Keeping Warm In Kansas or Anywhere
by Darren Choate
The following list of items helped me layer to stay as warm as possible, endure long hours on stand, and ultimately, have a successful Kansas whitetail hunt.
Base Layer
Although midday temperatures rose to above 60 degrees Fahrenheit during my five-day hunt, the winds were strong enough that an insulating layer, next to skin was imperative for my warmth throughout the day. Additionally, the base layer aided with scent control, which is critical when pursuing whitetails.
- The First Lite Allegheny is the ultimate first layer in your hunting cool weather kit. Once the leaves are off the trees, these mid-weight bottoms will provide warmth, breathability and odor control all day long, day after day. Also a great layer under your waders for those cold mornings in the duck blind. All new design includes less stitching in wear areas and a soft jacquard waistband.
- 100% superfine Merino wool
- Merino is naturally odor resistant with no treatments or chemicals to wear out
- Retains body heat when soaking wet for safety
- Midweight interlock fabric Next to skin
- Machine washable
- The First Lite Allegheny is the ultimate first layer in your hunting cool weather kit. Once the leaves are off the trees, these mid-weight bottoms will provide warmth, breathability and odor control all day long, day after day. Also a great layer under your waders for those cold mornings in the duck blind. All new design includes less stitching in wear areas and a soft jacquard waistband.
- The First Lite Llano Crew is the ultimate in next-to-skin layers. Inspired by whitetail hunts in the Texas hill country, this shirt can be worn just as easily on a September elk stalk in the Rocky Mountains. This shirt is your foundation for those days when it is 30 degrees at dawn, 85 at 11:00am and back down to 40 at sunset – the ultimate comfort in all situations.
- 17.5 micron superfine Merino wool – the most comfortable wool available
- Deadly quiet in any temperature
- Merino is naturally odor resistant with no treatments or chemicals to wear out
- Retains body heat even when soaking wet for safety
- Lightweight interlock fabric
- Next to skin
- Thumb loops
- Machine washable
- The First Lite Llano Crew is the ultimate in next-to-skin layers. Inspired by whitetail hunts in the Texas hill country, this shirt can be worn just as easily on a September elk stalk in the Rocky Mountains. This shirt is your foundation for those days when it is 30 degrees at dawn, 85 at 11:00am and back down to 40 at sunset – the ultimate comfort in all situations.
Mid Layer
For me, a mid-layer is make or break; it should provide enough warmth to be worn without an outer shell when things heat up, and at the same time not be too bulky. A good mid-layer should help retain heat, be comfortable, and allow ease of movement–especially true for bowhunting.
- One of our most versatile pieces, the First Lite Springer vest is made from the same fabric as our Labrador full zip sweater. We liked the way the Labrador fit so much that we decided to include a vest style for those days when you need to keep your core warm but want the extra freedom and reduced weight of a vest. When freedom of movement, stealth and performance are critical, the Springer can handle the mission.
- 100% Superfine Merino wool
- Deadly quiet in any temperature
- Merino is naturally odor resistant with no treatments or chemicals to wear out
- Retains body heat even when soaking wet
- Heavyweight interlock fabric
- Outer layer
- Machine washable
- Hand warmer pockets
- One of our most versatile pieces, the First Lite Springer vest is made from the same fabric as our Labrador full zip sweater. We liked the way the Labrador fit so much that we decided to include a vest style for those days when you need to keep your core warm but want the extra freedom and reduced weight of a vest. When freedom of movement, stealth and performance are critical, the Springer can handle the mission.
- Designed with heavy input from our Pro Team, First Lite brings the best lightweight, breathable and durable hunting pant to the market. The award winning Corrugate Guide Pant takes its inspiration from rock climbing and mountaineering, printed with exclusive camouflage patterns on its unique fabric. These Duraflex nylon pants are constructed around a simple design concept that allows the hunter uninhibited freedom of movement while providing easy access to storage by way of our 3D double cargo pockets. With both belt and suspender loops as well as a DWR finish to keep you dry during rain showers and thunderstorms, the Corrugate Guide pant has solved the problem of the complete all day hunting pant for the active hunter.
- Lightweight, breathable, durable nylon fabric for use in all but the most extreme conditions
- Built-in stretch for complete range of motion
- Durable Water Repellent finish for all weather capability
- 3D double cargo pockets
- All zippers, pockets, closures and adjustments quietly managed on-the-move
- Designed with heavy input from our Pro Team, First Lite brings the best lightweight, breathable and durable hunting pant to the market. The award winning Corrugate Guide Pant takes its inspiration from rock climbing and mountaineering, printed with exclusive camouflage patterns on its unique fabric. These Duraflex nylon pants are constructed around a simple design concept that allows the hunter uninhibited freedom of movement while providing easy access to storage by way of our 3D double cargo pockets. With both belt and suspender loops as well as a DWR finish to keep you dry during rain showers and thunderstorms, the Corrugate Guide pant has solved the problem of the complete all day hunting pant for the active hunter.
