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5 Essential Layers By Guy Eastman
imageimageWhen burning three hours and 3000 calories to huff it to the top of a 10,000 foot peak to hunt for that big buck, you had better arrive prepared for whatever Mother Nature might throw in your face. The elements can be grueling in the highcountry and being well-prepared is simply a must. If you're not, you might be risking your hunt, or with just a few unfortunate turn of events, even your life. A good system of layering is a key component to keeping safe and comfortable in the backcountry.
The art of properly layering your clothing will keep you warm and dry under some very extreme circumstances. Proper layering is basically the method by which you use various layers of clothing to not only regulate your body temperature but also to manage the moisture that your body creates while humping it up over the top of "Big Buck Ridge." Basically, the strategy goes like this: as the temperatures drop you put on more layers and as the temperatures rise or you generate morebody heat you take off layers of clothing. Regulating body temps while trying to keep weight to a bare minimum is also a key.
As many of you know, hunting out West can be a very physical endeavor. The mountains and elevations can create some extreme weather conditions through the course of the fall. One hundred degree temperature variations from September to December are not out of the question inthe Rocky Mountain region. With this in mind the savvy backcountry hunter must come prepared for these conditions and not allow extreme weather to ruin a hard earned and painstakingly planned forhunt.
When planning for a hunt I use a 5-layer system for my upper torso or 'core.' Different combinations of these five basic layers will accommodate all of my hunting needs from August clear up until December.
These five layers of clothing are categorized as follows: the "base-layer", the "2nd-layer", the "insulating-layer", the "ultra-insulating layer", and the everimportant'protective-layer.' By using different combinations of these five simple layers, I can pack for almost any weatherconditions the Rocky Mountains can dole out.
When we are talking about the lower body or our legs, we can cut this layer system down to only four basic layers. We can now drop out the "ultra-insulating" layer for our lower extremities because the human body just doesn't lose near as much heat through the legs as it does through the upper torso. Keep in mind however, if you are sitting in a ground blind or treestand you still might want to incorporate an ultra-insulating layer on your lower half.
The Base Layer:
The "base-layer" is one of the most important layers in the system. The base layer is the layer that sits against your skin and is responsible for the "moisture" management of your body. This is why we now see so many high-tech type fabrics and garments on the market today. These new fabrics are designed to pull or "wick" the moisture from the surface of your skin and move it to the outer surface of the fabric where it will evaporate quickly, which in turn keeps your body both dry and warm under extreme temperature variations.
When talking base-layers we want to go one of two routes. We either want to use this layer to keep us warm or keep us cool. The breaking point for this decision for me is the low temperature for the day. If the lows are going to get around freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit) then I use an insulating type base-layer while, if the lows are only going to reach into the 40s or 50s, then I use a cooling type base-layer. The cooling base-layer can be as simple as a t-shirt, or as high-tech as a set of Under Armour Loose Gear. Some backcountry hunters will often use an ultra light-weight Smartwool base layer. This very fine wool under garment remains warm even when wet, and dries very quickly in a slight breeze. This type of layer, is probably the most versatile as it can be used both as a cooling layer as well as an insulating layer. The draw back is the price, a set of Smartwool can easily run you over $150 and the wool base layer will give you very little protection against the wind. The most popular insulating base layer today is the Under Armour Cold Gear system. This modern, high-tech fabric is designed to pull the moisture from your skin and move it to the outside of the fabric where it can be evaporated off quickly, all while keeping your skin dry and warm. These garments are designed to fit very tight to the body and act as 'artificial skin' so to speak.
When shopping for a base layer for your hunt you want to make sure the material is designed to properly handle moisture (sweat), is comfortable and fits you properly. This is the layer of clothing you will be "living in" for four or five straight days typically.
