Keeping Dry and Warm in the Snow?

B

blackjaw

New member
I just watched the Winter Magic video and these guys are laying prone in the snow and not seeming to get cold (I know they're crazy Cannucks:), but still, they must have some pretty good clothes). So, what does everyone wear to keep dry and warm in the snow? I'd like to not have to break the bank, but I do want to be comfortable

Thanks,

Blackjaw
 
Quote:
I'd like to not have to break the bank, but I do want to be comfortable





Sometimes "breaking the bank" goes hand-in-hand with "being comfortable". /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

In my many years of duck hunting, I can assure you that anything that I bought that was "iffy" or that I thought "might" work...usually made me miserable.

Gore-Tex is a must for wet conditions. Wet clothing=Cold body. Plain & simple. Insulation is variable depending on how tolerable you are to the environment. I prefer 1 very light layer with goose down over the top. Some others like to go with several layers so they can adjust appropriately. But I don't do a lot of walking where I would get sweaty & clammy. Either way, you need Gore-Tex or another brand of waterproofing in order to stay warm. Or else pack along something like a shooting mat to lay on. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I have found that there are several suppliers of quality clothing out there. But I have used Cabela's over the years, and they usually have as good if not better prices on quality stuff.
 
I like the MT-50 whitetail extreme bibs and parka from Cabelas. I got them over sized to wear over what ever I have on underneath. The bibs have zippered legs to get over bulky boots and both are water proof and good at wicking moisture. I have sat/layed on the ground in sleet and snow up to -17 with an 30-35mph wind and been toasty for hours while deer hunting. When calling the bibs/parka are easy on/off when getting in or out of the truck. As for breaking the bank the set is around $500-$550. But I have had them for 4years of hard hunting and coyote blood dosent seem to wash out easily.
 
+1 on what these guys say! The old saying goes, 'You only have to buy quality once' is very true when it comes to hunting clothing, and especially stuff that needs to keep you warm and dry!

The technology of clothing has come so far that it shouldn't break the bank too bad to get some warm, dry, hunting clothes. However, there are times when I wished I would have purchased better clothes, but have not made that mistake twice.

Good Luck,
Tim
 
Blackjaw,

Don't forget about wool. I was never a fan of wool as it gives me a rash. Reason was it was not high quality wool. Then I found Sleeping Indian Designs at a convention and bought a Highline shirt and Outfitter jacket with hood. Not cheap but outstanding quality in a soft, comfortable wool. No more rash problems and I have been warm and toasty ever since. Wool will keep you warm even when wet. Add a goretex shell and you will be comfortable in the wettest of weather. I start my layers with a light moisture wicking thermal and build from there depending on what the weather might do. Merino wool socks are the best. As the others have said, can't beat Cabelas for quality or guarantee. Basspro and others have great stuff too. Info on Sleeping Indian can be found at: http://www.woolcamo.com/

Like Timb says in his post, 'You only have to buy quality once'.

Good hunting.
 
I have this jacket

http://ghostcamo.com/Prairie_Xhoodedjacket.asp

with these pants

http://www.naturalgear.com/shoppingcart/Default.aspx?CategoryID=16&ItemID=NAT+-+CSP001

and I wear snowghost whites over them in the snow. I love my matterhorn gortex boots that I wear everytime I go out in the field. I sit in the snow all day long with this stuff. I prefer non insulated so if it's a rainy spring day I can not be hot but I can throw on a million layers underneath when I go out on my four wheeler in a blizzard(which I do often). Both are around 100 bucks a piece. Something that would be cheaper would be to buy a waterproof coat and bibs made for skiing and then throw whites over them in the winter.
 
I use the Cabela Outfitters Wool with Gortex. Not cheap but well worth the cost.. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
 
hello...snow isn't a huge deal here in s/w idaho.."however" the 1st thing in my go-to cold weather gear is filson merino wool long john's...i use both the top & bottom...these are crazy spendy...but work as advertised...my favorite cold weather coat is another wool product a filson mackinaw cruiser...i use a b.d.u shirt over the top for camo purposes...the key with wool is to get the good stuff...
 
