The Clothing Layers You Need for Backpack Hunting - The Experience Project [EXP008]

In this video, Steve discusses the clothing he uses for backpack hunting and how he combines layers effectively to create a versatile clothing system. In addition to main clothing layers, Steve discusses his thoughts on camo vs solid colors, accessory items (gloves, belts, etc), why gaiters are over-used, and much more.
To hear Steve & Mark discuss their clothing systems in an in-depth podcast, get links to specific clothing items, and find additional information, visit: the-experience...
0:00 - INTRODUCTION
0:59 - DOES CAMO MATTER?
3:32 - CLOTHING WEIGHT
4:15 - SOCKS
5:48 - UNDERWEAR
6:32 - LONGJOHN BOTTOM
8:09 - BASELAYER TOP
10:52 - MIDLAYER TOP
11:30 - OUTDOOR VITALS
11:54 - PANTS
12:52 - BELT
15:27 - PUFFY JACKET
17:38 - GLOVES
19:04 - BEANIE
19:39 - RAIN GEAR
20:18 - LATE-SEASON SPECIFIC
22:29 - GAITERS
24:37 - SYSTEM OVERVIEW
Our goal with The Experience Project is to provide practical, experience-based, and unbiased information to help you thrive on backcountry hunts... The-Experience...

[@curtisgore1611]

The raghorn saw the word Patagonia and knew you were no threat! Lmao

[@ExoMtnGear]

100%, lol.

[@aquila_brown]

Hahahaha 😆

[@Chrissers2010]

I'm 60 years old and have hunted most of the Western states, Alaska and Canada. I'm in total agreement with you on camo. All of my newer gear is solid colors. I cannot remember a single time hunting when I thought, "I'm sure glad I had camo on!" One reason for this change, is when I am hunting more liberal states like Colorado, I can blend in when I hit a restaurant for a meal or to grab some groceries. Solid colors also lets me make better use of my gear through the entire year, particularly coats and pants.

[@jameslivingston7031]

I second the making of the Exo belt 🙋‍♀️

[@ExoMtnGear]

It's happening, we'll have them ready in 6 weeks or so. - Steve

[@fastfreddie3265]

@@ExoMtnGear Can you make sure you take care of our big guy hunters and offer 3xl please

[@mdtnak]

@@ExoMtnGear knife sharpener on the belt? When will the pants be available? I struggle finding good pants that fit me. Hoping for a 28in waist for us small short guys.

[@jameslivingston7031]

@@ExoMtnGearlove to hear it!!

[@carloscontreras8147]

Did you guys ever release there belt?

[@galinswigart]

Very exciting to see you guys partnering with Outdoor Vitals! I love their stuff and have been waiting for them to release some things in more neutral tones for hunting application - this is even better! Can't wait to see the products.

[@ExoMtnGear]

Yes, we are excited about what we have been working on with them.

[@AtotheK17]

@@ExoMtnGearare they different than their Satu pants?

[@darrellcrowson8588]

I'm happy to see the collab with Outdoor Vitals. Two great companies making it happen

[@ExoMtnGear]

Appreciate it!

[@daviddemand6856]

So many big game animals were taken by hunters wearing denim jeans or duck canvas pants with a lumberjack pattern, insulated flannel shirt and the nearly yellow leather gloves. The solids era has been good to me because I can wear the gear for non-hunting events and not stand out in a crowd. Dual purpose saves money!

[@DevilsDitchOutdoors]

I agree 100% on the Camo, I killed the Turkey slam this year wearing solids.

[@ExoMtnGear]

Nice! Congrats on the slam.

[@rebeccascarborough3616]

I’m super excited to see you teaming with Outdoor Vitals. I love their gear. Their Sun Hoodies are a staple in my travel bag and I wear them year round. They work as a light base layer and are awesome to travel in. Love your videos. It’s nice to see honest reviews and info on all products.

[@TrapZoneCanine]

Excellent video and tips! Appreciate it! Crazy how many things I do the same, but lots of new tips too. Cheers!

[@christophervanlerberg4149]

Very good info! Real world wisdom!

[@user-no2ei6dp2q]

Got my first deer in 79 wearing a blue flannel shirt, bell bottom blue jeans and some red wing boots!

[@aranha9365]

I tried merino underwear and there is no way back, merino socks are great too, but In other hand I can't wear a merino t shirt, as I run hot, it always feels itchy and uncomfortable. Very interesting tip about wearing a base layer in the rain for drying it with body heat in the puffy jacket later on.

[@thor777mx]

The Groove belt is a good light weight thin belt and has give to it.

