Hunters come in all shapes and sizes, as do the animals they pursue and the adventures they undertake. From whitetail to waterfowl, men’s and women’s pieces alike, we took a look at the clothing available to the hunter in a variety of situations. Here’s the best hunting clothes for 2023 from some of the top hunting clothing brands.
ASIO
ASIO is a fairly new company, having come onto the market in 2020. It was founded by avid mountain hunters who were impressed by the quality they found in the world of clothes for mountain environments. Wanting to bring that same quality to the hunting world, ASIO went to work on a line of high-end camo and hunting clothes.
The most popular products from ASIO are the Sherpa Jacket and Pants, as we learned from the company’s Joe Miles. These quiet garments are 100 percent windproof, highly water-resistant and treated with the highest level of DWR. The fabric has stretch that promotes dexterity during climbing or drawing of the bow. These garments are lined with Sherpa high-pile fleece and have a temperature rating of the mid-40s to mid-20s with proper baselayers.
The Late Season Jacket and Bib are designed to be warm when the temperature gets into the negative side of Fahrenheit. Just like the Sherpa set, these garments are 100 percent windproof, highly water-resistant and treated with the highest level of DWR. They also feature 180 grams of Primaloft insulation. The bib features total leg zips, allowing you to dump heat on the walk to your hunting site. Miles also noted the easy on/off of these garments.
The Core-Warmth Vest is made with a quiet material and is 100 percent windproof. Miles recommended it as either a layering piece or a standalone outer piece depending on how active you will be.
To see more, check out asiogear.com
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NOMAD
The Stretch-Lite Long Sleeve Shirts feature pretty true sizing, Blake Tabb said. They are made of a lightweight quick-drying material with four-way stretch and perforated along the back and under the sleeve for breathability. Though this is a full-coverage top, you can roll the sleeves up. This shirt is available in Mossy Oak Bottomland, Droptine, Migrate and Shadow Leaf and runs from sizes small to 3x.
The Pursuit Long-Neck Hoodie offers another longsleeve option. Made of midweight fleece, it features a built-in neck gaiter for full coverage. Tabb recommended using it as a layering piece, as afterwear or for crisp mornings and evenings. It is available in Mossy Oak Shadow Leaf or Bottomland and runs from sizes small to 3x.
The Legacy Camo Pant is available in Realtree Timber and Edge. Tabb pointed out that he has two pairs of this pant: one for hunting and one for yard work. He noted that the yard work was complemented well by the abrasion-resistant four-way stretch material of this pant. Zippered vents in the hips let you open them up for breathability. The pants also feature an Everadjust waistband, stretch knees, a crotch gusset, a never-pop button and six pockets.
You can see these garments and more at nomadoutdoor.com
The Hunter’s Wallet – Get More for Less
SCENTLOK
ScentLok has added many pieces to the Bowhunter Elite (BE:1) collection. Steve Allie related that BE:1 is designed to provide layers for all seasons. Carbon Alloy technology lines each garment, adsorbing odors.
The BE:1 Phantom Pullover and Pant are meant to be worn in the early season. The pullover features a lightweight, textured polyester body and upper arm as well as moisture-wicking features. The Silver Alloy tech of these garments inhibits the growth of bacteria. The half-zip design classifies it as a “pullover.” The pullover also features an ergonomic fitted hood, a chest pocket, two regular side pockets and a concealed safety-harness port that allows you to wear a harness beneath your jacket. The Phantom Pullover is designed to block odors that could come from the harness as well. The Phantom suit comes in the all-new Mossy Oak Elements Terra Outland pattern for 2022.
The BE:1 Reactor Windproof Jacket is thermal mapped to be completely windproof in core areas. Insulation can be found from the chest to the abdomen, from the upper to lower back and halfway down the sides of the arms. The non-insulated areas allow for range of movement. Allie described it as an optimized warmth-to-weight ratio. There are 60 grams total of Primaloft silver insulation in the Reactor. Windbrake technology contributes to the wind proofing. The hood is tightly form-fitted so that when you turn your head, Allie said, the hood turns with you, and you don’t end up looking into the side of the hood. The Reactor is also available in Mossy Oak Elements Terra Outland.
