Hunting requires a lot of equipment including weaponry, attractants and blinds. However, one of the most commonly forgotten about things when putting together your hunting arsenal is the clothing that you need in order to not be spotted by your target, and to keep you warm, dry and protected as you take on the elements.
Finding the correct clothing for your hunting trip also isn’t as easy as you think it might be, and there’s a lot more to it than just grabbing something in a camouflage print and heading out into the wild.
There’s durability, breathability and insulation to keep in mind to name just a few important factors, and when you consider that fact that there are also multiple camouflage patterns and colors available to suit the different locations and seasons you’ll be out hunting in, finding the right clothing becomes one of the most important things you need to give your attention to.
Below, we’ve put together a collection of any questions you could ever want to ask about finding the perfect clothing to hunt in, along with answers that will make purchasing the right items for your trip a total breeze.
What do you wear for hunting?
Put simply, you need to make sure that your hunting clothes are appropriate for what you’re going to be doing. Heading out into the wild wearing a pair of jeans and a t-shirt isn’t going to give you the level of protection that you need, and they definitely won’t keep you concealed from your target.
The most basic, yet absolutely essential, pieces of clothing that you’ll need for your hunting wardrobe are a really good pair of hunting boots, pants, a jacket and a hunting pack.
You also need to make sure that the color and print of your clothes is suitable for the environment you’re hunting in as well. Camouflage is always the best option as it will keep you well hidden from your target, however natural-colored clothes such as green or khaki will also work well in keeping you disguised.
What are the best hunting boots?
This ultimately comes down to what it is you’re hunting, and what season you’re hunting in. For example, if you’re hunting elk then you’ll be trekking across multiple terrain, so one of the most important clothing items you’ll need is a good pair of elk hunting boots, that will keep your feet warm and have enough grip to ensure you don’t slip on icy or unsteady ground.
On the other hand, if you’re hunting deer during hot weather, you may want to invest in a pair of hunting boots that offer GoreTex™ technology, allowing your feet to breath and moisture to escape, without letting any water in.
What are the best hunting pants?
Again, this depends on the season that you’re hunting in. If you’re hunting during summer, then a pair of pants that are constructed from a breathable fabric would be best, as you’ll be able to hike and trek for long periods of time without feeling overheated. However, they should also have a good level of waterproof protection to them, so that you’re kept dry from any sudden summer downpours.
If you’re hunting in the winter months, the best hunting pants for cold weather should provide you with the warmth and protection you need for sitting out in freezing conditions for hours at a time. They’ll also need to be weather resistant or waterproof in order to withstand the harsh weather conditions that winter hunting can throw at you.
Regardless of which season you’re hunting in, one simple rule must be followed when it comes to finding the best hunting pants – they need to either be in a camouflage print or be naturally colored. This will ensure that your prey doesn’t spot you and darts off before you’ve had a chance to take your shot at it.
Can deer see blue jeans?
Recent research has shown that deer can see a certain spectrum of color, although they do see it slightly differently from how humans do. They are less sensitive to colors such as red and yellow and see these are gray, however they are able to pick up shades of blue and mid-wavelengths of green.
With this in mind, wearing blue jeans on a hunting trip may result in you getting spotted, as could wearing camouflage that is colored with green. Your safest bet when hunting deer would be to wear sand colored camouflage all over, as a deer will find it much harder to see these colors.
What colors can a deer see?
Deer are essentially red-green colorblind so, much like with colorblind humans, their color vision is limited to only certain shades of blue and green. They also cannot tell green from red, or orange from red, but are able to distinguish blue from red.
Therefore, when hunting deer, the best colored clothing to wear would be anything that is sandy colored, or a neutral camouflage print, as a standard green camouflage is more likely to be visible to a deer.
Do you need to wear gloves for duck hunting?
It’s actually quite important to wear gloves when you’re out duck hunting for a few reasons. Not only will they help to keep your hands warm from the cold weather, but they’ll ensure that any waterborne bacteria isn’t able to find its way into any small cuts or scrapes on your hands.
The best duck hunting gloves will be made of a waterproof material, but will still also allow your hands to breathe and sweat to evaporate away without letting any water in. Ideally, they’ll also keep you covered up to the elbow, or create a seal around the ends of your jacket’s arms so not water can get inside the gloves as you place your decoys or dip into the water to fetch your shot.
Do I need a backpack for a hunting trip?
Hunting trips require you to carry a lot of equipment, and the best way to haul around your gun, scope, binoculars and water canteen is with a really good hunting pack.
