Best Duck Hunting Jackets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

I have too many duck hunting jackets. Most of them are for specific conditions, and I own the rest because I’m a duck-obsessed gear junkie. But the majority of waterfowl hunters (myself included) can get away with one or two jackets for an entire hunting season—September to January. You just have to know which jackets will maximize your comfort in the field for the longest time. That’s where I come in. 

Last fall, I spent over 30 days in the marsh and hunted in every condition imaginable—heat, rain, snow, sleet, and ice. Throughout the season, I wore a range of hunting jackets. Those included lightweight hoodies, mid-layer jackets, vests, fully insulated jackets, pullovers, and rain jackets. Some were great, and others, well, not so much. 

By the end of the season, I had my favorites, and it was obvious by what I wore into the marsh. But the wide array of conditions waterfowl hunters face throughout the season makes certain jackets better than others on particular days. So I broke down my favorite picks based on conditions, layering, and hunting style to help you find the right jacket for this fall.

Warning: If you aren’t careful, you could end with an entire clothing rack dedicated to the best duck hunting jackets—like me. 

Best Overall: Sitka Dakota Hoody

Best Mens: Chêne Gear Over-and-Under Jacket

Best Lightweight: Orvis Pullover Hoodie

Best Waterproof: Sitka Delta Wading Jacket

Best With Shell: Drake Waterfowl Guardian Elite 3-In-1 Jacket

Best Budget: Drake Waterfowl Guardian Eqwader Jacket

Best for Cold Weather: Sitka Hudson Jacket

Best Vest: Chêne Scout Vest

How We Picked the Best Duck Hunting Jackets

The only way to test duck hunting gear—whether decoys, shotguns, or jackets—is to use them a lot. Throughout the course of a waterfowl season, hunters subject their equipment to heat, rain, snow, ice, mud, water, and more mud. Subpar gear won’t last long, and the cold duck marsh is not where you want your equipment to fail, trust me. 

I tested duck hunting jackets the same way they will be used—in the field on actual hunts. And over the last five years, that testing has added up to over 100 days in the marsh. Every jacket you read about in this story has been soaked in the rain, covered in mud, and iced over. These jackets not only survived the rigors of multiple duck seasons, but thrived in them. 

The testing grounds ranged from the Pacific Northwest to the coastal shores of Texas to the snowy banks of Maine. I hunted sea ducks from layout boats in the ocean and shot specklebellies in the muddy fields of Arkansas. I stood in flooded timber, laid on ice banks, and dragged duck boats across tidal flats. These jackets were torture-tested in almost every duck hunting condition you can imagine, and I know that they will perform year after year. 

Clockwise from bottom left: A drake common eider, a drake old squaw, and a drake surf scoter. Ryan Chelius

Best Duck Hunting Jackets: Reviews & Recommendations

Best Overall: Sitka Dakota Hoody

Specs

Insulation: Lofted fleece interior

Sizes: M – 3XL

Camo pattern: Optifade Marsh

Ideal time for use: All season

Pros

All around jacket

Good outer layer in early season

Great mid-layer during late season

Windproof and very water-resistant 

Large pocket

Cons

Expensive 

Don’t let the term hoody fool you. The Sitka Dakota Hoody is more than capable of being a year-round hunting jacket, and it’s my favorite piece of waterfowl hunting clothing. I’ve been wearing mine for six years and I have yet to find something I like better for all-season use. 

My duck season starts the first weekend of October in Northern New York, and the Dakota Hoody is always my outer shell for this hunt. I pair it with a merino wool baselayer and, depending on the weather, another shirt underneath. I have no issues with the Dakota as my outer shell in temperatures as cold as the mid-30s. On the flip side, I’ve worn this hoody in temps up to 75 degrees, but I wouldn’t recommend it for anything above 60 degrees. 

As the season progresses, the Dakota Hoody becomes my second layer underneath either a shell or thicker jacket, depending on how cold it is. But even on colder hunts, I usually find myself shedding a layer by mid-morning, and using the Dakota Hoody as my outer garment. 

Clockwise from top left: Chelius blowing a duck call, Chelius retrieving a mallard and gadwall, and Chelius with a limit of ducks in New York

It is important to remember that Sitka sells its clothing as layering systems, which means each piece of clothing works together with the other. I highly recommend serious waterfowlers buy into this school of thought. And the Dakota Hoody is the perfect first piece to build your system around. Once you have it, add a merino heavyweight baselayer and a grinder half-zip mid-layer.

