How do you guys stay warm?
 

Pretty simple question. I had about 4 layers on this morning and i still froze,and it wasent even that cold out. Im gonna get some hand warmers and try that, but i wanna hear how you guys stay warm. Thoughts?

Layer correctly.

One tip I find helpful:

If you have handwarmers, bring them. I use one of those things u strap around your waist where you can put your hands in to keep them warm with handwarmers. I usually throw about 5 or 6 of them in there if its pretty cold. Then, when your gettin the shivers, put some of the extra warmers where your body heat escapes. One good place to put a warmer is on the back of your neck or upper back. Also, when you walk to your stand and you sweat, don't wear all your clothing to the stand. Backpack it out or tie some of your upperwear around your waist. If you sweat, your screwed.

I've always had success in layers..but i wear cold gear underarmour and it really seems to help...but the main thing in my opinion is layers..that is all i can really say

Wear as little as possible until you are in the stand! Do not sweat!

my buddy recently used the down goose layers that cabelas offers for sale. check those out. a lot of ppl swear by them

Don't sweat any more than you can possibly help it (add layers after you're at your stand and cooled down).

Use the right layers: wicking materials (e.g. wool, polypro, underarmor, etc.) never cotton. Don't even think about using cotton. This is particularly true of your feet. (Unscented antiperspirant on the feet can help with sweaty, then cold, feet.)

Make sure the layers aren't too tight. Restricted blood flow makes you colder.

Handwarmers are good. Let them get out in the air for a while before you use them. (I like to get mine out 30-60 minutes before I'll be sitting in my stand.)

Sticky-body-warmers: like handwarmers but larger and have an adhesive back. Stick 'em on your kidneys, with one layer between you and them. Keep your core/trunk area warm and you'll do better on the legs and arms.

Hat. Hat. Hat.

Move a little. Obviously, hunting, you have to be still. But wiggling toes inside boots and/or flexing muscles all helps to keep blood moving.

And an outer layer that stops the wind but is still breathable to let moisture out is helpful too--when the wind cuts through your layers, you get cold fast. Keep the wind out.

Long johns, fleece underjacket, big puffy overjacket. Outdoor Research neck gaiter (never go without it :) ) Stocking hat--you can even wear a thin one under a bigger one. Fleece pants over the long johns will help a lot, and of course, overalls. Liner socks with thick wool socks, and good boots.
You might look like a big ole puffy santa claus when you're done, but at least you're warm :D

Damn, it's still in the 90's here in Florida. I'd rather be cold while hunting than covered in sweat and mosquitos.

Hey Wayne,
I finally figured this out last year and didn't suffer as in previous years. True, the layering is really important and nothing is better than good headgear. You guys might think this is a bit extreme, but after I get to my stand (usually a mile-plus walk) I put on a new base layer wicking shirt under everything, and put the other base layer in my pack, since there is moisture in it. I also remove the pair of socks I wore in and then put on a fresh combination of wool and cotton socks over the 1200gram insulated boots. That gives me some time to cool down from the hike and removes most all of the moisture from my clothes. When temps are in the teens and 20's I bring the hand muff thingy and pack a few handwarmers. I think this year for those real cold days I'll try some of those back warmer pads since my kidney area seems to be the problem area. It's great when you can get out and not have to worry about shaking uncontrollably from the cold. The buck fever is bad enough.

like Bear Grylls... I get naked and do jumping jacks...lol...actually I just layer up and stand up every once in a while, move the extremities to keep the blood flowing works too

Heater Body Suit

Also...
 

Layers, handwarmers, but in a bow stand it is tough to layer too thick. I like the handwarmers and the stick on kind as well. I also find that if I have something that will keep my attention during dead times it helps me as well. Meaning I don't get frustrated by the cold. Whatever it maybe, mag, hand game, whatever. Also eating works for me, but eating works for me any ole time. Layers, polartec, handwarmers the stick on type not as bulky good gloves and hat, and absolutely understand your walk in.

This is my setup and although I get chilly I don't get cold. I also stand the entire time I'm on stand, not sure if that helps or not. I change my clothes when I get to my hunting spot before I walk in. I first put on UnderArmour Cold Gear socks. I do this so when I put on my Cold gear tops and bottoms, the bottoms will go over the socks. After the Coldgear I have a Fleece long sleeve top and fleece pants. Over this I wear my Scenblocker/Waterproof Bibs and Coat. I have UnderArmour gloves that work better than any thick hunting gloves. I usehandwarmers and put in each pocket and put one in my pocket on my bibs that is over my chest. Most heat escapes from your head so wear a nice fleece hat. Also, try to walk to your stand slowly and/or remove your coat and get there. Try to avoid sweating to reduce scent and being cold.

WOOL on top layer. it works and i have hunted in 20 below weather.

I just use an old Jedi mind trick.......lol.

Seriously, most of the advice you've gotten so far has been good. I try to pack in most of my outerwear and wait until I'm set up and cooled down before I start adding layers. I usually don't have much of a problem with my upper body getting too cold. It might be the extra 20 pounds I'm packing around! One thing that I do alot is scrunch my toes alot in my boots. It helps to keep my blood flowing down there and I like to think the friction creates some heat as well..or it could just be my jedi mind skills.


