Spending time in the freezing cold isn’t for the faint of heart, and it might not be your favorite thing, but it can be made easier with the right gear. After all, just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you quit going to the range or hunting, does it? Of course not. Luckily for you, we have a few suggestions of cold weather gear sure to help you stay warm and toasty, or at least not freezing cold, next time you brave the chilly winter landscape.
1. Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 1000
There’s almost no boot in existence that can stack up to the fantastic performance of Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 1000s. Keep in mind that these are heavy, bulky boots and are not meant to have a lot of flex. If you want a super-lightweight, pliant boot, this isn’t the one for you. But if you want your feet to stay warm even hiking miles in knee-deep snow, I highly recommend Kenetrek.
The Mountain Extreme 1000 is made for extreme weather, as its name suggests. These Italian-made boots have 10-inch high ankles and have uppers made from 2.8mm thick leather. The uppers are produced in a single piece so there’s no seam like boots with tongues have which means a lessened risk of friction issues. It also means the elements should stay outside where they belong, not sliding into your boots.
Reinforced double and triple stitching throughout the boot makes them ultra durable and long-lasting and the hardware used swivels so it’s less prone to breakage. A Windtex waterproof breathable flexible membrane helps keep out the cold and wet while 1000-gram Thinsulate insulation keeps your feet surprisingly warm even when it’s below zero. Other features include 7mm nylon midsoles for additional support when you’re packing an animal out and lightweight K-Talon outsoles for superior traction.
These boots are made for hiking and hunting in freezing climates, and they deliver as promised.
2. Hothands Camo Hand Warmers
A cold weather gear list can’t be made without mentioning Hothands. These cleverly-toasty packs come in a variety of designs including the classic handwarmer packets and awesome boot inserts. That means you can keep your hands and feet warm even when you’re ringing steel in the snow. They even make body patches with adhesive on one side so you can apply constant warmth to your back, shoulders, or whatever body part you’re trying to stop from freezing.
Hothands are air activated and start warming up as soon as the packaging is opened and the packets make contact with fresh air. They last for hours, which is fantastic (Hothands states some of their products even last for up to 12 hours, which is impressive). The company states its products are TSA-approved, meaning you can travel with them, which is great especially when you’re traveling to an event or hunt.
The hand warmers are the perfect size to fit in the pocket of gloves that are made with that feature but also work well simply dropped inside your gloves, whether in the palm or at the back of the hand. They also work wonders dropped in your jacket pockets so you can warm up your hands as needed, keeping your trigger finger warm.
These are great for all gun owners and cover all the bases thanks to the versatility of the line.
3. Under Armour ColdGear Base 4.0
Base layers seem to come in one of two forms: thin and sleek or bulky and thick. What you have to find, usually through trial and error, is a quality base layer that’s thin enough to handle activity but still capable of warming you up. You get those things with the Under Armour ColdGear Base 4.0. Not only are these base layers made to wick sweat and move with you rather than bunching up, but they’re also not excessively thick.
The Base 4.0 line is made for extreme temperatures and times you aren’t running a marathon, so don’t plan to do any crazy acrobatics in these. Although they’re made for movement and give, they’re simply not designed for significant activity.
Under Armour claims these are their warmest base layers that have been revamped to suit the needs of modern athletes. We think that includes hunters and shooters. Four-way stretch material is used for these base layers and it’s also made to wick sweat while drying quickly. After all, if you’re sweaty and damp, you’ll get cold. Other features include soft grid inside layer and UA Scent Control Technology, so your smell doesn’t scare off whatever game animal you’re after.
This line includes everything you need from shirts to pants to quarter-zip tops. These are excellent for layering under jeans or camo. Whatever you’re doing, this base layer will help keep you warm while you’re out in the winter weather.
4. Kuiu Ultra Merino 145 Balaclava
A good balaclava is basically a must-have for shooters. There’s not a lot worse than having your shot messed up because a huge lungful of arctic air sent you into a coughing fit. Similarly, it’s awful when a hunt gets blown for the same reason. Some balaclavas are made super thick and in designs that slip and slide, but the Kuiu Ultra Merino 145 Balaclava is designed and made by people who understand the rigors of the outdoors.
This balaclava is made from 90% merino wool and 10% nylon, making it toasty, yet stretchy. Kuiu states the blend is designed so it does not itch and also says it offers UPF 50+ Sun Protection. Whether you’re a precision shooter or a hunter, it’s smart to protect your skin from the sun. And although it looks like there isn’t much sun at times during the winter, the sun can reflect off the snow and ice in a damaging way.
The Ultra Merino 145 Balaclava has a face and neck cover with flat lock stitching. Other features include odor resistance, wicking, and thermo-regulation. Kuiu offers this balaclava in three different color patterns: Verde, Valo, and Vias. Don’t make the mistake of forgetting to cover your face when you’re hitting the range with a serious wind chill going on.
5. Mr. Heater Big Buddy Portable Heater
If you can simply take a heat source with you, why not do it? The Mr. Heater Big Buddy Portable Heater runs off a small propane tank, meaning it isn’t reliant on electrical cords. The manufacturer rates it as indoor-use safe, meaning you could technically use it in a frigid indoor range, so long as it’s placed at a safe distance. Hunters have long relied on Mr. Heater portable heaters for keeping blinds warm when it’s 27 below and there are four feet of snow on the ground. But who are we kidding? Even with no snow, the cold can be bitter and unforgiving.
The Big Buddy Portable Heater has a single control start knob for simple operation and has three possible settings. According to the manufacturer, it’s capable of heating up to 450 square feet, but your mileage may vary with the outdoor elements. Features include a tank capacity of two 1-pound propane cylinders, an overall weight of 17.1 pounds, and a hose and regulator that can be purchased separately. This heater also has safety features including a tip-over switch and automatic low oxygen shut-off sensor.
There’s no reason to shiver and have your extremities go warm when you can get a portable heater for the range or your blind.
What’s your favorite way to stay warm while shooting in the winter? Drop your experiences and favorite products in the comments section.
