Few things can ruin a hunt faster than cold, wet weather the hunter isn’t prepared for, whether due to a lack of planning or an unexpected change in conditions. The good news for hunters is that each year, countless companies produce an amazing variety of new outerwear and footwear, using technical fabrics, waterproof membranes and a variety of insulating materials designed to help hunters stay in the field, regardless of the weather conditions.

Obviously, many hunters don’t have the disposable income to buy a new $300 jacket or $250 pair of boots every year, but with the quality of construction and materials top manufacturers are using today, they shouldn’t have to.

Suggesting proper care, including following the manufacturer’s recommendations for laundering a waterproof jacket and using a mild detergent, such as Nikwax Tech Wash, can extend the life of the garment. And having a selection of leather-care products available, like a rub-in wax from Obenauf or Sno Seal, or a silicone spray from Scotchgard or Kiwi, along with the advice of the benefits of regular boot maintenance, could keep a hunter’s feet dry for several seasons. Both of these tactics should instill confidence in the customer that you and your team members have his or her best interests in mind.

And let’s remember: Cold weather is relative depending on where a hunter is hunting. A 30-degree, bluebird December day with no wind and low humidity in Nebraska can be quite pleasant for a bowhunter sitting in a treestand, and even a bit warm for active upland hunters chasing pheasants in cut corn fields. And a cloudy 50-degree day in southern Louisiana, with high humidity and strong winds, can be miserable for an unprepared hunter sitting in a duck blind.

Knowing your area, your customers, the seasons they hunt most and the weather conditions they are likely to encounter helps you know what cold-weather gear to carry in your store. The following is a rundown of some of the new products available this year, and some reasons they appeal to hunters.

The Slumberjack Grit Jacket is filled with synthetic insulation suitable for wear when hunting in cool to cold temperatures, and it is great for use as a layering piece when the thermometer really drops. As a bonus, the jacket stuffs into one of its pockets and doubles as a comfortable camp pillow. The Grit Jacket is offered in Slumberjack’s new Perception DST (Disruptive Shadow Technology) camouflage pattern, which is a mixture of sharp outlines and blurred, shadowy colors to break up a hunter’s silhouette at any distance in a variety of terrains. MSRP: $100; (800) 233-6283; www.slumberjack.com

Sitka Gear completely redesigned its new Fanatic System for 2019. The system incorporates quiet fabrics along with water-resistant Gore-Tex Infinium with Windstopper technology to reduce noise and provide protection from the weather. Thanks to a new fabric package, the updated system is quieter and warmer than ever. Even the zippers were updated for noise reduction when layering or venting. New body-mapping insulation delivers added protection in core areas susceptible to heat loss to increase warmth and mobility. The Fanatic System includes a jacket, vest, bibs and pack, all available in the GORE Optifade Elevated II camouflage pattern. Sitka has a reputation for producing quality gear, and many hunters who demand performance from their gear are willing to pay for it. MSRP: Jacket, $449; Bibs, $439; Vest, $279, Pack, $199; (877) 748-5247; www.sitkagear.com

The Nomad Duo-Down Hoodie Vest is an ultralight, packable insulation layer that could save the day if cool temperatures turn cold. The Duo-Down system has a down-proof shell fabric with water-resistant coating. The vest is loaded with 700 fill-power waterproof down that compacts easily for convenient storage in a hunting pack and offers lightweight warmth. MSRP: $110; (800) 226-7956; www.nomadoutdoor.com

Carhartt is known for producing dependable, protective workwear, but the company knows how to keep hunters warm and dry, too. The Carhartt 8-Point Jacket is made from lightweight, 3.5-ounce, 100-percent polyester, lined with nylon quilted to 100-gram polyester insulation for added warmth, and is treated with Rain Defender, a durable, water-repellent finish that beads and sheds rain. The jacket has two lower-front pockets with zipper closures; two inside pockets, one with a zipper closure and one with a hook-and-loop closure; and a chest pocket with magnetic closure. It also has hook-and-loop adjustable cuffs with elastic binding and a drawcord-adjustable hem. The 8-Point is available in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camouflage. MSRP: $100; (800) 833-3118; www.carhartt.com

Próis is one of several companies designing and manufacturing clothing specifically for female hunters. It used a combination of performance fabrics and waterproof technologies to create its new line of Dionla rainwear for women. The jacket and pants are constructed with reinforced three-layer, seam-stretch fabric and cut with an athletic fit that still offers room to add layers underneath without restricting movement. They both have taped seams and waterproof zippers to ensure complete waterproofing and are highly breathable. A fine mesh is bonded to the inner surface for comfort and easy on and off over other layers. The jacket has chest pockets, deep hand pockets and an adjustable storm hood with a rain brim. The pants have articulated knees to promote mobility. Both are offered in the Veil Cumbre camo pattern. Próis chose the name Dionla, which is Gaelic for “harsh weather,” because its clothing designers knew this rainwear was ready to help female hunters stay in the field in the worst conditions. MSRP: Jacket, $300; Pants, $280; (970) 641-3355; www.proishunting.com

Danner, a proven and trusted name in hunting boots, introduced the fifth generation of its iconic Pronghorn Boots in 2019. Danner returned to its traditional 851 last, the same one that produced the great fit and comfort of the first Pronghorns. They have waterproof, full-grain uppers constructed of leather and durable textile material and they feature waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX linings. Options include solid brown, Realtree Edge and Mossy Oak Break-Up Country, with 400-, 800- or 1,200-gram PrimaLoft insulation. Pronghorns typically get really good reviews online and when discussed in internet forums and many hunters who find a pair of boots they like will replace them with the same make and model. MSRP: $230 to $260; (877) 432-6637; www.danner.com

