Dressing For Cold Weather
Posted By
Clifford Neames
at
11/17/2009 12:00:00 AM
Filed under:
midwest whitetail il
Dressing For Cold Weather Hunting
If you are like most deer hunters, you probably hunt as much as you can, no matter what the weather conditions. That means you are going to be facing some cold days, which will certainly test your dedication.
I can’t count the number of hunters I have seen in camp at mid-morning because they entered the woods unprepared. Try these suggestions, and I’m betting you will add hours to any hunt.
The three places where you lose heat fastest are your feet, your hands, and your head. A good pair of insulated boots, combined with Merino wool socks will get you off to a good start. But, on the really cold days, you may want to add some disposable foot warmers.
Finding good gloves is harder, because most of them are too thick to allow wearing them to bow hunt. You may find that it’s a lot easier to wear a heavy glove on one hand, and a lighter one on the one which holds your release. You keep the trigger hand in your pocket, once again accompanied by a disposable heater.
Nothing, in my opinion, beats a watch cap for keeping your head warm. Baseball caps are great at keeping the sun out of your eyes, but on a cold day you might want to loosen it up and try to snug it down on the real thing. Just be careful about covering too much of your ears, because you still need to be able to hear.
Trapped air, warmed by your body, is a very good insulator. So, you will be warmer wearing several light layers than you will in a heavy jumpsuit.
Begin with polypropylene long underwear, and work out from there.
A turtleneck top is the only way to go!
I like layers of fleece next, varying the weight with the expected temperature. You’re going to have to be careful about the walk in, if you are overdressed, or you will work up a sweat. So, you may want to carry everything after this layer in, and finish dressing at the stand.
On most days, I can get by with a medium weight shirt next. Then, I add some insulated bib overalls. The bibs help tremendously with keeping your torso warm. Add an insulated jacket, and you should be ready for all but the worst days.
Disposable heaters can be added in as many pockets as you need. They add heat, and are certainly worth a few extra bucks on a cold day.
When this set up isn’t quite enough, I add some wind-proof outerwear.
Sometimes good rain gear will work, but make sure it is breathable.
Pro Tip: Since most deer hunters are stalking, and generally have only short hikes into their stands, carrying a large backpack is not a major inconvenience. Use it to bring along extra, and heavier clothing, in case the weather changes for the worst while you are hunting.