Best Mens: Chêne Gear Over-and-Under Jacket

Specs

Insulation: Sherpa fleece

Sizes: S – 3XL

Camo pattern: Mossy Oak Bottomland, Mossy Oak Original Bottomland, Mossy Oak Shawdowgrass Habitat

Ideal time for use: All season

Pros

Warm and comfortable

Great mid-layer

Made to fit inside waders

High handwarmer pockets

Two large lower pockets toward the waste

Cons

Expensive

Not water-resistant 

Chêne Gear broke into the waterfowl world two years ago and has developed a strong following from serious waterfowlers. They are best known for their premium wader, which I tested last duck season. But many hunters don’t realize that they also make excellent hunting clothing, including the Over-and-Under jacket. 

This jacket was designed to be worn under your waders as a warm mid-layer. Chêne Gear also markets its clothing as a layering system, and the Over-and-Under jacket is the core of it. It is a warm and comfortable mid-layer that pairs well with the sixty series or merino wool top.

The author holding a strap of mallards after a flooded timber hunt in Arkansas. Chêne Gear

I wore my Over-and-Under on a flooded timber hunt last winter in Arkansas. It was my middle layer over a baselayer and under my outer jacket. During warmer weather hunts, or even on some chilly mornings, the Over-and-Under can be a good outer garment. But it is not waterproof or water-resistant. The sherpa fleece lining is very warm and the handwarmer pockets make for enjoyable mornings in the marsh.

Best Lightweight: Orvis Pullover Hoodie

Specs

Insulation: None

Sizes: S – 2XL

Camo pattern: Orvis 1971 Camo

Ideal time for use: Early season teal, warm weather

Pros

Lightweight and breathable

Comfortable to wear all day

Sun-protective and quick-drying 

Awesome vintage look

Cons

Only applicable for warm weather hunts 

Most hunters aren’t thinking about wearing sun hoodies during hunting season. But for those who hunt early teal and warm coastal wetlands, they are lifesavers. This pullover hoodie from Orvis is perfect for warm weather shoots where sweating and bugs are more of a concern than snow and ice.

If I find myself in Texas for an early season teal hunt, this is my go-to shirt. Sporting a classic look, it’s lightweight, breathable, and sun-protective. I have the older discontinued vintage camo pattern, but the new darker camo might even look better. It also works great for dove season, flats fishing, and sporting clays. I guarantee you’ll get some compliments from the old timers at duck camp who grew up with similar-looking camo patterns. 

Best Waterproof: Sitka Delta Wading Jacket

Specs

Insulation: None

Sizes: M – 2XL

Camo pattern: Optifade Marsh

Ideal time for use: All-season rain jacket

Pros

Lightweight and comfortable

Fully waterproof with Windstopper technology 

Water-sealing cuffs

Numerous pockets

Cons

Little to no insulation 

Expensive

Bad weather is part of duck hunting and a rain jacket is essential to your clothing system. I bring my Delta jacket on any hunt where rain or sleet is in the forecast. It is completely waterproof and windproof, but also breathable. The water-sealing cuffs are my favorite feature—crucial when setting decoys and picking up birds in ice water. 

The price tag of this jacket is intimidating. There’s no way around that. And it isn’t for every hunter. But if you spend 20-plus days in the marsh every season, then I think it is worth the money. The Delta jacket is also part of Sitka’s layering system, and it will be the outer layer on those nasty days. 

It won’t provide much insulation, but that’s not why you’re buying it. This jacket is completely waterproof, and the windstopper technology truly works. I wear one size up to make sure it can fit over all of my other layers and not restrict my mobility when I shoot. 

Best With Shell: Drake Waterfowl Guardian Elite 3-In-1 Jacket

Specs

Insulation: Synthetic Down

Sizes: S – 3XL

Camo pattern: Realtree Max-7, Mossy Oak Bottomland, Realtree Timber

Ideal time for use: Shell only for early season, and shell with liner for late season

Pros

Removable liner

Waterproof and breathable shell 

Magnet chest pockets offer quick, easy access

Built-in neck gaiter

Zippered chest pockets 

Cons

Expensive

A little bulky with liner

I was wearing my Guardian Elite jacket while swaying in a layout boat, waiting for the next flock of Eiders to come in. Our Captain, Reilly McCue, radioed that we needed to go because it was getting too windy, and the ocean spray was coming over the sides. But I was warm in my new Drake Waterfowl hunting jacket, so we stayed. 

