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These jackets, waders, vests, boots, socks, gloves, and layers handled long days and cold nights in the winter backcountry hunting deer, ducks, turkey, and more
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Many brands focused on better-insulating hunting apparel this season. Across the board, brands stepped up their game to produce not only warm and lightweight pieces but also more durable and weather-resistant materials.
Our team of nine tested over 100 pieces of hunting apparel in a variety of conditions, from the chilly woods of Nebraska to the snow-capped mountains of Alaska and the high-altitude wilderness of Colorado. We tested gear while hunting birds (including both waterfowl and upland hunting), deer, bear, and barbary sheep, in tree stands, on ground blinds, while bow hunting, and pack hunting.
Updated for Autumn and Winter 2025: I’ve completely recompiled this list with picks from a new round of testing.
If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.
$110 at Sitka (Top) $159 at Sitka (Leggings)
Weight: 12.4 oz (top) / 8.8 oz (bottom) Sizing: S-XL (top) / S-XL (bottom)
Pros and Cons ⊕ Lightweight ⊕ Anti-itch construction ⊕ Moisture wicking ⊕ Odor resistant ⊗ Pricey ⊗ Legging short at the ankle
Sitka’s Core Merino 330 pieces were tester Angie Kokes’s go-to base layers this past season. She tested the half-zip top and legging while hunting for red stag in New Zealand and calving in early spring in Nebraska. Hunters with sensitive skin will appreciate the soft hybrid construction with a merino blend exterior and recycled synthetic interior that quickly moves moisture away from the skin. Kokes felt like she didn’t sweat as much as she normally does while wearing the pieces, and she dried more quickly, too. Plus, the merino outer layer fabric, wound with nylon threads, is not only lightweight, but it’s also stronger than traditional merino wool.
Kokes appreciated the half-zip top, which allows for quick heat dumping during strenuous activity. She found the legging to be a tad short, which fits more like capris on her (Kokes is 5 feet 10 inches tall and tested a size large).
$130 at REI (Top) $130 at REI (Bottom)
Weight: 7.34 oz (top) / 12.27 oz (bottom) Sizing: S-XXL (top), S-XXL (bottom)
Pros and Cons ⊕ Gender-specific moisture-wicking vents ⊕ Warm without bulk ⊕ Freedom of movement ⊗ Expensive
The Smartwool Intraknit base layer excelled when mobility, durability, and moisture management were essential, making it excellent for upland bird hunting, small game hunting, and spot-and-stalk hunting for big game.
Colorado tester Nolan Dahlberg wore the Intraknit base layer set while backcountry snowboarding and grouse hunting in the Flat Tops Wilderness of Colorado. The 53-percent merino yarn provided warmth and comfort, while the knit mesh venting in the crew top was effective in wicking away moisture during periods of intense activity in the snow-covered mountains. While grouse hunting, the base layer’s ribbed elbows allowed Dahlberg unrestricted movement while providing amazing durability against abrasion in Colorado’s dense forests and brush.
“The Intraknit thermals stand out as the best wool base layer set I’ve ever used. The combination of exceptional breathability, warmth, mobility and durability makes it a top choice for hunters,” Dahlberg said.
$130 at Amazon (Women’s) $135 at Amazon
Weight: 15 oz (men’s) / 12 oz (women’s) Sizing: S-XXXL (men’s) / XS-XL (women’s)
Pros and Cons ⊕ No rubbing flat-lock seams ⊕ Form-fitting but not restrictive ⊕ Comfortable enough to wear on skin ⊕ Durable enough to wear as outer layer ⊕ Quiet ⊗ No hand pockets ⊗ Merino is itchy to some ⊗ Women’s line has limited colors
The Kiln Hoody should be kept in your vehicle year-round. It can be worn as an outerlayer while hiking or fishing in the first days of September or as a midlayer during the coldest winter days in the duck blind. Mountain hunters will appreciate the Kiln Hoody’s versatility and thermoregulating properties.
We tested the Kiln Hoody while turkey hunting, fishing, and hiking in Nebraska and Minnesota, where testing conditions were wooded and brambly. Both our male and female testers raved about the fit—the body length and arm lengths were perfect for their average builds, providing coverage while bending and crawling in awkward positions. Nebraska turkey hunter Jeff Kurrus said that he liked how it hit right at his hip. The five percent spandex also allowed for uninhibited movement across all activities.
