Arctic Shield

Frequently Asked Questions about ArcticShield

Should I get the ArcticShield H3, H4 or H5 Pro series?
How often can I wash my ArcticShield garments?
How should I store my ArcticShield garments?
Can I use a cover scent or an eliminator spray on my ArcticShield garments?
Can I have my ArcticShield garments altered for a better fit?
Are ArcticShield garments waterproof?
Can I walk around in ArcticShield Boot Insulators?
My feet still got cold while wearing the Boot Insulators. What’s wrong?
What kind of boot works best with ArcticShield Boot Insulators?
What kind of insulation is used in ArcticShield garments?
What should I wear under my ArcticShield clothes?
What is the “Complete Body Warming System”?

Should I get the ArcticShield H3, H4 or H5 Pro series?
The H4 Series is a bit lighter than the H3 Series. The H5 Series is just as warm as the H3 Series but offers ventilation features to help you keep cool when needed. So what works for you really depends on how well your body endures the cold and what type of hunting you are doing. This varies from person to person. Any of the three series will help you remain comfortable, from 50 degrees Fahrenheit to extreme cold temperatures.

We have hunters wearing the H3 Series from northern Canada to the Southern states who report warm results. However, if you mainly hunt during cooler weather and not necessarily when it’s bitterly cold, the H4 or H5 Pro Series may be more appropriate.

You may also consider how active you are while outdoors. The H5 Pro Series is a good choice for all types of hunters, especially for those who stay on the move. The H3 Series is a good choice for those sitting in blinds or treestands.

How often can I wash my ArcticShield garments?
Wash the garments as much as you want, but don’t put them in the dryer. Use a mild, scent-free detergent when washing, and let them hang dry outside.

How should I store my ArcticShield garments?
We suggest storing all hunting garments in a plastic bag, sealed off from outside elements, year-round. This helps keep the fabric from absorbing unwanted odors until the next washing.

Can I use a cover scent or an eliminator spray on my ArcticShield garments?
Sure. If you expose your clothing and contaminate it with an odor before you get to your hunting destination, the use of a cover scent and/or a scent eliminator spray may be your best option. We suggest using Code Blue.

Can I have my ArcticShield garments altered for a better fit?
Yes, but doing so will void the garments’ warranty.

Are ArcticShield garments waterproof?
The term “waterproof” is badly abused in the outdoor industry. The H3, H4 and H5 Pro Series are all classified as “waterproof.” Other ArcticShield garments cannot accurately carry the “waterproof” label because of how they are made and/or due to their features. However, ArcticShield items not classified as “waterproof” contain the same waterproof technology as the items that are “waterproof.”

ArcticShield clothing provides two layers of protection. The RE-tain™ layer in each ArcticShield garment is waterproof. However, tiny holes in this layer help the garment breathe. With the laminate coating on the inside and the Tricot outer shell to help repel rain, you should stay warm and dry in just about any adverse weather condition.

Can I walk around in ArcticShield Boot Insulators?
The Boot Insulators are not designed to walk in. Rather, they are best suited for still hunting and should only be placed on your boots after you reach your hunting destination. The Boot Insulators are so effective that your feet will likely sweat if you did walk around in them – probably not your desired outcome.

My feet still got cold while wearing the Boot Insulators. What’s wrong?
This is a rare scenario, but it does happen to some people. Here are the most common causes:

1) Improper wear – Make sure that you have the Boot Insulators sealed off at the top with the hook-and-loop strap or the drawcord. If the Boot Insulators remain open at the top, you’re releasing the heat. Also, be sure not to tie your boots too tight, which can slow or cut off blood circulation to your feet.

2) Wrong boots – You may be wearing boots that are too heavily insulated. Traditional insulation traps the heat of your body and the cold of the outdoors. While you’re in route to your hunting destination, the outside part of your boot can get cold. Once you stop and your blood circulation slows down, your feet will start to produce less heat. Even with the Boot Insulators over your boots, if your feet don’t produce enough heat to warm up your boots, your feet will get cool. If your feet happen to sweat while you’re traveling to your destination, the coldness will be amplified. It’s best to wear lighter boots so your feet have less material to warm up, plus you’re less likely to sweat.

3) Poor blood circulation – If you take all the necessary steps to get maximum performance from the Boot Insulators and your feet still get cold, you may have poor blood circulation. However, this doesn’t mean that Boot Insulators won’t work for you. Try dropping a single heat pack into each Boot Insulator. This will add a heat supplement and should keep your feet feeling toasty for as long as the heat packs last.

4) Location – If you’ve tried all of the recommendations above and you still have cold feet, you may be in a dangerous place. We suggest that you leave that area.

What kind of boot works best with ArcticShield Boot Insulators?
The Boot Insulators will work with all types of boots, but you’ll be more comfortable in lighter boots with very little to no insulation. Here’s why: Boots that have too much insulation cause your feet to sweat while walking to your hunting destination. Once you stop, that sweat cools your feet and keeps you from benefiting from the ArcticShield Boot Insulators.

What kind of insulation is used in ArcticShield garments?
ArcticShield garments do not use insulation, in the normal sense. They use a technology called RE-tain™ to keep you warm. RE-tain™ is a very thin piece of material that acts as a heat barrier and reflects up to 97 percent of your own body heat back to you. This technology allows garments to be very thin – not bulky like other cold-weather garments.

What should I wear under my ArcticShield clothes?
If you layer too many clothes, you will get too hot. Most people wear a light- to mid-weight base layer. Some people wear only a tee-shirt and shorts. It may take some trial-and-error to figure out what works best for you.

If you have a long walk to your hunting destination, we suggest you carry your ArcticShield outerwear with you and put it on when you arrive. The H5 Pro Series Jacket has internal shoulder straps that can be used to backpack the garment during mild weather.

What is the “Complete Body Warming System”?
The “Complete Body Warming System” consists of a jacket, bib or pant, System Gloves and Boot Insulators. These four items will cover every square inch of your body, except your face, with our patented RE-tain™ technology. If you will be out in cold weather for a long period of time, this is the ultimate clothing system.