About to head off into the cold mountains for a winter hunt. Here’s what to know about selecting the right gear before you do so.
Choosing the correct gear as a hunter can make or break a successful trip. If you do not choose the correct gear, then you may be forced to return home because you are not handling the temperatures. This is especially true of low temperature hunting such as winter or mountain hunting. If you are considering going and doing any of the following this cold season, then we recommend you read our article on cold weather hunting gear first.
Here is everything you need to know about choosing cold weather hunting gear, which will work for you.
Everything you need to know before you choose your winter hunting gear
Before you rush off and choose your winter hunting gear, follow these pointers for the best results.
Think Heat
Before you rush off and buy your cold winter weather hunting gear, you need to think about how hot it is going to be out there in the field. Your priority when choosing gear in this instance should be for the heat that it helps you retain. If it doesn't help you stay warm, then it could be considered unnecessary gear in a winter hunt situation.
Layer Up
One of the best ways to make sure that your winter gear is completely warm is to layer up. You can layer up as much as you want to, but your top layer should be waterproof, and your bottom layer should be soft. You want a soft bottom layer because it will be against your skin the whole time and you do not want something that will chafe you. You want a waterproof outer layer because this is where your protection from the elements starts. We suggest you choose a merino wool bottom layer to make sure that you are both warm and comfortable and that you have something soft against your skin. Your outer layer should be wax or vinyl and should repel water to keep you nice and dry on the inside.
Be Prepared
The best cold weather hunting gear helps you to prepare for what might lie ahead. When you are hunting in winter, this means being prepared for any situation which might arise due to the cold. That means waterproofing your camp and your person. That means making sure you have plenty of layers so that you are always warm enough. It is better to be too warm and remove layers than it is to be too cold and be kept awake at night.
Invest in Good Gear
When it comes to hunting in winter, the best gear that you can find will be the most expensive. It is far better to save up for one expensive piece of clothing than it is to buy cheaper and wind up having to come home from your hunting trip because you are too cold. Remember, if your core temperature drops too low you will be hospitalized. Don't let this happen to you. You can maintain core body temperature by perfecting your camp, using plenty of layers and by carrying a flask of hot tea or coffee which you can drink from while you're sitting in the bluff. Sitting still for too long in the same position while it is cold can cause serious muscle cramp, and you should be prepared for that. Again, those merino wool layers will stop you from cramping up in the cold.
Consider Merino Wool
There’s only one real option for the cold weather and that’s a good merino wool base layer.