Picking the right garments for a hunting trip is as critical as deciding on the proper firearm and optics. Inadequate hunting attire can mar your hunting experience and force you to cut your outing short. In contrast, excellent hunting garments can provide an advantage and keep you content in the wild until the big-game animal appears. At critical times, excellent hunting gear has the potential to be a lifesaver if anything unexpected were to happen, so it should not be taken lightly. You will probably not encounter a situation in hunting where you must either save or lose your life. However, if you plan on hunting in a remote location or in adverse conditions, things like temperature control, sweat, and dampness regulation are critically important.
Being exposed to moisture can be a peril for a hunter, either through rain or sweat. As the temperature decreases, substantial humidity can absorb body heat and cause hypothermia. It is necessary to wear warm garments and allow your skin to breathe when you are outside in nature for a while. Hunting apparel can also facilitate soundless motion.
Clothing designed for hunting should have zipper closures that make minimal noise and be made of fabric that does not rustle when it rubs against other garments. Hunting clothing should not be disregarded, enabling the hunter to move quietly.
Layering one’s hunting apparel is a popular pattern right now and proves helpful in adjusting comfort levels and protection corresponding to the weather. Furthermore, extra pieces of clothing can be kept nearby in case of a surprise rain shower or a fall in temperature. We will be referring to Sitka’s method, although the same reasoning can be applied to other brands. In this piece, we will discuss four different layers: a base level, an insulation level, an outer level, and a water-resistant layer. It is sometimes broken down into a three-tier structure: the base layer, an insulated middle layer, and a protective external layer. No matter what, you need the proper equipment corresponding to each layer of clothing before engaging in any serious hunting. Let’s examine each in greater detail.
Essential Items
Base Layer
The primary layer that should be put on first and closest to your body is the base layer. Typically consisting of a full-length shirt with long sleeves and matching bottoms, the bottom layer is similarly referred to as an “inner layer” or “base layer.” It is commonly likened to a type of long underwear. Be wary. These are not ordinary long johns. Base-layer apparel keeps you dry and comfy by moving sweat away from your body, thus preventing you from getting cold at the part of your clothing closest to your skin. Wearing a base layer of clothing helps reduce the growth of bacteria and fungi, reducing unpleasant body odors so that you can feel refreshed and energized for those long hunting trips.
In addition to keeping the air smelling fresh, odor control is even more critical. It is essential to reduce your scent when hunting in the wild. Veteran hunters recognize that scent management can decide whether they will be successful and fill their tag or come away with nothing. If the prey gets a whiff of them before they have a clear shot, the animal will most likely be gone instantly. It is important to know that scent control technology is not guaranteed. It means it should be accompanied by understanding wind direction, washing clothing before going out, and using other scent-concealing products.
Today scent control is accomplished by one of two technologies:
- Carbon – The original scent-blocking compound, the fabric of hunting clothing is treated with carbon compounds, and as molecules like those that cause odor to pass through the fabric, they interact with the carbon. The carbon compound is capable of trapping the scent instead of releasing it into the surrounding environment. Ideally, this means your position isn’t revealed via scent to the animals around you.
- Zeolite – As an alternative to Carbon, Zeolite is a mineral utilized in scent control because of its porous structure. Zeolite is great at trapping molecules as they pass through clothing, and this porous structure is used in conjunction with other scent-controlling compounds like antimicrobials.
Choose base layer clothing depending on your usual hunting area and weather conditions. For warm weather, choose a short-sleeved shirt and trousers. If you expect it to get colder, make sure you have a shirt and pants that go well together. When selecting a base layer, it is essential to use a fabric that will absorb sweat away from the body. While scent control could be seen as a supplemental option, there is often an association between dryness and odor regulation. Do you wonder if camouflage-patterned clothing should be worn as a base layer? It is valuable to have the capacity to take off to one’s undressed outermost layer while still being able to stay invisible since you can never predict the weather conditions. Doing this with a black bottom layer is an alternative.
Insulation Layer
The middle layer takes over the task of insulation. An insulation layer should be worn on top of your base layer of clothing. It provides two benefits: one, it helps keep you warm, and two, it can protect against the elements. On a freezing day, this item can bring more warmth and be tucked away in your hunting bag when unnecessary. Be certain that the insulation layer you will use will fit in your bag and is designed to be put away in this fashion. The insulating layer can also serve as your outermost layer when the temperature is warmer. Insulation clothing should feature the same moisture-wicking and scent-control technology featured in the base layer. If you anticipate wearing the item as your top layer sometimes, investing in a special feature like Sitka’s Windstopper technology is recommended. Windstopper clothing can absorb moisture in the way that hunters look for. However, it also acts as a barrier holding warmth inside, even when strong winds are directed toward the wearer. You should have a top and bottom to insulate yourself, just like the base you wear.
Don’t neglect trousers when creating the insulative layer of your apparel. These Sitka Kelvin Light Pants can be put on quickly and provide warmth without removing your shoes.
