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Dress me for Alberta next year

Doc88

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Nov 21, 2016
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Location
Florence, SC
I have my first Alberta whitetail hunt scheduled for November 2018. Supposedly hunting "heated" blinds but I have no idea how warm those are. We hunt all day and sitting still. Looks like temps average that time of year a little either side of zero. I need advise of clothing layers, socks, boots, gloves, brands, etc. I want to start putting it all together now. Thanks in advance for all the suggestions.
 
I do a lot of coyote hunting in 0 +/- degree weather. Sometimes on the move but a lot of sitting and calling or sitting on bait day and night. First lite base and mid weight layers under cabelas wooltimate has worked well for me.
If you can find the Cabelas wool thinsulate lined gloves they are awesome, just not water proof. Lots of glove options out there
Boots, haven't found anything outstanding for cold weather hunting. I have a pair of kenetrek grizzly pack boots that are pretty good with heavy wool socks
 
I live in Alberta what part of it will you be hunting. Any where south Of Edmonton which is close to central Alberta we seldom see temps below your20 degrees may be 15. Although near the mountains it can be colder. For boots I would look into some Red Wing boots they have a line called the Irish Setter line more for hunting with linings upto 1500 grams of thinsulate. I have a pair and they are very warm and your feet stay dry. For socks pick up a warm pair of smartwool socks or three not cheap but work great. Helly Hansen makes good moisture wicking and keep you warm under layers. For outer wear a jacket and bib lined pants work great for mobilita nd warmth. My outfit is from Actic Shield not sure if they still exist or not. Make sure what you find is wind proof as wind chill is a big factor here. I have been wanting to get the Sitka Gear Blizzard pants and jacket but they are real expensive. A hood is also a nice thing to have with your jacket. For a long sit mitts are warmer than gloves but a little akward both are a good idea as long as they are functional and warm. Last some kind of warm wind proof hat with ear flaps or a wind proof beanie type head gear is nice.
There is a place here in Alberta called Raven Wear they make great winter clothes as a whole out fit you could look them up. They make high quality clothing. The out fit I bought 20 years ago still has everthing buy the pants going strong The polar flece on the pant just finally wore through. Hope this will help you and remember as your guide probably said it can get to -10 or 15 degrees farenhiet too.
 
I've been hunting Alberta for about 15 years from the Wainwright area to Grand Prairie in November. Temps have run from -20F with the wind chill to 55F, but generally expect 0-25F. I'm a dark to dark stand hunter for whitetails.....the colder,the better. I'm not very technical when it comes to hunting outfits but have stayed warm over the years using cotton/wool layers under an old Cabalas Whitetail Extreme jacket/pants and good pair of 1500gr Thinsulate boots. I also keep a set of Arctic Shield boot and glove covers in my pack which have proven to be very effective. Keep a few of the 6 hour foot/hand chemical warmers. If you feel chilled, try putting a chemical hand warmer on the back of your neck.....it will trick your brain into feeling warm.
Saw this guy at 800 yards the first morning but couldn't get a good shot. He showed up again after 40+ hours of sitting in -5 to 20F......about 10 seconds for a 200 yard shot at last light.....stay warm and alert.!
60EABE35-626E-44F7-B0C9-0C06F2F19E32.jpeg
 
I've been hunting Alberta for about 15 years from the Wainwright area to Grand Prairie in November. Temps have run from -20F with the wind chill to 55F, but generally expect 0-25F. I'm a dark to dark stand hunter for whitetails.....the colder,the better. I'm not very technical when it comes to hunting outfits but have stayed warm over the years using cotton/wool layers under an old Cabalas Whitetail Extreme jacket/pants and good pair of 1500gr Thinsulate boots. I also keep a set of Arctic Shield boot and glove covers in my pack which have proven to be very effective. Keep a few of the 6 hour foot/hand chemical warmers. If you feel chilled, try putting a chemical hand warmer on the back of your neck.....it will trick your brain into feeling warm.
Saw this guy at 800 yards the first morning but couldn't get a good shot. He showed up again after 40+ hours of sitting in -5 to 20F......about 10 seconds for a 200 yard shot at last light.....stay warm and alert.!
View attachment 88705
WOW. Super nice buck. Thank you everyone for the input. Trying to get ahead on what to get.
 
Whatever you do do NOT buy or wear any cotton clothing! Mountaineers have a wise saying, "Cotton kills!" and it's true. Silk is just about as bad B/C.like cotton, it holds sweat moisture and chills you constantly.

Base layer - polar weight polyester long johns
torso layer - heavy wool sweater &/or 200 weight fleece pullover. depending on temps
insulating layer - down or quilted synthetic layer (Down should have a DWR treatment like DriDown or Down Tech to keep the down from absorbing a lot of moisture and to help it dry 65% faster than untreated down.)
shell layer - eVent or Gore-Tex Pro parka AND pants. (Midway USA has great eVent parkas & pants/bibs. Try to get a parka with pit zippers for venting. Use suspenders for the pants instead of a belt so heat rises up from your legs into your parka.
boots - Cabela's has the largest selection of very warm boots. Get a pair rated for at least 0 F. Personally I prefer felt pacs.
To keep the felt liners dry I use 3 mm thick closed cell neoprene diver's sox over thin polyester liner socks. By 4 or 5 pair of these liner socks!
The diver's socks insulate AND keep sweat moisture from ruining your felt liners' insulating ability. They are called a VBL (Vapor Barrier Liner) and they work.
Trying to dry damp felt liners overnight is not the answer.

Eric B.
BTW, my winter creds are 16 years as a ski patroller (cross country and alpine) and US Army ROTC Cadet Winter Survival Instructor. I love winter camping and backcountry skiing.
 
I have been with them once in Alberta for black bear and to the Yukon twice for moose grizzlies sheep wolf and black bear
I was successful on all hunts and always had an awesome time.
Good luck !
 
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