Its getting to be that time of year, im getting things squared away for gun hunting. Last year i noticed that what i thought was my cold weather gear, was lacking in the warmth department.
Im curious as to what everyone is using for layers that works when it hits those northern minnesota winters.
Good post! I’m interested in reading the replies. I have yet to find the perfect combination. Those that use Under Armour, is it worth it, and does it work?
I have an early season Scentlok Savanna jacket that i wear under neath my mid-late season Scent Blocker SLT jacket. Keeps me pretty warm but i really want to get something in fleece for the winter cuz i freeze 
Its nice though in November when its like 20 degrees or a little colder. I also have an early season Scentlok Savanna pair of pants that i pull over sweatpants and pajama pants 
. I do have a long sleeve Under Armor long sleeve but when i got it like 3 years ago, i got it too big so its not tight against my body 
So i don’t know what to tell you about it 
I use Under Armour, then a pair of jeans and a long sleeve turtle neck. Over that, a sweatshirt. I think the key ingredient, is what’s on your head and feet. Most body heat is lost through the head. I wear a ballcap when walking to and from stand, and on drives. When I sit, I put a knit hat on. For boots, if its below freezing, I have a pair of LaCrosse boots, with 1200 grams thinsulate. Earlier in the year, I have a pair of Rockys in 600. For socks I use the knit ones from Gander Mtn. When its below freezing, then I use a pair of cotton socks under the knit ones. Gloves go without mention, get a good pair. The main thing is, if you are starting to sweat, slow down. The worst thing you can do is sweat and then sit down.
big G 
I start with smart wool socks or similar, then add the long johns, pants (with the flannel lining) i wear a shirt made for winter fishing by Simms it has wind stopper, then a long sleeve shirt. I always wear bibs, i have 2 pair 1 by Mad Dog in mossy oak, and 1 by columbia in timberwolf. then add the parka, with a liner, you can always take layers off in the woods that’s a Cabelas brand. cap it off with Muck boots, gloves and a face mask. hunt all day put the 
Stay away from cotton!!! You need a moisture wicking layer touching your skin. Cotton is not, it’s a sponge for moisture= misery. Poloyproplene is a great base layer followed by wool or fleece in layers is ideal. An outer wind blocker layer to top it off. Silk is also a really good base layer. The key to staying warm is keeping your skin dry, not sweating on the walk out to the stand. I hike out with minimal clothing on and when I get to my tree I will cool down a little then put on the rest of my cold weather gear. Hope this helps out. Good luck 
For some reason, when I do not wear the cotton socks, my feet will sweat alot, hence I get cold feet easier. I have always heard, DO NOT WEAR COTTON…Maybe I am “special” (don’t even think about it Lip) but it works for me, I don’t seem to sweat with cotton, so I do not need the wicking layer. Seems weird, but it works for me
big G
BTW, I forgot to mention in prior post, my outer layer is a Field & Forest bibs and jacket combo I picked up at Mills about 15 years ago… works great 
I agree with others you need a good base layer and that starts with nothing cotton. Beyond that layering is key. I start with a Anti Microbial base layer. Then I have a mid piece layering of a fleece wind blocking material. I then finish it off with bringing/carrying in the heavy duty outer shell. I think what is key that most over look is staying dry on the way to and from the stand. I see to many people that get all bundled up and then have to walk a long ways to the stand over heating on the way and sweating. They would have been better off carrying half of the stuff to the stand and wait until you have cooled down somewhat from the walk before putting the rest of the stuff on. Once you get wet/damp from sweat you are as good as done.
I guess, I would recommend either the Drenalin or Solo Jacket and Pants from the Mathews Gamehide Collection.
CLICK HERE to see the Mathews Lineup.
or for the Non Mathews fans, I would go with the
Rubline II, Insulated Solo Jacket, or the Chase Bibs.
CLICK HERE to see those garments.
Gamehide is the stuff I wear and depend on day in, day out. I hunt in some pretty extreme temps and conditions and my clothing has yet to let me down or force me out of the stand or field because I’m too cold. Last year in ND it was 10 to 22 below zero straight temps the whole day and my GAMEHIDEwas up to the task!