[@seana7251]

@ExoMtnGear thanks for another great Ex. Pro. vid. Great to hear that you're collaborating with Tayson and OV. I own several OV pieces and have been happy with most of their stuff. One issue I have with their Satu pants is that they fit like skinny jeans. With your pant, please please design them with more room in the thigh and calf!!!! Thanks in advance! I've really liked Saxx Quest Long underwear. The "ball park" pouch is nice for keeping things separated below the belt. For belt, I've had good luck with Arcade (which Mark mentioned in the podcast) but also Grip6 belts are really good. With any belt, I sometimes move the buckle to the side of my body where there's less bending.

[@ExoMtnGear]

We experienced the same with the Satu pants and the new pants we designed with OV have a much better fit.

[@seana7251]

@@ExoMtnGear Yaaaaaassss!!! Finally, my thick leg brothers unite! Haha. Looking forward to this OV x Exo collab. I tried the OV quilt, and it was like being stuck in a sausage skin. I'm also going to pull the trigger on the Brynje mesh after hearing Steve's take on it...unless you think Exo might offer its own mesh via the OV collaboration.

[@mikes.9755]

Belts are a big issue for me. I carry a pistol and spare mag a lot for EDC/ Security work some have a very stiff “tactical” belt for that. But as soon as you have bino harness and pack on that belt no longer works. The Marsupial Gear Stretch Web Belt is the best one found for my needs under a pack belt . Thin, minimal buckle and just works.

[@ExoMtnGear]

A belt optimized for EDC/Firearm use and a belt optimized for pack use are definitely at two far ends of the spectrum. Any approach to have a belt that fills both of those roles well would have compromises for sure.

[@codybuck7776]

Great video - very helpful information. Regarding pants.. I know the new OV pants won’t be released until next year. Looking for a lightweight pant to wear this season, with similar checklist items you are implementing with new pants. Satu worth checking out or what would be your next best suggestion until those come out? Thanks!!

[@ExoMtnGear]

We can’t recommend the Satu because of fit. Prana Zion (original, not the v2) is still a solid choice. There are many other by good LW pants out there ($itka Ascent), but nothing perfect.

[@Longshothawk]

Totally agree on movement over camo, but im curious if you would consider camo more important if you were on a predator hunt?

[@ExoMtnGear]

I have done very little predator hunting but I suspect Camo might be more advantageous in those situations were you are calling an animal into you. - Steve

[@thatkoakid]

that outdoor vitals collab you're working on looks great... when does that relase?

[@ExoMtnGear]

No specific date set, but you should see it next year.

[@KodySunny]

Good lord yes I need that belt. Even at 50 pounds in my exo pack I hate my belt, so I know exactly what you mean.

[@ExoMtnGear]

A good option that is readily available is the Arcade Belt: amzn.to/4fC5Pi7

[@KodySunny]

@ExoMtnGear you guys are rock stars! Keep Killin' it! As a person new to hunting, im finding it hard to get brand names that aren't just the overpriced hunting brands but are still quality, and listening to this project has helped me a ton. Thank you.

[@phillipgardner3297]

Cool pants! Not a fan of slash pockets though. Feel like my pocket knife is already halfway falling out. And that belt buckle might be in a bad spot for appendix carry. Not trying to be negative, just food for thought. Love what you guys do!

[@phillipgardner3297]

Can you guys get ov to make their sun shirt in green?

[@greasemonkey4god]

Any eta on the OV stuff? I’ve been happy so far with their other items… for a belt I use a Groove belt. The buckle is low profile and it has some stretch to it. I also move the buckle over a little. I can’t wait for the OV pants! And I would buy that belt if you sell it.

[@ExoMtnGear]

No specific ETA, but you should see some items released from them at some point in 2025.

[@kruss10]

How will your new Outdoor Vitals jacket compare to what they already offer such as the Novapro jacket?

[@easternshoremdrealestate2950]

Steve what size gaiter are you running in those mid height Kahtoola's? Med or Large? I'm a 10/10.5 and have ran larger Kuiu Yukon gaiters in the past. Looking for a lili shorter lighter set. Also on the belts, I've really enjoyed the Marsupial belts, thin, elastic/low profile front clip. Pretty comfy with a pack on. Love the Packs and all your guys content!!!

[@1972Konaboy]

With rain gear, not a fan of FirstLite stuff? I would love to see their stuff added to this test experience. Great video.

[@ExoMtnGear]

We showed the First Lite Omen in our Rain Gear video and talked about how much we like it, but we haven't had great experiences with lightweight/packable rain gear from FL in the past.

[@1972Konaboy]

First Lite does have some lightweight stuff that came out, but I always remember John Barklow’s comments about rain gear and buying the best that you can. Something like cry once., haaaaa!!!!

