cold feet, any warm advice for the dedicated hunter?

Question

i recently tested out this liner sock along with my merino wool sock and it only gives me warmth for about 2 hours at 35 degrees. my boots are at a 400 gram insulation and the cold is starting to put me inside the house and not up the tree, let alone the temperature hasnt even drop down far yet. i did put in some heat packs but we all know how uncomfortable and unflexible that is, plus they arent even that warm unless you shake it from time to time. if your a hunter, you dont want to be out there doing the hustle. is there any other way that i can keep my feet warm for at least 3 to 5 hours without spending all my money? is there anything else that some of you might do to solve the trick? please tell, i appreciate it, thanks!

Answer 1

one pair of socks then wrap a polythene bag around the socks and put a second pair of socks on top - then put your boots on.

Answer 2

400 Gram Thinsulate isn't really that much. I have 800 Gram in the boots I hunt late season elk in--which involves a lot of walking in temperatures from 10-20 degrees Farenheit (still not all that cold). I would look for a 1000+ Gram boot, or look at Cabela's or BassPro for some of the "over-booties" they offer. A really cheap solution would be to wrap a blanket, quilt, or spare heavy jacket around your feet while in the stand. It may actually even muffle the sound of your boots on the platform if you happen to have to move your feet while a deer is within ear-shot.

It may sound counter-intuitive, but try only wearing one QUALITY pair of socks. I like Merino wool. The extra socks may be pulling heat away from your feet.

Answer 3

400 gram is not a very warm boot. if you can afford to get new boots go with 800 or 1000 gram.
Im suprised that the warmers didnt work. what brand do you have? Some make just 1 size that you are supposed to use in your pockets, shoes, etc. Grabber has toe warmers that are pretty thin and go under (obviously) your toes. I have never had a problem with these and sometimes they are actually TOO warm!
otherwise, try some GOOD battery operated socks. the cheap ones are worth what you pay for them!

Answer 4

1st make sure adequate circuation is getting to your feet. Tying your boots too tight, wearing too many socks, etc. can sontrict blood flow leading to cold feet. Keeping the rest of your body warm is also a plus. Wear warm headgear. I take 2-3 lightweight fleece blankets (appropriate colors) and wrap one around my legs and one around my shoulders when I am hunting. This helps with the wind and keeps me nice and comfortable. Make sure you are not wearing cotton on your feet. A nice polypro liner sock and a thick wool sock should be sufficent to keep you feet warm with an insulated boot.

Answer 5

try this buy some of those hot hands things one for each boot. Put on your socks then put on your boots but before you tie them put one of the hot hands things in each boot on top of your foot out side of the sock then tie them up. when you get to your stand, spot, whatever sit down loosen your boot laces a little and make sure your pants leg covers the top of your boots,this will allow for circualation of blood and heat. plus any heat that is lost goes up your pants leg. They're supposed to be good for what six hours or so and if you want you can put one under your foot too.

Answer 6

Definitely buy some 1,000 gram (or higher) Thinsulate boots. Dick's Sporting Goods has them on sale now for $80.00, Field & Stream brand. I bought a pair at Dunham's, Itasca brand Swampwalkers 17-1/2" high for $51.00 on sale. Shop around, there are some good deals going on now.
400 grams won't keep your feet warm when the temps start dropping.

Answer 7

They probably still sell the electric socks. Run on batteries and do the job nicely. Sort of like an electric blanket but for your feet. The ones I had years ago ran on 4 D-cell batteries and kept my toes toasty.

Answer 8

Try buying a boot with Gortex lining. Im in the military and I have the extreme cold weather boot with gortex and wow! in like 10 degree weather my feet stay toasty all day. Try different places like www.rangerjoes.com and other military surplus places for boots. Othere boots called matterhorn and Rockies are good older style cold weather boots too.

Answer 9

it may sound really weird but try using women nylon stockings under your socks. if that doesn't work you should try putting you foot in a bag (i use storage bags-less noisy) and then your boot. it will not only help keep your foot warmer but will also keep out any moisture in case your boot has a small leak. also make sure you aren't just wearing your everyday sock. and if all else fail throw a jacket or small blanket around your feet when you're in your stand.
good luck.

Answer 10

The only thing I could add to what has been said... are you sure your boots are not too tight. Restricting the blood circulation will cause cold feet, at least contribute to the problem.