1. science
2. weather

Clothing Focus
By Patrick Meitin
The Covert Deluxe Windproof
Fleece from Scentlok Technologies
can take a hunter from crisp fall
days to bitter winter ones.
A
ny of us who has
seriously bowhunted for
more than a couple decades has
known true and debilitating hypothermia, especially while sitting in stands
and waiting for the appearance of
whitetail deer. You know, the kind of
hypothermia that assures embarrassing misses when a buck finally arrives
beneath a stand, your muscles feeling as if they’re ripping apart while
drawing even modest draw weight. The
kind of hypothermia that makes climbing from treestands after five hour sits
dicey, with every part of your being
frozen and punch drunk. Whitetail
hunting for me was once an exercise
in endurance: ignoring teeth-chattering, mind-numbing hypothermia in
“five-more-minutes” fashion until the situation became
somewhat life threatening.
There just wasn’t that much available in the way of extreme weather
bowhunting duds; the old canard “cotton kills” was just as true when I started
bowhunting whitetails in the mid-80s
as it is today.
It’s interesting to note that though
I now live in North Idaho, where sitting
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in minus to single-digit temperatures,
whistling wind and swirling snow while
waiting out rutting whitetails is commonplace and productive, I really can’t
recall the last time I was miserably
cold. I currently own outfits that make
it possible to sit comfortably in conditions that would’ve proven suicidal in
years past, like that Idaho buck I shot
with a recurve four years ago in minus10 temperatures and 20 mph winds.
There are many factors that contribute to this new reality, most directly
attributed to high-tech materials
(though not all of them), insulations
and membranes. Modern synthetics
repel moisture and wind; space-age
insulations hold heat better, sometimes even returning it to the wearer
and high-tech membranes assure 100
percent wind- and waterproof characteristics. Most now accomplish this
without creating undue rustles that
can spook game during the intimate
encounters we work so hard to create.
Material Matrix
Synthetic polyester fabrics of all
kinds are today’s wonder materials.
These man-made micro fibers, derived
from petroleum products, range from
high-pile “Berber” fleeces to low-knap
“softshells.” They are quiet, they hold
less moisture than natural fibers when
saturated so they can dry faster and
they turn wind fairly well on their own.
They’re extremely efficient at wicking
moisture away from the skin and moving it outward to evaporate quickly,
leaving you feeling drier during exertion for added comfort but, more
importantly, removing hypothermiahastening moisture.
Things moved right along after
manufacturers began adding cuttingedge insulations and membranes to the
mix. Think in terms of basic poly-fill or
trademark insulations like Thinsulate,
Primaloft or Cocona 37.5 Technology
as examples. These create dead space
between the outer garment and skin
to trap and hold heat, just like the
insulation in the walls of your home.
The huge difference between modern
insulations and gold-standard fills of
the past such as goose down is that
modern materials continue insulating
when wet.
Add a space-age membrane and
you’re ready for whatever Mother
Nature tosses your way. W.L. Gore is
largely responsible for starting the ball
rolling. Original Gore-Tex, now several
generations improved, can claim a true
first in waterproof/breathable membranes, breathability being the allimportant qualifier. Old-school rubberized canvas is 100 percent waterproof but if you exert yourself, you’re
just as likely to become soaked from
inside the garment as out. Gore also
brought us WindStopper, a wonderful
development that keeps heat-robbing
wind chill at bay. Many have followed
suit.
Other important developments
include Durable Waterproof Repellent
(DWR) and antimicrobial fabric treatments. These are chemical solutions
added to the outer or inner surface of
the fabric according to needs: Teflon
as an outer water repellent and silverion or Rocky’s ScentIQ as an interior
antimicrobial, as examples. Without
DWR, inner membranes keep you dry
but shell-fabric saturation can make
garments unbearably heavy. With antimicrobial treatments, odor-causing
bacteria that thrives on sweat moisture is killed on contact, so garments
remain fresher between washings.
Antimicrobial treatments are most
effective in baselayers worn against the
skin.
Today’s formula for staying warm,
comfortable and bowhunting viable
in cold conditions starts with wicking
baselayers, then adds a middle insulating layer and then an insulated,
membrane protected and quiet fleece
outer shell to turn the elements.
Beyond those basics, what customers
ultimately prefer boils down to details
and individual expectations, generally
meaning something sleek and uncluttered or made to accommodate ardent
“gadgeteers.”
Established Players
Sitka Gear’s (877-SITKAGR;
Sitkagear.com) Fanatic System (MSRP
$389 for bib and $399 for jacket)
emerged recently as an industry-leading cold weather outfit, combining a
DWR-treated fleece shell, highly efficient Primaloft insulation and a proven
WindStopper membrane. In addition,
it features a bevy of bowhunter-friendly
amenities: call and rangefinder pockets, an offset front zipper that allows a
hand-warmer muff and a safety harness
collar slot. Sitka also listened to customers and maybe heard my prayers;
this year’s Fanatic wear includes heavypile Berber fleece shells, making the
bib and jacket even quieter. It’s even
quiet enough to pass detection from
neurotic North Idaho whitetail inside
15 yards, deer perpetually molested
by hungry mountain lions and wolves.
This also holds true in the coldest temperatures, when some hunting garments grow noisy. The outfit is covered
in Gore’s newest scientifically based
Elevated camouflage pattern, a digital
Sitka Gear has always been system driven and the newest Fanatic wear is no exception. The entire extreme weather outfit is designed to be worn as a layering system, with
the Berber-fleece-shelled Fanatic Jacket and Bib comprising the outer layer of a system
designed for the coldest treestands.
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pattern with higher contrast vertical
treestand elements.
