Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Some Alaska pics and gear thoughts....

Copy and pasted from ARAIG so forgive me if you've seen it already.

Still just a greenie but I learned a few things about what worked well for me in some different conditions than what I'm used to. Hope somebody benefits from it, I know I asked a lot of guys a lot of questions and sure am grateful for the intel I got. Not my critters, just a few of the ones I packed out and worked on.











Clothes.... I pretty much wore Cabelas Micro-Tex pants and a Marmot Fleece 1/4 zip or a Icebreaker Merino 1/4 zip as a go-to hiking and hunting outfit every single day. Absolutely no complaints there.

Rain Gear- I used a Westcomb Spectre LT shell with eVent... this may be one of the best pieces of gear that I've bought. Beat the hell out of any Gore-Tex that I've worn and breathes way better.
I wore the Kuiu Chugach (Canadian make) pants, and they worked fine too. Kept me dry but took a bit longer to dry out than I'd like.

Insulation- I bought a First-Lite Uncompahgre before the season started and was grateful that I did. That thing kicks ass.

Boots- I wore exclusively Lowa Civettas and wouldn't use another boot out there. They simply kick ass for the terrain and hold my weak ankles together really well. Coupled with Darn Tough socks they made a great combo.

Sleeping bag- Mountain Hardwear Ultra Lamina 15.... great bag and I didn't wish for anything else the entire time. Even when it got wet it kept me warm as anything. I used a Thermarest Z-Lite and Thermarest Neo-Air and couldn't have been happier.

We used a variety of tents, mainly MSR Hoop 2's, Hilleberg Jannu, Kaitum 3 and 4, and a Hille Tarp UL-10. The Hille's are the bomb for this country IMO, but overkill for Colorado....

I used a Barney's Pinnacle and SG 7400 the whole time, mainly using the Barney's. Carrying a lot of stuff for clients just called for the use of the Pinnacle, even though I found the Stone Glacier to be way more comfortable and definitely the pack I'd prefer to use every day.

Optics- I ran my Cabela's/Meopta Euro 10x42s every day and loved 'em... great glass for the money. Spotters used were a Nikon ED-50 and Leupold Gold Ring HD 12-40x60. I will be investing in some bigger glass, but was very impressed with the Leupold.

What didn't work....

Sitka Rain gear (Downpour I believe?) my boss used this stuff and it simply sucked heavy ass. It wetted through even in light rain and the zippers busted everywhere, leaving him wet from shoulders to feet.

Gore-Tex- I am convinced that the VAST majority of Gore-Tex is completely useless, mainly the stuff used in boots. I saw more of this crap fail this year than I could believe.


That covers most of it, I'm sure I'll think of more gear that I liked and didn't like here soon...

Good man Charlie Brown. Oh to be young again.

There has never been anything good about Gore-Tex.

GoreTex is the ultimate in an oxymoron - 'breathable AND waterproof' my ass.

Hermaphroditic gear - a little bit of both and not enough of either.

Tanner - Where were you working?

For Ultimate Alaskan Adventures, Alaska and Chugach mtns.

eVent is the good stuff.

Tanner

Bad ass dude.



Travis

Thanks for the review and look forward to more gear reviews later. Granted I dont know the first thing how to judge sheep but that Dall looks fricken huge to me.

Cool. I wish I'd done that when I was younger, but the guy that tried to push me into it was one of my 4h rifle shooters... hence younger by a good bit and I was to old by the time I'd even thought about it...

Enjoy it. I know about packing moose just a tiny bit too. They mean many loads.

Goretex. I thought everyone knew it was a joke for years now. Wife and I have military stuff, wear it around here for light rain and such, and unfortunately or maybe fortunately.. it comes on lots of hunting gear insulated outerwear... standard... guess its ok when its light rain though... but I hate paying for the crap.

Good stuff!

Why the two sleeping pads?

Tanner,

Thanks for the write up and review. Spending that amount if time certainly allows one to ferret out the good and the bad. I think too often hunters overlook some really good gear, just because it doesn't come in camo.

