Post by: fishnfur on August 19, 2015, 12:05:31 PM
I've always been sensitive to cold if I'm sitting still, whether it's fishing, hunting, or at a sports event someplace. I always think that I will be good for four or five hours sitting still in 40 - 50 degree weather, but invariably, my fingers end up numb by the end of the first hour or so and by the end of two hours, I've often had enough sitting still. I gotta get up and move. It's obviously much worse if it is raining (which may not be a problem this year the way things are going) or freezing out.
I've tried thermals under several layers of wool, with an outer "rainproof" shell. Leaks down the neck, arms, and wicking up pant legs often makes me wet enough to feel as though I'm out there with no protection at all.
This year, I'm planning on gearing up a bit more, so I'm curious what works for you, or what you recommend that will keep me in the stand longer.
Thanks!
Post by: h20hunter on August 19, 2015, 12:07:05 PM
Post by: quadrafire on August 19, 2015, 12:07:14 PM
Post by: Gobble on August 19, 2015, 12:07:41 PM
Post by: quadrafire on August 19, 2015, 12:09:08 PM
i'll keep some hotties on the backs of or in the palm of my hand inside gloves/mittens, and place one on top of my toes. That will generally keep me pretty cozy. And always wear a stocking cap.I didn't mean Hotties like local college coeds, but that would be another option :chuckle:
Post by: Fl0und3rz on August 19, 2015, 12:19:00 PM
Post by: hollymaster on August 19, 2015, 12:29:45 PM
Snuggie :chuckle:
Don't they make one in camo? :chuckle:
Post by: 92xj on August 19, 2015, 12:33:43 PM
When feet get cold, tape hot hands on outside of boot on toe area then put on artic boot covers over your hunting boots. Foot, sock, hunting boot, hot hand, boot cover.
Pull pant legs up so they are not tight against your thigh when sitting, need an air gap between thigh and pant while sitting. Sometimes hot hands safety pinned on base layer on thighs. But mainly no tight outer clothing, need air pockets.
Those make me very comfortable in sub zero weather.
Post by: ctwiggs1 on August 19, 2015, 12:38:32 PM
Post by: Sumpnneedskillin on August 19, 2015, 12:43:32 PM
Safety pin hot hands on outside of base layer over kidneys.They make peel and stick hot hands
Number one is don't get hot and sweaty climping in or hiking in to your spot. Other than that....DO adjust your clothing and maybe pack along an extra layer to change into just before getting on stand...DON'T jump up and down while in the stand.
I would wear my base layer and have my top layers in my pack. I'd get to my stand early enough that I could hang out for 10-15 min in the dark, get dressed, climb up, get strapped in and still have over a 1/2 hr to first light to let thing settle down.
I used to wear 1000g boots. They also make insulated overshoes but I didn't have much luck with those. I also used one of those tube hand warmers. Worked great for cold days but not so great on wet days. To keep the rain off my neck I either wore the hood or a big brimmed boonie.
I'd also had a small 2 cup thermos with hot apple cider or tea that if I got really cold I'd have a small cup to warm up.
Post by: 92xj on August 19, 2015, 12:46:51 PM
Safety pin hot hands on outside of base layer over kidneys.They make peel and stick hot hands
And they suck. Safety pins don't fail. The sticky ones stay put for about 2 seconds.
Post by: fishnfur on August 19, 2015, 02:39:58 PM
I've used hot hands for years that I bought on discount on ebay. Sometimes they work fine, sometimes they peeter out after a couple hours, or never get above about 80 degrees. It was never a huge issue if they didn't work so well when I was playing golf. Not the case when your out in the woods. Perhaps this year I'll splurge on a better product.
My other issue with hot hands type warmers is that I always suspected that the deer might be able to smell them. I cannot pick up any scent off them, but my sniffer aint the best. I'm not sure what the chemical reaction is that creates the exothermic heat so I have no idea if there is a smell related to it. Has anybody ever research this?
Also, do you recommend a polypropylene base layer to wick away moisture? The wicking action seems fine for when you're generating heat during exercise, but in my feeble mind, it may contribute to heat loss when sitting still - much like wet cotton does. Thoughts?
Post by: CoryTDF on August 19, 2015, 02:45:42 PM
Post by: Dhoey07 on August 19, 2015, 02:46:06 PM
Post by: vandeman17 on August 19, 2015, 02:54:53 PM
Post by: Jonathan_S on August 19, 2015, 03:01:42 PM
For down to freezing temps, I go in light and put on poofy stuff when I get up in the stand.
