Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

Guys,

I'm sick of all the layering.... I'm looking for a easier system.... Granted, it does not get too cold down here, but 20's and 30's are common during hunting season.... I'm looking for something that I can pack in with me and slip over a pair of light paints and maybe a light sweater.

I get sick of having to put on 4+ layers of clothing, too much trouble....

What are you guys up north wearing that keeps you on stand?

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

Layers. [8D]

Personally, I can't stand wearing jackets.

Maybe look into some wools.

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

I wear Under Armour Cold Gear against my skin and then a pair of thermals over that, and then just my hunting T shirt, and BDU pants. And for when it is really cold i pack in a pair of overalls on my stand to put on once im there.

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

You aren't gonna like the answer....layers.

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

Layers....or stay in the truck and road hunt.

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

Only thing I know of that may work for you is one of those heater body suits (i think that is what they are called). They are like a sleeping bag that you take into your stand and bundle up in. When the time comes, you unzip it and it slips off of your shoulders so you can get the shot off. I think they are pretty expensive and would be a pain in the butt to get into the stand, but they may be the answer you're looking for.
If that don't work...try layers. :)

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

Underarmour layers for most of my body. The underarmour hood really helped my noggin to stay nice and warm. I wear the hood with a regular hat over it and that's all my head needs. I've been through a million different gloves to try to keep my hands warm and finally gave up. Now I bought one of those muffs for the really cold days. Throw a hot pocket in the muff and just stick my hands in there untill I need to pull them out. That seems to work good. 1400 gram pair of Lacrosse rubber boots with a pair of thermal socks works fine for my feet. Above all else do NOT sweat on the way to your stand or you're in for a long sit no matter what you're wearing.

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

i like to layer, but picking the right layers helps... i usually carry in a warm wool sweater or fleece pull over... and then my light bucksuede jacket over top... keeps bulk down and i stay really warm... UA cold gear underneath a t-shirt and knit henly and then a longsleeve buttonup camo shirt, put on the sweater and jacket when i get in stand and cool down from the hump in..

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

I do the whole layering act now, but just get sick of having to take it all back off around mid day.

I may just have to bite the bullet and buy a really nice wool suit... From my understanding, under armor plus the wool would be about all I would need down here.

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.

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

I have a pair of Carhart overalls that I love. I usually layer some long underwear too. I was lucky enough to get some hand-me down ones that are nice (It's hard to find small ones for women). I also hate wearing a bulky jacket- especially during bow. You pretty much have to layer but I've found that keeping something around your neck really helps. If I can keep my neck warm I don't need to layer as much on top. Another idea that our party has used a lot this year is sleeping bags. Depending on what kind of stand you have. If you carry it out it might be hard but if you have a more permanent one, especially with a wrap on it, that can really keep you warm. Just sit right in it. :) The flannel ones are very quiet too. I leave mine out there so I don't have to carry it around.It gets pretty cold up here in MN. This year it was only down in the 0's and 10's but it has been 20 below before. That's my best advice.

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

I guess my basic question is this...... Are there any synthetic suits that can rival the warmth of say a KOM wool outfit AND STILL NOT BE BULKY..... That is the question..... Something that can be worn from say 60 degrees down to the 20's or possibly teens?

I know the good wools suits will do that for me, but I really don't want to spend a $1,000 for a hunting suit!

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

Layers then a pair of coveralls. Sorry, cant help.

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

Well Double, I spent about 500.00 tostay warm (counting two base layers) and dry if I add up what I wear, but its not bulky and it will last for years as my last set did that I finally retired after 10 years of use. Cabelas thinsulate dry plus fleece. Everything I have is gortex or water proof and can handle temps below zero. I've been hunting in 10-15 degree temps this past 2 weeks... Its worth the money to me.. I hate being cold and or wet.

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

Short form:
Bibs, Wool/Polypropelene, a good hat, pockets, stop the wind.

Long form:
My 3 layer Recipe for all morning stand hunt at 32 degrees:
(Insert "Cabela's" in front of almost everything yourself. I don't want to sound like an advertisement!)

