So I haven't worn my coveralls since last season. I've been shooting a lot over the past year, doing more upper body activities and using a climber a lot. In doing these activities, my upper body has expanded. My coveralls were getting right up top last season but this morning showed just how much. I couldn't get it zipped and if I would have, I wouldn't have been able too be. Anyway, I am completely lost on where to start. I'm not really looking to spend $400+ on this either. Remember, I live in NC and probably won't hunt in weather below 25 or so.
I use the Bass Pro (Red Head) CWS (Cold weather system) in the bibs and parka. 100% waterproof, windproof, and breathable. I absolutely love them! Never been a real big fan of the "coveralls" because I am quite a large guy... Best of luck!
I have the same set and I can say that if temps are above freezing they're almost overkill. The dual layer parka is nice though! I only get them out for bitter cold, rain/snow and cold windy days. Not sure if that helps the OP bu that's my two cents.
I would go with the bibs and 2 layered coat. I have used Remington and Bass Pro, both have held up well over the years.
Yes, bibs all the way. I can't stand the restriction that cover alls offer. You can't bend over very easy or reach up.
Well I can attest to what everyone has said ,but I love my coveralls . I have worn them for 11 years with out any qualms at all! I'm fit so the statement about not being able to reach up or bend over is over kill. I have never been stricken with not being able to get the shot off while wearing overalls compared to bibs. Also overalls will be warmer due to their is no lost connection to the lower body as there is in bibs. My 2 cents worth. Rocky
I think in high winds or very cold temps, coveralls are probably warmer. But for ease of use and taking things on and off, I like bibs and a jacket. I wore coveralls for years and switched over a few years ago and I now really prefer the bibs. Believe it or not, my wife picked me up a set of bibs and jacket a few years ago at Walmart and it's one of the warmest sets I've ever owned. I'm pretty sure she had less than $100 in them. Blessings........Pastorjim
You can get a pair of carhart camo bibs for $100 and they will last forever. For temps in the 20s they do fine with a good base layer.
They have a nice jacket for $50 now but, I haven't been able to find bibs at any of them this year. They were $60 last year. If I find them again, I'll pick up a pair.
I think I bought my nephew a set of coveralls at Gander Mtn for right at $100 last year. I haven't looked at the cost of their bibs, though. Heck, I've had the same pair of coveralls for years and I bought them at Walmart. Not even sure how old they are, but I'd guess at least 10 years. Zipper finally broke, but I spent $9 to get it fixed. So you definitely don't need to spend $400 anywhere.
I'd buy the Under Armour Ayton Fleece bibs. They're nice and can be has for $160 I believe. Check Cabelas.
How warm are they? I'm looking to get some new pants/bibs for next year, and I was looking at those or the rut scent control pants (not for the scent control, just the fit an materials, I already have the jacket)
Honestly, you'd be further ahead if you buy pieces to form a good layering system. There is nothing less versatile than a heavy jacket and pants/bibs IMO. It's only good for one thing, cold temps. Go with a mid weight jacket that has a wind barrier, then layer under it according to temps. I have a multitude of items I've collected over the years to get me from September to January. I just add the layers as the season wears on to meet the temperature requirements.
I was actually thinking about doing this earlier today. I don't want to have 3" of padding all over me just to stay warm. I'm not sure where to start though.
Bibs all the way. Easier on and off and you don't want all that bulk up top. I have Cabela's Bowhunter Extreme bibs. They are $299. You can catch them on sale right now for $180. $160 if you use the $20 off coupon. I love the location of the pockets and they have a articulated knee! I paid $120 for mine in the bargain cave. Worth every penny! Here is the link:
I could write a huge post here describing everything, but here it is in a nutshell. Base Layer: Something such as Under Armour. This layer is next to the skin and should be a compression type fit. The reason is that you want as much contacting your skin as possible because this layer needs to move moisture away from the skin. #1 rule in staying warm in cold temps, stay dry. Mid Layers: Mix and match whatever it takes to stay warm comfortably in a stand. This layer consists of either fleece, wool, down or other synthetic or natural materials. I personally use a combo of wool and fleece here, usually two to three layers of different weights of these materials. Wool is absolutely my favorite. Outer Layer: A good windproof fleece or other fabric is what you're looking for. Wind robs your body of the heat you're sealing in with the other layers. Block it at all costs. This layer is intended to block the wind and offer some rain proofing. Just make sure its quiet. There are lots of good medium weight jackets out there that also block the wind. They usually use a material called comformax, for example to create this barrier. Its silent, has little bulk and does what it is intended to do. Feet: PURE wool socks are best. Keep your piggies dry though. I use anti-perspirent on my feet to cut down on my feet sweating, thus keeping them dryer and ultimately warmer. Head: Extremely important. Keep your head covered by a good warm hat. Regardless of what you use, STAY DRY. I can not stress this enough. Pack as many layers as you can into the woods with you and put them on after you're settled into the stand and have cooled down some. You should be a bit cold when you start into the woods. Finally, if all else fails, here is a trick. Go to Wal mart for example, and buy one of those heat wraps from the pharmacy. Its basically a big bandage with pockets in it. You can stuff two hand warmers into them and wrap it around you waist with the hand warmers over your kidneys. If that doesn't keep you warm, I doubt anything will. Hope that helps!
