Quality insulated boots are essential when hunting in cold temperatures; otherwise, feet could freeze!
Consider outer shell material, base layers such as merino wool or cotton and mid layers such as fleece or feather down insulation as well as different cuff height options to keep snow, mud and debris out of your boot.
The Right Jacket
Finding a durable jacket is essential to successful hunting. Since it will likely be worn frequently, its construction must be both durable and versatile – canvas, oilcloth, fleece or wool are all options that offer some degree of resilience for prolonged wear.
Consider where and what kind of hunting conditions will prevail as well as nighttime temperatures when choosing insulation for hunting gear. Then choose appropriate materials based on this information.
When planning for late season wilderness elk hunts, boots with stiffer ankle support and rubber rand protection against rocks, snow, and sand are essential. Lowa offers this pair to meet these criteria in its hunting boots; additionally they’re insulated with 300 grams of Gore-Aire Fibre insulation and waterproof to protect you on rainy, windy days so they will keep you warm and dry when wearing heavy loads.
The Right Boots
Boots can make or break your hunting experience. Wearing uncomfortable boots will cause discomfort to your feet, ruining any opportunity to hunt. Furthermore, spending some time breaking in new boots so they conform perfectly to your feet is recommended to ensure an optimal experience.
Choose an insulation level according to how you will use your boots; moderate insulation levels tend to work best in most hunting scenarios while high-insulation boots may be better suited to extreme cold environments or low activity situations, like sitting in a treestand or duck blind.
As part of your hunting adventures, it’s also important to consider the stiffness of your boots. Overly stiff boots may suffocate or twist ankles – be sure to try on boots with socks that you will be wearing as part of your hunting expeditions and remember that your feet swell throughout the day so be sure to purchase boots that still feel good at the end of each hunting expedition day.
The Right Pants
Consider these hard-wearing trousers if you need pants that can withstand abrasion, wick sweat away quickly and keep out elements as you stalk into shooting range. Tester Charlie Ebbers found them extremely comfortable over layers on his winter caribou hunt and overnight burbot trip.
Cotton hunting pants should always be avoided as they absorb moisture quickly, sending you home early. Opt instead for lightweight synthetic styles that breathe and move with your body for greater comfort and durability. Modern technical hunting pants tend to employ fabrics-membrane technologies adapted from snow sports and mountaineering that offer wind protection, weatherproofing and breathability for greater performance in hunting expeditions.
An ideal hybrid choice are these waterproof and insulated pants from Columbia that combine the best elements of both worlds. Their 4-way stretch nylon fabric flexes as you crawl over logs or scale rocky terrain while their merino wool inner layer regulates core temperature and manages moisture. Perfect for hunters who don’t want the hassle of swapping in and out a raincoat when waiting out a storm at either a duck marsh or whitetail stand!
The Right Accessories
Selecting the proper hunting accessories can make all the difference during your adventure. From hats and gloves to camouflage waders, selecting essential items can elevate your hunt while helping keep you concealed in nature.
Boots can make or break a hunt. Boot stiffness varies according to terrain and hunting style, so hunters should choose boots with an appropriate level for themselves.
Warmth is essential when hiking and working up a sweat. A high-fill goose down liner will trap body heat while still packing away easily, making it the ideal companion on any backcountry elk hunt. Also bring waterproof rain jacket made with Gore-Tex fabric which repels moisture without compromising insulation properties essential to thermoregulation of the body and hunting gaiters which keep snow and rain out of boots allowing you to focus on hunting instead of footwear issues.