1. Thermtech midweight poly long underwear top
2. Thermtech lightweight poly long underwear bottoms
3. HS Scentaway antiperspirant on the feet, pits back and under pecs (or manboobs (or moobs) if that's what you've got)
4. UnderArmor coldgear socks
5. 100% lightweight poly T-shirt.
6. Revolution Fleece liner pants with "Windshear"***
7. Revolution Fleece hooded jacket with "Windshear" ***
8. SilentWeave BIB OVERALLS*** Insulated or scentlok
9. SilentWeave Bowhunters jacket Insulated or scentlok
10. 1000 gram thinsulate Lacrosse Burleys

Gotta have Bib overalls, gotta, gotta, gotta.

Now come the secret ingredients:
1. El Cheapo 75 cent Outfitters ridge jersey gloves at Wally World (preferably withOUT the little rubber nubs)
2. A good bow holder so you can keep your gloved hands in your pockets. I use an SOP safety harness that has one built in.
3. Fleece neck gaiter
4. Elmer-fudd style baseball cap with ear flaps that you can raise/lower. Or any LOOSELY FITTING insulated baseball cap, but ear flaps help a LOT!

Now come the important dos and dont's.
1. DON'T get sweaty going to your stand.
2. DON'T put anything over your face that will catch condensation from your breath unless the temperature is dipping BELOW freezing.
3. DO make sure that your core stays warm. Warm gloves and socks are useless if there's no blood going to your feet/hands.
4. DON'T wear cotton. Anywhere if you can avoid it but especially NOT against your skin.
5. DO feel free to substitute WOOL for ANYTHING

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

Especially if you're like an idiot like me and put all your gear in a rubbermaid tote to keep it "scent free" in the back of your truck....


.... and then drive accross town with your tailgate open. :(

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

the easy way, also your early hunting jacket
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0015490931552a&type=product&cm Cat=Search_Results_NYR&returnPage=search-results2.jsp&Ne=2510&Ntt=7+n+1&noImage =0&Ntk=Products&QueryText=7+n+1&Ntx=ma tchall&N=2782&trueNum=599

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

Lot of good tips here.

I'd only add that one piece of gear I use makes a huge difference: cover for my neck and lower face.

I have a "gator" made of a section of the sleeve from a wool sweater. Cut off a portion of the sleeve about 10 or 11 inches long from the upper arm portion of the sleeve. You can stretch it a bit if its a bit tight, then pull it over your head and cover your neck and lower face and you'll be surprised at the difference it makes in combination with a good quality four weather hat.

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

Thinsulated overall heavy gloves and long boots, thats it!

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

what about the rivers west clothing line? has anyone tried them?

http://riverswest.com/hifi.html

Phirst

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

A member by the name of tsoc has a lot of experience with high quality, high performancematerials to keep you warm.... I have spoke with him a couple times about the materials he wears. I haven't got around to purchasing any of the garments he recommended but I wouldn't hesitate to take his advice on anything.


If he doesn't respond to this thread maybe drop him a PM.
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RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

You're not going to get any sympathy for 20 and 30 degree weather just as I don't expect any sympathy from the northerners. :D

I guarantee the northerners would love some 20 and 30 degree weather around this time after their body has had time to acclamate (sp?) to the colder weather.

In all seriousness, I use UA cold gear with some fleece and a medium weight camo. I am fairly warm blooded and don't need a ton to keep the body warm. I do use the hand warmers for boots and hands to keep warm if needed. I do have a set of Columbia galatin wool bibs and jacket along with some artic shield boot insulators but haven't had to use yet although I didn't get out in the 8 4 degree weather we had late last week.

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

It's always layers.When you think you don't have enough, think again. I'm surprised however to see how many of you missed the first layer, the camo thong!!![8D] It helps atrack all of the does in the woods, two and four legged!:D

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

Last Saturday we had a big cold front for here and i tried wearing some of my duck hunting gear, man it wast just way to bulky. Sunday morning it was around 18 so I tried the layer method. Long insulated underware bibs and 7 shirts or sweaters, with scent blocker as a top layer. it wasn't as bulky and i was very warm. Got my 1st buck with a bow. So from now on it will be layers.

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

In Wisconsin during the late season this year, it's been quite cold. I layer up with thermals, pants, a sweater and then my suit. It's better feeling warm when your up in a treestand, than putting handwarmers in your suit to stay warm.

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

I bowhunt cold weather. Temps from 15 down to-15, last week I sat in near 0 temps, bout a foot of snow..wasn't too bad.

