Preferred Product List for High Ridge Outfitters Moose Hunt
Greg Ray – October 5, 2009
The first category that we would like to discuss is clothing. As you know, proper clothing will allow you to withstand the elements you may face while in on your hunt. As we had discussed on the phone, layering is the key to making the clothing “system” work. Each layer plays a part in making the whole system work. There is a lot that goes into clothing. The main focus for you on this segment will be the base layer, or the next to skin layer.
Next to Skin Layer
The first part of the system is the clothing that you will wear next to your skin. We have had tremendous success with 100% merino wool long underwear. It is the ultimate material for moisture wicking, insulation, and scent elimination. There are a lot of synthetic products on the market, most of which we have tested and been disappointed with. They are great for a day or two but just don’t remain scent free like wool. Our recommendation is a product made by Minus 33. The conditions that Greg and I discussed are most suitable for the standard weight(230g) garments. Minus 33 makes the tops in crew neck http://minus33.com/minus33ls.htm, turtle neck http://minus33.com/minus33tneck.htm, or in ¼ zip http://minus33.com/minus33ziptops.htm.
Exclusive OC client pricing on all three is: $29.99. Regular retail: $39.99
Bottoms are cut one way. Again, the standard weight(230g) is what we recommend for your hunt.
http://www.minus33.com/minus33bottoms.htm
Exclusive OC client pricing is: $26.99 Regular Retail: $29.99
Insulation Layer
You will not need a heavy insulating layer for this hunt. After speaking with Greg and researching average temperatures for your area at the time of your hunt we have found that you will encounter some “cool” temperatures in the mornings and evenings but daytime temperatures could potentially be in the 50’s. There are a lot of good options for this layer. The key is to this layer is a garment that is lightweight, will provide the right amount of insulation, will wick moisture away from the next to skin layer, and will inhibit scent development. Above all else – remember to stay away from cotton.
Our recommendation for this layer is the Sitka Traverse top and bottom. These garments will do everything just discussed.
You can view these products at http://www.sitkagear.com/main.html.
Exclusive OC client pricing on the Sitka Traverse Top: $89.99 Regular Retail: $99.99
Exclusive OC client pricing on the Sitka Traverse Bottom: $71.99 Regular Retail: $79.99
Another Recommendation is the Browning 4X Microfleece top and bottom. They will also perform well in any conditions you face while in Alaska.
You can view these products at http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/family.asp?webflag_=026A&catalog_=A.
Exclusive OC client pricing on the Browning 4X Top: $80.99 Regular Retail: $89.99
Exclusive OC client pricing on the Browning 4X Bottom: $62.99 Regular Retail: $69.99
We also believe in the insulating properties of a vest. A good vest will provide warmth to the core part of our body while allowing for more mobility in the arms when you need it most.
Two recommendations here: The Sitka Celsius Vest http://www.sitkagear.com/main.html. And the Browning 4X Vest http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/family.asp?webflag_=026A&catalog_=A.
Exclusive OC client pricing on the Sitka Celsius Vest: $134.99 Regular Retail: $149.99
Exclusive OC client pricing on the Browning 4X Vest: $62.99 Regular Retail: $69.99
Protection Layer
This is undoubtedly the key to allowing your clothing system to work. This outer layer should be built to withstand the elements while allowing the next to skin and insulation layer to work. This does not have to be a heavy layer. When you are layered properly this should actually be lightweight clothing that will keep the rain and wind off of you.
Sitka’s 90% top and bottoms are our choice for this type of hunt. They are quiet, durable, wick moisture, and will keep you dry if you do encounter light precipitation.
Sitka Website: http://www.sitkagear.com/main.html.
Exclusive OC client pricing on the Sitka 90% Jacket: $224.99 Regular Retail: $249.99
Exclusive OC client pricing on the Sitka 90% Pant: $206.99 Regular Retail: $229.99
Another recommendation is the Browning Hell’s Canyon top and bottom. These garments will also give you everything you need from this layer.
Browning Website: http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/family.asp?webflag_=027A&catalog_=A.
Exclusive OC client pricing on the Browning Hell’s Canyon Jacket: $89.99 Regular Retail: $99.99
Exclusive OC client pricing on the Browning Hell’s Canyon Bottom: $98.99 Regular Retail: $109.99
Waterproof, Wind Blocking Layer
Another consideration that must be made for this hunt is what you are going to wear for a protection layer when it rains. You will need a garment that is 100% waterproof, including taped seams and waterproof zippers. There is nothing worse than having to spend a day in the field wet. We have had the best experiences with the Sitka Nimbus top and bottom. These garments are not only lightweight and durable but will keep you dry under any condition and block the wind extremely well.
Sitka Website: http://www.sitkagear.com/main.html.
Exclusive OC client pricing on the Sitka Nimbus Jacket: $314.99 Regular Retail: $349.99
Exclusive OC client pricing on the Sitka Nimbus Pant: $224.99 Regular Retail: $249.99
Another fine choice would be the Browning Zero Gravity Top and Bottom.
