Carhartt Yukon vs Tough Duck Coveralls
22/08/2025
Heater Body Suit vs. IWOM Outerwear: A Field-Tested Comparison
Author: Harvey Neil
7 min read · Aug 18, 2025
When it comes to staying warm in the stand during those freezing hunting trips, gear really matters. If you’re like me, you don’t want your hunt cut short just because you’re shivering on your stand, counting down the minutes before you can head home and thaw out. Today, I’m comparing two big names in cold-weather hunting gear: the Heater Bodysuit Extreme and the IWOM Outerwear suit. These suits are pretty popular deals for anyone wanting to fend off the chill, so let’s dive into every detail — from warmth and insulation to comfort, price, and what it’s actually like to wear these things out in the wild.
Introduction: Why Staying Warm Matters
Cold weather can turn any hunt into a test of endurance. No matter how good your spot is or how much game activity there is, if you’re freezing, you’ll want to leave, and honestly, that means less time in the stand and fewer opportunities to see deer, bear, or anything else worth hunting.
That’s why picking the right cold-weather gear isn’t just about comfort — it’s about making your hunt successful. Today, we’re diving into the two main products on the market that promise to keep you warm: Heater Body Suit and IWOM Outerwear.
Product Overview
Heater Body Suit Extreme
- Price: $369 (Extreme Model)
- Insulation: 200g 3M Thinsulate + 160g Thermaguard (Total: 360g)
- Key Feature: Full-coverage bodysuit with legs
- Carry Style: Rolls up and wears like a backpack
IWOM Outerwear
- Price: $499 (XT Model)
- Insulation: 120g 3M Thinsulate (arms), 150g Thinsulate (torso)
- Key Feature: Suit with sleeves for arms, no legs
- Carry Style: Fanny pack system that wraps around the waist
Head-to-Head Features: Arms vs. Legs
This is one of the main differences. IWOM has sleeves, while Heater Body Suit does not. So, does having sleeves make IWOM better?
On the surface, you’d think having arms in your suit gives you more freedom — like always being ready to draw your bow or raise your gun. That was my first theory too. But in the field, I realized something:
Every time I wore the IWOM, my arms got chilly first. And let’s face it, once your arms are cold, the rest of your body isn’t far behind. Every hunter knows that kind of chill is tough to shake off, no matter how thick your gloves are.
With Heater Bodysuit, you don’t get sleeves. But that’s actually a plus — you wear your regular shirt, hoodie, or whatever underneath, and when you unzip, you’re totally free, just like you weren’t even wearing the suit at all.
So if you’re worried about shooting your bow or swinging your gun, the Heater Body Suit won’t slow you down.
The No-Legs Challenge: IWOM
Here’s another big difference. IWOM doesn’t have legs. So imagine standing in your hunting stand, your legs locked together inside what’s basically a sleeping bag. You can’t spread your feet apart, it’s tough to twist or turn, and tough and uncomfortable to pull back to full draw. Even with a gun, turning around is awkward.
Heater Body Suit, meanwhile, does have legs. You can spread ’em out, turn around, and even do a little dance if you want (though I’d recommend saving that for after the hunt).
Ease of Use / Freedom of Movement
Getting Out of Heater Body Suit
It’s dead simple. Heater Body Suit owners will tell you that when you unzip, you’re just wearing whatever was underneath — no wrestling, no struggles. You’re on the stand in your hoodie or tee, totally unencumbered.
Getting Out of IWOM
Because your arms are inside sleeves and your legs are stuck together, it takes more contortions to get out. Your movement is more restricted, and it can be awkward if you suddenly need to shift or make a fast draw.
Warmth & Insulation: Breaking Down the Numbers
Comparing Thinsulate Levels
- IWOM Outerwear: Arms: 120g 3M Thinsulate; Torso: 150g 3M Thinsulate
- Heater Bodysuit Extreme: Body: 200g 3M Thinsulate (everywhere) + 160g Thermoguard; Total: 360g insulation
What Does It Mean In Reality?
All that extra insulation in the Heater Body Suit means you feel the difference. Out in the stand, when the temperature drops from a comfortable 30° down below 10°, you want a suit that actually keeps you warm till last light.
Real-World Warmth
After field testing both suits, it’s not even close: Heater Body Suit keeps you not just a bit warmer, but a lot warmer. That extra insulation pays off big time when you’re waiting for those elusive animals and the wind starts to pick up.
Packability & Carry Systems
Heater Body Suit: Backpack Style
It’s built to roll up tight and you carry it like a backpack. You can strap your normal backpack over it too. When you get to your stand, just unroll and climb in.
IWOM: Fanny Pack Style
IWAM tries a different approach with a waist wrap system. It’s like carrying a bulky fanny pack. It’s a cool idea, but with all the insulation Heater Body Suit packs, you just couldn’t wrap that much material around your waist without turning yourself into a marshmallow.
Price Comparison
- IWOM Outerwear XT: $499
- Heater Body Suit Extreme: $369
So, not only does Heater Body Suit keep you warmer, it will also keep your wallet a little heavier.
Field Experience: Which One Keeps You Warmest?
Having worn both suits for hours in freezing stands, I can honestly say:
That extra insulation is not just a spec-sheet number. It makes a huge difference in how long you can stand the cold.
Staying Till Last Light
Too often, I’ve had to leave stands early in other gear because my hands or arms just couldn’t take it. With Heater Bodysuit, I’m out till the sun sets, actually watching for deer, bear, and all kinds of animals, instead of looking forward to the moment I can ditch my frosty spot.
Pros & Cons
Heater Body Suit
- Pros:
- Insanely warm thanks to 360g insulation
- Legs let you stand, move, and draw weapons easily
- Easy to pack and wear into your stand
- Less Expensive than IWOM
- Quick to unzip and get out — no wrestling
- Waterproof and Windproof
- Keeps you warm or your money back guarantee
- Cons:
- No arm sleeves — not really a con, as it is designed that way on purpose to maximize warmth.
- Bigger than the IWOM, It has to be with more than double the insulation. The backpack style carry system combats that.
IWOM Outerwear
- Pros:
- Sleeves give you coverage for arms
- Makes you feel always ready to shoot / draw
- Fanny pack-style for easy waist carry
- Cons:
- Less insulation, arms get cold fast
- No legs — movement limited
- Expensive compared to Heater Body Suit
- Hard to move, twist, or draw in the suit
- Not nearly as warm as a Heater Body Suit
Final Verdict
So, after all the field testing, spec sheet comparison, and pricing, what’s the bottom line?
Heater Body Suit just does what you actually buy these suits for — keeping you warm. IWOM tries, and it has its strong points, but it can’t match Heater Body Suit in the field.
Personal Advice for Hunters
I’ve owned both these suits. I’ve spent hours in them in the field. If you want to stay out longer, wait for the right shot, and hunt from sunrise to sundown, warmth isn’t just convenient — it’s essential.
Heater Bodysuit gives you that edge. You’re not fiddling with awkward leg positions or shivering through the cold. You’re just hunting.
Conclusion
If you’re gearing up for cold hunts and want real warmth, the Heater Body Suit is the way to go. IWOM Outerwear has some cool ideas with the sleeves and fanny pack system, but it can’t stand up to the warmth and practical movement the Heater Body Suit gives you.
Whether it’s below freezing or just a chilly morning, having gear that lets you stick it out in the field can mean the difference between a boring morning and the best hunt of your season. Trust me, you’ll want the extra comfort when the mercury drops. So, if you’re shopping for something that’ll actually keep you warm till the last legal minute in the stand, go with the Heater Body Suit.
