I have the Sitka Stratus bibs and the Fanatic jacket. What a combination. This is my first year using Sitka and I am amazed. Base Layer tops and bottoms (cheap duofold mid-weight), Fanatic Hoodie, Equinox Pants, Stratus bibs and Fanatic jacket. A couple of weeks ago it was in the low 20s and I stayed so warm it was ridiculous. You can't walk to your stand wearing the bib and jacket but that setup kept me very comfortable until I got out around lunch. Worth every penny to me.

I was skeptical about the Elevated II pattern, as the colors seemed very light. I have been hunting a spot that the deer really come out close to my stand and last year they busted me moving often. This year I haven't been busted once. The clothes are really designed for hunters too. The kangaroo pocket on the Fanatic jacket is the best thing since sliced bread.

If it isn't below 40 degrees, the fanatic hoodie and equinox pants keep me comfortable.

Needless to say, I would go with Sitka.

If you want maximum warmth with minimal bulk, the Sitka Incinerator is the absolute best I’ve come across and it’s water proof. The fanatic is more bulky and not waterproof. That being said, it’s gonna need to be 25 degrees or less to need it. Wear wool base layers, don’t sweat getting to stand, cover your head/neck, enjoy

Minus 33 merino wool mid weight base layer on Amazon.

Another vote for Sitka. My recipe is
Wool base/stratus jacket and pants/fanatic Bennie
A couple of hand warmers around my kidneys if I get a chill.
I think wind proof is the key even if the wind isn’t blowing much.
Leather 800 gram boots with wool socks and I loosen the laces before I climb.
Carry a down puffer jacket in my pack just in case.
This gets me down to around freezing. Anything lower and I’ll go with the fanatic bibs and jacket. Which isn’t too bulky.
I took a long time to take the Sitka plunge but it’s well worth it. I’m sure there is stuff out there just as good or better For a little less money but I don’t have a need to try it.

the best $8 i ever spent was at MP Surplus in Newton, AL years ago - got a polypro top & bottom that’s worked well for me

Yeah...apparently the "secret is out" though......b/c that stuff ain't nearly that cheap anymore. Last couple of times I've looked, at Military Surplus stores, the polypro stuff was $20-30 per piece.

Sitka. Pricey but well worth it.

Alabama power, set to about 70.

What’s worked best for me is I quit hunting mornings. You get to sleep more this way too.

The military base layers are warm no doubt. I don't understand why y'all get so cold with all this fancy fashion show gear on. I wear simple Carhartt bibs and jacket 1/2 the time and I'm about to sweat.

If you are dressing up in the latest hipster Camo and trying to look like you are going to a CrossFit class... That's your dern problem.

Some that are so obsessed with clothes weight must be also carrying a external frame backpack with a 3 day supply of diapers.

Thin under layer. Makita heated jacket. Wind proof outer layer.

Set up a pop-up to hunt from on the really cold days. Makes a world of difference.

Warmth without bulk requires good materials - wool, Primaloft, fleece, wicking base - along with layering, good boots-gloves-hat to keep extremities warm, and blood circulation.

Sitting for hours in a cramped seat doesn't help. Cotton clothing doesn't help. Cafffeine, nicotine and being dehydrated does not help. Those of us who are overweight, that does not help. Sweating while walking to a stand and then sitting there doesn't help. If you wear cotton or something that works for you, cool. Everyone's different.

It's a combination of things. Alabama's humidity in winter also doesn't help. As much as I enjoy living here, I'll take a cold, dry wind in Montana or Kansas or west Texas over a humid January or February morning in Alabama. Anyone who has experienced both knows there's a difference in a holler in Ol High Jackson or west Bama swamp and a stand on a windbreak in the Midwest.

The Sitka, First Lite, Kudu stuff is expensive, yep. Primaloft is expensive. Wool can be, too. But IMO those are worth it to layer, reduce bulk and stay warm.

One easy, easy way to stay warm is a good neck gaiter and hat. Buy these. They work. Do not wear them walking to the stand.

https://www.sitkagear.com/products/neck-gaiter/waterfowl-marsh

https://www.sitkagear.com/products/mens/boreal-beanie/waterfowl-marsh

I've gone with this method as well

you can buy those new from the surplus store in Crestview/Ft. Walton, and I agree

I think you are on to something. I'm kind of a minimalist but I'm not sure if that's because I strive to be one or if it is that I'm just that tight. Sadly, it probably is the latter.

My cold weather fleece is an olive old navy one I bought in Nashville in 2004. I think it was $5. Waterproof as any one you'll find. Otherwise my good clothes mostly become hunting clothes when they get worn out.

The last deer I killed I was wearing a pair of Carhart pants and a black UnderArmor hooded sweatshirt someone bought me last Christmas......

Filson merino wool long underwear and filson wool pants. Or the filson merino wool long underwear with Kuiu hunting pants. Different weights for different temps. But filson wool clothing is awesome. Stays warm when it gets wet, and it doesn’t hold oders much. Lasts decades.

I am in the same boat with hating the bulk and still being cold. To me it's all about cutting the wind and I think Clem nailed it on the humidity. A cold wet day is miserable. My bibs and coat are 12 yr old or so and no longer wind/water proof. Noticed last year on some cold windy days that it didn't matter how much I had on under them the wind still got through and I got cold.

I have a buddy who swears by the Sitka Incenerator. His recipe, UA cold gear base layer, fleece hoodie, flanel lined pants. Walk in and put the Sitka on at the stand.

I just ordered some Natural Gear stuff, wind proof fleece pants, hoodie and jacket along with their Winterceptor bibs and coat. Supposed to be here tomorrow.

I just treated myself to a Christmas heated Milwaukee heated hoodie. And I know it will see hunting use.