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

 

[jpc01101]

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…

View attachment 399522

Thanks for posting that I actually ordered one for my son the day you posted.

 

[mxracer317]

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.

Yep! Kuiu down pro. Pit zips are a MUST

 

[Laelkhunter]

I own lots of Sitka but the hands-down most versatile piece of Sitka I own is the Ambient. Perfect for mid-layer or outer layer. Unbelievable warmth from what feels like a light weight piece. Check around, you should be able to catch it on sale. I have the zip up non hooded model, but any of the Ambient model tops would serve you well.

 

[jimss]

A lot of guys tend to forget small items that really make a difference. Neck gator, beanie hat, insulated socks, mittens, etc. If I lived and hunted extreme cold I likely would invest in warm power packs of some kind.

Extreme cold weather garment materials have come a long ways in recent years. Less weight and bulk with similar or better warmth.

 

[Laelkhunter]

Extreme cold weather garment materials have come a long ways in recent years. Less weight and bulk with similar or better warmth.

So true. I remember hunting years ago in the snow with cotton long johns (from Sears) and blue jeans and freezing my behind off.

 

[The_Jim]

@Dakotakid are you looking for a puffy to wear hiking or while sitting?

If its hiking you would be better off looking for a shell that works as a windbreaker to stop that cold air from blowing through your clothes. Sitka Jetstream Jacket & Timberline pants.

If its for sitting the SG pants are great but for myself the jacket is not warm enough for below 0. I would find something with more fill. I personally put an arcteryx cerium under a first lite chamberlain when it gets that cold. If there is wind you'll want to put a shell over that. I use my raingear as a shell over my insulation.

 

[Dakotakid]

@Dakotakid are you looking for a puffy to wear hiking or while sitting?

If its hiking you would be better off looking for a shell that works as a windbreaker to stop that cold air from blowing through your clothes. Sitka Jetstream Jacket & Timberline pants.

If it’s for sitting the SG pants are great but for myself the jacket is not warm enough for below 0. I would find something with more fill. I personally put an arcteryx cerium under a first lite chamberlain when it gets that cold. If there is wind you'll want to put a shell over that. I use my raingear as a shell over my insulation.

I was rethinking my active hiking layers and I am looking at what you mentioned.
There is a video review here on hunt talk comparing the Jetstream the kuiu pro jacket and the Orvis. I think a soft shell with fleece might lower my bottom range. I use timberline pants with Patagonia long underwear midweight. My legs were not sweaty and not cold.
I was comfortable at zero degrees with a neck gaiter and heavier hat. Hands could have used a step up on gloves.
Not sure sub zero hunting is worthwhile but having a system that is flexible and gives me options down to my lowest willing temperature seems wise.

I also think a warmer mid layer would help too and give some flexibility. I was looking at the Kuiu 275. My brother uses an arcterix and swears by it as a mid layer, but last time I was in an Rei I didn’t find what would be a mid layer.

I have not sat and glassed at sub zero degrees for longer than a few minutes. I like the idea of a puffy but that may not be what I need for active hiking.

 

[The_Jim]

Even if your not glassing a puffy setup is still a nice insurance policy if something goes wrong or you want to sit and eat lunch. I still carry that Arcteryx Cerium on summer backpacking trips. The Stone Glacier pants & jacket together only weigh a couple pounds.

 

[SaskHunter]

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.

I always thought vests were dumb until I got my NAPF SG vest... I'm now a vest believer...