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Old 12-04-2006 | 01:25 PM
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BowHntrRick
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Default RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?

If I was trying to do what you describe, I would consider some insulated coveralls. I have a Cabelas Revolution Fleece pull-over (unlined) and I love it, so I would consider the Revolution Fleece insulated coveralls. If they do not interfere with drawing a bow, I am sure they would be comfortable down to 20 degrees over ordinary shirt/pants.

That being said, I also layer. Beside all of the good reasons for layering typically mentioned, I find it is more versatile. I typically start with an X-static mock turtle-neck shirt and lined or unlined jeans. I can then add a 100 weight turtle-neck and fleece pants if the temperature is around 60-70, add the aforementioned Cabelas pull-over if the temperature drops to 50 or wind/rain is in the forecast,substituteinsulated bibsfor the fleece pants if the temperature drops to 40, and add a 200 weight fleece (under the pull-over) if the temperature drops to 30 or less.

I was on stand this morning (rifle season: I took a nice little 7 point) when temperatures were approximately 20 degrees and windy with the outfit described above and wasentirely comfortable.

In addition to the main body covering described above, I find there are threeother key concerns:

1. Head: Once the temperature drops below 60 degrees, a ball cap is not usually enough to be comfortable.If I don't initially wear a good knitcap (with or without the ball cap), I will at least bring one with me. Itgreatly improves comfortwhen the weather turns cold with minimal additional bulk/weight.

I havetwo reversible knit caps that I really like for the archery season that overlaps with some of the gun seasons in PA: wear the orange side out to get to the stand and then reverse it.

I also really like the hood of the Cabelas pull-over: if it gets really cold, rainy, or windy, I can put the hood up for extra protection.

2. Hands: Iam not comfortable shooting a bow with bulky gloves, so I find the best solution is a muff. I cut the waist strap off of mine and use a small carabiner to attach it to the side of my safety vest: I can raise it up and use it as needed, then allow it to dangle at my side when not needed.

I do almost always wear some thin mechanics gloves or at least the left hand glove. It provides a little insulation from the cold bow grip while I amwaiting for a shoot.

I also make extensive use of the hand pockets in my safety vest. Despite the 20 degree weather this morning, the mechanics gloves together with the vest pockets were satisfactory. Of course, I was only out for about an hour before I got my deer, so the muff may have been necessary for a full morning sit.

3. Feet: I wear gore-tex lined hiking boots with a new pair of Cabelas "Ingenius" socks for temperatures down to freezing. This morning I substituted some Rocky pac boots: frankly, they are not that much better than the uninsulated hiking boots despite the extra insulation (I don't know why that is). I may eventually look for a better cold weather boot.

I do like the Cabelas socks. They a single weave of nylon inside and wool outside with the X-static silver fiber layer. They are warm without bulk, they don't bunch, and the silver fiber reduces the stink factor.
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