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Feb 12th, 2024
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 Elk Hunting Outerwear
#9109529
09/18/24 03:23 PM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 7,812
Deerhunter61
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 7,812 |
Guys
I was just offered the opportunity to hunt elk in Colorado and have never been elk hunting in the type of cold. Can any of you recommendations for what to wear? What kind of boots that’ll keep my feet warm and yet not sweat in them etc.
I would appreciate any and all recommendations I’ll need to a hunt.
Thanks,
Mel
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Re: Elk Hunting Outerwear
[Re: Deerhunter61]
#9109554
09/18/24 04:02 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 19,172
ChadTRG42
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 19,172 |
#1- get in shape! Being in good physical condition was a huge benefit. When we bow hunted elk, I would dress in layers. We hiked a ton and I would shed my outer layers when hiking to avoid sweating. I had a good pair of LaCrosse hunting boots that were well broken in and were very comfortable. They came up to mid calf, and helped when going through brush. (One of the guys blew out his Rocky boots on the mountain, the sole came off) I would only wear a pair of thin polypropylene socks. My buddy would use polypropylene and wool socks, I just didn't like the wool socks bunching up on me in the boot. I kept my boots tied fairly loose to help with good circulation and my feet would never get cold or blistered. I would also keep my rain gear with me at all times. Depending on your base camp or satellite camp set up, would determine how you carry your gear. Try to find out the typical weather at your hunting location and plan for that, plus any cold snap that might come in.
Food would also be based on how close I am to the vehicle or base camp. We had good food at base camp, but would use dehydrated meals for our satellite camp on the mountain when hunting. We had water at base camp, but would pump our water from creeks/streams when on the mountain, and use bladders to store water. Also, have your rifle/bow ready to go in advance with lots of practice from field shooting positions.
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Re: Elk Hunting Outerwear
[Re: Deerhunter61]
#9109585
09/18/24 05:01 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,470
ZK-315
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,470 |
What season are you going? Base camp or spike camping?
As Chad said, layers are key. Plan for any condition. 0 degrees to 80 degrees depending on what season and location. If this is going to be a one and done type hunt, just gather gear the best you can on a budget. If you feel this trip will get you into elk hunting add some nice gear but dont go crazy on the budget.
My clothing consists of: merino base layers, mid to lightweight mid layers, puffy jacket / pants, outer shell, and rain gear. Good boots (and socks) and a good pack are worth their weight in gold, the clothing is more of a comfort thing IMO.
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Re: Elk Hunting Outerwear
[Re: Deerhunter61]
#9109601
09/18/24 05:32 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 61,714
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 61,714 |
Guys
I was just offered the opportunity to hunt elk in Colorado and have never been elk hunting in the type of cold. Can any of you recommendations for what to wear? What kind of boots that’ll keep my feet warm and yet not sweat in them etc.
I would appreciate any and all recommendations I’ll need to a hunt.
Thanks,
Mel Layer layer layer.. Big differences in 1st season vs 4th season. 1st season any boots. 4th season any boots plus bring a pair of boots with heavy insulation What to wear- Base layer- prefer merino shirt and zip off long John’s Mid layer- Top- grid fleece hoodie (light for 1st season, heavy for forth season) Pants- any nylon blend with DWR Outer layer Puffy- any down puffy. Gaiters- kuiu or stone glacier or peak outdoors Rain jacket(it’s your best wind blocker also.) pit zips are a must Don’t forget orange hat and vest Best budget options are King, Black Ovis and SKRE. Over all think layers, Amazon/Target will have some crazy deals on solid colored options if you look hard. For higher end Sitka, Kuiu, Stone Glaicer, Artreyx, Mountain Hardware My kit- I go 2-3 western trips a year Base- kuiu merino top and kuiu zip off bottoms( I do have stone glacier heavy one for real cold) Mid-Sitka Ambient 75 and ambient hoody Puffy- mountain hardware ghost & Ambient 200 Rain-jacket- Sitka EVO and Stone glacier m7-pants kuiu Kutana Pants- Prana Zion unless real cold then stone glacier Socks -stone glacier and farm 2 feet Gaiters- kuiu yukon Gloves- liner gloves and kuiu glovet mitts Boots -Crispi Brisksdale MTN Gtx and Hanwag Yukon Pack-EXO Water wise- Nalgene don’t freeze up as bad as bladder
Bottom line, never trust a man whose uncle was eaten by cannibals.-Sen Joni Ernst
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Re: Elk Hunting Outerwear
[Re: Deerhunter61]
#9109609
09/18/24 05:51 PM
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 4,027
Wytex
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 4,027 |
Yep, is it a mountain hunt or a ranch type?