GH

Stand up!!!!

Stand up everynow and then. It gets the blood flowing back to you extremeties.

Wiggle your toes, and move your fingers constantly.

Make sure you boots aren't too tight. If they're too tight, you will get reduced to no blood flow to your feet and toes. Then your really screwed.

I agree layers starting with long johns. Hard to keep perfectly still on stand when its cold. I stand occasionally moving my legs and feet then the hands. Don't know about everyone else but if my feet get cold its over. I pay special att. To layers on the feet.

Thanks everyone! I didn't change into my hunting clothes last night till i got to my stand and i stayed much warmer. I appriciate all the tips guys!

Keep in mind that up in a tree stand it seems like the air temp is 10 degrees colder than when on the ground and dress appropriately. Like other posters have said, try not to sweat before you get in your stand. I get cold easy, and once the temp goes below 32 degrees I wear a set of heavy bibs - they do not get in the way of shooting and really help keep my body warm. Also I wear 2 warm hats, one the balaclava, and then a winter hat on top of that. Preferably polar fleece. (both) My left hand I wear a mitten, the right hand a shooter glove and keep in my pocket. And of course long underwear. Although truthfully I'm not a believe in layers - doesn't seem to work for me shrug. I wear long underwear even when temp in the 40's - helps me keep less bulky stuff on. Hand warmers help, especially down in your boots right next to your toes inside your socks. You may have to air them once once during the day to get them going again. Also bring a thermos of something hot, and food to eat so you have fuel for the furnace. Just some ideas that I use - when it is super cold, the deer have to keep moving and eating, can be good hunting! Also keeps the wimps home haha.

Lastly, make sure you practice shooting with all of this crap on! Just to see what might get in the way. If I forget to button the top button of my coat, it will hit my string...

Try to keep your liver warm and caraded (sp) artery warm. If your pumping warm blood then the result is ovbious. Like in the summer take a frozen bottle of water and stick it on your jugular and you'll feel it when you get it cool enough it helps a lot. I can really tell if I'm wearing my neck gater or not on those cold days. And remember. Its like adding logs to a fire when you eat stuff. You have stuff to burn so. Take something to munch on. (Not celery or anything green)

Ryan.

These are all great ideas....for me:

-always keep you hands, face, head, neck warm. A super thin camo face mask($4.96 Walmart), one of your layers should be a turtleneck(keep elemnts off neck), I never wear gloves......a hand warmer in each jacket pocket(just the little 2 pack for .79, last for 5-6 hours)......Do not sweat at all going to your stand. Make sure your boots are not tight....tight equal frozen/cold feet.

Good Luck!

When its real cold I break out my Heater Body Suit! You will never be cold again!

Hatchet Jack

u need to wear tight underlayers that will stick close to you body, if you clothing is too loose youll lose all ur body heat real quick.......or u can always bring ur girlfriend to keep u warm ;-)

Layers, UA cold gear, cabelas polar weight MTP long johns the the mock not the crew top, cabelas outerwear the silent suede parka and pants, with a berber windsheer vest under it. camoskin 40gram gloves and full facemask, handwarmer muff with two handwarmers in it, UA fleece stocking cap or a thinsulate heavier one over the facemask, and for the fee liner sock, UA coldgear socks and the 1200 gram cabelas whitetail extreme boots. In the coldest iowa weather 0 degrees or below, I've never been cold, chilled yes, but not cold enough to leave the stand. key is to don't sweat going in no matter what, and move around every 30 min or so starting at the beginning of the set, don't wait until you feel cold to move, its too late then

Good advice from everyone. The only thing I could add is to know when you're wearing too much on the way into your stand...before you start to sweat. Basic rule I follow is that I should be a little chilly when I'm unloading everything at the truck prior to my walk in. If I'm warm while unloading, I know I'd be hot and sweaty after the walk in, so I take off some layers. Same thing on the walk in; if I find I'm warming up, I take something else off or loosen my jacket, take off my hat for a bit, etc. The key is to stay on the verge of being chilled (but not cold!) during the walk in, because there's no way you can get hot and sweaty that way.

The biggest mistake is that folks layer up before hiking into the stand....and therefore arrive hot and sweaty.

When you start your hike in you should have just enough on to prevent hypothermia, then by the time you reach your spot you should have warmed up. Then put your layers on and you'll be good to go.

Chemical Hand warmers are also great to have for the real cold days.

In the past some walks to my stand were over 500 -700 yards. I would walk slow enough to not cause alot of noise, but also if you find yourself breathing through your mouth slow it down or stop and slow your heart down to prevent sweating. Carry your extra winter gear and not wear it.

Get some good hunting boots, and gloves. Once your feet and hands go cold you will be miserable. A simple stocking hat can make there difference for you head as well. I prefer my fleece camo hoodie that keeps my neck, head and ears warm.

I am only 30yrs old and have noticed that the cold sets in so much easier on me now at temps in the high 30's than it did a few yrs ago in the 20's.