That hunt took place off the coast of Northern Massacuauestes in the Atlantic Ocean. It was very cold, but I couldn’t tell unless I really thought about it. And that’s how every duck hunter should feel in their hunting jacket.

Chelius in a layout boat off the coast of Northern Massachusetts. Joe Albanese

The Drake Waterfowl 3-In-1 jacket is a versatile all-season garment. The synthetic down liner makes this a great late-season choice for snowy days, whether in a layout boat or A-frame blind. My favorite feature is the removable liner. Once you take it out, all you have left is the shell—ideal for early season hunts. It also has a built-in neck gaiter, sealed cuffs, and waterproof fabric. My 3-In-1 has always performed well in extreme cold, and mild weather with just the shell. This versatility leaves you with options in the field. The layering system is all built into one coat. It is a bit bulky when you have the liner in, so make sure you push your gun out before mounting it to your shoulder, or else you’ll snag the coat.

Best Budget: Drake Waterfowl Guardian Eqwader Jacket

Specs

Insulation: Synthetic Double Down

Sizes: S – 3XL

Camo pattern: Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Habitat, Mossy Oak Bottomland

Ideal time for use: Early to mid-season, great mid-layer during late season

Pros

Great value

Perfect for wearing under waders

Upper chest and arms have waterproof and windproof fabric

400-gram fleece breathable lower

Great mid-layer coat

Two magnet pockets and two zipper pockets

Adjustable neoprene cuffs

Cons

Bottom of jacket will absorb water

The Drake Waterfowl Eqwader jacket is the perfect mid-layer that will fit comfortably under your waders. I usually wear mine in the early season when temps are in the mid-50s. I find it comfortable to wear over a baselayer, and it lasts me the first few weeks of duck season before I start to use it as a mid-layer.

Besides the great price, I love that the Eqwader fits easily under my waders, offering better insulation and room for a larger jacket over it. The construction of the upper part of the coat features Drake’s waterproof and windproof technology that does well against the elements. The bottom of the coat has a breathable 400-gram lining that is warm and comfortable. Just make sure you don’t get the lower half wet because it will absorb water. 

This affordable jacket is my go-to around camp and at the ramp. The slim fit allows for good mobility and makes for the ideal mid-layer. 

Best for Cold Weather: Sitka Hudson Jacket

Specs

Insulation: PrimaLoft Gold Insulation: 60-gram across shoulders, 40-gram in sleeves and body

Sizes: M – 2XL

Camo pattern: Optifade Marsh

Ideal time for use: Mid to late season

Pros

Extremely water-resistant

Very, very warm

Water-sealing cuffs

Magnetic tuck-away call pockets

Handwarmer pockets

Sculpted hood for visibility

Cons

Expensive

Jacket can be tight—size up for a better fit

I wore my Sitka Hudson jacket on a -3 degree hunt last winter in Colorado. My shotgun was frozen over, the decoys were covered in ice, and my hands were numb. But my core was warm, thanks to the Hudson. 

That hunt was the ultimate gear test, and the Hudson jacket was one of the few pieces that excelled in those awful conditions. Since then, I’ve taken it to the Great Salt Lake, the Pacific Northwest, and the bone-chilling salt marshes of New York. It performed well in every cold-weather situation and is the best late-season duck hunting jacket I own. 

The warmth of this coat comes from the PrimaLoft gold insulation that maximimes heat retention without limiting weight or being overly heavy. It also features a sculpted hood, water-sealing cuffs, and useful handwarmer pockets. The Hudson is a premium hunting jacket, and the price reflects it. But the quality is unmatched, and it will last season after season. 

Chelius with a group of writers and media with a six-man limit of teal on the Great Salt Lake. Ryan Chelius

Hunters should consider where and when they hunt before buying a jacket. This is a mid- to late-season coat and will be too warm for early season comfort. So just make sure you need to be very warm in the coldest hunting conditions. If you decide the Hudson is for you, I would recommend sizing up. I usually wear a large, but I have the Hudson XL, which helps me add more layers underneath without restricting my mobility or swing.

