Foot warmers for hunting

[5chestnuts]

Finally we’re getting “hunting weather” (read as windy and very chilly) and for the first time since last year, I’m dealing with cold toes. And I wasn’t the only one. We were out 2 1/2 hours (ran 2 foxes and a coyote) and as one of the whips dashed by mid-hunt, she announced her toes were freeeeeeezing, and asked if she was the only one. A chorus of “No!” followed her down the trail.

My favorite boots (pull ons) are very snug in the foot, so I can’t really layer my socks. I wear men’s dress socks because they are thin enough to give my foot room…but they sure don’t keep my toes warm. I’m thinking of trying those chemical foot warmers - anyone have a clue if they work…or if they work “too well”? Any suggestions on the type of foot warmers to buy?

(I can layer socks in my zipper boots, but I just don’t like those boots as much as my lovely pull-ons.)

[jawa]

If your boots are really snug, then the toe warmers will not work as well as if your boots have a bit more room.

The chemical toe warmers need oxygen to work, if the boots are very snug, you won’t get good circulation of air.

I used them in a pair of my snug boots and they were ok. If I needed a bit more heat I would wiggle my toes or try to slid my foot around in the foot bed to get some fresh oxygen in there.

[2ndyrgal]

yep, they work

and get pretty darn hot too. I actually put mine on top of my foot instead of underneath. Doesn’t wrinkle up my socks as much.

The little handwarmer things work on top of your hand in your glove too, as I dislike having them in my palm.

Very thin wool socks will be much warmer than men’s dress socks.

[Simbalism]

I recently purchased the chemical foot warmers in an actual foot shape like an insole. Haven’t tried them yet so can’t recommend, but they were cheap. I got mine at Walmart.

[FitToBeTied]

Futi’s from Muck Boot work really well to keep feet warm.

[jawa]

FitToBeTied,

They work if you’re not related to reptiles.

I have poor circulation in my extremities, so the Futi doesn’t work to well for me.

I have a friend that uses them and LOVES them.

[riderboy]

I can’t survive the winters anymore without the chemical toe warmers, they are fantabulous.

[wateryglen]

just my 2 sense!!

I suggest 100% pure silk socks under thin pure wool socks. OR pure polypropylene liners under thin pure wool…OR…thick polypropylene socks OR thick pure wool OR…make sure you use some panty hose over all your socks…they hold in some heat; I use knee highs or cut off pantyhose gone bad!! :winkgrin: I’ve also used Mylar liners (metallic threaded thin socks).
All these are often sold in ski shops. I’ve used all skiing in various combo’s. Experiment some but the cheapest of all above are often available in the deer hunter sections of Walmart or other stores with large outdoor sports sections!
We all feel yer pain!! Ultimately a pair of boots a whole size larger works…or buy mens boots next time (they have wider bigger feet ya know!) or I like the Mountain Horse boots for large foot sizes and find they work good!
JMHO!! And remember snug/tight boots cut off yer circulation and it’s enhanced circulation that you want. Whether it’s tight calves, ankles or feet. Too tight means cold. Get bigger! Forget about the looks. Also…as a nurse I also know that dehydration gets you cold. Be extra well hydrated before hunting. Bulk up on your fiber. Drink a lot of fluids before & after hunting to help stay warm. Dehyration VERY common this time of year. Heavy breathing=fluid loss!!

[Mini_Me1]

Therm-ic insoles!! Battery powered and AMAZING!

[retreadeventer]

Does anyone use the toe-protectors that velcro on the front of the stirrup? I too have cold feet naturally and the above mentioned stuffings do not work for me.

[5chestnuts]

[QUOTE=Mini_Me;5997192]
Therm-ic insoles!! Battery powered and AMAZING![/QUOTE]

Ooooo. Where do I get these? And is it “hunt boot compatable” - as in the battery isn’t seen, and is not inside the boot?

Thanks for the advice, guys! I might have to stock up on some nylon knee highs at the store tomorrow. And see if I can find an uber-thin pair of wool socks. Temps for hunting this weekend aren’t bone chilling…so I have time to experiment. :winkgrin:

[Hotspur]

We hunt in some pretty cold weather here in Michigan. My wife, who is also a regular in the hunt field, and I buy toe warmers by the case.

We find them most effective in loose boots, on top of the foot and on the outside of our legs, just above the ankles. Using two warmers like this per foot seems to make a difference. We use poly sock liners and loose fitting wool socks.

Also, do what you can to take cotton out of your winter hunt clothing choices. The only cotton I wear us my stock shirt and I wear a long sleeve poly tee shirt under it for cold days. Socks that have any cotton content are a sure way to suffer. Try to find a poly or silk long underwear/britches combination that works for you.