Reasons Why I Invest in Quality Hunting Clothing
Today’s Hunters are taking hunting to a new level with apparel tailored to make them more successful. This gear won’t necessarily make someone a better hunter but it could give them a slight advantage. You know the natural environment is highly changeable if you’ve been on outdoor excursions in the backcountry, from woods to mountains to deserts. So many aspects of it are beyond your influence.
The Navy SEALs advocate managing the ‘three-foot world’ as an effective way of tackling potential obstacles. It is the area close to one’s person, and the best method is to acquire high-grade supplies.
Concealment With Camo
The main motive for buying apparel designed for hunting is likely the camouflage pattern.
A camo outfit alone cannot transform you into a master of hunting. It could be the key to success in a tough hunting situation; that additional touch of camouflage gives you an edge. It could mask your presence just enough that a wary animal allows you to get into bow range, break up your outline to the point that a large bull moves into your shooting range, or even spark curiosity in a nosy caribou rather than cause it to scatter.
The primary benefit of a reliable camo design is that it will disguise your silhouette and enable you to merge with the background of nature, such as terrain and greenery.
I am not a fan of strong, dense designs or intricate styles. You might appear in a large dark spot from a distance when wearing dark patterns that can’t be seen clearly. That, however, is not the outcome you desired. Incorporating some black is vital, but avoiding excessively dark designs is beneficial.
Although they are decreasing in demand, some designs still feature highly detailed, almost lifelike illustrations of foliage, branches, and so on. To me, these patterns were created more with the idea of catching a hunter’s eye rather than using science and camouflaging properties in the thought process. You must combine big and small patterns to blend in from a distance and up close.
When attempting to be inconspicuous, having the least impact on everything around you is desirable. To go undetected, you should remain invisible to your desired prey and to any other creatures you come across during your excursion.
Keeping yourself hidden in the environment is only part of being a successful hunter; an essential element is identifying and capitalizing on a favorable chance when it arises. How often have you encountered turkeys while hunting deer and thought that the tom would make a tasty dish for Thanksgiving? If you are looking for Caribou in Alaska, you could get to hunt a wolf for only a $60 permit with no drawing required. Versatility is king when buying quality gear. It is desirable to purchase equipment that can function for more than one purpose when it is feasible.
While I always wear camouflage clothing while hunting because it provides the advantages mentioned, if you don’t believe it’s necessary for large game, there’s no point in wearing solid colors and then having to switch to another outfit when hunting turkey or predators.
Layering
Layering is essential for an effective hunting clothing system, and the right hunting gear should be chosen.
Why is layering so important? Two reasons: insulation and thermo-regulation.
Recalling what was learned in middle school physical science, the air is the most effective insulation. You wish to have an air barrier between yourself and the external environment, and the best way to achieve this is to wear multiple layers of clothing.
Additionally, we have all had those moments of trepidation, taking those long hikes to a tree stand in the morning, ascending the hill to the crest, or a chilly glassing session that eventually transforms into a mad dash to a shooting position.
Layering is critical to an effective hunting clothing system due to its various advantages. Searching is one task that consists of pauses of inactivity punctuated by sudden spurts of energy or long sessions of effort interspersed with long pauses. You don’t want to be too hot and sweaty amid thrills and then become chilled quickly when the activity ceases, or vice versa. The ability to swiftly and easily put on and remove layers is extremely important.
SKRE’s full-zip merino wool thermal long-john pants are one of my favorite apparel items for outdoor activities. I appreciate the coziness of having something comfortable on the right when I wake up. Still, I also like the convenience of being able to quickly shed my layers when it becomes too hot during the day while still wearing my shoes and trousers.
Comfort
A week outdoors can be completely ruined if you have to put up with wet equipment or can’t keep warm because of poor-quality clothing. You want clothing that keeps you performing at your best, physically and mentally, regardless of the situation. These outfits should be crafted with your activities in mind, whether scaling cliffs, hacking through alder groves, or enduring a grueling rainstorm.
Firms such as SKRE are creating apparel to give peak performance. Wear the appropriate gear to endure the backcountry or hunting stand to ensure comfort and warmth. It will increase the time you can remain outdoors, enabling you to witness additional wildlife and increase the success rate of your expedition.
Conclusion
One should be in full control of their three-foot world when involved in hunting, in particular, when in the wild. This concept is something the Navy SEALs strongly accentuate.
Gaining an edge on a quarry that has had its senses and instincts honed for survival for its entire life is a hard-fought battle. Very few benefits can be obtained when following an animal that has spent all its time avoiding danger from various sources. Therefore, I am willing to take advantage of whatever means I can to amplify my chances of succeeding in the backcountry.
When taking on any task, selecting the most suitable tool for the job is important. To achieve optimal results, utilize top-notch tools if the cost is not an issue.
My hunting buddy, a Veteran of the Naval Special Forces, taught me something related to equipment: make a substantial purchase and don’t worry about having regrets later on. You can always opt for cheaper stuff that serves its purpose for a little while, but if you invest in high-grade material, it will do its job for a long time and make a big difference.
That is why I choose to purchase high-grade hunting apparel and equipment.