We've all been there: On the 20-minute hike to our favorite stand we break a sweat. Everything is fine until a 1/2-hour later when we start to cool off and our teeth begin chattering, making it almost impossible to sit still.
Here are a few tips to save you from freezing you backside off on the stand:
1. Dress light and carry a pack full of clothes. This way you won’t work up a sweat while walking. Make sure you are extra quiet while unpacking your heavy clothes and putting them on.
2. Take your time on your walk to your stand. Get up a little earlier to give yourself more time. Not only will this keep your body temperature in check, but it will help to keep noise to a minimum.
3. Only bring what you need. All of the nice-to-have gear and gadgets add extra weight, which means you have to work harder and your body will produce more sweat.
4. Pick a stand location where the sun will warm you up as soon as it breaks the skyline. No matter how cold it is, as long as the sun is shining on you it will help warm you up. (Note: Make sure the sun is not directly in your eyes, as this can make it very hard to see any game animal.)
5. Use hand and foot warmers. This one is pretty self explanatory.
6. Don’t over-tighten your boots or wear any other clothing that can reduce circulation. When you reduce blood flow, you reduce the amount of heat sent to a particular part of your body.
7. Make small movements with your fingers and toes to help increase circulation.
8. Bring snacks like jerky, trail mix or a candy bar. Be sure to package them in a cloth bag and avoid the unwanted noise of plastic baggies.
9. Take your hat off during the walk to your stand. This will significantly help to prevent overheating and sweating.
10. Keep your mind distracted. Read a book, count leaves or do whatever you can to stop thinking about being cold.
Follow these tips and you will undoubtedly be able to hunt longer. Just remember—every extra minute on stand will increase your odds of having a successful hunt.
Do you have any other tips for staying warm during cold-weather hunts?