Other stuff I love about this outfit: leg zippers that go all the way up
both legs, interior mapped Sherpa
fleece to trap additional heat where
it’s needed and articulated elbows,
seat and knees, which make the outfit extremely comfortable after long
hours on the stand. The new Fanatic
Hoody (sans WindStopper or Primaloft
but including Polygiene Odor Control
Technology) makes an excellent layering garment.
Sitka, obviously, is a system-based
line and this outfit alone doesn’t complete the equation. The New Core
Heavyweight Zip-T and Bottoms
(MSRP $129 and $99) or new Merino
Core Crew and Bottoms ($119 and
$129) are great ways to begin; the baselayers are made to keep customers
dry, warm and scent free thanks to
Polygiene Odor Control Technology, a
silver-based treatment that kills odorcausing bacteria on contact. Also new
are the Primaloft-filled Celsius Jacket
($179) and unique Celsius Shacket
($199), both shelled in low-knap fleece
and made to be worn alone or as midlayers in the coldest conditions. The
Shacket includes an offset front zipper
that allows front reach-through kangaroo hand-warmer pockets and, more
novel, short sleeves that won’t interfere with a clean bow shot while still
protecting the core. Worthwhile cold
weather accessories include Sitka’s
Incinerator Muff (with WindStopper),
Core Heavyweight Balaclava, Fanatic
WS Beanie (WindStopper and
Primaloft) and Incinerator GTX Hat
(Gore-Tex).
First Lite (208-806-0066; Firstlite.
com) is a name you likely recognize in
relation to the industry’s first Merino
wool camouflage. More recently, First
Lite entered the high-tech arena. Two
years ago, First Lite introduced the
Umcompahgre Puffy Jacket and North
Fork bibs, along with Cocona technology, another industry first. Cocona,
now 37.5 Technology, is a high-tech
material containing Active Carbon
Technology (activated carbon embedded in the insulating fibers). This technology aggressively moves moisture to
the outside layers of the garment to
evaporate faster, help regulate scent,
act as a natural thermo-regulator and
insulate as well when dry as it does
when wet. This is magic stuff that’s also
found in the new Sanctuary Jacket.
The Sanctuary Insulated Jacket and
newer Bibs (MSRP $350 for jacket and
$300 for bib pants) were purposefully
built for serious whitetail hunters who
understand the nastier the weather is,
the bigger the rewards are. This extreme
weather treestand gear, the warmest
outer garment in First Lite’s Layer Kit,
includes proprietary seven layer construction, featuring body-mapped 37.5
Technology insulation, built-in stretch
and articulated sleeves, shoulders and
hood engineered to give bowhunters
a greater range of motion for drawing bows or climbing into awkward
stands. Perhaps most importantly, First
Lite’s shell material is quiet enough
for the most demanding bowhunting
encounters (even close-range North
Idaho whitetail) with a DWR treatment that repels snow and rain to keep
customers dry. Zippered, fleece-lined
ArcticShield clothing (at right and below)
from Absolute Outdoors reduces bulk by
incorporating a multi-layer thermal barrier. When you consider different camo patterns, the company offers dozens of choices
in jackets, pants and bibs.
First Lite (above) made its reputation by
offering the hunting industry its very first
camouflage Merino wool but more recently,
it has entered the high-tech outerwear category. The Sanctuary Jacket and Bib Pant
are the company’s warmest gear, including
high-tech 37.5 Technology material from
Cocona that aggressively moves moisture
away from the skin and helps maintain
peak performance levels.
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hand-warmer pockets with elasticized
muff openings that seal out drafts; a
zippered Napoleon chest pocket; interior mesh chest and kidney pockets
that allow you to stash chemical handwarmers to provide additional warmth
in the nastiest conditions; a fleecelined, adjustable hood; non-binding
cuffs and low-profile, weatherproof
zippers are some of the jacket’s bowhunting-friendly features. The bibs
include leg zippers for easy dressing, a
proprietary drop-seat zippered system
for instant call-of-nature response, an
insulated high back and wide, adjustable suspenders. Both are offered in
First Lite’s own Fusion, plus ASAT and
Realtree Xtra camouflage patterns.
For layering, customers would be
hard pressed to find a better start than
First Lite’s super-soft, super-wicking
camouflage Merino goods, in light to
“sweater” weights. Women now also
have their own Merino options in
the company’s Lupine Crew, Artemis
Hoody and Larkspur Full Length
Bottom. Newer on the scene, the
Halstead Tech Fleece top ($125) features interior grid fleece for additional
heat retention and Xeolite based odor
management, tailored to allow free
range of motion.
The new Uncompahgre Vest ($120)
is based on the successful Puffy Jacket
by the same label. It uses the same
body-mapped 37.5 Technology insulation and DWR exterior to provide
a high-loft but highly compressible
layer worn between the base and outer
layers in the coldest conditions. The
Uncompahgre Puffy ($225), the insulation component to First Lite’s Layering
Kit, has become one of my favorites.
It’s lightweight and highly compressible but also warm. A DWR treatment
keeps rain and snow at bay while 37.5
Technology insulation works its magic.
In accessories, look to the Softshell
Shooting Glove 2.0, Lightweight Merino
Glove Liner, Cold Weather Balaclava
and Beanie and Neck Gaiter to complete the cold weather kit.
Probably best known to most
for
ArcticShield
Technology,
Absolute Outdoors (320-252-2056;
Absoluteoutdoors.com) offers a wide
variety of cold weather gear designed to
offer a high degree of warmth without
excessive bulk. ArcticShield is a hightech, multi-layered thermal barrier that
helps capture and return up to 90 percent of your body heat while turning
rain, snow or wind. A fine example of
this technology in action is the new
Onyx ArcticShield Performance Fit II
Jacket and Bibs (MSRP $199 for jacket
and $189 for bibs). With an outer fabric
of ultra-quiet micro suede, the pair is
bowhunting friendly but includes highperformance construction for maximum protection from the elements.
