The idea behind a technical, layering system is to keep a hunter warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot, as well as dry throughout the day. Layering adds a whole new level of versatility that cannot be achieved to the same degree in any other way. A basic layering system will allow a hunter to be comfortable in a majority of the situations and conditions they hunt in, and with the addition of an accessory or two, they will find comfort in extreme conditions as well.

The concept of layering is effective regardless of hunting style. Whether it be active-style hunting, such as elk hunting out west, or stationary hunting, such as sitting a whitetail stand in the east, layering will allow you to hunt harder and longer, thus increasing your chances of success. Below is a recommended list of layering gear, determined for several different climates and hunting conditions. You’ll notice that many of the lists are very similar with the only difference between many of them being an extra piece of gear or two, giving hunters the versatility to hunt in many different conditions, utilizing the same gear.

Western (active) Hunting – Optifade Open Country pattern (20-60 yard engagement distances)

Hunting Style:   Fast & Light

Weather:             Hot and Dry (50-100 degrees)

Example:             August Antelope/Mule Deer

Recommended Gear:

  • Ascent Pant or Mountain Pant (knee pads for stalking)
  • Core Crew or Zip-T (moisture wicking, odor control)
  • Celsius Vest (AM insulation)
  • Core Gloves
  • Sitka Cap
  • Bomber Belt
  • Ascent 10 or Ascent 14 Pack (hydration ready)

 

Hunting Style:    Active, day hunts from base camp

Weather:             Warm days/cool nights/minimal rain (35-80 degrees)

Example:             September Elk

Recommended Gear:                    

  • Ascent Pant or Mountain Pant
  • Core Crew or Zip-T (moisture wicking, odor control)
  • Celsius Vest (AM insulation)
  • 90% Jacket (soft shell performance)
  • Core Gloves or Shooter Gloves
  • Sitka Cap
  • Bomber Belt
  • Ascent 14 Pack (hydration ready)
  • Stormfront Light Jacket (in pack)

 

Hunting Style:    Active, day hunts from bivy camp

Weather:             Warm days/cool nights/minimal rain (35-80 degrees)

Example:             September Elk

Recommended Gear:         

  • Ascent Pant or Mountain Pant
  • Core Crew or Zip-T (add extra shirt for 4+ day hunt)
  • Celsius Vest (AM insulation)
  • 90% Jacket
  • Core Gloves or Shooter Gloves
  • Sitka Cap
  • Bomber Belt
  • Bivy 45 Pack
  • Stormfront Light Jacket (in pack)
  • Kelvin Vest (optional for lightweight insulation at camp)

 

Hunting Style:    Active, day hunts from base camp

Weather:             Cooler days/cool nights/seasonal rain/snow (20-60 degrees)

Example:             Late September/October Elk

Recommened Gear:                    

  • Ascent Pant or Mountain Pant
  • Core Crew or Zip-T
  • Celsius Vest (insulation) or Jetstream Vest (windstop/insulation)
  • 90% Jacket
  • Shooter Gloves or Jetstream Gloves (warm)
  • Sitka Cap
  • Traverse Beanie (warmth without reducing hearing)
  • Bomber Belt
  • Ascent 14 Pack (hydration ready)
  • Stormfront Light Jacket (in pack)

 

Hunting Style:    Active, day hunts from base camp

Weather:             Unpredictable cooler/cold (10-40 degrees)

Example:            Late October/November Mule Deer

Recommended Gear:   

  • Mountain Pant or 90% Pant
  • Core Crew or Zip-T
  • Core Bottom
  • Celsius Vest (insulation) or Jetstream Vest (windstop/insulation)
  • Celsius Jacket
  • Jetstream Gloves (warm)
  • Sitka Cap
  • Traverse Beanie (warmth without reducing hearing)
  • Bomber Belt
  • Ascent 14 or Flash 20 Pack
  • Stormfront Light Jacket (in pack) or Stormfront Jacket (for lots of rain/snow…pit zips for hiking)
  • Stormfront LightPants (in pack)

 

Treestand (stationary) Hunting – Optifade Forest pattern (elevated, less than 30 yard engagement distances)

 

Hunting Style:    Treestand/sitting

Weather:             Warm and Dry (40-80 degrees)

Example:             Early season whitetail

Recommended Gear:                    

  • Ascent Pant
  • Core Crew or Zip-T
  • 90% Jacket (AM/PM insulation)
  • Core Gloves
  • Sitka Cap
  • Bomber Belt
  • Ascent 14 Pack

 

Hunting Style:    Treestand/sitting

Weather:             Cooler weather, seasonal moisture (30-60 degrees)

Example:            Mid-season whitetail

Recommended Gear: 

  • 90% Pant or Stratus Bib (for colder weather)
  • Core Crew or Zip-T
  • Jetstream Vest (windstopper) or Kelvin Vest (insulation)
  • 90% Jacket (warmer weather) or Stratus Jacket (colder weather)
  • Jetstream Gloves or Stratus Gloves
  • Traverse Beanie or Stratus Beanie (for colder weather)
  • Bomber Belt
  • Ascent 14 Pack
  • Downpour Jacket (in pack)
  • Downpour Pant (in pack)

  

Hunting Style:    Treestand/sitting

Weather:             Cold weather, rain/snow (20-40 degrees)

Example:             Late-season whitetail

Recommended Gear:                    

  • Traverse Zip-T (warm base layer)
  • Kelvin Vest or Kelvin Jacket (insulation)
  • Stratus Jacket w/Downpour Jacket or Incinerator Jacket
  • Jetstream Gloves or Stratus Gloves
  • Traverse Beanie or Stratus Beanie
  • Bandit or Traverse Balaclava
  • Bomber Belt
  • Ascent 14 Pack
  • Stratus Bib w/Downpour Pant or Incinerator Bib

 

Hunting Style:   Treestand/sitting

Weather:             Brutal Cold weather, snow (0-30 degrees)

Example:            Late-season whitetail

Recommended Gear:                   

  • Stratus Bib
  • Traverse Zip-T
  • Kelvin Jacket (insulation)
  • Stratus Jacket
  • Stratus Gloves
  • Stratus Beanie
  • Traverse Balaclava or Bandit
  • Bomber Belt
  • Ascent 14 Pack
  • Incinerator Jacket (insulated waterproof)
  • Incinerator Bib (insulated waterproof)