When it comes to staying comfortable in all conditions, cotton long johns, polypropylene, and heavy jackets that are bulky and cumbersome should not be the focus. Instead, hunters should focus on building a quality layering system that starts at the next-to-skin base layer and ends with a waterproof exterior. A properly designed layering system will not only allow for nearly infinite combinations to match the weather conditions, it will also outperform simply wearing a “heavier” jacket when it gets cold outside.

When looking for a clothing line to stock the shelves, retailers should look beyond hunting-specific clothing brands when considering products. While many hunting-specific clothing lines are excellent, there are also many good mountaineering and skiing clothing companies, like Helly Hansen or Outdoor Research, that sell through retailers and make exceptional products that can augment a layering system. These companies generally use high-tech materials design to minimize bulk but maximize heat retention, allowing maximum flexibility. Sure, they are generally only offered in solid colors rather than camouflage, but as a base or mid-layer, camouflage patterns are not important, and even on outer layers, for many hunting situations, camouflage is not a necessity. 

Next-To-Skin Base Layer

Hands down, wearing the appropriate next-to-skin base layer is the most important piece of a layering system, and there isn’t a close second. Base layers are important because they help to wick or pull away moisture from the skin. They are specifically helpful in situations where a hunter must hike or travel to a hunting spot that induces the body to sweat. If the moisture from sweat is not removed or controlled, once the hunter becomes idle, this moisture will rapidly cool, leaving the hunter damp and uncomfortable. 

The first place to start with a base layering system is likely not where one thinks. Instead of thinking about bottoms and tops, hunters should instead look at undergarments and liner socks, as these regions both generate significant moisture and are the key starting point to retaining body heat. Like other pieces in a base layering system, undergarments and thin liner socks should be made from synthetic or natural materials, like merino wool, and never cotton. In fact, cotton should be avoided throughout the layering system entirely, as unlike other materials, cotton provides no insulation value when it gets wet.

While there are synthetic materials that outperform cotton, nothing truly beats merino wool. While the thought of wool in, umm, sensitive regions sound less than appealing, merino wool boxer briefs, like those made by Smartwool, are extremely comfortable without any itch. In fact, starting with a Smartwool base layer consisting of their boxer briefs and liner socks is a great first step. While many companies have their own version of synthetic wicking material, for the money, nothing beats natural merino wool for performance. For instance, a downfall to many synthetics is they really stink after a day in the field. On the other hand, merino wool, even after multiple days between showers, is far less ripe, as it does an excellent job at wicking away moisture and staving off the formation of odor-causing bacteria. I don’t want to discourage anyone from selling synthetics, as they are also proven performers, but understanding the benefits of wool and being able to articulate those benefits to a customer is the first step in providing an alternative product for their specific system.  

In addition to undergarments and liner socks, a base layer system should include tops and bottoms made from similar synthetic materials or merino wool. Companies including Smartwool, Banded Hunting Gear, Sitka Gear, and others all make synthetic and merino offerings in various weights. Lighter-weight base layers are good for mid-season hunts, while heavier weight materials are ideal to layer on top of lightweight options when it gets colder.

This next-to-skin system, despite being sleek and lightweight, will keep hunters far warmer than wearing a four-inch-thick puffy jacket that inhibits motion. No one wants to be dressed like Randy in A Christmas Story, and the good news is, you don’t have to if you do it right!

Mid-Layer

Unlike a base layer that is thin and body-contouring, mid-layers are thicker to provide insulation. Mid-layers consist of things like fleece sweatpants/bottoms and a wool, down, fleece, or other synthetic material top. Good mid-layers can have a hood, be a simple thin down jacket, include a wind-proof liner, or be made from a solid fleece material. 

Examples of good mid-layers include Sitka Gear’s Fanatic Hoody and Smartwool’s Fleece Tech Pants. Thin “puff” jackets with down or synthetic down are also a great choice to add insulation while being lightweight, as the air voids are great at trapping heat inside and keeping the cold out. 