Experience if a lifetime!

Nice write up Tanner. Guessing elk season won't require a lot of conditioning for you.

Congrats on having the foresight to do what you did. Hope you took lots of pics and wrote some of what went on down. You'll treasure it later.

I'm not 'old' yet, but wish I would have done something like that instead of following a more traditional life path. Wife and kids preclude that from happening now. Good on you for going!

Looks like a great adventure Tanner! My experiences with a lot of that gear mirror yours.

So...what's next?

Tanner,

Nice and memorable way to spend the summer.

Thanks for the write up and pictures....

Good report.

Gret info Tanner! Clear and thoughtful.

Glad that you got to do this adventure at this time in your life.

Tanner,
Welcome back man!!!
Did you hunt alongside Steve on any of these hunts?
He's an animal, no?

Great write up Tanner! What a gig. Keep it coming, more on the rifles, scopes and loads.

Z-Lite for insulation and the Neo-Air for sleepin' like a baby. Took me about a month to figure out the Z-Lite isn't really for sleeping on... grin



I'm going to try to whack an elk starting on October 11 for 5 days, then starsky and I are going to chase a mule deer for him starting October 18, and I'll hunt a different spot a few days after. That'll about wrap up October, then one more mulie hunt in November! Should be a great fall.... Back to school in January.

I'll be back in Alaska next year doing more of the same!



Yep- Steve and I hunted together for the last 3 weeks. He is indeed... we call him "Animal Mother".



Man... I saw some interesting rifles and scopes! I think it suffices to say that none are even close to what I'd consider taking into sheep country were I hunting for myself. Lots of heavy stuff, .30 mags that shot less than good... just interesting choices.

Tanner

Z-Lite stacked in 2 sections comes in handy when yo ass is tired of sitting on rocks too...

Agree with Trav'........

lucky guy to get to see Alaska in that way.......

AWESOME!

Thanks for sharing

That, and for keeping the Neoair from getting punctured by sticks, rocks, roots, etc...

Glad you had a good time! There's nothing quite like guiding up north, hey?!

Congratulations on a great experience. Too few young people really stretch themselves and do the necessary planning and preparation for an adventure such as this. I would like to get a Dall Sheep more than any other trophy in the world, maybe a cape Buffalo second, and I don't think I will even get the Buffalo.
You need more legs and lungs than I have left to get the sheep.

I encourage your continued energy in these types of expeditions, just don't forget to plan for your old age so that you don't have to worry about continuing your outdoor pursuits in your later years, as you will still want to hunt and fish past your limited abilities when you are older...

Awesome report and great pics!! I always appreciate a good gear report like this. Thanks for sharing and congrats on a really cool experience!

Eric

I'd guess your ruint now, nothing down here will ever feel as wild again.

Next stop NWT?!!!

Hey Tanner -

Corey Piersol here with Sitka Gear. Please have your 'boss' reach out to our Customer Service Team ASAP : 877-748-5247. Please understand that we design gear with intended uses. One thing to note is that the Downpour Series lives in our Whitetail Category and is designed for a static hunter, specifically hunting from a tree stand. Its intended design is minimal to be packable, and quieter. We used a GORE-TEX Paclite Construction to achieve this design. The Downpour more than satisfies it's intended use but it is not durable enough for a spot and stalk hunter. We blame ourselves for not communicating this message more thoroughly and so offer a few options to get the individual into something more appropriate for their style of hunting.

As for GORE-TEX I have to ask, how old your GTX jacket is that you�re comparing your brand new eVent jacket too. Have you washed your GTX jacket lately? GTX material has pours that allow the garment to be breathable but those pours can be clogged by smoke, dirt, blood, etc. If you do not maintain or wash your GTX gear you will lose performance. It's a common misperception to never wash your GTX gear. PLEASE WASH IT!

If anyone ever has any concerns do not hesitate to contact us at 877-748-5247. We aren't your typical customer service team. We are here to help!

He was using year old Stormfront; I just spoke with him.

If he hasn't ready been in contact, he will be soon. I believe he's still brown bear hunting.