When I hunt a treestand, I like to hunt at least half of the day if not the whole day so even in warm (50-60 degrees) weather, it's amazing how a lack of activity will sap your core temperatures. Also the increased wind of being in a tree doesn't help.
Post by: Elkrunner on August 19, 2015, 03:17:14 PM
Ben - I'll be checking to see if you have safety pins hanging from all your gear now!
Post by: ctwiggs1 on August 19, 2015, 03:21:06 PM
Grow a beard:chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: 92xj on August 19, 2015, 03:59:23 PM
I think everyone should just man up!...LOL All kidding aside, I just do layers. I bring some hand warmers.
Ben - I'll be checking to see if you have safety pins hanging from all your gear now!
Won't find them for Elk. You coming with me to Idaho the week before thanksgiving? Might have some use there.
Post by: pope on August 19, 2015, 04:29:56 PM
My background in mountain climbing has taught me how to be cold, and how to tell the difference between discomfort and danger. If you've been shivering, and then you stop shivering and become lethargic, you're in trouble. Climbing out of your stand could turn into a survival situation. Even with the best gear, sitting still in steady rain with temps between 36 and 45 degrees becomes dangerous quickly.
Post by: JJB11B on August 19, 2015, 04:40:44 PM
Post by: Pete112288 on August 19, 2015, 04:43:45 PM
First of all, like most have said, don't hike in in full gear.
I go about half way layered for the set up when in the duck blind.
Then I go full coverage.
I have boot foot waders with 1000g insulation in the boots.
I have silky base layer long sleeve top and bottom. One long pair of highly rated wool synthetic blend socks under the first base layer, these socks go to my knees. Then a second pair of 100% wool socks. Another layer of thicker thermals over everything. Another pair of little bit bigger thermal pants and a long sleeve flannel shirt. A pair of good sweatpants. Then a slightly larger pair of some warm socks (3rd pair of socks). Then a good sweatshirt. On top of that is a good waterfowl jacket a 3 in 1 style with a waterproof outer shell. The jacket goes on after the chest waders. Then a fleece beanie and a slightly oversized waterproof brimmed hat. Then a good pair of gloves with a backup pair in a ziplock in my pack.
This has kept me warm and dry in some nasty stuff sitting all day. It sounds like I would be puffed up like the Michilen man but its really not as constricting as it sounds. For not having waders on what I would do is have good waterproof bibs in place of them. I like wearing the rubbery type, they are loud and hard to find in camo but they keep all the water out. What I do to camo it up and cut the noise of them is wear a pair of cheap camo cargo pants OVER the bibs. The pants get wet but everything else stays dry.
Post by: JJB11B on August 19, 2015, 04:47:24 PM
Most things have been said but this is what I have done in the past for sitting in the duck blind.Your thermals are desert tan aren't they? :chuckle:
First of all, like most have said, don't hike in in full gear.
I go about half way layered for the set up when in the duck blind.
Then I go full coverage.
I have boot foot waders with 1000g insulation in the boots.
I have silky base layer long sleeve top and bottom. One long pair of highly rated wool synthetic blend socks under the first base layer, these socks go to my knees. Then a second pair of 100% wool socks. Another layer of thicker thermals over everything. Another pair of little bit bigger thermal pants and a long sleeve flannel shirt. A pair of good sweatpants. Then a slightly larger pair of some warm socks (3rd pair of socks). Then a good sweatshirt. On top of that is a good waterfowl jacket a 3 in 1 style with a waterproof outer shell. The jacket goes on after the chest waders. Then a fleece beanie and a slightly oversized waterproof brimmed hat. Then a good pair of gloves with a backup pair in a ziplock in my pack.
This has kept me warm and dry in some nasty stuff sitting all day. It sounds like I would be puffed up like the Michilen man but its really not as constricting as it sounds. For not having waders on what I would do is have good waterproof bibs in place of them. I like wearing the rubbery type, they are loud and hard to find in camo but they keep all the water out. What I do to camo it up and cut the noise of them is wear a pair of cheap camo cargo pants OVER the bibs. The pants get wet but everything else stays dry.
Post by: Pete112288 on August 19, 2015, 05:06:03 PM
Most things have been said but this is what I have done in the past for sitting in the duck blind.Your thermals are desert tan aren't they? :chuckle:
First of all, like most have said, don't hike in in full gear.
I go about half way layered for the set up when in the duck blind.
Then I go full coverage.
I have boot foot waders with 1000g insulation in the boots.
