Cold hands and cold feet

With Hi-Tech thermal underwear I can keep my body and legs warm. With a ski mask I can keep my head warm.

But what works BEST to keep your hands and feet warm when you are out in the cold for 2,3 or more hours observing?

Clear skies......Mike

One simple trick with your feet is to use corn starch which tends to keep feet dryer preventing some of the cold. If that fails, then felt-lined sorrel boots and electric sox.

For the feet, one or two pieces of carpet work well as an insulator. Just scrape away the snow and lay them down where you are standing (or sitting). For the hands, you can't beat a pair of mittens. Most sporting goods stores carry mittens that open up on the right hand (so you can get your finger in the trigger gaurd to shoot) and just your fingers stick out.
Of course a good pair of boots are a must, but don't let your feet get so warm that they sweat.
Ditto on the head gear, you loose most of your body heat thru your head. And avoid any alcohol. That shot of fine Kentucky Burbon may make you feel warmer, but it only lasts for a few moments. Then your blood capillaries rise closer to the skin surface and you loose body heat even faster than before.
Roger

I'd also recommend adding more insulation to your head. I found a second knit cap over the first made my hands and feet a lot warmer. Ditto for keeping the upper body warm. The best insulated boots and insulation on the ground won't help much if your brain determines your head or upper torso need more heat.

Clear skies, Alan

These chemical packet hand / foot warmers are excellent.
Used inside thick gloves and boots, I find they give
very good results. They do not get very hot, but help
offset the slow heat loss.

Keeping the rest of you toasty warm with a wool hat,
sweaters, down jacket, long johns, etc. will also help the hands
and feet warm.

Some carpeted floor mats, etc, will also help to reduce
conduction losses through the boot soles. Especially useful
if observing on concrete.