What are your favorite cold weather apparel items for hunting?

So I have done some searches, and come up with a few ideas, but still am wondering what items you just can’t live without during winter hunting!

I really try not to be…but I am a complete and utter wuss about getting cold. :eek: I will stay out in it and tough through it, but my hands go numb and take hours to get feeling back in them and my ears took a beating last Saturday when it was so windy!

So…with the approaching cold weather, and better scenting :slight_smile: I am looking to beef up my options for keeping myself as warm as possible! Currently, I use the chemical foot warmers in my boots and under armor as a layer when needed. I also just found some SSG Winter Rancher fleece lined gloves on sale, which I am super excited about!!!

I am currently on the hunt for cold weather breeches (need to come in tan) and something that can discretely keep my ears from freezing and falling off my head.

Any and all ideas are appreciated!

Too funny - just signed in as I was hoping to find some guidance on toasty warm breeches!

But for toasty warm tootsies, these work much better than the chemical ones:

ThermaCELL rechargable, remote controlled Heated Insoles!

Too funny - just signed in as I was hoping to find some guidance on toasty warm breeches!

But for toasty warm tootsies, these work much better than the chemical ones:

ThermaCELL rechargable, remote controlled Heated Insoles!

I’ve seen lined formal breeches before (can’t remember what brand- maybe FITS or tropical rider?) but I’d look at irideon to see if they have something. I only have the wind proof, winter ones (i use for schooling) & even without long underwear, they are great. I guess it depends on how strict your hunt is at cold, cold temps :slight_smile:

I’d check with your secretary to see if helmet ear protectors are kosher. I’ve used a skiing beanie over a hairnet & it kept my head warm.

I have wondered this same thing, in regards to keeping ears warm. In a total hunting newbie, so I’m just throwing ideas out here, but what about sobering like 180s ( http://www.180s.com/pages/catalog_listing.aspx?g=1%2C3&y=7) or earbags ( http://www.earbags.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=19&Itemid=47&lang=en), in a simple beige or brown? If you have somewhat long hair you could probably do “hunter hair” and hide them fairly well.

I do ride outside write a bit in the winter, and I find I stay warm enough in regular breeches, even if its really cold, if I double up my long underwear. I like to wear my pepperskins, then the cheap hanes 50% cotton/50% polyester long underwear (seriously, it was like $6.00 for the pants and they’re surprisingly windproof), and then pit my breeches on. It does feel a bit funny at first, though. :winkgrin:

I’m not crazy about my 180s. They are just ok not under a helmet but with a helmet, they seem to pinch. I’ve tried fleece headbands with a little more success. Plus with the 180s, if they slip, they can come off.

Underarmour. SSG winter gloves. Boot Gloves.

Underarmour. Wool socks. My lined farm gloves purchased at the feed store.

[QUOTE=JSwan;6694670]
Underarmour. Wool socks. My lined farm gloves purchased at the feed store.[/QUOTE]

Can you recommend a particular kind of Underarmour? Like a particular pair of pants to go underneath breeches?

Underarmour makes cold weather gear under the label ColdGear. They sell the normal underarmour and the loose fit models. If you get the normal then I warn you not to look in the mirror unless you are a world class athlete.

http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/mens/apparel/baselayer

Listen to fittobetied. Don’t look in the mirror. :lol:

My favs?

The thickest pure 100% wool socks you can find with a pair of knee hi nylons over them inside of Mountain Horse boots that are 1 size larger than normal so my toes don’t get crowded and the layers don’t cut off the circulation. Also like silk sock/glove liners, and mylar sock/glove liners. A simple wool or fleece hairband fits under a helmet and keeps ears warm. Black works! Any polypropylene or silk long underwear works. Regular polyester doesn’t work too well.
And my favorite? CHAPSTICK!! :winkgrin:

I found Smart Wool snowboarding socks that I LOVE.

I wear Under Armor Cold Gear as a base layer top and bottom. I wear a thermal top on top of that, my white shirt, normal vest and coat. I just wear my normal Equestrian Collections or TuffRider breeches over the Under Armor.

My boots are my normal dress boots, one half size up to accommodate the winter gear. I like the SSG 10 Below gloves or the Heritage Extreme Winter ones that are very similar. I have a very thin Under Armor headband to cover my ears.

What are boot gloves?

Sneaking over from the eventing forum.

SSG now makes a ceramic glove liner (like the Back on Track) that you can get from www.bigdweb for $16.

The Under Armor makes a winter compression turtleneck that is great! The compression may make you look like a stuffed sausage, but it actually helps support the muscles-I actually feel less achey in it! I found some at Marshalls/TJ Maxx for $25 each.

Romfh makes a wonderful lined winter breech. The outside has wind and water repellancy and they are super comfy and flattering.

Also love the Smartwool socks. You can also find them at TJ/Marshalls for $10/pair.

I love the chemical foot warmers. My fleece lined breeches (Ovation?) are not flattering but do work well. Silk long johns seem to work as well as cuddleduds and are less bulky. Agree w/ the tutleneck. Sunscreen liberally applied helps minimize the wind burn look. When I am about to become a popsicle on my horse’s back, I remember this thought: I would rather be out hunting in the cold than sitting at my desk at work any day…cold be damned!

The Under Armour compression gear is scary when you look in the mirror. My husband has it for motorcycle riding, he calls it his body condom :slight_smile:
I got a pair of Smart Wool tights and a smart wool tank top last year from EMS and I find them to be great. The tights fit under breeches, although I do choose the breeches with the most room in them.

The Under Armour compression gear is scary when you look in the mirror. My husband has it for motorcycle riding, he calls it his body condom :slight_smile:
I got a pair of Smart Wool tights and a smart wool tank top last year from EMS and I find them to be great. The tights fit under breeches, although I do choose the breeches with the most room in them.

Futi Boot Glove http://www.muckbootsonline.com/The_Fabulous_FUTI_p/fti000a.htm

I have a pair like this for hunting and a pair for my ski boots. Its amazing how that bit of neoprene keeps the cold from soaking into your feet. Also helps keep you feet dry on those damp days.

Ive had a hard time finding tan colored winter breeches, only in Romfh, Tuff Rider, or Devon airre. The Romfh Scandia winter breeches are really nice, my favorite that ive found so far. I wish Tropical rider or Equissentials would make tan colored winter breeches.
Another vote for under armour compression shirts ! I found some white turtlenecks at Marshalls last night, along with some smart wool socks. I usually do the wool or snowboarding socks, with toasty toe insoles underneath, and the smaller toasty toes stick on pack on the top of my toes.

Are the Smartwool tights better than the cuddle dud liners or silk liners ?