Everyone knows how the weatherman seem to never get it right. But there are also times when they do. But with the climate & atmosphere drastically changing each year. We never know what the weather is going to be like from day to day. Beings there is no one can plan months ahead for what the exact weather conditions will be during the time of your hunt. We always suggest to hunters that they be sure to check the weather forecast for our area right before you leave for IL. That way hunters will have a better idea of what to expect/plan/prepare for while on their hunt. Now again due to the weather changes as fast as a weatherman's forecast. Always make sure that you prepare for and/pr bring all the right gear in order to stay cool, Stay warm and/or stay dry while in the stand. Hunters can check the forecast for our area by visiting the following link. LOCAL WEATHER at BWO STAYING WARM ON STAND KEEPS YOU IN THE HUNT Because we see hunters from all four corners of the United States. Each & every year we see hunters that are not used to cold conditions and literally freeze out in the stand. So if ya are one that gets cold easily...or if ya are one that always hunts here or at home when temps seem to be at their coldest. Then here are a couple suggestions on how to stay warm the entire time while on stand. Back in the day, the only way to keep warm was to dress in layers. But these days the gear is available to help you stick it out in the stand during what is seemingly brutal weather elements. 1st step: The first step to staying warm begins with the proper undergarments. Ive use allot of different stuff over the years. But just to share with you what I have come to rely on & still use today is E.C.W.C.S. That is a Military Polar Undergarment that works. To get more info and/or to buy ya some now. Just punch ECWCS Thermal Underwear into the internet and you will see that you can find it very easily. You can probably find it cheapest on Ebay or Amazon. But know that you can find it as cheap if not cheaper at your local Army surplus stores. Again it is normally cheaper there and you can try it on for a perfect fit as well. But for internet shoppers...just take some time to search around as it can usually be purchased for $15 - $20 for a top and the same for a bottom. Baclava Head Covers are also available in ECWCS Material as well. FOR THOSE THAT JUST CANNOT TAKE ANY KIND OF COLD If you are like my wife and believe the temperature of freezing is 70 degree's, lol. Then you should be looking into and purchasing battery powered heated garments. We have personally used this gear and will confirm that it can & makes all the difference in the world for being able to enjoy your time in the woods. Also because of our personal experiences with this kind of gear. We suggest purchasing either a Milwaukee, Bosch or a Dewalt Heated "Hoodie Sweatshirt". Again Get the sweatshirt and NOT A COAT! Reason for that is? Being that you will need to have the actual heated garment closest to your body/skin as possible. Due to our lack of experience while purchasing our first heated garment. I personally had purchased a coat. After using the coat for the first time... I wish to God that I had purchased the hoodie instead. Reason being is that I could not feel the heat of the coat due to it is the outer layer of my set up. So remember to get the sweatshirt as the vest or the hoodies are thin garments designed and need to be worn as an under layer closest to your skin. NOTE: the hoodies & vest have the exact same heating element systems as the coats do. So to best prepare for a heated garment to work. You will need to dress with your base layer first. Then the heated hoodie and then your outer garments. I do recommend the Milwaukee brand due to the batteries are the smallest and are light weight. Thus you can pack a couple extra batteries in your pack and not be bulked down with a ton of extra weight like you would be with the Dewalt. NOTE: The Milwaukee battery systems will work with the Dewalt as well!! For those that have feet that get cold there is the thought/option of getting "Thermacell Heated Insoles". Again if you type that into google... you will see that you can easily find them every where. However... One thing that I will warn you about with these insoles is that they "Take up Space in Your Boots, Thus causing an uncomfortable fit". So you will have to take your original insoles out in order to be able to still fit your foot into your boots. Now if ya aren't one that is into the new fancy ssshhhhiiiiissttufff…, lol. Then there is always the old back up stand by disposable hand & toe warmers. But the bottom line is to check the forecast and be prepared with the right gear to be able to stay in the stand. Cuz freezing your azzes off makes for a LONG Day in the stand. And if anyone has any ideas to share with others. We are always open to new suggestions. ONE LAST COLD NOTE TO GUN HUNTERS Make sure that your guns are clean, dry and OIL FREE!! As some hunters have found in the past. A well oiled gun will become lethargic, sticky and some firearms have even frozen shut in extremely cold weather conditions. |