Boots are one of the most essential pieces of gear you can bring on hunting adventures, and purchasing boots that don’t fit properly or cause blisters is critical to successful hunting excursions. If your boots don’t provide adequate support or cause discomfort during your hunt, your efforts could be marred.
Choose a jacket made with synthetic insulation when hunting in cold climates where rain or snow may be common, as these materials provide warmth even when wet and don’t lose their insulation properties over time.
Waxed Canvas
Waxed canvas is one of the world’s iconic technical fabrics. Used extensively for backpacks and tote bags due to its water-resistance qualities, waxed canvas lasts a lifetime with proper care. Most often seen with cotton lining and adjustable waist cinches.
Tom Beckbe makes waxed canvas jackets that combine style and functionality, such as this option with its corduroy spread collar and cozy flannel lining for extra warmth. Plus, its variety of colors and sizes makes dressing up or down easy!
Barbour and Belstaff may be popular choices when it comes to finding durable cotton canvas jackets with quality wax coating that can be reapplied, as well as zipper and button closures that won’t break easily. When searching for cheaper options it is still possible if quality and durability are prioritized when shopping around for pieces like this. Just ensure the canvas material you select has both qualities in spades.
Bi-Swing Back
Many hunting jackets feature a back bi-swing that allows for freedom of arm and shoulder movement, making them extremely useful when hunting. When worn tightly enough to restrict movement, wearing such jackets becomes inconvenient – forcing you to unzip or undo them and risk leaving them behind while you move to shoot, stalk, or retrieve game.
Quiet material on the outside helps reduce the sound of movement in wind and rain, while breathable materials that keep moisture at bay allow perspiration to escape easily. A front flap that covers up the zipper is essential, and having a detachable hood is even better!
Just some of the many features of an effective hunting jacket include functionality and attractiveness. While its primary function should always be function, briar jacket from Over Under provides an example that blends form with function – its Filson Tin Cloth shell provides protection from thorns and brush and has snap-on flaps covering its front zip and external pockets for extra security.
Pockets
There are so many bells and whistles available today in jackets, but do they actually benefit you? To determine this answer, the best way is to give one a try yourself.
An effective hunting coat begins with a base layer made of wool or cotton, an insulated liner, and finally the outer shell. When selecting insulation type based on climate and season, remember that early season hunts may need extra warmth but sweaty hikes up hills require less.
SITKA’s First Lite LT insulation jacket offers active insulation with its nylon ripstop face that holds up against brush and barbed wire, as well as Primaloft Evolve insulation to keep you warm even when sweating profusely. Testers appreciated its quarter-zip for venting excess heat on steep climbs as well as its form-fitting hood that could easily fit under day packs; sleeves were short enough not to get in the way of shooting!