Thread: Down Jacket as a mid layer

@Nick-D is on to it...

FWIW I wear: polyprop or merino thermal leggings and top. https://www.macpac.co.nz/mens/base-l...ex/113634.html
Air mesh lightweight t-shirt (take off thermal top if too hot). https://www.stoneycreek.co.nz/airmes...search=airmesh
Mid layer fleece. https://www.huntingandfishing.co.nz/...luro-camo.html
Fleece beanie. https://www.huntingandfishing.co.nz/...nie-blaze.html
This has me sorted for pretty much all my hunting (on the move) with the option of adding a puffer jacket, I use a synthetic RAB one https://rab.equipment/eu/mens/insula...ne-jacket-5571, and a waterproof layer when stopped and glassing in cold or wet conditions.https://www.swazi.co.nz/mens/tahr-xp-rtx

I think its obvious that everyone has figured out their own way of layering, people run at different temps so one size doesn't fit all.

In my opinion start with some cheap or even second hand gear, maybe borrow some gear off mate and see how you go. No point going expensive and finding that it isnt working out. Been there done that, lots of wasted $$$ on clothing that ends up in the draw collecting dust.

Hi All
Great info, particularly with links included, super handy. Going 2nd hand with most things initially where I can to start off, have time up my sleeve so it works for me but even getting a gauge on thickness/weight and brands people have success with helps a lot.
Cheers all.

Originally Posted by Feebz

I've got a hooded Macpac pulsar that i've been wearing as a mid layer. As its Primaloft moisture, in this case sweat,
isn't as much of an issue. I simply wash it with all my other hunting gear - it gets no special treatment. Have found it surprisingly hardwearing. Much higher warmth to weight ratio than a bulky mid layer fleece which is the other option. And its windproof. In winter, I still take a big down jacket for camp/inside sleeping bag on a chilly night.

Second this

Originally Posted by Nick-D

Down jackets are really not suitable for hunting/moving in. Best setup is the above.
You have a merino, so that's your base layer sorted.

Buy a midweight fleece mid layer. These are a practical and versatile layering product. Doesn't have to be a flash Harry one, plenty of economical options that work just fine. I have a hunters element one that I've had for years that was bought on slae for about 50 bucks. Good fleece. Some people go merino for this but personally as I wear it as an outer layer a lot, I much prefer a fleece. My flash Kuiu merino hoodie got holes in it first trip I wore it. Turns out merino doesn't like Bush lawyer

Buy a puffy on one of macpacs sales. You can get one for less than 100 bucks. This will be your outer layer at camp or when sitting/glassing. Usually over your mid layer fleece.

The only other layer is your rain shell which it sound like you have sorted.

Don't get to caught up in what the yanks do, our hunting is very different here.

agree fully ^^;