I'm planning to purchase a good hunting outfit in September, either in VA or New England (ME or NH). Will be in both places then. There are both Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops where I'll be going.

But the amount and variants of hunting clothing sets are mind-boggling. From the websites, I've got the impression that Cabela's has the better assortment of clothing, but it is still difficult to estimate what would be the best. I think I'll go for an outer set w/Gore-tex and perhaps scent-lok, and then have layering clothing beneath. On camo, I'm kind of inclined toward the Mossy Oak new break-up pattern. The primary use would be a November deer hunt in VA.

Any ideas about this? Is Cabela's the better store? Or do I find better stuff at some lesser known retailer? Price is not really that important for two reasons: hunting gear is generally cheaper in the US than in Europe and the currency exchange rate is now very favorable - for Europeans

. Any suggestions would be welcome!

Between the two I like Cabela's.

I agree, Cabelas's.

make that 3 for cabelas

So we have a motion made, motion seconded, on the floor for Discussion and Question. Looks like it is time to vote.



For those who can’t read inbetween the lines, and Roberts Rules of Order, that is 4 for Cabalas. I have been to Bass Pro shop but that was usually when it wasn't convenient to go to Cabalas

I have a local Bass Pro and buy from it frequently. However, I often order things from Cabelas because they are cheaper and I have been very satisfied.

My vote goes to Cabelas without a doubt.

i think you get the idea its cabelas and like you said go
with goretex cant go wrong that way.

FWIW-I usually (98%) shop Cabela's but I do shop around. I purchased my Columbia Wool outfit at a small outdoor shop in PA (D&R Sports) for about $15 less on each item, so it does pay to shop once in a while. I like thermax undies and wool shirt under a wool or fleece vest, topped by a wool/gore tex jacket. It is expensive but it will last forever and many options to layer. Ability to layer is the key!! I do have lighter fleece outfits for less colder weather like early goose season or Pa archery.

Since you'll be in the neighborhood of both Cabela's and Bass Pro, check both of them out. As others have said, I prefer a good Cabela's.

I vote for Cabelas! I liked them so much so, that i just took a part-time job with them in the hunting, gun and archery department. It's fun and the company is great!

Wally world LOL Just kidding Cabelas is the best place I have found. If REI would carry camo I would buy from them but they don't so Cabelas gets my cash. Great store and they have it all.

another place to look if your near one is Sportsmans Warehouse, they aren't near as big as Cabelas or Bass Pro but they are a pretty nice store with a decent selection.

I agree on Sportsmans Warehouse. Good selection and their prices are usually lower than the local Bass Pro Shop.

I live about 15 minutes from Cabelas largest store and love it. During one of their tents sales I got a pair of insulated Scent lok Pants that were originaly $175.00 for $30.00

Gentlemen, a lot of very helpful and informative answers! This is an excellent forum.

The new Cabela's store in Maine will obviously be one of my primary targets in September....

Many thanks!

Mike

come on over and spend as much as you can we could use as much of those euro dollars as possible.here in washington we have sales tax and both a cabela's and a sportsman warehouse both are great.

While at Cabela's I would suggest you give a look to their MT50 line of Whitetail hunting garments. Personally, I'd research the Scentlok issues before making an informed decision. Also, realize that MO Breakup will turn you into a very black blob at anything more than about 30 yards. I highly recommend some of the new lighter shades of patterns.

Now we're talking. I've been seriously considering the MT50 line, but do want to touch and feel it IRL before buying it.

On scent-lok: this is virtually unknown here in Europe, but I take it it is some kind of active carbon-lining. If this is necessary or not if you're not a bowhunter I don't know. Handgun hunting could easily be performed at bowhunting ranges, so it might be a good idea. But necessary...well....

On MO New Break-up: I realize that it is a dark pattern, but my primary hunting technique in the U.S. would be hunting from an elevated deer blind, and my secondary purpose would be hunting in the dark spruce woods back home. Thus, darkness would not necessarily be a problem.

But this is an interesting topic since camo hunting gear in most of Europe is considered (for no good reason) a vulgar Americanism. The general hunting culture here is very German, i.e. all green and no camo. Needless to say, I think this is very silly. We had the same attitude in the military until the 1990's, when we got decent camo wear. No reason not to extend this to the hunting fields....

If you've never researched the Scentlok issues there is a wealth of opinion on Bowsite.com. I'm sure if you Google it, you'll also find alot of information which sheds some doubt on the viability of it being able to be cleaned and recharged in a normal clothes dryer. Accoring to certain US military experts, our armed forces use a much stronger version of the same technology and its good for a one time use only and thats if its completely sealed in an airlocked container prior to being opened. I've personally spent several hundreds of dollars on pieces of this type of clothing and used it faithfully according to recommendations and I haven't found it to provide any real advantage. I will be the first to admit that there are plenty of people who swear differently and that's ok, if it works for them great, but I bought alot of this stuff without hearing about some of the scientific information casting doubts on the credibility of it. Just weigh all the facts.

I've also got loads of stuff in MO New Breakup and I've killed plenty of animals with it. I'm actually thinking for my uses that their new Treestand pattern is going to be an even better pattern. Good luck with all your purchases and the hunts to follow!

Wally word is where Hunlee go for hunting close and other gear!!!!Sometime Wally word not have what Hunlee is wanting then Hunlee will order from Cabela mail order catalog!!!!!!Hunlee like Wally world best tho!!!!!Maybe someday Hunlee can become Wally world greeter!!!!!

hunlee

I have seen the Gov. issue scent garments on

http://shop.sportsmansguide.com/default.asp?kwtid=239433

and

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/default.asp

I like Sportsman Warehouse, just because it's closer and more of them.

Sportsmans Warehouse is close ,small, and alway's friendly.

Lars

Take a look at King's World camo pattern! They have a great "mountain" pattern!