Best Women’s Hunting Jackets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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Just a few decades ago, it was impossible to find women’s hunting jackets at any sporting goods store, no matter how well-stocked that store might be. Female hunters were forced to rely on hand-me-down, ill-fitting jackets made for men or, worse, settle for cheap, pink-accented gear. Thankfully, as more and more women hit the woods and fields each season, the industry has stepped up to the plate, offering female-specific lines that keep getting better season after season.
Whether you’re deer hunting in the big woods, bugling for bulls out West, or watching the sunrise from a coastal duck blind, here are the best women’s hunting jackets from some of our favorite brands, including KUIU, Sitka, and DSG.
Best Overall: KUIU Guide DCS Jacket
Most Versatile: DSG Kylie 3-in-1 Camouflage Jacket
Best for Duck Hunting: Sitka Hudson Jacket
Best Waterproof: Forloh AllClima 3L Rain Jacket
Warmest: First Lite Uncompahgre Foundry
Best for Bowhunting: Ditale Outdoors Becca Adventure Jacket
Best Budget: SHE Outdoor Insulated Jacket
How We Picked the Best Women’s Hunting Jackets
To compile this list of top-notch women’s hunting jackets, I pulled favorites from my personal gear kits. These items have seen plenty of action and proven their worth season after season. I also sifted through hundreds of gear reviews and asked for recommendations from women who spend plenty of time in the woods and hills behind rifles, compound bows, and scatterguns to find the cream of the crop in form, fit, and function.
We analyzed jackets from top hunting brands, including KUIU, Sitka, and First Lite. Amanda Oliver
We narrowed down the following based on cumulative experience wearing the jackets out in the field. These are the ones that feel the best, perform the best, and hold up the best when you’re scurrying through the woods.
Best Women’s Hunting Jackets: Reviews and Recommendations
Best Overall: KUIU Guide DCS Jacket
Specs
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Camo — Verde, Valo, Vias; Solid — Ash, Gunmetal
Waterproof: K-DWR water-resistant treated
Insulation: Polyester with a micro-fleece backer
Pros
Two-way adjustable storm hood
Pockets, pockets, and more pockets
Ultra quiet material
Cons
Sizes run small, especially for layering
KUIU is a relative late-comer to women’s hunting gear. Although the brand only launched its women’s hunting line in the spring of 2022, it dove head-first into the venture and is making serious waves in the industry.
The KUIU Guide DCS Women’s Jacket is a game-changer for female hunters. Durable and comfortable, it is made from non-reflective fabric and has a plethora of pockets. It’s everything a girl could want in a hunting jacket.
Instead of shrinking down their popular men’s line and slapping a pink label on it, KUIU tailored the fit specifically for the female form. With articulated sleeves and gusseted underarms, the Guide DCS women’s jacket is made for optimum mobility, whether you’re shouldering a rifle, drawing a trad bow, navigating rough mountain terrain, or climbing a honey-hole tree stand.
This K-DWR-treated softshell jacket bucks the wind as well as light rain and snow without sacrificing breathability. The construction makes it a smart option for physically taxing hunts, especially when the weather is questionable.
Although women’s clothing has a reputation for neglecting pockets, the Guide DCS Jacket is the exception. DCS is an acronym for “Dual Chest & Shoulder Pockets,” so I knew right out of the gate that his one would deliver in the pocket department. I was not disappointed. It has two chest pockets perfect for stowing a rangefinder, two hand pockets, a shoulder pocket for your license and tags, and a hidden inside pocket perfect for snacks.
As a heads up, if you plan on layering (and you’ll want to if you hunt in cold weather), order a size up from what you need to ensure you have enough room.
Most Versatile: DSG Kylie 3-in-1 Camouflage Jacket
Specs
Sizes: XXS-5XL
Colors: Realtree Edge, Realtree Excape, Realtree Max 5, Realtree Max 7, Blaze Orange, Blaze Pink
Waterproof: Yes
Insulation: Thin profile 100-gram insulation
Pros
Extensive size range
Wearable knitted fleece liner
Adjustable, removable hood
Wrist gaiter with thumb hole
Harness tether slip
Cons
Outer material snags on brambles and branches
The Kylie 3-in-1 Camouflage Jacket from DSG Outerwear is highly functional in the field but also emphasizes a flattering and feminine fit. With sizes ranging from XXS to 5XL, this jacket is designed to fit women of all shapes and sizes, from petite to plus size.
