Why Hunting Apparel Is the Best Technical Clothing Available

Just because you're not a hunter doesn't mean you can't take advantage of some of the best outdoor apparel technology in the industry

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When I started hunting nearly a decade ago, I balked at the absurd expense of hunting apparel. I was a lifelong penny-pinching minimalist. Did I really need a $400 jacket, $250 pants, and socks that rang in at $28 a pair? It seemed like overkill (pun intended).

But, on one hunting trip in Montana in 2017, winds and snow blew at rates far exceeding 40 miles per hour. Thankfully, a full set of truly windbreaking Sitka gear kept me comfortable—I moved easily across the open mountain ridge, completely unaffected by the gusts. Beneath the burly outerwear, First Lite’s merino layers wicked sweat and kept me warm. My feet were toasty and dry in wool hunting socks, and they remained blister-free in my well-fitted boots for all six miles of the loop hike. Eventually, I took one shot on a legal mule deer buck that I later field-dressed and packed off the mountain alone. It was my first solo big game animal tag, and if it weren’t for my gear, I would have turned around long before I ever had the chance to spot it.

Much of the hunting apparel in my camouflaged closet continues to perform year after year. Its durability surpasses that of most casual outdoor brands I’ve tried, and I find myself using my hunting gear for many unrelated outdoor activities. It’s certainly kept me comfortable enough to hunt in conditions I’d have avoided before becoming a hunter.

Over the past ten years, I’ve cross-country skied, snowboarded, snowshoed, ridden my horses, hiked, backpacked, traveled, and bundled up chilly friends in my hunting apparel. Below are the hunting-specific pieces that I’ve relied on most. The other good news: Hunting brands are starting to wake up to the versatility of their gear, so you’ll find that every piece below is offered in solid colors in addition to camouflage.

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$80-135 at First Lite

I bought my first pair of Kiln baselayers eight years ago, and I still wear the same ones today. After hundreds of wears and washes, the wool continues to hold up. We even featured the most recent edition of the Kilns in our 2025 winter gear guide, because they’ve held up so well over the years. This 250-gram baselayer is both the perfect weight for fall and winter hiking and backpacking, but it’s also the best-fitting baselayer legging I’ve found for women. The very high waist provides maximum coverage and keeps seams above pack hip belts, and the wide band resists rolling down and sagging over the miles. The Kiln line comes in a crew, quarter-zip, hoody, and multiple long-john options for men, as well as hoody and long-jane options for women.

Jacket: $349 Pants: $329

I’ve tested dozens of other brands, but I’ve yet to find one I trust more than Sitka for wet weather. That’s especially true for the Dew Point. This 3-layer Goretex jacket is lightweight, packable, and supple enough to move quietly—which means no crinkling or swishing when you’re sneaking up on wildlife for a photo-op or trying to avoid waking your partner in camp. The packability is also ideal for many scenarios, like backpacking long miles when you need gear that won’t take up too much space in your pack. Pit zips allow for dumping heat, and it’s the most breathable rain gear I’ve worn to date.

$199 at Ditale

Ditale is a boutique brand that’s newer to the hunting apparel scene, but that under-the-radar status isn’t likely to last long. Last year, I wore the Sofia Adventure Pant for everything from hiking and hunting to cross-country skiing, and I fell hard for them. It’s the best physical fit I’ve felt as a curvy athletic gal thanks to the wide range of sizing and smart features like the full running crotch gusset and articulated knee darts. Compared to other brands, the waist is both stretchier and higher-cut, but curved like a great pair of jeans. They’re actually flattering. This, to me, is the best all-around hiking pant for spring-to-fall temperatures, and the DWR makes it a great option for rain and wet flurries, as well.

$179 at Stone Glacier

Stone Glacier specializes in gear for men only, and the guys I hunt with are all clamoring to get a pair of the De Havilland Pants. Offered in both a Lite and late-season option ($189), these pants boast all the technical details you need for three-season hiking, backpacking, and adventure travel. DWR-treated fabric, side zips, roomy side pockets, and a patented contour waist system mean these pants can take whatever you throw at them—and stay in place without slipping or chafing. The modern cut and neutral colors mean that you can wear them to work or a casual dinner, and then hit the hills for an evening hike.

$28 at Farm to Feet

Like many four-season adventurers, I have an obsession with wool socks. My favorites are the Farm to Feet Ely hunting socks. I have to hide them from my mother because she tries to steal them anytime she comes within striking distance. The light cushion version beats out every boot or ski sock I’ve ever used, and the full cushion version keeps me warm and comfortable over long miles during the cold season. Gentle compression in the foot prevents blisters, and my Elys are stepping into their fourth year of use without any holes or threadbare patches to speak of. For under $30, I recommend treating yourself.

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