For cold weather muck/rubber boots I like the darn tough lightweight otc ski/snowboard socks as my thin base layer and the hunting otc sock as my outer layer. They have an ultra lightweight otc sock as well.
I used to grind my shanks which was a pain so last year I kept them whole and tried the meateater osso bucco recipe and I was hooked. I will never grind another shank again. I also tried a couple other recipies based on brasied veal or vennison shanks and it is a favorite. All that...
REVIEW UPDATE
When I was practicing shooting from my saddle this summer I started using the built in tree strap and I love it. I do not take My pack off when I get to the tree. Once I am at height now I take the pack off strap it too the tree with the built in strap. I keep it in the side...
If you have not already spent some time scouting the cut in the off season give that a try. When the leaves are gone and the recent activity has been put down during the hunting season you can really see how and where they are using the cut when you are going to be hunting it.
Congrats, this will be my 4th season hunting from a saddle. I have not touched my climber since since I got the saddle. Practice from the back yard as much as you can. You can shoot almost 360 deg. around the tree however some directions are much, much easier than others so practice goes a...
I like the Vortex Sun Slayer UPF 50. I like the rubberized grippy strip around the rim of the hoody that holds it in place. Some of the hoods are too floppy.
I had lower back issues that went away when I started riding a bike regularly. I didn't start riding the bike to strengthen the back, I was riding it for the cardio however it fixed the back.