Outer Layer
Although all layers in a layering system are quite important, the outer layer has to perform several functions. First, it has to provide the insulation needed for warmth. Second, it needs to aid in scent control and noise control. Lastly, it has to provide enough freedom and range of motion for the shooter to be effective and accurate. To top it off, a head covering is critical for overall warmth!
- Purpose-built for bitter cold days in the tree stand, the First Lite Sanctuary Insulated Jacket is the cold weather component of the First Lite Layering Kit. With a proprietary combination of seven layers of fabric and insulation carefully positioned to maximize warmth, this thing is an oven. Just as important, this is the quietest outerwear piece in the arsenal and utilizes our shooters cut, allowing you to draw your weapon accurately and uninhibited. With the Sanctuary, you will be able to Stay Longer in your stand on those days when others are heading for home.
- Maximum insulation for warmth in extreme conditions + Moisture resistant DWR exterior repels snow/rain
- Dead quiet even in sub freezing temperatures
- Stays warm whether dry or wet
- Exclusive 37.5 fabric uses Active Carbon Technology moving perspiration (human signature) to the outside of the garment where it is functionally neutralized
- Built-in stretch for complete range of motion
- Constructed with biomechanically accurate Shooter’s sleeves, shoulders and hood
- Purpose-built for bitter cold days in the tree stand, the First Lite Sanctuary Insulated Jacket is the cold weather component of the First Lite Layering Kit. With a proprietary combination of seven layers of fabric and insulation carefully positioned to maximize warmth, this thing is an oven. Just as important, this is the quietest outerwear piece in the arsenal and utilizes our shooters cut, allowing you to draw your weapon accurately and uninhibited. With the Sanctuary, you will be able to Stay Longer in your stand on those days when others are heading for home.
- The perfect complement to the Sanctuary Jacket for those late season hunts when the wind cranks up and the temperature drops down, the Sanctuary Insulated Bib is the extreme cold weather component of the First Lite Layering Kit. The Sanctuary bib is constructed with a proprietary combination of seven layers of fabric and insulation carefully positioned to maximize warmth and stealth while still allowing you the freedom of movement you need to take the shot. Stay Longer in your stand on those days when others are heading for home.
- Maximum insulation for extreme warmth in extreme conditions
- Deadly silent
- Moisture resistant DWR exterior repels snow and rain
- Stays warm whether dry or wet
- Exclusive 37.5 fabric uses Active Carbon Technology moving perspiration (human signature) to the outside of the garment where it is functionally neutralized
- Insulated high back with suspenders
- Proprietary drop seat zipper system for complete thermal regulation and instant call of nature response
- The perfect complement to the Sanctuary Jacket for those late season hunts when the wind cranks up and the temperature drops down, the Sanctuary Insulated Bib is the extreme cold weather component of the First Lite Layering Kit. The Sanctuary bib is constructed with a proprietary combination of seven layers of fabric and insulation carefully positioned to maximize warmth and stealth while still allowing you the freedom of movement you need to take the shot. Stay Longer in your stand on those days when others are heading for home.
- The First Lite Wind River balaclava was designed for those cold fall and winter days when concealment, warmth and comfort are what you need to make your hunt a comfortable success. Slip the Wind River over your head and you will feel the comfort of 18.5 micron Merino wool as you spot and stalk the trophy you have been waiting for. A must-have accessory for any type of hunter.
- 18.5 micron superfine Merino wool
- Merino is naturally odor resistant with no treatments or chemicals to wear out
- Retains heat when soaking wet for safety
- Midweight 230 gram interlock fabric
- Unique two-piece design with ear holes to aid hearing
- Next to skin
- Machine washable
- Weight: 230 grams
- The First Lite Wind River balaclava was designed for those cold fall and winter days when concealment, warmth and comfort are what you need to make your hunt a comfortable success. Slip the Wind River over your head and you will feel the comfort of 18.5 micron Merino wool as you spot and stalk the trophy you have been waiting for. A must-have accessory for any type of hunter.
Footwear
Appendages, especially toes are difficult to keep warm; therefore, how you cover your feet is critical to staying on stand for hours at a time. Keep them warm, and you can stay all day.
- The ultimate in cold weather comfort for sitting in your stand or duck blind. All of the same features as our Crew but with added material and height to ensure your feet and lower legs are warm on those cold Fall and Winter hunts.
- Merino wool interior
- Plated nylon/spandex exterior
- Heavy weight terry construction
- Arch lock support panel
- Mesh paneled forefoot
- No seamed toe
- 19″ length
- The ultimate in cold weather comfort for sitting in your stand or duck blind. All of the same features as our Crew but with added material and height to ensure your feet and lower legs are warm on those cold Fall and Winter hunts.