2nd Layer:
The "2nd-layer" is where we begin to incorporate both protective and insulating properties into our system. This is the "in between" layer, between your jacket and your base layer. This could be as simple as a sweatshirt or as hi-tech as an ultra-fleece lined wind proof pullover shirt. This is the layer that you will spend the most time in while climbing a hill or ridge. When choosing a second layer it is important that you focus on what weather and climate conditions you might be facing on your hunt. The two most popular materials for this layer would be without a doubt either wool or fleece. Both of these fabrics offer comfort, breathability, warmth and are very lightweight in nature. A simple lightweight fleece pull-over makes a very adequate and economical second-layer for mild climates or early season hunts. During the mid and later months of fall or as the weather and elevations get a bit more extreme you might want to switch out to a wool based layer because the insulating properties of wool will remain intact even when wet. To properly choose a second-layer for your system you will generally want a layer that is lightweight, comfortable, breathable, and has some insulating properties. As a general rule of thumb, you should be comfortable walking on level ground in your base and second layer down to a windless 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Insulating Layer:
This is basically a fancy name for your jacket. The insulating-layer is the layer that will take your comfort level down to the point of freezing. When combined with the base and the second-layer the insulating-layer should keep you comfortable down to the point of frost (32 degrees Fahrenheit). This is the piece of clothing you will be putting on and taking off the most as you hunt the backcountry. It seems like I am constantly taking my jacket off as I hike and putting it back on when I sit down to glass. With this in mind, make sure your jacket is easy to take off and make sure you have a system in place to attach it easily to your backpack. Also, since this is most likely your camo/concealment layer, make sure you can get to it quickly and easily if the need arises. The possibilities available for this layer are near to endless. There are so many products on the market for this layer that I could write an entire book on the subject. I will spare you the boredom of that endeavor and just hit the highlights. When shopping for an insulating layer keep in mind there is no single solution that will fit all of your needs. There is no one jacket that is versatile enough to act as a good insulating layer for every climate, elevation and condition. I use two or three different solutions for this layer depending on when, where and how I am hunting. These range from a simple single layer fleece jacket to a multi-layer fleece coat with a Scent-Lok liner up to a heavy wool sweater with a wind stopper liner. Take some time and shop around to find out what works for you and your specific needs, requirements, and style.
Ultra-Insulating Layer:
This is the "life and death" layer of your system. When the weather gets beyond nasty and the temperatures plummet below zero, this is the layer that can save your life. The best product I have found for this particular layer is a good down coat or vest. Down has, without a doubt one of the best insulating properties of any material available on the market today. Beyond just that, down is ultra lightweight,and has the ability to be temporarily stuffed into a very small space making a down jacket or vest very easy to pack with you. The one downfall to down is that you cannot get it wet. Once wet, down loses almost all of its inherent insulating properties. Therefore, it is very critical that you cover your down jacket or vest with a high quality protective layer of rain gear when encountering wet and damp conditions. Treat your down like sugar, do not let it melt down on you.
Protective Layer:
A good protective layer is basically high quality rain gear. We have a saying in Wyoming, "If you don't like the weather, just wait 10 minutes." The converse is also true, "If you do like the weather just wait 10 minutes - it will get worse." The moral of the story is, never leave the truck or camp without rain gear in your pack. I carry a raincoat and pants in my backpack at all times. There is no feeling worse in the outdoors than to wish you would have brought your rain gear with you. I don't use this layer very often, but when I do I am surely glad I packed it. Given that fact, when in the market for good quality rain gear, bulk and weight are critical. Since I mainly just pack it around just in case, I would much rather have rain gear in my pack that I didn't even know was there. A good quality set of rain gear will also act as a great barrier against extreme wind conditions. For this layer, we want to find a solution that is super lightweight, 100% waterproof, non-bulky, and easily compressed to a small size. Some other factors to keep in mind are, that your rain gear has sealed seems, waterproof zippers and is somewhat "over-sized" in order to accommodate the possibility of up to four layers underneath.
This is the 5-layer system that I have found to work the best for me in the Rocky Mountain west during the fall. Keep in mind, if you are headed up north to Canada or Alaska you may want to modify this system a little bit due to the extremely wet environment that can be encountered in these regions.
I have also put together a little chart for you to use as a basic rule of thumb which breaks down the system and the layers to use for each particular season and different elevations. Keep in mind, this is merely a rule of thumb and it is always crucial that you get a full weather report before ever heading into the backcountry. I have encountered some pretty brutal weather in the high basins of the Wyoming wilderness even during mid August. Always get a weather forecast and pack accordingly.