The best hunting pack will not only be big enough to store all of your gear in, but will also be able to withstand the many elements that you’ll be exposed to throughout your trip, so you should purchase a hunting pack that is weather resistant or waterproof in order to keep all of your equipment dry throughout the trip.
Your hunting pack should also be durable enough to be able to carry all of your heavy gear without tearing or splitting, and should also be comfortable to wear for a longer period of time. Hunting packs that have multiple straps or internal aluminum support frames are best for this.
How big should a hunting pack be?
This depends on how much gear you’ll be taking on your trip. If you prefer to take as much equipment with you as possible, then you’ll need a decent sized hunting pack of around 2700 cubic inches, and that also has external storage pockets.
If you prefer to travel a little more lightly and only intend on packing the essentials, then a hunting fanny pack would be a good option.
Is fleece good for hunting?
Bad weather conditions and freezing temperatures are an inevitability on any hunting trip, so it’s important to make sure that the clothing you have is properly insulated. Fleece is a really good insulative material that you can find in many jackets and gloves, and will keep you warm and protected from the elements.
Is wool warmer than fleece?
Both fleece and wool are great at keeping you warm and protected from rain and cold, however wool tends to be much thicker than fleece so it is a better insulator for hunting in extremely cold conditions.
Wool clothing is also more breathable than fleece, so it will allow sweat and moisture to escape whilst simultaneously keeping you warm and cosy, as well as being less likely to get saturated with water if you get caught in torrential rain.
Do I need camo for deer hunting?
Camouflage is by far the most effective way of keeping yourself hidden from your target when you’re out hunting, however depending on the color and print you’ve opted for you could still be spotted by a deer.
Deer are able to see some shades of green, so it’s best to wear camouflage that is in a neutral or sandy shade to prevent you from being seen. You can also wear clothing that doesn’t have a camouflage print, however this should also be in a neutral color.
Is cotton or polyester warmer?
Cotton is a lightweight fabric and has a high breathability factor, so it isn’t ideal for wearing in cold temperatures. It also absorbs moisture very easily, so will become incredibly uncomfortable to wear in cold weather if it were to become wet.
Polyester is much warmer than cotton as it has a higher thread count, and is also incapable of absorbing moisture, meaning that if it becomes wet it will continue to insulate and dry out incredibly quickly.
What’s the best duck hunting jacket?
You’ll be faced with cold, wet conditions when you’re duck hunting, so it’s important that you’re as protected as possible. The best duck hunting jackets are waterproof and will also offer you a good level of insulation from freezing temperatures. It should also have a decent amount of pockets so you can keep your most-used gear to hand.
What should I wear deer hunting?
The essential pieces of clothing you’ll need for deer hunting are a waterproof jacket, waterproof pants and a pair of boots that are not only waterproof, but will also keep you on your feet as you trek through rough terrain.
You should also be dressed from head to toe in either camouflage or pattern-free clothing, in a neutral color. Deer are able to see certain shades of blue and green, so by dressing in neutral colors, you’re reducing the risk of being spotted.
Can you hunt in jeans?
Jeans aren’t the best option to wear on a hunting trip due to the fact that denim is not waterproof, and gets very easily saturated with water. Some animals, deer for example, are also able to see certain shades of blue, so wearing jeans could result in you getting spotted.
Instead, you should opt for a good pair of waterproof pants that will keep you warm, protected and well hidden from your target.
What should I wear duck hunting?
The first piece of clothing you’ll want for duck hunting is an insulated, waterproof jacket that will keep you warm when you’re sat out in the cold for a long period of time. Another really important article of duck hunting clothing you should have in your closet is a pair of duck hunting gloves, which will allow you to place your decoys and retrieve your kills without getting your hands wet.
How much do hunting clothes cost?
As with most things, you tend to get what you pay for when it comes to purchasing hunting clothes. However, if you take the time to properly research what it is you need your hunting clothes to provide you with (warmth, weather resistance, etc), you may find that you’re able to get some really good clothing at a fair cost. Remember to always pay for the features, not just for the brand.
Do I need ear protection for hunting?
A gunshot comes in at a massive 140 decibels, which is 20 decibels louder than the maximum safe level for unprotected ear drums. Therefore, a really good pair of ear protectors is an absolutely imperative item to add your collection of hunting gear.
What color should you not wear deer hunting?
Deer can see a spectrum of color, which includes shades of blue and green. Therefore, it’s best to wear clothing that is in neutral colors such as beige or khaki when you’re hunting deer. A camouflage print is most effective, however non-patterned, protective clothing will work well too.