I've had brand new Gore Tex shells leak too, but what do I know...

Hey Tanner -

Good to know, we will figure out what piece he has when he calls. Please make sure he calls us! We have had guys wear our Stormfront Gear over 100 days chasing sheep, goats, mountain lions; still waterproof and breathable. There is some damage from punctures but that's normal wear and tear and easily repairable with a Patch Kit.

In regards to your GTX leaking right away never hesitate to contact GORE-TEX : 1-800-GORE-TEX. They have the best warranty in the market. It's rare but defects happen. If it's a Sitka Garment call us direct!

Don't discount your knowledge and expereince, your out there more than I am. We just ask that you consider other variables that could be in play when it comes to poor experiences.

Also, I hope you guys know of our Guide/Outfitter Discount Program? If not give us a call!

That looks like much more fun than the construction job I had in college! Thanks for the write up.

One of the problems we've seen with goretex is the fact it needs to be washed. And if you get down and dirty in the field cleaning an animal and get the goretex dirty, it will start transmitting water and will wet out. It can even get that way from sitting in mud/dirt.

I have not used Sitka yet... but other brands of gore.... they are good for light rain and we wash the stuff often that has gore, but I simply do not trust it for real rain.

Like they say, "Gore-Tex ain't waterproof". But it can be highly water resistant. But there certainly can be better stuff out there also.

I have 4 rain shells from Cabela's I bought in the 90's, with the "Stealth Cloth" (yeah, I liked 'em so much I bought 4 jackets, 2 for archery and 2 in a larger size for later rifle hunts).

Indeed, you do have to wash Gore-Tex. I use Atsko Sport Wash, and each year before hunting season starts, I wash in NikWax TX Direct in all my Gore Tex stuff. It will last through from archery in September through elk hunting in November, and beyond. I often throw those rain shells on the ground for a "ground cloth" when glassing when the ground is wet, and in the past I was in the field a LOT between guiding and my own hunting.

But Tanner"s post is one of several testimonials I have heard about the eVent stuff. Only problemm is the eVent jackets I've looked at were too noisy for jump shooting elk in the timber......But I haven't seen the First Lite stuff.

Casey

I appreciate the willingness to help and you backing your products... that says a lot about your company.

For what it's worth, I wore a couple other pieces of Sitka throughout the trip and was pleased with them.

One question maybe you can help me with... Will GORE-TEX warranty my Lowa Tibets? I've had them for a year and they leak like a sieve.

Tanner

I'm wondering what the hell a guy's supposed to use for waterproofing (boots, jackets etc) if not Gore Tex?

I've had no problems with any piece of clothing that has it.

I posted what I wore that isn't Gore-Tex... there's quite a few alternatives out there.

I can't imagine that New Mexico is all that trying for the integrity of waterproof membranes... Not that it's easy country. Just very different than Alaska.

Tanner

Hey Rost495 -

You bring up a few great points regarding all Waterproof/breathable technology.

How fatty oils can contaminate a membrane.
How to avoid 'wetting out'. (Let me know if you meant forcing water through as we can touch on that?)

Fatty Oils, such as body oils can contaminate a membrane and will actually draw moisture/water in. I strongly urge you to look into the different constructions of waterproof/breathable membranes on your own and not just take my word but you will find out that this is what makes GORE-TEX more durably waterproof. They use a proprietary technique to bond an oleophobic layer to the waterproof membrane. This layer is resistant to oils. This layer prevents these oils from drawing in moisture. Check out eVent's construction compared to GTX and you will be surprised.

If you�re not able to rinse your W/B for weeks and keep it compressed you will get contamination. It takes a while for oils to contaminate a GTX membrane and the user takes on some responsibility. Dirt or mud will not cause the membrane to leak but will reduce the garments breathability. If you don�t wash a jacket for years, through abrasion dirt can rub small holes in the membrane. This goes for all different types of Waterproof/breathable membranes.

