Got the opportunity last night while camping to actually field test them. After sunset, the temperature dropped, so I changed out of my "regular clothes" into something a little warmer. Once I donned them I backed up from the fire a little and was perfectly warm. The buckskin breaks the wind while still being breathable. It's almost like it regulates the temperature to be "just right". The foot wraps are thin enough to allow me to feel the ground beneath my feet, while protecting them from sharp thingies.
Got up this morning and took the boys to do a little squirrel hunting. Against my better judgement, I elected to wear my foot wraps instead of snake boots, but I really wanted to know how well they worked. I can honestly say I've never moved so quietly through the woods. I could feel each step I took, briars didn't hang, and the wrap design worked perfectly for keeping stuff out of my shoe and passing through briars. Might have to add a layer of buckskin to the inside as it gets colder, and I definately need to oil the soles again for water resistance, but all in all I was 100% impressed with the performance in the woods. I kept it all on till it got too dadgone hot and slipped back into my shorts and tennises. Would have preferred some buckskin shorts or a loincloth, but I haven't made those (yet.. but I'm going to!)
Just to add to the fun, we made spears, and tossed them around, and I made a atlatl handle but couldn't get it to fly right (I just used a branch from a tree that was the right shape.. took all of 2 minutes). We did some tracking, birdwatching, plant ID stroll, just general having fun.. coffee at breakfast, with sausage and bread.. it was a lot of fun! For me the best part was actually trying out my buckskin in briars and thick woods, but I enjoyed the whole evening, and day today.
The kids didn't sleep too good and got wore out, so we came back home today. It was a great time!
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