What are some good layering tips to stay warm, I'm trying to stay within budget but stay warm on stand when the temp drops, any advice or product tips?
I have never had any luck getting enough layers...my solution is a propane heater in an elevated enclosed stand, lol.
I use to layer with sweat suits, but know I realize under armor type material against you skin works the best. For my outer layer I like something that blocks wind. I also thank you grow a tolerance for being cold where it just doesn't bother you as much anymore.
Very true. I also like something that is waterproof and wind resistant. This helps with melting snow on your clothes which soaks in and will make you very cold. 931 is right on with the UA. I have never been cold when wearing UA baselayers.
I hate wearing UA directly on my skin; it makes me colder than warmer. I wear a long sleeved regular shirt underneath my UA long sleeve shirt and stay a lot warmer.
This is pretty good. I'd say a wicking first layer like UA. Then sweats. I've heard its works really well to puts a vest between layers.
Don't sweat going to your stand. That's the first key. I've worn just my base layers on a longer walk with a full pack, then put the rest of my layers on in the tree once I got set (be safe, stay fastened). The temps here in Indiana can get to 0, but rarely do. Typically we hunt just under 30, more like 15+. That said, I like the thick under armour base layer. Man that stuff keeps you warm when done right. Next I use like long underwear. Something thermal but not compression. Next I wear a pair of insulated pants, mine happen to be scentlok, but in the past i've used house brands. On top, I use my under armour 1/4 zip. That goes on all hunts with me. With that setup I'm good til 40ish. When it goes lower I have a house brand 3 in 1 jacket and insulated bibs I put on over top of everything I've already mentioned. Typically I only use the outer layer of the jacket unless it's really **** cold. For my feet, I have 800 grain insulate irish setter rubber boots. I love them! I will wear a pair of my old soccer socks (not 100% cotton ones, the good ones), and then a pair of wool socks when it gest real cold. My toes are warm the whole time. Also, I have an arm gaurd that I use to keep my jacket out of my string. That is hugely important. The worst is practicing in all that gear. All those, plus the cold, plus the sitting still for hours, plus the bow weight, plus the adrenaline vs. a kill spot 40 yards away is tough and takes perfect practice.
no cotton clothing. wicking layer against yur skin. you don't need "hunting" clothing for your baselayers. Any 'technical' type of fabric works.
Completely agree with Indynotch50. Whether it is UnderArmour or anything else, a wicking base layer is the most important, and then not getting hot on your way to the stand. Sweat turns cold quick, and clothes soaked in sweat stay cold for a long time!! Go in as light as you can, take breaks if you start getting warm. As far as money goes, hate to say it, layering costs money when done right. Good base layers (need at least two variants, warm and cold weather) aren't always cheap, second layer cotton to trap air (this will be your cheapest layer), third layer wool LJ's of some sort, fourth layer good hunting clothes. Or as some do, find your buck fast, pattern him fast, and get him killed before the weather gets cold and be done!! Good luck!!!
I typically always wear Under Armour under my hunting clothes. In the early fall I wear long sleeve button up camo shirt and pants. I also wear a camo beanie and then a camo bandana, robber style, around my mouth and nose. They are pretty thin and allow for air flow to prevent sweating. I don't like taking clothes with me other than the ones I plan on wearing so I am a little meticulous on what I put on and take with me to the stand. Throughout the season, each time the temperature drops 10 degrees, I add another layer. To prevent from sweating I might not have it all on right away, but I only take the extra clothes I know I will end up wearing. For the middle of the season I add long johns over the Under Armour and might up my clothes to the insulated pants and zip up jacket and then replace the bandana with a neck gaitor for neck, mouth, and nose. Once snow is hitting and it's consistently under 30 degrees I put on the hunting overalls. If I had to give 3 tips of advice: 1. Don't let yourself sweat walking to the stand (either go slow or add layers once in stand) 2. Keep hands, feet, and neck/head warm (don't let wind and weather get to your neck and down your spine) 3. Under Armour
...first thing that came to mind "from the first layer on out" I also used to layer with whatever cheap stuff I had, and it does work...just not as good. Slowly as money has allowed I've started gathering better and better cold gear items. I by no means am an expert on it or have everything some have, but my days on stand seem to get better with each high quality item I get....I always wish at some point in the season I'd spent the money I did on cameras on another piece or two of clothing :D
UA Base layers, usually some sort of sweat pants and then my hunting gear will do the trick! Key for me is, which I an not always good at - stay relaxed and take my time! I tend to get in a hurry in the morning and if you get in a hury with all those layers on you end up sweating too much and I get cold much quicker!
Avoid cotton clothing, it drys slowly and when your wet your cold. Wear a wicking material closest to your skin and make sure your layers are loose fitting, the air between layers is an inulator just the same as the layers. And if your clothes are too tight once they are layered you lose mobility and circulation.
1. A synthetic base layer next to skin for best wicking properties. 2. A natural mid layer (merino wool) for max warmth with good wicking properties. 3. A fleece vest - adds core warmth without decreasing dexterity that is critical for bow hunting. 4. Outer Layer - Wind and water resistant that is cut for bow hunting.
Excellent advice as are some of the others. It's tough not to work up a sweat on the way to the stand in early season but it is well worth it to go in a little early and take your time. I have found some "no name" base layers that work great and don't cost nearly as much as UA gear does. I have trouble paying that much for underwear. It and others like it are synthetic and all work about the same to me. My season goes from 9/1 through 1/15 so I encounter lots of different weather conditions. Heckler's list is great, especially with the fleece vest. It will keep you warm and you will have mobility.
going to have to try this UA...am always cold. I usually do long johns, then long sleeve/sweats, then insulated bibs & hoodie, then scentlok. Gloves, neck warmer, hat as well.
I will buy UA however I have found the same that other no name brands work just as well and sometimes a fraction of the cost. Look at the tag. The materials will often be identical!
I usually walk in in just pants and a short sleeve shirt. Get dressed before getting right to my stand. Usually wear under armor over a t shirt, a Wally World cheapo flannel shirt and camo pull over. Most importantly, if my head and my feet stay warm I can sit all day.
Don't work up a sweat on the way in. When you get cold feet U gotta stand to keep the blood flowing to those toes or your hunt will get real bad real quick.
