| So, you're headed to the high country for a little deer | | | | silk or silk wool blend glove under a breathable wool |
| and elk hunting. You've probably been wondering | | | | glove. For extremely cold temperatures I prefer the |
| about what to wear in such a climate and elevation | | | | silk wool lining under a quality mitten. |
| especially if you've never been to the majestic | | | | - Pants: In most hunting situations in the fall/winter |
| Rocky Mountains previously. | | | | time of year in mountainous country you will need to |
| Since I live in the heart of some of the premier deer | | | | layer with: 1) A moister wicking under garment |
| and elk hunting on the planet I do have a few | | | | (merino wool, polypropylene, others) 2) A wool pant |
| pointers on how to dress for such occasions. I've | | | | or bib (I purchase mine from a local sporting goods |
| formulated these opinions based primarily on poor | | | | store that also sells army surplus items. The quality |
| decisions made on my part. Nothing quite like the | | | | and price is outstanding!) This layering will give you |
| school of hard knocks to get you educated and I | | | | the best chance to stay dry, warm, and comfortable. |
| have indeed attended that school. Especially when it | | | | - Shirts: Follow guidelines for pants above. |
| comes to freezing your posterior off from dressing | | | | - Coats or Parkas: Fleece or wool products work the |
| incorrectly or inappropriately. | | | | best for high mountain hunting. I prefer items with a |
| So here are a few pointers to consider when | | | | hood obviously to keep my head warm. If your |
| dressing for your big game hunt in the high country. | | | | exertion rate is high it's important to be able to |
| - Foot Wear: Now the Rocky Mountains were named | | | | dissipate heat efficiently. Otherwise you will get hot |
| that way for a reason. Because it's literally a pile of | | | | and sweaty in a hurry. You need to avoid this |
| rocks in most cases and the further up in altitude | | | | scenario. |
| you go the rockier it becomes. You need a hunting | | | | Keep in mind that in most situations you are hunting |
| boot that can withstand rocky conditions with sharp | | | | at altitude, anywhere from 5000 feet to 9500 feet. |
| edges. They need to breath and depending on | | | | This exposes you to a wide range of conditions and |
| temperature have some degree of insulation. | | | | temperatures. And you must be prepared for |
| Insulation can be a double edge sword. You need to | | | | extremes. In the early morning, predawn hours the |
| keep your feet warm, but equally if not more | | | | temperature may be anywhere from 0 to 32 |
| important, dry. You need some degree of ankle | | | | degrees. At midday the temperature may be 50 to |
| support. Nothing will terminate your hunt quicker than | | | | 60 degrees. Obviously that's a large range in |
| rolling an ankle while coming down a steep slope. And | | | | temperature. So you must learn what to put on and |
| by the way it took a good long year, maybe two, to | | | | what to take off in order to stay comfortable and |
| get my hunting boots broken in properly. | | | | dry. Not only are the above items warm with the |
| - Socks: Absolutely, under no conditions whatsoever, | | | | ability to wick moisture away from your body but |
| do you wear cotton socks unless you enjoy sweaty, | | | | they are also QUIET! Try whisking through the forest |
| cold feet with accompanying blisters. Moisture wicking | | | | in some noisy, crackling hunting cloths and see how |
| socks are an absolute must. There are many on the | | | | many game animals you see. I promise you will be |
| market. I prefer a lightweight silk liner under a quality, | | | | disappointed. |
| merino wool blend, type of sock. I can then be | | | | So with a little planning on your part rest assured you |
| assured my feet are going to be the most | | | | can be prepared for whatever mother nature throws |
| comfortable with this type of sock layering. | | | | at you for a more comfortable rewarding hunting |
| - Gloves: I prefer layering system consisting of a thin | | | | experience. Happy hunting. |