Imagine you’re in the midst of a hunt, and suddenly, it starts to snow, and the temperature begins to drop. Your body gets cold with every passing minute, and you can do nothing but shiver.
Sounds chilling, right?
Nobody wants an experience like that. Therefore, it is crucial to choose the right clothing gear, especially if you’re hunting in a cold environment.
The temperature can really hinder your hunt, thus making your hunting experience a failure. To begin with, there is a diverse range of wool-hunting clothes you can look for in the market.
But you don’t have to stress about searching the entire catalog, as we’ve concluded the 5 must-have wool hunting clothes in this article.
1. Merino Wool Base Layers
The first line of protection against low temperatures is the first layer of clothing, known as the base layer. For most wool hunting clothes, a particular type of wool, called merino wool, is used, and it is collected from merino sheep.
Merino wool base layers are important as they regulate temperature, manage moisture content, and are odor-free.
Unlike synthetic fibers, Merino wool can absorb moisture and have insulating capabilities, which is ideal for hunters who might come across potentially freezing moisture in cold climates.
Why It’s Essential: Merino wool is thinner and softer in texture than regular wool and does not cause irritation when in direct contact with the skin. They also don’t allow bacterial growth, which helps decrease the stench during a prolonged hunting expedition.
Key Features to Look For: When considering Merino wool base layers, opting for a close fit is vital to ensure that the fabric fits your body snugly for increased warmth while enabling free movement. Also, look for flatlock seams in your Merino clothing, as it prevents chaffing during long treks.
2. Wool Insulating Mid-Layers
Once you have the base layer in place, the next step is to ensure that you have some kind of insulating layer covering the mid-section of your body. This layer is supposed to retain heat around the body, and wool is one of the best materials for this layer.
A good mid-layer wool jacket or pullover insulates you without being too heavy, thus allowing you to move around comfortably.
Why It’s Essential: The crimp in wool fabric creates air pockets efficiently, which helps in retaining heat. Additionally, wool also provides insulation even when wet, making it suitable for fluctuating climatic conditions.
Key Features to Look For: Choose a mid-layer material that combines wool and other fabrics for better breathability and flexibility. A full-zip design effectively manages temperature changes during elevations and various activities. Extra protection on the shoulders and elbows can help enhance the garment’s durability, particularly when maneuvering with a backpack or firing a rifle.
3. Wool Hunting Pants
Hunting in cold weather requires pants that can cope with low temperatures, wet grounds, and rough terrains.
Different types of hunting pants, namely wool hunting pants, offer the level of warmth and sturdiness that is appropriate for hunting but still allow for non-sweat-inducing breathability during intensive physical exertion.
Why It’s Essential: Wool hunting pants are perfect for a variety of weather circumstances. They keep your lower body warm and provide some wind and water resistance.
Key Features to Look For: Opt for wool pants featuring a gusseted crotch and adjustable knees to enhance movement. For added durability, you may want to think about buying pants with reinforced panels in high-wear areas like the seat and knees.
4. Wool Hunting Vest
A wool hunting vest keeps the upper body warmer without limiting the arms’ range of motion. This is especially important during activities that involve the free use of the upper part of the body, such as drawing a bow or shouldering a rifle.
Why It’s Essential: A wool vest helps retain heat in the body’s core area, thereby keeping the extremities warm for extended intervals. It also does not stick out or extend anywhere, allowing for easy rolling or folding and wearing over or under other clothing to accommodate different temperatures.
Key Features to Look For: When choosing a vest, ensure it has appropriate insulation levels and is properly vented. An additional windproof lining can provide added protection in windy conditions. Also, look for spacious pockets to help store small equipment, such as calls, tags, or a rangefinder.
5. Wool Hunting Socks
Suppose a person develops cold feet while on a hunting trip. The entire trip can be spoiled, which is why it is crucial to have high-quality wool socks. Wool hunting socks provide protection and warmth while keeping feet comfortably dry during the hunt.
Why It’s Essential: Wool socks have a built-in moisture-wicking property that helps shield against blisters from damp feet. This is a crucial advantage while hunting in the snow or damp situations, as wool socks provide outstanding insulation even in damp conditions.
Furthermore, socks are less likely to slide or bunch up within your boots because of the snug fit due to wool’s inherent flexibility.
Key Features to Look For: If you want your lengthy hikes to be more comfortable, look for socks that provide padding in critical areas like the ball of the foot and heel. However, one way to lessen foot fatigue is by applying compression around the ankle and arch.
Bottomline
When hunting in cold weather, your clothing or gear can never go wrong. One wrong move can turn the situation from bad to worse in seconds.
Therefore, it is essential to remember these pointers so that you can have a fruitful hunting experience.
Stay safe, stay warm!