The jacket includes an abundance of
pockets, a removable/adjustable hood,
a zippered/removable snow shirt, zippered pit vents and a water-resistant
front zipper. The wrist cuffs are adjustable to keep breezes out or work around
release-aid straps. The bibs include a
multitude of useful pockets, all with
snapped storm flaps. They also include
15 inch zippered leg gussets, an elastic
waist with snap closure, a zipper front
with buckle closure adjustment and
adjustable cuffs.
The X-System Midweight Fleece
Pullover and Pant ($49 for each piece)
were designed to be worn under this
outfit for maximum heat retention in
brutal weather. This insulating layer is
built from breathable 240 gram polyester fleece with four way stretch and
aggressive wicking qualities. X-System
technology provides dual-action odor
and scent management serious hunters will appreciate. The top features
Sportchief of Quebec, Canada offers a
huge array of high-tech hunting clothing
but the bowhunter seeking warm togs to
tackle cold weather need look no further
than the Dynamo and Voltage Series. The
Dynamo is perfect for layering in cold
weather and the Voltage provides all the
insulation needed in the most brutal winter
weather possible.
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Long known for top-notch camouflage patterns printed on old-fashioned cotton fabrics,
Predator went high-tech for 2015, introducing several lines of space-age synthetic wares,
including the Stealth and Whitetail G2 lines that are made to keep whitetail hunters warm
on the stand.
1/4-zip styling and the pants feature
a heavy-duty elastic waistband, both
with double-needle stitching for long
life. To cap off this extreme weather
wear, Absolute Outdoors offers extreme
accessories, such as the ArcticShield
Boot Insulators ($59), zip-on boot blankets that double the insulating qualities of your existing boots while allowing customers to wear less cumbersome boots when hiking into stands;
the windproof, water-resistant and
breathable ArcticShield Fleece Beanie
($20) and the ArcticShield Lightweight
Balaclava ($25) with X-System scent
control.
Established in 1946, Quebec,
Canada-based Sportchief (218-3462734; Sportchief.com) knows about
wet, cold weather. Some of its spaceage proprietary technologies include
Aquatex, a waterproof/breathable
membrane; Thermobond polyester
insulation and ScentZro antibacterial
processing. Sportchief also makes use
of more familiar technologies, such
as proven Thinsulate, DuPont Teflon
DWR treatment and the Primaloft
Down synthetic/down matrix. Its fabrics, like Silentx, DuraSupple and LXS
four way stretch materials, also make
this some of the most advanced and
quiet foul weather wear in the industry.
Sportchief wares vary widely to cover
any season.
The Dynamo Jacket and Pants
(MSRP $120 for each piece) will cover
most of your customers’ needs during mid- to late seasons. This outfit
is waterproof via Aquatex, an additional Teflon treatment that prevents
outer-shell saturation. The outfit is
super quiet and Sportchief promises
bowhunters will be able to draw their
bows undetected on the calmest mornings. A super-soft Coral Fleece lining,
treated with ScentZro, further accentuates the garment’s silent nature and
helps trap heat. The outfit is covered
in Sportchief’s own Deep Forest camouflage pattern. The Dynamo is also
offered in a Lady version. Another great
LCA Draw Board
option, the Intrepid Jacket and Pant
offer seam-taped waterproof qualities combined with 100 gram (jacket)
and 40 gram (pant) insulation for cold
weather. The jacket includes pit-zips for
sweat-free treks into distant stands; the
pants include a lined seat and elastic
suspenders. Both are covered in Mossy
Oak Break-Up Infinity and shelled in
ultra-quiet fabrics.
For extreme cold, Sportchief
offers the Icelander Series. The Voltage
hooded Jacket and Pants (MSRP $300
Micro adjustment for
detail and precision
Fully Adaptable with all of
our bow presses.
700lb test
Compact, EZ, Smooth and
works with any bow.
Check your draw, timing, cam lean and set your rest with more
precision than ever before with the all new LCA Draw Board.
www.lastchancearchery.com Phone:706-654-1961
Email: sales@lastchancearchery.com
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and $280) are both insulated with
unsurpassed Primaloft Down, a mix of
synthetic and natural goose down, the
synthetic helping to stabilize the consistency of the natural material (less
clumping and fewer “dead” spots) and
the works treated with a DWR to eliminate moisture that neutralizes the effectiveness of the insulation. An Aquatex
membrane keeps outside moisture at
bay while allowing accumulating perspiration to easily escape. ScentZro lining helps keep bacterial odor under
control while SilentX fabric assures the
outfit won’t spook game at the moment
of truth. The outfit includes waterproof
zippers and the pants include removable suspenders. The Iceland 3-in-1
Insulated Hooded Jacket and Pant are
also waterproof, this outfit getting its
cold weather protection and -20/25
rating (C) from 200 gram Thermo-Bond
insulation. Both pieces include SilentX
fabric shells to be bowhunting quiet.
All are covered in Sportchief’s Iceland
Snow Camo.
Predator Camo (608-787-0500;
Predatorcamo.com) has always proven
deadly effective in the field, where it
counts most. This alone has earned the
company a loyal following, even in the
worst of times. And Predator has had
its problems. If I had to put my finger on a single factor, I’d say Predator
has suffered from a low-tech perception, exacerbated largely by offering
old-school cotton togs to a high-tech
synthetic world. That changed in 2015.
Welcome to the new Predator Camo,
where high-tech synthetic materials
have taken center stage.
