Which COLD weather hunting pants from Cabelas or switch to bibs?

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98s1lightning

98s1lightning

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I'm looking for cold weather hunting pants, wondering what my best bet would be. Is switching to bibs a must when it's colder? I want the warmest I can get and waterproof. I don't want to waste money on something that doesn't work. Cabelas is convenient for me to shop at.

I'm talking 0 degrees F to 32 degrees F
 
For cold and wet protection, a three layer approach is best. Wool or
Poly based base layer long johns, wool trousers (or bibs if you like) - I have a pair of thick woolen Cabelas Outfitter in a waterfowl type camo that I like and another set of Swedish surplus woolies, with a Goretex outer layer to provide wind and water protection. For cost management, hard to beat milsurp. There’s plenty of milsurp Goretex out there. I’m a Flektarn fan, but lots of options.

https://www.cabelas.com/product/Cab...ooltimate-MOST-WINDSHEAR-reg-Pants/734989.uts
 
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There are a number of battery powered articles of clothing. The only ones I have tried are those battery powered insoles heaters. I found they did bot work well for me. .
 
I used bibs for many years. Switched to a one piece suit two seasons ago. And have stayed toasty during all day, 10 hour, sits in the stand. Except during a late bonus antlerless season last year. Highs were -5 to -8. Only managed 4.5 hours each afternoon/evening... my feet damn near froze solid!
 
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It's not super cold here in southern Illinois, but hunting in zero degrees isnt uncommon late in the season.
I rely on bibs over long John's for the really cold weather. 32 degrees it's just bibs.
Imho....UnderArmor is my favorite. Warm but not bulky, and wears like iron. I have had my bibs and coat since at least 2014. I know I wore them in tx hog hunting in '14.
 
I hunt all the way until February in NE Ohio where it sometimes gets -10 through -30 with the wind chill and bibs keep your butt crack warm and also help keep your chest and back warm. If sitting go with the whitetail extreme stuff and if walking a lot go with something a little lighter weight.

I will warn you that cabelas clothes are becoming absolute junk like redheads gear because of the bass pro takeover. My two stores took everything cabelas clothes off the shelves and then they came back cheaper. I compared cabelas hunting clothes and thermals from the year before the takeover and it’s definitely half the quality. Midwayusa has great clothes at good prices.
 
I like Carhartt bibs for 32-0. Or for doing both sitting and walking. You can wear a hoody and jacket so layers can be shed.
Carhartt coveralls for below 0.
A good foam cushion does a long way in making your sit warmer and more comfortable.
 
I had great luck with this outfit:
ohihunter2014 said:
I hunt all the way until February in NE Ohio where it sometimes gets -10 through -30 with the wind chill and bibs keep your butt crack warm and also help keep your chest and back warm. If sitting go with the whitetail extreme stuff and if walking a lot go with something a little lighter weight.

I will warn you that cabelas clothes are becoming absolute junk like redheads gear because of the bass pro takeover. My two stores took everything cabelas clothes off the shelves and then they came back cheaper. I compared cabelas hunting clothes and thermals from the year before the takeover and it’s definitely half the quality. Midwayusa has great clothes at good prices.
Click to expand...
Agree 100 %.

I had great luck with these hunting the Beaverhead National Forest in Montana the week of Thanksgiving 2018:

Bolderton Men's Outlands All-Climate Series Waterproof Shell Pants with Insulated Liner Pants
https://www.sportsmansguide.com/pro...ll-pants-with-insulated-liner-pants?a=2157244

Bolderton Men's Outlands All-Climate Series 3-Piece Parka System
https://www.sportsmansguide.com/pro...climate-series-3-piece-parka-system?a=2182885
 
F0BE491D-CFA0-4F40-8245-84BFC6B7A07A.jpeg 22943997-96BE-45FE-B904-ED5DDFB61C01.jpeg I do think bibs are better. Others are giving good recommendations on parka and bibs. Here are a couple other suggestions: Electric socks inside warm boots and a hand muff that straps around your waist with hand warmers inside. I’ve found keeping my toes warm is the hardest part of all all day stints in the treestand. These electric socks do the trick (see photo).
 