And which season?
BOBO has a great list and you can substitute various brands if you don't want to get too spendy.
Ebay can be a good place to buy cheap, Black Ovis and Camofire also.
You can get by with a small day pack but ask about how you're getting any elk out, pack frame may be needed then.
Staying at a camp or cabin also? Good cold weather sleeping bag may be a must, and a blanket to go over it. Pad if cot sleeping, keeps the cold below you not up through the bottom of the cot.
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Re: Elk Hunting Outerwear
[Re: Deerhunter61]
#9109616
09/18/24 05:59 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 11,271
Texas buckeye
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 11,271 |
Lots of info left out of the OP, such as type of hunting (spot and stalk, stand/blind - yes I have seen that advertised, driving around mostly and spotting from road system, etc) to season to type of camp.
A lot of good info out there to be had based on the answers above.
Active, need layers and good moisture moving layers.
Blind, need insulating layers above anything, usually means wind blocking too.
Truck, need some simpler layers than active hunting, a good jacket that blocks wind and has light insulating properties will probably work well here, but will have room for a bigger heavier jacket in the truck if needed.
A bit more info would really help to narrow down the discussion
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Re: Elk Hunting Outerwear
[Re: Deerhunter61]
#9109642
09/18/24 06:36 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 61,714
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 61,714 |
Op if you want ,PM me, more then welcome to set call and pick my brain
Bottom line, never trust a man whose uncle was eaten by cannibals.-Sen Joni Ernst
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Re: Elk Hunting Outerwear
[Re: Deerhunter61]
#9110526
09/20/24 02:04 PM
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,014
Whack n stack
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,014 |
Lots of deals on camofire.com today for black ovis layers.
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Re: Elk Hunting Outerwear
[Re: Deerhunter61]
#9111999
09/23/24 08:29 PM
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 4,027
Wytex
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 4,027 |
You can get by with solid colored clothes for elk hunting as well, neutral colors and not too dark.
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Re: Elk Hunting Outerwear
[Re: Deerhunter61]
#9112092
09/23/24 11:26 PM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,229
GPS
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,229 |
In 2022 I hunted elk in Idaho - a true backcountry elk hunt. 2 hours after we left the trailhead it started snowing and it didn't stop for the entire 8 days. in 2023 I went back but this time I was a camp cook for the same outfitter that I went hunting with in 2022. I learned more as a cook then I did on my own hunt. Below in my advice to you.
1. Get in shape - start now! Every little bit you do now will pay dividends later.
2. Buy the best gear you can possibly afford. Kuiu, Sitka, First Lite.... all are good. The clothes you use for your deer lease in Texas or Oklahoma are not what you want in the mountains of Colorado.
3. Don't skimp on your boots, if your feet are wet, cold, have blisters or just hurting you will be miserable and it will impact your ability to hunt.
4. Layers - Dress in layers - Merino Wool is going to be your best friend. Cotton Kills.
What good is it to have a $5000 rifle that can shoot the eye of a fly at 500 yards if you cant get out of camp because your miserable or your body is in so much pain you cant move?
If you want. send me you phone number and I will be more than happy to talk to you about my experience and the crap I saw hunter do that prevented them from hunting. FYI they were all from Texas.
Greg
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Re: Elk Hunting Outerwear
[Re: Deerhunter61]
#9112364
09/24/24 02:02 PM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 35,840
Buzzsaw
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 35,840 |
europtics is clearing out Sitka. i just got a great deal on their Jetstream jacket
SPACE FOR RENT
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Re: Elk Hunting Outerwear
[Re: Deerhunter61]
#9113026
09/25/24 04:38 PM
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,649
Dave Davidson
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,649 |
I’ve done a lot of it and learned along the way. Now too old.
Number one is get in shape. Get in the best shape you’ve ever been in. If you’re a smoker, either quit or don’t bother going. There is an O2 shortage up there. Before you go, walk a brisk mile and shoulder your rifle. Keep doing it until you’re satisfied.
Best of luck. Have fun.
Without a sense of urgency, nothing ever happens.
Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley, Rancher Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
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Re: Elk Hunting Outerwear
[Re: Deerhunter61]
#9113534
09/26/24 11:59 AM
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Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 72
JBR270
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 72 |
I'm originally from CO & have hunted, harvested many Elk. Most guys have already covered it on your question. I just wanted to say Congratulations on a CO hunt & Good Luck. You will enjoy it!
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Re: Elk Hunting Outerwear
[Re: Deerhunter61]
#9115050
09/29/24 06:03 PM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 7,812
Deerhunter61
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 7,812 |
Guys,
Sorry I’ve been busy trying to get a lot of jobs done so I can go and not worry about things around here. Also thank you very much for all the advice! I’ve purchased some but still need a few more things like outer lowers. I’ve had a difficult time finding them in my size but I haven’t looked on ebay. I say I’ve had a difficult time only because spending $300 a pair is something I can’t get my head around.
I will be staying at a cabin provided by our host as well as a bed and breakfast reserved for us too. I’ll be hunting 2nd season in 66.
Can you please share what you take in your back pack when hiking into your hunting area away from your base camp? I want to make sure I’m not forgetting anything. Also how and how much water do you carry with you?
As far as getting into shape I was already walking 2.5 miles simply for the life benefits, aching joints etc, and now i’ve upped it to 3.5 - 4 per day and started carrying 20 lbs in a backpack as well. I’m getting the backpack in tomorrow that I’ll be using for the hiking and will start carrying my rifle too.
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Re: Elk Hunting Outerwear
[Re: Deerhunter61]
#9115541
09/30/24 08:02 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 61,714
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 61,714 |
Bottom line, never trust a man whose uncle was eaten by cannibals.-Sen Joni Ernst
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Re: Elk Hunting Outerwear
[Re: BOBO the Clown]
#9115578
09/30/24 09:40 PM
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Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 94
mdwest
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 94 |
Layer layer layer.. Big differences in 1st season vs 4th season.
1st season any boots. 4th season any boots plus bring a pair of boots with heavy insulation
^^^ this ^^^ we've got a place in Southern Colorado, about 70 miles North of Taos, New Mexico... our cabin is at 9200 ft... there is a HUGE difference in 1st vs 4th season.. 1st and 2nd season you can still get to our place in 2WD... by 3rd season you arent getting to the cabin without 4WD.. where we're at, 1st season you can generally find elk 8000-10000 ft (unit 83).. theyre staying up high.. where temps are colder, but typically there hasnt been much (if any) snowfall yet so its not too terribly hard to get to them.. and overall temps havent dropped really bad yet.. by 4th season, theyre coming down to lower elevations to avoid the extreme cold and also to find more/better food.. but they are generally still in the 6000-8000 ft range.. and theres a couple of feet of snow on the ground in places... nights will all be well below freezing.. and sometimes the days arent a lot better..
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Re: Elk Hunting Outerwear
[Re: mdwest]
#9115586
09/30/24 10:05 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 61,714
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 61,714 |
Layer layer layer.. Big differences in 1st season vs 4th season.
1st season any boots. 4th season any boots plus bring a pair of boots with heavy insulation
^^^ this ^^^ we've got a place in Southern Colorado, about 70 miles North of Taos, New Mexico... our cabin is at 9200 ft... there is a HUGE difference in 1st vs 4th season.. 1st and 2nd season you can still get to our place in 2WD... by 3rd season you arent getting to the cabin without 4WD.. where we're at, 1st season you can generally find elk 8000-10000 ft (unit 83).. theyre staying up high.. where temps are colder, but typically there hasnt been much (if any) snowfall yet so its not too terribly hard to get to them.. and overall temps havent dropped really bad yet.. by 4th season, theyre coming down to lower elevations to avoid the extreme cold and also to find more/better food.. but they are generally still in the 6000-8000 ft range.. and theres a couple of feet of snow on the ground in places... nights will all be well below freezing.. and sometimes the days arent a lot better.. 83 is a special unit
Bottom line, never trust a man whose uncle was eaten by cannibals.-Sen Joni Ernst
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Re: Elk Hunting Outerwear
[Re: BOBO the Clown]
#9115665
10/01/24 12:49 AM
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Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 94
mdwest
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 94 |
Layer layer layer.. Big differences in 1st season vs 4th season.
