When your feet go cold, your hunt is basically over. You can tough it out for a day, sure but ending a backcountry trip early is the worst not just for you but also for your hunting partner. Over the years, I’ve learned that warm feet don’t happen by accident. It’s a system. And if you get it wrong, you’ll pay for it by bailing early.
Here’s what’s worked for me.
TIP 1 - START WITH THE RIGHT BOOTS
Everything starts here. If your boots aren’t waterproof, nothing else matters. Look for materials like GORE-TEX®, or eVent® which create a waterproof barrier while still allowing moisture to escape. Keep in mind that many boot manufacturers have their own waterproofing technology which also work well. Some newer leather boots use a hydrophobic wax or silicone treatment that performs just as well; just make sure to maintain it.
That last part is often overlooked. A waterproof/breathable boot isn’t breathable unless maintained. Mud, brush, and flexing through miles of rough country break down the DWR coating and clog the face material reducing breathability. Maintain and retreat your boots regularly with a waterproofing wax or spray, and don’t forget the importance of breathability. Our feet can sweat over a half a pint a day and more with high activity. So keeping water out is critical—but letting sweat escape is also important.
TIP 2 - ACTIVE HEAT: BATTERY-POWERED OPTIONS
I’m not usually one to rely on electronics in the backcountry, but there’s a time and place for battery-operated insoles or socks. Personally, I haven’t used heated socks, but I’ve had great luck with the Thermic IC heated insoles.
They’re a lifesaver on those late-season mule deer hunts when temps stay below freezing and you’re spending long stretches behind glass. For anyone with poor blood circulation, these make a big difference. They don’t roast your feet—they just keep the chill from setting in, which is exactly what you want when you’re sitting still for hours.
TIP 3 - THE RIGHT SOCKS MAKE A DIFFERENCE
No matter what else you use, merino wool socks remain the gold standard for keeping feet warm and dry. Wool naturally wicks moisture away from your skin while still insulating when wet, something synthetics can’t quite match. It also helps regulate temperature, meaning your feet stay warm when it’s cold and cool when you’re moving hard.
Our feet actually sweat more than any other part of your body—up to half a pint of moisture per day per foot during activity. Match your insulation to your activity level and temperature. For real cold conditions I find a synthetic moisture-wicking liner sock paired with a quality merino mid to heavy weight sock gives you the best of both worlds—warmth and breathability.
I always pack an extra pair of socks in my bag. If my feet start getting cold while glassing, I’ll toss that extra pair inside my jacket—what I like to call the “oven.” The reason is simple: if your toes are already cold, your body isn’t generating enough heat to warm them back up. It’s a small trick that can make a big difference.
TIP 4 - DRY BOOTS KEEP YOU IN THE HUNT
This spring I found out the hard way that my 8 year old La Sportiva's weren't waterproof anymore. That’s where the Backcountry Boot Dryer from Grakksaw came in clutch.
If you’re running a hot tent, you can dry your boots in just a few hours with it. It’s lightweight, compact, and doesn't use much battery pack life. Dry boots each morning mean less chance of blisters, fewer cold spots, and is a much better experience than putting on frozen boots before dawn.
Check out the Grakksaw Boot Dryer.
TIP 5 - ALWAYS WEAR GAITERS
Last piece of the puzzle: Storm Castle Gaiters. I mean, we have to talk about them because we make the best hunting gaiter out there.
A good pair of gaiters seals out snow, rain, and debris while trapping a pocket of warm air around your lower legs and inside your boots. Remember water transfers heat 25x faster than air. The Storm Castle Gaiters from PEAX are designed for hunters, and built from a waterproof, breathable material that sheds snow and brush while locking tight against your boot.
Whether you’re postholing through crusted snow or crossing a dew-soaked meadow before sunrise, gaiters are the first line of defense between your boots and the elements.
Warm feet start with dry feet—and dry feet start with good gaiters.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Keeping your feet warm and dry isn’t about one magic piece of gear—it’s about making smart choices before and during your hunt. Start with a quality waterproof boot, match your insulation to your effort, add heat where it counts, dry your gear when you can, and protect it all with a solid pair of gaiters.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Corey Piersol is a lifelong gear nerd and pit master who’s spent most of his life in the mountains camping, climbing, fishing, and hunting with his wife and two boys. After five years in the camping department at Bob Ward & Son’s and nearly a decade leading customer service at SITKA Gear, Corey now manages marketing at PEAX Equipment.