There are several new synthetic
options but cold weather whitetail
hunters will likely gravitate to the
high-pile Stealth and cutting-edge
Whitetail Series outfits. The Stealth is
constructed of silent 380 gram heavyweight fleece lined with wind-barrier
material that’s also ultra-quiet. The
Stealth Series is perfect heat-retaining
garments for layering on the coldest
mornings or to be worn alone during
chilly days. The Fleece Jacket (MSRP
$120) includes four zippered pockets and an elastic drawstring to keep
drafts out; the Fleece Vest ($80) has
the same sans sleeves. The Fleece Pant
($120) includes six pockets, wide belt
loops with inside suspender buttons
and double-knee construction. All are
offered in Brown Deception (all season) or Fall Grey (late season) patterns
perfect for treestand hunting.
The Whitetail Series G2 Jacket and
G2 Pant ($130 per piece) were designed
specifically for the whitetail hunter.
They’re silent, durable, water resistant
and made to be worn alone in temperatures as low as 40 degrees or layered
with Stealth Series duds as temperatures plummet. The 300 weight G2 performance fleece jacket includes a quiet
yet durable 7.5 ounce bonded polyester
hard-face fleece shell with a DWR finish to turn light moisture. The high-pile
Sherpa fleece lining helps trap heat and
form an impenetrable barrier against
wind, the inset cuffs a further deterrent
to chilling breezes. Front venting helps
prevent overheating while hiking into
distant stands. The pants include zippered leg openings to make dressing
faster. Look for them in Fall Gray and
Brown Deception (with Open Pattern
Technology break-up) or 3D Deception
(with photo-realistic details and added
layers). A Rut waterproof/breathable
and Scentlok Series are also offered.
Include a Fleece Face Mask and Beanie
and your customer will be ready for the
coldest weather.
Ro cky
(800-848-9452;
Rockybrands.com) addressed cold
weather comfort in a big way in
2015, most emphatically through the
updated Athletic Mobility and Silent
Hunter Elite lines. Rocky updated the
performance-driven Athletic Mobility
to include 14 new items, ranging from
baselayers to outerwear, all utilizing the
latest technologies for optimal comfort
in the field. The Silent Hunter Elite collection features soft, lightweight Silent
The Athletic Mobility and Silent Hunter
Elite lines from Rocky Brands offer optimal
comfort in the field combined with bowhunting silence. Both lines include quilted
150 gram (100 gram in the sleeves for free
range of movement) Thinsulate Insulated
items for hunts when long hours on cold
stands are the rule.
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Hunter suede with improved windand waterproofing and insulation.
Many updates in the Athletic
Mobility (MSRP $90 to $190) lineup
are lightweight togs designed for early
seasons but there is also a Quilted and
Fleece Jacket, plus the insulated Parka
and Bibs. All include performance
materials and Rocky ScentIQ (an antimicrobial treatment) and are best used
as a layering system. The Quilted and
Fleece Jackets make excellent mid-layers, each including DWR treatment.
The Quilted features poly insulation
and the Fleece a thick fleece core. The
parka and bibs are guaranteed waterproof; the parka contains 150 gram
Thinsulate Insulation in the body and
100 gram in the sleeves while the bibs
hold 100 gram Thinsulate throughout. The bibs include thin-profile suspenders and zippered leg vents. Both
include touch screen compatible pockets for cell phone use without exposing
the phone to the elements. All are covered in Realtree Xtra camouflage.
Newer Silent Hunter Elite wear
delivers protection from the elements
with the quietest waterproof materials
Rocky has ever used. The Quilted
Jacket ($190) and Stealth Cloak ($310)
are the warmest in the lineup, also
including Rocky ScentIQ treatment.
The Quilted Jacket is made from a 100
percent micro-suede shell with a polyester micro-tricot lining and 100 gram
insulation. It holds four pockets. The
Stealth Cloak is constructed similarly
and includes 80 gram insulation and a
more generous cut that reaches to the
knees for increased foul weather coverage. Magnetic clasps allow for fast,
silent removal. All are offered in Mossy
Oak’s new Break-Up Country.
Under Armour’s (888-427-6687;
Underarmour.com) UA ColdGear has
become a trusted friend in extreme foul
weather protection from the company
that made high-tech, synthetic-material wicking baselayers an essential
portion of every hunter’s layering kit.
Under Armour’s newest cutting-edge
technologies include whisper-quiet
and highly wind and water-resistant
Storm2; revolutionary heat-gathering, heat-retaining ColdGear Infrared
Technology and silver-impregnated
zeolite UA Scent Control Technology.
UA Infrared Technology is a ceramic
material, first used in aeronautic applications, printed on the interior of garment liners to collect and return heat to
the wearer, allowing a silent, less bulky
garment that provides the cold weather
protection of much heavier outdoor
togs. UA Scent Control technology uses
both proven silver-ion and proprietary
zeolite “lava,” easily recharged through
normal laundering, to attract and trap
human odors.
Naturally, Under Armour’s coldweather system starts with a high-tech
baselayer, many generations removed
from the original UA ColdGear next-toskin garments. UA ColdGear Infrared
EVO (MSRP $55 for each piece) is largely
constructed of polyester materials and
a brushed Evolution ColdGear fabric
with enough trademarked Elastane
material added to give it its tight-fitted,
stretchy quality. The interior includes
Infrared heat-returning technology
plus an antimicrobial treatment to kill
odor-causing bacteria on contact. The
inner layer is also brushed to improve
its wicking action. Ergonomic “flatlock” seams provide a non-binding,
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highly comfortable fit perfect for layering. The leggings include a working fly.
Both are offered in three solid color
scheme options.
