This topic just shows how stir crazy we get waiting for hunting season to open. Here are my thoughts from a fellow cheapskate.
Merino is the only thing to wear in the backcountry. If you are not hunting for multiple days in the backcountry, but returning to a lodge or camp at night, big deal. Just plan on washing the smelly crap every night, and stay the hell away from me after about 10:00AM every day.
I love my Frogg Togg jacket, and it has served me well. Stepping up to a jacket that costs around $150 will get you a more breathable, more compact, a more adjustable hood, and hand pockets. I still take my Frogg Togg bottoms, and they do OK for me. If you step up to a $300++ jacket, you are paying for all of the same features as noted above but the best on the market. Somebody needs to buy these expensive jackets so these companies have funding for R&D.
I agree with a few other comments on footwear. I have gone through countless $100 and $150 boots. When I stepped up to boots in the $350-$400 range, it revolutionized my hunting and backcountry travel. Buy the most expensive boots you can afford.
I have slowly increased the quality(perception I realize) of my gear. I have decreased my overall pack weight and volume. I believe I am better prepared for the unexpected, which improves my safety in the backcountry. This is added value in my book.
