Buckskins?

[Muley]

I thought it would be better to use hides I shot instead of buying them. I'm lost on how much is needed. What do I need for a shirt and pants? What would a cow elk get me?

[Bigsmoke]

What would a cow elk get me?

A pretty heavy set of clothes.  I had an elk skin long shirt many, many years ago and it was oppressively heavy.
I would think deer hide would be a much better choice.
Of course, for comfort, the really best choice is cloth.
To me, hides seem to be hot in the summer and cold in the winter.  Not quite what I care for. But, YMMV.
John

[Muley]

Well nuts! How can I be a mountain man without buckskins?

Keep in mind I live at 8000ft, and hang out at 9000-11,000ft. Too hot would really have to be too hot.

[rollingb]

Brain-tanned elk will be a bit lighter in weight than commercial-tan, and it's also cooler in the summer and warmer in winter as it "breaths" where as commercial-tan doesn't.
Brain-tan also doesn't feel as "clammy" on the skin as commercial-tan, but brain-tanned elk will still be heavier than brain-tanned deer.

I prefer brain-tanned deer for clothing even though I currently have a coat I made from elk (of which I'll probably never wear out), and elk hide for moccasins.  

[Muley]

Ok, elk for a coat and mocs. How many muley's do I need for pants and shirt? Does it matter if it's a buck or doe?

[rollingb]

2 (maybe 3) deer hides for a shirt, and the same for pants,.... depending on the size of the hides.

You can get by easily with just 2 deer hides for "leggings",... when worn in combination with a cloth breech-cloth.  

[Muley]

That will be a problem. Deer tags are hard to get in my area. Best I can do is one deer every 2-3 years.

Maybe an elk brain tanned for just pants, and i'll wear cloth shirts. I wonder if an elk calf would be closer to deer? The DOW actually wants some of those taken for herd control.

Elk tags are easy to get every year with no points.

[Muley]

I'm after this look. I even look something like the old coot.

[rollingb]

I'm after this look. I even look something like the old coot.

That's usually how I dress, and if there's a stiff cool wind, I'll put my deer skin shirt on over my linen shirt.  

[Muley]

I guess i'll have to save up some money for skins, or just buy them made, but those are too pricey for me. I'm a poor SOB on SS.

This won't be dress up for me. it will be full time wear. I'm not one for being what i'm not, so this will be me just be once i'm into it.

Any links you can recommend for clothing that's not too pricey?

[rollingb]

That will be a problem. Deer tags are hard to get in my area. Best I can do is one deer every 2-3 years.

Maybe an elk brain tanned for just pants, and i'll wear cloth shirts. I wonder if an elk calf would be closer to deer? The DOW actually wants some of those taken for herd control.

Elk tags are easy to get every year with no points.

A lot of hunters throw deer skins away, unless there are barrels set out where the skins can be dropped for the Boy Scouts.
Running an ad in your local newspaper during deer season, can often get you the hides you need for brain tanning, especially if you don't mind paying a few bucks ($5-$10) for the hides.  

[Muley]

Good idea. When I think of all the skins i've left on the ground for 60 years. I'd have quite a wardrobe now.

[rollingb]

Any links you can recommend for clothing that's not too pricey?

None that I'm aware of,....... I suggest checking out the "Trade Blanket" most muzzleloading forums have, sometimes you can find some real bargains that way.  

[Muley]

I was thinking for a pattern i'd cut a pair of old jeans apart, and use it for a pattern.

Will that work?

[rollingb]

I was thinking for a pattern i'd cut a pair of old jeans apart, and use it for a pattern.

Will that work?

That's what I do.