Cold gear: grin and bear bad weather

Byline: Kathy Etling

Some of us want clothing like Mossy Oak Apparel’s (www.mossyoakapparel.com; (800) 331-5624) APX Scent Control product line that works well for milder conditions but can be beefed up, with layering, when conditions turn severe. Mossy Oak’s Drystalker II Scent-Stop 4-in-1 Parka and Bibs fill the bill to a ‘T.’ Scent-Stop anti-microbrial action stops scent cold, four ounces of polyester fiberfill keeps warmth in and Torrent waterproof, breathable technology keeps archery hunters dry and comfortable, even in extreme conditions.

Bleak weather is ArcticShield’s (www.arcticshield.com; (877) 974-4353) forte. And if wind, rain and/or snow are in the forecast, it’s time to break out the company’s new H4 Series Pullover Jacket and Pant, both with ArcticShield’s new Quiet RE-tain technology to conquer frigid winds, quell chilly rains and stamp out cold. RE-tain is a thin multi-layered, heat-resistant thermal barrier that captures and returns up to 97-percent of the wearer’s body heat in addition to being waterproof, windproof and breathable.
Cold weather won’t stand a chance against Browning’s (www.browning.com; (800) 333-3328 or (801) 876-2711) Hydro-Fleece Parka Shell since it’s wind-resistant and waterproof, thanks to the Gore-Tex laminate. Sleeves are set-in with one-piece, no-seam construction to further retard wet, windy, winter weather. Wear the Parka by itself, or team with one of Browning’s Exchange System liner jackets, including the: Browning Genesis Fleece X-Change Liner Jacket that’s breathable, blocks wind and isn’t bulky, or Browning Down X-Change Liner Jacket, or Browning Thermore Big Game Jacket with warm Thermore insulation. Banish cold and human scent at the same time with Browning’s Hydro-Fleece Pro Series Insulated Gaiter Bib with Scent-Lok. Pant’s cuffs double as gaiters to contain human scent while keeping snow, wind, rain and sleet at bay.

Mathews, Inc. (www.mathewsinc.com; (608) 269-2728) not only offers great bows, but the new Justin Charles Expedition Weight Merino Wool long underwear. Constructed of super-fine Merino wool, this wool wicks moisture from skin 28-percent faster than any synthetic material and abosorbs 30-percent of its body weight before feeling damp.

Cabela’s (www.cabelas.com; (800) 237-4444) ultra-quiet SST Bowhunter Extreme Parka and Bibs, in 3-D Dimension fleece with raised–flocked–pattern, was designed just for archery hunters. Tackle bad weather now that you’ve got waterproof, breathable Dry-Plus protection, a quilted Scent-Lok lining and zone-specific Thinsulate Supreme Insulation. Sleeves–always important–fit like they’ve been tailored, while stretch panels provide movement up, down and all-around!

Irish Setter’s (www.irishsetterboots.com; (888) 738-8370) Shadow Trek Boots, with Gore-Tex and 800 grams of Thinsulate Ultra, work in all weather and are designed to feel broken in when you lace them up. Choose all-Cordura uppers of Mossy Oak Break-Up or Realtree Hardwoods HD Green.

Robinson Outdoors’ (www.robinsonoutdoors.com; (507) 263-2885) Outfitter Jacket and Pants, made with RainBlocker technology and ScentBlocker SPF 40 odor control, will withstand Mother Nature’s worst. The Jacket features a nifty can call pocket on the three-piece sleeve, a removable arm guard for the right- or left-handed archer and a zip-out reversible Sherpa fleece WindBlocker vest. Mossy Oak Break-Up or Realtree Hardwoods HD camo, too.

Grin and bear the worst weather when outfitted in Scent-Lok’s (www.scent-lok.com; (800) 315-5799) Supreme Gore-Tex Parka and Pant. You’ll get the ultimate in scent control along with unbeatable windproof and waterproof performance. Supreme freedom of movement too: shoulder, chest, arm and knee areas are articulated to eliminate binding. Other ‘pluses:’ integrated shoulder straps for ‘backpacking’ parka, six deep pockets and five weatherproof front pockets, and a nifty zip-in fleece liner also engineered to quell pesky scent.