What is Sitka Gear?
Sitka is a brand of hunting clothing that uses customized design and technology systems to produce high end, super effective apparel for all types of hunting.
Is Sitka better than KUIU?
This comes down to personal preference really, and both companies produce great clothing that will keep you warm and protected on your hunting trip. Generally, KUIU is slightly cheaper than Sitka, but both are fantastic clothing brands.
What is GoreTex™?
GoreTex is a specially designed fabric that you’ll find in a lot of different hunting clothes, from pants to gloves and even in shoes. What makes GoreTex™ so special is the ability it has to allow your skin to breathe, and for moisture and sweat to escape, whilst still remaining completely waterproof and not letting any rain enter the garment.
What is Thinsulate™?
Designed to keep you as warm as possible, even on really cold hunting trips, Thinsulate™ is a synthetic fiber insulation that is found in the lining of many hunting clothes. The fibers are woven together in different thickness throughout in order to keep you warm in a variety of temperatures, and it’s also very lightweight so you won’t feel weighed down by it. Thinsulate™ is breathable too, and allows sweat to leave your body whilst ensuring your kept as warm as possible.
Can I still fire my gun when wearing duck hunting gloves?
Many gloves that are designed to be worn when duck hunting feature a retractable finger cover which allows you to shoot your firearm at your target without having to remove the glove entirely. Some are also made of a thin, but insulated, fabric so you can still fit your finger through the trigger guard and fire whilst still wearing the gloves.
Gloves that offer retractable finger covers are also really good if you’d like to check your phone when you’re out, as you’ll be able to activate the touch screen without taking your gloves off.
Are electronic ear protectors better?
Electronic ear protectors offer you a variety of features that you won’t be able to get from their non-electronic counterparts. One of these features is automatic noise cancellation, which means that you’ll be able to hear your surroundings and communicate with fellow hunters without removing the ear protectors, but as soon as you fire your gun, they will immediately block out the noise.
What’s the best material for hunting boots?
Leather is always the best option to go for when you’re looking for a pair of hunting boots, as it’s naturally waterproof, able to take a good beating without causing any serious damage, and also offers the flexibility you need for crossing multiple terrains. There, however, also synthetic options available that offer more breathability for your feet, and are often lighter in weight.
How do I keep my feet warm when out hunting?
Hunting boots will offer you a great deal of protection as you trek your way across different ground surfaces, however they aren’t always good at keeping your feet warm in colder weather. Therefore, a pair of hunting socks would be a good investment, and won’t only keep your feet warm in freezing temperatures, but can also help ensure rigidity and protection for your feet and heels as you hike through the wilderness.
Is a hunting pack or a fanny pack better?
This really depends on how much hunting gear you usually take with you on your trip. Fanny packs make a great alternative to carrying a larger, more cumbersome backpack with you on your trip and are great for day trips, but you’ll be able to fit much less in them. If you’re going on a longer trip and need to pack more equipment, then a larger hunting pack would be the best option.
How do you wear a fanny pack?
Fanny packs are usually worn around the waist and secured with a single clip, however some fanny packs that have been designed for use in hunting also have detachable shoulder straps, which help you distribute the weight of your gear more evenly across your torso.
What is MOLLE?
MOLLE is an abbreviation for ‘Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment’ and is a system consisting of external storage pockets that can be attached to backpacks and fanny packs, usually with velcro or hooks. MOLLE is a fantastic way to give yourself extra storage room without having to invest in a larger bag, and allows you to carry items that you wouldn’t necessarily need for every hunting trip.
What is the warmest clothing?
If you’re going on a hunting trip during the winter months, then you’ll need clothing that is thickly insulated with either fleece, wool or Thinsulate™ to keep you warm in freezing temperatures. You should also look for clothing that is waterproof, but still allows your skin to breathe. Anything that has GoreTex™ incorporated into it is a brilliant choice for this.
What are the best hunting clothes for remaining hidden from your target?
Getting spotted by your target when you’re out hunting basically means that the game is over. So, to prevent this from happening, it’s best to wear clothes that will help you blend into the natural background that you’re hunting in. For example, if you’re hunting elk over snow and ice, then a camouflage print in white and black would be the best choice. Or, for hunting wild turkey in the forest, a green camouflage print would be best. Remember, however, that deer can see shades of blue and green, so if you’re hunting deer you’d be best to choose a neutral shade of camouflage or all-over colour.
What are the best waders to wear for duck hunting?
