If you’re new to this ancient calling, maybe you already know it’s never too early to prepare for the next hunting season. With that in mind, today we’ll talk about a part of the hunter’s gear that is just as important as hunting tools – of course, we’re referring to clothing.
This is the essential guide to the hunter’s most important clothing item.
Contents
Why Is Proper Clothing So Important for Hunting?
You can often hear hunters argue about what is the hunter’s most important item of clothing. While many have go-to pieces they hold on to, like soldiers holding on to their lucky charms, most hunters agree there isn’t a single most important item of clothing, but a few of them.
But why is clothing so crucial on hunting ground in the first place?
Hunting is no game. If you’re serious about it, you’ll want to ensure you’re ready for any eventuality. This includes rapid changes in weather conditions and harsh terrain, which are impossible to bear without proper clothing. You’ll need to stay warm and comfortable and keep moving. Another critical aspect of hunting, where clothing plays an important role, is the risk of being shot by other hunters on accident. In hunting, clothing has a unique protective purpose.
The following pieces are cited as essential by many experienced hunters:
The Base Layer
The clothes you wear next to your skin are crucial in hunting.
Hunting is action-packed, so there’s a lot of sweating involved. The base layer must keep that moisture away from your skin during long hours on the hunting ground. Picking a suitable material is vital, so no cotton. Merino wool and synthetic wool are the best for temperature regulation.
The Mid Layer
A hunter’s middle layer of clothing is responsible for locking the heat in.
Again, cotton is not the best choice here because it dries very slowly. If you sweat a lot, cotton will pick up the moisture pushed away by the base layer and soak it in. You’ll be cold all the way through, even in nice weather. The best material for mid-layer insulation is grid fleece.
Windbreaker
If you’re hunting in late fall, a windbreaker is essential. Since it provides foolproof insulation, a windproof jacket can be useful even without wind. This type of jacket is typically made of synthetic textiles such as nylon and polyester, so it does a great job keeping your body warm.
Pick carefully, though, as windbreakers can cause noise while moving.
Hunting Boots
Many experienced hunters agree that boots are an essential item of clothing for hunting. What kind of boots should you pick for your first season? There’s no mistake with the all-weather type. These boots keep you warm, dry, and on your feet in any weather and terrain.
Always try boots with your hunting socks. Otherwise, they may be too tight.
Insulation Socks
Speaking of hunting socks, this humble piece of outerwear often means the difference between making memories and earning a migraine. The best socks for hunting are made of Merino wool, an unmatched material regarding odor control and temperature regulation.
Piece of advice – always have an extra pair of socks while hunting.
Hunter’s Hat
When you immerse yourself in nature and its unpredictable ways, having a trusty hat can be a lifesaver. You should resist the fleece, even though it’s an efficient windbreaker because it’s too loud. Choose a windstopper beanie instead or a wool cap with ear flaps if it’s windy.
Don’t forget that your headwear must be waterproof if you’re duck-hunting.
Warm Gloves
Warm gloves become as crucial as socks when the weather is wet and cold.
GORE-TEX mittens are, without a doubt, the best defense against extreme weather, but there are more valuable types of gloves for dexterity. Leather gloves will make you more precise, but they are the most expensive. Polyester is the best alternative for short-term use.
Whichever type of gloves you choose, make sure you wear them to practice.
Rain Gear
The three qualities of reliable rain gear for hunting are breathability, lightness, and comfort. GORE-TEK is a good enough combination of this, though it tends to be a bit bulky. If you expect an exceptionally wet season, you’ll need waterproof pants and rain jackets.
Low-quality rain gear can be loud, but you’ll need complete silence while hunting.
Blaze Orange
Finally, let’s have a word about the famous blaze orange vest.
Blaze orange is not the most recognizable item of a hunter’s clothing without reason. It saves lives. Without a blaze orange vest, jacket, or cap, your fellow hunters might confuse you for an elk or deer. Blaze orange is not only essential – it’s also mandatory in many states.
Conclusion
Hunting is a challenge like no other. As a beginner, you’ll quickly learn that there isn’t a single aspect of hunting you can rush. Patience, commitment, and immaculate attention to detail are hunters’ lethal weapons, but so are his gear and the clothes he wears on the ground.