Coveralls vs. Jacket + Bibs...more versatile?
 

I am going to Iowa to hunt on Dec. 18. It will be really cold and I am looking at investing in a good coat, or coveralls. What do you guys that hunt in this cold weather use and recommend. I am from Louisiana and i probably can't tolerate the cold as well as you can. Haha. Also, what would be the best choice since I will be bringing whatever I buy back home to hunta little, meaning which one would serve better for sub-zero to 40 degree weather. Thanks.

RE: Coveralls vs. Jacket + Bibs...more versatile?
 

Layer in fleece and wool. Cabela's makes a good bib.

RE: Coveralls vs. Jacket + Bibs...more versatile?
 

prefer bib/jacket. more versatile and i believe a little warmer in combination as you have 2 layers at your midsection when both are worn

RE: Coveralls vs. Jacket + Bibs...more versatile?
 

I've always found coveralls tobe somewhat restrictive. Great for working, but not especially good for hunting. Bibs and a cost allow me to somewhat regulate the heat by adjusting the jacket or even removing it completely if it gets too warm or I go back to the truck or inside. Just my thoughts.

RE: Coveralls vs. Jacket + Bibs...more versatile?
 

Bibs and a coat are more versatile , but they can be a bit "drafty" where they separate . They do have the advantage of being worn separately if temps climb , but I don't think that will be a problem where you're going . They are generally more expensive to buy than coveralls .

Coveralls are more restrictive unless you do like me and get them a size larger and/or taller , but you won't have a cold breeze suddenly catch you by surprise . My normal clothes are large , but when buying coveralls I get XL tall , this ensures that I have plenty of room and even some extra space in case I have to layer under them . Of equal importance will be your footwear , don't skimp on the insulation there and don't lace them tightly while on stand to avoid cutting down your blood circulation . Cold feet can drive me off stand faster than anything else .

RE: Coveralls vs. Jacket + Bibs...more versatile?
 

When the weather here turns nasty I don a pair of Cabela's bibs with fleece pants under that and next to the skin I wear "Smartwool" pants, which is basically Merino wool and it doesn't itch. I layer the upper part so to be able to adjust my clothes. Layering especially important if you will be walking. If stand hunting insulated boots large enough to accommodate thick socks are important. Kevin made a good point about not having boots laced (fitted) too tight, doing so will result in cold feet no matter how good the insulation in the boot is. Also warm headgear is very important.
P.S. No cotton.

RE: Coveralls vs. Jacket + Bibs...more versatile?
 

Bibs and the jacket! If the weather is a little warmer than normal you will appreciate being able to walk in with your jacket off and putting it on later.

RE: Coveralls vs. Jacket + Bibs...more versatile?
 

I do a combination thing myself. When its still not too cold I use a bib with a light jacket or sweatshirt. Once its colder I have coveralls a couple sizes big for me so I can move or layer under it & if its really cold I'll put the bib over the coveralls with or without a jacket. Never heard of anyone else doing this but no one ever accused me of being normal.:D

RE: Coveralls vs. Jacket + Bibs...more versatile?
 

Silly me , I've always just unzipped my coveralls and tied the sleeves together over my waist when it warms up ... ;)

RE: Coveralls vs. Jacket + Bibs...more versatile?
 

Never heard of that Kevin, but thats a great idea if a hunter wears coveralls.

RE: Coveralls vs. Jacket + Bibs...more versatile?
 

If you are looking to stay warm in cold weather the best way to do it is to dress in layers. If I were hunting where it would be below zero I would probably try this combo.

1. a good set of long underwear.

2. good light weight hiking socks.

3. warm socks over top of the light socks.

4. light weight turtle neck type shirt.

5. heavy insulated hunting pants and field shirt.

6. insulated boots.

7. quality gloves.

8. a warm hat that cover my ears.

I would bring a good coat with me, and an extra set of long underwear just in case I wasn't warm enough, but I think that I would be alright.

RE: Coveralls vs. Jacket + Bibs...more versatile?
 

Yep , same here..;)

RE: Coveralls vs. Jacket + Bibs...more versatile?
 

if you have not bought anything check out this website www.ravenwear.cafor your outerwear and for underwear go to www.patagonia.com For boots it depends if you are doing a lot of walking or stand hunting so there could be several choices. chimo's, baffins' for sittingor some type of extreme weather boot if you anticpate a lot of walking. You may want to look into overboots made by ice breakers. they are noisy therefore I would use pillow cases over them to deaden the noise when you are on stand.

RE: Coveralls vs. Jacket + Bibs...more versatile?
 

i use to be a firm believer in coveralls, until i bought my first pair of bibs last year. now i am a bibs man until the end...lol

RE: Coveralls vs. Jacket + Bibs...more versatile?
 

If you decide on bibs and jacket(thats what I wear).I just saw a jacket and bibs on sportsmasguide.com that is fleece and they compare it to wool. I guess its pretty heavy stuff. About $40 for each.There on my christmas list-you listening santa?
Nathan

RE: Coveralls vs. Jacket + Bibs...more versatile?
 

I would definitely go with the bibs/jacket combo. I've been hunting the upper midwest for years and it has always served me well. I wear the Artic Shield H3 combo, and I love it. Lots of layers underneath, too, and mittens instead of gloves. Stock up on hand warmers as well -- that's be $0.99 well spent every time they save your fingers and toes!