The Kylie 3-in-1 camo jacket functions as three separate jackets, providing serious versatility in the field. It has a removable fleece liner that nests inside an outer shell. You can wear the pieces together or separately. The brushed outer jacket has a DWR treatment and fully taped seams to help keep moisture out. The shell alone also has 120 grams of thin profile insulation, making it a smart option for warmer hunts. The fleece liner can also fly solo and makes a cute casual piece that is perfect for hanging out around a campfire.
We like that you can wear the DSG Kylie for almost any hunt, no matter the conditions, weather, or environment. Bethany Beathard
One handy feature for tree stand hunters is the convenient slit in the back of the jacket that accommodates your safety harness tether.
Best for Duck Hunting: Sitka Hudson
Specs
Sizes: XS-2XL
Colors: Optifade Waterfowl Marsh
Waterproof: 3-layer Gore-Tex waterproof fabric
Insulation: PrimaLoft insulation
Pros
Expansive bellowed shell pockets
Water-sealing gasket cuffs
Drawcord hem
Unhindered movement
Cons
Expensive
Heavy
If your idea of a fun morning is getting up well before the sun and sitting in a wet duck blind in frigid conditions, this is your jacket. Everything about the Sitka Hudson jacket is optimized for the hardcore duck hunter. It features 3L Gore-Tex with stretch technology at the elbows and behind the shoulders. The design allows maximum mobility and a fast, smooth shotgun mount without sacrificing water or wind protection. The jacket also features water-sealing gasket cuffs that keep water from slipping up your sleeve, even when setting out decoys—all reasons we dubbed it one of the best duck hunting jackets overall, too.
Sitka’s digital Optifade Waterfowl Marsh camo pattern is ideal for hunting from a layout or blind in thick marshes, standing crops, or cut fields. The Hudson’s PrimaLoft insulation offers plenty of warmth in a frosty blind without adding excessive bulk. However, this jacket weighs around 42 ounces, so it is a serious heavyweight.
Best Waterproof: Forloh AllClima 3L Rain Jacket
Specs
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Camo patterns — Deep Cover, Exposed, Snowfall; Solids — Green, Magnet
Waterproof: Yes (minimum 20k mm)
Insulation: No
Pros
RECCO technology makes you searchable to professional rescuers
High-quality water-resistant YKK zippers
Durable, reinforced elbows and cuffs
Designed for noise reduction
Cons
Pricey
I was so impressed with how well the Forloh Airalite jacket performed in our testing of the best backpacking rain jackets that I couldn’t wait to put the AllClima through its paces during hunting season. The AllClima is heavier than the Airalite. However, at just 24 ounces, it is still lightweight enough to carry around in a daypack, just in case the sky opens up unexpectedly.
Forloh’s female designers used a style and cut that removes excess fabric for additional comfort on feminine bodies. This rain jacket is also roomy enough for multiple layers on those extra cold days without making you feel like the Michelin Man.
This fully waterproof Forloh hunting jacket is the best to wear in rainy conditions. Alice Jones Webb
The AllClima has some pretty impressive stats on breathability and waterproofing, yet is still silky soft to the touch and doesn’t have the plastic-y noise and feel that comes with most rain gear.
Forloh also fitted the AllClima with RECCO passive search and rescue technology. These integrated electronic transponders make the wearer easily searchable to rescuers with RECCO directional radar emitters, which could be a literal lifesaver if your hunting trip turns disastrous.
Warmest: First Lite Uncompahgre Foundry
Specs
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Camo — First Lite Fusion, First Lite Ciphur; Solid — Dry Earth
Waterproof: Yes
Insulation: 37.5 Active Particle Synthetic Insulation — 100 g on the body and 60g on the hood and sleeves
Pros
Plenty of pockets
Highly packable
Keeps out wind and rain
Tricep vents and two-way zipper offer plenty of ventilation
Cons
Heavy than most puffies
This one is just as suitable for Western spot-and-stalk hunting as it is for all-day tree stand hunting back East, especially when the temps drop below freezing. First Lite designed the Uncompahgre Foundry jacket to function as a puffy and waterproof shell wrapped up in one package. So while the jacket runs heavy as traditional puffies go, it simplifies life because you don’t have to carry two separate jackets.
