I have blogged before about women’s hunting clothes, or the lack thereof.  This year, as I prepare to take on turkey season, goose season and my beloved deer season, I am starting to really look at what I wear and what I need to stay warm and mobile.  I’m a still hunter.  I find a spot and sit. I have also been given fair warning by Dad that come November, I should assume that I will be pulling 5-6 hour stints in one spot.  Last year, with my layers (three on bottom and seven!! on top), it was tough to get my gun nestled into the crook of my shoulder and have control.  I realized that I needed better, thinner layers.

Photo from Northern Solstice Alpaca‘s Facebook page.

So I was intrigued when I spoke with Robin from Northern Solstice Alpaca farm at the Sportsman’s Show, about the benefits of wearing alpaca clothes.  Besides being especially warm, water proof and cozy, the fibers are hollow so they wick away moisture (unlike wool that holds it in) and helps to regulate body temperature while doing activities while hunting.  The idea that I would not have to worry about my feet getting sweaty and then cold on my walk into the woods and sitting in my stand, had my interest in trying alpaca out.  So I bought two pairs ofsocks.

I was totally impressed.  I didnt need my slippers on while walking around the house, my feet did not get cold or too hot and they were very soft and comfy.  Plus, unlike wool socks, at least in my case, they did not bunch up or shift around in my shoes when I was outside walking or at work. They stayed in place and didnt slide down.  I was in love!

The only issue – when I wore the black pair, my feet turned black.  It was my understanding that the alpaca fibers were not dyed, but it must have been a certain pair that Robin was talking about and not all of them.   My feet looked like I had been playing in the dirt – but only with the tops of my feet.

Still, I am intrigued with the idea that such a thin layer can keep me so warm.  I am anxious to try them out during turkey season and may look into the long john’s for deer season.  I will keep you posted.