Under Armour’s new Barrier Series
is constructed from the company’s
most innovative materials and technologies to provide hunters with pivotal
all-weather protection during the most
demanding big game pursuits. The five
Barrier garments combine Storm2,
ColdGear Infrared and Scent Control
technologies to protect from moisture,
seal in warmth and offer space-age
scent control. The Barrier items each
include a polyester Silent Shell for the
most demanding bowhunting encounters. The jacket and vest are safety harness compatible; each piece includes
strategic insulated padding and secure
pockets. Individual pieces include the
mid-layer Barrier Vest ($110) and Full
Zip top with MagZip ($150), the lighter
Barrier Pant ($150) and the heavy
outer-layer Barrier Jacket and Bib ($170
each). They will be available July of
this year in Mossy Oak Treestand and
Realtree Xtra camouflage patterns.
Rancho Safari, Inc.
BCQuiver
®
Newer Contenders
Core 4 Element (800-800-6686;
Core4element.com) is a new company
loosely affiliated with Hoyt. Core 4
Element garments are engineered to
be durable, using advanced materials
and innovative designs that are quiet,
comfortable and performance driven,
including flex/stretch and breathable materials, body-mapped designs,
Stealth-Dry waterproof/breathable
fabrics and DWR treatments. Core 4
Element clothing is all part of a larger
layering system that begins with
Merino baselayers and includes lightand mid-weight outerwear and rain
gear, capped off with quality accessories. The unconditional lifetime Hard
Core Guarantee assures customers will
be satisfied with stealth, comfort and
performance for the life of the garment.
Merino Base Layers offer warm
insulation (even when wet), super-soft
against-the-skin wear, natural scent
control and light weight in a machine
washable garment. These are offered in
190 gram shirts and the heavier 250/190
gram body-mapped Merino 1/4 Zip
and 190 Bottom, all in black, Realtree
Xtra and Max-1 (MSRP $70 to $80).
Some of the warmest mid-layer options
in the Core 4 Element lineup are the
Selway 1/4 Zip and Vest ($100 and $90).
Patent Pending
Stationary Mounts
Rugged ABS
Plastic Hood
& Broadhead
Cradle
These include thermal-grid fleece for
maximum climate control when moving and maximum heat retention when
parked in a stand. They also include
high collars, micro-fleece side-panels
and off-the-shoulder seams.
Extreme weather mid-layers
are represented by the Summit and
Elevation jackets and Elevation Vest.
The body-mapped Summit ($180) is a
highly compressible jacket that holds
“migration-resistant” PrimaLoft Silver
insulation, offering 92 percent efficiency when dry and 90 percent when
wet. The shell has received a DWR
coat to repel moisture and the collar
is lined with micro-fleece for added
comfort. The Elevation Jacket and Vest
include high-tech and water-repellent
700-fill Downtek down insulation.
These pieces are also highly compressible for easy stashing, have received a
DWR finish to keep moisture out and
include body-mapped styling to put
insulation where it’s needed most and
eliminate binding where it’s not. The
jacket is offered in Charcoal, Realtree
Xtra and Max-1; the vest comes in only
the camo options.
Extreme weather outerwear comes
via the brand-new Element XT Jacket
and Bib ($230 each), the togs customers
will want when contemplating whitetail stands in the killer cold. Element
wear combines a highly breathable
and wind-resistant soft shell, DWR finish, two way stretch material, silent
Fleece Covered Housing
and Hood
Lined with Felt for
Noise Protection
Adjustable Carbon
Brackets
Two-Piece Design for
Stabilization
Holds 4-6 Arrows
No Clips
Holds All Size Arrows
Protects Fletchings
Fits Compound,
Crossbow and Traditional Bows
Made in the USA
Available at your dealers or
visit our website at:
www.ranchosafari.com.
• jerry@ranchosafari.com •
Under Armour owns several patented
technologies made to help the whitetail
hunter succeed. Large among these are
UA Scent Control Technology and UA
ColdGear Infrared Technology, now found
in Barrier outfits. The first controls scent
via a silver-impregnated zeolite “lava”;
the second collects and returns the wearer’s own body heat for more warmth from
less bulk.
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If you’re already
a Hoyt or Easton
dealer, related Core
4 Element clothing
should make for
an easy transition
into the hunting
tog trade. These are
space-age designs
that use cuttingedge materials and
insulations to keep
the hardcore bowhunter warm, comfortable and dry in
the worst Mother
Nature has to offer.
Micro-Stealth shells and 140 gram
body-mapped Primaloft Silver insulation engineered to wick moisture,
remain moisture resistant and breathe.
The jacket includes tapered sleeves and
an adjustable cuff to reduce bowstring
interference, a tall micro-fleece collar,
fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets and
an adjustable elastic waistband. The
bib includes a raised front and rear
with suspenders; oversized, fleecelined front pockets; multiple storage
pockets, 3/4-length leg zippers and
an elastic waist belt to reduce bulk.
Both pieces are offered in Realtree Xtra.
The Element Gloves, Balaclava, Selway
Beanie and new Neck Gaiter round out
the cold weather kit.
Kryptek (208-938-2266; Kryptek.
com) was founded by former U.S.
Army helicopter pilots Butch Whiting
and Josh Cleghorn, who flew in Iraq’s
Ninevah Province during the second
Iraq War. It was during those experiences when they began to talk about
hunting and express their frustration
with the camouflage clothing then
available to the public. They began conceiving hunting wear designed for the
most extreme conditions, testing it with
top military professionals and hunters and then customizing every aspect
to perform in all potential backcountry scenarios. Kryptek then designed
a camouflage incorporating micro and
macro layering inspired by artillery
camouflage netting:
patterns Department
of Defense laser-retinal-tracking
tests
proved it took subjects
significantly longer
to locate than other
popular patterns.
