I pay a lot of attention to keeping my points of contact w the ground well insulated: feet, butt, back against rock or tree. I use closed cell pad scraps for those. Liner or wool gloves under insulated mittens. From the neck up: a microfleece neck gaiter, a fleece balaclava and an insulated mad bomber hat w flaps.

I have worn ski goggles w clear lenses in extreme cold . Keeping cheeks, eyes and forehead warm makes a major difference on your internal thermostat. Extra credit physiology read: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diving_reflex

Drinking alcohol chills you, the initial warm feeling is a physiological lie. A water bottle or bladder w hot water inside the insulated outer layer, next to chest. Neoprene boot covers over insulated boots and merino wool blend thick socks.

20 degrees in sun and still air would not call for all of this. Good luck tomorrow.

 

[El Jason]

I’d wear them both.

 

[VikingsGuy]

Drink too much and go bare chested like the guys at late season football games.

 

[rtraverdavis]

Do you guys find those heavy Merino base layers make a big difference in keeping you insulated? (As opposed to something like down pants.) I have lighter merino base layers that are great for cool weather, but I’m wondering if money would be better spent on really heavy merino base layers or zip-off down pants that could be put on without removing my boots for the really cold glassing sessions.

 

[Hilljackoutlaw]

Do you guys find those heavy Merino base layers make a big difference in keeping you insulated? (As opposed to something like down pants.) I have lighter merino base layers that are great for cool weather, but I’m wondering if money would be better spent on really heavy merino base layers or zip-off down pants that could be put on without removing my boots for the really cold glassing sessions.

I noticed a big difference today. Used my same layering as always just used my new merino instead of a second layer of Under armour. Still more to be tested but I seemed warmer today.

 

[Deleted member 28227]

Do you guys find those heavy Merino base layers make a big difference in keeping you insulated? (As opposed to something like down pants.) I have lighter merino base layers that are great for cool weather, but I’m wondering if money would be better spent on really heavy merino base layers or zip-off down pants that could be put on without removing my boots for the really cold glassing sessions.

IMHO heavy merino is great for very cold conditions with medium to light hiking. Down is the best option hands down for glassing.

Personally puffy pants were a game changer for me.

 

[rtraverdavis]

IMHO heavy merino is great for very cold conditions with medium to light hiking. Down is the best option hands down for glassing.

Personally puffy pants were a game changer for me.

Sounds about right. I want something that I can hike in in really cold weather without getting too sweaty—I’m a sweat monster—but will still keep me fairly warm when I sit. No way I would hike in puffy pants, but I’ve wanted them on some windy, cold sits. Looks like I’ll have to get both.

 

[NR_Hunter]

I’m not real familiar with the first lite furnace top and bottom, but if it’s looser fitting I’d wear it over the UA stuff, but if it fits more like compression gear, I’d just wear one or the other, which ever one you think is warmer.

 

[88man]

Merino then other insulating layers then the outer weather layer

 

[Hilljackoutlaw]

Personally puffy pants were a game changer for me

I have a friend that says I need the puffy pants. They will be a treestand game changer for me he said.
So I'll pry get some to wear as my outer layer first late season whitetails. I'm a sitter I do alot of all day treestand sits and if I can do that and be warm it would be nice.

 

[Pucky Freak]

-10 to 10 degrees: synthetic base layer, running suit, synthetic sweat pants and wool sweater, snowboarding pants and heavy wool coat, light gloves, chopper mitts, facemask, rabbit fur bomber hat, thin wool socks, thick wool socks, pac boots...try not to get to cozy and fall asleep.

 

[88man]

I have a friend that says I need the puffy pants. They will be a treestand game changer for me he said.
So I'll pry get some to wear as my outer layer first late season whitetails. I'm a sitter I do alot of all day treestand sits and if I can do that and be warm it would be nice.

I need puffy pants also, Im not a crazy gear kinda person but as I type this I'm thinking hell you have everything. However, I don't have puffy pants! I need them.

 

[beginnerhunter]

IMHO heavy merino is great for very cold conditions with medium to light hiking. Down is the best option hands down for glassing.

Personally puffy pants were a game changer for me.

What kind of puffy pants do you use or have used? How are you implementing them? I'm in the market for some.

 

[Deleted member 28227]

What kind of puffy pants do you use or have used? How are you implementing them? I'm in the market for some.

I have the first light ones.

I throw them on glassing, around camp in the morning/evenings, or even in my sleeping bag (15 degree bag, I put them on around 20 degrees)

 

[520 Road Sow]

Pfft bunch a rookies, listen to the man himself Mr. Shockey and get yourself a heater body suit

 

[beginnerhunter]

View attachment 121991

Pfft bunch a rookies, listen to the man himself Mr. Shockey and get yourself a heater body suit

As ridiculous as that looks...bet it feels nice. Weird thing is his face has so little covering lol.

 

[rwc101]

I ordered an insanely cheap pair of down pants for glassing off Amazon. If I remember I'll try to post here whether they are garbage or not (probably).

 

[Hilljackoutlaw]

View attachment 121991

Pfft bunch a rookies, listen to the man himself Mr. Shockey and get yourself a heater body suit

Back in PA every year first day of rifle season growing up there was a guy who would sit in the same tree every year wearing one of those heater suits. He would sit in this saddle about 75 yards off our property it was a great spot. I'll never forgot how ridiculous that guy looked every year what a memory...lol

 

[nrpate05]

What kind of puffy pants do you use or have used? How are you implementing them? I'm in the market for some.

I have the First Lite ones and they are money. Paired with a down coat, glassing in the cold can be downright cozy. I also wear them around camp and to bed which really helps add to the 15 degree rating of my bag.