A sweat wicking first layer against the skin, merino wool underwear over that, fleece layering garments for warmth and breathability, a wind barrier, then a wool exterior coat.
 
The heavyweight PolarTec long underwear bibs have been the best layer I have ever used for cold weather. The bibs allow my underarms to vent (I walk A LOT) and the rest of me is nice and toasty. I usually wear a layer of Underarmor cold gear underneath the bibs to wick away sweat. This setup is fairly skin-tight, so keeps me warm and dry without bulking me up.

-BANDIT
 
My rule-of-thumb: When the frost,on the INSIDE of the doors of my house,is more than 1/4" thick,I stay home.This usually occurs at about -25 degrees F..Otherwise,I wear wool/gortex.
My wife and I are thinking about retireing to a warm state like:Tennesee,Kentucky,Virginia,West Virginia or Colorado. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
sweats under insulated carharts works for me, covered up with snow goose hunting white. didn't get cold at all this winter, and if you know SD you know we get some cold weather.
 
Carhartts and cotton sweats are a poor choice for cold, wet, snowy conditions. Like the old saying goes, "Cotton Kills" when it gets wet.

Stick with layers of wicking long underwear, fleece, Gore-Tex, or wool and you will stay reasonably comfortable and alive. Like most things you get what you pay for.
 
Each year we have tried to upgrade or add to our hunting clothing. It is hard to imagine the complete cost until you actually add it up. We did earlier this year to determine replacement costs. I found I was wearing $1200 worth of clothing including boots on a 12 degree day. Two things technology has not replaced well are silk & wool. Smartwool underwear/long johns are impressive & comfortable. Gore-Tex is one of the best advances in clothing in history. Imagine if it were available 100 years ago how happy pioneers would have been. So I side with most everyone here in suggesting silk, wool & Gore-Tex. Buy the best you can afford and look for sales. Good quality clothing will make hunting more fun and maybe even help save your life. Good Luck
 
Layers are the key... My outfits are not even insulated... and I am out in temps well below freezing. As a matter of fact last year I ended up one bad night covered from head to toe in ice and was not abit cold. Good thing I did not see a coyote as my scope, rifle and everything were covered.

I start of with good quality base layers (two layers of quality long johns) and fleece outer garment with windstopper/water proofing. Don't forget a good head cover, boots and gloves.
 
Under Armor, sweats, and cheap coveralls for my body; cotton socks then wool socks over those, and Rocky boots for my feet; neck muffler(gaiter) and a beanie for my head; thick Thinsulated snow gloves for my hands. When it's wet, I take a big black trashbag if there's no snow, or a big white trashbag if there is snow. I sit on these when calling for predators, or when waiting up against a tree during deer season. The trashbag trick works very nicely in keeping my thighs, butt, and lower back dry. Plus, it's cheap! And, if big enough, I guess you could stretch it out and lay prone on it.
 
I notice several of you wearing cotton in cold temps. That is one of the worst materials you could wear for real cold weather. Especially if it is wet outside, snow, sleet, rain, ect. Cotton doesn't have the insulating value other materials such as wool does, and, it soaks up and holds moisture. Holding that moisture is the worst of its features in the cold weather. A moisture management system against the skin, a wicking layer such as Silk/Poly Pro is important to move that sweat away from the skin and to outer layers. Then good quality layers of merino wool and fleece with a windbreak liner offer great insulating and breathability. I like a wool outer layer for its toughness, wool wears like iron.
 
Boy if this is help!!! I weight in at 110 pounds and am 6'0" and cannot stand being cold.

When I go out it is in layers as mentioned. Under armour cold gear, merino wool long underwear tops and bottoms, insulated carhartts and a heavy sweatshirt all this before I get my boots and camo on. Never sweat, slow pace walk or crawl. AND I STILL GET COLD!!!!!

Last September I ordered a set of wool from Gray wolf woolens. I looked at Sleeping Indian and dealt with King of the Mountain ( was not too impressed with their customer service) and decided to go with the local boy who hooked me up. Long wait I know but this stuff is amazing.

Jeff at www.graywolfwoolens.com

Mike
 
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