How to Stay Warm While Hunting (9 Simple Tips)

Hunting when it’s cold out is a fun hobby that can turn into a bad time if you find yourself inadequately prepared. Fortunately, there are few fool-proof tips you can use to withstand the cold during the hunting season. These tips can be used during late-season deer hunts while the temperatures are frigid.

Here are 9 ways to stay warm while hunting:

• Wear insulating materials like wool or silk.
• Dress in at least 3 layers.
• Insulate your body’s core.
• Wear a heated shirt.
• Wear gloves, hats, and thick socks.
• Wear hunting boots.
• Use a hunting blind.
• Eat foods high in carbs and fats.
• Stay hydrated.

Alright, let’s dive into the best ways to keep yourself warm and insulated while hunting!

1. Choose the right materials.

Some of the most trustworthy materials you can make use of for any outdoor activity in harsh climates are wool and silk. These natural fibers are insulators that will come in handy under extreme climatic conditions. 

Wool fibers are hydrophobic on the outside and hygroscopic on the inside, ensuring that they repel and attract water, keeping your body dry. 

Silk is equally useful, as its low conductivity keeps warm air close to your body in cold climates. This is also called thermal insulation and is an essential factor while picking out clothes to suit the weather.

2. Dress in layers.

Your outfit should be comprised of three layers – the base, middle and outer layers. This will provide full protection against biting cold.

Base Layer

The base layer must be comfortable and fit close to your body. Merino wool, also known as nature’s miracle fiber, is a natural fiber that can be used as a sort of second skin. They are also known to warm the body naturally. Please ensure that your base clothing is never cotton as the fiber retains sweat, which will leave your body feeling cold.

Mid Layer

The mid-layer ensures that heat is trapped within your clothing. Hence, choosing the right materials to retain this heat is a must. Wool and Nylon have the best heat retention properties amongst other fabrics, so wearing a cardigan made of these materials as your mid-layer will lock up your body heat and prevent the entry of cold air.

Outer Layer

The outer-layer must be thick and also weather resistant. Most often, we tend to associate bulky clothes with warmer material. However, wearing bulky clothes can be a hindrance while hunting. 

So ensure that you get a jacket/coat which is suitable for the activity while also being engineered for extremely cold temperatures. It also doesn’t hurt to have a coat that has been manufactured for hunting, as that will ensure you stay camouflaged as well. 

If you’d like to check out jackets that are meant for hunting, you should consider the Legendary Whitetails Men’s Jacket (available on Amazon.com). It’s rated as the best-seller under hunting jackets with many positive reviews from hunters and hikers alike.

Legendary Whitetails Men’s Maplewood Hooded Shirt Jacket Army Green Plaid Small

3. Insulate your core.

One of the most important parts of your body that you need to focus on is your torso, also known as your core. It is important that you insulate your core to ensure it is warm. This is because the core readily releases blood to the extremities when it is warm. 

When your core is cold, it naturally prevents blood from reaching other extremities, as the body stores up blood for the vital organs. Hence, it is essential to keep your core warm, which in turn will aid in keeping your hands and feet warm as well. 

4. Invest in a heated shirt.

To protect yourself from extreme temperatures, you can consider using heated shirts and socks, which will generate heat. These are mostly battery operated and ensure that you do not get too hot or cold. The wiring in the fabric is protected by waterproof material, which makes it safe to use even in damp or wet conditions. 

If you’re unfamiliar with this type of clothing, I suggest you check out Dr. Prepare Heated Vest on Amazon. It’s a heated vest that generates consistent heat to the core body parts.

Dr. Prepare Heated Vest, Unisex Heated Clothing for men women, Lightweight USB Electric Heated Jacket with 3 Heating Levels, 6 Heating Zones, Adjustable Size for Hiking (Battery Pack Not Included)

5. Wear gloves, caps, and socks.

It’s a great idea to keep your body terminals well-covered and warm. Making sure you use warm and good quality gloves, a woolen cap, and thick socks will ensure that your body heat drastically increases. 

I recommend checking out waterproof and wind-proof gloves like Glacier Glove Alaska Pro as that will be extremely useful in the woods under uncertain climates. 

It is also advisable to go for a ski mask rather than a plain cap, as this will protect your entire face from the cold wind. 

Glacier Glove Alaska Pro Camo Waterproof Insulated Glove, Advantage, Large

6. Wear hunting boots.

Hunting boots are different from your regular gumboots as they are designed to withstand extreme climatic changes. Hunting boots provide extra insulation to the feet while also being waterproof. They are also light-weight to avoid restraining your movement. 

I recommend that you buy Lacrosse Men’s Alphaburly Pro as they have a rubber sole, which is shock absorbent and is composed of a sturdy Neoprene design, which ensures flexibility and efficiency. 

LaCrosse Men’s 376032 Alphaburly Pro 18″ 1600G Waterproof Hunting Boot, Realtree Edge – 10 M

7. Use a hunting blind.

Using a hunting blind to protect yourself from the wind is another great way to stay warm. 

You can either use a pop-up style blind like the Barronett Blinds GR251BT, or a hard-sided blind like Ameristep Doghouse Ground Blind. Additionally, using a small propane heater behind the blind is a great idea!

Barronett Blinds GR251BT Grounder 250 Pop Up Portable 2 Person Blind, Bloodtrail Woodland Camo Ameristep Doghouse Ground Blind, Two Man Hunting Blind in Realtree Edge Camo

8. Eat foods high in fats and carbs.

While hunting, it is best to eat foods that have high fat and carb content. 

Some of the best foods to eat while hunting include the following: 

• Jerky
• Peanut butter
• Granola bars
• Snickers
• Nuts. 

While being loaded with tons of nutritional value, these foods can also be termed as “quiet foods,” as they’re easy to eat without making much noise. During a hunt, it is essential to maintain silence and limit body movements.

9. Stay hydrated.

According to the Ithaca Journal, cold weather contributes to dehydration as the body does not find the need to hydrate as much as it does in hot temperatures. 

Hence, it is important that you regularly drink a warm beverage to keep your internal temperature regulated. It is best to insulate your drinks in an insulated bottle.

Final Thoughts

With those nine tips, we come to the end of the list of essentials. By now, you are familiar with some great ways to keep yourself safe and warm while hunting. 

Among all these tips, the one factor that is often overlooked is ensuring that the body is hydrated, so try your best to avoid health problems by putting the safety and comfort of your body above all else. Hopefully, you found this article helpful and can begin looking forward to your next big hunting trip!