Muck’s updated Edgewater II boots are waterproof and warm, and they are known for being easy to put on and take off — especially for a tall boot. They are constructed with 5mm neoprene uppers that trap body heat and insulate feet from outside cold. Breathable airmesh linings help manage internal moisture. Knee-high rubber boots are versatile, appealing to everyone from deer hunters looking for scent containment on the walk to the treestand and warmth when they get there, to waterfowl hunters setting decoy spreads and hunting from layout blinds in muddy fields, to the guy who wants to leave a weatherproof pair of boots by the door to put on for winter treks to the woodpile or mailbox. MSRP: $130; (855) 377-2668; www.muckbootcompany.com

The most durable and comfortable boots available from Rocky, the new Rams Horn footwear offerings feature quality construction, technological advances and varied insulation options, making these boots perfect for any hunting adventure. They offer a traditional look with 8-inch, full-grain leather uppers with 900-denier nylon and Realtree Edge camo accents. Available styles include 600-, 800- or 1,000-gram of 3M Thinsulate Ultra Insulation. The Rams Horn includes Rocky Rebound cushion technology and a Rocky EnergyBed LX memory foam footbed. The boots also have breathable Rocky VP Waterproof technology with a one-year performance guarantee. MSRP: $170 to $190; (866) 442-4908; www.rockyboots.com

Irish Setter IceTrek waterproof boots are loaded with 1,600-gram PrimaLoft insulation and include ThermalBoost, a multi-zone barrier system that delivers additional insulating protection against brutal cold. Targeting areas prone to heat loss, ThermalBoost adds the equivalent warmth of 400-gram insulation in the toe box and footbed. For more warmth and comfort, IceTrek boots are built on the King-Toe last for extra space in the toe box, to trap warm air and allow room for air-activated toe-warmers. The foundations for IceTrek boots are the Ice Claw RPM-LS outsoles, with RPM composite material and rubber pods for better traction on snow, ice and uneven terrain. Rubber lugs are added to key areas of the outsole to increase traction during heel strike and push off. They have UltraDry waterproofing for breathable protection from wet conditions, and a ScentBan lining kills odor-causing bacteria. A lace-up version is offered in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camouflage, a Boa version is available in Gray. MSRP: Camo w/laces, $230; Gray w/Boa, $250; (888) 738-8370; www.irishsetterboots.com

The new LaCrosse Atlas boot is made with a blend of premium rubber, leather and textile fabric for durability and a secure fit. They sport DuraFit molded-rubber heel cups for better stability on uneven terrain. The LaCrosse LXG rubber outsoles enhance traction, and the InfiniTrac outsole lug design adapts to terrain for improved surface contact. Atlas boots feature Dry-Core waterproof lining and are available uninsulated or with 400-, 800- or 1,200-gram PrimaLoft Insulation, in solid brown, Realtree Edge and Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo. MSRP: $170 to $200; (800) 323-2668; www.lacrossefootwear.com

When it comes to a quality pair of hunting boots featuring waterproof membranes that allow foot perspiration to vent to the outside, in addition to keeping outside moisture out, wearing a cotton gym sock should never be a consideration. Cotton traps and holds moisture in place, preventing it from wicking to the outer surface of the sock, where it can contact the breathable membrane and exit the boot.

Having a selection of good hunting socks, made with natural (wool), synthetic (nylon, acrylic, etc.) or a blend of fibers available, and explaining to potential buyers of a good pair of hunting boots that they won’t experience all the performance they should expect from the combination of quality materials and advanced construction features in the boot if they wear them with cotton socks, might just seal the deal on the sale of the boots and the socks.

Wigwam Authentic Rubber Boot Socks were developed in partnership with the Muck Boot Company, whose boot designers know a thing or two about socks as well. The bulk of the material in these heavyweight socks is Outlast acrylic fibers (46 percent), which regulate the temperature inside boots to try to prevent feet from getting too hot, or too cold. They also include 20 percent wool, 14 percent stretch nylon, 11 percent olefin, 8 percent polypropylene and 1 percent spandex. The tall length and cushioned shin make them perfect for wear with rubber boots. MSRP: $19; (855) 275-0356; www.wigwam.com

Huntworth Stealth Shooters Glove

* Second-skin fit conforms to hands

* Tacky, silicone-print palm enhances grip

* Terry-knit fabric offers four-way stretch performance

* Water-repellent finish

* Microban antimicrobial protection for scent reduction

MSRP: $18; (877) 945-6837; www.huntworthgear.com

Sitka Delta Deek GTX Glove

* Waterproof three-layer GORE-TEX taped shell

* Highly breathable, minimally taped design

* Removable compression-resistant fleece liner

* Synthetic palm and finger panels 

* Elasticized wrist adjustment point

MSRP: $199; (877) 748-5247; www.sitkagear.com

Badlands Merino Liner Gloves

* Data tips in fingers work on touchscreen devices

* Made of temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking merino wool

* Polyester blend increases durability

* Wicking properties pull moisture from skin

* Naturally odor resistant

MSRP: $40; (800) 269-1875; www.badlandspacks.com