First rule no cotton.

Layer #1 - Merino Wool Blend long johns
Layer #2 - Wool or Down Insulating layer (full side zip for easy on and off when temperature or activity changes)
Layer #3 - Gortex Wind screen pants

Hunting out west here one overheats themselves hiking up mountainsides, so it is nice to have layers. Hike in Layers #1 and #3 and then when one gets to a glassing spot or finished with the exerting part of the hike put on Layer #2.

Sweat is something that all must try to avoid in cold conditions, its better to start a hike out cold and end with no sweat, then to start out comfortable and end in sweat. It's tough to get dried out and warm with a sweaty core.
 
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Thanks guys. I'm guilty of not being prepared but I'm at least giving my gear a test at home before I head north this year.

I am taking all suggestions into consideration.
Seems I'm always on a low budget and "good" hunting clothes ain't cheap that my biggest problem

I currently have 100% polyester under armour type real tree thermal underwear.
I just bought some wolverine work pants the shell is 100% cotton but the fleece liner is 100% poly, they were cheap so I grabbed them.

I looked at the merino 100% wool long John's 150 bucks a set! Ouch. I might not care about the price if they were a lot better than what I have.

I recently bought a Camber brand attic hoodie, things sweet 50% cotton 50% poly, it weighs as much as carhartt jacket with its insulated liner.

I have a Woolrich jacket 100% acrylic outer, 100% nylon and poly lining (hard to read tag)

Maybe my money is next best spent on the wool long John's, and wool pants with wind barrier.

I need to stop wearing blue jeans over my thermals.

Idk if I could do bibs I like a belt for my holster but belt holsters become a pain when you start dressing heavy.

I did buy a decent butt seat pad 100% poly shell with like a shredded foam packing.
 
If you have a Costco nearby and are a member they have merino wool blend base layers long sleeved shirts and pants for about $20 each. As for the wool middle layer and the gortex outer layer that is where one starts getting into paying some money for. Another big ticket item is hunting boots. Mine cost just north of $200 but they are made in America Irish Setter and have 400 grams of insulation.

but much of this hunting clothing if good quality and taken care of will last a good long while.
 
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It would be worth looking at your local thrift shop. I have bought wool sweaters (brown, green, cream) and wool pants (gray, charcoal, green) for cheap. Sierra trading post has a variety of long johns; I prefer merino wool.

In Colorado for winter hiking or fishing, I usually layer merino underwear top, a wool sweater, and windproof/waterproof thin jacket. For bottoms I usually do just wool pants, with the merino bottoms if its to cold. If its snow covered, I do have some waterproof overpants. All of this with wool socks of course. Boots, hats (wool, or fur lined) and gloves (wool lined) need to be good too.
 
Bibs, bibs, BIBS! The bibs can be had in various weights and waterproof if needed. I wear heavies when blind sitting and much lighter ones when moving. They pull on easily and are more comfortable than trying to hold up everything with a snug belt. Good pockets too. The only problem I've had is they are all way too long and need to be hemmed. The Chinese apparently think all Americans are 7 feet tall.
 
I just dropped a couple hundred on MINUS 33 EXPEDITION WEIGHT 400 GRAM top and bottom base layers. Between you guys, and all my research it seemed like best choice. I hope it's worth all the money.
 
You will not be sorry. I have had 3 pairs. Just bought my 3rd after wearing out the first. Too many holes for my wife to patch...again. She's getting a little tired of having to hem the too-long legs. But, being a good sport and talented with needle and thread, I'll soon be snug and comfy no matter the weather. And speaking of money, it is impossible to estimate the time and energy I've wasted trying to get by on the cheap. That is the real waste.
 
98s1lightning said:
I'm looking for cold weather hunting pants, wondering what my best bet would be. Is switching to bibs a must when it's colder? I want the warmest I can get and waterproof. I don't want to waste money on something that doesn't work. Cabelas is convenient for me to shop at.

I'm talking 0 degrees F to 32 degrees F
Click to expand...
Insulated bibs with zip up legs and snaps.

Fleece or flannel shirt over thermals.

Balaclav on yer noggin.
 
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