The 250-gram, 95 percent merino, 5 percent spandex, interlock knit material is moisture and temperature regulating, and when worn underneath a shell, it kept us comfortable on chilly days from fall through spring. On warmer days, Kurrus wore the Kiln by itself, and the hoody held up to snags while bushwacking through thick woods.
Testers appreciated the quarter-zip for dumping heat during steep climbs and the scuba-style, form-fitting hood that kept their head warm during frigid, windy conditions. Minnesota hunter and angler Jennifer Pudenz also loved how the modified shoulder seams didn’t rub underneath a day pack. Kurrus, who hunts everything from deer to doves, found the First Lite Specter color to be suitable for both forest and field in Nebraska thanks to the versatile camouflage pattern.
Two dings: While Kurrus felt the merino fabric was extremely comfortable even when worn next to the skin, Pudenz found it itchy. Also, there aren’t any hand pockets for those cold days when you need to quickly heat up your digits.
$330 at Amazon (Women’s) $340 at Amazon (Men’s)
Weight: 34.5 oz (men’s) / 29.5 oz (women’s) Sizing: S-XXL (men’s) / XS-XL (women’s)
Pros and Cons ⊕ Ample pockets for storage ⊕ Strategically placed pockets and vents for pack and bino harness use ⊕ Windproof ⊕ Insulating without being bulky ⊗ Material too noisy for close-range hunting
The Uncompahgre Foundry jacket was designed for rifle use in the mountains, meaning it’s fine that the outer laminate material isn’t super quiet because rifle hunters shoot from a much longer distance than archery hunters, and it is both windproof and waterproof, which makes this puffy jacket a warm, protective outer layer during unexpected alpine weather.
Turkey and deer hunter Jennifer Pudenz tested the Uncompahgre Foundry jacket while scouting in late winter in northern Minnesota. The body-mapped synthetic insulation kept her comfortable down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit without layering, and the two-layer laminate shell provided excellent wind protection during sudden gusts. Pudenz gave the jacket two thumbs up for comfort due to its cozy internal lining and plush tricot hand warmer chest pockets.
Thoughtful features also helped the Uncompahgre excel during testing. Pudenz especially liked the cuffs, which trapped heat at the wrist without bunching while she wore gloves. She also noted that the jacket’s unique vents were much easier to open and close one-handed than traditional armpit vents thanks to their location on the triceps, which was especially helpful when wearing a pack. Pudenz appreciated the loops sewn inside the two front magnet-closure dump pockets that allowed her to clip keys and other valuables securely inside. Two large internal mesh dump pockets let her stow extra gear like a beanie, gloves, and a small first-aid kit.
“I’m extremely impressed with all of the features—normally, you don’t see so many all bundled together in one product. They went all out and did it well,” Pudenz said.
$319 at Kuiu (Women's) $319 at Kuiu (Men's)
Weight: 9.4 oz (men’s) / 7.6 oz (women’s) Sizing: S-3XL (men’s)/ XS-XL (women’s)
Pros and Cons ⊕ Windproof ⊕ Water-resistant ⊕ Warm ⊕ Ripstop outer fabric ⊗ Noisy outer material
The Super Down LT is a durable, lightweight, midlayer puffy that’s suitable for a variety of mid-season hunting, whether backcountry rifle, waterfowl, or upland game hunting.
The Super Down LT’s outer nylon ripstop fabric is water-resistant, warm, and durable (though it’s too noisy for bow or spear hunting). Big game and goose hunter Angie Kokes doubted the jacket’s wind resistance because it’s so thin, but her skepticism was immediately extinguished on a blustery December day when all she wore underneath was a T-shirt while working outdoors in the unforgiving Sandhills of Nebraska. Kokes fully expected to be frozen, but the jacket kept her toasty. Kokes also caught the Super Down LT on barbed wire and, later, on a jagged culvert while checking minnow traps, and the jacket didn’t tear once—which she says she had never experienced previously with ultralight down gear.
Testers loved the details, too. You won’t find shiny face fabric on this down jacket—the Super Down LT features a dull, matte finish for better concealment. It self-stows in the right-hand pocket, with enough room to include the Super Down LT Pant. The pouch can then be used as a camp pillow, or a secondary cinch can compress the jacket to half the size.
