What do you wear for your deer hunts?

jric1308

jric1308

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So I'm looking to get some clothing (everything from top to bottom) for the upcoming hunt and am looking for what works for you and what you may have thought was a good idea, but now is lying in the abyss of your closet never to be used again. If you have any specific brand and model suggestions, I'd appreciate hearing it too. Will be doing some stalking and stand hunting in northern Ontario.

My current thoughts are:
- Blaze cap
- neck gaiter (to me, these things are invaluble)
- thin first layer top and bottom
- gloves
- warm hoodie
- blaze thin vest
- warm overall bottoms
- merino socks
- boots
- fanny pack

What do you think?
 
It varies with the weather.
When I was doing drives, and walking over ridges etc, a pair of light coveralls over a T shirt was all I needed, sometimes more than I needed to stay warm. However at the end of my walk, I needed warm dry duds, or a warm vehicle fairly quickly or I'd freeze.
When stand hunting, it depends again on the weather, I could be out there in a lightly insulated jacket, or a full insulated coverall, with an old sleeping bag. I even have a pair of felt packs rated to -100F for my feet if it's super cold. They are way to hot to walk any distance though, make my feet sweat and then even they get cold. They are also so damned big that climbing the ladder on the stand is awkward. I stay out for about three hours in the morning, and three in the evening when it's really cold. If it's reasonable I'll be out all day.
 
I like merino base layers when it’s cold and a good pair of boots to keep the feet’s warm and dry. Otherwise it it’s dry I wear some light or reg weight hiking pants and a wool sweater or light button down shirt in an earth tone usually. Rainy is the same but I wear a set of German army surplus gortex rain gear, I don’t bother with the real tree camo, if I wear camo it’s army surplus otherwise it’s earth tones or black or grey pants. I have an old tan carhartt jacket I wear sometimes or a wool checkered jacket in the fall, we aren’t required to wear blaze orange in BC.
 
First off I would like to hear your version of what you consider northern Ontario. Second what would be the exact time of fall do you expect to be hunting. Third what would keep me warm you may freeze in and vise versa. There is a huge difference in what you wear from sitting on a stand and what you wear walking or dogging through the bush. Please be more specific and folks can give specifics as to what they wear. Most of what you asking is trial and error for you personally.
 
Last edited:
jric1308 said:
So I'm looking to get some clothing (everything from top to bottom) for the upcoming hunt and am looking for what works for you and what you may have thought was a good idea, but now is lying in the abyss of your closet never to be used again. If you have any specific brand and model suggestions, I'd appreciate hearing it too. Will be doing some stalking and stand hunting in northern Ontario.

My current thoughts are:
- Blaze cap
- neck gaiter (to me, these things are invaluble)
- thin first layer top and bottom
- gloves
- warm hoodie
- blaze thin vest
- warm overall bottoms
- merino socks
- boots
- fanny pack

What do you think?
Click to expand...

All of the above,but,swap the fanny pack for a comfortable back pack that fits well that can carry your lunch,thermos,shells,knife and/or hatchet,bottle(s) of water,rain gear and your folded up jacket or sweaters that you'll peel off when you get overheated.
 
as long as it makes no noise, has no velcro and keeps me dry sitting standing or hiking , it really depends on the weather and the hunt.
 
I am with you regarding the back pack. I bought one because I prefer a backpack over a fanny, but I know if I have the space, I will fill it with everything and the proverbial kitchen sink, so I was considering the fanny. I may just stick with the backpack and practice some restraint with regards to gear (which I can't say I have a lot of hahaha).

I purchased an Alaska Guide Creations Kodiac CUB bino pack, so I will have my glass, rangefinder, tags, headlamp, and the all important lip balm in that, so I'm looking for something that will carry some water, tea, extra ammo, warmers, TP, a small first aid kit, meal bars, and small emergency pouch. Hence my consideration for a fanny pack
 
Good waterproof boots. You cannot cheap out on boots. However, having said this, I have learned over the years that the insulated slip-on 100% rubber boots are the best. Wool socks.
Flip open mitts. Not gloves with fingers. Fingers stay together in mitts and help warm each other.
Good back pack to keep your layers in. Dress as light as possible so you do not sweat while walking in or stalking. Layers can be added when idle and cooling down.
Ear flap fur hat in case it gets real cold.
Just remember to dress light as possible to avoid sweating when active. You don't need long underwear. Your legs and ass won't get cold even when it's cold....and they will just make you wet from not breathing.
 
Layers. Bottom I wear fleece lined blue jeans - fleece not flannel. Normally wear Elk Tracker boots. Upper I wear a t-shirt, flannel shirt, light fleece jacket. Everything on top of that depends on how cold it is, wind, etc. All outer wear is blaze orange. Overalls, jackets, toque, scarf - all orange. I even found a little blaze fanny pack and a cheap blaze backpack. :)

Yes, I know the regulations regarding outer wear. Yes, I know people have been shot wearing orange. Yes, I know you aren't required to wear blaze orange in some jurisdictions.

Over the last 50 years of hunting whitetail in my home area, I have gathered an outfit of clothes that fit me, keep me warm and satisfy my idea of being as safe as possible. I have hunted in some nasty cold weather, 20 below F or lower, sometimes with a wind. I like to walk to a good spot and hunker down in the weeds or scrub until I get chilly, then move on.
 
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