�Wetting out� is a term used by the mountain sports and hunting industry to identify when DWR is no longer effective. No matter the waterproof/breathable membrane all companies use DWR. It�s not what keeps you dry but what prevents the face fabric from holding moisture or �wetting out�. DWR increases a waterproof garments breathability performance. When a garment �wets out� it is simply time to revitalize the DWR treatment. You can check out our Care Instructions to learn more about DWR and how to revitalize or retreat it. http://www.sitkagear.com/care

I get it that waterproof/breathable membranes aren�t for everyone. We have hundreds of Alaskan Guides in GTX that will only wear GTX so it�s hard for me to relate with your experiences. I strongly suggest contacting GORE-TEX and discussing your experiences with their product. Their warranty is �Guaranteed to Keep You Dry�.

Sorry for the rant!

I wouldn't hesitate to give them a call regarding any GORE-TEX concern! They have the best warranty in the industry 1-800-GORE-TEX.

Hey Alpinecrick -

We will have to agree to disagree - kidding around here. GORE-TEX is waterproof and sets the bar for comfort. I can't urge you guys enough to contact GORE-TEX with your concerns and experiences with the product.

I don't mean to sound belittling but I want to make sure we are all on the same page when it comes to DWR (Durable Water Repellency) and how it benefits Waterproof/Breathable membranes. Please note that the washes you're using are to retreat the DWR coating and are not what keeps you dry from rain. They will keep the garement's face fabric from wetting out and maintain the garment's breathability. If the garment wets out it creates a water barrier that your body vapor cannot escape through. Your body moisture will build up and can give the perception of leaking. This goes for all W/B membranes.

No matter what I suggest contacting GORE-TEX.

What the guy is telling you is a FACT.

Truth be known, a lot of you geniuses' "leaking goretex" is because you never actually spent days on end wearing what goretex replaced (rubber) and don't realize you are marinating in your own sweat, not rain, and your sweat feels cold because you didn't wear proper garments under the shell in the first place.

I've always been told that replacing the DWR when it wears out aided breathability during a downpour because the beading action of the water gave the vapor a path to go through, versus a "sheet" of water that made passage of the vapor slower.

Goretex membranes typically tear near the shoulder, from packstrap wear, and when they actually leak, it LOOKS/FEELS like a leak, not just your azz got steamy.

I'm also not surprised that many here don't know that Goretex should not be washed with any soap that contains surfactants (they make water "wetter", IE, they reduce water molecules's innate polarity), which is what most of you used when you did wash Goretex. That'll reduce it waterproofness as well. Sportwash or Ivory Snow is what should be used.

I remember on trip in Denali in the 70's when I was dressed in the "state of the art" gear, IE a coated North Face Cagoule for rain and a Sierra Designs 60/40 shell (treated with scotchguard) Humping in intermittent rain in 40F temps (read hypothermia junction) you finally figured out that just keeping the cagoule on and staying warm and wet was the ticket after the 60/40 "soaked thru"(Try this old school textile and you'll actually know what soaking thru means).

It didn't take me the next two decades of wearing issued Goretex in the Army to figure out that stuff was a godsend and a vast improvement over the old school textiles. Anyone who's actually used both in the field will agree, unless you're a moron.

Event is NOT as waterproof as Goretex, it is designed to NOT be as waterproof to enhance breathability. This ain't new and it ain't rocket science, it is simple physics.

Here's what I saw: Gore Tex leaking from the outside in when we were stationary (read: NOT SWEATING). It was pretty easy to see that the rain gear in question was absolutely soaked inside and out before we even started walking or hiking.

Here's what I also saw: eVent NOT leaking when we were stationary.

Thanks for the history lesson, but I'll defer to what I experienced.

Tanner

I'm guessing that Dall will ruin you for the lower 48

Thanks for the history lesson!

Tanner,
Awesome job up there, and thanks for your gear report.
Best luck on your next hunt.

Great gear report tanner. Reminds me of the hunt on a glacier where a guy with gortex soaked his 300 dollar jacket through and left it to hang for the night. It was frozen solid in the morning so we poured gas on it and burned it. Never wore breatheable raingear again....lightweight hh works great.

