Cold feet. My nemesis. How to over come it??

[huntingdad]

I have tried just about everything I know to keep my feet from freezing when the temps drop. About the only thing that works is much/lacrosse heavy insulated boots to the tree or blind and swap socks once I get there.

But, when I’m in the mountains I get stumped. I just can’t keep them warm unless I’m constantly moving. I hunted third rifle in Colorado 3 years ago and sitting a ridge while it was in the 20’s was absolutely miserable on my feet. I constantly had to get up and walk circles.

I’ll be in the high country come second rifle and at least a half day hike or more to my truck where my spike camp will be. And I’m parking at 10k so it’s not like I’ll be dropping into warmer weather.

What have some of you guys that deal with cold feet and hunt the back country done to combat this? Swap socks that are dry to glass in? Walk circles? Sit in absolute misery?

For the record I wear darn tough wool socks (thicker ones he’s when it’s cold) and insulated crispi birksdals.

 

[Shane]

If your socks are getting wet from sweat, your boots have too much insulation. You don't want your feet to get so hot that they sweat. Keep your feet dry. GoreTex boots breathe and keep moisture out. Don't over insulate. I wear uninsulated boots comfortably down to single digit temps. Wear merino wool socks. Don't cinch your boots down so tight that it restricts circulation. Keep the blood flow going good. Keep your core and legs warm with merino base layers and whatever other layers you need for your activity level and weather conditions. GoreTex outer layers when there is precipitation and/or wind. Wet = COLD. Stay dry. Don't wear anything that cuts off circulation anywhere. Bibs, to me, SUCK. They are always tugging on your neck/shoulders and low back/seat - especially when you bend and sit. Wear pants and shirts/jackets. If your core and legs are warm and have good circulation, and your feet are dry and not overheated and sweaty, your feet will be properly regulated and warm.

I guess it's possible that you just have poor circulation in your feet naturally. If that's the case, I don't know what to recommend.

 

[HairyScandinavian]

I used to always have frozen feet til I switched to uninsulated boots. They're fine now, will get cold going to bed sometimes but never while walking or just normal hunting no matter how deep the snow is. I got sweaty feet, and like said above as soon as they sweat I'm done for. Imagine your torso soaked and walking around out there.

 

[RuggedYogi]

If sweaty feet are the culprit, try an antiperspirant foot cream.

 

[Team4LongGun]

Change socks-one pair for the hike in, air feet out, yes in the cold to allow moisture to evap, then put on a fresh pair. I guarantee your feet will be warmer than current situation.

 

[rogerdoger]

Bring a jetboil and make a cup of coffee while your glassing, may not help but at least you got a hot drink.

 

[Nevwild]

I put hand warmers on the inside breast pocket of my puffy coat, right by my heart. Tricks my body into thinking that I’m not gonna freeze and it sends blood to my toes.

 

[92xj]

If going to sit for a long time, arctic shield booties. a hot hand on the outside of the laces/toe of your hiking boots and then arctic boot over your hiking boots with the hot hand.

I went to this in single digit tree stand hunting and was the combo that actually allowed me to stay for hours. The artic shield booty things don’t weigh much and could easily be packed.

 

[justinspicher]

I have circulation issues and my feet are always colder than the rest of my body. I wear thin ski socks from Darn Tough and uninsulated mountaineering boots from Scarpa. So far this has been the best combo for me to keep my feet from freezing while I’m out in the later hunting seasons into the winter.