Cold weather doesn’t have to be your enemy while hunting. With thoughtful clothing choices and a few simple tricks, you can create a warm and comfortable environment even in cold conditions. Here, we share our best tips for staying warm and performing at your best during hunting season.
1. Closest to the Body
When hunting, choosing the right base layer is crucial for retaining warmth and comfort from the inside out. For stationary hunting, Ullfrotté 200 is ideal, as the material effectively insulates body heat with its airy terry loops and minimal contact points against the skin. Remember, our Ullfrotté works best when worn closest to your body!
For more intense hunting, where you move a lot and quickly get warm, Woolpower LITE is a good choice. The ribbed material fits close to the skin and efficiently wicks away excess heat and moisture.
2. Build with Layers
By adding more layers, you create more air spaces that insulate warmth. If your first layer is close-fitting, it might be a good idea to add a second layer that is slightly looser. This will not only keep you warmer but also allow for better movement while hunting. On the stand, it’s great to complement your base layer with an additional layer of Ullfrotté, such as our Full Zip Jacket 400. Another layer of Ullfrotté 200 also works well.
If you’re moving more, an unlined jacket over your base layer is often sufficient. Regardless of how and where you hunt, it’s good to have an outer functional garment that breathes but also withstands water and wind.
3. Head and Hands
When it’s cold, a large part of your body heat escapes through your hands and head. Hunting also demands dexterity, and thick gloves can make it difficult to handle your equipment. A pair of wrist warmers works well to insulate much of the warmth while keeping your fingers completely free so you can focus on what you’re doing.
A merino wool hat is great for keeping your head warm. Choose from our different colors depending on how visible you want to be in nature. You can also add a neck gaiter that you can pull up over your ears if the cold is particularly biting.
4. Warm Feet
When sitting still on the stand, your blood circulation slows down quickly. Often, your feet are the first to get cold, and cold toes can make the day challenging. It can be helpful to wear double wool socks, thicker or thinner depending on how much you usually feel the cold. Remember to wear shoes that are normally a bit too large, as the air between the layers helps keep you warm.
If you’re moving over longer distances, it’s beneficial to use socks that fit your feet well and are designed for higher intensity. Woolpower Skilled is a series of socks that are just as suitable for running as they are for hunting. If you’re wearing boots with high shafts, the Skilled Knee-High socks are perfect.
5. Insulate with Felt
During our colder months, the ground can easily cool you down, whether you’re sitting or standing. In addition to good socks and shoes, it’s helpful to use a felted wool insole as an extra layer of insulation.
If you’re sitting during the hunt, a sitting pad is a must in your pack. From leftover material in our production, we make handy and warming sitting pads that take up hardly any space in your backpack.
6. Movement, Food & Drink
Even if you’re sitting on the stand, it’s good to move around occasionally. It might be enough to wave your arms a bit and lightly jog in place, just enough to almost start sweating. Your body also needs energy to maintain the right heat balance, so don’t forget to eat and drink both before and during the hunt. It’s not just a warm drink you need to stay warm, but food and beverages packed with energy. Treat yourself to something delicious out in the woods!
