I made a decision during yet another all night vigil just recently.
I'm getting older and now feeling the effects of frosty nights more so.
Two main issues I need to solve are;
1)
Scope lenses fogging up.
What I have done thus far to combat this is by getting a pair of waterproof gaiters and velcroing the ankle end together so as it will only just slide over the end of the scope,,,, and then lay the overall length of it over the scope, and drape down over the eyepiece.
(the fact that they are camo would work well in daylight as a bonus)
This tactic works well and I only have to fold it back on itself when needing to take a shot.
The far end lens never fogs up due to the flip up lens cover that I leave in a veranda like position.
The other gaiter I use on my second rifle which lays waiting on my other side.
Even though this works pretty well,,, I've just gone down a different path, and have ordered a couple of electronic heating bands that wrap around the bell housing of my scopes and are held in place by velcro.
Powered via a single cable and USB plug connected to the power outlets I have built into my shooting rig console.
They have 3 different heat ranges, and will heat to a maximum of 50 degrees. (more than enough to prevent dew)
They are made and intended for camera lenses and telescopes so I figure they will work well for my needs.
2)
To keep myself warm and supple.
I have been researching various different brands and models of 12v electric heated jackets.
Most, of which rely on a rechargeable battery pack,, and then again, most of which claim to work for "up to" eight hours (on low setting)
A couple I found claim to work for "up to" fourteen hours,,,,, but again on the low setting.
99% of these don't come with the battery, and you have to purchase that separately. (A bit like buying a new car,, and they ask if you want an engine)
The particular unit I am really liking at the moment is a Motor Cycle under Jacket.
It plugs in to 12v sourced from the vehicle (in my case the deep cycle auxilliary 4x4 battery) again from the outlet in my shooting bench console.
It only draws 7 a/h which will easily do any of my 12 hr shifts.
It will heat full chest and back areas plus both arms, and the collar.
As an added extra it is also set up for heated gloves (bought separately) that simply plug in to existing sockets in the sleeves.
Three different heat ranges, that would serve me adequately.
Has anyone here been down the 12v jacket path,, or got one ??
I'd be keen to hear some reports.
I do not fear death itself... Only its inopportune timing!
I've come to realize that,,,,, the two most loving, loyal, and trustworthy females in my entire life were both canines.