Although often overlooked, hunting clothes are crucial for a
successful trip. Hunting gear affects comfort, camouflage, protection, and
utility. The type of hunt and location determine the threads needed for hunting
apparel. The temperature, weather, and type of hunt will determine what clothes
to pack for a hunting trip.
How to Choose Cold Weather Hunting Clothes
Consider temperature first when choosing a hunting outfit.
Layering is best for outdoor comfort. More layers are better than fewer. Warmer
weather allows you to remove layers, but colder weather prevents you from
adding them.
Hunting Clothing Layering
The best way to control temperature while hunting is to
layer your clothes, but don't just throw some on and call it a day. Your
three-layer hunting clothing system should regulate your body temperature, keep you dry, and
protect you from the elements. Layers have three types:
First Layer
Apply the base layer first, as it has the most skin contact.
Base layers often consist of thermal pants, socks and long-sleeve shirts.To
stay dry and comfortable, a base layer wicks moisture.Your body regulates
temperature with sweat, so managing it will keep you dry and comfortable all
day. These three categories describe most base layers:
- Lightweight
- Midweight
- Heavyweight
Lightweight base layers quickly dry and wick moisture, but
they provide less insolation than heavier ones.Polyester and spandex are common
materials. Warmer climates and strenuous hunts suit light base layers. Go for
lightweight base layers when elk hunting or in mild weather.
Medium-weight base layers fall between lightweight and
heavy. Their moisture-wicking properties provide extra insulation in colder
climates. Next-to-skin comfort and odour control are common in midweight base
layers made from merino wool. Hunting in cooler weather or moderate activity
requires midweight base layers.
Extreme cold and harsh conditions require heavy base layers.
They are breathable and well-ventilated while providing enough insulation to
keep you warm. Wool or synthetic heavy layers are available. Winter hunts and
cold temperatures suit these thick base layers.
Mid-Layer
Mid-layer hunting clothes are designed to help retain heat
and remove moisture from the base layer. The main purpose of a mid-layer is
insulation. Synthetic down vests, fleece jackets, and puffer jackets are
mid-layer materials. More hunting mid-layer clothing tips:
In warm weather or physically demanding hunts, you can skip
the mid-layer or wear it as your outer layer. Be prepared by keeping a compact
mid-layer in your hunting pack or car.
For cooler weather and moderately active hunts, wear a
fleece or synthetic jacket or vest. Middle-layer materials include polyester
and merino wool.
In extreme cold, wear a thick, insulated jacket to trap
heat. Only wear down jackets with a waterproof outer layer for the best
insulation.
Warmth is provided by down insulation, but it is ineffective
when wet. They should be worn with a waterproof outer layer.Suitable for milder
temperatures, synthetic insulation provides warmth and is effective even in wet
conditions.
Exterior
After warmth and dryness, the outer layer protects. First
line of defence against the wilderness. Outer layers protect you from the
elements and environment.
The outer layer shields you from harsh weather and
environmental hazards like branches and thorns. Temperature affects outer layer
thickness: heavy exterior
Lightweight outer layers are better for milder temperatures
and layers for colder temps.
Membranes that are waterproof and breathable provide
superior weather protection and breathability. Outer layers should be
breathable to manage moisture and improve comfort, especially in milder weather
or when active.
Because animals can see the outer layer first, choosing the
right camouflage is crucial if you want to fill your freezer this hunting
season. We'll discuss this.
Hunting Camouflage: How to Choose
Many camo patterns are available for hunting clothes to help
you blend in with any environment. Choose between two main camouflage types for
hunting:
Use mimicry camouflage by mimicking natural patterns like
grass, leaves, bark, and other elements. Digital camouflage, or breakup camouflage,
alters your outline with non-natural shapes and colours. The best camo colour
goes beyond matching your surroundings. When hunting, consider the animal and
their behaviour. Identify the appropriate camo type by recognizing color.
Choose Hunting Pants
Hunters can wear many trousers, but camouflage is important.
After camo, consider comfort, warmth, and features that meet your needs.
Hunter trousers should: Wearing tough trousers that protect
your legs from sharp thorns and branches is essential. Artificial fabrics can
be noisy. Choose œsilent or œquiet hunting clothes to reduce movement noise.
Scent Control: This isn't necessary if you already mask your
scent, but it's nice to have to further hide it from wildlife.
Elastic waistbands, stretch fabric, and crotch gussets are
comfort features. For more strenuous hunts, you need trousers that are easy to
climb into and out of treestands.
Gear Storage: Hunting trousers match tactical trousers in utility.
You need lots of pockets and belt loops for holsters and other gear.
Check out the three-layer clothing system for hunting
trousers. Warm weather pants, insulated pants and hunting pants for mild
weather exist.
Hanging On
You should know how to buy hunting clothes for your
environment, conditions, and hunt by now. Clothing properly for a hunting trip
keeps you safe, comfortable, and protected.
