How to Choose Hunting Clothing: Key Criteria
Let’s understand what you need to know and what criteria to consider when selecting hunting Clothing equipment.
When you’re hunting, every little thing matters. And in your equipment, clothing is no less important than your weapons: the right outfit will provide comfort and help avoid health risks.
The number of hunters and gun owners is decreasing for various reasons: experts talk about an ethical attitude towards nature and changes in legislation.
So, getting a hunting license will become increasingly challenging: you’ll need to undergo training, pass exams, demonstrate knowledge of safety and basics of biology to differentiate between permissible hunting resources.
For some nations, hunting is a necessity to “sustain a traditional way of life and engage in traditional economic activities,” in other words – for sustenance and income.
This approach to hunting, rational and in accordance with norms, is acknowledged by the president of WWF in certain countries. “We support the right of indigenous people to hunt, which is part of their way of life.” We do not oppose lawful hunting that does not cause, we emphasize, harm to nature.
For the hunter, it’s crucial not only to adhere to the norms and safety rules established by law but also to think competently about the equipment. We will tell you how to choose equipment and what to look for when buying.
Selection Criteria
No clothing is universal. The choice is influenced by many factors: the area where the hunt will take place, the time of year, meteorological conditions, the type of hunt. However, there are common criteria to pay attention to when making a purchase.
- Seasonal Suitability.
Each season requires its own hunting Clothing. Winter hunting clothing should keep you warm, demi-season Clothing should protect you from moisture and wind, while summer clothing should facilitate air exchange and absorb moisture effectively.
- Size.
Hunting clothing should be accurately sized, fitting snugly to the body but not restricting movement. Heat transfer and comfort depend on this. Outer hunting garments are chosen considering that there will be several insulating layers beneath.
- Material.
The fabric should be durable and elastic, providing protection against wind, dust, and moisture. The fabric’s density does not affect its water-resistant properties, so the thickness of the suit can be chosen according to your judgment. When selecting material, attention should also be paid to its odor. Strong external aromas can scare away prey.
- Thermoregulation.
Hunting Clothing should wick away moisture, allow air to pass through, and circulate. This is facilitated by using thermal underwear and properly selected garments and materials.
- Additional Details.
The presence of a hood, protective padding, pockets, and padding plays an important role. Also, ensure that zippers and rivets are sealed with insulating material. Otherwise, they will get wet and cause glimmers. They should be easily operable with one hand without being obstructed by the straps of your gun and backpack.
- Camouflage.
The color of the suit and the noise it makes during movement play a crucial role in camouflage. Hunting camouflage clothing in military camouflage colors is the most popular. However, this camouflage doesn’t always work effectively. If you’re not sure that you’ll definitely blend in with the surroundings, opt for gray, olive, or khaki. It’s important for the fabric to remain matte even when wet. The suit shouldn’t shine, rustle, or creak.
- Comfort.
It’s important for the hunter to move freely and swiftly. Hunting clothing should not hinder movement, aiming, or shooting.
- Practicality.
Hunting equipment is bought once. Therefore, do not hesitate to carefully check the seams, fasteners, and fabric for defects. If you don’t notice them during the purchase, you’ll certainly notice them while hunting.
- Price.
It depends on the quality of the fabric, accessories, brand. Hunting equipment from foreign manufacturers will be much more expensive. However, among local products, you can find high-quality solutions.
Winter Hunting Suit
Winter hunting clothing includes thermal underwear, multiple layers of clothing to maintain heat and moisture transfer, outerwear, trousers or overalls, warm boots, a hat, and gloves.
Materials such as canvas, tarpaulin, synthetic fabrics (alova, taslan, duplex, oxford) are used for the outermost layer. An excellent choice would be fabric with a membrane. This is a ventilated Teflon film that prevents moisture from passing through. The material is durable, lightweight, and retains heat well.
Both traditional fillers (wool, cotton wadding, synthetic winterizer, down) and synthetic fibers (hollofiber, siberia, thermotex, thinsulate) are used as insulation.
Furthermore, inner cuffs, an elastic band at the lower back, a warm hood, will help insulate you. In cold and windy weather, a mask-equipped hat will not hurt to protect your face.
Shoes should be warm, lightweight, waterproof, durable, yet elastic. Shoes made of polyurethane foam mostly meets these characteristics. Choose boots with a high shaft so that snow doesn’t get inside.
Out-of-season clothing is chosen considering the variability of meteorological conditions. Autumn and spring are characterized by sudden changes in temperature, winds, and a large amount of precipitation.
The hunting suit includes trousers with a tightening lace at the bottom, a jacket (preferably with a removable fleece lining), waterproof shoes, and a knitted hat. Make sure you have a raincoat. Experienced hunters recommend purchasing raincoats made of waxed fabric. When wet, they don’t shine, and condensation doesn’t form inside.
It’s necessary to consider not only the season but also the type of hunt. For example, clothing for running during hunting should be light, silent, loose, and should absorb sweat well, as the person is constantly in motion.
Ambush hunting involves long periods in a stationary position waiting for prey.
In this case hunting equipment should primarily provide warmth and comfort.