X scent very thin and light layer as a base, a savannah scent lok cover all one piece on top of that.., again light and breathable..then top it off with Cabelas dry plus, thinsulated fleece parka and bibs. My last set that I just retired this year had lasted 10 years. Not much layering involved, not too bulky and I can stay out a long time in this stuff. I am wearing 2 pair of wool socks and Lacrosse Alpha insulated rubber boots. I wore the wrong gloves..fingers got fairly cold. Won't make that mistake this coming weekend.

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

Man, if its less than 20 i waer layers,a face mask, gloves, arctic military mits,and micky mouse boots.I keep my snacks in my front pants pocket so they dont freeze.

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

For really cold weather, or possibly in response to your particular situation, may I suggest the Cabelas MT050 one piece insulated coverall. The heat retention properties of this particular outfit are outstanding. I plan on packing it in along with my boot blankets for a long sit this Saturday. Temps are only supposed to reach the mid 30's with an overnight low around 20. I typically wear a thin pair of odor eliminating undies with either a turtlneck or sweatshirt and uninsulated pants on top for the walk in and then would put the one piece outfit on when I get on stand.

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

Layers topped off with a Cabelas thinsulate coveralls. Hunted all last weekend in 6 deg. mornings and evenings and was comfortable. Also a good full face mask.

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

I would like a nice pair of camo bibs, but for now I just use my carhartt bibsover the top of some underarmor and long underwear on the bottom with a pair of camo pants over the top of it.On the top I use underarmor and two different fleece layers and my jacket. Stocking hat and I use the mittens with the fold backthing with a camo skin under it. I will put a handwarmer in my jacket pocket as I only where the mitten on one hand. The little handwarmers can be useful when put near your core, but can make it to warm as well. I wont use them in my feet because they sweat and get cold.

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

Looks like you've gotten enough recommendations on clothes, so here I go...

After you've figured out what to wear, which is always a compromise between movement/heat factor, bring along some empty carbs. I like M&M's. They don't stink too bad with the candy coating and they taste great. Eating a few handfuls is like throwing a log on the fire. Next, if I'm still cold, I put my poncho over my clothes, and it works pretty well too. Or just be tough!

just kidding!

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

I dont see how you all bow hunt with so many layers, the most I can hunt with is about 3: my thermals for first layer, sweat pants and fleece top for second, and ny cabelas late season coveralls. When it gets in the low twenties or less I have actually carried out my mr buddie propane heater and it worked wonders, although the heat rises straight up from it without the fan so you gotta huttle over it.

I just dont have accuracy for crap with piles of clothes on, niether do I have any accuracy when shivering cold. I dont know how they do it further north! More power to you up in canada lol! Originally from Upstate NY myself were I often carried the riffle trudging thorugh a couple feet of snow and wearing snowshoes or skis, but never bowhunted up there past october.

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

Goretex??

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

I've come to the conclusion that a good set of coveralls is what I'm looking for. Probably go with Cabelas or Gray Wolf.....

I shoot a recurve, so too many layers really screws with my flexability. Thanks for all the help.

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

I hope it's cold. I bought down coveralls. They are light, flexible, and WARM! When its cold they are the best! BUT - They are no good at all if it isn't cold enough or if you have to exert yourself. It's all or nothing.

So I sold them an got a light and heavy jacket. Then I got a long sleeve warm shirt and long undies, and overpants with zippers on the leg. I can take them off if . . . . Oh wait, that's layering. Sorry.

A warm hat and an extra warm hat and aneck warmer makethe best easy thermostat control you can take.

Good post. I got some good advice.

RE: Staying warm on the stand, what are you wearing?
 

I have been cold for the last 10 years, but toughed it out.
Not this year, here is what I did that works:

I dont put My knit hat or cover alls on till I am rady to climb my stand.

I bought a kids camo sleeping dag ($14 at Dicks), The sleeping bag packs neatly onto the base of My climber, after I am up and cooled down for a few minutes, I unroll the bag, step in and pull it up to My chest, then sit.

It was 18 deg Sat morning and I was VERY comfy, PS I dropped a "Hot hands" pack into the bottom of the sleeping bag.

Try it, it's only $14 bucks.

Slack