The BE:1 Blackout Series was made for hunters who use blinds with black interiors, since camo can often stand out against such backgrounds. In addition to completely black fabric, the garments in this series use black zippers and a black ScenLok logo on the chest. ScentLok had already retooled several mainstays of the line to be blacked out: the Reactor Windproof Jacket, the Trek Baselayers and more. The company also offers gloves, a ball cap and a headcover in pure black.
This year, however, it has added the standalone BE:1 Lightweight Blackout Series Jacket: a standalone piece for the early season.
You can find all of these pieces and more at scentlok.com
Get 30% off all ScentLok gear with a $30 membership at www.bestoutdoordiscounts.com
BLOCKER
We spoke to Allie about Blocker Outdoors as well.
Formerly known as “Scentblocker,” Blocker uses similar carbon technology to ScentLok in its odor control.
Blocker garments fall into two broad categories: the Shield Series and the Scentblocker Series.
The latter series includes the Knockout Suit: an early season jacket and pant that feature S3 anti-microbial technology. The Cold Fusion Carbon in the garments helps to absorb unwanted odors. The jacket features four pockets, stretch-fit cuffs and a safety-harness access port. The pant features six pockets, side-waist elastic for a secure fit and articulated knees for mobility. These garments are now available in the Mossy Oak Elements Terra Outland pattern.
The Whitetail Pursuit Insulated Parka and Bib make up a suit that is intended for later in the season. Also in the Scentblocker lineup, these garments contain Cold Fusion Carbon. The Thinsulate insulation is thermal mapped; the jacket is fully insulated but contains different amounts in different areas. There is 70 grams of insulation in the hood and arms, 150 grams in the chest and upper back and 100 grams in the lower torso/ lower back area. This jacket is DWR-treated and has a poly/wool shell with quiet microfleece lining. It also has a safety-harness access port and tapered sleeves. As for the bib, it features the same poly/wool shell with DWR treatment. There are 100 grams of Thinsulate all the way throughout the garment. The suspenders are adjustable for a custom fit. The bib also features four pockets and leg zips for easy on/off. Allie testified to the popular demand that surrounded this suit and caused its return to market. The Whitetail Pursuit suit is also available in Mossy Oak Elements Terra Outland.
New for this year, the Shield Packable Rain Jacket and Pant are designed to be packed into backpacks or similar storage and carried around. The jacket features Rainblocker technology designed to keep the wearer dry and comfortable. The comfortable, lightweight polyester fabric gives four-way stretch for freedom of movement. The three-piece hood is adjustable for comfort. The full front zip with interior storm flap works to protect the wearer from the elements. The jacket also features two waterproof zipper pockets on the sides, designed for keeping gear dry. The pant features the same fabric with four-way stretch and Rainblocker. There is also an elastic waistband with a draw-cord adjuster. The inner thigh gusset promotes mobility and the 14-inch leg zips are designed for easy on/off. Allie noted that is very important for rain gear in particular, since you often have to put it on and take it off at a moment’s notice.
Get 30% off all Blocker Outdoor gear with a $30 membership at www.bestoutdoordiscounts.com
HUNTWORTH
Huntworth’s primary goal is to make quality technical garments at an affordable price, Karen Skolnick told us. The Huntworth lineup is designed to cover a broad range of seasons, terrains and hunting styles.
Currently, Huntworth offers two original camo patterns: the digital Disruption style (which uses computer pixelization) and the organic Targen style (which uses images from nature). Skolnick said these patterns are designed to work whether you are on the ground, at a tree line, by a rock formation or in the open plain, making them virtually universal. Which pattern of the two will work best for you is largely a personal preference, she added. Huntworth has customers and pro staffers who hunt across all regions of the U.S. and in all seasons.
