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Elk hunting clothes, boots, socks etc recommendation
#5852417
07/28/15 10:30 PM
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,901
crazyal
OP
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OP
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I am going to New Mexico for an elk hunt in October. I have never hunted out of state and especially never in mountains. I haven't been in mountains since I was in the Marine Corps 10 years ago. We will be staying in a cabin and covering some ground in a jeep but will be doing a lot of walking too from what I have heard about this place. Any tips on clothing or gear are welcome.
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Re: Elk hunting clothes, boots, socks etc recommendation
[Re: crazyal]
#5852465
07/28/15 10:51 PM
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 8,383
nsmike
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 8,383 |
I've done a fair amount of walking in moutains and one hunt. If your going to be walking on a lot of rock you need boots with soles that protect you feet from stone brusies. They also need to be properly fitted, so that the foot can't slide jamming the big toe againt the inside of the boot, that results in a black toe nail and pain.
for every stereotype there's a prototype don't be the prototype
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Re: Elk hunting clothes, boots, socks etc recommendation
[Re: crazyal]
#5852550
07/28/15 11:38 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 44,461
rifleman
Sparkly Pants
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Sparkly Pants
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 44,461 |
You plan on elk hunting often?
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Re: Elk hunting clothes, boots, socks etc recommendation
[Re: crazyal]
#5852617
07/29/15 12:37 AM
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,901
crazyal
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OP
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I'd like to but not sure how often it will actually happen.
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Re: Elk hunting clothes, boots, socks etc recommendation
[Re: crazyal]
#5852638
07/29/15 01:01 AM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 44,461
rifleman
Sparkly Pants
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Sparkly Pants
Joined: Nov 2008
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First lite/Sitka/kuiu base layer, then good pair of boots (ex: cabela's meindl) and pants/shirts can be pieced together. Don't skimp on boots or base layer though. There's just so much good stuff that has came out (or hit mainstream) over the past few years that you have a lot of options to work with. I'd be glued to camofire looking for deals though.
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Re: Elk hunting clothes, boots, socks etc recommendation
[Re: crazyal]
#5852767
07/29/15 02:18 AM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 646
Grayson
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 646 |
I like Danner Pronghorns. Whatever boots you get, you should've gotten them several months ago and spent lots of time breaking them in. I would buy them ASAP and get to walking.
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Re: Elk hunting clothes, boots, socks etc recommendation
[Re: rifleman]
#5852782
07/29/15 02:29 AM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,465
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,465 |
First lite/Sitka/kuiu base layer, then good pair of boots (ex: cabela's meindl) and pants/shirts can be pieced together. Don't skimp on boots or base layer though. There's just so much good stuff that has came out (or hit mainstream) over the past few years that you have a lot of options to work with. I'd be glued to camofire looking for deals though. Yelp. And don't be scared to buy non camo stuff either!
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Re: Elk hunting clothes, boots, socks etc recommendation
[Re: Grayson]
#5852804
07/29/15 02:41 AM
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 8,383
nsmike
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 8,383 |
I like Danner Pronghorns. Whatever boots you get, you should've gotten them several months ago and spent lots of time breaking them in. I would buy them ASAP and get to walking. Good boots need to be broken in but it shouldn't take months to do it. I can get a pair broken in in less than a month, if they need longer, they didn't fit in the first place.
for every stereotype there's a prototype don't be the prototype
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Re: Elk hunting clothes, boots, socks etc recommendation
[Re: crazyal]
#5853825
07/29/15 06:51 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,057
fishhuntgolfgeek
Pro Tracker
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October weather in NM is awesome. Perfect ttemperatures but it can change very quickly. I dress light and carry a bacpack with raingear, extra clothing, and emergency supplies. I like Keen hiking boots and always have wool socks with sock liners . Youll be walking alot up and down steep grades so the sock liners keep blisters and sock holes in check. What unit will you be in?
Live Free or Die...
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Re: Elk hunting clothes, boots, socks etc recommendation
[Re: crazyal]
#5854415
07/30/15 12:29 AM
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,901
crazyal
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I don't know what unit it is. It's a guided hunt and we will be near Maxwell. This hunt was a gift from my dad for me and my brother.
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Re: Elk hunting clothes, boots, socks etc recommendation
[Re: crazyal]
#5854769
07/30/15 03:15 AM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,604
Sneaky
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,604 |
Get some good socks like Thorlo or Darn Tough. And what the other guys said.
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Re: Elk hunting clothes, boots, socks etc recommendation
[Re: crazyal]
#5854771
07/30/15 03:18 AM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 44,461
rifleman
Sparkly Pants
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Sparkly Pants
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 44,461 |
The liners that were mentioned are important. Not a sure fire way to prevent blistering, but it'll make a lot of difference.
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Re: Elk hunting clothes, boots, socks etc recommendation
[Re: crazyal]
#5854855
07/30/15 04:37 AM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,604
Sneaky
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I tried liners last year. I can see wear they can be useful, but I ended up not needing them. With cheap socks or loose boots, I would want them. If those two things are in order, they don't seem necessary.
