Warm Gear That's Great When It's Late

Part of the challenge of hunting during the late season is simply showing up. Burnout may start to set in (You've been trying to fill this tag for weeks so why would today be any different?) and the weather doesn’t help. The weather, however, is often the key to success, as game must move to feed when conditions turn nasty. Be out there to take advantage of cold fronts and pending storms, and remain focused to the final day, by dressing in clothing that helps you handle the elements.

Born Primitive Tundra Jacket

A good puffy jacket keeps you so warm that wearing it is like wrapping your upper body in a tailored sleeping bag. The Tundra, from veteran-owned and -operated Born Primitive, has 200-gram synthetic insulation that makes it feel downright luxurious during cold days in the mountains. A drawback to most puffies is their lack of durability, but Born Primitive addresses this in the Tundra with a slick nylon shell that resists snagging and reinforced elbows. A fitted hood keeps body heat in, while zippered armpits let it out when you start to get too toasty. Front pockets have a soft, fuzzy lining, and two interior mesh pockets provide a place to stash snacks so they don’t freeze solid. MSRP: $229; bornprimitive.com

KUIU Proximity Insulated Pant

No one wants to sit for hours in freezing temperatures only to spook a buck the moment a noisy outer layer drags across the rail of the treestand. That’s just torture, and the Proximity line from KUIU is designed to prevent it. The pant’s 160-gram polyester knit exterior has a brushed face to keep it quiet. A bonded SynthaCell open-cell foam membrane resists wind and is quieter than liners with the same purpose. Water resistance is afforded by a DWR coating. Body-mapped Toray 3DeFX+ synthetic insulation in 60- and 90-gram weights provides warmth without bulk, and its siliconized fibers further resist water. A raised back seals in heat, and full-length side zippers make the pant easy to put on and take off while offering ventilation. MSRP: $259; kuiu.com

Paramount Outdoors EHG Elite Thermowool Jacket and Pant

Old-school wool gets a boost from synthetic insulation in this EHG Elite jacket and pant. Wool has a degree of natural water resistance thanks to its lanolin content and retains its insulative qualities when wet, but the addition of polyester adds warmth without weighing as much as its counterpart. A silver-ion treatment helps control bacteria that causes odor. The jacket has zippered handwarmer pockets and an inner chest pocket, while the pant has six, including two cargo pockets. A three-panel hood offers additional protection from the elements, while reinforced knees increase durability. MSRP: $159.99, jacket; $119.99, pant; paramountoutdoors.com

Danner Vital Boot

The problem with some heavily insulated boots is they make you feel like you’re wearing clown shoes, which certainly doesn’t promote stealthy or agile movement in the woods. You need not be concerned with clumsy clomping in the Vital, as Danner builds the 8-inch boot on a streamlined, athletic-style last and pairs it with 1,200-gram Thinsulate Ultra insulation. A waterproof Danner Dry barrier keeps moisture out but allows it to escape from inside the boot. Other comfort features include an open-cell polyurethane footbed and Plyolite midsole to absorb shock, multi-density foam in the upper to eliminate pinch points and a mesh-lined tongue to promote moisture management. MSRP: $230; danner.com

Fieldsheer Premium 2.0 Merino Heated Socks

These aren’t the electric socks with bulky batteries and heavy wires your father used to wear. Each sock is powered by a 3.7-volt lithium-ion rechargeable battery that’s not much larger than a lighter, and the heating elements in the toe area are slim enough that the sock’s cushioning keeps you from feeling them. You’ll certainly feel the heat, though, as these socks have Bluetooth-enabled Mobile Warming technology that allows you to choose among four levels of output via the MW Connect app. Battery life on the low heat setting is 10 hours. The calf-height socks are made from a Merino wool blend with arch support and reinforced toe and heel areas. MSRP: $134.99; fieldsheer.com

KUIU Northstar Glomitt

Part glove, part mitten, glomitt is a goofy name for a design that keeps fingers together for more warmth but also facilitates dexterity by isolating the index finger and the thumb. The Northstar is packed with 340- and 170-gram Primaloft Gold insulation on the back and palm, respectively. The HDry membrane keeps moisture out, and the gauntlet-style cuff prevents snow, rain and wind from leaking into the jacket sleeve opening. Covered in Pittards OilTac leather, the palm offers a secure grip whether wet or dry. MSRP: $139; kuiu.com

ALPS OutdoorZ Hand Warmer

Stuff your hands into this fleece-lined tube with a couple heat packs and laugh at the icy wind. The neoprene exterior resists water and wind, and cuffs help retain heat. A waist belt is built into the back, and swivel clips permit waterfowlers to attach the hand warmer to waders. A hand warmer allows you to get away with thin gloves—or maybe none, which is a big advantage when fine motor skills are needed to slip off a safety and press a trigger. MSRP: $39.99; alpsoutdoorz.com

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