With the newest technology and materials in hunting clothing such as Kuiu and First Lite come Hugh prices. I see the value of some of these lines because of their functionality but they can cost 200-400 just for a top or a bottom. Are there comparable options from other companies like Cabelas or Basspro? Maybe another company?

Hard to beat Carhart insulated bibs. I like the ones with the zipper all the way up the front. They call them zip to waist. Like good boots they need broke in. You can get some good long johns , put on blue jeans, a nice heavy shirt and a good coat and hood, and stay out in some serious cold. They last a long time. Taking all the abuse a trapper/hunter wants to dish out. You tube how to make oil cloth and you can water proof them. When its not bitter cold wear fewer layers. I think those big prices are for people who just feel good about themselves when they spend more. Most of the time.

The big $ stuff is nice. Got a couple buddies that use it and can afford it.
Not me. I can by with cheaper stuff.

Danny I bought a “zip to waist” Carharts used to call them coveralls back in the early 90s all camouflaged in the artic style...suckers lasted for over 25 years. Great zippers and snaps even at 25 years old. My Dad retired from construction after 40 years and gave me all of his clothing...lots old Carharts in the mix.

I talked massive amounts of junk to my buddies about their high end duck hunting gear.

After many times of me being cold, wet, or a combination of the two, I finally invested in my own

I do not miss being cold and wet

Bass pro and cabelas hunting gear sucks. I feel like their quality has taken a huge hit in the last 5 or 6 years.

I used to have the Cabelas Supermag waders, bought them cause they had a lifetime warranty. First pair lasted a few seasons, second pair lasted one season, last pair didn't make it through one duck trip. Now they no longer have a lifetime warranty and they wouldn't replace my last pair

What exactly does this high end clothing do?

Danny, I agree. I love my Carhartt insulated bibs, but they won’t do in my situation. I should have explained why I’m asking this question.


I’m starting to hunt elk. I’ve not ever done that in my life. I retired from the Marines and was just always stationed somewhere where there were no elk.

I hunted last year in an area I’m starting to like. I put between 8 and 17 miles on my feet in a day. The snow can be between 6 and 12” if I’m walking it. I wore high end wool clothing and it got heavy and wet. I wore pac boots and they were heavy. My walk in left me sweating. I layered down on the walk in and up but then I had to carry heavy outer clothing.

Newer clothing types are lighter, breathe better, and don’t absorb water and snow and freeze up. Newer boots by Kennetrek or Crispi are $450.

So this is why I’m asking about the newer stuff and a more affordable option. I’m asking for a few veterans I plan on taking up the mountains this year and into the future also.

For the prices, I want them to hunt for me. Lol.

MChewk you can get coveralls too. These are what I am talking about. Those cover all's are too binding for me.

https://dungarees.com/carhartt-r38-...&cs=BRN_4&size=48W34L&cid=24

I bought Filson wool for hunting. Pricey, but American made and perfect. Will last my lifetime and probably someone else’s after I die.

If I had to walk 10 miles in a foot of snow, I’d stay home. Lol. More power to you.

If you want to water proof them mix boiled linseed oil and a good quality mineral spirits 50/50. Hang your bibs on a line and apply the mix with a paintbrush. They will be waterproofed for a long time. When it does wear off after a year or two you can reapply it. Let them dry. Can take a week or so to dry good.

Danny, this new stuff is literally POUNDS lighter. For what you’re using it for, I’m sure it’s great but there’s much better stuff available today. Even my military gore-tex is better than having that stuff up a mountain. It really is night and day. Like using a post hole diggers versus an auger on a tractor for 150 holes.

Sounds like you are in for some enjoyment of the land and sharing it with good folks too.

Elk are fun but challenging.

They can see your toes wiggle inside your boots if you're not careful

I bought a pair of Sitka Mountain Pants, their lightweight hoodie, and one of their mid layer jackets. I also bought a pair of Crispi boots. I have a pair of Kuiu paints and their Marino wool long sleeve shirt. I've been on two western archery elk hunts, each 10 days long. I don't know how many miles I've walked or elevation traversed. This, in addition to several seasons of Missouri whitetail and turkey hunting. I am extremely happy with both the clothing and boots. I do not regret buying them. Although I was able to purchase them through an outfitter friend at 50% off. They are probably worth it even paying full price.

I'm prior military as well and have all my old gear, as well as various wool clothing, and have used the typical bass pro and cabalas gear throughout my 40 years of hunting. This is an expensive purchase but IMO is worth it. Those who criticize it because of the cost probably have never worn it as intended, therefore their opinions do not matter to me.

Check in with their website(s). You should be able to get a military discount.

ol'dad

I also use insulated bibs made for work, not hunting. Many years ago I found a pair on a discount rack at a farm supply store. They were many sizes larger than my size but were also short in the legs. I discovered they were easy to slip in and out off. When they finally wore out, I purchased another set that was also short but very full.

Some waterproof hunting clothing is too loud for walking quietly. Hard to find a happy medium between waterproof and stealth materials.

Well my 2cents are that they are expensive but not over priced. You get what you pay for. My wife bought me a Sitka jacket for christmas, I like my higher end stuff but probably wouldn't have
spent the $$ on. After wearing just a few times I am sold, boy is it sweet and warm. I'd have to think you'd have it for many years. I bought a pair of Russell Moccasin turkey boots used for $200,
they are $550-$600 new. I thought I'd never spend that much on them but after having these, they are well worth the price.

I always love your humor, Sharon.

Yeah, I’m working on starting something with a non-profit to bring veterans and also kids of veterans and law enforcement killed in the line of duty out to the places we love.

Some of the high end stuff is real good and no less expensive brands will offer the same benefits. I buy used, cold temperature stuff when it is warm....moderate temperature stuff when it is real cold...my experience is that they last a while if not abused. I would imagine that prices for the new stuff will be up or going up considerably if they get it in stock. Some guys have to buy the latest/greatest and have all they own in matching camo...rockslide forum classifieds are a great place to watch for good used gear for much less....50%+ off new if you are patient and watch very regularly for it...highly discounted stuff does not last long.

Give archery hunting a shot beautiful weather, bugling bulls, aspens/quakies coloring up and several states allow crosbows. Downside is the weather is pretty warm some days so you'll need to be able to get it out in decent time.