Need help to stay warm

Outside, that is, especially when sitting still, like when hunting from a tree stand. But also have big problems with feet and legs staying warm, even today so you can imagine what winter is like.

Yes, I know the tricks about layering and wearing wool and wearing felt packs etc but figure there has to be more out there.

So far I have found a little information about some types of clothing. Eric VW did point me toward alpaca and it is good except I'm not particular about how they are made. I have also found out that bison is supposed to be great and so is yak but musk ox is supposed to be the very best of the best. The trouble is, it is also the most expensive and expensive perhaps should be in capital letters! Super high. I also think all the musk ox stuff is knitted which I am not a fan of.

One more thing is that whatever I wear I like it to be super soft as I have rather sensitive skin. But things like smart wool is okay.

Sadly one can't seem to find felt packs any longer. They have something they say is better but I've not found this to be the case.

For boots, I've tried many. Thinsulate is supposed to be the greatest but I find it very lacking. Yes, it is nice that it is not so bulky but even with 1600 grams, my feet get really cold fast. Even when working in winter.

I have found that wearing levi's that are fleece lined (better than flannel) is super great but sometimes one has to wear long johns under them. What kind?

Gloves. I find most to be lacking greatly. For work in winter so far I've found nothing better than a pile lined glove. I've not found any insulated glove that works well.

Heat packs. Sometimes they can work fairly well except those you put inside of boots. They need air and once inside the boot, they don't put out heat very long. They work good in gloves while hunting but not when working.

One thing that is not meant for a heat pack are Thermacare wraps (the off brand are mostly junk). I really like the back wraps and they will keep you warm for 12 hours or longer. I've had them last 15 hours. This winter I plan to try the small wraps on my toes to see if that will work.

Parkas are much, much better than jackets.

Someone pointed out to me that a ThermaCell without the pad and put inside a coat would work out nicely so I may try that but worry a bit because that is burning butane. What about the exhaust?

For material, I really do like fleece but many seem to be going away from it and I know not why. I did find some super shirts from Legendary Whitetails last winter and I see they have them back this winter. I bought extra last year thinking they probably would not have them back. I usually do this when we find something good because they seem to think thing will sell for only one or two years so we stock up. I'm still wearing some shirts we bought around the year 2000. Not a problem here.

Anyway, I'm all for ideas.

 

Have you tried some silk LJ's or socks Backwoods Savage? As part of the layer technique that you're well aware of....
IIRC, you bought the the regular length alpaca socks, yes? Mine almost go to the knee, and they don't slide down toward my shin...

 

x2

I bought some faux sheepskin insoles to try this winter, and still have not tried the foil heat reflecting liner.

Also, I heard some sewing/fabric stores carry the felt liner in bulk.

 

Dennis, we need to create a radiant floor mat for you if you're in one of the wood stack blinds. That would keep your feet warm for sure!

 

Yes, I do have both underwear and socks in silk.

 

Honestly, I'd like to know how the Ornery One handles the cold? If she does well with it, you could just sit by the Fireview and let her shoot supper
Cold weather problem solved!

 

Even bettah!