We take every opportunity we can find to improve our comfort for winter hunting. A fluffy white or yellow wool sweater worn over our shirts and vests helps. If you do not already have a really thick melton coat for winter, buy one and make sure it is big enough to fit comfortably over all that you wear underneath. A neck gaiter stops heat loss, especially when worn along with those ear muffs that are made to be worn under your helmet. I have see hunters wear a full head and neck balaclava under helmets. They work. Trust me, there are just no style points available in winter hunting.

You just have to get serious about staying warm for winter hunting. A warm rider is an alert and flexible rider. Stay warm and have fun!

[Beverley]

When I have hunted on super cold days, in not too spacious boots, I’ve found that two pairs of panty hose and some thin wool socks keep me pretty comfy. The two pair of hose being warmer than my long johns. Agree, lose all cotton- I have a wool ratcatcher shirt that probably dates from the 80s but I will use it til it falls apart!

Agree that toe warmers can be a good thing if the boots are spacious enough.

But full disclosure, I guess. I don’t need the chemical warmers for hunting or skiing, for the latter, standard liners and wool outers do the trick for me. On the other hand my brother in law has the battery powered boot heaters and is miserable without, even on ‘warmish’ skiing days.

[5chestnuts]

Well, I was in a sporting goods store the other day, and they had those chemical foot warmers on sale for $1. Couldn’t resist! I had to get one.

It is a Heat Factory disposable adhesive footwarmer insole, designed specifically to be used a shoe or boot with restricted air ( ie: my boots) so that the warmer doesn’t get too hot. I guess the more air it gets, the hotter it gets.

Now I have to wait until the temps drop below 40 to use them. I’ll let you guys know what I think of them. In the meantime, I’ll use my nylon knee highs and double-up on the lightweight nylon socks.

[WildBlue]

[QUOTE=retreadeventer;5998097]
Does anyone use the toe-protectors that velcro on the front of the stirrup? I too have cold feet naturally and the above mentioned stuffings do not work for me.[/QUOTE]

I haven’t used tapaderos on an English saddle, but even the unlined ones do help keep your feet a bit warmer. I’d just make sure they have a fuzzy insert, and that it protects your foot from the metal of the stirrup. They’re intended for as brush protection, so ought to work fine for hunting.

ETA: I don’t think they’re at all traditional, though, so you’ll want to check before buying any!

[gothedistance]

The toe protectors only work if it is very windy and the wind is what is making your toes cold.

You can make your own - simply cut some black plastic from those heavy contractor trash bags designed for holding leaves, etc., and tape it with black duct tape across the front of your stirrups and underneath the bottom of the stirrup. It will keep the wind from blowing on your boot toes, but otherwise does little to nothing for preventing standing cold from leaking through your leather boots.

I did this for a very cold, windy, and rainy endurance ride. It protected my feet in their running shoes beautifully, and honestly did help keep my toes warm. But…my shoes were cloth, and had vent holes, and my feet were resting in aluminum endurance stirrups which had 1" thick impact pads which prevented any cold from coming up to my shoe from the stirrup itself. You can’t get a pad that thick for a standard English stirrups , but any thick pad insert you can buy will help keep the boot up off the cold metal.

[WildBlue]

gtd, I think she’s asking more about cold-weather tapaderos, which are like the front half of a fuzzy winter boot attached to your stirrup. I’ve used them on a Western saddle, and it does provide some extra insulation for your toes.

That said, I invested in insulated boots, instead.

[Equibrit]

You need some of these; http://www.horsefair.co.uk/product.php?productid=224&cat=44&page=2

[gothedistance]

[QUOTE=WildBlue;6018197]
gtd, I think she’s asking more about cold-weather tapaderos, which are like the front half of a fuzzy winter boot attached to your stirrup. I’ve used them on a Western saddle, and it does provide some extra insulation for your toes. That said, I invested in insulated boots, instead.[/QUOTE]
Ah, I haven’t seen the insulated ones. I have cages on my endurance stirrups, so I just wrap them in plastic - easy on, easy off.

I’m sure the (east coast) Hunt Attire Gods would be less than pleased with stirrup tapaderos as there are other, hidden ways, (like battery socks, insulated hunt boots, chemical warmers, layered socks) to keep ones toes warm. Then again, I’m also guessing that when the hunt is in such bitter weather that hunt coats are excused in lieu of parkas, that those fuzzy tapaderos might be just fine. At that point I’d just use oversize stirrups and insulated boots.

Wow, Equibrit! Those boots look more than warm!!! They look positively hot!