Cold Weather Shooting Gear! Burrrrrr!
Folks, that time of year is here! Time to get ready for the 2018 season…..getting gear ready, ordering shells, checking gun fit, planning tournament trips, and knocking the rust off your ‘move’. All good things to occupy yourself with during these winter months!
But the winter…….that can be a problem. Whether you are in Minnesota, or Florida, its somewhat colder than the shooters that reside in the area like to shoot in……so its time to prepare for the cold, but to do it in a way you can still move the gun and break the clays! Here are a few items that Elizabeth and I rely on to get us thru the winter months…..
Suggestions From Will:
Beretta Wind-stopper Sweater. (http://www.berettausa.com/en-us/beretta-techo-windshield-short-zip-sweater/ )
This is an essential clothing item. The Beretta sweater is my favorite item in the Beretta clothing lineup. Super warm, with minimal bulk, and the inside liner is made to cut the wind, and in our experience, and will ward off a light shower. They have a ‘short zip’ and a ‘full zip’ model…..we like the short zip the best.
Le Chameau Boots (https://www.lechameau.com/us/mens-chasseur-leather-boot.html?c=283 )
I got my Le Chameau boots back in 2005, and they are still holding up just fine. I never would have thought that I would wear ‘fancy French rubber farmer boots’, but there is a reason they are so popular in Europe, they flat out work! The leather lined models don’t have the ‘clammy’ feel that normal rubber boots have, and the full length side zipper makes them easy to get on and off. They have plenty of arch support. I always have mine with me!
Wind Shirt (https://store.krieghoff.com/product/krieghoff-windbreaker-navytan/ )
The wind is your enemy win it comes to cold weather comfort, and I find a ‘windshirt’ essential. I provided a link to my favorite one with the Krieghoff logo, as it happens to be the one I wear the most. Not only does it stop the wind, it hold in the warmth. I find that with a light fleece, and the wind shirt on over it, I can handle the cold wind quite well!
Suggestions From Elizabeth:
Farm to Feet (https://www.farmtofeet.com/)
Amazingly warm socks! I had not heard of these until a good friend suggested I try them. I am sooooo happy I did! not only do they have great support, but they are warm and comfortable! They are wool not the itchy kind, and have lycra woven in to give added support. I have not had cold feet since I found these socks and wear them with your LeChameaus (or "Dubbies") and you are ready!
Dubarry (https://www.dubarry.us/)
We all know I love my Dubarry boots (Dubbies) and pretty much wear them or LeChameau's from fall to spring. Waterproof and good looking, they are a staple of my wardrobe! Worn with Farm to Feet socks and your tootsies will be happy!
MacWet Gloves (http://http://www.macwet.com/)
I used to HATE to shoot in gloves. I did not feel like I was connected to my trigger when I had them on. I would shoot driven birds in coldest of temps without gloves. In Argentina sometimes the gun got downright HOT shooting so much and it was there a friend was wear ing MacWets and gave me them to try. I loved them, bought a pair in England and sent so many folks to their web site they asked us to be dealers. Check them out and let us know if you need a pair or two! You will not be sorry! (they make hot weather gloves as well)
Wool Coats
There is absolutely no substitute for wool when it comes to keeping warm. We love our wool coats and sweaters. Many folks make wool coats and there are lots of shooting coats available in wool. Just Google wool shooting coats and choose one you like. I wear them all the time on cold winter days!
Hot Hands
Available just about everywhere, keep these in your range bag! A suggestion, open them up about an hour before you need them!
These are just some of our favorite items we use daily teaching, shooting and hunting in the colder months. Your Milage MayVary, but we have years of experience with these items, and we use with confidence!
One last item….we both recommend a Big Hairy DAWG to keep you warm and entertained! Definitely!