I have silky base layer long sleeve top and bottom. One long pair of highly rated wool synthetic blend socks under the first base layer, these socks go to my knees. Then a second pair of 100% wool socks. Another layer of thicker thermals over everything. Another pair of little bit bigger thermal pants and a long sleeve flannel shirt. A pair of good sweatpants. Then a slightly larger pair of some warm socks (3rd pair of socks). Then a good sweatshirt. On top of that is a good waterfowl jacket a 3 in 1 style with a waterproof outer shell. The jacket goes on after the chest waders. Then a fleece beanie and a slightly oversized waterproof brimmed hat. Then a good pair of gloves with a backup pair in a ziplock in my pack.
This has kept me warm and dry in some nasty stuff sitting all day. It sounds like I would be puffed up like the Michilen man but its really not as constricting as it sounds. For not having waders on what I would do is have good waterproof bibs in place of them. I like wearing the rubbery type, they are loud and hard to find in camo but they keep all the water out. What I do to camo it up and cut the noise of them is wear a pair of cheap camo cargo pants OVER the bibs. The pants get wet but everything else stays dry.
Haha, maybe, waffles and silkys.
Post by: kentrek on August 19, 2015, 05:20:03 PM
Post by: Mark251 on August 19, 2015, 05:40:03 PM
Post by: blindluck on August 19, 2015, 05:49:36 PM
Post by: fishnfur on August 19, 2015, 10:25:28 PM
I've been looking at base layers rated for sub-freezing temps, which would be fine I think, but I'm guessing they require minimal exertion without stripping off a few layers and/or putting them on once at the stand. There are so many brands that it is difficult to decide on a single product.
Thanks again for your ideas!
Post by: huntnnw on August 19, 2015, 10:43:34 PM
Lots of layers and hand warmers help a ton...good boots and warm feet is where it starts..I have cabelas stand boots with 2,000gm thinsulate and a whole size larger than normal for extra socks you never want restrictions on your feet when cold or they will freeze..I even unlace my boots in super cold weather. I wear a merino beanie, with a good cotton one on top and a fleece face mask over that. I wear under armour cold gear as the first layer, 240gm merino top and bottom than for pants I wear predator camo heavy fleece and jacket with up to 3 more layers under my jacket depending on how cold it is.
Post by: AKBowman on August 20, 2015, 12:21:31 AM
Other things I do is hunt in insulated extratuffs that are 2 sizes too big. Plenty of room for extra socks and I also use the hand warmers and make a "toe sandwich" which works really well. For me my feet and head are key, if either gets too cold im in trouble. I have a face mask and balaclava for my head as well as a fleece neck gator. In WI last yr it was brutally cold and I was putting the hand warmers between my neck gator and balaclava.
Basically, whatever it takes to tough it out!!
Post by: AKBowman on August 20, 2015, 12:24:21 AM
I'll Never go back to pants!
Post by: RadSav on August 20, 2015, 12:43:10 AM
Keeping your feet warm in a stand calls for loose fitting boots. No need for mountain gear here. Packs or even a size large insulated standard boot works well. I wear 400 gram HanWags down to about zero with little issue. But they have to be loose or you will be miserable. Way to many hunters put on so many socks or such thick socks that the boots are too tight. Better to have thin wool socks and loose boots than two pair of thick wool socks and tight fit.
Sitka's Incinerator Bib and Jacket is crazy good stuff. They say it is like walking in a warm sleeping bag. That's probably a good description as I probably slept way too much in my stand in WI :o I was roasty toasty at 8 degrees! When it warmed up to 20 I swapped the Incinerator for a 20 year old Cabela's Grand Slam Oompa Loompa suit.
Another trick is to have a lot of small snacks. Eating and chewing really help keep the mind busy and the torso warm.
Post by: blindluck on August 20, 2015, 09:38:14 AM
I'll check out the heater body suite.Being a bow hunter you cant layer up too much and shoot without interference of the bulky clothing, I hike in a poly shirt in 5 or 10 deg weather till I get to my hunting spot then put on a couple mid weight layers and crawl into my suit. it has literally taken 20 years for me to figure this out.
I've been looking at base layers rated for sub-freezing temps, which would be fine I think, but I'm guessing they require minimal exertion without stripping off a few layers and/or putting them on once at the stand. There are so many brands that it is difficult to decide on a single product.
Thanks again for your ideas!
Post by: Gringo31 on August 20, 2015, 09:49:49 AM
Post by: Jonathan_S on August 20, 2015, 09:51:59 AM
Jumping jacks.
:lol4: good one
Post by: pd on August 20, 2015, 09:54:42 AM
Post by: ctwiggs1 on August 20, 2015, 10:10:14 AM
Surprisingly, avoid coffee (don't bring a Thermos with black tea or coffee or other highly caffeinated drinks). My doctor told me that last year--caffeine restricts the flow of blood in the small vessels, especially in the extremities (fingers and toes). To avoid getting cold, he told me not to drink coffee at all from the morning onwards.
