Extreme Cold Weather Hunting
I know this is a forum more for guns but I have a question about hunting is very cold weather. I was wondering what type of clothing (both under and outer garments) people wear when hunting in near zero temps. I am considering buying some "Under Armor" undergarments and was wondering what else could be worn over this. I currently wear several layers but are very low tech. (something like sweat pants and fleece type pull overs. My outer clothing is heavily insulated but were on the cheep end of the scale) I like the looks of the "down" type clothing but I am also considering a Gore-Tex type system from Cabela's or Bass Pro. I just always seem to get cold and I want to change that without being so over loaded by layers that I can't move. Thanks for any input.
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I think you really answered your own question. The layers that are required for using "low" tech materials will proove to inhibit movement and will normally not be silent when you are making that last little adjustment to line up the shot out of your tree stand. The less you have on, the better your range of movement will be. Layering the old way works, but if you need to remove layers to avoid sweating, where do you stash your clothes? Sweat is the big enemy scent and comfort-wise. You sweat too much and your scent will waft downwind and likely tip off ol' Mossy Horns. If you overlayer and sweat, you are a great candidate for Hypothermia! The new space age materiels on the market largely do what they advertise...Gore-Tex breates, and the good hollowfill polar fleece or Underarmor are excellent to replace about 3 layers of old school stuff, as well as trapping your scent better. Don't spend any more than you have to, but take a good hard look at whats new out there...you will likely appreciate what you see.
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Hello Slash! It really depends on what kind of hunting you are going to be doing! Will you be constantly walking, such as when you may be upland bird hunting, laying in a frozen corn field hunting geese, walking a short distance to a tree stand and sitting?
I have diffenet clothing for different conditions. I do have a set of insulated bibbed overalls that I like when it's just cold and dry. It has zippers up each leg that I open them on my 1 mile walk out to the goose blind so I don't over heat! Once I get into the blind and cool down from the walk, I zip up. But the key thing to remember is you lose most of your body heat from your head! A good insulated hat will work wonders. If you are standing in snow you will lose heat in your feet! I usually wear two pairs of socks and some neoprene booties, it really makes a difference. I can't really offer much more without knowing what kind of hunting you plan on doing. But I hope this helps. Oh, if you are in a duck or goose blind, a propane heater works the best!! LOL Regards Dave0 -
It wouldn't be silent, but I have a ski jacket and pants that weigh about a half a pound together and with just a t-shirt and jeans underneath, I am BOILING in anything over 20 degrees, and it has kept me warm down to -30 ice fishing at night with wind.
"...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conf0 -
Thanks for the imput. I guess I should have stated that I mostly deer hunt from tree stands. Usually I have a short walk but some times it can be close to a mile. I do carry a small day pack to hold clothes until I am in the tree. Does anyone have any recommendations on types of outer camo from either Bass Pro or Cabelas? Just wondering. Thanks again. 0 -
I want to know the name brand on the ski jacket that jonk wears to keep warm with just a t-shirt under it in -30 degrees!!! 0 -
I've hunted in stands when it's zero-to-50 below....The biggest problem is wind chill...extremities such as fingers, toes, and ears usually feel it first.
Best method is to wear under garments that wick away moisture, then add layers of wool and Goretex over the top. The military has what is called extreme weather wear system that is very good. Currently I'm using "Scent Blocker Plus" bibs and jacket as outer wear. Underneath I wear wool sweat shirts and extra pants. Nothing keeps the head warmer than a "Mad Bomber" hat with fold down ear flaps.
Don't laugh...but when it really gets cold we pack in camo sleeping bags and slip into them while sitting in tree stands. Keeps your feet and body warm enough to stay out for 10 hours or more.
To prevent being all sweated out after treking into the woods...we dress after we're into the stands and cooled down.0 -
I use a enclosed box stand, with the "Mr Heater" and a 20lb tank of propane, I don't have any problems at -10F (about as cold as it gets here during hunting season).
A good set of snowmoble outer wear (boots, bibs, balaclava, gloves and coat) will keep out the wind, water and most of the cold, but there not the best for moving around in (noisy).
Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.0 -
Rembrandt and tailgunner think along the same lines as I do. A combination of old and new. A balaclava is a must for windy and cold
days. The Goretex coat set I have has been money well spent, tho check to see if it's noisy. Mine is one the first type out and can sound like a bunch of sheet metal scraping. They have soft Goretex now, so my type maybe is gone, but check anyway (real important in the pants department to be quiet). I've drooled over various
Browning coats with liners and bib overalls. I've been very happy with the Browning garments(tho poorer). Bibs work well as you can wear just the bibs or just the coat on warmer days and gives flexability. Also a hood on the coat or a sweatshirt under so if snow is coming off the trees, you don' get a shovelful down in your underwear. Wool, if you can tolerate the itch factor is still a good material as it wicks moisture and insulates even if wet and will self dry, given the chance. Socks are important, a thicker outer wool and a thin poly or silk(if you can find/afford) will keep you feet dry. Dry= warm. The boots I now use are Browning with a thinsulate liner. The old Sorels also work well. Boots cannot be vinyl, but either leather or gum(natural) rubber. I've used a pair of insulated Northerners on all but the worst of days. I learned that from a hog farmer friend. Natural rubber somehow keeps your feet warm and dry. Vinyl gets stiff as a board and is cold as h###. Cheap does not seem to translate warm. The last is the newer style gloves. I've used the Goretex and poly gloves with thinsulate lining and it's the first time I could go and not have stiff, cold fingers. Check to see that you can still get your finger in the trigger guard, some aren't as 'puffy' as others. I do not have expereince with the electrically heated socks and gloves but am told it can really make the day more bearable.0 -
I bought the military cold weather gear this year and it works great. The only problem is the gortex coat and pants are noisy. There are a lot of different companies making the same items but calling it different names. If it is wind and water proof yet soft enough to be silent it will work great. Be sure that is says it can breath, this will help keep you from getting wet from sweating. Guncontrol-The ability to hit what your aiming at.0 -
I have something I bought at a yard sale. Don't know what it's called. Thick insulated tube about 14" long that you can put both hands in to keep them warm. You can pull your hands out quickly and it doesn't make a sound. Camoflage and a strap to go around your neck. With both hands inside they are warm as toast. Would not work for walking but it's great for setting.
Jim0 -
Jaoob, it is called a muff. 0
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