Weight: 17.3 oz (men’s) Sizing: S-4XL (men’s)
Pros and Cons ⊕ Warm and non-bulky ⊕ Windproof ⊕ Water resistant ⊕ Heavy-duty zippers ⊗ Collar area overheats in warm temps
Whether worn as an outer layer during the mid-season hunts or an insulating layer during frigid January days in the duck blind, the Flyway Insulated Vest kept tester Jeff Kurrus comfortable from sub-zero temperatures to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s designed to protect waterfowl hunters who often meet wind, rain and snow, thanks to its stitch-free baffles coupled with warm, high-loft synthetic insulation, and waterproof, windproof, ripstop DWR outer material. It will also keep you warm when you have to be stationary in the cold while deer hunting in a ground blind or tree stand.
Despite its extreme warmth, Kurrus found the vest non-bulky—slim enough to fit comfortably underneath a shell jacket—and easy to move in thanks to its stretch fabric construction. “Excellent fit combined with a top-notch zipper and magnetic pockets, it’s hard not to love,” Kurrus said.
Kuiu’s Valo colorway also matches the grasslands and forests Kurrus typically hunts in Nebraska, Iowa, the Dakotas, and the thicker woods of Tennessee. The vest’s mixture of lighter browns and tans blend in well with the drab colors of fall and winter everywhere.
Pros and Cons ⊕ Breathable ⊕ Water resistant ⊕ Durable ripstop outer fabric ⊕ Secure zipper pockets ⊗ Runs small
We tested the Ambient 100 vest in late autumn during several hiking trips in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains and on early morning whitetail scouting trips in the woodlands of northern Wisconsin. Tester Nolan Dahlberg stayed warm without overheating while looking for deer sign thanks to the Primaloft Evolve insulation. It provided excellent breathability, but kept his core cozy during rest periods. The 20D ripstop outer material withstood miles of thick brush and rough trails without any tears.
The vest isn’t adequate on its own for colder weather or during stationary activities like waiting in a deer stand, but works as a layer under additional outerwear for optimal warmth. Overall, the Ambient 100 vest is best for situations where mobility, breathability, and core warmth are essential, including early-season spot and stalk deer hunting or upland bird hunting when you’re moving frequently and encountering a range of temperatures.
Dahlberg typically wears a size large, but said this Sitka vest ran small on him and he would size up.
Weight: 8.3 oz Sizing: M-XXL (unisex)
Pros and Cons ⊕ Performed well in very cold weather ⊕ Waterproof ⊕ Reasonably priced ⊕ Good grip and dexterity ⊗ Blood does not rinse off well
Tester and big game hunter Charlie Ebbers wore the Glomitt Gloves during a dog mushing mission north of Fairbanks, Alaska that spanned late winter to early spring, and they didn’t fail him once. While the outer polyester layer did wet out, the waterproof inner HDry membrane kept Ebbers’ hands dry even during a full day of slushy snow. The Primaloft Gold insulation in the back of the hand and Primaloft Eco Grip insulation in the palm kept Ebbers’ digits toasty. Despite temperatures dropping to near 0 degrees Fahrenheit, the independent index finger and thumb provided enough warmth and dexterity for Ebbers to operate a camera. The leather palm provided superior grip while mushing.
“These gloves are burly,” Charlie Ebbers said. “They’re going in my pack on any hunt past September and before April 15. I see them as a safety measure, a comfort measure, and a necessity.”
A couple dings: They are not suitable for waterfowl, upland, or bow hunting where a quick trigger or arrow release is required as these gloves are not quite dexterous enough in the forefinger and thumb. Also, the polyester outer layer takes on liquids, which makes blood difficult to rinse off.
Overall, these gloves are great to have on hand whenever there is danger of extremely cold or unpredictable weather, like during pack hunting or glassing in the mountains over multi-day trips. Ebbers says he wasn’t a Kuiu fan previously, but the quality, performance, and price point of the Northstar won him over.