Howl with delight in Gray Wolf Woolens’ (www.graywolfwoolens.com; (715) 623-5399) new wool Outfitters Jacket, with detachable hood, rear cargo pocket and elastic sleeve adjusters, and matching Bibs, with double-faced knees and butt, handwarmer and cargo pockets. Wolfskin-lined too, which means fabric’s been treated with an ultra-thin polymer to create a durable water repellent, or DWR. Wool and your choice of insulation–Conformax or Conformax and Liteloft. All this with Bi-Swing Bowhunter’s Back–custom made to YOUR specifications! and in Intrusion or Predator camos.

Hunt silently from a stand, stalk or still-hunt from the ground while wearing Woolrich’s (www.woolrich.com; (877) 512-7305) warm, versatile CamWoolFlage. All-day warmth is a ‘given’ in the wool that never weighs you down. This camo pattern goes ALL the way through too: woven into warp and weft in seven different colors. Seventy-percent wool for warmth and stealthiness + 30-percent nylon for ease of care = the perfect blend for bowhunting success.

Make room for ArcticShield’s waterproof, windproof System Glove: a combination shooter’s glove with RE-tain technology mitten, including a super-grip pin-dot palm of Clarino leather-type synthetic. If you crave bowhunting dexterity, try the System Glove–now!

Aigle Boots’ (www.aigleboots.com; (877) 488-7503) Parcours ISO can handle moderate cold and any kind of wet. This all-rubber boot is lined with an insulating 4.5mm layer of Neoprene–and doubled in the sole for increased protection. The outsole is two soles in one–a comfort sole and a gripping sole–to create a rubber hunting boot you’ll swear feels and performs like a hiking boot.

Gander Mountain’s (www.gandermountain.com; (888) 635-2614) Guide Series Gore-Tex Primaloft Parka combines Gore-Tex’s 100-percent waterproof membrane in a new soft, quiet construction. Primaloft insulation holds one of the highest warmth to weight ratios in insulation for superb cold weather protection. Available in Realtree Hardwoods Grey and Mossy Oak New Break-Up.

Whitewater’s (www.whitewateroutdoors.com; (800) 666-2674) Sherpa fleece-lined Pant and Jacket are reversible, which is nifty enough, but they also, amazingly, feature zippered pockets on whichever side you’re wearing! WindBlocker protection keeps archers toasty and warm!

TSS Enterprises (www.heaterbodysuit.com; (888) 565-2652) would like hunters to grin while bearing sub-zero weather in the company’s Heater Body Suit with a substantial 600-grams of Ultra Thinsulate around the feet and 300-grams of Ultra Thinsulate everywhere else. Simply don the suit while wearing your ordinary bowhunting garb–even your boots. If a shot develops, simply slip out of the suit’s upper portion. Don’t worry, internal straps will keep the suit on your body and out of the way. The EZ Series comes with a full-length leg zipper for easy on and off. When not in use, the suit can be rolled up and tied to a daypack. Water-resistant versions are available, but will cost somewhat more.

Attack the weather in Gamehide’s (www.gamehide.com; (888) 267-3591) waterproof and quiet Drizzle Jacket with the company’s unique AirFlow system of mesh lining and zippered vents that work together like a chimney for the ultimate in cold/wet weather comfort. The jacket as well as the Drizzle Pants feature exteriors of HyperHide, a quiet, double-layered and bonded high-performance fleece. A TechPlus laminate makes the outfit waterproof and breathable, too.

UnderArmour (www.underarmour.com; (888) 727-6687) takes cold weather protection to a new level with ColdGear Leggings (#4550C) that fit like a second skin under any garment. Perfect garment to add to your layering system.

Medalist Hunt Gear’s (www.medalist.com; (800) 543-8952) 3 Peaks 3-in-1 Jacket and Anchorage Insulated Water/Windproof Pants rely on Silvermax, a high performance fiber with a layer of 99.9-percent pure silver, for their scentproof, anti-microbial X-Static technology. Silvermax Thermodynamic Temperature Regulation helps keep you warmer and dryer for ultimate comfort. The zip out inner jacket includes 150 grams of insulation for the body and 100 grams of insulation on the sleeves.

ThermalLine’s (www.thermalline.com; (636) 294-0370) new cold weather clothing line includes Balaclava (shown), Sock Cap, Neck Gaiter and Muffler (scarf), all made of heavyweight fleece. All items except the scarf are designed with a pocket capable of holding a chemical heat pack. The scarf, which is designed to be worn beneath outerwear, can hold up to five heat packs. Now, that’s HOT!