07
May
It’s safe to say that hunting excursions are life-changing events and one of the few instances when we humans can reconnect to the past. But to guarantee a more convenient and successful hunting trip, it’s important to make the right clothing choices. Having properly selected hunting clothes will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable, in addition to protecting you from potential harm.
From sun to snow, layering allows you to be better prepared for a wide range of weather circumstances. By adding and removing the right clothes you can remain comfortable in all weather conditions without carrying too much weight that can potentially slow you down.
It all begins with good base layers. Hunting tee shirts are the foundation of your technical layering system. You can wear long-sleeve hunting tee shirts in colder conditions or opt for short-sleeved T-shirts in hotter climates.
Since this is the first layer of clothing touching your skin you should choose lightweight, breathable and comfortable hunting tee shirts. Next, when worn as base layers, hunting shirts should be thin and seamless so they can fit perfectly on your body without affecting your freedom of movement. Furthermore, they should be able to wick away the sweat to keep you feeling, dry and comfortable on your adventure.
Material-wise, cotton is probably the worst choice you can make as it can trap and hold moisture. Materials like bamboo and merino wool, on the other hand, are perfect for hunting tee shirts as they can dry quickly. Merino wool hunting termals have anti-bacterial properties meaning that they can prevent the growth of germs and odour. bamboo which is another excellent option, is naturally antibacterial and comfortable.
Polyester, which is a synthetic material, is also a good alternative since it dries fast and it’s durable. However, one drawback of synthetic hunting tee shirts is that they often develop an unpleasant odour rapidly.
Style-wise you can find shirts for hunting in a range of designs and colours. For instance, hunters who wear camouflage shirts in the field will appear more natural and be able to blend in better with their surroundings. As a rule of thumb, you should stick to earthy, neutral-coloured camouflage shirts and avoid wearing colours not intended for hunting, such as denim and blue patterns.
Also, keep in mind that your visibility to other hunters can be greatly affected by the colour you wear, which lowers the possibility of mishaps. On that note, in areas with heavy hunting activity, it’s mandatory to wear blaze orange shirts for hunting. These can make you stand out against natural backgrounds. Some camouflage shirts incorporate muted orange tones combining effective concealment with necessary visibility.
When hunting in colder conditions you should also consider an insulating mid-layer for added warmth and insulation. A polyester hunting shirt or a fleece sweater for instance would make a great choice. The second layer must fit properly since a bulky or tight-fitting shirt can restrict movement and be uncomfortable, negatively affecting your performance.
The outermost layer serves as the ultimate defence, protecting you from external elements. If you’re hunting in extreme conditions like snow and rain, consider adding an outer layer of clothing to your look. In cold weather, the typical choice would be a wind and waterproof hunting jacket and rain trousers. Also, make sure that your outer garments are breathable so that you are not left drenched from within.
You’ll likely be covering large distances to find game, so make sure to invest in a quality pair of comfortable and breathable hunting boots that lets the air flow thus keeping your feet fresh and sweat-free as much as possible. Leather for instance is a naturally breathable material, so your boots should do fine in this regard. Furthermore, a high-quality leather boot stretches and moulds nicely to the shape of your foot, giving it a glove-like fit.
Other features to look for in your hunting boots are stability and durability. Since hunting includes being in contact with the soil, lots of dirt, mud and rocks, you’ll need shoes to stand against these conditions. For uneven and rugged terrain choose hunting boots with strong ankle support and aggressive soles to maintain good traction and stability. On the other hand, if you’re hunting in flatter areas, lightweight and more flexible boots will serve you well.
As already mentioned, when hunting you’re likely to spend a big portion of your time on foot. That is why choosing the right pair of hunting socks is an important factor. Hunting socks made of specific materials like various synthetics as well as natural fibres like merino wool and bamboo will absorb sweat and moisture quickly thus helping your feet stay dry and comfortable. Generally speaking, avoid socks made of cotton as these can absorb water. This creates friction which can lead to painful blisters.
