Connor from IN asks,
Hello, Mr. Winke, I am a young hunter and I am trying to find the best way to layer my hunting clothes for all seasons of the hunt, as we are in the end of November and temps here in Indiana are starting to drop, I am really looking to learn the best way to layer in the late season of deer hunting. What are your trusted brands and techniques for late season. Thank you!
Bill responds,
Topic: Best Cold Weather Clothing System:
A great cold weather clothing system contains windproof coveralls, a facemask and a warm hat, among other things.
Connor,
You really need two systems of outerwear because the temperature changes so dramatically from early October through December. It is hard to get one system to work throughout that entire time.
I am a fan of wearing three layers under my outerwear: Layer one should be thin and really good at moisture wicking – wear a top and bottom. The second layer is thicker insulated layer such as a nice modern wool like merino wool or even a fleece. It is really hard to beat Cabela’s a good source for base layers. Third layer is a thin fleece vest.
For outerwear, coveralls are ideal because they eliminate the gap between upper and lower and thus eliminate the cold spot, but it can be hard to find windproof coveralls that aren’t insulated if you are looking for something that you can wear mid-season too. Insulated is good, of course, for late season. As ugly as they are, coveralls are the warmest thing you can wear. Cabela’s usually carries good insulated coveralls, but not sure who carries uninsulated versions.
If you are trying to stay away from coveralls, I would go with two styles of bibs (one thick and one thin) and two jacket/parka options. Mid season I would wear the thinner bib and jacket and then when it gets cold I would go with the thicker stuff. I have had good success with products from Cabela’s and Drake Non-Typical. Again, it is ideal to have outerwear that cuts the wind so if they are listed as waterproof, they will be windproof too. That allows a thinner garment to keep you as warm as a thicker one.
Wear a facemask and a thick warm hat to keep your head and neck warm (a very important step). That, and some warm boots (when it gets really cold the best I have found are the Cabela’s Saskatchewan boots) should keep you comfortable on really tough days.
I carry the outerwear and put it on when I reach the tree or blind so I don’t get sweated up. Good luck. (11/29/21)