$315 at Meindl (Women's) $315 at Meindl (Men's)
Weight: 3.3 lbs (pair, size 9D) Sizing: 7-14 (men’s)
Pros and Cons ⊕ Reasonably priced ⊕ Lightweight ⊕ Warm but not overheating ⊕ Supportive ⊗ Leather takes a while to dry
Charlie Ebbers has been on the hunt for the perfect hunting boot for over a decade, and he claims that the Meindl Eurolight Hunter 300 boots fit the bill. He wore them while hunting for barbary sheep in New Mexico, and while hiking and spring bear hunting in his home state of Alaska during late winter and early spring, when there was usually still snow on the ground, requiring snowshoes on occasion. True to its name, the boots are lightweight, yet offer a wide sole and a durable, supporting leather upper that provide a stable foundation while walking through heavy timber, brush, and uneven, wet terrain.
The boots were comfortable right out of the box, which sometimes reflects poor leather quality, but the Meindls held up over 25 days of rough miles without showing any signs of blowing out. After his bear hunt, Ebbers carried hundreds of pounds of meat over soggy, bumpy ground and post-holed across pockets of snow and never worried about injuring his feet or ankles thanks to ample support from the boot’s nine-inch height. Ebbers found the 300 grams of synthetic insulation just right for winter and early spring, keeping his feet warm but not overheated.
“My boot needs vary, but for most of the year and most of my hunts, I want a lightweight, leather boot that offers some ankle support and exceptional traction. The EuroLight Hunter provided all of these,” Charlie Ebbers said. The Meindl Eurolight Hunter is notably lighter, more nimble and the sole is less clunky than Ebbers’ favorite Kenetrek Mountain Guide boots, though the Meindl is less burly.
One ding: Ebbers noted that after getting soaked, they took a full day to dry out with newspaper stuffed inside them. With extra wax and gaiters, however, Ebbers said they stayed mostly dry on his hunts.
Weight: 3.34 oz Sizing: M-XL (unisex)
Pros and Cons ⊕ Warm ⊕ Reduces fatigue ⊕ Breathable ⊕ Stays in place ⊕ Comfortable cushioning ⊗ Pricey
Upland hunter Nolan Dahlberg tested these socks on multiple outdoor adventures in the Flat Tops Wilderness of Colorado, including grouse hunting and long hikes to high alpine lakes. He traversed rugged terrain at various elevations, and reported that the extra cushioning throughout the whole sock reduced fatigue and prevented blisters better than other socks he tested. The socks are made of a merino wool blend that kept Dahlberg’s feet warm in cooler temperatures and breathable in warmer weather. Smartwool’s elasticized ankle and arch support kept the socks in place, preventing slippage, discomfort, and blisters during extended hunts and hikes.
Weight: 7-8 lbs Sizing: 6/7, 8/9, 10/11, 12/14 years old
Pros and Cons ⊕ Durable lightweight body material ⊕ Comfortable through legs and torso ⊕ Youth trade-in program ⊕ Industry-best waterproofing ⊗ Boot area is heavy ⊗ Expensive ⊗ Shoulder straps dig in
These youth duck hunting waders provide every bit of the durability that adult hunters have trusted on with Chêne’s original line. Twelve-year-old Eli Kurrus tested the waders while hunting ducks and geese near creeks, fast-flowing rivers, lakes and marshes in eastern Nebraska. He wore them in 10-40 degrees Fahrenheit, treading across water that came up to an inch from the top of the waders. Kurrus admitted to stumbling often in the field (which is not unusual for a learning hunter), yet despite his falls he has yet to find holes on his Chêne waders—unlike the cheaper waders he’s worn in past years.
The waders are made of waterproof and breathable nylon oxford 4-layer fabric, which provides better abrasion resistance, tensile strength and longterm durability than traditional polyester. Mechanically bonded, stitchless seams in critical areas below the belt held up after a full season of heavy use—Kurrus said they were still completely waterproof.
Although the cost of these waders is difficult to swallow, Cêne’s youth wader program makes the purchase more convincing to parents. It allows kids to trade in youth-sized waders multiple times as they grow, for a flat $125 fee. Children who outgrow the youth sizes can receive a full-sized pair of waders and be eligible to exchange for a larger size one additional time while they’re still in the program, until they turn 15.
