Proper head covering(s) are critical to keep hands and feet warm. Your body reduces blood flow to the extremities (hands and feet), to protect your vital organs, when your temp starts dropping. The very best way to reverse this natural reaction is to stop heat loss from your head and neck. Merino wool stocking cap, covered with insulated hood will do the trick!
@@dheller777 Average consumer looking for "Alpaca socks".......Anywhere?....Merino wool has been the standard for YEARS! not saying there's nothing better!
A couple of things i have figured out over the years. You must have a wind blocker in your outer layers. Good base layers are a must, dont go cheap on them, and keeping your head covered is very important. One other thing that has been a game changer for me is a neck gaiter, especially in very cold weather.
Yea...if you can block the wind it helps a lot. I like a good warm hat but also like to have my ears uncovered. I've gone the neck gaiter path in the past and it works well too. Jason
You should always feel right on the border of being chilled. Anything warmer and you risk sweating. We all know that sweat and wind will get you out of the stand faster than eating fast food for dinner the night before.
Thats probably not a bad temp to aim for. I do like to get into my stand with minimal clothing on and then add the layers while sitting. Sure feels good when you are cold and can add a layer to warm up. Jason
Yup I'm with you I don't wear a hoodie never have I don't like them I always wear a tall collar to keep wind off my neck. Alpaca socks here in Maine are my go to and no hand muff to much bulk for me.
Hoodies!!! Lol! Messed up a handful of nice archery bucks and a few does because of them dang things. I do like them for many outdoor situations. Definitely never again for archery.
Lots of great tips. I would add a double thickness wool scarf. The 2 layers make it warmer. I keep it in my pack and when I start to get cold put it around my neck and let it drape down over my core. It adds a huge amount of warmth with almost no bulk and wool stays warm even if it gets damp
Nice to have something like that in the bag to add when it gets cold. Years ago I sat in a cold windy day in the teens. Had a scarf that day and it made a big difference! Jason
@@HardyLifeOutdoors I also carry a spare fleece vest in my pack. On the way to the stand I keep everything open so as to reduce sweating. On stand I close the clothing as needed. It's helped me stay more comfortable & ultimately stay on stand longer.
@@frankbrowning328 at deer camp we have been known to carry in a small trash bag of clothes the day before the opener so we could put them in as we climb into the stand. I’ve said for years that the fleece vest is key for me.
One of the more meaningful hunting videos. It cracks me up, people review clothing and say things like I shoveled snow for two hours, and these kept me warm. No!. There is no greater test of clothing that keeps you warm than "sitting on stand" for hours on end.
Yea man! I’m sitting on a power line now dressed just like I describe in the video. It’s been a beautiful comfortable morning! Low was around 34. Thanks for watching and commenting! Jason
@@HardyLifeOutdoors I couldn't agree more with this. I struggled for years wondering why my hands got so cold in gloves. Now I only wear the gloves to the stand and out to keep my hands warm while carrying a bow or rifle. Once in the stand gloves come off and hands into the muff. Never had cold hands since I started using one with or without the extra hand warmers.
My wife introduced me to Merina wool this season.......... the best thing I ever did as far as hunting is concerned is marry a woman who knows more about it and has a more expensive taste than myself...... I'm warm!!!!!!!
I hunt wisconsin and it gets colder than it should way quicker than it should lol. One thing for me that I have found to work for keeping my hands warm is one of the hand warmer pouches that clip around your waist and a hot pack( the one that last 12 hrs and you can stick to your back) stick one of those in your pouch before you leave your house and by the time you get to the woods your good. Try it and thank me later. I pack gloves with but I don't even wear gloves in the field. anymore lol
I quit wearing gloves a long time ago. Hand warmer in the hand muff is the ticket! I’m sure you are dealing with way colder weather than we are. Thanks for watching and commenting! Jason
For my feet if im going to be stationary, nothing beats artic shield boot blankets. I've gone as low as 20 in just a pair of non insulated hikers. Also once you're in stand, loosen your boots for circulation. A wind layer for your core also goes a long way for the rest of your body.
