Staying Warm When Hunting

plowjockey · #1 10/30/10, 08:57 AM

It's getting harder to do each year. Is it the body heat going first, that causes the hands, then feet, to get cold?

Anybody use the "body armor" types of under layers? Since they are $50 or so each piece, and advertise scent blocking more than warmth, wondered how thse types of products performed.

I currently use insulated jacket and bibs (not gore-tex, etc. ), which are about medium weight, not sub zero stuff, with a zipper sweatshirt underneath. Goretex sock cap on the head. Also polypropelene long johns, which does a great job for an hour or so, then I start cooling. Tried many different types of gloves/mittens, even that ones that use heat packs.

Don't want to be a wimp, but when the fingers are numb, they are numb.

Any input appreciated.

geo in mi · #2 10/30/10, 09:04 AM

Not to steal this thread, but if anyone knows where to get an all wool stocking cap or navy watch cap--in large size, please include it in this discussion...Thanks

geo

fishhead · #3 10/30/10, 09:06 AM

Our bodies slow down circulation to the hands and feet to protect our core temperature.

Are you moving or standing still?

When I sit I get cold but I can shovel the driveway at 10 degrees in a tee shirt once I get used to winter.

I used to bring a down sleeping bag when deer hunting from a tree stand. I would pull it up to my chest. I also wore down filled pants and parka.

It helps to eat sugary things.

If your hands get cold open and close your fist hard until your hands warm up. That seems to open the valve that closes to protect your core temperature. We were sampling a lake through the ice in -20 F and all I had were those cotton gloves. My hands burned from the cold but after I opened and closed my fist a bunch of times my hands warmed up and stayed warm.

If you are moving set your gun down and do some deep knee bends until you warm up.

Wis Bang 2 · #4 10/30/10, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plowjockey

It's getting harder to do each year. Is it the body heat going first, that causes the hands, then feet, to get cold?

Anybody use the "body armor" types of under layers? Since they are $50 or so each piece, and advertise scent blocking more than warmth, wondered how thse types of products performed.

I currently use insulated jacket and bibs (not gore-tex, etc. ), which are about medium weight, not sub zero stuff, with a zipper sweatshirt underneath. Goretex sock cap on the head. Also polypropelene long johns, which does a great job for an hour or so, then I start cooling. Tried many different types of gloves/mittens, even that ones that use heat packs.

Don't want to be a wimp, but when the fingers are numb, they are numb.

Any input appreciated.

Look at the heaver weight poly pro they sell to skiers. Avoid and cotton near your skin. I shop on sale after the season. I currently have a Browining Hydro Fleece Gore-Tex & thinsulate 4 in one combo suit, Bibs, w/ reversible jacket that zips into a parka. Got them for a nice sale price 'cause the next year's edition was including scent loc.

It keeps me warm in the teens w/ wool socks, Rocky thinsulate/gore-tex boots. poly pro and a camo tee and long sleeve shirt. I was out last weekend when it was 35 in the morning w/ just the poly pro, breathable waterfowler pants, tee & long sleeve shirt and just the parka and I wasn't cold. Actually as the day warmed up, I had the parka open and the shirt unbuttoned...

Avoid getting sweaty on your walk in too, I read guys hunting the mountains talk about leaving camp in their poly pro and a shirt carrying their heavy clothing as they climb to their hunting spot, then they suit up...

fishhead · #5 10/30/10, 09:40 AM

Good point about carrying your warm clothes for putting on after you reach your stand. I used to do that because otherwise I would be drenched in sweat by the time I got to the stand.

The new polypropolene does a great job of keeping you dry but that's still a lot of moisture to evaporate and that takes heat from your body.

Once I fell through the ice up to my armpits (didn't reach the bottom) right at the start of the day while setting spring beaver traps. I had taken a vacation day so I didn't want to waste it by driving home so I kept going. In just a few hours I was bone dry except for the water in my boots. That wouldn't have happened if I was wearing cotton.

pheasantplucker · #6 10/30/10, 09:57 AM

A secret I learned years ago while attending a Cleveland Browns game that was perhaps the second coldest I've ever been in my life. If you put your feet on a small stack of newspapers (or cardboard) and sit on another small stack, you will be amazed at how much body heat you conserve. Layering is crucial. I go with wool whenever possible. I move about some. Eating will actually cause blood to leave your extremities and go to the stomach, so that is something to consider. I use wool rag mitten/glove combinations when I am on the stand. Worn 90% of the time as a mitten, and then flip the top off for a glove (with finger tips removed). I never consume alcohol while hunting, but I know some do. Alcohol, contrary to popular misconception actually lowers your body temperature. If you can stay dry, you will be a lot warmer than if you are damp. On super cold days, I have a dark wool blanket (I keep in my truck), that I can throw over my shoulders. I am a fan of cold weather, but I've been chilled to the bone some days. If it's that cold, I get up and walk about and stalk. Moving helps. Good luck this year, BTW.

**Cabin Fever** · #7 10/30/10, 10:10 AM

My suggestion is to make yourself a box stand in a tree or on legs. The walls keep the wind off of you and you can heat it with a sunflower heater. When you get your deer, you won't have ten layers of clothing on that have to be peeled off as you go searching high and low for your downed venison.

Even tho I rarely use these, those hand and foot chemical packet heaters might be handy. However, I prefer my Jon-E handwarmer to these disposable packets.

