CavePainter
Member
- Joined
- May 12, 2022
- Messages
- 77
How do you guys stay warm in a saddle?
Not sweating makes all the difference in the world.
I'm on the same boat as do the same layering as I would any hunt. It's no different if I'm on a stand, sitting on the the ground or hanging in the saddle.
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How do you guys stay warm in a saddle?
One very important part of the layering system, whether you use wool or synthetic, is to make sure the first layer contacting your skin is thin.
The thin layer will transport the moisture away from your skin quicker than thicker material.
The less moisture residing on your body the warmer you will be, for long sits.
I have noticed quite a bit of difference since using this technique.
I’m a northern Minnesota deer hunter, I grew up rifle hunting from stands at -10F to 65F, being out all day. Small heater, quilt/sleeping bag, hand warmers, and bibs with a old down jacket was enough.
Last year was my first year bow hunting and saddle hunting. I froze my ass off at 10F to 15F in December, teeth chattering hands frozen cold in 2 hours. I think it was the wind, lack of being in a sleeping bag and bibs did me in. And I’m getting into my 30’s and am less cold tolerate than I was a decade ago.
I was dressed in wool long underwear, Kuiu attack pants, and their puffy synthetic pants over. On top was a Kuiu fleece, Kuiu puffy, and a Kuiu guide shell. I know the Kuiu stuff is better for active use, and I bought it for a Alaska hunt that got postponed. If I was moving at all I’d be fine in that stuff to 0F without issue, but could not sit still without freezing.
I’m looking hard at a Sitka Fanatic set vs just going full wool. My problem with wool is I have some great wool shirts and a set of Korean War era USGI wool pants that work great for rifle season, but I haven’t washed them in a decade, they have the blood stains to prove it. I found my washing method with synthetics worked pretty well, keep deer downwind from losing their **** pretty frequently. Wool is much more of a problem to wash.
Has anyone uses the Sitka Fanatic stuff to 0? What’s your thoughts?
Down to 0 and you'll likely want a good mid layer and warm base layer with the Fanatic Jacket. My combo for that scenario is Fanatic Jacket, Kelvin vest (or any good puffy vest), and Sitka Core Heavyweight base layer top. When it approaches 0, I go for the Incinerator bibs and a base layer bottom (I've stuck with wool here, old 1st Lite, because they roll up small). The Incinerator bibs are les bulky and a tad warmer than the Fanatic. I pack the neck gaiter mentioned by @kobudo, and it helps with drafts. I wear a scentlok mask with a fleece beanie overtop and fleece flip top mittens, using the kangaroo pocket and hand warmers most of the time. Heavyweight wool or wool Alpaca socks.
I usually have a hike, so none of that gets worn in, I change from head to toe when I get to my spot.
I use the EV1 Fanatic jacket, it has a zip off hood. It is also more durable imo than the newer Fanatic line. I wish they never changed materials. Not that the new jacket isn't nice, but I preferred the original build. They also changed the fit. I've an EV2 with tags on it that's sized too big for me so it sits in a Scentlok box until I get fat(er) or move it on. The older Fanatic could have been more generously sized. The newer is much more true to size which imo is an improvement.
There is a whole thread on woolens, and I've not tried everything, but I've had some heavyweight wool and ultimately have been warmer on stand with synthetic outerwear.
I agree with sweat management being critical. My solution is to hike in as light as possible and change. I'm t-shirt light, and stay warm by going fast. Probably not for everyone. It's a cold start so your crap better be ready when you jump out of your vehicle. But I'm in warm dry clothes for the hunt.
Thank you for the reply. I’ve done the walk in light, last winter I’d drive in my baselayer/jeans/fleece and then change to my midlayers at the truck and then walk. No joke about being ready to go.
I think I’ll buy the fanatic jacket at least. If you had to buy one, would you buy the incinerator or fanatic bibs?