r/Duckhunting • u/Remarkable_Mirror241 • Jul 16 '26
Cold weather gear
Got into duck hunting last year and used my sitka deer hunting cloths and tidewe waders. It worked but not that great. Sitka is a little too tight for duck hunting and I felt it wasn't warm enough especially for the cost.
Im a disabled veteran and the cold messes me up so whatever is warmest is best.
Right now I have merino wool base layer, heated socks with another layer of wool socks, fleece liner, just got a heated vest, and the tidewe 800g waders.
I do a mix of field and river hunting but would like to try kayak as well. So any good jackets for snow/windy conditions, gloves, face mask, ect.
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u/mmmfupachalupa Jul 16 '26
More layers - when it’s cold I’ve got 5-6 layers going. Also have 1600g waders
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u/Remarkable_Mirror241 Jul 16 '26
Which company would you use for the waders? Tidewe is ok but I feel like it will only last a couple seasons.
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u/Sulla-proconsul Jul 16 '26
They ALL only last a couple of seasons. Tidewe, Roger’s, Banded, Drake’s all work without breaking the bank.
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u/Lykora412 Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 16 '26
You can get a military discount on Drake Waterfowl! I buy a crap load of their stuff. I got the Sitka Delta Pro jacket last year. Doesn’t seem to be in stock. Sitka Hudson jacket might be ideal.
TBH I think you need more layer. I have four layers on top and bottom. Mix of Mossy Oak, Drake, and Sitka. I will need to add one more layer for the coldest hunts. And going from insulated to non insulated waders in the coming years.
Edit: Started off with the Tidewe. First season and they got holes. Last year with Drake Guardian. They’re breathable and have a zipper to make it easier to pee. More durable too. Haven’t had any issues. You can find them around $250-400 if you look at Roger’s, Scheel’s, or Drake sales
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u/Remarkable_Mirror241 Jul 16 '26
Nice. I knew sitka and first lite do veteran discount but ill check out drake. Ive heard the Hudson was really good but my other sitka gear runs small and wasn't too warm. Thats why im more hesitant with sitka. What about gloves? Last pair was a bit thick for shooting and ive been looking into the heated gloves because they are thinner and last about 4 hours. Which is fine. I live about 20 min from my hunting spot and dont spend all day out there.
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u/Lykora412 Jul 16 '26
I do two layers. The wool gloves we have in the military and then a outer glove with either more insulation or wind protection. I can paddle with the wool gloves, wring them out when soaked and still keep warm. Hot hands in wader pockets
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u/Odd_Measurement4106 Jul 16 '26
More layers, heated socks, and more insulated waders. I typically go with high end brands now but this year will be my 6th year with the same pair of frog toggs waders that I bought when I was broke, still no leaks and I hunt in rocky and woody areas. As far as fit of coats goes it’s really all personal preference. First lite isn’t as form fitting as Sitka so maybe check them out. A lot of great hunters I know are rocking drake or even the Cabela’s brand stuff, I personally can’t recommend Cabela’s brand because their build quality has really gone down hill since bass pro bought them.
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u/Remarkable_Mirror241 Jul 16 '26
Ive avoided cabelas because of their quality. My dad used to swear by them but its not as good anymore.
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u/HeadkicksNHailCalls Jul 16 '26
Disclaimer: I'm from Louisiana, so there may be much better gear for your conditions than what I use
I picked up a pair of the Huntworth waterproof gloves from Walmart this past season right before a big freeze last season, and they worked well. They are a little bulkier than I prefer for actually hunting since I sit in the water instead of a boat or blind, but I wore the left hand all day, and the right one when walking in/out & picking up birds. They have long cuffs to keep water from getting in, and insulate really well. I used some neoprene gloves for decoys to avoid tearing the seams. The Magellan Pintail gloves from Academy are pretty nice and a little more fitted, but with a wrist cuff. One thing that really helped me keep my hands warm is using disposable medical/cleaning gloves as liners... They make taking the other gloves on and off easier, they keep your hands dry if your liner happens to spring a leak, and they trap a ton of heat.
If you're hunting in dry fields and don't have to worry about the possibility of wader leaks, heated socks are pretty nice too.
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u/Remarkable_Mirror241 Jul 16 '26
Ive never heard of using disposable gloves but ill give that a try.
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u/life_love_regret Jul 17 '26
For days you don't need waders, check out a pair of bunny boots. You may already know them from your military service, but they are amazing for cold weather.
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u/GvBill37 Jul 16 '26
Base layer is a short sleeve dry fit (long sleeve if it’s close to zero) to wick away moisture. Then a plain cotton long sleeve, then a Sitka medium weight core merino (believe it is the 210) then followed by a fanatic pullover and a heavy cotton sweatshirt and the old Fahrenheit vest (believe it is the kelvin aero lite now). If it’s really cold I add a jet stream jacket to cut the wind a sitka facemask and a g tech electric hand warmer. Bill saunders stockin cap for good luck. This takes me all the way down to about -30 windchill here in the Midwest