How do you stay warm in a tree stand?

[Jonathan_S]

Why not just use a heater?

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Quiet-Blind-Heater-Cooker-by-Mr-Heater/746156.uts

As far as we know the OP has no intent to hunt from a ground blind...he has yet to comment on the suggestion.  I think packing around a propane heater in 40 degree weather is an unnecessary burden.  It's only his hands that get cold so I imagine it would be more of an inconvenience to bring a heater

[pd]

To the OP: I also have Reynaud's. It is a pain!!  See my previous comment about coffee (caffeine).  I paid the doctor bill, you get the free advice.

[7.62Warbird]

Always keep a little flask of Pendleton antifreeze in my pocket.

[turkeyfeather]

I bring Mrs. turkeyfeather with me. 

[fishnfur]

Hey all,
  It turned out to be a pretty fun thread.  Lot's of good searchable information for future cold-challenged folks who are looking for solutions to being uncomfortable  in temperate environs. 

I'm in the process of checking out the links that people posted or PM'd me.  I did order a ground blind about a week ago, not only for the cold issue, but the sitting still for hours on end issue.  It was on my doorstep today when I returned from a weekend away.  thinking of trying it on the opening of archery since the places I was considering hunting are closed.  I have to go to plan D for a hunt, and a ground blind might be perfect for a morning hunt on a hot day.

Pd - come on!  Gotta have java in the morning.  I'm pretty sure by the time I get into a stand, the vasoconstriction effect is wearing off.   Generally, I'd just take water with me on a hunt.  Come late October, chicken noodle soup in a thermos sounds like a pretty nice treat.  I think I will give that one a try

Thank you all for your suggestions!

[splitshot]

   build a fire.   mike w

[JJB11B]

Copious amounts of Hot coffee and a hospital urinal lol!

[2labs]

Wazzu tailgate chili and stinker bombs.

[USMC86]

Grew up hunting white tails back east, still hunt them from time to time.  May sound crazy, but we get a big old can of Sterno from camping stores and fire it up.  Got to be in a ventilated area but 10 minutes of that between your feet every couple hours is awesome. 

[Neal]

Just set the tree on fire!

[Eric M]

the last time I used a stand fighting the ants kept me warm for awhile. When it cooled off I used those big hand warmers that are like 10"x10"

[huntingbaldguy]

They have those hand warmers like what football players wear on their waist, i was thinking to grab one of those for the october hunts if my tag lasts that long.  Aside from that i wear merino base layer because it will wick sweat away and dry once you're in the tree stand (if you have a hike in), and also i wear a good thick pear of sweats then my pants.  Same with top, merino base, maybe a thick hoodie, then camo jacket.  Beanie is standard issue as well, and i started using my snow boots for sitting on stand/blind with merino socks underneath.

[skeeter 20i]

Keep the back and kidneys warm and you'll be just fine.

[PolarBear]

Fleece jammies worn against the skin and underneath layers of hunting clothing!   Wool socks, fleece gloves and a fleece face mask.  I am extremely cold tollerant (wear t shirts until it hits below 35 degrees) but even when hunting in -12 a few years ago in the 101, I stayed toasty warm sitting in a tree with fleece and wool.  As said many times before, the key is not getting wet or sweating!  You also have to avoiding layering up so much that you can't move to make "the" shot.