Duck hunting will inevitably involve you having to go out into the water to either place a decoy or to retrieve your shot, and the best way to ensure you’re kept dry as well as protected from the water is to wear a good pair of waders. The best waders for duck hunting will be breathable as well as waterproof, and will allow sweat and moisture to escape from your legs whilst ensuring you stay dry.
What should you wear underneath duck hunting waders?
There are a variety of special wading leggings and socks available to wear underneath duck waders, however as they are designed to keep your clothing dry whilst you’re placing your decoy or fetching your kill, it’s usually fine to just wear your hunting pants underneath them. However, if it’s cold outside, then a pair of hunting pants designed specifically for the cold weather would be the best option.
Do you need to wear waders for duck hunting?
Although not entirely necessary, a pair of waders will help to keep your legs dry when you’re out duck hunting, and they are particularly useful for wading out into deep water so you can place your decoy further away from your hiding spot, meaning that you’ll be less likely to get spotted. They’re also useful for venturing out into the open water to claim your kill.
What items do I need to create a warm hunting outfit?
First and foremost, you’ll want a thick, insulated, waterproof jacket that will keep the rain out but will also allow your skin to breathe so you don’t get overheated or sweaty. GoreTex™ fabric is great for achieving this. You’ll also need a good pair of pants that have been designed to keep you warm in cold weather, thick socks made of wool or polyester and great pair of hunting boots that will keep you on your feet as you trek across potentially dangerous terrain.
What should I use to wash my hunting clothes?
Animals are really sensitive to foreign smells in their habitats, and deer even have an entire portion of their brain dedicated to identifying unusual scents. So it’s really important that you keep your hunting clothes as clean and scent free as possible. This also means using detergents and cleaning products that don’t leave any fragrance behind. Luckily, there are entire kits that are perfect for keeping your clothes clean and totally free of any human or artificial scents, so you’ll be able to remain undetected in the field.
Why do I need ankle support in my hunting boots?
Whatever you’re hunting, you’ll be hiking across multiple surface textures and many different terrains, which can be wet, slippery or loose. Boots that have built in ankle support will provide you with extra stability and protection whilst you walk, and will keep your ankle in place if you do accidentally slip, meaning that there’s less chance of strain or more serious injury.
Can you get insulated hunting boots?
There are several hunting boots available that feature insulation, and are designed to help keep your feet warm as you’re hiking through different environments. A really good insulator to look for in a hunting boot is Thinsulate™, which will keep your feet super warm in cold temperatures, but is also really lightweight, so won’t feel heavy to wear. We’d also recommend investing a good pair of thick socks to go with your boots too.
How should I store my hunting clothes when I’m not wearing them?
A closet of really good hunting clothes can be a pretty expensive investment, so it’s worth looking after them and storing them properly when they’re not in use. Anything that can hang, such as hunting jackets, should be covered in a jacket cover to reduce the risk of any odors getting into the fabric, and then hung on a rail. The same can be done for your hunting pants. We’d also recommend vacuum sealing as a way of storing your hunting clothes, as this will keep them totally clean and odor free, ready to use straight away on your next trip.
Is wool a good insulator?
Wool is a good choice of insulating material for hunting clothes as it’s naturally very thick so will be able to retain your body heat well. It’s also naturally water resistant, and will quickly dry out if it gets wet without becoming sodden or heavy, as well as really breathable, so you’ll be able to stay moisture and sweat free without losing any warmth.
Is water resistant or waterproof better?
When you’re looking for hunting clothes, waterproof is a better option than water resistant. This is because water resistant fabrics only temporarily keep water from entering the garment, and can also only put up with a certain amount of rain. Waterproof clothing is designed to keep water out regardless of how torrential the downpour is, which is perfect when you’re spending a full day outside in unpredictable weather.
How tight should my hunting clothes be?
Although it may seem obvious to purchase hunting clothing in your regular size, it’s always worth looking at any size charts that the brand has provided to make sure you get it right, especially as sizes can differ from store to store. Ideally, your hunting clothes need to be a snug fit on your body, as anything too large or baggy could easily get caught on surrounding branches or get dragged through wet ground, which will result in an uncomfortable experience for you and risks your clothes breaking. Many hunting boots also run a size smaller than usual due to their sturdy construction, so it’s worth looking into this as well.
What does the letter D mean in fabrics?
Every fabric is made up of different thicknesses, and the letter ‘D’ is used to rate these. This stands for ‘denier’, and the D is usually accompanied by a number which corresponds to the thickness rating. For example, a piece of clothing with a rating of 1000D will be thicker than one with 600D. This also means that it will be more durable, therefore less likely to tear or snag when worn for hunting.
