The cold days of the late deer season are creeping closer, and many hunters are beginning to look for ways to knock off the chill while spending long hours in the deer woods. To help make the job easier, we’ve put together a list of 10 ways to stay warm during your late-season hunts.
1. Heater in the Blind
To some, hauling a heater to the blind is a sign of weakness. However, the older I get, the more I think it’s a sign of wisdom. Stay warm, and you’ll stay in the hunt. The heater obviously works best when in the confines of an enclosed blind or shooting house.
Depending on the heater used, proper ventilation may be a concern. However, when done right, this is the quick and easy way to stay warm and toasty regardless of the temperature.
2. Dress in Layers
The wise advice to dress in layers has been around longer than most of us have been alive, but surprisingly, many hunters still fail to heed the advice. The truth is, layers make a difference. You can add on, and you can take off. It’s the perfect temperature regulation method. Multiple layers always outperform one big bulky piece of apparel.
3. Buy Better Cold-Weather Clothing
Buying better quality cold-weather apparel will go a long way to keeping you protected from the elements. You get what you pay for here. Don’t skimp on the good stuff. It does make a difference.
Scentlok’s BE:1 Divergent gear is a great combination of warmth and scent containment. It’s designed with options to keep you warm and comfortable throughout the hunting season.
4. Extra Socks to Swap Out
Depending on how far of a walk you have on the hike in to your treestand, you may develop sweaty feet. And sweaty feet leads to cold feet. Carry an extra pair of moisture-wicking socks with you to swap out once you arrive at your stand or blind to ensure you’ll have dry and warm feet for your sit.
5. Boot Covers
Another means of keeping your feet dry during the cold is to wear boot covers. These are applied once arriving at the treestand or blind and can be a really nice addition when it comes to keeping your feet warm. They are the bulkier option for warmth, but certainly have their place.
6. Heated Clothing
Better clothing manufacturers are now offering some great heated clothing options for keeping you warm. Whether it’s gloves, vest, jackets, or pants, heated options allow you to change the game when the temperatures drop low.
Like the muff mentioned further down the list, heated garments are typically powered by a USB external battery, or a small onboard battery tucked away nice and discreet.
7. Body Warmers
You’ve likely used Hot Hands hand warmers for years, but have you ever considered using similar products for warming other parts of your body? Larger, stick-on warmers can be applied to your clothing to warm your back, neck, kidneys, etc. Warm your core with these warmers, and you’ll see a dramatic change in your ability to stay warm.
8. Hand Muff with Warmers
Some hunters may scoff at the idea of a hand muff, but the truth is they can be worth their weight in gold when it comes to keeping your hands warm and ready for the action. Better yet, pair the muff with hand warmers and life will be even better as you wait out your deer.
Disposable hand warmers work great here, but you can also go with the heated muff option from Hunter Safety System. This muff keeps you plenty warm with the help of a USB power supply tucked away. It’s a great way to keep your hands warm throughout the hunt.
9. Head/ Face Cover
You’ve likely heard it said before, most of your body’s heat escapes through your head and hands. And while we’re quick to slap on a pair of gloves, rarely do we consider quality gear for our head and face.
Consider a beanie, hood, and comfortable, insulated face mask to keep you warm. A mask can be frustrating if you don’t have a proper fit, but when you find what works, you’ll stay warm and toasty.
10. Hot Drinks & Food
Hot drinks and food will go a long way towards keeping you fueled and ready for the game. Groceries are a nice physical, and mental, break to help you make it through a cold-weather sit. Coffee or hot chocolate in the YETI Bottle, and a sandwich or two are the perfect combination to keep tucked down in your pack. Don’t leave home without these when the temperatures drop.
Don’t let the cold weather cause you to throw in the towel in the late season. Add a few of the items mentioned above to your bag of tricks, and you’ll be much more likely to ride out the long, cold days on stand.
What about you? How do you stay warm when the temperatures drop? Comment below, and let us know.
