Buying tips for 11 y/o’s hunting clothes

[leclairk]

Going to be hunting mule deer next year in Montana with my son for the first time. Could be sunny and 60. Could be 10 and dry. Could be 30’s and wet (like this year). I’m obviously not going to be buying him Sitka gear but what has worked for you and what was a waste of time/money? Im think a layer of thermal underwear, set of warm jacket and pants (not necessarily waterproof), with a set of waterproof jacket and pants. Gives him some options for layering. I’m already nervous and excited for next year!

 

[JSH]

Buy clothes two sizes to big is about all I can I’ve ya

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

Kids wear hoodies, get a performance fabric one. Frog tog rain jacket/pants for pack. Garage sales? Clearance sales? Kings Camo has sales. Will need orange headwear, vest. Waterproof footwear, wool socks. I watch fleabay for my nephews, kids sizes often sell cheaper than store clearance. Tough to guess 11 yo boy growth spurts, good luck on the trip.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Just remember, a kid doesnt necessarily have to use actual “hunting” clothes

 

[HandgunHTR]

Just remember, a kid doesnt necessarily have to use actual “hunting” clothes

That is good advice there. Honestly, for a rifle hunt, you don't really need "hunting clothes" either. Just clothes that are warm, will wick away moisture, and something waterproof.
Something else to think about is that most kid's feet will give out on them before anything else, so a good pair of waterproof, well- fitting boots should be a higher priority.

 

[muleystalker]

Sign in to Campfire.com, they run a sale every 24 hrs and carry Sitka, Black Ovis and others. Also carry Crispi and Kenetreck boots all at great prices. One thing I would say is don't buy them too soon as kids grow fast. Kuiu also has a kids line of hunting clothing and it looked real nice last week when I was there. I am partial to KUIU myself. Good boots and a Gortex shell and rain pants are paramount, with that you can layer any good thermal layering, long johns, pants,tech jackets and such as needed. A Gortex shell and rain pants can also be used for warmth to keep out wind.

 

[Bat Rastard]

Buy big. He will be 12 next year.

 

[john 800]

Going to be hunting mule deer next year in Montana with my son for the first time. Could be sunny and 60. Could be 10 and dry. Could be 30’s and wet (like this year). I’m obviously not going to be buying him Sitka gear but what has worked for you and what was a waste of time/money? Im think a layer of thermal underwear, set of warm jacket and pants (not necessarily waterproof), with a set of waterproof jacket and pants. Gives him some options for layering. I’m already nervous and excited for next year!

Got a few things….
I have 11 and 13 yp girls that come along ice fishing, snowmobiling and hunting.
First, shceels by me has orange clothing 20% off amd they havethe bast selection of kids hunting stuff.
Second, it needs to be wind and waterproof, but does not really need to be hunting specific, if you can get around the fact that it may not be as quiet as you would like. Arctic sheild is the brand of jacket we got for my youngest, looking for a quiet set of orange or Camo bibs for her for next year.
The hardest thing, by far, to keep warm while sitting still will be their feet and hands. Flip mits with handwarmers or a handwarmer muff will take care of their hands, quality insulated boots are the hardest thing to find and feet are the hardest part to warm up once they get cold.

 

[Tommie]

Hands-down. Excellent socks are the most overlooked item and make as much (or more) difference in overall comfort than all the coats and pants in the world. Merino wool is amazing - soft and warm but somehow isn’t too hot if weather swings moderately warm. Be sure to buy a size larger than usual because they will shrink after washing. I tried several brands and highly recommend Darn Tough socks.
You’ll thank me later.

 

[Twdmar]

Check ebay or the military surplus sites for used wool pants or shirts. They are made for 18yr Olds who are skinny. Maybe you can find something that will fit a kid for a few yrs. Get a decent base layer to go underneath so you don't have to hear complaints about how scratchy the clothes are.