On a side note, I always pack a wool stocking hat or at least a fleece beanie. It is amazing how much heat the human body loses from the top of the head.
Base Layer:
Top: Under Armour Metal Cold Gear- The new UA MetalCold Gear is the next generation in base layer innovation. The high loft fleece backing locks in your body heat while still remaining breathable and wicking any moisture to the outside of the fabric. Available at: Sportsman's Warehouseand at www.cabelas.com, MSRP: $79.95
Bottom: Under Armour Cold Gear- Under Armour Cold Gear bottoms are very warm and provide excellent protection against the wind. Available at: Sportsman's Warehouse and www.cabelas.com, MSRP: $54.95
2nd Layer:
Top: Smartwool Midweight Zip-Up Top- The Mid-weight Smartwool Zip Top is very soft and comfortable while maintaining great insulating value even when damp. Combining the wool 2nd layer with the Under Armour base layer I have found this to be the perfect combination of the natural and the super-natural. The Under Armour pulls the sweat off my skin and pulls it to the top of the fabric where the wool soaks it up and evaporates it off in the wind, all while maintaining warmth and protection against the wind - to me, the perfect combination for October and beyond, in the higher elevations. Available at: www.schnees.com, MSRP: $80.00
Bottom: Carhartt Double Front Dungarees, or Mossy Oak Apparel APX Velocity Pants with Scent-Lok lining- The APX Velocity pants are made of water repellent fleece, lined with Scent-Lok odor protection. Available at: Sportsman'sWarehouse and www.cabelas.com, MSRP: $194.95
Insulating Layer:
Top: Mossy Oak Apparel APX Velocity Jacket with Scent-Lok lining- This jacket is made of textured water repellent fleece that is also wind resistant. The Velocity jacket is fully lined with a Scent-Lok liner to help minimize human odor. Available at: Sportsman's Warehouse and www.cabelas.com, MSRP: $224.95
Bottom: Smartwool Midweight Bottom- Under extreme conditions where hiking and packing will be kept to a minimum I incorporate a pair of wool bottoms over the top of my Under Armour Cold Gear to ensure maximum insulating value and supreme wind protection. Available at: www.schnees.com, MSRP: $65.00
Ultra Insulating Layer:
Top: Browning Apparel Down Jacket- The weight to insulation value of down is second to none. Nothing is lighter, insulates better and packs down smaller than down. This 650 fill goose down coat weighs in at less than 25 ounces and packs downto the size of a grapefruit in its supplied stuff sack. If you choose down for this layer keep in mind, it is crucial that you keep your down dry. When down gets wet it loses almost all of its insulating value. If you encounter rain or snow be sure to cover your down layer with a good protective layer of raingear. Available at: www.browning.com, MSRP: $129.50
Bottom: N/A
Protective Layer:
Top: Cabela's Space Rain Ultra Pack Rainwear Pullover- This rain wear is windproof, breathable and most importantly extremely lightweight. This rain jacket packs down extremely small (less than the size of a water bottle) into a supplied stuff sack and weighs less than 8 ounces. Available at: www.cabelas.com, MSRP: $69.95
Bottom: Cabela's Space Rain Ultra Pack Rainwear Pants-Same as above. Available at: www.cabelas.com, MSRP:$59.95
Odds and Ends:
Hats: I always keep a wool stocking hat or a fleece beanie in my pack even during my early fall hunts. You would be amazed at how much heat is lost out the top of your head. As the fall wears on (after November) I often trade in my standard Eastman issue baseball cap for an insulated Stormy Kromer cap.
Gloves: Gloves are a must for any hunter. You can generally find me hunting in a pair of leather gloves and sometimes a pair of cotton gloves in the morning before the frost melts off. What you might not see very often is the pair of heavywool/thinsulate gloves that I carry in my pack at all times. I never leave home without them.
Socks: Good hunting socks are critical to foot comfort. During the early season I wear a pair of Cabela's Duramax synthetic performance socks. As the temperatures drop down later in the fall I cover these up with a set of Smartwool midweight wool socks to ensure my feet are comfortable and warm. I have been known to carry a spare pair of socks in my pack-just in case.