Like most modern outdoor clothing, Kryptek cold
weather
comfort
starts with base layers. The Hoplite
Merino Wool Top and
Bottom (MSRP $120
each) are sewn from
180GSM jersey knit
weave and include
articulated styling.
Mid-layer options are
abundant at Kryptek,
though when facing the harshest elements, I like the looks
of the Kratos II Jacket
and Vest ($190 and
$140) and Aquillo
Jacket ($260). Kratos
II pieces are extremely
packable
and
lightweight, including body-mapped
Primaloft insulation for excellent heatretention efficiency and a DWR treatment to keep moisture out. The Aquillo
Jacket has a similar character but features 700-fill proprietary Hyperbolic
water-resistant down, plus 100 grams
of insulation, that Kryptek says is
proven to remain dry 80 percent longer
than other water-resistant downs on
the market. The polyester shell has also
received a DWR finish to help repel
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moisture to keep the hunter drier.
Kryptek offers a wide variety of
warm outerwear; the Aegis ($300 each
for jacket and bib) offering is perhaps
the highest degree of cold weather
comfort. The Aegis is 100 percent
waterproof and breathable as well as
windproof and insulated with bodymapped Primaloft Insulation to stand
up to extreme conditions. Kryptek calls
this a single garment that holds the
company’s entire layering system. The
Aegis Bib makes the perfect companion, including athletic articulated cuts
plus reinforced knees, a high back and
adjustable suspenders.
Arkansas-based Plythal (479-7130296; Plythal.com) is a new face in
the hunting scene but a company that
spent five years sifting through and
testing myriad fabrics, scent-control
technologies, moisture-wicking materials and designs, seeking the perfect
combination for each piece of its garment system. Breathability, mobility,
noise reduction, scent control, weather
protection and warmth were all top
priorities. Plythal is all about layering but also designing layers that work
together to maximize warmth and
mobility. I like the fact that the entire
Plythal system is laid out logically. You
start here, add this and this as needed
and top it off with that. There is no SKU
confusion or guessing what is compatible with what. Plythal’s prices are also
very reasonable for quality this good.
Not surprisingly, this system starts
with baselayers. The Black Out System
tops and bottoms (MSRP about $50 per
piece) include exceptional moisturewicking qualities to keep customers
Plythal is a new name in outdoor clothing,
offering well constructed and thought-out
products for an incredibly affordable price.
The complete base, insulating mid-layer
and outerwear outfit designed for nastily cold weather retails for about $550 to
$600: the price of a single piece from bigger names in the industry.
dry and comfortable, mobile four way
stretch. They are offered in 1.0 (lightweight) and 2.0 (midweight) black and
camo plus 3.0 heavyweight Camo Base.
The Merino Wool Base Top and Bottom
are also offered with Odorban technology. Modern insulating layers are provided by Plythal’s Prima-Heat Jacket,
Pant, Bib and Vest ($129 for jacket and
$119 for pant). All hold Primaloft Gold
synthetic insulation that’s lofty and
highly compressible. These pieces are
water resistant, include Odorban technology and are made to fit like a second
skin.
Of four outerwear options, the FullRut System ($119 each for top and bottom) is Plythal’s warmest. It’s an outfit
shelled in heavyweight fleece with honeycomb inner construction for added
warmth. The material is windproof and
highly water resistant. The Full-Rut
Jacket includes noise-reduction technology to assure bowhunting compatibility, a bevy of useful pockets and a
safety harness opening at the neck.
Odorban technology is applied to the
lining. The pants include an inner thigh
gusset, articulated knees and side leg
zippers in addition to the same qualities contained in the jacket. The Gloves
3.0 flip-finger mittens, Facemask 3.0
and Beanie 3.0 offer the company’s
warmest accessories.
Heat & Scent Containment
Any way you look at it, Scentlok
(800-315-5799; Scentlok.com) is largely
responsible for the scent-elimination
explosion. It raised our scent consciousness and set into motion an
entire segment of the hunting industry bent on eliminating human odors.
Battleground-inspired Kryptek hunting attire includes a long list of items,
each designed to work alone or combined
with other garments in an effective layering system. The Aegis Jacket and Bib
are the company’s warmest outerwear,
using body-mapped Primaloft Insulation
to meet extreme cold toe-to-toe and win
the battle.
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Scentlok’s activated carbon filtering
duds were the first of their kind, an idea
that blossomed into a universal shift
from attempting to cover scent (essentially impossible) to eliminating scent
altogether. That single idea created a
ripple effect throughout the industry
as other companies began to react to
what Scentlok had started. Scentlok
is still very much about activated carbon: a technology that continues to
evolve and one that Greg Sesselmann
insists is still the firebrand for scent
control despite various developments
in the industry. Patented Carbon Alloy
Technology now includes elements of
activated carbon, chemically treated
carbon and zeolite to absorb up to 99.8
percent of tested odors and increase
capacity 24 times.
Activated carbon aside, Scentlok
garments have evolved into cuttingedge designs with athletic, articulated
cuts sewn from space-age materials
and fabrics, all made with a single goal:
to increase your hunting enjoyment
and efficiency.
Scentlok’s new Covert windproof
fleece system is a perfect example,
promising to change the way hunters approach cold weather conditions.
The Covert Deluxe Windproof Fleece
System ($200 each for jacket and pants)
is warm, versatile and deadly quiet.
As any hunter knows, cutting wind
is one of the easiest ways to combat
biting cold, with wind chill a wellknown adversary that robs bowhunters of warmth. By fusing ultra-quiet
windproof technology within its fabric,
Wicked without the width!
22" Cocked
(25.5" Uncocked)
The new
has a limb width
of just 25"!
The Scentlok
Covert
windproof fleece garments use solid
color panels to
enhance
the
camo effect and
make them visually distinctive.