[@cowboyarcher1]

Check out the Under Pack Belt from OV Innovations.

[@Jaemillz09]

Any updates on release dates for the Outdoor Vitals pants?

[@ExoMtnGear]

Likely not until July, but that hasn't been set in stone yet.

[@dannertactical]

Do you guys ever test Stone Glacier or no because they are a competitor? Interested in hearing your thoughts on their outdoor apparel geared towards hunting. thanks

[@ExoMtnGear]

We haven't had an opportunity to test all of the hunting-focused apparel. It would be hard to try it all, even if you only stuck to hunting brands. But since we use/test a lot of non-hunting brands, the even further limits our ability to truly test every option out there.

[@cal8362]

What’s your thoughts on down booties for glassing or camp shoes in very cold temperatures? The last couple years I’ve been using uninsulated boots with hot hands feet warmers when I stop hiking.

[@ExoMtnGear]

Yes, down booties can work well for stationary glassing. And are sometimes helpful at camp or when sleeping in very cold temps. They aren't something we use a lot, but they certainly have value in the right conditions and context.

[@thedaventure]

I wear gaiters as a tick preventative. Yeah it sucks but its much easier flicking them off as they crawl up my pants than doing searches. What do you do if your not wearing gaiters or wearing your gaiters underneath your pants?

[@ExoMtnGear]

Yeah on spring bear hunts I could see running gaiters for tick prevention. I have also just put my socks over my pants to have the same effect. In the fall when we are doing 95% of our hunts ticks are a non issue.

[@WhyitJellyDonut]

Fish net long johns are very common in Nordic countries so you aight crazy, their the best.

[@mdog1615]

camo's caught far more hunters than game 😂

[@RyanSmith15549]

What is the brand of rag wool glove? I need a glove to keep my hands warm while bow hunting

[@ExoMtnGear]

No specific brand. Just find one that fits you well.

[@Joel_Unbound]

I havent worn camo in a number of years - I'd put its effectiveness at less than 1% at least for rifle hunting. Please recommend people wear Orange. It doesnt effect animals and its much better for personal safety. I will always use knee high socks, the compression etc just works better for me; I dont care about the extra couple ounces there I do run Darned tough as well as Wigwam. :) I don't 2nd others saying EXO should get into clothing. There's plenty of options even in off-brands that work really well. Its an over saturated market. Clothing is also very personal. But obviously you're already underway! ;) I wear KUHL and 5.11 (and both have been great for both comfort and durability) I cant stand the Prana Zion for me and their integrated belt didnt work well so here's hoping yours is better designed - I expect it is with your attention to detail. A separate belt by EXO that could be interesting although a bit niche. Great video and series overall! Keep it up! These conversations are the ways hunters can develop their own preferences and kit. Cheers!

[@ExoMtnGear]

Appreciate the input. To clarify, we are not getting into the clothing market. We will not be selling clothes at all. We have an opportunity to help with design and testing for some new items that will be made and sold by Outdoor Vitals only. We will not be selling any of the items, nor have any financial ties or incentives to their sales. We continue to intentionally keep Exo focused on our core products.

[@Joel_Unbound]

Perfect ​@@ExoMtnGear

[@Joel_Unbound]

@@ExoMtnGear Perfect! Keep innovating and educating! You know I am a big fan! Also loving my new K4 took it bear hunting last weekend.

[@UrR2KBA]

Never, ever leave the house without a belt. Otherwise it’s solid video.

[@123-JDAWG]

Please make and sell the belt you have there!

[@ExoMtnGear]

I'm on it, it will take a month or so to get the specific buckle here but its in process. - Steve

[@jasonk1782]

Which model of brynje bottoms are you using ?

[@ExoMtnGear]

The Wool Thermo Base bottoms

[@coryclark9259]

What was the company he recommended for the midlayer fleece?

[@ExoMtnGear]

www.canisathlete.com/products/chamois-fleece-hooded-hz?variant=39800529846434

[@coryclark9259]

@@ExoMtnGear Thank you!

[@CarolinaNocked]

I disagree 100% on Camo. It’s been proven that people who wear Sitka are completely invisible……as are their wallets 💸

[@ExoMtnGear]

Haha!

[@wolfgangvonmueller6895]

So that is where my wallet went!😂

[@Brno67x]

98% +10% steve? 😅

[@jad2484]

Skip the underware. Totally worthless.

[@kirbyclone3293]

So, you think camo isn’t necessary, but wear earth tones? I thought animals were color blind?

[@ExoMtnGear]

That's just a personal aesthetic color tone that I like and that also looks good in photos, video etc. I do not believe it makes any difference in the outcome of killing an animal. - Steve