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Re: Elk hunting clothes, boots, socks etc recommendation
[Re: crazyal]
#5855413
07/30/15 04:39 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,057
fishhuntgolfgeek
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,057 |
Looks like it's unit 55. Had a 69 percent success rate for elk in 2014. Good luck....should be a good hunt.
Live Free or Die...
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Re: Elk hunting clothes, boots, socks etc recommendation
[Re: Sneaky]
#5856211
07/31/15 01:17 AM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,465
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,465 |
Get some good socks like Thorlo or Darn Tough. And what the other guys said. I wear either darn tough or first lite every day. Firstlite has an orange strip up the back. I wear a suit and tie every day.. Makes for some interesting conversations some times.
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Re: Elk hunting clothes, boots, socks etc recommendation
[Re: crazyal]
#5856465
07/31/15 03:39 AM
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 388
foodieguy
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 388 |
A little off topic but maybe helpful...
I hike a lot and love the telescopic trekking poles, especially when it gets steep or if I'm carrying much. I use just one but some folks use two.
Adult late onset hunter. Why did I wait so long to get started?
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Re: Elk hunting clothes, boots, socks etc recommendation
[Re: BOBO the Clown]
#5856637
07/31/15 12:47 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29,034
Western
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29,034 |
Get some good socks like Thorlo or Darn Tough. And what the other guys said. I wear either darn tough or first lite every day. Firstlite has an orange strip up the back. I wear a suit and tie every day.. Makes for some interesting conversations some times. But your "special", so we let a lot slide
If at first you dont succeed, then skydiving is not for you..
"Don't trust everything you read on the Internet"- Abraham Lincoln Dennis
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Re: Elk hunting clothes, boots, socks etc recommendation
[Re: crazyal]
#5858280
08/01/15 02:09 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5,396
Pittstate
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5,396 |
I think sometimes we try to make it more complicated than it has to be. Most important thing about being in the mountains is 1) Get in shape to be there 2) have layers of clothing to keep you protected if sudden storms come up 3)make sure you clothing/boots are comfortable to you
I personally have not found a baselayer system that I can use. I have tried about every brand you can think of too. I like to have very light weight pants/top to start with. I also have low hikers that are not waterproof and much more breathable than ones that are. In my pack are waterproof mid hikers, top and bottom layering system for when it gets cold in evenings (also great to sleep in if stuck for the night), and a protective shell (top and bottom). The shell is usually gortex, water proof and packable.
Couple things for people that have never been to the mountains. 1) it does cool down drastically every night (can go from 80 to 35, or 60 to 20) 2) Storms can come out of now where and catch you off guard. I have had them hit when I was 2 miles from the truck and wasn't able to get there in time. 3) after these storms, it can make the same way you came in, unpassable the way the out
So, to answer the OP question:
Boots- low hiker non insulated or waterproof and waterproof backup Clothing- light layer to hike in with lightly insulated mid layer for warmth and outer shell made of tough waterproof material Socks- what ever is comfortable to you everyday
I will say that if you were going sheep hunting in the rocks, this list would change a bit (mostly boots)
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Re: Elk hunting clothes, boots, socks etc recommendation
[Re: crazyal]
#5859215
08/02/15 04:06 AM
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,434
BDB
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
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Posts: 1,434 |
You mentioned a cabin and jeep. Take all you can and let the conditions dictate day to day. I'm a september archery guy for elk but Oct in N.M. should not get radically different, especially early to mid Oct. Id stay away from stiff boots that need a break in period. Besides, there heavy. Low hikers that are non insulated are the way to go for early- mid elk seasons. Smart wool socks for sure. Sounds like its a group hunt. Really that means you can get away with lots of clothing options. Solo in the backcountry living out your pack changes things quiet a bit but cabins with a group....lots of options. Take care of your feet, be ready for rain and have several changes of clothes available and you should be golden.
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Re: Elk hunting clothes, boots, socks etc recommendation
[Re: crazyal]
#5859234
08/02/15 04:31 AM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6,330
Blank
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6,330 |
You were in the Corps, so you have more boot time on the ground than all the rest of these guys total. You already know how to take care of your feet. Get a really good selection of socks and a base layer, and everything else will work itself out. Be prepared for wet or dry, hot or cold if needed. The real success of your hunt could depend on it. If you have the cabin to stash stuff, its better to have it and not need it than the opposite.
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Re: Elk hunting clothes, boots, socks etc recommendation
[Re: Pittstate]
#5859396
08/02/15 01:22 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091 |
I think sometimes we try to make it more complicated than it has to be. Most important thing about being in the mountains is 1) Get in shape to be there 2) have layers of clothing to keep you protected if sudden storms come up 3)make sure you clothing/boots are comfortable to you
I personally have not found a baselayer system that I can use. I have tried about every brand you can think of too. I like to have very light weight pants/top to start with. I also have low hikers that are not waterproof and much more breathable than ones that are. In my pack are waterproof mid hikers, top and bottom layering system for when it gets cold in evenings (also great to sleep in if stuck for the night), and a protective shell (top and bottom). The shell is usually gortex, water proof and packable.
