19th-century upland hunters donned system clothing comprised of close-woven natural wool underwear, thickly knit wool sweater, thorn proof breeks and knee high lace up field boots to provide warmth, comfort, and durability in their hunts.
Hunting in colder temperatures requires wearing an insulated jacket and boots for silent, fast travel to your hunting spot. Proper gear will help you remain undetected when moving around quickly to find your quarry.
Insulated Jackets
Insulated hunting jackets are essential components of winter gear systems, providing crucial wind and moisture protection while simultaneously warming your core. The top insulated hunting jackets boast features like hoods, masks, vents, oversized pockets and tree stand safety harness pass-throughs, making these essential pieces of gear.
We compared synthetic and down insulation combinations in this jacket in order to find a combination that can serve a range of backcountry hunting situations. Our testing took place in Colorado’s Uncompahgre National Forest where cold summit temperatures met us early in the season while hiking into mountain camps.
This jacket is an ideal option for hunters who must walk up and down hills while searching for bears or turkey hunters who spend a lot of time walking between hunting spots. Additionally, its waterproof shell and “garages” at each zipper keeps water out – perfect for hunting areas that experience frequent precipitation – while its breathable mesh construction keeps moisture at bay while still being waterproof enough for high activity such as sitting in turkey blinds or hiking 500 feet up crags to glass for black bears. Plus it makes an excellent layer in colder climates to maintain warmth without overheating!
Fleece-Lined Pants
Fleece pants can make an invaluable addition to your winter wardrobe, offering warmth without bulk, while keeping you dry by wicking away sweat. When purchasing fleece pants, make sure that they meet both your intended activities and the climate in your region.
For example, when hiking on snowy trails or jogging on frosty mornings, look for fleece-lined leggings made of thick materials that feel lightweight yet luxurious. However, those who simply wish to lounge around the house or run errands might prefer less costly or casual fleece pants instead.
The best fleece pants provide warmth without feeling bulky, making them the ideal complement to any hunting shirt or hoodie. To stay protected against inclement weather conditions, look for pants equipped with waterproof membranes and strategically-placed watertight and windproof shell panels.
The warmest fleece pants are intended as outer-layer gear and should layer over both a base-layer pant and lightweight pant or insulated pant. Some models boast synthetic or down insulation while others feature laminated fabric which seals heat into your body while blocking wind. In this category of insulated pants are ranked by warmth; many include additional features like Sherpa fleece lining for additional comfort in cold conditions.
Thinsulate-Lined Boots
Thinsulate insulation for winter/snow boots stands out as one of the most popular choices available on the market, thanks to its microfibers capturing air molecules and blocking body radiant heat loss, making it a highly efficient insulator. Furthermore, Thinsulate provides more warmth per weight than goose down while remaining non-bulky and not losing its properties when wet.
When shopping for insulated boots, look at how much Thinsulate there is per square inch of boot. This number gives a good indication of their temperature rating; more Thinsulate means warmer boots!
However, synthetic-lined boots provide better insulation. Their moisture-wicking lining helps prevent sweat build-up that reduces their effectiveness while remaining comfortable for feet. For the best results, wear thick wool or synthetic socks underneath your boots as this will move moisture out more effectively while providing additional thermal protection and maximize their ability to insulate. The Ada Thinsulate Winter Fleece Lined Chelsea Boot is one example of such footwear.