Ensure you have the right hunting gear to tackle whatever challenges you may face. Start with a durable tactical backpack that offers plenty of storage space for your hunting gear, snacks, and water. Look for a bag with padded shoulder straps, sternum strap, and waist belt to evenly distribute weight and maximize comfort.
Many hunters grew up wearing cotton coveralls and long johns, but today’s base layers are built with high-performance fabrics that regulate core body temperature while keeping you comfortable. These base layers are what most people think of when they hear the word “thermals.” Read on Bugle For Elk for more information.
The best hunting layer options are made from Merino wool, which is soft and warm even when wet. It also doesn’t hold onto odors and sheds moisture to keep you dry. Pure merino wool may not be the most durable, however, so most hunting layers are blended with synthetic materials like nylon or polyester for added strength.
In addition to regulating your core body temperature, hunting base layers can protect you from ticks and other insects that can carry disease. A tight-fitting base layer will better wick moisture, destroying bacteria that can lead to a tick bite, and it will prevent ticks from getting near your skin.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a trophy buck or simply looking for some warm, comfy gear to wear while out in the field, you can’t go wrong with a great pair of hunting thermals from SKRE Gear. These are a great option because they offer a wide range of features that make them stand out from other products, including a usable chest zipper pocket, thumb loops and UPF 50+ sun protection.
Mid Layers
Despite the apparent simplicity of a hunter’s wardrobe, choosing the right clothing can have a huge impact on your comfort level and success on any outing. Having a number of thin mid layers provides you with the flexibility to manage your temperature and exertion levels throughout the day.
Your mid layer will provide insulation and trap your body heat whilst being breathable to let moisture move away from the skin. Most of our mid layer garments use a combination of merino wool and high performance synthetic breathable fabrics to deliver the best possible performance.
As a rule of thumb, we recommend having both half and full zip options on your mid layer. A half zip is ideal for keeping the wind out, while a full zip offers a range of venting options.
After several hours of glassing from a high rocky outcrop a deer is spotted moving through the wet thicker understory below him. The hunters exertion levels have increased and he is starting to overheat. Using his layering system the hunter stops to take off his mid layer hoodie, and unzips his jacket front zipper to let some of the heat out. This allows him to continue climbing and gives him the ability to quickly change his layers when necessary.
Outer Layers
Although they may not get as much attention as a heavy winter coat or insulated pants, outer layers are just as important for your success and enjoyment in the field. The right outer layer protects your skin from wind and rain, allowing you to adapt to changing conditions without freezing or overheating.
For a lightweight, durable, and comfortable base layer look no further than Sitka’s Core Merino line. Featuring a wide array of shirts, jackets, bibs, and boxers, the breathable, odor-fighting merino wool wicks moisture away from your body, keeping you cool and dry. With the added protection of fleece and Polartec fabrics, these layering essentials are perfect for regulating temperature throughout a long day of hiking or stalking game in the field.
The most critical piece of hunting gear is an insulated shell, which keeps you warm and protected from the elements when it’s time to hit the woods. Whether it’s a heavy coat and insulated pants for fall Elk or a light bib and jacket for spring turkey, these are the pieces that keep you in the field longer – allowing you to shoot more, catch more, and bring home more meat. And just like the mid-layers, a proper fit and quality materials are vital for your comfort in the field.
Socks
There are thousands of products in the hunting industry that promise dead bucks after a simple credit card swipe, but there are few things more important for hunters to invest in than socks. High quality hiking/hunting socks offer a combination of cushioning, fit, and camouflage that help you blend in with your environment and stay hidden from game.
Socks are particularly critical if you plan to hunt in rubber boots and have certain medical conditions such as bunions or flat feet that require particular support. Look for socks that are designed with these issues in mind and that fit your foot and calf correctly to avoid bunching and blistering.
One of the best options is a Merino wool sock. This material is thinner, lighter and more breathable than standard wool, making it ideal for outdoor hunting activities. Merino wool also naturally regulates temperature, preventing your feet from getting too hot or too cold in different climates. It’s also highly durable and comfortable, so it’s a great choice for high-intensity hunts. However, if you hunt in cold temperatures and remain stationary most of the time, consider going with a heavier weight sock for added warmth.
Rain Jackets/Pants
Rain gear is an essential layer of protection for every hunt, particularly if you will be spending a significant amount of time sitting or moving in the rain. When selecting rain gear, look for a pair of pants and jacket that have an ANSI Class 3 rating when worn together to ensure visibility in poor conditions.
Most of the top-rated options for breathable rain gear utilize Gore-TEX or other membranes. These garments typically have waterproof ratings of 10,000 mm to 15,000 mm. These ratings measure how much water the fabric can withstand under pressure and how much sweat vapor it allows to escape. The more physically demanding your hunting adventure is, the more important breathability becomes, as you may be sweating profusely while climbing mountains or carrying a heavy backpack.
The most durable options for rain gear are typically 3-layer pieces that incorporate an outer fabric, a membrane, and an inner fabric. These fabrics are then bonded together to create one unit that feels like a single piece of clothing. This construction reduces weight and bulk while increasing durability. If you do choose to go with a 3-layer option, make sure it is treated with Durable Water Repellency (DWR) to keep it repelling moisture effectively. You should also wash your rain gear after every use to prevent dirt buildup and maintain its performance.
Gloves
Hands are a vital part of every hunting operation and it is important to protect them from the cold. There are many different gloves and mittens available for hunters in a variety of materials, brands, and designs, so selecting the right pair is dependent upon several factors, including how, where, and when you hunt.
Some features to consider include waterproofing, a warm and comfortable fit, and the ability to operate touchscreen devices. The time of year will also influence glove selection, as temperatures can quickly swing from warm to moderate to cold. A good pair of gloves will regulate this temperature, be breathable, and provide dexterity.
Heated gloves are another option that are great for cold weather hunting. These gloves contain insulated padding on the interior that generates and retains heat, keeping hands warm in extreme conditions. They can also be battery-operated and are an excellent choice for hunters that spend a lot of time in a tree stand or ground blind.
Another factor to consider is the length of the cuff. Some gloves come with a short cuff, while others have a long cuff for extra coverage and warmth. It is best to select a mitten with a longer cuff, as it will provide better protection from the elements while still providing the dexterity needed to manipulate triggers and other equipment.
Cap
The hunting industry leans pretty heavily on products that promise dead bucks and a quick hunt. But the truth is, a lot of those products don’t work as promised. The ones that do make the cut are those that contribute to safety, comfort, and success.
A good, insulated cap keeps the sun off your head to prevent painful sunburn and helps you concentrate — both key factors for hunters who want to be successful. You can find a variety of caps that will suit your style and hunting needs, from baseball hats to visors to Legionnaires styles.
Other items that are critical to any hunting trip include odorless bug spray, personal hygiene items like toilet paper and a portable shower, a first aid kit, and communication devices. A comfortable tent, sleeping bag, and cot are also a must, as is a backpack that’s large enough to hold all your gear. You’ll also want to pack food, water, and any necessary medications and hunting licenses. Also, don’t forget a walkie-talkie and a flashlight or two to help you stay in touch with your crew and navigate through the wilderness. Finally, a small camera and a bluetooth camera trigger are great for capturing the memories of your hunting expedition.