Couple things for people that have never been to the mountains. 1) it does cool down drastically every night (can go from 80 to 35, or 60 to 20) 2) Storms can come out of now where and catch you off guard. I have had them hit when I was 2 miles from the truck and wasn't able to get there in time. 3) after these storms, it can make the same way you came in, unpassable the way the out
So, to answer the OP question:
Boots- low hiker non insulated or waterproof and waterproof backup Clothing- light layer to hike in with lightly insulated mid layer for warmth and outer shell made of tough waterproof material Socks- what ever is comfortable to you everyday
I will say that if you were going sheep hunting in the rocks, this list would change a bit (mostly boots) If you are actually packing around spare waterproof boots, another option is to pack a pair of gore-tex waterproof socks instead. Will save about 3+ pounds.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: Elk hunting clothes, boots, socks etc recommendation
[Re: crazyal]
#5859870
08/02/15 07:15 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,465
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
|
kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,465 |
I am going to New Mexico for an elk hunt in October. I have never hunted out of state and especially never in mountains. I haven't been in mountains since I was in the Marine Corps 10 years ago. We will be staying in a cabin and covering some ground in a jeep but will be doing a lot of walking too from what I have heard about this place. Any tips on clothing or gear are welcome. Since you are hunting out of a truck base camp..and not hauling much... Get something comfortable, moderately stiff shank, waterproof, non-insulated and put some miles on them. I have a few options..lol
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Re: Elk hunting clothes, boots, socks etc recommendation
[Re: foodieguy]
#5859886
08/02/15 07:32 PM
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,683
CitySlickerHunter
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,683 |
A little off topic but maybe helpful...
I hike a lot and love the telescopic trekking poles, especially when it gets steep or if I'm carrying much. I use just one but some folks use two. I DON'T hike a lot, but when I do, I use Black Diamond trekking poles (2). They are light as a feather. And VERY strong!
"I can't be over gunned because the animal can't be over dead"-Elmer Keith 10/30/2012 I VOTED for The American
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Re: Elk hunting clothes, boots, socks etc recommendation
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#5860008
08/02/15 09:15 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5,396
Pittstate
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5,396 |
I think sometimes we try to make it more complicated than it has to be. Most important thing about being in the mountains is 1) Get in shape to be there 2) have layers of clothing to keep you protected if sudden storms come up 3)make sure you clothing/boots are comfortable to you
I personally have not found a baselayer system that I can use. I have tried about every brand you can think of too. I like to have very light weight pants/top to start with. I also have low hikers that are not waterproof and much more breathable than ones that are. In my pack are waterproof mid hikers, top and bottom layering system for when it gets cold in evenings (also great to sleep in if stuck for the night), and a protective shell (top and bottom). The shell is usually gortex, water proof and packable.
Couple things for people that have never been to the mountains. 1) it does cool down drastically every night (can go from 80 to 35, or 60 to 20) 2) Storms can come out of now where and catch you off guard. I have had them hit when I was 2 miles from the truck and wasn't able to get there in time. 3) after these storms, it can make the same way you came in, unpassable the way the out
So, to answer the OP question:
Boots- low hiker non insulated or waterproof and waterproof backup Clothing- light layer to hike in with lightly insulated mid layer for warmth and outer shell made of tough waterproof material Socks- what ever is comfortable to you everyday
I will say that if you were going sheep hunting in the rocks, this list would change a bit (mostly boots) If you are actually packing around spare waterproof boots, another option is to pack a pair of gore-tex waterproof socks instead. Will save about 3+ pounds. I don't pack the extra boots usually. I just bring them to camp with me. There is no way I would wear gortex socks and hike. I only wear waterproof boots when it is very cold out or I will be going through water. On most early season elk hunts, it is still hot and I rarely have to hike over water. I hiked in 4+ miles every day for 4 days last year with our group. After the first day, everyone in our group was wearing breathable nonwaterproof boots. The difference is tremendous. I changed my socks out about 3 times a day and never got a blister worth talking about. I was wearing Merrell low hikers. Wore my Merrell Gortex Mid hikers once in early morning when we got a small rain shower. Had my UA field pants on that morning (they have DWR treatment) and switched out to zip off pants (to shorts) after that. However, I always had a mid layer insulation and outer shell in the pack in case a storm came in. 95% of the time in early archery hunts, all you need are comfortable pants and t-shirt for the day and a jacket or hoodie for your hike back out.
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Re: Elk hunting clothes, boots, socks etc recommendation
[Re: crazyal]
#5860514
08/03/15 04:33 AM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,604
Sneaky
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,604 |
Crossing water and rain aren't a big deal to me. The worst my feet get soaked is when walking through grass in the morning with a heavy dew, which seems to be every morning in some parts during archery elk season.
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