The Elk EssentialsUpdated a month ago
The Elk Essentials
Chase Galley
Archery elk hunting in the West is what many hunters across the country dream about all year long. Whether you're chasing bulls through the desert or the thick timber, there's nothing quite like hearing bulls bugle and cows call during the rut. September in elk country is something every hunter should experience at least once. It's an incredible time to be in the mountains, but you also need to be prepared for the weather. One day it can be blazing hot, and the next you could be hiking through a snowstorm. It's not uncommon to experience both extremes within 24 hours, so having the right layering system is essential.
For me, the most important part of any hunting kit is what I'm wearing next to my skin. Your base layers are the foundation of your entire system, and they can make the difference between an enjoyable hunt and a miserable one.
For high-output hunts like chasing September elk, my go-to base layer top is the Wick Hoody. It provides excellent sun protection on warm days while serving as the perfect foundation when temperatures drop. When you're climbing 1,000 feet to reach a ridge, you can stay in just your base layer without overheating. Then, when it's time to stop and glass or take a break, it does a great job of holding in warmth and layering comfortably under additional pieces.
For bottoms, I honestly think the Kiln Zip Off Long Johns are all you need during September. On those mornings when temperatures are in the 20s, they're perfect for the hike in. As the day warms up, you can zip them off without taking your boots off, making it easy to stay comfortable all day long. They're also excellent to sleep in on backpack hunts, and for day hunts they pack down so small that they take up virtually no room in your pack.
When it comes to midlayers, comfort throughout the day becomes even more important. On the upper body, I truly believe the Navigator Hoody stands above the rest. It's incredibly lightweight but provides far more warmth than you'd expect while remaining highly breathable. The quarter-zip allows plenty of airflow during those long, steep hikes to your morning glassing knob, and once you zip it up, it does an excellent job trapping body heat. It's hands down the best midlayer I've ever worn, and it'll be in my pack on every hunt for years to come.
Your insulation layer is where you'll want to tailor your kit to the conditions. Before every hunt, I recommend looking at historical weather for the dates you'll be hunting so you can choose the right jacket.
Personally, I usually carry the Brooks Down Sweater because I tend to run warm. It's one of the lightest, most packable insulated jackets I've used, and it layers perfectly over the Navigator Hoody and Wick Hoody. If I'm expecting especially cold conditions, though, my choice is the North Range Jacket. It's heavier because it packs significantly more insulation, but the warmth is absolutely worth the extra weight. Between the heat-reflective lining and the 133 gsm PrimaLoft Gold insulation, it's one of those jackets that makes cold mountain mornings feel a whole lot more manageable. Throw it on during a long glassing session or around camp, and you'll be amazed at how warm it is.
When it comes to pants, durability is everything to me. The Corrugate Foundry Pants have become my favorite because they're built to handle just about anything. The hip vents make hiking during warm early-season afternoons much more comfortable, and when they aren't needed, you can zip them closed and keep moving. Whether you're busting through deadfall or pushing through thick timber to cut off a herd headed for a saddle, you don't have to worry about tearing them up. I joke that I could fall into a wood chipper and they'd be the only thing that came out in one piece.
That pretty much rounds out the core of my elk hunting clothing system. Beyond that, there are just a few accessories that never leave my pack.
I always carry a pair of Cody Gloves for those cold mornings behind the glass and late evenings cooking around camp. I also wear the Rugged Wool Fingerless Gloves because they keep my hands warm while still allowing me to shoot my bow without sacrificing dexterity. Finally, I never head into elk country without the All Season Merino Crew Socks. They've never given me a hotspot, and they've kept my feet comfortable regardless of the weather. After a lot of miles in elk country, they've become one piece of gear I never second-guess packing.
I hope this article helped you put together a better idea of what to pack for your elk hunt. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to give us a call at (208) 806-0066. We'd be more than happy to help build a layering system that's tailored to you, your hunt, and the conditions you'll be facing.
Good luck this fall, hunt hard, and most importantly, enjoy your time in elk country. We'd love to see how your season goes, so be sure to send us your photos after the hunt!