Warmth hiking layer sub zero

[Dakotakid]

It was -8 when I went hunting this morning. Didn’t get to hunt last fall because of work obligations. My five layers worked well at zero degrees but I have been wanting to add a puffy/ synthetic as a layer.

Anyone have a good warmth layer? Puffy like or synthetic?

 

[belshawelk]

They can get expensive depending on quality. For hunting it’s Kuiu puffers. Everyday wear is Columbia with heat shield( looks like aluminum foil) Super warm.

 

[Dsnow9]

I pack a sg puffy and puffy pants all the time hunting. I throw them on when I stop. I usually don’t wear many layers when hiking even in real cold temps. I sweat really easily so I’m always on the less insulation the better when hiking. Then when I stop to glass or something I look like the Pillsbury dough boy.

 

[MTLabrador]

I picked up a Sitka ambient jacket this year on clearance, it’s pretty great for being active and sweating in the cold without getting soaked.

 

[jpc01101]

No puff while hiking for me. I usually take my base layer off when I ge to glassing and throw on a shirt, Stone glacier puff and put my shell over that I also have some Sitka puff pants that I will zip over everything if it’s as cold as you were saying.

 

[jpc01101]

Also, usually have a thin puff vest that I will put on as well. Never stops amazing me how much a vest helps.

 

[Dsnow9]

Also, usually have a thin puff vest that I will put on as well. Never stops amazing me how much a vest helps.

I always thought vests were dumb. Was testing out a couple different vests for TrueWerk at work and the were game changing for me. Especially considering I’m always moving and using my arms at work. Same would apply to hunting with the added mobility in the arms but core temps up. I use them daily for work but have neglected hunting. Will be adding those in for hunting.

 

[Rack Daniels]

Posted this in gear deals. For 25 dollars you can’t beat it. Of course, it’s not kuiu Sitka or stone glacier.
Don’t pet the sweaty stuff…. I mean…

 

[Dakotakid]

Let me step back and expose my layering.

1.Base- Patagonia mid weight, I use the mid weight to avoid sweat but still give comfort. Warmer hunts I go up to light weight but for colder hunts and moving I still use mid. Heavy was most often too sweaty.

2. I use an alpaca sweater layer that gives a little breathability to the base layer but is warm and light.

3. Next layer is a strong fleece kuiu 210 for wind break and locking in warmth

4 is a St. John’s bay synthetic fleece pullover that has been on every hunt I have ever done- super warm does not make me sweat, has a worn hole in it and I have never found its replacement even searching eBay.

5. Outer layer Kuiu 240 in blaze orange as wind break and acceptable durable outer layer. Quiet

At zero degrees but moving I was comfortable throughout a 3 mile hike. Wind did pierce slightly but it was not uncomfortable and showed breathability with zero sweating. It was -8 yesterday morning going to the field but warmed up to zero. If it had been -8 when I started hiking or if the wind had been blowing at zero, I would have needed different layers. A wind barrier and another warmth layer.
Each of these layers are quiet which would be a requirement for any change or addition
As I have written these out I should test out the combinations-
Under shirt and kuiu 240- good for 35-30 degrees
Add alpaca- drop temps to 25-20 degrees
Add strong fleece drop temps to 15-10 degrees
Add St. John’s 5-0 drop temps to degrees