This year, Huntworth has released a technology called Heat Boost, which uses graphene yarn knitted into fabric to create garments that are warm but lightweight. Graphene is thermoconductive, Skolnick told us, with antimicrobial and wicking properties. This allows thinner fabric to take the hunter’s body heat and reflect it back to them. Skolnick related that the Huntworth pro staff field-tested it out last winter and testified to the warmth of the graphene-infused layers in temperatures as low as 12 degrees Fahrenheit. The catchphrase associated with Heat Boost is “keep the warmth and lose the bulk.”
The Saskatoon Soft Shell Jacket features this new technology as well as a stretch-knit jersey exterior bonded to a windproof shell that is in turn bonded to a Heat Boost sherpa layer. This combines windproofing with warmth. The exterior shell provides four-way stretch for a full range of motion. “There’s no restriction in the garment at all,” Skolnick said. The jacket is DWR-treated.
The Saskatoon also features a two-hand chest-warmer pocket where you can put your hands to heat them up. The underarms feature pit zippers for venting. There are two zippered pockets on the sides. The interior of the jacket features two large stash pockets and the sleeves are tapered for a close fit. The drop hem in the back is designed to give more coverage and the hemline features an adjustable cinch cord with a cord lock. The zippers are two-way axis. A harness hole in the back lets you incorporate a safety line. The entire jacket weighs a little more than 2 pounds, Skolnick said. The Saskatoon’s retail price is $189.99. Huntworth offers matching pants, a matching vest and graphene gloves, hat and neck gaiter to complete the collection.
The Durham Pants are intended for the early to mid-season before the wind picks up. This pant is unlined and woven with four-way stretch, designed to be functional, versatile and durable. The fabric is DWR-treated and designed to feel soft to the touch. The abrasion-resistant butt pad and knee pad have water-resistant film behind them in case you need to kneel or sit on the damp ground. The articulated knees, inner crotch gusset and rubberized waistband are all designed for the pant to move with you. Skolnick recommended using this pant with a baselayer during chilly early mornings. In addition to the Huntworth camo patterns, the Durham pant also comes in solid Ash Brown and solid Dark Gray. Skolnick said Huntworth pro staffers have walked through briar patches in order to field-test the Durham pant and come out with no rips or tears, leading this to be one of the top two favorite Huntworth items ranked by the pro staffers.
The other favorite item is the Shelton Hoodie, which is constructed of four-way-stretch grid fleece designed not to be too heavy or too light. This is a three-season garment for the 60s downward. Skolnick recommended using it as an outer piece in fall or as part of a layer set in the cold season. The fitted, shaped hood is designed to preserve your peripheral vision. Other features of the half-zip hoodie include a built-in facemask, a kangaroo pocket, an exterior zipper pocket and straps where you can hook your thumbs to keep the sleeves from bunching. The Shelton Hoodie is DWR-treated as well as given Microban scent protection.
Check out huntworthgear.com to take a closer look.
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ELEMENT OUTDOORS
Chris Nallick explained to us that all Element outer garments feature treestand harness pass-throughs as well as Polygiene scent control with Odor Crunch that works to control other scents on top of human odor.
Nallick and Missy Cobbett then took us through recommended clothing for three stages of the hunting season. The Prime suit is light and recommended by Nallick for early to mid-season. The jacket and pant are breathable and insulated. They feature DWR treatment on the surface to repel stains and water. The jacket features five pockets while the pants have six.
The Scout suit is considered a mid-season garment by Element. It shares the same DWR treatment as the Prime for water resistance. This packable suit is designed to be windproof as well. The jacket features a removable hood and five pockets. The pant features six pockets, fully zippered side entry (for easy on/off and venting) and removable suspenders.
The Infinity suit, comprising a parka and bib, is designed to be heavier for the late season. The parka features a removable hood and six pockets. It is waterproof, windproof and insulated with Primaloft synthetic down. The bib is also waterproof and windproof; it features six pockets as well as fully-zippered sides for easy on/off and breathability.
