In any sport, it is very important to choose the right equipment, and the choice hunting clothing, especially in the cold season, has a number of significant nuances that can affect the final result. Winter hunting clothing should retain heat and keep moisture out. Modern technologies make it possible to eliminate heavy fabrics and replace them with more comfortable and lighter layers.
In addition, hunting clothing in winter should camouflage the hunter, make him invisible against the background of the environment. Used for many years, camouflage has taken many different forms, and winter hunting clothing is no exception.
Footwear
When choosing winter hunting clothing, you should start with hunting shoes. It is worth remembering that boots have long become much more comfortable than boots, because it is much easier to walk long distances in boots. However, if you have to spend all day in the cold, there is not much that will be able to keep your feet warm, except for good old felt boots.
How to choose
If you have decided that it will be boots, here are some of the main factors that you need to consider when choosing shoes:
- locality;
- type of hunting;
- Weather conditions.
And if the prey retains mobility in difficult weather conditions, the hunter should also not lag behind, so comfort is not the last factor when choosing shoes.
Features
But, of course, there are a few smaller, but no less important points here. Do not buy shoes that squeeze the foot tightly, because in this case blood circulation slows down, and the foot freezes faster.
Lightweight boots with rubberized thick grooved soles will cost more, however, they will help you maintain stability and maneuverability in all situations. It is also worth giving up boots without lacing, they do not guarantee a tight tightening. Use warm socks to keep your feet warm.
Hunting Clothing
Winter clothing for hunting is one of the sections of clothing for hunting, but remember that there are also subsections – winter suits for hunting, designed for a specific animal, for example, elk.
But for almost all species, the “cabbage principle” is preserved, in which the hunter puts on three layers of clothing:
- The first (bottom) layer is thermal underwear.
- The second (middle) layer of clothing is insulation.
- The third (outer) layer is protection from precipitation and wind.
Understratum
The main task of this layer of clothing is to remove moisture from the body and keep warm, since during active physical activity, the body heats up and begins to produce sweat profusely, which can unmask the owner of incorrectly selected underwear. For the bottom layer, it is best to use thermal underwear sewn from two-layer fabric – synthetics on the outside, natural materials – on the inside.
The size of thermal underwear should be selected strictly according to the wearer. Otherwise, if the thermal underwear hangs too loosely, the body will become too cold, too tight and the owner will not be able to make sudden movements.
Middle Layer
It is this layer that is responsible for insulation and ventilation, removing heat to the outer ball of our “cabbage”. The second layer is worn over thermal underwear. It is important to choose this layer of clothing wisely, because it is this layer of clothing that is responsible for the correct balance of body temperature.
Products made of fleece (synthetic “wool” made of polyester) and polartec are perfect here, because these materials retain body heat even when wet.
Outer layer
Clothes of the third layer are the most expensive and functional in the whole set, the work of the inner layers depends on its quality. The task of the outer layer is to keep moisture out from the outside, and to push the moisture accumulated from the inside into the atmosphere. For this layer, it is preferable to choose products made of membrane fabrics (it is very easy to determine whether a membrane is present in a garment – if the label mentions a material with an ending – tex, it means that a membrane is used in the manufacture of this garment).
A winter jacket for hunting should be selected for the type of activity you are going to do in it:
- active or passive;
- Everyday walks or extreme conditions.
Based on this, choose the level of moisture permeability. Useful tip: take a jacket one size larger so that in case of unforeseen circumstances, you will be able to wear an additional set of underwear/clothes.
A winter camouflage coat for hunting protects from precipitation, allows you to completely merge with the environment, and also plays the role of an “avant-garde” in the fight against the cold.
There are two types of hunting camouflage clothing:
- cape with a hood;
- overalls.
The first option is suitable for sedentary hunting, the second, respectively, for more active movements. But in both cases, camouflage gowns should be spacious.
Hunting trousers can be very different: they can differ in height, degree of insulation, length, waterproofness and fabric density. Trousers for hunting should be insulated, have loops and a high waistband. Modern pants are more comfortable, and much less bulky than their “ancestors” quilted jackets, and also have knee pads and snow cuffs.
Trousers for hunting can be khaki, in the summer they will merge with nature, and in the winter they will wear a camouflage coat over them.
Fortunately, modern technology allows manufacturers to produce high-quality outerwear. It does not rustle when moving, which does not allow the prey to detect the hunter, and does not cause discomfort, so you can fully enjoy the process of hunting and the surrounding nature.
Specialized hunting clothing has a variety of pockets of different sizes. Some even have pouches for cartridges and ammunition.
Hat and gloves
A hunting hat and gloves are equally important, as 70% of the heat is lost through the hands and head. A fur hunting hat with a fleece ball is an ideal option when choosing a hat.
It is better to have two hats, one to use when walking, the other while sitting in ambush, especially for people with overweight and hypertension, as hypothermia or overheating will cause severe headaches.
A hunting hat should not obstruct the view in any case. Fur mittens will perfectly protect your hands from the cold.
Useful tips
In general, we can conclude that the main principle of equipment in winter is layering, however, do not forget about small details, such as mittens and a hat, because it is these areas of the skin that give off the most heat. For convenience when shooting, you can also wear woolen gloves under the mittens, and wear gloves around the neck, on a rope.
To think that the warmer the clothes, the better, is reckless. Choose clothes for the temperature regime in which you will be. Otherwise, it may lead to overheating. Do not be stingy and buy comfortable equipment, because at a key moment, it can play an important role.
If you still have any doubts, you can contact any specialized store in your city, and experienced consultants will be happy to select clothes for your requests.
If you hunt with dogs, don’t forget that in extreme cold you may need to wear clothes for hunting dogs.
In fact, hunting in winter, for many, becomes more successful in terms of prey than in summer, but requires proper respect and thorough preparation.
Happy hunting!