Browning Website: http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/family.asp?webflag_=027A&catalog_=A.
Exclusive OC client pricing on the Browning Zero Gravity Top: $152.99 Regular Retail: $169.99
Exclusive OC client pricing on the Browning Zero Gravity Bottom: $116.99
Regular Retail: $129.99
*Our experience has shown that the Sitka Nimbus is extremely durable rainwear – among the best we have ever worn. This is critical for your hunt as you will encounter some very tough, thick terrain.
Please note that alone the Sitka 90% will not cut the wind well enough when it is windy and cool. Browning’s Hell’s Canyon top and bottom will do a better job here. We wear Sitka’s entire system for all of our hunts and turn to the Nimbus top and bottom as a layer on top of the 90% when it is windy. While hunting caribou, sheep, bear, and moose across Canada and Alaska we always have this layer ready to cut the wind or stop the rain. It is easy to pack and will not take up much room. Basically, it goes everywhere with us. The Zero Gravity set will provide similar protection to the wind and rain.
We also want to make sure you understand that the Nimbus or the Zero Gravity top and bottom will not provide enough insulation to be worn alone with a next to skin and insulation layer.
This is how we would plan on layering for your hunt:
- Next to Skin Layer
- Insulation Layer with vest
- Protection Layer
- 100% waterproof, wind blocking layer
- i. If the weather is favorable we would start with the waterproof/wind blocking layer in our packs and ready to go should the conditions worsen.
- 100% waterproof, wind blocking layer
*Remember that you will have to wear your waders over layers 1 and 2, at a minimum, on the bottom. You should plan on wearing them over three layers on the bottom on the cold days. The protection layer(3) can be worn over your waders on the top.
Gloves and Hats
A basic camo ball cap will work well for most of your time in the field. We’re sure you have plenty of these but will be sending one down for each of you free of charge. When it gets cold a stocking hat is handy to keep your head and ears warm. If you don’t have one of these let us know and we’ll send one of those to you as well. When it is raining it is best to rely on your rain jacket’s hood to keep dry.
Tim recommends a balaclava type of head covering to protect from wind and weather. Our recommendation here is the Avery Yukon hood. This is a balaclava type of hood that is meant to be worn over a hat. This is extremely useful because you will not have to take anything off to put in on and it can be pulled down and worn around the neck if not needed on the head. Using it this way will no doubt maximize your “hunting” time!
Avery Website: http://averyoutdoors.com/apparel.html.
Exclusive OC client pricing on the Yukon Hood: $16.19 Regular Retail: $17.99
Gloves can be a little tricky. Big and bulky will keep you warm but make it difficult to make the shot when you need to. Too thin and your fingers will freeze. Most hunters still wear one pair of gloves at a time. We have had a lot of luck layering our gloves like our clothing. On the cooler mornings and days it will be helpful to wear a thin glove inside a heavier insulating glove. We wear the Under Armour liner glove under either a heavy or light insulating glove. This liner glove does wonders to wick moisture away from your skin to keep your hands feeling dry and warm no matter what. This also allows us to quickly “shed” a heavier glove to handle a weapon with ease for the shot of a lifetime. A good heavyweight glove is the Under Armour Coldgear Glove – this glove is also as good of a water resistant glove we have seen. It is pretty warm, though, and would be too much if it is 45 or 50 degrees. A good lightly insulated glove is the Manzella Wind Pro glove – this glove will provide some protection from water but will not be 100% waterproof. When it is really raining it is not only a good idea to have a couple pair of gloves but to also have a neoprene pair. Neoprene will keep you dry and, maybe more importantly, keep you warm should you get wet. A good neoprene glove is made by Stearns: http://www.stearnsflotation.com/dyn_prodlist.php?k=78028.
Exclusive OC client pricing on a pair is $15.29. Regular Retail: $16.99.
Under Armour Website: http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/mens/sports/hunting/accessories/gloves.
Exclusive OC client pricing on the Under Armour Camo Liner Glove: $19.99 Regular Retail: $21.99
Exclusive OC client pricing on the Under Armour Coldgear Glove: $53.99 Regular Retail: $59.99
Manzella Website: http://www.manzella.com/productresults.aspx?marketsegment=field&category_code=mens&warmth_rating_code=warmer&glovefinder=false.
*I see that they do not list the Wind Pro glove – It is close to the Bow Stalker. Again, we want to make sure you get what works best for you – if you choose to purchase these gloves and would like to try something else we will take them back with no questions asked.
Exclusive OC client pricing on the Wind Pro Glove: $22.49 Regular Retail: $24.99
It is our hope that you find the information we have provided to be useful. Once you have had a chance to look this over and do some research of your own we would be happy to answer any questions that you may have. Please remember, there are many choices in the categories we have discussed.
It is important to know that we have planned this clothing recommendation while keeping in mind that you will need to pack lightly to remain within weight limits. Also, all of the products we have noted should allow you to wear your waders over them. It will be important to try your system on to make sure that it will all work together.
