Apparel

Follow the care instructions on each garment, and avoid standard detergents that can damage technical fabrics or water-repellent coatings. Use scent-free or technical gear-safe soaps, and line-dry when possible to protect elasticity and fit. For outerwear, occasional reproofing with DWR treatments helps restore water resistance. Storing your gear clean and dry between hunts prevents odor build-up and extends the life of high-performance materials.

Start by thinking in layers — base, mid, and outer — to adapt to changing conditions and exertion levels. A good system should regulate temperature, wick moisture, and protect against wind, rain, and cold. Prioritize quiet, breathable fabrics for active hunts, and ensure each layer works together without restricting movement. Consider your hunt style, terrain, and season to determine how much insulation and weatherproofing you need, and don’t forget essentials like gloves, hats, and socks to round out your system.

Layering allows you to adapt quickly as weather and activity levels change. A moisture-wicking base layer keeps sweat off your skin, a midlayer traps heat, and an outer layer protects you from wind or rain. By adding or removing layers throughout the day, you can avoid overheating on the hike in and stay warm during long glassing sessions. Layering also helps with scent control and keeps your clothing drier and more comfortable over multi-day hunts.

Apparel should fit close enough to the body for efficient layering, but loose enough to allow full range of motion and airflow. Base layers should sit snug against the skin, midlayers like fleece or insulation should allow for some loft, and outer layers need enough room to go over everything without binding. Look for articulated joints, gusseted knees, and stretch materials in pants and tops to accommodate movement on steep, uneven terrain.

Yes — early-season hunts typically call for lightweight, breathable layers that manage heat and sweat, while late-season hunts require insulated, weather-resistant gear to trap warmth and block wind or snow. Many hunters build out multiple systems or swap layers based on the forecast. Early archery gear might include lightweight merino tops and uninsulated pants, while November rifle hunts could demand down insulation, windproof softshells, and heavy-duty rain gear.

Hunting outerwear should be quiet, durable, and built for the terrain and conditions you’ll face. Look for windproof or waterproof membranes in jackets and pants for harsh weather, and features like pit zips, full-leg side zips, adjustable hoods, and reinforced knees or seat panels. Camouflage patterns can aid in concealment, but function and fit should come first. High-quality outerwear protects your entire system and makes cold, wet hunts more bearable — and more successful.