- Built for extreme warmth plus hunting boot comfort, the Predator Extreme is ready for everything from late-season hunts to snowmobiling adventures to ice fishing in sub-zero conditions. Constructed from the inside out with the key focus on warmth and comfort in brutally cold environments, the boot boasts a removable 9mm Texel® liner that warms your feet and draws moisture away from the surface of the skin. This liner also sports our exclusive heat pack pocket under the toe area for the coldest temperatures. And, for even more insulation, the boot is outfitted with a layer of 1,200-gram Thinsulate™ Ultra insulation for optimum heat retention. The moisture-wicking liner and removable Moisture Trap footbed work in unison to draw perspiration away from the skin, so your foot stays dry and warm. At the end of the day, simply pull both out and let them dry overnight. Thanks to our exclusive Dry-Plus™ barrier, these boots also deliver 100% waterproof performance. For the ultimate abrasion resistance, the exterior is crafted with a full-grain leather shaft and polyurethane molded shell panels. Non-glare, dimpled PU panels. Matte-finished EVA midsole soaks up ground shock. Roller-bearing and hook lacing system.
- 1,200-gram Thinsulate Ultra Insulation
- 9mm Texel liner
- Dry-Plus barrier
- Built for extreme warmth plus hunting boot comfort, the Predator Extreme is ready for everything from late-season hunts to snowmobiling adventures to ice fishing in sub-zero conditions. Constructed from the inside out with the key focus on warmth and comfort in brutally cold environments, the boot boasts a removable 9mm Texel® liner that warms your feet and draws moisture away from the surface of the skin. This liner also sports our exclusive heat pack pocket under the toe area for the coldest temperatures. And, for even more insulation, the boot is outfitted with a layer of 1,200-gram Thinsulate™ Ultra insulation for optimum heat retention. The moisture-wicking liner and removable Moisture Trap footbed work in unison to draw perspiration away from the skin, so your foot stays dry and warm. At the end of the day, simply pull both out and let them dry overnight. Thanks to our exclusive Dry-Plus™ barrier, these boots also deliver 100% waterproof performance. For the ultimate abrasion resistance, the exterior is crafted with a full-grain leather shaft and polyurethane molded shell panels. Non-glare, dimpled PU panels. Matte-finished EVA midsole soaks up ground shock. Roller-bearing and hook lacing system.
Handwear
For the bowhunter, the hand is a crucial element when it comes time to shoot. Finding your anchor point and pulling the trigger are imperative for making an accurate shot. In order to minimize bulk, a lightweight glove and a hand warmer are ideal for keeping the hand, and most importantly, the fingers warm.
- Comfort and concealment. If you are like us and hunt in some warm temperatures in the early season but still need to conceal your hands. Or, if you want a little bit of warmth on those brisk mornings, the First Lite Merino glove is the perfect addition to your kit.
- 17.5 micron Ultrafine Merino Wool
- Lightweight interlock fabric
- Next to skin
- Machine washable
- Comfort and concealment. If you are like us and hunt in some warm temperatures in the early season but still need to conceal your hands. Or, if you want a little bit of warmth on those brisk mornings, the First Lite Merino glove is the perfect addition to your kit.
- Keep the Celestron ThermoCharge in your coat pocket for up to six hours of continuous hand-warming comfort out on the trail, stand or blind, or plug your phone into it for a quick charge while you’re en route to your favorite stand or blind. Portable, ergonomic power pack boasts a 4,400-mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery that’s set up to charge smartphones, MP3 players and other USB-powered devices. Heats up quickly and reaches a maximum of 113°F – making it perfect for all of your cold-weather excursions. Durable aluminum housing with weather-resistant silicone caps.
- Two-in-one device: handwarmer and portable power pack
- Provides up to six hours of continuous hand-warming comfort
- Charges smartphones and other USB-powered devices
- Boasts a 4,400-mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Keep the Celestron ThermoCharge in your coat pocket for up to six hours of continuous hand-warming comfort out on the trail, stand or blind, or plug your phone into it for a quick charge while you’re en route to your favorite stand or blind. Portable, ergonomic power pack boasts a 4,400-mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery that’s set up to charge smartphones, MP3 players and other USB-powered devices. Heats up quickly and reaches a maximum of 113°F – making it perfect for all of your cold-weather excursions. Durable aluminum housing with weather-resistant silicone caps.
Keep Warm
Keeping warm on stand is vital for your health and safety, as well as making it possible to perform when that moment of truth arrives. To do so, a well-planned layering system is key. Put the odds in your favor by layering effectively while on stand in the whitetail woods this year and beyond.
