DECOY The Master Series Flocked Lone Howler from Flambeau is one of the most realistic coyote decoys available . It ’ s fully flocked body and posable wire frame , faux fur tail not only give this decoy a lifelike appearance , but also reduce noise during transport to your set . www . flambeauoutdoors . com
CAMO When predator hunting , stealth is of utmost importance . Blending into your surroundings will help keep you from being foiled so the best option is to cover up . With this Micro Fiber Waterproof Snow Camo Cover Up layer from Huntworth , you can be sure you ’ ll go unnoticed allowing you to put more furs on the stretcher . www . huntworthgear . com
BASE LAYER This polypropylene / polyester antimicrobial blend baselayer from Savaen ° is medium weight , featuring brushed soft inside , flatlocked seams and double layer cuffs providing great warmth , comfort and moisture control . www . sevaen . com
DECOY The Master Series Flocked Lone Howler from Flambeau is one of the most realistic coyote decoys available . It ’ s fully flocked body and posable wire frame , faux fur tail not only give this decoy a lifelike appearance , but also reduce noise during transport to your set . www . flambeauoutdoors . com
CAMO When predator hunting , stealth is of utmost importance . Blending into your surroundings will help keep you from being foiled so the best option is to cover up . With this Micro Fiber Waterproof Snow Camo Cover Up layer from Huntworth , you can be sure you ’ ll go unnoticed allowing you to put more furs on the stretcher . www . huntworthgear . com
The key to dressing appropriately for winter weather is layering . A well thought out layering system will allow you to manage your moisture and temperature as your activities dictate .
BASE LAYER Start with a base layer consisting of a fabric that will “ wick ” moisture away from your skin . Moving perspiration to outer layers will allow it to evaporate without taking your warmth away from your skin . Many companies are now offering synthetic fabrics designed specifically for this purpose . These are a good choice for when you are very active because they can be made form-fitting and with as much stretch as necessary . Wool is another great base layer option . With a higher insulation value by thickness than synthetics it can add extra warmth without bulk . Merino wool is the most popular as it doesn ’ t have the itch of traditional wool . Also wool has natural odour resisting qualities . Remember , cotton is a killer ! It retains moisture , which will pull heat away from you leaving you damp and cold . Try to avoid it as a base layer if at all possible .
MID LAYER
The mid layer is your insulation layer , where warmth is retained by using “ loft ”. This term refers to a material that holds air heated by the body . Wool is another good option here as it provides excellent insulation even while wet . Synthetics like fleece have been designed to combine all the best qualities of natural materials and come in various thicknesses to suit most occasions . Goose or duck down has excellent loft and is very packable but comes with the cost of added bulk .
OUTER LAYER Your outer layer choice is very dependent on how you need it to perform . Whether it is natural or increased by your activity , wind can rapidly rob the heat you have stored in your first 2 layers . A windproof shell can help to eliminate this . Will precipitation or water be an issue ? Choose a layer that also contains a waterproof or resistant membrane . This shell can also be combined with extra insulation to increase retained warmth . But be careful as it will also add increased bulk , reducing your mobility . Venting , like underarm zippers , can be very valuable if there is a high level of physicality to our adventures !
DON ’ T FORGET YOUR EXTREMITIES ! Choose your footwear in the same way you choose your outerwear . Mobility , warmth , activity and moisture will dictate the boot needed . This technology has come a long way in recent times as well . Work boots , hunting boots and rubber / neoprene boots can be purchased with almost any amount of insulation , providing a boot with exactly the right combination of warmth and functionality .
Socks to go along with your chosen boot are just as important . Whether you choose wool or synthetic pick an appropriate weight that suits your needs . Remember if you travel by vehicle ; don ’ t try to put your boot and sock combo on until you arrive . Feet can sweat and moisture equals cold feet !
The choices of gloves and mitts are almost endless . The same rules apply here as for footwear . Make your choice based on your activity . Keep in mind that mitts that keep all the fingers together are warmer than gloves but you pay for it in a loss of dexterity .
AT THE TOP
Your head / neck can be a serious source of heat loss , up to 30 % in extreme situations . This can also be useful in rapidly removing unwanted heat . A toque / scarf / gaiter combination can allow for multiple options of coverage . by Steve Yanish
BASE LAYER This polypropylene / polyester antimicrobial blend baselayer from Savaen ° is medium weight , featuring brushed soft inside , flatlocked seams and double layer cuffs providing great warmth , comfort and moisture control . www . sevaen . com
Wild Guide . Winter 2017 30