When it comes to underwear, I prefer my merino wool longjohns over anything else. Remember, when wet, wool warms and cottons kills.

Backfourty,MI. · #8 10/30/10, 10:53 AM

I hunt out of a box type blind, dh insulated it for me & old carpet on the floor. I still get cold but usally just my feet first, then my hands but not too often. I have a little propane heater in my blind I start up on really cold days & usually take an old throw out day before opening day so I have that if I need something over my lap.

I make sure to take my thermos of coffee which helps keep me warm & always have those throw away foot warmers in my boots along with wool socks on. My trouble is mostly circulation so I try to move around when I can, stand up, etc.

I also use those hand warmers that you light the sticks & put in the red velvet covered case & keep in your pockets, those work really well too.

Jolly · #9 10/30/10, 04:52 PM

I've hunted on many occasions from a climbing stand in single digit to mid-teen mornings. The secret is twofold - A) not getting overheated going to the stand and B) layering and layering with the right stuff.

ECWS Poly is good. Roomy boots with poly liner socks and two pair of wool socks are good. Fleece pants along with a wool sweater top. A good set of insulated coveralls over everything. Neoprene face mask with insulated radar cap with a wool watch cap pulled over that.

Lastly, long-lasting heat packs. You want one over each kidney and one in a muff you wear on your waist, to warm your hands.

I have a special cold weather rifle I use. It's an old Swedish mauser, nothing special except the stock is cut much shorter than I'd normally use.

tinknal · #10 10/30/10, 05:36 PM

I bring a Bankie to my stand....................

I like to use an old quilt and wrap up in it in the stand.

SueMc · #11 10/30/10, 06:06 PM

I'm not a hunter but have a pair of Gerbing heated motorcycle gloves. They were a little pricey but it was the best money I ever spent. My gloves run off the bike's battery but many of their products have a battery pack. I would buy from them again!
http://www.gerbing.com/coreheat.net/.../Products.html

||Downhome|| · #12 10/30/10, 07:01 PM

I use a climber stand myself, I installed central heat lol.

took a 1500 btu sportcat heater and camo canvas, the heater attachs to the front of the platform, where I can get to it easy. the canvas attaches to the rail on the top/seat section, it starts on one side and wraps around the front but has enough material to wrap around the biggest tree the climber will attach and then still enough to put across the top to keep the heat in. I suppose you could use a seperate peace to do that.

I also needed to take a stiff wire to keep the tarp off the heater and carpet on the base to close up the mesh.

melissa78 · #13 10/30/10, 07:11 PM

I like the under armor a lot.

Something else that I have found that works great is nomex or carbon-x flame retardent underwear. Tried it one day when I had nothing else for long underwear. They can be found fairly inexpensively on ebay or at trade shows.

Chixarecute · #14 10/30/10, 10:13 PM

Some stores have their own brand of Under Armor, generally about 1/2 - 2/3rds the price of the real stuff.

For a watch cap - check out Duluth Trading Company.
http://www.duluthtrading.com/search/...cessor=content. This one is wool lined with fleece.

Oldcountryboy · #15 10/30/10, 10:36 PM

Sit and move, sit and move!

Seriously! Moving will keep you warm. Sitting can lead to a wall hanger.

Spray some dominate buck lure all over your feet. Both bottom and top side. Then start walking. Walk to an area where you think you might find a buck and then sit down and take a load off your feet. After a few minutes take out your rattlin horns and grunt call and start making a lot of ruckus. Rattle the horns, blow on the grunt call, and kick your feet around, all at the same time. Do this for a minute or so and then set back and relax, but keep your rifle ready. Keep a watch on your back track for a big one might be trailing you in.

If you don't see nothing after about 20 minutes. Spray some more dominate buck lure on your feet and move on to the next spot. You should have your tag filled within about 2 days.

sammyd · #16 10/31/10, 10:03 AM

the last few years I went hunting were just the opposite. I was looking for blaze orange tee shirts and wore a blaze orange sweat band....
Quite a change from when I was a kid and would beg to be on the drive instead of the post so I could build up some body heat.

Jolly · #17 10/31/10, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ||Downhome||

I use a climber stand myself, I installed central heat lol.

took a 1500 btu sportcat heater and camo canvas, the heater attachs to the front of the platform, where I can get to it easy. the canvas attaches to the rail on the top/seat section, it starts on one side and wraps around the front but has enough material to wrap around the biggest tree the climber will attach and then still enough to put across the top to keep the heat in. I suppose you could use a seperate peace to do that.

I also needed to take a stiff wire to keep the tarp off the heater and carpet on the base to close up the mesh.

The ingenuity of hunters never ceases to amaze me...

nodak3 · #18 10/31/10, 03:58 PM

Nice, tight, control top panyhose--deal with it, guys--under the other layers.

Keeps you toasty.

Backfourty,MI. · #19 10/31/10, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nodak3

Nice, tight, control top panyhose--deal with it, guys--under the other layers.

Keeps you toasty.

I'm not a guy but never thought of the panty hose. I'm going to try those this year, not sure if I'll be able to get dh to try that one or not. At least not until I tell him how well they work!

chestnut · #20 10/31/10, 06:28 PM

A neck warmer and beannie are the best things i've found for staying warm. Also, wear light socks to your stand, once there remove light socks, dry feet and put on heavy insulated socks.