Best Vest: Chêne Scout Vest

Specs

Insulation: PrimaLoft Gold Insulation: 60-gram across shoulders, 40-gram in sleeves and body

Sizes: S – 3XL

Camo pattern: Mossy Oak Bottomland, Sage, Dark Green, Black

Ideal time for use: All-season mid-layer, early season outer-layer

Pros

Comfortable

Good mid-layer

Water-resistant

Multiple camo patters and solid colors

Cons

Not much insulation 

Duck hunting vests fly under the radar. I used to think they didn’t offer anything to my clothing system, but I was wrong. I started wearing hunting vests two years ago and I picked up a Chêne Scout vest last season. It is water resistant, windproof, and comfortable. 

I’ve talked a lot about layering in this gear guide because it’s the most effective way to dress for hunting. The Scout vest is another excellent mid-layer that offers good warmth without adding too much bulkiness or weight. It features a polyester hardshell fabric that can withstand light rain and block out wind. I wear mine as an outer layer on warmer hunts and as a mid-layer later in the season. 

I also like how comfortable the vest is to wear at the ramp after a hunt. I got mine in a sage color so I can wear it on big game hunts, too. It practically lives in my truck, and other waterfowlers will be surprised how much this garment can add to their layering system. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Duck Hunting Jacket

Duck hunting jackets, coats, hoodies, and vests are all part of a puzzle that makes up a layering system. Not all hunters operate this way, and many hunting jackets will work well on their own. But to get the most out of your hunting clothing, start thinking about your baselayers, mid-layers, and outer layers. A good layering system will help you narrow your options and tailor your clothes to how you hunt. 

Location

The habitat, weather, and region you hunt in will determine what clothes you wear. Look for insulation that is appropriate for your climate. Many regions, like the Northeast, feature fluctuating weather conditions throughout duck season. Lightweight hoodies and mid-layers will be good in early season before you incorporate a heavier, warmer jacket in the late season.  

It is also important to match the camo pattern of your clothes to the habitat you hunt in. It doesn’t have to be exact, so just try to match the overall shade of your environment. I have two sets of camo—a lighter marsh color and a darker timber color—which cover almost every type of habitat I hunt in across the country. 

Layers

A layering system is the smartest way to get the most out of your hunting clothing. This means starting with a baselayer, then a mid-layer, and lastly, an outer layer. Depending on where you hunt and the weather conditions, you might only wear one layer or you may wear multiple. Once you have the core of your system down, you can add pieces from there. When starting, opt for an excellent all-around jacket, like the Sitka Dakota Hoody, that you can build around.

Sizing

A good fit for your hunting jacket is essential. An overly tight coat will restrict your mobility, and you’ll have difficulty swinging a shotgun. On the other hand, an overly baggy jacket will cause issues when you try to mount your gun—the stock will catch on the armpit area. Lightweight hoodies, shirts, and mid-layers fit true to size, but sometimes it is worth sizing up for bigger jackets when you know you’ll wear many layers underneath. 

Versatility 

Most hunters aren’t going to buy five different jackets and layers at once. That’s not realistic. Building a layering system takes time. So it’s essential to start with core pieces that can perform in various conditions throughout the season. My favorite piece is the Sitka Dakota Hoody for this exact reason. You can wear it from early to late season and maximize your money. Build your system from there with hoodies, lighter jackets, and heavier coats.

From bottom right clockwise: Chelius paddling on a creek in New York, Chelius with a Colorado limit of mallards and widgeon, Chelius with a pintail and gadwall. Photos courtesy of Ryan Chelius

FAQs

Best Duck Hunting Jackets: Final Thoughts

Best Overall: Sitka Dakota Hoody

Best Mens: Chêne Gear Over-and-Under Jacket

Best Lightweight: Orvis Pullover Hoodie

Best Waterproof: Sitka Delta Wading Jacket

Best With Shell: Drake Waterfowl Guardian Elite 3-In-1 Jacket

Best Budget: Drake Waterfowl Guardian Eqwader Jacket

Best for Cold Weather: Sitka Hudson Jacket

Best Vest: Chêne Scout Vest

Some of the best duck hunting happen in the worst weather. And having one of the best duck hunting jackets to keep you warm and dry out there in the marsh is critical to your success. The Sitka Dakota Hoody is an excellent option for a first hunting jacket and allows for the addition to other layers. Building an efficient layering system is the best way to get the most out of your hunting clothes and the foundation of that is a good hunting jacket. 

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