I live and hunt in west MI, so we experience much of the same type of cold weather in the late archery season. My father was also an avid ice fisherman and dragged me along as a kid, so I know what it is like to sit for hours in very cold temps. While I don't have Arctic Shield brand, I have a few different insulated bib types and also a full body suit. The problem with them is not being functional while hunting, but overheating while walking in. Sure it is comfy getting all geared up at the vehicle and for the first 100 yards.....then you feel the heat start up along your back and know you should stop or slow down....but you want to get to your stand. Of course you can use a pack for your heavier layers and jacket, but then you are really doing the same thing as packing in an IWOM and getting ready on stand.

The IWOM is warm....blocks wind/weather and holds heat inside. It has a different feel being "inside" something rather than wearing bibs and a jacket, but that is the purpose of the design. Practice with it in the backyard shooting and just getting it on and off. For the walk out, you can unzip the feet and pull it up to your waist while wearing the upper as a parka to keep you warm.....or just take it off. The worst part of frigid hunting for me is getting undressed at the vehicle and feeling your hands and such get instantly cold as you rush to stash your gear and get inside.

 

I agree with Alaska at Heart..they are different
I have not used the Artic Shield product but I have used other parka and bibs and after a few hours the shivers seem to set in....I bought a Iwon this year and so far I am amazed at how warm it is....only been out to +5 F but was warm and I only had a thin compression layer and a merino wool expedition layer..nothing else....once you zip up the foot section you are basically in a sealed envelope..with arms free...that was important to me..if iwear more layers underneath I should really be able to go low.....I find the material a little noisy but livable..maybe on a very very quiet day it might be hard to get the bow back ..but at least I will still be on the stand, not in my car trying to warm up


I have another two weeks to hunt and i am hoping mother nature gets ugly just so I can really put this thing to the test...but so far this is the first season in a long time that I have not been cold...so far so good..



Only thing I have noticed...in the first few times I have used it I have not had much layering underneath...so when you unzip the envelope and hike it up around your waist for the walk out..those legs really get a blast of cold air...it's your first clue as to how cold it really is out there

 

I have the IWOM XT and a host of parka's and bibs. To me the IWOM is the best thing since sliced bread. I can pack it (In itself) and walk up the mountain behind the house in my skinnies or I can wear it as a Parke and walk in that way also. I think an IWOM should be in everyones closet.

 

Iwom no doubt

 

Check out the Arctic Shield body insulator suit, it is about half the price of the Iwom, and it is very impressive; I bought one for my daughter. I have been a long time HBS user, but I am probably going to buy the Arctic Shield suit for myself.

 

Iwom for sure. Call them direct and get a good-as-new used one. It will save you a hundred bucks or so.
I see you’re in southern ia, you might get away with an EL, rather than an XT. I’ve hunted in mine down to -5 degree wind chill on a 10 degree day and been toasty, and that’s with nothing but cheap Walmart long underwear, and a light pair of pants underneath. The EL is significantly less expensive than the XT. I live and hunt in southern Kansas and the IWOM folks recommended the EL.

 

I have both, artic shield bibs and parka and a iwom xt. I had the artic shield 1st the was/am happy with them. Since I have bought the iwom a couple years ago I haven't gotten through artic shield out of my hunting totes, live the Iwom

 

Check out the new body suit from arctic shield

 

I saw the new bodysuit by Arctic shield but you still have to keep your arms in....but you can unzip only your arms to shoot. I'll be Muzzleloader hunting from ladder stands and don't really have anywhere to put my muzzleloader except for holding it. So I feel like I need my arms free or I can drop my muzzle loader

 

i too chose the iwom just for the sleeves, and i'm glad i did. i didn't want to have to unzip anything just to be able to use my hands, glassing, calling, grabbing my weapon, or even wiping my watery eyes or runny nose. i was a little worried about being up in a stand and having my feet in the bag, but it has proven not to be an issue at all. it's warm, comfy, water/wind proof and all that stuff, but it's also way easier to carry in than bibs and a parka. lighter, less to carry, and stuffs into it's own sack (with a strap) for transport. really, you can't beat the thing.

 

I'm going to order the IWOM XT.

 

Have had my iwom for 3 years now and don’t know how I ever lived without it. You won’t regret getting an iwom