For those challenging, physically demanding hunts where it’s easy to work up a sweat even in chilly temperatures, the Uncompahgre Foundry jacket has dual vents along the arms and a two-way front zipper so you can quickly dump heat without dumping your hunting backpack or bino harness.
I love how warm this First Lite hunting jacket is, along with the full coverage of the hood. Amanda Oliver
In the tree stand, the jacket’s weatherproof, insulated construction, gusseted cuffs, and 3-way adjustable brimmed hood offer protection from cutting wind and unforgiving precipitation so you can stay in the field longer.
This thing also has pockets for days. With two zippered, plush-lined hand warmer pockets on the chest, two magnet closure dump pockets, and two internal mesh pockets, there’s plenty of room to tote calls and snacks and still have dedicated space for keeping your fingers toasty.
During testing, this First Lite hunting jacket kept us warm on even the chilliest November morning. The hood is roomy enough to fit over a beanie for added protection from wind and cold. We especially liked the magnetic closures on the pockets—they kept everything inside safe and secure without the hassle of zippers.
Best for Bowhunting: Ditale Outdoors Becca Adventure Jacket
Specs
Sizes: XXS-2XL in regular and curvy cuts
Colors: Black, Juniper Green, Strata Camo
Waterproof: DWR treated to shed moisture
Pros
Sizes and cuts to fit any body type
Comfy brushed interior
Ninja-quiet fabric
Lightweight
Cons
Limited insulation for chillier hunts
No hood
Ditale makes outdoor gear built by women for women. The company’s approach to finding the perfect feminine fit makes this brand stand out from the rest of the herd. With a wide range of sizes and options for regular and curvier body types, it’s easy to find that just-right Goldilocks fit.
The Becca Adventure Jacket is the company’s newest addition. I got a sneak peek before it shipped out to major retailers and am thoroughly impressed. Although this isn’t the jacket you want when the thermometer plummets in late fall, it is near perfect for spring turkey, archery, or early upland bird hunting.
The Ditale hunting jacket is one of the most flexible and comfortable I’ve worn. Alice Jones Webb
I’m 5-foot-3 and weigh about 130, and the regular medium fits like a dream and has just enough space for a base layer. It also has a slightly stretchy, move-with-you feel that promotes a smooth, easy draw, even when shooting my bow from less-than-ideal shooting positions.
The interior of this jacket is super soft and smooth. It feels elegant when worn against the skin, so I can pull it over a T-shirt or sports bra, which is all I need on those hotter early-season days, especially in the South.
I love this jacket, but I admit I would love it even more if it had a hood.
Best Budget: SHE Outdoor Insulated Jacket
Specs
Sizes: XS – 2XL
Colors: True Timber Strata
Waterproof: Yes
Insulation: Thermolite Insulation —150-gram in the torso, 100-gram in the sleeves
Pros
Affordable
Lined handwarmer pockets
Fashionable cut
Cons
Needs more pockets
With a price tag well under $100, the SHE Outdoors Insulated Jacket is one heckuva deal, and the price tag isn’t even its best feature. This thing is packed with cozy features that any hunter would appreciate on those long, cold, early-morning sits, including fleece-lined handwarmer pockets, a soft quilted lining, and an adjustable drawcord hood.
The company’s slogan is “Never Seen. Always Noticed.” And while the True Timber Strata camo pattern is almost guaranteed to keep you hidden from even the wiliest of whitetail bucks, the cut and fit of this jacket are fashionable enough for you to stand out at the checking station or skinning shed.
Note: SHE also makes a waterfowl jacket for the duck hunters among us.
What to Consider When Choosing a Women’s Hunting Jacket
Hunting is an incredibly diverse sport. A hunter stalking big bulls in the Colorado high country needs an entirely different jacket than one calling Osceola turkeys in a Florida hardwood swamp. What works for one hunter may be a complete disaster for another.
I’ve found Cabela’s hunting jackets to be super warm, even on the most frigid December mornings. Amanda Oliver
When sifting through the hundreds of jacket options available to modern hunters, it is essential to match your gear to the expected conditions, weather, terrain, activity levels, and game you’re pursuing. Here are a few key features to consider in your search for the best women’s hunting jacket.
