What to do as the season warms and your apparel needs to lighten
When the spring sun starts to warm the fields and forests, turkey hunters know it’s time to gear up for the season. Here in upstate New York, the turkey season starts May 1 with chilly mornings, often below freezing temperatures, and then warms as the sun rises. Later in the month, the temperatures moderate significantly and the need to adjust your apparel is evident. For those of us who pursue the challenge of turkey hunting for the entire month of May, usually in warming weather, having the right gear can make all the difference. This year I decided to upgrade my lightweight turkey hunting gear with TruTimber apparel in STRATA camo, and I couldn’t be more pleased with my choices. Here’s a rundown of my experience and why I recommend TruTimber for your next turkey hunting adventure.
Ideal Gear for Warm Weather Turkey Hunting
Purchase here: Greycliff All-in-One Hoodie
The Greycliff All-in-One Hoodie has quickly become my go-to piece for warm weather turkey hunting. The lightweight 4-way stretch fabric is perfect for those early morning starts that gradually heat up as the day progresses. I can start with a light jacket over the hoodie, and/or a light base layer under it, and I was comfortable walking and stalking to where the birds are. Its moisture-wicking properties keep me dry and comfortable, even during the most intense moments. I particularly liked the way the high-performance fabric dries quickly from the morning mist or in a light rain. If rain persists, the hoodie is light enough to wear a raincoat over it and not heat up significantly. I usually wear a detachable mask because I don’t like most tight-fitting face coverings because they get wet with moisture from my breath.
The built in face cover on the hoodie features stretchable, moisture wicking material, and did not get wet from my breath while wearing it for extended times over my nose and mouth. I also liked the fact the face cover extends all around my neck and up onto my head if necessary. This help when the bugs start to buzz and distract you in the field. It has a similar mesh in the underarm and sides to allow heat to escape if you do get warm while walking. The fabric is UPF 50 for sun screening. The STRATA camo pattern seamlessly blended with the natural upstate New York dense foliage, giving me the upper hand against sharp-eyed turkeys.
Purchase here: Pulse SpikeCave Performance Pants
Next on my list were the Pulse SpikeCave Performance Pants. These pants are designed for mobility and comfort, essential for the often unpredictable movements required in turkey hunting. They are constructed of similar 4-way stretch material, with extra layers on the knees and seat for durability. The breathable material allowed for excellent ventilation, preventing overheating as the temperature climbed. The pants also featured plenty of pockets, perfect for storing calls, maps, and other essentials. I noticed the inside of the belt line on the pants has a rubber strip to help keep the pants from falling down while walking. I appreciated this feature as I made my way through the woods and did not have to keep hitching up my pants. The legs have a tall, zippered opening to allow easy on-off over boots. The STRATA camo once again proved its worth, providing effective concealment in a variety of terrains.
Purchase here: Lightweight Touchscreen Gloves
Turkey hunting in warmer weather can mean sweaty hands, and the tendency to shed gloves, which can be a real problem for concealment. When you need to use your box or pot calls, or check your GPS, The Lightweight Touchscreen Gloves solved this issue for me. These gloves are not only light and breathable but also touchscreen-compatible, allowing me to stay connected without having to expose my hands. The snug fit ensured both dexterity and a firm grip on my shotgun. I was impressed with how easy it is to use a screen without having to constantly undo something because you missed an item on the keyboard or screen with a gloved finger.
The palm has a rubber mesh pattern that is tacky, making handling any item easy and secure.
Purchase here: Mesh Back Cap
No turkey hunting gear setup is complete without a reliable cap, and the Mesh Back Cap in STRATA camo was the perfect choice. The mesh back provided excellent ventilation, keeping my head cool under the hot sun. The adjustable strap ensured a comfortable fit, and the camo pattern offered the final touch of concealment. Using the cap with the hoodie kept the sun off my head and neck, and the top and sides of the hoodie away from my face.
Putting It All Together
My first day out with the full TruTimber STRATA camo gear was a memorable one. The early morning air was cool, but I felt comfortable and ready in my Greycliff All-in-One Hoodie. As the sun rose higher, I appreciated the breathable nature of the Pulse SpikeCave Performance Pants and the Mesh Back Cap, which kept me cool and focused. My gloves allowed me to handle my calls with precision, and the comfort of the entire outfit meant I could stay out longer, increasing my chances of a successful hunt. This particular morning the turkeys won, and I came home empty handed. The morning started in the mid 40’s and warmed to over 60 degrees by noon. I was comfortable throughout these temperature ranges with this outfit.
For turkey hunters gearing up for the warmer weather, TruTimber apparel in STRATA camo is an excellent choice. Each piece, from the Greycliff All-in-One Hoodie to the Mesh Back Cap, is designed with the hunter’s comfort and effectiveness in mind. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice, investing in high-quality gear like this can make your turkey hunting experience more enjoyable and successful.
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