From the technical papers i've read regarding Gor-tex and breathability, it seems as if the climate inside the jacket must be more humid than that on the outside to pass or vent moisture. Almost by definition for the technology to vent moisture, one must already be sweating. There is a ton to read out there on this and other membranes/technology. My experience with Gor-tex is that it not very waterproof and it doesn't breathe well. The few Event laminates i've tried were outstanding in comparison.

So, your friend was dead? 'Cause if'n you ain't dead, you perspire 24/7.

Stop being dense.

All I know is, if I book a hunt with Tanner, I'll be wearing what he advises me to. Regardless of all the "geniuses" on the internet.

And that is not directed at Mr. Piersol, he seems like a stand-up guy.

Right on Tanner!!! Looks like an awesome time!! Glad you liked that Westcomb Jacket.....really like my eVent stuff too as you know. So breathable compared to the other gore tex offerings I ahve used in the past and seems thus far to be "waterproof" longer when hiking through miles of wet grass and alders in the rain.

I did upgrade from the Spectre to the Cruiser LT to get the pit zips and love it. Super breathable membrane AND pit zips...whats not to like.

Like TAK says both Gore tex and eVent are MUCH better than wearing rubber rain gear for high activity backpack style hunts. But I have found from having 4 or 5 $300-$500 gore tex rain jackets and 3 eVent ones is the the eVent ones are superior at breathing AND keeping me drier. The science aspect between the two membranes I have no idea, its just been my experience.

Thanks for the great info, everyone!

Does anyone make an eVent "hunting" jacket? Something on the quieter side for woods or brush hunting.

I've had surprisingly good luck with Cabela�s Dry-Plus, hunted all day in a downpour and only had my wrists get wet from water wicking up the fleece sleeves and water dripping into the pockets(no zippers) getting my thighs damp. Fortunately I was able to dry out in a cabin. Tent hunting would have been a different thing altogether. I wouldn't mind a bombproof multipurpose jacket for those types of days and general SE backpacking.

I don't see the Cruiser LT on Westcombs website, they might be replacing it with a new model?

http://shopwestcomb.com/mens-clothing/hardshell-jackets.html

There ya go man....left most on the 2nd row.

If you are talking about "hunting" jackets in eVent as any being camo, I am not sure, wildthings gear used to make some I think but not sure on that now.

Some good reports here. Looking at the Westcomb gear, I don't find any comparable rain proof pants.

I'm curious what you're using for pants...?

Eric

I'm with you all. Ill take eVent over Goretex any day.

Great pics and info Tanner. Thanks for sharing.

What has been people's experience as far as durability/longevity of eVent?

I've used eVent bivy bags and had great success. Currently I use Marmot Precip for rain gear - I've tried everything and it always fails - so I always seem to go back to the marmot precip. It's cheap and light and keeps you sort of dry.

But recently I saw some new stuff made by Zpacks
http://www.zpacks.com/accessories/wpb_jacket.shtml
Has anyone tried this stuff? It looks super light and uses both eVent and Cuben fiber. Must be good right?

Patrick

I have been looking at this stuff as well. Hoping someone gives it a try.

For those having issues with their Gore-Tex garments no longer shedding water, hit it with some Revivex and throw it in the dryer and it will be like new again. It worked great on my Klim sledding gear, it was like having new gear again after using it last season.

C'mon Chip, take one for the team!

Tanner

Tanner,
I would but I don't have a hunt coming where I will probably even need rain gear! It's so dry here the tree's are chasing the dogs...

Tanner, hows the fit on the Westcomb. Was there plenty of room to layer?Did you order a size up or go with your normal size.

I picked up a Rab eVent jacket a couple of years ago and I like the eVent works well but the jacket was cut very slim so I can't layer well under it. It makes for a good summer jacket so I still use it but would like an eVent jacket for hunting.Oh and I'm not a big guy either.

Thanks

trapperJ,

I normally purchase Large jackets, but like you, I anticipated layering quite a bit underneath the Westcomb (mainly when sitting stationary, glassing and such) so I went with the XL instead. I'm 6' and 170lbs, and the XL fits perfectly even with a First Lite puffy and other layers underneath.

