How to stay warm ~15

[fraserdw]

I've wanted one of those sleeping bag parkas for deer hunting for years, but didn't get the surplus ones when Sportsmans Guide had them. and now I can't find them.

There is a variation of this idea, sort of a massive well-insulated cocoon, that's sold to late-season hunters in the midwest. I forget what it's called; saw it in hunting magazines before. The idea was you could sit in a snowbank and stay warm.

Jerven Fjellduken

 

[TANK1867]

Posted these pics before
View attachment 195469View attachment 195470View attachment 195471

 

[scruffee]

I slip in a small camo sleeping bag on really cold days...

When it's well below zero, I ditch the tree stands and stick to ground blinds with a heater and my small sleeping bag. I can stay in a blind from dusk till dawn in -20C with the help of a trusty piss jug!

 

[klaus enuff]

I've wanted one of those sleeping bag parkas for deer hunting for years, but didn't get the surplus ones when Sportsmans Guide had them. and now I can't find them.

There is a variation of this idea, sort of a massive well-insulated cocoon, that's sold to late-season hunters in the midwest. I forget what it's called; saw it in hunting magazines before. The idea was you could sit in a snowbank and stay warm.

I have the Jerven Thermo Kingsize and in the proper clothing you could stay warm in it. I won't say dry as it does not breath at all.

I still recommend it though, the thermo version comes with built in insulation and king size can be used as a shelter it is so big

 

[MiG25]

Have you tried a blanket?

 

[Dogleg]

Have you tried a blanket?

A blanket or quilt is a great option in a ground blind. I've used them for a cushion , over my legs, wrapped up in one and occasionally contrived a bit of a tent-like thing with a heater underneath. When sitting motionless for hours it's my feet and legs that give out first.

 

[kodiakjack]

Ditch the stand all together and still hunt the area. Not only will you stay warm, you'll see more deer and learn more about them and the area in the process. I typically only hunt from a stand when it's warmer out and I am looking for a quiet place away from it all for some relaxation and possibly a nap.


I'm going to take a stab at it and guess you're working up a bit of sweat on the way to and up into your stand? Have you tried wearing minimal clothing on the way into your stand and waiting until you're in the stand before putting on all the cold weather gear? I sweat more than average so I am forced to do this or the trapped sweat/moisture in the layers of clothing guarantees I will be cold in short order.

This.


Or if you are on stand, keep moving (imperceptibly):

Stand with your feet together and your back straight, then verrrry slowly shift your weight from one foot to the other without moving your back or body. You’d be surprised how many muscles get worked doing this. Also shift your weight to your toes then back to your heels without actually lifting yourself at all. Stop just short of that. Flex your muscles in your arms. Grip the gun firmly, then realease your grip. Have your muscles work against each other without actually moving. Like imagine the rifle is telescoping, and try to telescope it down as hard as you can without moving, then try to pull it out as hard as you can without moving.

It sounds weird trying to explain it. But set up a sort of relay where you go around your body working different muscle groups in a pattern, while never actually moving your body. Eventually it becomes natural, and you’ll find your body doing it automatically. You’ll feel less stiff and sore I find to. Don’t wait till you’re cold to start though. Start while you’re complfortable and maintain your heat.

My $0.02

 

[track]

Question for those experienced hunter out there.

My least favorite part of deer hunting is the cold. I don't normally get cold in general life, However there is something about sitting still in a treestand for hours that has defeated any system I have tried to put together. I have no issue sledding, skiing or otherwise so long as I am moving around, the treestand on the other hand is frustrating.

I have tried under layers, bibs, toques balaclavas hot pockets you name it.

What do you you recommend as a system for -15 degree weather?

If you find temperatures unbearable, you might want to change your hunting method. I'll be 61 years old this autumn and will continue to still-hunt. Following a long robust buck stride will keep you warm, guaranteed.

 

[PEKS]

A Large Buck in the cross-hairs certainly has a great warming effect

 

[John Y Cannuck]

A Large Buck in the cross-hairs certainly has a great warming effect

Gutting one warms the hands too, until you're done, and the big chill sets in in earnest!

 

[track]

Gutting one warms the hands too, until you're done, and the big chill sets in in earnest!

When dragging any buck out will also keep a hunter very toasty warm, and then some.

 

[dan240]

Muff's work better than anything else ive tried(insert obvious joke), you can buy them at cabelas but i made my own from the sheepskin you can find at Ikea for about $50. Super quite, super warm.

 

[jjohnwm]

Minus 15 degrees?? Surely you don't intend to be outside in such bone-chilling temperatures??!!!

Lots of good suggestions already; I would add that one of the best ways to keep hands warm is to use disposable handwarmers inside of a muff (the type that belts around your waist). Wear glove liners inside of loose-fitting insulated gloves, then insert your hands into the muff and remove the outer gloves. Your hands will stay toasty, and so will the outer gloves so you don't lose a ton of heat from your fingers when you put the gloves back on. The liner gloves will not only help with insulation, but they will keep your fingers from losing their dexterity for a few minutes in case you need to quickly pull your hands out to shoot.

Also, use hand warmers in your gloves and foot warmers in your boots. They are different items; the boot warmers are designed to function with less oxygen since they will be sealed up in a boot. Boot warmers in your gloves will "burn out" in no time; glove warmers in your boots will hardly work at all, since they need more oxygen to function properly. To get the maximum benefit, use the correct ones in the correct places.

But seriously...minus 15 degrees? That's practically like being in interstellar space...might be safest just to stay indoors...