“I came close to filling them multiple times and not one drop of water has been inside those waders,” Kurrus said. “These waders are insanely comfortable and lightweight. I’m able to go and walk for a while in these things.” His only gripe is that the shoulder straps slightly dig in after a long day in the field.
Hunting gear is an investment. If you’re a beginner looking to get into the sport, don’t rush out and buy the most expensive and technical gear possible. While top-of-the-line hunting gear certainly helps with comfort, it won’t make game animals appear nor improve your shooting.
Big-box stores such as Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops generally offer decent mid-tier products. In some parts of the country, even Walmart carries cheap hunting gear that will get the job done, albiet with less comfort and durability than more expensive options. Once you’re invested in the sport, that’s when it’s time to look at the top-tier products that will last a long time and ultimately save you money.
If you’re already a backpacker or hiker, you can wear the clothing you already own—lightweight and moisture-wicking are features that are also desirable in hunting. Choose pieces in muted, natural colors, or black when hunting in a ground blind, as it will help you blend in with the dark interior. Unless you’re hunting in open country and doing a lot of spotting and stalking, expensive camouflage is not required—staying comfortable and warm is more important.
For guided hunts, reach out to your guide with any questions about layering and insulation. For example, what you might wear for a drop hunt in Alaska will be drastically different than hunting deer in a tree blind in the Midwest. Also, areas that see drastic changes in temperature and precipitation from early to late season will require you to pay close attention to the forecast when choosing what to bring and wear.
Lastly, don’t forget to check state regulations for hunter orange requirements, a safety precaution that makes you more visible to other hunters. Although it’s not required in every state, wearing hunter orange is strongly recommended. Learn more at this link.
Nine testers put over 100 pieces of gear through a hunting season of extreme variability: from warm early-season hunts in the Midwest to the extreme limits of winter in the Alaskan wilderness, from the North Island of New Zealand to the Colorado backcountry. Testers encountered soggy conditions, temperatures below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, and even desert conditions in New Mexico.
Our youngest tester was 12 years old, with the oldest in their late 40s. The majority are lifelong hunters, with a couple who found it in early adulthood. They tested gear while hunting birds (including both waterfowl and upland hunting), deer, bear, and barbary sheep, in tree stands, on ground blinds, while bow hunting, and pack hunting. Most of our testers would consider themselves “generalists,” pursuing big, upland, waterfowl and small game based on opportunity. Apparel was rated based on comfort, durability, performance, warmth, and price.
Nolan Dahlberg runs Dahlberg Digital out of Colorado, where he hunts grouse, elk and mule deer. He spends a considerable amount of time each year hunting white-tailed deer on his family farm in Richland County, Wisconsin.
Charlie Ebbers lives and hunts in the Copper River Basin of Alaska. He’s a generalist and was charged by three grizzlies in 2022. He has more than 20 years of hunting experience.
Angie Kokes shot her first shotgun at 3 years old and grew up hunting with her dad to pursue upland birds in Nebraska. After teaching herself how to rifle and archery hunt for deer, Kokes learned how to spear hunt. She also has hunted big game with her spear in Africa and New Zealand.
Jeff Kurrus is an outdoor writer and photographer in Nebraska with more than 40 years of hunting and fishing experience. He spends more than 150 days a year hunting and fishing in a wide range of conditions.
Eli Kurrus is a 12-year-old hunter and angler in Nebraska. He spent more than 100 days in the field with his dad last season, from the beginning of the hunting season in August to the hottest days of July fishing for largemouth bass.
Kevin Paul is an industrial service electrician in Nebraska who spends most of his free time hiking, hunting or pursuing some form of shooting sports. Kevin is a generalist, self-taught hunter who has a soft spot for upland birds and small game.
Jennifer Pudenz is the founder of Adventuress, the only women’s hunting and fishing magazine in the U.S. She grew up hunting and fishing in Iowa and is continuing that passion in Minnesota, where she currently resides.
David Nguyen is a California active law enforcement officer with 15 years of experience. He is a certified firearms instructor with the FBI, California Peace Officer Standards and Training, and Sig Sauer Academy in the pistol, pistol red dot sight, concealed carry pistol, patrol rifle and less lethal munitions.
Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley grew up camping and backpacking in California. She began hunting in her early 20s and currently resides in Nebraska as an outdoor writer, photographer and wild game cook.
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