I also agree with a previous post. Insulated Bibs are a great piece of late season clothing to have. They are warm and keeps your chest and torso (your core)warm while giving you freedom of movemnt in your arms that is vital for bowhunting. Also easily slipped on or off when you get to or leave your stand to help prevent overheating from the walk in or out, causing you to sweat. Good point
I walk up hill about 200 yards to my gun stand. It’s in the Miss river valley so it’s steep. It’s vitually impossible to walk up the hill in the dark and not sweat while dodging briars and limbs. I wear a long sleeved t-shirt and a light pair of pants. I carry my hunting clothes in a back pack, around my waist and on my shoulders. When I get to my stand I change everything – even my undies, socks, etc. I dry everything off with my shirt. Makes for a few cold moments while looking for the next layer in the dark but that also helps to dry off too. I put the sweaty clothes in the backpack, fold it up, and cover it with leaves. I also spray it ahead of time. I’ve had many deer walk w/i a few yards of the backpack and never smell it. Nice to sit all day with completely dry clothes!
Witte
Witte I hear ya! I also change outside down to the Skivies, no matter how cold it is outside. It is a breath taking minute or so doing the mad scramble to get something on the skin. I’m sure it is also very comical.
I definitely recommend saying no to cotton. I ride my ATV and then walk 3 miles to stand. I dress for the ATV ride, undress for the hike, and then dress again when up in my stand. Every day brings different weather. AFter doing this for a few years of freezing, sweating, freezing, etc., I have finally got it sort of figured out for myself.
I try to get a good guess at what the weather conditions will be and then dress accordingly. Basically, I wear 3/4 of my stuff for the ATV ride, then I wear only about 1/2 my stuff for the hike. Then when I get to my stand, I take off some stuff (change socks and hat immediately) and gradually add more clothing as time goes past. During the hike and getting into my stand, I have found it is very important to keep from getting overheated. I wear a stocking cap on my head (works well with my headlamp) while on ATV and hiking. By the time I get to my stand that hat is soaked and put away in favor of a Thinsulate/Goretex hat with a bill and ear flaps.
If it will be below zero and/or sleet, rain or snow I start with wool long underwear tops and bottoms. Wool pants. Worsterlon shirt. Browning fleece/goretex bibs and parka. Wool stocking cap. Polypro sock liners with wool socks. Sorrel boots if dry enough, otherwise insulated rubber boots, but I pack in my Sorels. I bring extra socks to change into when I get up in my stand. I bring a lightweight down jacket to put on under my parka when up in my stand. Loosen boot laces when in the stand.
Even when it’s very cold, on the hike to the stand, I generally wear only my long underwear and wool pants (blaze orange wool)on my lower body. Also, I forgot to mention that for really cold days, I wear polypro long underwear underneath my wool long underwear. It is important not to let hands get cold. I use puffy, insulated mittens to warm my hands at the first sign of them gettin cold in gloves. I have not had much luck with the chemical handwarmers and I feel the old lighter fluid warmers are too smelly.
These are just a few tips that may help you. I have other suggestions for different circumstances.
Under Armour is the cats meow. i cant believe i ever hunted with out it.
Quote:
Good post! I’m interested in reading the replies. I have yet to find the perfect combination. Those that use Under Armour, is it worth it, and does it work?
so what im getting from everyone is that they are wearing a under armour base layer, then a fleece layer and then your heavy layer.
I guess i need to invest in a better parka and bibs. I have a Guide series bibs and heavy jacket and they didnt seem to do the job last year while sitting on the stand, i could only last about 2-3 hours at the max.
Has anyone ever seen the Raven wear brand. Its some pretty expensive stuff but sounds like they know what they are talking about.
After thinking about it yesterday, I went home and checked my socks that I wear under my heavy ones in cold, they are 25% cotton , WigWam Moose socks. I tried to click the raven link and it didn’t work for me..
big G
See if that link worked. They are from canada so i figure they have to know a little about warm clothing
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
