Hunting pants for Alaska

[reelhook]

Ok- what is the best pant for hunting in Ak in all weather conditions? Not for the artic circle but everywhere else?
Thanks in advanace
reelhook

[KodiakHunter]

One word: Layers.

Some sort of wicking underwear AND long underwear as a base.  Then some fleece pants, followed by some GOOD QUALITY rain gear, for "if you need it" (and you probably will).

[Daveinthebush]

Something that is either waterproof or drys quickly.  I have worn my wool pants and like them.  But it is too hot right now.

Remember cotton kills.  My last deer hunt I fell 5-6 times wearing a pair of cotton pants. Even though it was 70 degrees, I was really chilled by the time I got back to the boat.  

My next trip back east I am swinging into BassPro as usual to search for the optimal in hunting appearel.  

Always take rain gear!

[Sourdough]

Depends on how you're hunting.  If I'm using my tractor (Track Vehicle), and staying in the cabin, I wear Carharts.  If I'm going to be in the boat or on an ATV, I wear a synthetic fleece material or wool.  Something that will dry easily and will keep you reasonably warm when wet.  But like Dave said ALLWAYS carry the best raingear you can get.

[Redhawk1]

I will be using insulated wind stopper pants.  :grin:

[Dusty Miller]

Sound like Redhawk needs a pair of them "scent" proof underwear!

[Redhawk1]

Sound like Redhawk needs a pair of them "scent" proof underwear!

The pants I am talking about is a wind resistent pants. Not the open back door pants.    I guess it does sound a little funny.  :-D

[ak homesteader]

Wool; it may weigh a ton when it is wet but it is warm. I've lived in Alaska for twenty years and I've tried most hi-tech but I keep going back to wool.
One other thing to think about if you hunt or fish Alaska you are going to be around camp fires man-made fabric will melt on you in a fire wool offers at least some protection.

[Redhawk1]

Wool; it may weigh a ton when it is wet but it is warm. I've lived in Alaska for twenty years and I've tried most hi-tech but I keep going back to wool.
One other thing to think about if you hunt or fish Alaska you are going to be around camp fires man-made fabric will melt on you in a fire wool offers at least some protection.

Where I am going, we will not have a camp fire. There is no wood to burn. I was told buy the guy we are going with. (No trees in the tundra) :eek:

[Daveinthebush]

In some areas of the state it is nearly impossible to start a fire.  The interior flames up each summer but in the south around Valdez, Cordova, Yukatat, it is so wet that starting a fire is a major proposition.

But, wool does not loose its ability to keep you warm when wet. So Frog Togs over the top will help keep the wool dry.

[DeerMeadowFarm]

I’ve never hunted Alaska, but on my Caribou trip to Canada I wore Duofold (sp?) long underwear, a pair of lightweight wool hunting pants from Cabelas, and a pair of Gore-Tex rain pants from L.L. Bean’s. I was very comfortable on the entire trip with this set-up. For colder weather, I’d simply switch to a heavier weight wool pant for that particular layer. I’m sure some of the regular Alaskan hunters will have better suggestions, but this is a start at least.
Good luck!

[Winter Hawk]

My field pants, whether working as land surveyor/road locator or hunting, are regular Dickies work slacks.  They dry quickly and don't bind when I'm walking.  Polly or wool longies under them in season.  I have my rain gear in my pack with me for when things get wet or windy here in SE.  

Many moons ago I noticed that at lunch, when we built a warming fire and tried to dry out, my Dickies would be dry while the guys in Carharts or jeans were still sopping.  The only ones who weren't were the folks wearing Filson tin pants with the wax in them.

I also wear the Dickies work shirts, same reasoning.

-WH-

[Dand]

Winter Hawk you really jogged my memory.  I used to wear part polyester Frisco jeans but went back to blue jeans when Friscos disappeared from the market.  I gotta find some Dickies - I often wear polyester workshirts over poly pro T shirt because they dry so quickly and don't hold water like cotton.  Didn't realize how Dickies were made.  Thanks

[bearhuntr]

Kodiak Hunter has the right of it. I hunt Kodiak as well as most other areas of Alaska and have never failed to keep warm and dry with the system mentioned. Most of my hunting takes place on the mountain above tree line...but one needs to start lower to get there. Bogs, swamps, tall (wet) grass and other vegetation has the ability to drench one in short order. With the system he described, one can hunt effectively without worry; one less worry is a benefit to oft' overlooked!

Daveinthebush also carrys my sentiment about cotton. If you hunt with me you WILL NOT have cotton anything on. Period! If you want to die...do it on your own time.

Wool works great but is heavier than I want to carry around; I carry enough weight up to the top as it is. I do however use wool when hunting late seasons down low; it's ability to be quiet and "brush resistant" is a plus!

When in Alaska, always remember the old saw: If you don't like the weather...wait 10 minutes. It's likely to get crappier! :wink:

best,
bhtr

[Prince of Wales]

Guess I`m kind of old fashioned. I still like wool in layers. Anything from surplus military pants to Filson ( www.filson.com ). Wool underwear under that. Wool CPO or military surplus shirt over. If needed light raingear outside but as has already been said the breathing ability of wool will insure warmth even when wet. POW

[dabigmoose]

hi guys
 I tried Browning hydra fleece a few years ago and have been very happy
with them .I was a wooly also and helly hansen for years but i
have actually had amazing results laying in rainstorms for hours on end and not getting wet .Cleaning  blood and other nasties off also is a cinch
things have come a long way since the seal greased caribou hide.
dabigmoose

[snowdog]

Fillson  "TIN CHAPS".   Born in alaska,  they work great here in the
   olympic Mtns. of Wa  State.