On the pants,
the solid color
panel separates
the softer, silent
upper from the
burr-resistant
legs. On the
jacket back, it
helps provide a
focal point for
the new Scentlok
logo.
Scentlok was able to eliminate bulk
without sacrificing warmth or comfort.
The jacket’s back is duel-paneled with
stretch softshell to enhance free range
of motion without sacrificing weatherproof qualities. Aggressive underarm
softshell gussets further enhance these
qualities, with telescoping thumbhole
cuffs that seal in scent and provide a
smooth transition from sleeve to glove
with no undue bulk. The pants include
lightweight, removable suspenders and
a gripper waist to keep them in place
and keep wind out without excess
26.25" Cocked
(30.62" Uncocked)
Recurve-limbed crossbows have always
been more reliable, more accurate, more
powerful, lighter weight and virtually
maintenance free. They were also
wider. Not anymore! The new
Excalibur Micro, at just 25" wide,
is comparable to compound crossbows!
29.75" Cocked
(36" Uncocked)
The most efficient Excalibur ever (79.5% efficient)
GEN II Compact Recurve Technology
Feather-Lite Skeletonized stock
Reduced vibration and noise
R.E.D.S. Recoil Energy Dissipation System
Guardian Anti-Dry Fire System
270 lb. 335 FPS†
9.5" Power Stroke
At just 25 inches wide, Micro 335 is every bit as maneuverable as any
compound crossbow, yet offers all of the durability and performance
advantages of a recurve crossbow. Micro 335 touts an off-the-charts 79.5%
efficiency rating which means you get more speed with less cocking effort.
It’s also incredibly quiet, deadly accurate and loaded with features.
Learn more at www.excaliburcrossbow.com
2335 Shirley Drive, Kitchener, Ontario, N2B 3X4 Canada
Bus: (519)743-6890
† Velocity @ 350 Grain
service@excaliburcrossbow.com
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bulk. Dual-paneled softshell inserts
from knee to cuff shed burrs and extratall leg zippers make dressing easier.
Both pieces are articulated for all-day
treestand comfort and include multiple bowhunter-friendly pockets and
details.
Scentlok-owned Bone Collector is
a new line of hunting clothing designed
to be bolder in styling and developed
in cooperation with the Bone Collector
team headed by Michael Waddell. The
introduction includes Bone Collector’s
flagship Game Changer system, which
features a silent, comfortable and
DWR-treated tricot fleece outer fabric that repels moisture and performs
within a wide temperature range. The
ultra-soft inner fleece allows versatile layering without binding or bulk,
with aggressive articulation that promotes full range of motion. The jacket’s
removable hood includes cord adjustment and quiet magnetic closures for
a custom fit. Four pockets keep gear
organized; zippered cuffs with gussets eliminate binding around gloves
or wrist-strap releases. The jacket also
includes an extended tail for added
weather protection. The pants include
a high-back design to cover the kidneys
and hold in heat with a gripper waistband to keep them in place. Extra-tall
leg zippers make dressing in the field
easy. The outfit also includes Carbon
Alloy Technology for superior scent
control.
Robinson Outdoors’ ScentBlocker
(507-263-2885; ScentBlocker.com) has
become a virtual cornucopia of outdoor clothing options. ScentBlocker
hosts a wide variety of high-tech
innovations: technologies engineered
to keep customers cooler or warmer,
quiet, dry and scent free. ScentBlocker
also caters not only to men but also
women (with SOLA) and youth. It conveniently categorizes each garment in
System Layer One (base), Two (insulating) or Three (outer) to make assembling a cold weather outfit easier. Some
fabric technologies to look for include
Recon Ripstop Fabric (lightweight/
durable), XLT (quiet with embossed
inner lining), TechTough Fabric (100
percent wind and waterproof ) and
MicroWick (moisture-wicking element). Technologies that help keep
the elements out include DWR exterior
The styling on the new Bone Collector line of clothing produced by Scentlok Technologies
is designed to appeal to younger hunters as well as the giant fan base for the Bone
Collector team. Note the big logos on chest and back shoulder and the skull pattern that’s
embossed into the solid color panels. While the Game Changer jacket and pants here have
Scentlok Carbon Alloy Technology, hence the Scentlok logo on the arm, the Bone Collector
line has several other choices in outerwear for hunters who can’t afford or don’t yet see the
need for scent-adsorbing technology.
hydrophobic treatment, WindBlocker
(blocks wind while breathing), newer
WindBrake fabric (super quiet and
windproof to 50 mph without membrane) and RainBlocker (waterproof/
breathable). Add designs such as
ScentBlocker Trinity Technology, S3
Silver Anti-Microbial lining, BodyLock
and Tree Spider Compatibility and
you’re looking at some of the most
advanced hunting garments around.
The newest and warmest System
Layer One duds include the Midweight
Wool Shirt and Pant and Arctic Weight
Shirt and Pants (MSRP $80 each) with
high-pile fleece for maximum insulation. The first is made of S3-treated
Merino wool with 1/4-zip opening for
venting and flat seams for comfort.
Arctic Weight gear was introduced
a couple years ago and has proven
a big hit with cold weather hunters.
The System Layer Two tog of choice is
the Trinity Hoodie. It includes Trinity
1.5 Layer Odor Absorbing Fabric
Technology, a synthetic scent-control
agent that’s thinner, stronger and longer lasting than past ScentBlocker technologies. It’s made of a quiet smoothface fleece for efficient layering.
System Layer Three is where
things get confusing, at least from the
perspective of a customer trying to
stay warm in the coldest conditions.