Fit
For years, hunting gear designed for male bodies was the norm. Women’s bodies are built differently than men’s. We tend to be shorter and curvier than the average guy. While generic, run-of-the-mill hunting clothing might work in a pinch, it rarely fits the female form comfortably.
Having made do with plenty of my dad’s hand-me-downs in my younger years, I can attest that gear made specifically for women fits me much better and is far more comfortable than anything off the men’s rack.
In general, you want to find a jacket that fits your body yet allows easy movement and has room for layering underneath. Staying comfortable in your chosen hunting gear will keep you in the field longer, which increases the odds of filling your tags.
Budget
Unfortunately, few hunters have an unlimited supply of Benjamins to spend on gear, and some quality hunting jackets can push the $500 mark. While keeping within a budget has helped many marriages survive hunting season, pinching too many pennies can lead to absolute misery in the field.
Quality almost always costs more. When it comes to hunting clothes, I like to adhere to the “buy once, cry once” mindset. The initial investment might feel uncomfortable, but I’d rather bite the bullet up front than suffer all season in adequate, ill-fitting, subpar gear.
Weight
The old-school hunting coats our grandpas wore were heavy. Throw some snacks, a handful of shells, and some calls in the pocket, and the thing became downright burdensome. Thankfully, modern materials and construction have helped cut the overall weight of most hunting jackets. That weight reduction is a serious blessing when hoofing it up steep terrain during elk season. If you spend your days mostly stationary in a box blind, weight doesn’t matter all that much.
Features
Extra bells and whistles like adjustable hoods, extra pockets, call holders, whisper-quiet zippers, and safety harness pass-throughs can quickly turn what would otherwise be a dull coat into a luxury hunting jacket. However, you must analyze the fancy features and decide if they are practical and worth the extra money.
FAQs
Q: What is the best material for a hunting jacket?
There is no one-size-fits-all absolute best material for hunting jackets. Quiet fabric is crucial for bowhunters but isn’t critical for rabbit hunters. Wool ranks high in warmth but can be heavy when hoofing through rough terrain. How you intend to use the jacket largely determines what material will work best. Whatever material a hunting jacket is made from, it has to be durable enough to stand up to years of hard use in rugged environments.
Q: Can you wear a puffy down jacket hunting?
Few things on this planet are warmer than a puffy down jacket. Many hunters rely on a puffy for their superior insulation, especially when sitting still glassing on a hillside or hunting from a ground blind for long periods in cold weather.
Down is relatively lightweight, especially considering its insulation prowess, and compresses well, which is handy for packing. The problem with down is that when it gets wet, it loses its insulating properties and it can take days to dry out properly. Fortunately, most modern jackets use hydrophobic down, natural down treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) that allows it to resist saturation, dry more quickly, and retain its insulating loft, even when damp.
However, even quality hydrophobic down rarely holds up in a major downpour. If hunting in wet environments, you should opt for a more waterproof insulating material.
Q: What’s the best solid color for a hunting jacket?
Hunting brands often get into major camo wars, introducing newer patterns every year, each company claiming to be better than the competition. However, as iconic American bowhunter Fred Bear once said, “The best camouflage pattern is called, ‘Sit down and be quiet!’”
In the not-so-distant past, hunters regularly ventured into the woods in solid colors because that’s all they had. Neutral tones like tan, grey, and green can help a hunter blend into the background. However, if you want to be safe in the woods and easily seen by other hunters, it’s hard to beat solid blaze orange.
Best Women’s Hunting Jackets: Final Thoughts
Best Overall: KUIU Guide DCS Jacket
Most Versatile: DSG Kylie 3-in-1 Camouflage Jacket
Best for Duck Hunting: Sitka Hudson
Best Waterproof: Forloh AllClima 3L Rain Jacket
Warmest: First Lite Uncompahgre Foundry
Best for Bowhunting: Ditale Outdoors Becca Adventure Jacket
Best Budget: SHE Outdoor Insulated Jacket
With the surge of women-specific hunting gear that has flooded the market in recent years, ladies no longer have to suffer through hunting in ill-fitting, poorly sized jackets off the men’s rack. We can also hang up the insulting flamingo pink camo companies first flung at female hunters. The best women’s hunting jackets on this list are not only flattering and fashionable, but they are also technical, durable, and functional. And that’s really what every hunter wants in a jacket, whether or not they are sporting two X chromosomes.
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