As an experienced hunter, I’ve learned the importance of being prepared for weather conditions when heading out into the woods. One of the most challenging things I faced during my early years of hunting was keeping my feet warm while spending long hours sitting in a hunting blind waiting for the game to appear.
I remember one winter hunting trip when my feet became so cold and numb that I had to cut my hunt short and head back to the warmth of my car. After that experience, I began researching and experimenting with different techniques to keep my feet warm during my hunts. Through trial and error, I’ve discovered several tips and tricks that have helped me stay comfortable and focused during long hours in the field.
In this article, I’ll share my personal experiences and advice on keeping your feet warm while hunting, so you can avoid the discomfort and frustration I once faced.
If you are anything like me, you cannot resist hunting in cold weather late into the season. However, this is only enjoyable if you can maintain warmth during your hunt. The main issue is cold feet. Moisture from the ground makes your feet unbearably cold, causing you to close shop early and go home, potentially missing out.
There’s no need to panic, though…
Here are my top tips on how to keep your feet warm whilst hunting.
FIRST THINGS FIRST
Properly fitting boots and socks – Boots and socks that are too loose allow for moisture to get in and be absorbed. It is causing cold feet. Additionally, boots and socks that are too tight often cause cold feet.
If your feet are too compressed by your socks, they are unable to wiggle. This can stop the circulation of your feet. Meaning blood isn’t pumping around, not allowing your feet to warm up.
If your toes have wiggle room, this allows your toes to move and pump around blood and warm up quicker.
If this is the case, I would suggest measuring your feet (which you can do in most hunting shops selling boots.) This will stop you from buying ill-fitting boots. Alternatively, it might be worth loosening your laces and wearing less restricting socks.
MY TIPS
Double up – On cold days, I always double up and wear two pairs of socks. An inner layer of thin, moisture-wicking socks and an outer layer of thick, insulating wool socks. This is, of course, providing that you have the correct fitting boots, as you do not want to cut off the circulation to your feet, as mentioned above.
Avoid wearing cotton – This goes for any clothing when hunting in cold weather. Unlike polypropylene, cotton absorbs moisture instead of wicking moisture away.
Bring spares – I would always recommend over-packing socks. Why? Because everyone’s feet get sweaty being in boots all day. Having a spare pair of socks to change into is always a good idea as you remove the sweat-absorbed hose and replace it with a dry one.
ADDITIONAL HEAT SOURCES
Suppose you have poor circulation or generally get very cold when hunting. There are lots of alternative products available on the market that could help. Disposable heat packs are often used when hunting to keep your feet warm. However, I avoided them personally, as they make my feet so sweaty, which causes more issues than it’s worth.
I have always found that heating your feet alone doesn’t always work. I believe it is better to increase the body’s temperature, and your feet will follow suit. This allows for less sweat in your boots.
One of the ways I like to do this is by bringing a heater to heat my hunting blind. I have created a guide outlining the best hunting blind heaters here if you want to check it out: The Best Hunting Blind Heaters On The Market.
Alternatively, a much cheaper way to achieve this is by having hot drinks throughout the day to keep me warm.
TO CONCLUDE
Overall, following a few of these tips will make your hunting experience in the cold much more enjoyable. And you just might be able to stay out there long enough to get that worldie of a shot.
