Re: cold weather shooting gear
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steveptr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looking for a jacket, gloves, pants, and base layers. what do you boys use for cold weather shooting. Im talking 30s and below. </div></div>
base layer = any synthetic base layer works just fine from condor, EWCS to patagonia, you can find cheap polypro at walmart that works fine. for single day with huge temp swings and little moisture management, wool works good. for optimum performance, patagonia capilene mid weight top and bottom. but I also have a under armor heat gear top I have been using with decent performance.
jacket = any soft shell jacket from condor to wildthings. under the soft shell a puff sweater, make does not matter much, puff is better than fleece as it compresses more for less change in the shoulder stock fit Vs fleece, plus its warmer for the weight.
pants = any soft shell pants, harder to find price point, look at a mountaineering or climbing or hiking shop. i have used 5.11 taclite over a patagonia base layer down to -20f with good results for single day of training close to the rig. i also have a cheap pair of coated nylon pants to go over my soft shell if its really wet and muddy but these days, that says stay home and watch a good film noir.
gloves = i use 200wgt open fleece gloves with seamgrip dots I added in the area I required more grip. iron heat packs are ok until they get damp then they do not produce heat. i am one who never really got cold hands or feet until -40 and colder... these days +40f
i wear my cool guy hat mostly but when it gets cold a simple fleece of 200wgt non wind barrier.
get a good thermos, wrap close cell foam around the thermos with duct tape. preheat the thermos with boiling water for 5 minutes then dump the water out and pour in new boiling water. take and insulate a plastic mug with closed cell foam around it or at least on the bottom. dry soup, coffee, hot chocolate, etc an assortment of things to re-hydrate in your mug. nothing like sipping hot coffee at -20 while training. i also snack on crackers since temp does not effect them like most foods with creamy chicken soup in my mug. as far as energy bars, candy bars are cheaper and offers about the same caloric value, keep them in a outside pocket to protect from freezing but not melt. eat and drink constantly Vs a big meal that will zap blood flow and tire and chill the body.
boots = any decent boot will work. lace them up with full body weight before hiking, loosen laces while stationary, stand and sit on closed cell foam pad, rub degree anti arm on your feet before leaving the house to control sweat and cold feet.
shoot prone laying on a closed cell foam pad. for snow, silt, brush, mud, I place my backpack so ejected brass hit my pack and then roll down and onto my pad or shooters mat...way less lost brass.
get and stay well hydrated, take a baby or heart aspirin or garlic pills to thin the blood for better circulation. i know of few who like hot sauce.
mental means have fun even if you think it colds and miserable.