Yeah.... I still drink coffee
Hot chocolate would be fine if you're worried about it.
Curtis
Post by: BULLBLASTER on August 20, 2015, 11:11:32 AM
Post by: vandeman17 on August 20, 2015, 02:04:25 PM
Post by: fishnfur on August 20, 2015, 11:06:52 PM
One of my biggest mistakes in the past is buying gear that fits right when you try it on in the store, but without several layers underneath. Especially so with boots. My current Under Armor boots feel great with a single pair of socks, but that doesn't cut it sitting still for hours on end. I've got to plan for some dead space in between layers and room for hotties here and there.
I know I sound like a weenie being cold in such temperate conditions, but I've got a condition I'm sure you've all seen somewhere in your lives. It's called Ranaud's Syndrome (or disease- though it's not actually a disease). The major sign of this phenomenon is generally fingers that are hypersensitive to cold. It is caused by an extreme overreaction of peripheral blood vessels in response to relatively minimal cold exposure. It mostly causes vasoconstriction in the fingers, which results in an almost complete loss of blood flow to the digits - and they get numb, turn white, and look very dead. (See photo). I find that if I don't keep my core temp. elevated, I'm more susceptible to this, although sitting still with a warm core in wet in mild temperatures will eventually shut my fingers down. Even Hot Hands in gloves just slows the onset if I'm sitting still.
I'm sure it could be a dangerous condition in long exposure to sub-freezing temperature, but it is not too hard to overcome. Running fingers under hot water results in quick recovery - which is obviously not going to work in a tree stand. Warming fingers under testicles works pretty well too, but will get you some strange looks in public. That's my best move when I'm fishing, and it gives the other guys out fishing something to laugh about. Vigorous exercise gets the blood flowing again too, but is obviously no good for a tree stand. Isometrics have no effect at all.
If left untreated for any length of time, the cold just creeps deeper into my body until I can't take any morel and the brain say's its time to climb down and go for a walk.
I know I can outsmart the condition, the question is how much money I need to blow before I figure out how to do it. It may just have to involve a mix of still hunting and stand hunting. Notching a tag in September would be the quickest fix of all.
Thanks again for your help. I appreciate the time you spent explaining your methods.
Post by: RadSav on August 21, 2015, 12:08:53 AM
These are used quite often in the Midwest by women. I know only a couple men that use them, but they are old enough that wiener measuring while in a tree isn't that important. If I sat in a tree more than a few Novembers a decade I'd surely spend the money to get one. First trip I ever took and saw someone using it sticks out in my mind. All the guys got to the lodge early, huddled up by the fire complaining about the horrible cold. Last person to the lodge was the only lady in the group. She got off the snow machine all happy, cheery and having a good time - she was the only one with a body suit. After she shot her deer I heard one of the older gentlemen offer her $500 for it :o
Post by: Jonathan_S on August 21, 2015, 08:20:45 AM
You should buy one of those extra thick fleece handwarming pouches (looks like a fanny pack) When I was hunting in negative temps, I filled it with a couple handwarmers and it stayed HOT in there. It works.
Post by: h20hunter on August 21, 2015, 08:42:54 AM
Post by: Fishhuntmike on August 21, 2015, 08:48:58 AM
Post by: CP on August 21, 2015, 08:52:53 AM
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Quiet-Blind-Heater-Cooker-by-Mr-Heater/746156.uts
Post by: Jonathan_S on August 21, 2015, 09:42:11 AM
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 :twocents:
Post by: pd on August 21, 2015, 10:43:06 AM
Post by: 7.62Warbird on August 23, 2015, 01:42:18 PM
Post by: turkeyfeather on August 23, 2015, 01:43:34 PM
Post by: fishnfur on August 23, 2015, 08:26:54 PM
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!
Post by: splitshot on August 25, 2015, 07:09:23 AM
Post by: JJB11B on September 16, 2015, 03:55:04 PM
Post by: 2labs on September 16, 2015, 04:08:54 PM
Post by: USMC86 on September 16, 2015, 09:21:50 PM
Post by: Neal on September 16, 2015, 10:21:19 PM
Post by: Eric M on September 16, 2015, 10:27:12 PM
Post by: huntingbaldguy on September 17, 2015, 12:41:44 AM
Post by: skeeter 20i on September 17, 2015, 08:51:30 AM
Post by: PolarBear on September 17, 2015, 09:09:08 AM