1st season any boots. 4th season any boots plus bring a pair of boots with heavy insulation
^^^ this ^^^ we've got a place in Southern Colorado, about 70 miles North of Taos, New Mexico... our cabin is at 9200 ft... there is a HUGE difference in 1st vs 4th season.. 1st and 2nd season you can still get to our place in 2WD... by 3rd season you arent getting to the cabin without 4WD.. where we're at, 1st season you can generally find elk 8000-10000 ft (unit 83).. theyre staying up high.. where temps are colder, but typically there hasnt been much (if any) snowfall yet so its not too terribly hard to get to them.. and overall temps havent dropped really bad yet.. by 4th season, theyre coming down to lower elevations to avoid the extreme cold and also to find more/better food.. but they are generally still in the 6000-8000 ft range.. and theres a couple of feet of snow on the ground in places... nights will all be well below freezing.. and sometimes the days arent a lot better.. 83 is a special unit public land is super limited in 83.. I think BLM owns less than 7000 acres and its divided up into a couple of different properties.. and the state of colorado owns maybe 30,000 acres, but most of it isnt available to hunters... and most private tracts are fairly small with the exception of two massive private properties that sell guided elk hunts... but 83 has its advantages.. the Trinchera Ranch is 172,000 acres and has an elk population of roughly 16,000 (owned by a billionaire) that does very high dollar guided elk hunts... two sides of our property shares a property line with the TR.. thankfully no one has told the elk where the property line is, and they occasionally walk over and pay us a visit lol... Because of the no public land situation, demand for tags isnt bad and you can get OTC tags typically for archery every year and for seasons 2 and 3 for rifle are almost always available OTC as well.. and competition is super limited... we typically dont see other hunters other than guys that have small parcels of 3-5 acres and a trailer that use their place as a camp site and then leave to go over to the big BLM property near Monte Vista (almost an hour away)... We're pretty covered up with mule deer as well.. our particular piece of land has a lot of golden sage on it.. the elk dont really like it much (but will definitely eat it in 3rd and 4th season), but the mulies seem to love it year round..
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Re: Elk Hunting Outerwear
[Re: mdwest]
#9115682
10/01/24 01:23 AM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 61,714
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 61,714 |
Layer layer layer.. Big differences in 1st season vs 4th season.
1st season any boots. 4th season any boots plus bring a pair of boots with heavy insulation
^^^ this ^^^ we've got a place in Southern Colorado, about 70 miles North of Taos, New Mexico... our cabin is at 9200 ft... there is a HUGE difference in 1st vs 4th season.. 1st and 2nd season you can still get to our place in 2WD... by 3rd season you arent getting to the cabin without 4WD.. where we're at, 1st season you can generally find elk 8000-10000 ft (unit 83).. theyre staying up high.. where temps are colder, but typically there hasnt been much (if any) snowfall yet so its not too terribly hard to get to them.. and overall temps havent dropped really bad yet.. by 4th season, theyre coming down to lower elevations to avoid the extreme cold and also to find more/better food.. but they are generally still in the 6000-8000 ft range.. and theres a couple of feet of snow on the ground in places... nights will all be well below freezing.. and sometimes the days arent a lot better.. 83 is a special unit public land is super limited in 83.. I think BLM owns less than 7000 acres and its divided up into a couple of different properties.. and the state of colorado owns maybe 30,000 acres, but most of it isnt available to hunters... and most private tracts are fairly small with the exception of two massive private properties that sell guided elk hunts... but 83 has its advantages.. the Trinchera Ranch is 172,000 acres and has an elk population of roughly 16,000 (owned by a billionaire) that does very high dollar guided elk hunts... two sides of our property shares a property line with the TR.. thankfully no one has told the elk where the property line is, and they occasionally walk over and pay us a visit lol... Because of the no public land situation, demand for tags isnt bad and you can get OTC tags typically for archery every year and for seasons 2 and 3 for rifle are almost always available OTC as well.. and competition is super limited... we typically dont see other hunters other than guys that have small parcels of 3-5 acres and a trailer that use their place as a camp site and then leave to go over to the big BLM property near Monte Vista (almost an hour away)... We're pretty covered up with mule deer as well.. our particular piece of land has a lot of golden sage on it.. the elk dont really like it much (but will definitely eat it in 3rd and 4th season), but the mulies seem to love it year round.. I know the area very well.  The amount of elk killed in your addition is pretty crazy actually
Bottom line, never trust a man whose uncle was eaten by cannibals.-Sen Joni Ernst
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Re: Elk Hunting Outerwear
[Re: Deerhunter61]
#9115736
10/01/24 03:48 AM
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,088
Gringo Bling
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,088 |
OP I hunt 66 regularly. DM me if you have specific questions.
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