Light merino base layers are about the best thing ever.

I'm a huge fan of the technical/synthetic pants. They dry so fast compared to cotton pants. Not that I want Centerpole90 to go broke but cotton is the devil. I'll never buy cotton clothes again if I can help it.

I'm fully prepared to layer up/down. I love lightweight fleece midlayers and then a windblocking outer shell.

I have the Core4 Element Torrent rain gear which is too heavy for actually stalking/moving in. But it's great for staying dry during a heavy storm and it does a really good job of blocking the wind so if we're up high glassing I'll toss it on so that I don't get cold while sitting still on top of the mountain eating the wind.

Merino base
Poly pants
Puffy jacket/vest
Packable Rain gear

Hard combo to beat for back country. My favorite pieces I wouldn't go out west without are:
First Lite Chama Hoody and Kuiu Attack pants. Those two are extremely versatile and very comfortable.

Unfortunately first lite is out of stock on XL for their llano and Chama shirts. I wonder how long they stay out of stock for usually.

Google S&S Archery. Those guys run a good shop. First Lite's merino sizing can be a bit frustrating. I think they are more consistent now, but you might want to buy each piece in two sizes and then make a return. Or try to find a review from a guy your size.

Thumbs up for FirstLite and S&S Archery. Steve of S&S is also a co-owner of Exo Mountain Gear and Solid Broadheads. Great guy, great shop, and great gear.

Just ordered the Llano QZ, Chama, and Corrugate pants through S&S. Thanks for that recommendation.

I've got the lightweight and mid weight, and Im now stuck on the heavyweight and rain gear. I really didn't want to send $300 per piece for outer layer gear like the top end groups price at. Core4 is out of business so I can't go that route.

Anyone got a nice outer layer that they like? Same for rain gear?

My "camo" is generally whatever I can piece together cheapest so generally includes lots of just earth tones rather than camo patterns. Base layers are merino wool. Pants 5.11 strike since I have them and can't wear them out. Pair of frogg toggs for rain.

Upper layers are a lightweight vented pullover, a down vest, an old Walmart camo soft shell, and a light rain jacket. Combined they're very warm and separately they don't weigh much and are each the size of a coke can or smaller.

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Core4 is out of business so I can't go that route.

Anyone got a nice outer layer that they like? Same for rain gear?

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I don't know exactly what pieces you are looking for, or what size you are, but Camofire, Black Ovis, and MountainArchery all still have some inventory of Core4. You can call Camofire and ask them to check inventory, you don't have to wait on it to come up in a daily special, fyi.

Great to know, thanks!

Anyone tried out the Rage Hypodermic +P yet?

agingcowboy or other Wyoming hunters:

What are the rules around non-hunting partners tagging along for a deer or elk hunt in WY? I haven't been able to locate specific rules for WY. My brother is interested in driving up from Texas during my hunt in October and he'll just be an observer and hopefully assist in packing out if I'm successful.

I know generally that they cannot possess a weapon or participate in calling, spotting, or flushing/driving animals. Are there any other specifics or is it even allowed to begin with? I was going to call the local game & fish office later this week but thought I'd check here, as well.

Good question. I flipped through the proclamation real quick and couldn't find any specific rules on that issue. Before my son was old enough to have a tag he hunted with me and even called elk on occasion. I've also had guys up from Utah come hunt that didn't have tags and just helped pack meat. I know that a person can pack meat for you even without you present as long as your tag is properly attached to the carcass. That's from the Game and Fish's hunting FAQ's. The rest is anecdotal

Thanks for sharing your background on it. I'll make a call to G&F and see what they have to say. Just want to make sure all of my bases are covered.

On another note, do you have any good contacts for packers in Western WY who could help get an elk out of rough country? There is a good chance I'll be hunting alone if my brother doesn't show (my wife can only take so many days away from civilization). I've got some contacts in Big Piney who I could call as well as some co-workers who'll be hunting in the same general area. However, I'd like some back-up options in case those fall through and I'm left with a large bull 5 miles from camp to pack out alone.

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Thanks for sharing your background on it. I'll make a call to G&F and see what they have to say. Just want to make sure all of my bases are covered.

On another note, do you have any good contacts for packers in Western WY who could help get an elk out of rough country? There is a good chance I'll be hunting alone if my brother doesn't show (my wife can only take so many days away from civilization). I've got some contacts in Big Piney who I could call as well as some co-workers who'll be hunting in the same general area. However, I'd like some back-up options in case those fall through and I'm left with a large bull 5 miles from camp to pack out alone.

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That's a tough one and I'm in the same boat. I hunt alone most of the time as well. I've been fortunate that most of my pack outs have been reasonable, but I've been in spots that have given me pause about how hard to pursue game given how tough a pack out would be. Boning quarters out is always an option that could save a trip too. Now I've got a few buddies with horses that I can call in a pinch but we are all West of the Wyoming range (Star Valley). Not far from you as the crow flies, but a couple of mountains are in the way.

I'll ask around if there are guys that pack out professionally (if that's a thing). I'll bring a pack frame and my two feet if I'm available!

That looks just like the one I plan to kill this year! What a monster.

I just love these threads!

My Klymit Lite and Solvid should have arrived today... Soo Elk horny.

Let me know how the lite version is. I'm not in need of one, but it looks awesome. Trying to get a buddy to buy it so I can use it for "testing"....oh and I really like the Kylmit pillow so far

I hunt in Idaho just across the border from Star Valley. The outfitters I have run into have told me their wranglers will be happy to pack out elk if they aren't too busy, They won't charge, but tips are appreciated. I take about $300 with me just in case. Seems like a bargain if contemplating several trips in really rough stuff and a heavy pack.

This week has been very bad for any semblance of Elk Fit. The Florida Keys + Miami Beach = expensive debauchery when done right. I did go for one beach run but then followed it up with multiple decadent meals and mucho beveraging.

Headed home now. Need about a 3 day detox to get to a point where I can work out again.

$300 was kind of the number I was thinking. I've heard that's a pretty standard rate in CO, as well.

Just go get your doctor to get you some Viagra, and you'll be set for Colorado.

I have the "leftover" cow tag in my grubby hand.

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I'm going to get dressed up this weekend, sit in my living watching elk hunting YouTube videos and practice calling. My wife is thrilled....

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Just go get your doctor to get you some Viagra, and you'll be set for Colorado.

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Just don't let your thoughts wander or it might not help you with blood flow to your lungs IYKWIM.

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sit in my living watching elk hunting YouTube videos and practice calling. My wife is thrilled....

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I've basically been doing this for a month. My dogs hate me right now and frankly are probably glad I left town for a week.

Headed out tonight w the wife for a few days of scouting and fishing. Hopefully will have mucho photos of muy grande for you guys next week.

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Let me know how the lite version is. I'm not in need of one, but it looks awesome. Trying to get a buddy to buy it so I can use it for "testing"....oh and I really like the Kylmit pillow so far

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Haven't put my hands on it yet. I'll let Ya know. The reviews are great, so my expectations are high. I'm blaming you if it sucks.