I’ve debated those boot blankets in the past and just never pulled the trigger on them. Good call on the loosening boots for circulation. Cutting the wind 100% yes! Thanks for watching and commenting. Jason
I have no problems outside of my fingers and toes. I will double up on gloves (thinnest + either mid or heaviest weight) and I carry three pairs of differing thicknesses, but I'm not sure what else I can do to warm up the hands. I've tried wearing thicker socks and using socks that are an inner + outer layer style. I think I just need to invest in a pair of warmer weather boots.
Feet sock liner and 40% merino wool synthetic blend no cotton..I take a change of socks 90% merino synthetic blend when I get to my stand I change out, 14-60 degree comfort rated neoprene boots Legs polartec gen 3 level 1&2, mild wind proof insulated out layer Torso polartec gen3 levels 1-3 mild wind proof insulated out layer Hands military wool glove liner under wind proof gloves Head two hoo rag neck gaiters use one as a head covering over ears down to eyebrow second one as neck gaiter over ears up over nose the of course a hat
I have a wool base layer shirt from Duckworth and I wear a thin long-sleeved shirt with a fleece vest and a jacket and that keeps me warm. I get hot really easily so I don't wear much.
My solution to staying warm has been goose down. It’s light and warm but a little bulky. I go base layer, goose down, waterproof shell jacket. If necessary break out the hand warmers strategically placed. It’s an art to staying warm when motionless in a tree in Michigan.
I hunt Ohio & WV as well as my new state of Ky. I hunt public land and usually have to walk almost a mile and being a senior (70)so I do get warmed up, was wondering if you walk a good distance or able to ride close ?
I have areas where I walk a good distance and other areas where it is a short walk. If I am walking a distance, I roll up the heavies and carry them in. Jason
most guys don't use this item any more but i find wearing a nice woolen scarf keeps my neck and chest nice and toasty. i dumped the heavy boots and socks years ago. they're bulky and only afforded me an extra hour of comfort. i make do with those footwarmers you shake to activate. light socks and boots with room to move my toes
One word....Reflectex!!!!!...It radiates your body heat like a survival blanket. Use in a blind on chair, insoles of boots or wrap inside your coat. When it's -10 below you'll be toasty. You can spray paint it too for camo purposes...signed Duck Hunter in Nebraska.
I bring a small blanket or extra light jacket to set across my lap if it is really cold. Surprising how much heat is lost through your legs while sitting.
I’ve not done that but I do have a buddy that has used a sleeping bag, kinda like on of those heater body suits. Thanks for watching and for the tip! Jason
I dont get cold.........my fingers freeze within moments ! My toes freeze with in minutes ! Im fine otherwise. There is nothing that changes this ! My father could put tractor chains on the tires when it was 30 below zero.......bare handed. It often took him a half hour do do this. I was there for 3 minutes. My fingers and toes were frozen !
My hands and sometimes feet are the only thing that gets cold! I have Raynards disease and it causes my hands to freeze in 60 degrees and lower. Any suggestions?
That’s a tough one. I’ve never tried them but a few people have mentioned boot blankets for your feet. The hand muff with hand warmers in it is about the warmest option I can think of for hands. Jason
Sams or costco wool socks are cheap and good. cut toe out and slide them up over knees. if your pants and outerlayser fit tight on knees when you sit it compresses layers letting heat escape.
I too suffer from cold feet too as im in upstate NY. Get good boots that have rating of 800 grams of thinsilate or higher, good pair of darn tough marino wool socks, and do not over tighten boots. Boots are not meant to be synched to tight, let the wool socks and thinsulate create air barrier that will trap in heat and let blood circulate around feet. Plus make sure at minimum your outer layer overlaps with your boots to help keep heat inside boots, and prevent wind from stealing the heat. keep an eye out for when you sit as your outer layer may creep up to allow heat to escape tops of boots. Last bit of advice if they are still cold you can buy the hand warmers for feet "toe warmers". They are smaller versions of hand warmers. put them in boot (not in socks as they should not touch your skin) on top of toes (requiers room in boots). If you put them on bottom "as per instructions" may caus blisters while walking.
