There are quite a few cold weather garments on the market that will afford you a warm stay on stand. However, I know of only one that will make you disappear in the woods like Thermosack. Whether you are hunting high in a tree or standing in the big woods the combination of Thermosack and TimberGhost hides you like no other.

The Basics
The defining feature of Thermosack is its ability to eliminate the gap between your legs. This is accomplished by a full length, no leg design. This feature along with the vertical camo pattern found in TimberGhost is the cornerstone of Thermosack's total concealment system. A matching facemask and gloves round out this system. Another "biggie" on Thermosack's positive feature list is the Big Three Warming system. This system repels wind and moisture while retaining your body heat. A poly/cotton outer shell repels water while the inner liner is made from a wind resistant nylon. Top that off with quilted 9-oz. polyfil insulation, a full-length storm flap, elastic wrist cuffs, insulated hood with drawstring, and a design that encompasses both legs and you have a recipe for warmth. To make travel to and from you hunting spot convenient, Thermosack is designed with a Hide-A-Way bottom that folds up and attaches to the inside of the garment allowing it to be worn as a regular coat.  There are four pockets on the Thermosack including two extra large cargo pockets and two large chest pockets. Both sets can be closed with snapped flaps. The Zipper that closes the top half of the garment and the snaps found on the pockets and storm flap are heavy duty. 

Testing
The first test performed was to simply shoot my bow while wearing the Thermosack. I was somewhat concerned with the bulk of the garment at first. With no armguard there was contact with the sleeve two out of seven shots or 28.6% of the time. While wearing an armguard there were no instances of contact. I bulked up my clothing underneath the Thermosack to see if chest contact would be a problem however none was noted. One major setback was the inability to shoot with the hood up. The hood is stiff and does not move with your head. 

My next venture was to determine the effective temperature range of the Thermosack - at least for me. I found that the highest temperature that was comfortable was approximately 55 degrees F and it never got cold enough to find the lower limit. I did however test it at 18 degrees F and was toasty warm. The only exceptions to that were my hands that froze in the gloves provided with the Thermosack.

Now on to concealment. Here is an area that I think Thermosack has excelled in more than even they know.  The advertisements for this garment claim that it eliminates gap (between legs) and breaks up your outline. I agree with only half of that statement. It does indeed eliminate the gap between your legs, which makes a huge difference in concealment. However, in my opinion it does not break up your outline?. and that is great! A tree trunk has a very distinct outline and in fact I used to use that outline to calibrate my old rangefinders. When you are wearing the Thermosack you look exactly like a tree trunk thanks to its design and the vertical camo pattern found on TimberGhost. If it broke up my outline I would look more like a blob than a natural object - a tree!  Many of the camo patterns on the market are designed to appeal to YOUR eye not the deer's eye. 

If there is one thing that I have learned in 20 years of bowhunting it is that deer do not seem to be impressed with marketing strategies! So far, in my experience, Thermosack seems to be much more than a marketing ploy. One of the studies I have done is to wear different camo patterns and have someone take black and white photos of me from varying distances and in different cover. Try it sometime. You will most likely be shocked by the results. I was very impressed with the results I obtained while wearing Thermosack in this test. Another test I do with all of my camo is the "Kid Test". I have five children and they love to play hide and seek with dad. I go off into the woods behind our home and hide in different types of cover and so far nothing has kept me from "found you daddy" like Thermosack has. The ultimate test of course is the ability to avoid detection by deer. To this point I have yet to be detected by any deer while wearing my Thermosack. One doe was within twelve steps and never knew I was in the world! I simulated drawing my bow on her to test the garments noise level and she just kept doing her thing never suspecting my presence.

A few more notes on testing: I found converting the Thermosack from a coat to its full length and then back again was quite simple. Other than the noise made by the velcro closures it was great. Another item to discuss is moving while wearing the Thermosack. I had to unbutton the bottom two or three buttons to allow my legs to move freely. Thermosack issues a warning with each purchase alerting the customer to the dangers of climbing while wearing the Thermosack in the extended position. 

 All in all the Thermosack is a great cool to cold weather hunting garment. If you are looking to disappear in the winter woods in relative comfort, the Thermosack would make a nice addition to your Christmas list!

Design: 4 of 5
 I give the Thermosack a high rating for its ability to keep me warm and well hidden. Some design highlights include the warm polyfil insulation, full-length storm flap, no gap extended bottom, and TimberGhost camo pattern. Suggested improvements include insulated gloves, a softer hood that moves with your head and a zip-out liner. The addition of a zip-out liner would serve two purposes. First it would make the garment less rigid and therefore more quiet and secondly it would make the Thermosack a true all-weather hunting outfit. 

Cost: 4 of 5
 Every Thermosack is $129.95, no less - no more. The versatility of the Thermosack saves you the hassle of buying multiple outfits to get you through the season.

For more information on Thermosack contact:
Thermosack
5018 Old Spartanburg Rd  #192
Taylors, SC 29687
(864)322-8747
Visit the Thermosack web site at http://www.thermosack.com