Once a top and bottom mid-layer is selected, don’t forget about socks. Technically a mid-layer, high-quality wool socks over a liner sock are a must-have. Merino or alpaca wool socks are available from a plethora of suppliers and generally come in different weights/thicknesses. It is a good idea for every layering system to consist of a base liner sock to control moisture and get it away from the skin and two different thicknesses of wool socks to place over top of the liner. This allows hunters to select the appropriate sock the day of the hunt, basing their decision on the temperature, hunting style, and boot choice. And advise your shoppers to avoid cotton socks at all costs.

Outer Layers

For all intents and purposes, there are two types of outer layers: waterproof and non-waterproof. While outer layers can be purchased with waterproof membranes, the most effective layering system consists of a base, mid, and outer layer PLUS a thin, packable rain layer. This combination allows hunters to pick the best combination of layering pieces without focusing on an outer layer that is simply waterproof. Additionally, having a separate rain layer allows the layering system to function like it should, by allowing hunters to remove the outer layer or even the mid layer on hot days while still having peace of mind that they can add their rain layer as needed, regardless of the temperature. 

Like mid-layers, there are many different types of outer layers. As mentioned above, water resistance is less important when planning to have a separate rain layer, but one place not to skimp is to make sure it is windproof. One of the quickest ways to get cold, even with a great layering system, is to stand in 50 mph winds without any wind buffer. Having a windproof liner in an outer layer goes a long way into making sure the layering system does what is supposed to. Without one, the rain layer can serve as this layer, but it is more effective to have it built in to the outer layer for maximum efficiency. 

In addition to a windproof material, outer layers should add some insulation value to the layering system. Good outer layers include a fleece jacket or an outer layer made of another, similar, synthetic material. Softshell jackets/pants with fleece linings are very popular outer layers, as they provide the wind-stopping layer while remaining flexible enough to allow for typical movements. 

Rain Layer

The main criteria for a rain layer should be that the rain layer is waterproof (not water resistant), packs down small, and has reasonable durability. Companies like Frogg Toggs and Browning make great, lightweight, and packable options. The rain layer is not designed to add insulation value per say, and should not be thick or heavy. Instead, it should be small and serve its only purpose: to keep you dry.

Personal preference often decides the brand and camouflage pattern a buyer chooses due to their lack of understanding of other manufacturer’s products or previous experiences. Vendors armed with critical information about how a layering system is supposed to works go a long way to selling products that make a difference. With today’s vast market of layering system options, the days of picking a big bulky jacket that looks warm should be a thing of the past. Instead, hunters should focus on designing a custom layering system that is lightweight and made from quality materials for maximum performance.  

Base Layer Option 

Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Hoodie

I can’t stress enough how body temperature control starts with the base layer, and Smartwool’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Hoody is a great place to start. The heaviest-weight base layer Smartwool makes, this hoodie is perfect to wear as part of a full layering system or just as a base layer underneath and outer layer. It is made from 100% Merino wool, to assist with moisture and odor control, and excels at keeping body temperature in, even when damp or wet.

Mid-Layer Option

Sitka Gear Fanatic Hoody

Featuring fleece insulation and Polygiene Odor Control, Sitka Gear’s Fanatic hoody is a great mid-layer option. Featuring a built-in hand muff and flip-over hand mitts, the Fanatic can also be worn as an outer layer in warmer temperatures. It includes a hood with built-in breathable face mask ant other functional designs that make it very versatile. As part of a complete layering system, the Fanatic has many uses and is a great multi-purpose addition to any system.

Outer Layer Option

Banded Utility 2.0 Jacket

Banded’s Utility 2.0 Jacket can be worn as a traditional outer layer over a mid and base layer combination or simply over a base layer on warmer days. It features a wind-blocking, midweight soft-shell exterior that is lined with a tec-fleece warmth grid and water-resistant DWR-treated exterior. Flexible and soft, the Utility 2.0 doesn’t restrict movement, allowing users to hike, climb, or shoot without feeling constrained.

Rain Layer Option

Browning Kanawha Rain Gear 

Having a good, lightweight rain layer is a key and often overlooked component of a layering system. Browning’s Kanawha Rain Gear features a reliable waterproof/breathable membrane and fully taped seams to ensure that your layering system is sealed off against the elements. Unlike other thin and flimsy rain jackets, Browning’s outer shell fabric is tough enough to shrug off brush while remaining light enough to stuff away inside your pack.