You can find these products and more on elementoutdoors.com
ORIGIN
Origin Hunting gear has made waves in the industry with a late push in 2022 due to a few main factors. One, it’s made in the U.S.A. Two, it has major marketing power behind the likes of Jocko Willink, Kip Fulks (former Co-Founder and COO of Under Armour), and Cameron Hanes, a world renown hunter and long-distance runner and also a former ambassador with Under Armour. The Origin lineup is great for the broader bodied hunter and its fabric draws similarities to KUIU. The colors and patterns are, well let’s just say, interesting. This is their first shot at the hunting industry and its far from a failure, but most would agree they have a little way to go in improvements. However, if American Made and the moral of the company fabric is important to the buyer, Origin is a great buy from not only a hunter standpoint, but all their other product as well.
HUK
The Huk Waypoint Fleece 1/2 Zip features stretch fleece insulation designed to be versatile in cold weather. The polyester is 100 percent recycled. This piece includes a zippered chest pocket, two zippered hand pockets and stretch binding cuffs.
The Waypoint Insulated Jacket is designed to be warm and lightweight in cold weather, with a full zipper and stretch Primaloft ECO Black 80-gram insulation. The Nylon is 100 percent recycled. Other features include two zippered hand pockets, an interior hidden zippered chest pocket and stretch binding at the cuffs and hem. This jacket is built to pack into its own pocket. The Waypoint Insulated Vest has the same features but in a vest design.
The Tarpon Quilt Shacket is 100 percent nylon with a Tarpon quilting design. It features a snap front, a snap chest pocket, slip-in hand pockets, 60 grams of fill insulation and a flannel lining.
Take a look at hukgear.com if you want to see more.
KUIU
The Proximity suit, released this September, was built for stationary hunting situations such as treestand sits in cold weather, Kevin Wilkerson informed us.
The proprietary brushed-face fabric is paired with a SynthaCell foam backer for a combination of wind protection and warmth. The jacket features two double chest pockets with zippers, two drop pockets on the left and right inner side, interior accessory loops and two standard stomach-height pockets with two smaller pockets inside to serve as hand warmers. There is also a harness port with a 3-inch overlap to prevent cold air from getting in that way. The hood of the jacket is removable, with patent-pending magnets in the collar. Silvadur silver ion odor-reducing technology helps to kill bacteria in the early stages; while it is not an absolute scent-control system, Wilkerson touted it as a good anti-odor feature. This suit’s closures are meant to reduce noise; the zipper on the back is designed to be silent.
The armpit zippers let you dump heat.
There are also matching Proximity Pants, which feature the same fabric and technologies but come with a removable set of suspenders, oversized belt loops, oversized hand pockets and a raised back so the small of your back isn’t exposed when you bend or move. The pant pockets are designed for accessibility while you are seated. The full-length two-way zipper on the side can open from the bottom or the top.
In April, KUIU launched an all-new women’s line with 17 pieces. Wilkerson reported that the reception has been fantastic. One of the pieces remodeled into a women’s edition was the Attack Pant. The original Attack was the best-selling KUIU hunting pant; Wilkerson said, “It’s the pant to own if you only own one.” For the women’s model, KUIU redid the fit and silhouette, primarily with a hip adjustment and hip vents. The four-way mechanical stretch is designed for high performance. This is the first alteration that has been made to the Attack Pant since its release in 2011, Wilkerson informed us.
The Ultra Merino 120 LT uses Nuyarn Merino taken from New Zealand sheep. KUIU spins it in a specific, proprietary way, translating it into the mechanical stretch of the garment. The 120-gram shirt is built to be durable yet light as well as an improvement upon its preceding incarnation at KUIU.
If you want to see more, look at kuiu.com
weight, thermoregulation and odor resistance.