Patagonia is traditional extreem hiking climbing gear (Mt. Patagonia). Made for extreem weather conditions by extreem hiking dudes. Good synthetic stuff that traps air. Way better than cheap cotton longjohns.
@@HardyLifeOutdoors 1400 grams is over 3 pounds. I am skeptical there is three pounds of insulation in the boots. I suspect 1400 grams is a way to rate the insulation, not an actual measurement in the boots. Maybe it means the Thinsulate weighs 1400 grams per cubic foot.
Most winter boots have a “grams of thinsulate” measurement to them. How that measurement is calculated, I don’t know but I suspect it is the same across the industry so a 1400 is better than a 1000 which is better than 800, etc. all I know for sure is mine rubber boots are darn warm!
@@HardyLifeOutdoors I WAS RAISED IN THE PANHANDLE OF TEXAS. IVE SEEN 60 DAYS OF 109. AND IVE SEEN SNOW HIT THE GROUND IN NOV. AND DON'T SEE DIRT AGAIN TILL AFTER EASTER. NOW I LIVE ON TOLEDOBEND LAKE IN LOUISIANA. WE DON'T GET MUCH WINTER WEATHER HEAR. I DON'T MIND THE COLD AT ALL. BUT SOMETIMES I PUT THE LONG JOHNS ON AND CAMO OVERALLS ON. AND CLIMB IN MY DEER STAND. IVE LEARNED NOT TO PUT TO MANY SOCKS ON THOUGH.BECAUSE IT CAN CUT THE CIRCULATION OFF YOUR FEET. AND IT FEELS LIKE YOU'RE FEET ARE FREEZING.
Been hunting Ohio for years. One thing I insist on is Merino Wool socks! Accept no substitute if your feet get cold!
Proper head covering(s) are critical to keep hands and feet warm. Your body reduces blood flow to the extremities (hands and feet), to protect your vital organs, when your temp starts dropping. The very best way to reverse this natural reaction is to stop heat loss from your head and neck. Merino wool stocking cap, covered with insulated hood will do the trick!
Not sure I’ve ever owned merino wool socks. My feet don’t tend to get cold so I haven’t really shopped around much for better socks. Jason
@@jayrobertson232 agree! Keep the core warm first! I love a good fleece vest for doing that. Jason
I used to use merino wool but have gone to 100% Alpaca socks which are warmer than merino wool.
@@dheller777 Average consumer looking for "Alpaca socks".......Anywhere?....Merino wool has been the standard for YEARS! not saying there's nothing better!
A couple of things i have figured out over the years. You must have a wind blocker in your outer layers. Good base layers are a must, dont go cheap on them, and keeping your head covered is very important. One other thing that has been a game changer for me is a neck gaiter, especially in very cold weather.
Yea...if you can block the wind it helps a lot. I like a good warm hat but also like to have my ears uncovered. I've gone the neck gaiter path in the past and it works well too. Jason
You should always feel right on the border of being chilled. Anything warmer and you risk sweating. We all know that sweat and wind will get you out of the stand faster than eating fast food for dinner the night before.
Thats probably not a bad temp to aim for. I do like to get into my stand with minimal clothing on and then add the layers while sitting. Sure feels good when you are cold and can add a layer to warm up. Jason
Yup I'm with you I don't wear a hoodie never have I don't like them I always wear a tall collar to keep wind off my neck. Alpaca socks here in Maine are my go to and no hand muff to much bulk for me.
Love the hand muff. Like the bare hands on my gun or bow. Thanks for watching and commenting. Jason
Alpaca socks are the way to go. Just make sure they are 100% alpaca
@@dheller777 a few people have said that. Will have to check them out. Thanks for watching! Jason.
Hoodies!!! Lol! Messed up a handful of nice archery bucks and a few does because of them dang things. I do like them for many outdoor situations. Definitely never again for archery.
Yea I pass on them all the time.
Merino Wool is my go to.
