Right now I'm in a tree in the swamp. 24°, 17° real feel. Hardly blizzard conditions, but cold. I've been sitting here for an hour after a long walk and drilling a tree. Here are my thoughts and tips on cold weather.
Most people overdress, especially walking in, and most especially with regards to their feet. This leaves them sweaty, cold, and swaddled in restrictive clothing. Here's what I'm wearing.
Top: under armour tee, m65 field jacket liner, browning hells canyon parka.
Bottoms: under armour boxers, basspro midseason pants. Mid weight wool socks, muck field blazers (uninsulated).
Accessories: carhart beanie, buff cloth, wool fingerless gloves.
That's it. Now for the thoughts.
Sweat cools. Dont sweat. Dont put your clothes on until as close as possible to hunting. I made breakfast, packed, and drove in Jean's and a t. No heater in truck. Walked in with my boots, socks t, and jacket liner. Applied antiperspirant to my feet last night and again this morning. Walked slow. Climbed slow.
Wear a windbreaker on stand. Cover your face. It doesn't take much. Keep your core warm (torso and head) and your hands and feet will be fine. A good beanie hat and vest will do wonders, and they're light and compact. Cold butt and saddle underwarmers are dumb. I'm sitting in a kite. My butt is fine.
Stay dry
Block wind
Insulate core
It's easy.
Most people overdress, especially walking in, and most especially with regards to their feet. This leaves them sweaty, cold, and swaddled in restrictive clothing. Here's what I'm wearing.
Top: under armour tee, m65 field jacket liner, browning hells canyon parka.
Bottoms: under armour boxers, basspro midseason pants. Mid weight wool socks, muck field blazers (uninsulated).
Accessories: carhart beanie, buff cloth, wool fingerless gloves.
That's it. Now for the thoughts.
Sweat cools. Dont sweat. Dont put your clothes on until as close as possible to hunting. I made breakfast, packed, and drove in Jean's and a t. No heater in truck. Walked in with my boots, socks t, and jacket liner. Applied antiperspirant to my feet last night and again this morning. Walked slow. Climbed slow.
Wear a windbreaker on stand. Cover your face. It doesn't take much. Keep your core warm (torso and head) and your hands and feet will be fine. A good beanie hat and vest will do wonders, and they're light and compact. Cold butt and saddle underwarmers are dumb. I'm sitting in a kite. My butt is fine.
Stay dry
Block wind
Insulate core
It's easy.