HABIT
The Men’s Bow String Sherpa Hoodie is brand-new for this year, Nick Carroz informed us. It is water-repellent, treated with Rain-Factor Water Repellent Technology. It also features soft polyester fleece and a Sherpa fleece interior. That fleece interior extends to the front kangaroo pocket. The hood can be tightened with a draw cord and can still be used if you have a harness running through the harness pass-through.
Carroz recommends pairing the hoodie with the Cedar Branch Bibs, which are given TPU insulation, Rain-Factor waterproofing, Scent-Factor scent control, windproofing and breathability. The leg zippers facilitate putting the pants on and taking them off. The bibs feature two slash hand pockets for gear while two pass-through pockets allow access to the pant pockets. A two-way front zipper completes the package. This bib’s fabric is 100 percent polyester.
Finally, the Cedar Branch Insulated Waterproof Parka features many of the same attributes as the bib in terms of insulation, windproofing, waterproofing and breathability. It also has a zippered chest pocket, two bellow storage pockets with snap closures and a pair of hand-warmer pockets. The high-standing hood is detachable and the hem is adjustable. The body, lining and insulation are all 100 percent polyester.
Browse Habit’s catalog at habitoutdoors.com
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KING’S CAMO
The XKG Ridge Camo Pant is the most popular piece from the brand, Andrew Pooch told us. It launched the XKG high-performance layering system that makes up an integral part of King’s Camo’s line. Pooch explained that most people who build XKG outfits start with the pant and base the rest on it. The XKG Ridge Camo Pant has been a staple of King’s Camo for more than 10 years as a lightweight pant that you can wear all season long depending on how you layer it. It features polygiene odor treatment, water-resistant treatment, an athletic fit, polyester with spandex for four-way stretch, streamlined cargo pockets and heavy-duty belt loops. Pooch noted that he finds the fabric to be very quiet. The XKG Camo Pant is available in three camo offerings and three solid offerings; there is a men’s model and a women’s model with only slight differences between the two.
The XKG Covert Hoodie is a “layer two” fleece garment. In other words, it is meant to be worn over the next-to-skin baselayer. A form-fitting hood and a built-in facemask are designed for full concealment during every phase of the hunting season. This hoodie can be worn during the whole season depending on layering; Pooch recommended the hoodie and a baselayer for cool mornings in the early season. As the season progresses, Pooch said, you can use it as a mid-layer or an outer layer. Features include two zippered hand pockets, a zip chest pocket, polygiene treatment, quick-dry polyester and pebble fleece that helps to dull the camo pattern.
Three solid colors and three camo options are available. This is a men’s garment only.
The XKG Boulder Jacket is designed as a softshell outer layer, available to both men and women. This jacket can be worn over baselayers, fleece or even a down/synthetic insulation layer, Pooch said. It is wind-resistant, water-resistant and polygiene-treated to help protect you from the lighter elements. The jacket is also designed to move quietly with you, offering mobility for the draw of the bow. The athletic fit means tight cuffs and sleeves. The body of the jacket features grid fleece while the sleeves and hood contain high-pile fleece. The XKG Boulder Jacket comes in two camo options or the Bark solid-color pattern. Pooch recommends it for the mid-to late season.
Find King’s Camo at kingscamo.com
BANDED
Banded specializes in water fowling hunting clothing, which is pertinent to those who like to bring a bow out to pursue wings on the water. Josh Dokken also said the Banded Base Merino Wool Base layers are relevant to all hunters. This series includes socks, a crewneck long-sleeve shirt, a quarter-zip pullover, a hoodie and a pant. The crew and pant both feature moisture wicking, an athletic cut and flatlock seam construction to minimize chafing. Each is available in 180 or 230 grams.
The Utility 2.0 Softshell Jacket is new for this year. The DWR-treated, wind-blocking midweight softshell exterior is lined with a tec-fleece grid for warmth. A mock collar protects the neck. YKK zippers are featured on the twin hand pockets, the chest pocket and the center-front zip. Adjustable cuffs help to seal in warmth.