Merino wool and alpaca keeps coming up. Jason
I will add a hand warmer under my hat to keep me warm on really cold days
Now that’s something I haven’t tried! Thanks for the tip! Jason
Lots of great tips. I would add a double thickness wool scarf. The 2 layers make it warmer. I keep it in my pack and when I start to get cold put it around my neck and let it drape down over my core. It adds a huge amount of warmth with almost no bulk and wool stays warm even if it gets damp
Nice to have something like that in the bag to add when it gets cold. Years ago I sat in a cold windy day in the teens. Had a scarf that day and it made a big difference! Jason
@@HardyLifeOutdoors I also carry a spare fleece vest in my pack. On the way to the stand I keep everything open so as to reduce sweating. On stand I close the clothing as needed. It's helped me stay more comfortable & ultimately stay on stand longer.
@@frankbrowning328 at deer camp we have been known to carry in a small trash bag of clothes the day before the opener so we could put them in as we climb into the stand. I’ve said for years that the fleece vest is key for me.
goods information
Hope it helps! Good luck this season!
One of the more meaningful hunting videos.
It cracks me up, people review clothing and say things like I shoveled snow for two hours, and these kept me warm. No!.
There is no greater test of clothing that keeps you warm than "sitting on stand" for hours on end.
Yea man! I’m sitting on a power line now dressed just like I describe in the video. It’s been a beautiful comfortable morning! Low was around 34. Thanks for watching and commenting! Jason
Fantastic information. The hand muff will be added to my list. Thanks
Hand muff is a must! Love it! Good luck this season!
@@HardyLifeOutdoors I couldn't agree more with this. I struggled for years wondering why my hands got so cold in gloves. Now I only wear the gloves to the stand and out to keep my hands warm while carrying a bow or rifle. Once in the stand gloves come off and hands into the muff. Never had cold hands since I started using one with or without the extra hand warmers.
Yea. Haven’t worn gloves in years!
My wife introduced me to Merina wool this season.......... the best thing I ever did as far as hunting is concerned is marry a woman who knows more about it and has a more expensive taste than myself...... I'm warm!!!!!!!
As long as that expensive faste translates to good equipment that does the job it sure sounds like a win! Jason
@@HardyLifeOutdoors let's just say, I had no idea Kimber made rifles till I received one as an anniversary gift!!! Mind blown!!!!
Boom! Lucky you!
In Scotland we need our shorts and T shirt until it gets to around 35, then we put a hat on down to 30
I “C” what you did there…🤣🤣🤣. Thanks for watching and commenting. Jason
Great Video. Thanks
Hope it helps!
I hunt wisconsin and it gets colder than it should way quicker than it should lol. One thing for me that I have found to work for keeping my hands warm is one of the hand warmer pouches that clip around your waist and a hot pack( the one that last 12 hrs and you can stick to your back) stick one of those in your pouch before you leave your house and by the time you get to the woods your good. Try it and thank me later. I pack gloves with but I don't even wear gloves in the field. anymore lol
I quit wearing gloves a long time ago. Hand warmer in the hand muff is the ticket! I’m sure you are dealing with way colder weather than we are.
Thanks for watching and commenting! Jason
Spot on with the large 12 hr warmers. When I come back after the evening hunt I drop them in my boots to warm and dry them for the morning.
@@HardyLifeOutdoors Wi deer is late November so anywhere from -15F to 30f overnight lows and highs of 20-50F
Brrrr…
For my feet if im going to be stationary, nothing beats artic shield boot blankets. I've gone as low as 20 in just a pair of non insulated hikers.
Also once you're in stand, loosen your boots for circulation.
A wind layer for your core also goes a long way for the rest of your body.
I’ve debated those boot blankets in the past and just never pulled the trigger on them.
Good call on the loosening boots for circulation.
Cutting the wind 100% yes!
Thanks for watching and commenting. Jason
Thank you for the advice!
You are welcome. Hope it helps. Thanks for watching and commenting. Jason
I have no problems outside of my fingers and toes. I will double up on gloves (thinnest + either mid or heaviest weight) and I carry three pairs of differing thicknesses, but I'm not sure what else I can do to warm up the hands. I've tried wearing thicker socks and using socks that are an inner + outer layer style. I think I just need to invest in a pair of warmer weather boots.