ScentBlocker offers a plethora of garments for cool weather but when it
comes to killer cold, the Matrix
($220 for jacket; $200 for pant) with
WindBrake and Northern Extreme with
Thinsulate Platinum Insulation are
my choices. Both, of course, include
Trinity Scent Control Technology. The
Matrix includes WindBrake proprietary
softshell technology that blocks harsh
winds without adding a stiff, noisy
membrane. The polyester garment is
also burr-proof and water resistant,
including three layer fabric construction with a soft fleece interior. The garments come with copious pockets and
ScentBlocker standard-issue features,
covered in Mossy Oak’s new Break-Up
Country or proven Break-Up Infinity or
Realtree Xtra.
The Northern Extreme ($300 and
$280 for jacket and bib) is the company’s real winter wonderland rock
star. The basic premise of reversible
camouflages is one we’ve seen before
but this one has been improved for
the new year. These pieces include
a smooth-fleece face (Realtree Xtra)
treated with DWR finish and backed
with RainBlocker laminate that’s completely waterproof and breathable,
reversing to a thick, warm Sherpa fleece
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Apr15AT030-045T-R-V.indd 43
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(Realtree AP Snow). The jacket and
bib also contain 120 gram Thinsulate
Platinum Insulation that keeps wearers warm even if it should somehow
become wet. The jacket includes an
attached adjustable hood. The bib
includes a high back, adjustable shoulder straps and 24 inch leg zippers.
ScentBlocker’s warmest accessories
include the S3 Reversible Sherpa Hat
and 1.5 Balaclava with Trinity.
Staying warm and comfortable on
the stand when faced with killer cold
isn’t the feat it once was. As you can see,
there are plenty of high-tech options
in today’s marketplace; these are just
some examples of the technologies
that presently make the bowhunter’s
life easier. Most of your customers no
doubt sit on stands in cold weather. No
one likes being cold. This makes selling
high-tech foul weather gear easy but
only if those garments also provide the
stealth needed for close encounters
with easily spooked game. This isn’t
waterfowl hunting. Serious bowhunters demand more and today’s outdoor
clothing manufacturers deliver.
Próis (970-641-3355; Proishunting.
com) has emerged as the go-to outfitter for female hunters who want topperforming clothing. It offers a wide
variety of cutting-edge layering options
to keep the huntress covered in any
conditions; the front fold of its latest
catalog actually assembles outfit recommendations for various regions and
seasons. For our purposes, I looked at
the section labeled “Midwest Whitetail
Hunting.” Here’s the recommended
outfit: Xtreme Jacket and Pants, ProEdition Vest, Ultra Hoodie, Sherpa
Neck Gaiter and Beanie.
The Xtreme Series jacket and
pants (MSRP $280 and $200) include
150 gram Thinsulate Ultra insulation;
non-binding, soft nylon tricot lining;
Spandex cuffs; collar safety harness
access; a bowhunting-friendly hood
and a signature Próis Ducktail posterior drop flap to provide an extra layer
between the rear and a cold/wet stand
seat. The pants include cargo pockets, 9
inch boot zippers with inch-wide storm
gutters and a drawstring waist. These
are the company’s warmest garments.
Both are soft, quiet, waterproof and
breathable. The Pro-Edition Vest ($180)
includes a wind-stopping laminate
plus unique scapular and deep lumbar pockets to hold chemical handwarmers for extra heat on demand. The
Ultra Hoodie ($72) includes a 100 percent polyester wicking fabric to move
moisture away from the skin and maintain dryness and warmth. The Sherpa
Neck Gaiter and Beanie ($36 each) are
the company’s warmest accessories,
made of heavypile fleece to hold
heat in.
My
wife’s
recommended
additions
for
cold North Idaho
sits include the
Icebreaker Series
200 gram Merino
wool LKA Long
Sleeve Half Zip
and IKA Leggings
baselayers ($110
and $100), as well
as substituting an
Archtach Down
Jacket in place of
a Pro Edition Vest. The Archtach Down
Jacket ($400) includes a DWR-treated
ripstop shell and 800-fill grey goose
down for a super cold weather layer
packing into its own pocket.
ScentBlocker’s synthetic-based Trinity
Technology and S3 Silver Anti-Microbial
bacteria-killing technology are one of the
options today in hunting clothing technology. Both proprietary features are found
in ScentBlocker’s super-warm Matrix with
WindBrake Technology (above) and the
ultra-warm Northern Extreme garments
which include parkas (below) and bibs
(left).
Natural Holdouts
Despite the proliferation of modern synthetics, wool has made a big
comeback in recent years. There are
several reasons for this: wool is a highly
effective insulation that actually produces heat when wet, creating no shine
while actually absorbing UV wavelengths reflected by some synthetics.
There’s absolutely nothing quieter in
bowhunting. Merino wool has become
the new firebrand in baselayers, with
companies like First Lite (the first in
Merino camouflage) and ScentBlocker
kicking the trend off and several others
following suit as of the latest ATA Show.
Now regularly bowhunting the
most easily spooked Virginia whitetail
I have encountered in all my travels,
I lean heavily on wool outfits for the
toughest assignments. Firsthand experience comes through the Sleeping
Indian (a “shingled weave” that sheds
water relatively well) and Columbia
Sportswear Gallatin series. These outfits are extremely comfortable and
quite warm (especially with quality baselayers beneath) and they turn
wind well. On dead-still, bone-crunching-cold days, when sound travels most
efficiently, they allow me to draw on
deer I would never be able to pull off
with many synthetics.
Companies like Próis (Archtach
Down Jacket) and Plythal (Down
Warmth Jacket and Pant), as examples,
are putting 100 percent natural goose
down to use in mid-layer insulating
garments. This gives these layers super
high weight-to-warmth ratios that are
easily packed into small spaces, proving old technology is still viable in the
space age.
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