Tanner

Thanks for the feedback Tanner. Might have to pick one up and put it to the test before next sheep season. I live in one of the best rain gear testing locations in AK!

What are you all using for rain pants?

Eric

Eric,

I use Kuiu Chugach, but I know Luke is using Marmot Precips this year at least. Pants need to be semi disposable in my opinion, as odd as it sounds. At least out there, they simply don't last very long.

Westcomb does have some pants out there but I can rarely find them, and they lack a full length zipper which is a deal breaker for me.

Tanner

Tanner, been wondering when you would surface..

Toad of a Ram in that first pic, Length?

BTW, you're truly killing me here.

I can relate to the Pinnacle review, other than AK, no thanks.

More pics dude.

I used precips during the epic rains we had here last September, I really liked 'em.

Tanner, do you guys use gaiters up there?

gaiters.

Well, he's wearing them in almost every picture.....

Well, what do you know. Been a couple weeks since I looked at those, didn't want to look at his ugly mug twice......

What brand, Tanner?

Outdoor Research Expedition Crocodiles. The bottom straps lasted about 10 days and paracord got me through the rest of the season. Still the best option out there.

Tanner

That's the Achilles Heel of gaiters, the bottom straps. No pun intended.

A suggestion to extend the life of gaiter straps.Cut pieces of 1/2" tubular webbing and slide over straps. 2' of tubing will get you through a 30 day expedition even w/ lots of rocky ground.

I agree w/ Tanner that rain pants must have full length zippers. I too buy whatever is on sale and consider them semi-disposable. There used to be a company called Sequel that made a truly bombproof set of bibs but I have seen nothing to compare since they went out of business. US.made.

mike r

Thanks, Tanner! Your gear feedback is great stuff!

Eric

Double layer of duct tape helps gaiter straps as well. Shale chews them up pretty good.

Thanks I missed the LT somehow. I've been looking for an eVent jacket for a 5-6 day Cottonwood trail hike in Kluane next year. Found the LT on a prety good sale so I'll try one out and see how it compares for my current Pack-Lite jacket.

http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/yt/kluane/activ/1/a.aspx

Still looking for an eVent jacket for the wife.

Wild Things looks like a lot of jacket for the $ compared to Sitka etc. I hunt timber so I'm looking more for quiet in hunting gear. Quiet, waterproof and reasonably priced are a hard combo to find. My Cabela's stuff is working suprisingly well.

http://www.wildthingsgear.com/colle.../products/military-hard-shell-jacket-so1


Here's a good article about breathable fabrics.


http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Hardshell-Jacket-Reviews/buying-advice

Midway has Sitka Stormfront (solid color) on sale so I pulled the trigger. Total was $600 for jacket and pants. They'll get put to a good test on the OR coast hunting blacktail.

The breathable membrane technology seems to be constantly changing. Gore-tex, PolarTec, eVent, not to mention all the in-house proprietary stuff that each apparel company uses. Its hard to keep up. The stuff in the Stormfront isn't the same as the last jacket I bought with WL Gore.

Lots of good reviews on the Stormfront in non-stop rain and brush at Rokslide and other sites. Not sure about the pants though... they seem like they'll be loud. Almost went with the Koldo instead.

We'll see how it does.

tkinak,
Thanks for the 'outdoor gear lab' link. I suspect some of the problems written about here are the result of users not fully understanding the 'maintenance' needed for their rain gear. I know I learned a lot from the article and have bookmarked it.

Sitka Stormfront arrived today. Appears to be well made and is lighter than I expected. The zippers on the legs go nearly to the waist. Jacket is a little more snug than I expected but the pants are what I thought they'd be.

Should get a chance to test them out in a few days.

If that is the case I would say that eVEnt seems to need less "maintenance" to work correctly than goretex. I don't want to have to wash and clean my rain gear after each freaking hunt to keep it in working order. Too many hunts with only a day or two in between means I have no use for one more thing to do to get ready for the next hunt.