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Boot blankets, or boot insulators, are the answer to cold feet in a deer stand. There is actually a brand of insulated overboots called “Boot Blanket”s by Icebreaker, but I actually have the ArcticShield Boot Insulators.
ArcticShield boot covers have worked well for me for many years. They keep my feet warm while deer hunting in temps down into the teens. Sometimes I use chemical hand warmers to give them a little bit of a boost, when needed.
The design of the ArcticShield option has changed a bit since I purchased mine, but I have no doubt the new ones will perform just as well as the older models. Either of the 2 choices above should work great for you.
Removable boot covers sure beat wearing a heavy pair of expensive overly-insulated boots to and from the stand.
Comparison of the 2 most popular insulated over boots
| ArcticShield | IceBreaker |
|---|---|
| very warm | even warmer |
| packs down tighter | bulkier |
| cheaper | more expensive |
| minimal size on stand | more cumbersome on stand |
| good for very cold temps | can handle near zero and sub-zero temps better |
When To Use Boot Blankets
The truth is that some hunters have more trouble with cold feet than others. I, for one, have always had problems keeping my feet warm in cold weather.
The temps at which someone would want to use boot blankets will differ for everyone. Personally, I keep them in my hunting pack all season, and pull them out when the temps drop into the 30’s.
When a little extra juice is needed, chemical heat packets really crank up the effectiveness of insulated overboots or “boot blankets”.
Combine Chemical Warmers With Boot Blankets
What I really like to do when it’s very cold is to use chemical foot warmers in combination with boot insulators. I’m admittedly spoiled, and don’t like to suffer from cold feet.
For me it isn’t just about preventing my toes from going numb. I like to actually have warm feet in the deer stand. The only thing I have found that truly does that, without having to buy really thick boots, is to use some sort of insulated boot covers.
Some people actually remove their boots once on the deer stand, and stick their socked feet inside Boot Blankets. This gives lots of room for any chemical heat packets to do their work.
4 Advantages To Wearing Boot Insulators
I suffered way too long with cold feet, not knowing there was an alternative to really expensive overly-insulated hunting boots, which I was not able to afford in my youth. Below are some of the positives to using an insulated overboot.
- Provides extreme warmth
- Allows uninsulated boots in cold weather
- Slip on easily
- Lightweight and compact-able
1. Boot Blankets Provide Unparalleled Warmth
Outside of some type of electronic sock, I don’t know of another way to keep your feet warmer without resorting to a battery operated contraption, or really thick overly-insulated boots.
If the boot blankets themselves are not enough to keep all of the chill off, you can always drop in some chemical warmers to bridge the remaining gap.
2. Allows The Use Of Lightweight Uninsulated Boots In Cold Weather
One key to warm feet is to keep them from sweating. One way to do that is to use lightly insulated, or even un-insulated boots on the hike in. Then, slip on the boot insulators to keep your feet warm while on the deer stand.
One thing I really like about these boot insulators is that it allows me to wear my preferred scent-free rubber Lacrosse boots to and from the stand, and still keep warm once I’m in the stand.
I don’t think rubber boots are usually all that warm, but with my insulated boot covers, it doesn’t matter.
3. Boot Blankets Easily Slip On When Needed
Boot blankets are pretty easy to slip on while sitting in a deer stand. If you have a big belly like me, well then, that makes it a bit more difficult, but I’m still able to get them on without too much trouble. For best results, you do want to put them on while your feet are still warm from the walk in.
Tip: Pack a pair of dry socks in case your feet sweat on the walk in. A dry pair of socks combined with a boot insulator works wonders to keep feet toasty.
4. ArcticShield’s Are Lightweight And Compact-able
The ArcticShield, in particular, are very lightweight and they pack down into a very small package. So much so, that I keep them inside my hunting backpack throughout the season, and just pull them out when it gets cold enough.
Be sure to get a size that fits loosely over your boots. I wear a size 10 boot, and a Large pair of Arctic Shields fit OK, but a bit tighter than ideal.
Negatives To Using Boot Blankets Or Boot Insulators
Below are a few negatives to using insulated boot covers when deer hunting.
1. Extra Gear
The extra expense and hassle of keeping up with additional deer hunting gear is obviously the knock on boot blankets. I already carry a ton of gear in my hunting pack, so it’s not such an issue for me. That won’t be the case for everyone.
2. The Insides Of Boot Blankets Get Dirty
Deer season often means wet and muddy conditions, so it goes without saying that your boots are going to get dirty. That dirt is going to end up inside your boot blankets. You’ll want to shake the debris out of them on occasion, and even wash them when they get really dirty. Just don’t put them in the dryer!
One option to keep things cleaner is to take off your dirty boots once you get into the stand and just put your socked feet inside the booties.
3. Boot Blankets Must Be Removed Before Walking
Generally speaking, boot insulators are not made for walking around in. Short distances are fine, but you wouldn’t want to hike to your stand while wearing them. You’ll need to put them on after you get to your stand and then take them back off when climbing down. So, yeah, a bit of a hassle.
4 Noise When Putting Them On
The style of overboots that I own have velcro straps that must be pulled apart. On a still quiet morning that can be a kind of a loud task to pull off. Newer ArcticShield’s have a zipper along the heel, instead of velcro on the top of the foot.
Even when using boot insulators, keep your shoe laces loose so that your blood can circulate. This is very important for keeping your feet warm.
Conclusion
It really is quite impressive how well boot blankets work in keeping you feet warm on even the coldest days in the deer woods.
I keep a pair ArcticShields tucked inside my hunting pack throughout the season. They pack down tight, and I don’t even know they’re there until needed.
If you’re really having trouble staying warm on a deer stand, don’t forget to also keep your hands warm, and perhaps even have a nice cup of hot coffee in the deer woods. You can read more about those 2 topics linked above.
Stay warm out there,
Augustus Clay
