How to Stay Warm in Even the Coldest Weather - Solutions for Hunters, Outdoor Enthusiasts & Sportsman

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, hunter, sportsman, fisherman, we know you can’t wait to get outside and a little thing like weather won’t ever stop you. But why should you be uncomfortable when the weather turns cold? While the hunting can be outstanding, low temperatures and periods of exertion followed by waiting really increase the odds of getting cold and taking the enjoyment out of your experiences. We’ve got your solution for keeping hunters and sportsmen warm out in the wild.

It all begins with your feet. The last thing you want it to have to end a day early and miss out, listening to stories later from those you left in the field.

Avoiding moisture is key. Keeping your feet dry is paramount to a successful day. If your feet are dry and comfortable the rest of your body follows. The days of wearing two pair of socks are over, and well changing socks mid hunt is the worst, not to mention spreading your smell far and wide.First, avoid cotton in cold weather - cotton of any kind, it can make you incredibly uncomfortable or even kill you in cold weather. Cotton absorbs moisture and traps it next to your skin, conducting heat from your body to the outside, which is the counter opposite of what you want.

Many guides say to wear an inner layer and an outer layer sock. We find that this can be avoided by simply wearing one pair of of alpaca socks and natural leather or breathable boots or shoes. Since alpaca socks wick moisture better than any other natural fiber and hold onto less of it, your feet will stay dryer and you can leave your shoes and socks on without worry.

Do you really want to be changing your socks once you arrive at your tree stand? When feet get clammy the whole body feels it, creating a sense of chill that permeates when trying to be still. Depending on the weather conditions changing into cold socks or even reducing a layer of socks can chill the body just as easily. Wearing two or three pairs of socks also can cause tight boots. It is a must to have properly fitting boots and socks. Wearing boots that are too tight can make your feet cold and if you can’t comfortably wiggle your toes then your boots are too tight. Circulation of blood in your feet as well as air around your feet will keep them performing for you.

Begin your day on the right foot with Warrior Alpaca Socks and reduce the opportunity for your feet to start sweating when you heat up during your morning trek. Alpaca’s natural thermal regulation and superb wicking will keep your feet from overheating. Be sure your socks extend out of the top of your boots, creating a chimney of sorts, so that moisture can naturally evaporate. Some pairs to look at are our Alpaca Work Socks, Sylvan Camouflage Hunting Socks, Long John Socks, Second to None and our Toasty Toes Ultimate Alpaca Sock. Be sure to check fit inside your shoes before heading in the woods.

But what if your sport involves water? Knowing you’re going to get wet feet and standing in it all day makes it hard to keep warm. Alpaca is the only textile that continues to be thermal when wet. So, Yes! even if you’re standing in water, alpaca socks will keep your feet and legs warm and if you choose knee high terry lined socks, warmer than all other socks. We recommend using a terry lined for maximum warmth in wet or very cold conditions.

Standing around outside, cold transfers from the ground up into your feet and further into your core. While some mention taking cardboard or a mat of sorts to create a barrier between you and the ground, who really needs one more thing to haul along on a day in the woods? We find that alpaca felt insoles, which can be trimmed to fit every type of shoe is a far better solution and one that adds a second layer of cushion along with thermal protection from the elements. These long-lasting inserts are multi-layer protecting you from the transference of cold while retaining no odor, even if you are standing on ice. Both alpaca socks and insoles can be treated to eliminate human odor easily and come in natural and camouflage colors. Since alpaca is naturally antimicrobial, no bacteria breeds in your shoes or socks, giving you or your position away. The benefits are many. Outdoor enthusiasts of all types, from skiers to scuba divers have found relief from cold and cold water with alpaca wool socks.

If you're really having trouble staying warm, then try adding an alpaca sweater or hat to your gear. Many people go for disposable heat packs however they are almost guaranteed to make you sweat, putting you at greater risk for getting cold and colder still once they stop generating heat. An alpaca wool sweater will insulate your body and keep you warmer than sheep’s wool… studies say as much as 3 times warmer, with far better wicking, creating far more enjoyable day outside. We have a wide selection of both Men's Alpaca Sweaters and Women's Alpaca Sweaters. Be sure to ditch you cotton shirt and instead use a microfiber base like UnderArmor. Once the day heats up alpaca’s natural thermo regulation adjusts, keeping you at the perfect temperature. Hypoallergenic, exceptionally durable, naturally flame resistant as well as odor resistant; an alpaca sweater or cap will last for many seasons, making it more cost effective than clothing of cotton or wool.

Drinking warm liquids can also help you fight off the cold. Hot soup, broth, hot chocolate and and even just plain old warm water are great choices. But please keep in mind that it is best to avoid caffeine and alcohol because while they make you feel warmer quick but in the long run, they both actually inhibit your body's ability to stay warm.

So this year, instead of ducks, why not get your alpacas in a row and ready for the season. We hope these tips will create your most successful season yet with no stories of the one that got away.