Late Season and Winter Hunting, Here is How to Stay Warm

In every corner of the United States, deer season presses on. For most, the days are short, darkness comes early, snow falls often and … it’s cold. Really flippin’ cold.

Welcome to late season.

If you’ve still got a tag in your pocket, whether it’s archery, muzzleloader, or late-season rifle focused on doe management, chances are good the weather will be one thing the next time you take to the field: miserable. Or, if you’re lucky, uncomfortable at best.

No matter where you’re hunting or what you’re chasing, now’s the time to make sure your late season layering system is up to par and ready to take on Mother Nature’s worst.

Layer, Layer, Layer

Ideally, each layer you put on will work with every other layer you add on top of it. Once complete, the whole system should provide everything from warmth and wicking capabilities, to breathability and water repellency. For example, adding Drake’s HydroHush Heavyweight Full Zip Jacket with Agion Active XL™ atop multiple insulating mid layers and Performance Crew L/S base layer, will ensure your core stays warm and cozy, and keep your body free from any odor-causing moisture.

When it comes time to get started building your go-to extreme cold-weather system, here are a few good things to keep in mind:

• Base layers are worn next-to-skin and are the foundation of your entire system. They should be made of either synthetic materials or merino wool.
• Mid-layers should be insulating and made with down or other heat-retaining material. Given that late season is known for temps that fall well below freezing, you’ll really want to go for it here; adding multiple warmth-retaining mid-layers to make the bitter cold bearable.
• Outer layers should contain zoned insulation, as well as water-repelling properties to keep you and the rest of your layers both warm and dry. The HydroHush Heavyweight Bibs check all the boxes – delivering a 100% waterproof construction, as well as windproof fleece and brushed tricot lining to keep late-season go-getters warm and dry.
• Additional layers, like hats, gloves, and gaiters, can also be layered to better seal in body heat. Keep in mind, during cold-weather hunts, your fingers and toes are likely to be the first body parts to suffer, so you’ll want to make sure they’re well taken care of (even if it means sticking heat packs in your gloves or glomitts and toe warmers in your boots).

Take it from us

When the temperature plummets below freezing, here’s how we layer our Drake Non-Typical gear for those late-season hunts: · Base layers: Performance Crew L/S; LST Heavyweight Base Layer Bottom

• Mid-layers: MST Midweight Base Layer Top; Non-Typical Soft Shell Fleece Vest
• Insulating layers: HydroHush Heavyweight Full Zip Jacket with Agion Active XL™ or
• Stand Hunter’s Silencer Jacket with Agion Active XL
• Bottoms: Silencer Bibs
• Extras: Non-Typical Silencer Sherpa Fleece Beanie; Non-Typical Silencer Sherpa Fleece Neck Gaiter; LST Refuge HS™ GORE-TEX® Gloves; Drake Ultra-Dri Boot Sock

Not only will this help you stay warm, dry, and comfortable, but chances are pretty good you might actually enjoy yourself out there in that miserable weather to boot.

Too many layers, is there such a thing?

If you feel you need another layer or two, for the most part we’d tell you to go right ahead. In the case of gloves and socks, however, be careful with how many you put on. Layering tight-fitting clothing, especially on extremities, can be a poor choice. These areas of your body are the first to feel painfully cold before any other, and reduced circulation due to many restrictive layers, paired with minimal movement over several hours’ time, will only increase the discomfort. If you need some extra warmth in your boots, toss in some warmers instead.

So, what are you waiting for? Layer up and get after ‘em!

Stay warm, friends!