I don’t even carry gloves anymore. 100% hand muff.
1200 gram thinuslate rubber boots do the job for me. Cheap cotton socks.
Feet sock liner and 40% merino wool synthetic blend no cotton..I take a change of socks 90% merino synthetic blend when I get to my stand I change out, 14-60 degree comfort rated neoprene boots
Legs polartec gen 3 level 1&2, mild wind proof insulated out layer
Torso polartec gen3 levels 1-3 mild wind proof insulated out layer
Hands military wool glove liner under wind proof gloves
Head two hoo rag neck gaiters use one as a head covering over ears down to eyebrow second one as neck gaiter over ears up over nose the of course a hat
Sounds like you have a system! Jason
I have a wool base layer shirt from Duckworth and I wear a thin long-sleeved shirt with a fleece vest and a jacket and that keeps me warm. I get hot really easily so I don't wear much.
Sounds like a good combination. Definitely need to find what works best for you.
My solution to staying warm has been goose down. It’s light and warm but a little bulky. I go base layer, goose down, waterproof shell jacket. If necessary break out the hand warmers strategically placed. It’s an art to staying warm when motionless in a tree in Michigan.
You are the first to mention goose down. Have never used it myself but always heard it is warm! Thanks for watching and commenting. Jason
What do you do when you have to pee
@@charleslindsey5583 Stand up and go, it turns to ammonia within 20 minutes.
You go pee.@@charleslindsey5583
Yep not an issue.
I hunt Ohio & WV as well as my new state of Ky. I hunt public land and usually have to walk almost a mile and being a senior (70)so I do get warmed up, was wondering if you walk a good distance or able to ride close ?
I have areas where I walk a good distance and other areas where it is a short walk. If I am walking a distance, I roll up the heavies and carry them in. Jason
@@HardyLifeOutdoors thats what I do but I use a fanny pack and tie to it. Thanks Jason for your reply and good luck.
Good luck to you as well!
most guys don't use this item any more but i find wearing a nice woolen scarf keeps my neck and chest nice and toasty. i dumped the heavy boots and socks years ago. they're bulky and only afforded me an extra hour of comfort. i make do with those footwarmers you shake to activate. light socks and boots with room to move my toes
I’ve used a scarf before and liked it. I don’t do too much in terms of bulky socks. Thanks for watching and commenting. Jason
One word....Reflectex!!!!!...It radiates your body heat like a survival blanket. Use in a blind on chair, insoles of boots or wrap inside your coat. When it's -10 below you'll be toasty. You can spray paint it too for camo purposes...signed Duck Hunter in Nebraska.
I’ll have to check that out. Thanks for watching and for the tip! Jason
I bring a small blanket or extra light jacket to set across my lap if it is really cold. Surprising how much heat is lost through your legs while sitting.
I’ve not done that but I do have a buddy that has used a sleeping bag, kinda like on of those heater body suits. Thanks for watching and for the tip! Jason
Hilarious! The word cold doesn't apply unless the high temp for the day is in the teens.
Been there! Fortunately our cold days are normally in the 20s!
I dont get cold.........my fingers freeze within moments ! My toes freeze with in minutes ! Im fine otherwise. There is nothing that changes this ! My father could put tractor chains on the tires when it was 30 below zero.......bare handed. It often took him a half hour do do this. I was there for 3 minutes. My fingers and toes were frozen !
Well that’s a bummer!
My hands and sometimes feet are the only thing that gets cold! I have Raynards disease and it causes my hands to freeze in 60 degrees and lower. Any suggestions?
That’s a tough one. I’ve never tried them but a few people have mentioned boot blankets for your feet. The hand muff with hand warmers in it is about the warmest option I can think of for hands. Jason
I’m on blood thinners, I have a thinsulate waist pack . I put one of those hot hands heating pads in it. I also use the toe warmer ones in my boots.
The warmers certainly don’t hurt!
