Advice on clothing needed.

[Iron]

Im a fairly large guy 6'3" 300#, i have trouble with my hunting coats getting in the way when shooting...i need something warm for late season here in WI.  How do you guy's keep your string from slapping your coat or shirts? ..is a wool vest the way to go?

Happy Holidays, Jason

[Whip]

A vest certainly helps to keep material out of the way.  You can also try opening up your stance more to get better clearance.

[Lefty]

Vests are good as well as an armguard.  I don't wear an armguard everytime I shoot, but in cold weather I always wear one when I hunt, just to keep my clothing out of the way.

[blueslfb]

When I really need to bundle up I use an armguard and place rubberbands on my upper arm to keep the coat sleeve outa the way.

[john luka]

I second the rubber band assist ,especially on the upper arm.
 I find it comfortable to shoot with the vest but when it gets cold I still need some way to keep the sleeve of whatever garment is worn under that vest out of the way.Luke

[Pinecone]

Arm guards are a God-send for the late season...rubber bands too.  I also know some folks who use a gray tube sock with the toe cut out and pull it all the way up their coat sleeve.  I haven't tried it, but my guess is that knee-high pant hose would work the same way, maybe even better.

Claudia

[wingnut]

usually as simple as using an arm guard.  Don't know why people have an adversion to them.

Claudia,

A guy has gotta draw the line somewhere.  I will not have a heartattack while hunting and face my maker wearing panty hose.  Just not going to happen.  LOL

Mike

[joevan125]

wingnut that was funny      

[Orion]

[Orion]

IMO, a vest just isn't going to be warm enough here in December.  I built my own extra long arm guard, which also keeps the coat fabric above the elbow out of the way.  As already noted, some others use rubber bands or cord to compress that area.  I second Joe's recommendation of opening (or is it closing) your stance a little, i.e., turn into the shot more.  It will give you more string clearance.  Good luck.

[OkieJ]

The cheap elastic leg gaitors make a good arm guard over the coat sleeve. Got mine at wally world on the bargin bin for $3 for a pair.

[ChuckC]

Actually, I quite agree with Whip.  using a vest under my outer coat is the best way to add insulating power with no extra bulk.  Most times it is the bulk around the arms that cause grief in the winter.  Not adding any extra bulk there makes it work  (for me).  Orion. .   Not   ONLY a vest    but a vest (or two) under the outer layer.     Arms and legs tend to stay warmer longer than your core, if... you keep the core amply insulated.
ChuckC

[VTer]

Originally posted by Whip:
  You can also try opening up your stance more to get better clearance.

I agree with Whip, but not about the vest. Changing your stance will pay big dividends with bulky clothing. I think if you're trying to compress clothing, you're reducing its insulating capabilities.

[George D. Stout]

It's amazing how warm a thin wool sweater can be, and a wool vest even makes it warmer.  My vests were bought at Goodwilll for about $3.00 and are 100% wool, and relatively thin.  They are perfect for that extra warmth around the trunk of the body.

I don't like coats with loose sleeves and don't wear them, even if very cold.  You can keep plenty warm with light sweaters and a heavier wool outer shirt.  That combination gives room for string clearance, but is loose enough over the arms to keep insulating.  I still-hunt mostly and don't sit for hours in a tree stand, so I don't have to be completely idle.

I layer with wool underwear (Merino), A lighter sweater over top that...then a wool vest, and my heavy wool shirt.  It has to be well below twenty degrees before I need anything more than that.

Keep the neck warm with a turtleneck shirt or a scarf.  Another thing that I found really helps is an extra layer around the midrift area, like a wool or fleece scarf to keep the kidney area warm.  It will add a degree or two to your body temp.

[lpcjon2]

I have taken a sleeve off a long sleeve t-shirt and sewn it on the outside of my coat on  my bow arm just a few stitches.  and for the waist a good  wide sash works well.

[Iron]

Thank's...im looking into some of the wool pullovers and maybe a vest, i will try different stance as well..thanks guy's and gal's

[frassettor]

I have an old wool sock that I put over my arm to keep my cloths back. I NEVER had a problem with it doin its job. It covers from my wrist all the way up 3-4 inches to my arm pit. I wear heave wool in the colder months and the sock does a fine job.

Where in WI are you from?

[Bill Turner]

Take a look at the heavyweight Longhunter wool shirt by Ron LaClair. Buy the hood as well. G. Fred Asbell has wool pullovers that should also do the job. I couple these with a vest and neck gaiter and a solid winter hat/face(ski)mask. If I'm still cold, it is time to take it to the house. Another thought is to be aware of how much you are canting your bow and the bend in your elbow. Either of these problems can cause you to hit your arm upon release. Good luck. Stay warm and shoot straight.

[Pepper]

Wingnut,
wearing it on your arm, it's an armguard, any place else is up for speculation.

[Tom Leemans]

I've been in some pretty cold weather without looking all bundled up. Merino wool long underwear and more wool layers on top, a pair of insulated bibs, some strategically placed chemical warmers to keep my core and hands warm. The layers of merino wool don't have to be bulky to be warm either.