Cold Weather Hunting Gear

If you're in the south Cabelas Wooltimate used to be really good but idk about the new stuff.

I got some higher end stuff a few of years ago when I started going to the Midwest. Really makes a difference in comfort on the stand even down here. It's worth it.

Hunting in Montana. Will be moving but not necessarily stocking. Hunting with a rifle.

Don’t be a little butch and just buy the stuff that works. Sitka and Kuiu are very good stuff.

Just put on some thermals under some overalls with a flannel you bought from the general store like your pappy did and quit being a fashionista.

quote:

---

What about boots to keep your feet warm while in the stand?

---

You need to keep your core temperature regulated, have boots that fit properly, and dont sit in a seat that is too tall. If your core is warm and your extremities aren't exposed and have good blood flow, they won't be cold unless we are talking extremes, like -20 and below type stuff.

I dont even own insulated boots and I don't get cold feet unless I under-dress, and that includes 3rd season rifle hunts at 11,000+ feet and below zero temps. People get cold feet sitting in stands for two reasons - poor core temp regulation due to poor clothing and poor circulation due to boots that dont fit properly or sitting in something that cuts off circulation to the feet.

You can have 4 bazillion gram insulated boots and if your core temp drops, your feet will get cold. That's how your body works. It starts restricting flow to the highest surface area parts of your body - ears hands and feet, and thats why those parts of your body get cold first.

Start with merino wool insulated undergarments and socks.

More than likely you are thinking you need something warmer than you really need. I haven’t been when it’s real cold but have hunted out there down to 17deg and getting cold was never the problem.
The problem is the 1-2 mile hike soaking wet sweat then stopping for an hour or two to glass then rinse and repeat all day. Everyone piles on hate about the prices of “hunting gear” but any of the higher end tech clothing is gonna be about the same price. My kuiu jacket is not any warmer than my old cabelas and drake gear but it’s only a few oz and has pit zips and waterproof. My kuiu and first lite base layers are lighter and warmer and have very long chest zippers and zip off features.
If you are dead set on cheap here’s a budget list of items that should get you.
Solman ultra boots no insulation
Darn tough socks
Polypropylene base layers.
Wrangler atg hiking pants
Fleece mid layer zip up for venting and taking off and on.
Down puffy jacket, Sam’s has Eddie Bauer and they seem to be nice for the price point.

Learned this a couple years ago off of here. Buy the stick on insole foot warmers but don’t stick them under your feet. Put the heel of the insole under your toes then fold the remainder over your toes and stick it down. Best trick I’ve used for keeping feet warm. I no longer run heavy socks and heavy insulated boots. If I have a long walk to where I’m setting up, I will stick them to my socks when I get there. Has been a game changer for me because my feet sweat so much in insulated boos

I generally think budget “hunting” clothing sucks arse but there are good options marketed to the hiking/climbing type crowds. You don’t need camo, just get black or earth tones.

REI brand down vests/jackets are a good value, again just get earth tones.

Marmot and Columbia make decent reasonably priced shells and mid layers.

I hike extremely hot and will gladly pay the extra money/weight for 3/4 length zip off merino bottoms and 1/4 zip tops. Also because of this I like to have a big down jacket/pants that I can throw on over everything when I stop to sit and glass for a while.

Don’t neglect your hands when it comes to layering. I usually hike in a thin Softshell type I can shoot in (be sure you practice shooting/dry firing with gloves) but carry a heavier over glove/mitt for cold sits and an extra pair of thin wool liners

Feet are super personal and you will have to figure out what works for you. Mine sweat excessively even sitting still so I carry extra socks and change them throughout the day. I would never put chemical warmers in my boots but other people swear by them.