Winter · Field Guide
Winter Gear Guide 2025
What Winter Takes, Preparation Returns
Montana doesn’t care what kind of mood you’re in. It doesn’t care how tired you are, how early it is, how late you got home, or what went wrong yesterday.
Winter takes without apology.
A man prepares because winter is guaranteed. And every degree of cold you shield yourself from is energy returned to the mission — whether that mission is work, family, or just getting home without losing a finger to frostbite.
This is the 2025 Winter Gear Guide, tested against the Bitterroot, the backroads, and the kind of wind that makes your jacket question the meaning of existence.
Everything here falls into one of three buckets:
- Stay Warm
- Stay Dry
- Stay Alive
1. Heated Gear That Actually Works
Most heated jackets are toys. This one isn’t. If you’re burning fuel before sunrise or standing still more than you’re moving, a heated layer becomes efficiency, not luxury.
ActionHeat 5V Heated Jacket
The ActionHeat 5V heated jacket passed every PCS test:
- Fast heat-up time.
- Even heating instead of random hot spots.
- Swappable battery pack mid-shift.
- Durable enough for real work.
- Plays well with layers.
Perfect for:
- 20°F jobsite mornings.
- Chores, plowing, or loading in the dark.
- Walking, scouting, or dawn patrol.
- Any man who refuses to be slowed by winter.
2. Winter Work Boots That Don’t Tap Out
Your feet dictate endurance. Cold feet shorten days and lower output.
Muck Arctic Sport Steel Toe
The Muck Arctic Sport Steel Toe earned its place by not failing when it mattered:
- Steel toe that doesn’t punish your foot.
- Real insulation for real cold.
- Waterproof under real field conditions.
- Ice-biting traction.
- Built for men who don’t get snow days.
3. Gloves That Don’t Fail When You Need Them Most
A proper glove system should include:
- Winter work gloves — insulated with grip.
- Dexterity gloves — for controls and detail work.
- Extreme cold mitts — for long exposure.
4. Power Systems for Blackouts & Remote Work
Jackery HomePower 3600
The Jackery HomePower 3600 anchors a winter-ready power plan:
- Runs heaters, fridges, and essentials.
- Solar-ready.
- Quiet and portable.
5. Firewood Gear That Never Quits
- Primary splitting axe
- Hatchet
- Maul/wedge
- Sharpening puck
- Non-soaking gloves
Coming soon: Best Firewood Axes for 2025
6. Jackets, Pants & Layers That Don’t Whine
Build your clothing system like a kit:
- Base — merino or synthetic.
- Mid — fleece, wool, or puffer.
- Outer — windproof, water-resistant.
Pair with Winter Doesn’t Care.
7. Lighting — Because It’s Dark at 5PM
- Headlamp (300–500 lumens)
- Durable flashlight
- Lantern for outages
Wrist navigation: Fēnix 8 Pro.
8. Survival Items — Small Weight, Big Return
- Folding saw
- Fixed-blade knife
- Ferro rod + lighter
- Hand warmers
- Emergency bivy
- Trauma kit
Closing — Owning Winter Instead of Enduring It
Winter doesn’t wait. The man who prepares gets more done than the man who endures.
Upgrade one piece at a time. Every degree of warmth buys back focus.
Start with Winter Doesn’t Care.