My knees get crazy cold . I don’t have solution for that. That’s the only spot on my body which gets unbearably cold
Hmmm. I’ve seen a few people mention a small blanket. Maybe something to lay across your legs while sitting?
Sams or costco wool socks are cheap and good. cut toe out and slide them up over knees. if your pants and outerlayser fit tight on knees when you sit it compresses layers letting heat escape.
Might have to check that out.
Amazing how many people just sit still all day long. Want to stay warm? Go for a walk
I've done that to warm up but when you are 20' up a tree in a climbing tree stand, taking a walk is a major production
Bingo!
To each their own.
Are you near adam's county?
No...more in the Athens area....Jason
My only problem is my feet, I suffer of cold feet and seems that nothing can keep my toes from hurting :(
you aren't the only one to have that issue...
I too suffer from cold feet too as im in upstate NY. Get good boots that have rating of 800 grams of thinsilate or higher, good pair of darn tough marino wool socks, and do not over tighten boots. Boots are not meant to be synched to tight, let the wool socks and thinsulate create air barrier that will trap in heat and let blood circulate around feet. Plus make sure at minimum your outer layer overlaps with your boots to help keep heat inside boots, and prevent wind from stealing the heat. keep an eye out for when you sit as your outer layer may creep up to allow heat to escape tops of boots. Last bit of advice if they are still cold you can buy the hand warmers for feet "toe warmers". They are smaller versions of hand warmers. put them in boot (not in socks as they should not touch your skin) on top of toes (requiers room in boots). If you put them on bottom "as per instructions" may caus blisters while walking.
Some great tips!
The 50lbs around you're mid section probably keeps you warm. I know mine does
Whew! Adds warmth but sure makes the hills bigger! Jason
everyone is supposed to know what patagonia is??????
Sorry. Thought it was a pretty mainstream brand that people would recognize. Jason.
It's 2023. If you don't know what something is look it up on the internet instead of complaining in the comments section. Seriously
Patagonia is traditional extreem hiking climbing gear (Mt. Patagonia). Made for extreem weather conditions by extreem hiking dudes. Good synthetic stuff that traps air. Way better than cheap cotton longjohns.
Agree!
you just set everyone up for cold feet....thin rubber boots ??? REALLY????
Those thin rubber boots have 1400 grams of thinsulate. My feet stay plenty warm.
@@HardyLifeOutdoors 1400 grams is over 3 pounds. I am skeptical there is three pounds of insulation in the boots. I suspect 1400 grams is a way to rate the insulation, not an actual measurement in the boots. Maybe it means the Thinsulate weighs 1400 grams per cubic foot.
Most winter boots have a “grams of thinsulate” measurement to them. How that measurement is calculated, I don’t know but I suspect it is the same across the industry so a 1400 is better than a 1000 which is better than 800, etc. all I know for sure is mine rubber boots are darn warm!
IM 6'5" 281LBS. IM ONE OF THOSE WHO CAN STAND FLAT FOOTED IN THE SNOW AND SWEAT. I LOVE WINTER. I HATE SUMMER.
I’m pretty tolerant of heat and cold but I’ve got to be dressed for both to be comfortable.
@@HardyLifeOutdoors I WAS RAISED IN THE PANHANDLE OF TEXAS. IVE SEEN 60 DAYS OF 109. AND IVE SEEN SNOW HIT THE GROUND IN NOV. AND DON'T SEE DIRT AGAIN TILL AFTER EASTER. NOW I LIVE ON TOLEDOBEND LAKE IN LOUISIANA. WE DON'T GET MUCH WINTER WEATHER HEAR. I DON'T MIND THE COLD AT ALL. BUT SOMETIMES I PUT THE LONG JOHNS ON AND CAMO OVERALLS ON. AND CLIMB IN MY DEER STAND. IVE LEARNED NOT TO PUT TO MANY SOCKS ON THOUGH.BECAUSE IT CAN CUT THE CIRCULATION OFF YOUR FEET. AND IT FEELS LIKE YOU'RE FEET ARE FREEZING.
Yea tight clothes is a bad omen.