Hunting Clothes Layering System

Having all the right hunting gear doesn’t do much good if you don’t know how, when and where to use it. A hunting clothes layering system is a way to take high performance gear and layer it to receive optimal effectiveness while using multiple pieces of gear.

We have tested many gear lines over the last couple of years and we only recommend and approve the gear we personally choose to wear and use in the field. We test it so you don’t have to…Here is some key information that should help you get to know your gear and understanding how to use it in a proper layering system before heading out into the outdoors.

Basic Hunting Clothes Layering System

1. Merino Wool Base Layer (the wicking layer)

This layer is a wicking layer, meant for transferring moisture away from the skin & helping to regulate the body’s temperature.
The Merino Wool base layer is one of the best next to skin fabrics known to man.
It’s a natural product that is water-repellent, odor-resistant, flame-retardant, durable, anti-static, and a UV protector.
It can absorb up to 30% of its weight.
Lightweight fabric, that gives you all the warmth needed without the weight.
Keeps your skin cool by transporting moisture vapor away from the skin & being extremely breathable. This allows moisture to escape without making you feel clammy.
Non-microbial, the fine wool’s rough scaly surface makes it hard for bacteria to attach to which makes it a far superior material for reducing odor.
Can be worn for multiple days in the field without having to be washed.
Streamlined no tactical features.
Usually not as durable as an outer layer but a top could be used as a stand-alone layer depending on the type of activity.

2. Mid Layer (the insulation layer)

This is an insulating layer that can be used in morning and evening and when daytime temperatures are cooler, also when sitting stationary.
Worn over the base layer but underneath the outer layer.
Form fitting & not restrictive not too bulky.
Breathable and to help in the aid of the base layer.
Fleece, Primaloft technologies.
Not many tactical features.
Can be used as a stand-alone layer or multiple mid layers can be combined for performance depending on the type of activity.

3. Outer Layer (the protection layer)

- This is your main layer and meant for protection against the elements of sun, rain, snow and wind.
- This should be a very durable layer that can take abuse.
- Waterproof or a DWR coating depending on conditions.
- Breathable and should work with the base and mid layer to transfer moisture vapors through the whole system.
- Tactical features, venting zippers, pockets, knee pads, more adjustability.
- Multiple outer layers can be combined for performance depending on the type of activity.

Hunting Clothes Layering System According to the Season

Early Fall Hunts

Hunts in the early fall require lighter gear to get the best out of your hunting clothes layering system. The hunting conditions in the early fall are usually more predictable. High / low temperatures, wind and possible rain are the biggest concerns. This will always depend on type of animal, method of take and location. Based off our experience we created a layering system using combinations of gear that should cover the majority of conditions for “Early Fall” and warm weather hunting.

Late Fall, Cool Weather Hunts

Late fall requires multiple pieces of gear to get the best out of the hunting clothes layering system. The hunting conditions in late fall can be very variable, switching quickly from hot, sunny and 60 to cold, snowing and 30 in a short period of time. This requires more flexibility and a little better planning as to what you take and pack with you. This usually results in multiple different layers for optimal performance. This will always depend on type of animal, method of take and location. Based off our experience we created a layering system using combinations of gear that should cover the majority of conditions for late fall and cooler weather hunting.