How can I carry multiple weapons for hunting?
If you’re looking to carry guns, bows, arrows and knives with you on your hunting trip, a good way to keep them all safe and secure in one place is with a good hunting day pack that has designated rifle pockets and straps. A hunting pack will also keep your hands free as you trek, so you’ll be able to navigate your way through the wilderness with more ease.
What boot sole material is best for hunting?
You’ll be trekking across a variety of terrain when you’re out hunting, so you’ll need a pair of boots that can handle multiple surface textures and will make sure that you stay on your feet. Boots that have soles made from rubber as a good choice for this, as are soles constructed from a mix of materials and have multiple tread patterns.
Are hunting clothes worth the money?
Hunting clothes are specifically designed to help you effectively stalk and shoot your prey out in the wild, and are also constructed from materials that will keep you protected from the unpredictable elements that you’ll be faced with. They can be a bit more expensive than what you might usually spend on clothes, but generally speaking they pay for themselves in the long run by being super durable and long lasting.
What do you wear for 0 degree hunting?
The most important thing when you’re out hunting in freezing temperatures is to make sure that you’re kept as warm as possible. With this in mind, the best clothing to choose will be well insulated and constructed from thick, durable material. Your clothing will also have to be breathable, so that any sweat and moisture can escape without losing any body heat, and should be waterproof as well as you may be faced with freezing rain, snow or ice.
Is camo necessary for deer hunting?
Camouflage clothing is usually a good choice for any type of hunting, however when deer hunting you can also wear pattern-free clothing as long as it’s outside of the deer’s visible color spectrum. Deer can see shades of blue and green, so it’s best to opt for a neutral or sandy color.
What is the best rain gear for hunting?
You’re almost certain to get stuck in a sudden downpour of rain when you’re hunting, so it’s important to be prepared for it. When you’re looking for rain gear to wear on a hunting trip, make sure that it is waterproof and not just water resistant. Anything water resistant will only keep you protected from the rain to a certain extent, whereas waterproof clothing will repel water completely. You should also make sure that your clothing is well insulated so that you’ll be kept warm throughout a rain storm.
What are the warmest hunting pants?
It’s not just your torso that you need to think about keeping warm on a hunting trip, and many people forget to keep their legs protected from the cold as well. The best hunting pants to wear in cold weather will be well insulated and made of a thick, durable material. They should also be waterproof so that they won’t become sodden and heavy if you get caught in the rain or snow.
Is down warmer than fleece?
Not only is down warmer than fleece, but it is also warmer than wool, making it arguably the most effective insulating material available. However, it’s very thick and quite heavy, so if you decide to purchase some hunting clothing that is insulated with down, it would be best not to layer up. It would also be a material to avoid if your trip includes trekking for long distances, as it’s not as breathable as wool or fleece, so you may become overheated and sweaty.
What is the best insulating material for clothing?
There are ordinarily three materials used in insulation for clothes; wool, fleece and down, and each has their own benefits. Wool is incredibly warm, and is also naturally waterproof, so you’ll be kept cozy and dry when you’re out in the wild. Fleece is also very warm, however it is not waterproof so may become sodden if you get caught in a sudden downpour. It is very lightweight, however, so would be a good choice if you’re stalking your prey over a long distance. Down is warmer than both wool and fleece, however it is very heavy, so you wouldn’t need to add any extra layers of clothing. You may also find that down may be too warm when hiking over long distances.
Can you hunt in blue jeans?
Wearing blue jeans for hunting generally isn’t the best option for a couple of reasons. First of all, denim is not waterproof or water resistant, so if you find yourself suddenly caught in a rainstorm and don’t have adequate shelter, your jeans could become soaking wet through and will also take a long time to dry off naturally. Blue is also one of the colors that a deer can see very well, so there’s a strong chance that you’ll be spotted by your target if you wear blue jeans for deer hunting.
What’s the most effective way to disguise yourself when hunting?
Undoubtedly, the best form of disguise for hunting is camouflage. This will help you blend in with the natural surroundings, and is available in a range of colors and prints, making it perfect for hunting in the forest and in snowy conditions. Non-patterned clothing is also available, and comes in a variety of colors too, but for ultimate invisibility camouflage is definitely the best option.
Should I wear face paint when hunting?
Although not entirely necessary, face paints can help to conceal you from your target even further. Make sure that you use colors that match with the rest of your clothes, and try to aim for a similar pattern to. You also don’t have to go for a full face of paint, you can just cover certain areas of your face that are more likely to be exposed, such as your eyes and nose.