The Calefaction 3-N-1 Insulated Wader Jacket serves as a heavyweight insulated offering. The shell is 100 percent waterproof, with Sheds waterproof/breathable technology and GO3-Layer fabric construction that provides four-way stretch. The 100-gram Primaloft insulated zip-out liner can be worn as a standalone piece if you so desire. Features include two upper fleece-lined handwarmer pockets, a zippered chest pocket, a magnetic chest pocket, two lower bellowed cargo pockets with magnetic storm flaps, adjustable cuffs, an anatomical tri-adjust hood, two zippered hand pockets and durable YKK watertight zippers.
Check out these pieces and other waterfowling gear at banded.com
DSG OUTERWEAR
DSG Outerwear specializes exclusively in women’s hunting clothes. Wendy Gavinski told us the Foraging Legging is one of DSG’s most popular new items. This legging is built to be heavy-duty so it will resist burrs when you walk through the brush.
DSG engineered it to combine this durability without compromising the stretch of a normal legging, Gavinski said; there is a dual layer of fabric in the knee area to strengthen it specifically. This legging retails for $79.99, is available in sizes XXS-3XL and only comes with the Realtree Edge pattern.
The Breanna 2.0 is another popular set, consisting of a fleece pullover and a matching drop-seat bib. The Breanna set has previously been available in Realtree Edge but is now also available in Realtree Excape and Solid Black. Designed to be silent and warm, the Breanna features thick fleece, a soft interior and a DWR-treated exterior. These pieces are available in sizes XS-5XL.
The Kylie 4.0 Jacket is the most popular piece in the DSG lineup, Gavinski said, and it is usually paired with its matching bib. These pieces are available in multiple camo patterns as well as blaze orange. Gavinski stated that the Kylie 4.0 is the warmest piece DSG has to offer, with 100 grams of 3M Thinsulate in addition to a removable fleece liner. The drop-seat bib is insulated in the same manner as the jacket. These pieces are waterproof and breathable with 100 percent seam-sealed tapes.
You can women’s hunting clothes and more at dsgouterwear.com
KRYPTEK
The Vellus system from Kryptek uses 60 grams of 3M Thinsulate insulation. Static fibers of pure silver inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Justin Sparks said the Vellus garments are 100 percent windproof and waterproof. The seams are taped and each garment consists of a quiet 100 percent polyester microfleece outer shell over a soft brushed tricot liner. The jacket features pit zippers to allow ventilation and heat regulation, as well as a chest pocket, two side pockets and two inner pockets. The pant features two zippered thigh pockets, two side pockets, two inner pockets and hidden zippers in the hand pockets. The bottom leg zipper allows for easy on/off over boots. Sparks recommended the Vellus system, including the matching gloves, in ranges of 10-50 degrees. He also stated its fitness for close hunting situations that require stealth.
These garments come in the Highlander pattern, the Obskura Transitional pattern and the new Skyfall pattern.
Take a look at kryptek.com to see this series and more.
FIRST LITE
The Source Jacket is designed for the whitetail hunter, combining puffiness with durability and silence. First Lite recommends wearing it as an outer layer in the early season and then transitioning it to a midlayer later in the season. This jacket was engineered to resist brambles on the way to the stand and keep from swishing during movement.
The Origin Hoody is a lightweight, quiet mid-layer that can be used in multiple layering configurations in a variety of environments. The cut promotes a full range of motion. Features include an integrated facemask and cuff thumb loops that can be tucked away when not in use. The Origin Hoody employs 37.5 fleece lining and HeiQ Pure in order to be temperature-regulated, lightweight and odor-resistant.
The Solitude Insulated Jacket was designed with silence in mind. It boasts features such as windproofing, DWR treatment and two gear loops at the chest. If you are also wearing a Solitude Bib, the KitLink pass-through on the jacket will allow you to reach the bib’s chest muff pocket. The bib is also windproof and DWR-treated, with quick-release suspender clips.
Go to firstlite.com online to look at more of the selection.
softshell fabric, with 37.5 synthetic insulation beneath.
