How to Layer for Cold Weather Hunting in 2023

Are you tired of freezing during your cold weather hunting trips? Do you want to learn how to stay warm, comfortable, and safe in the great outdoors?

Hunting throughout the year should be comfortable and successful. During the late season of hunting, hunters typically hide in deer stands or tree stands and wait for deer to emerge from their hiding places. On the other hand, hunting in the winter is not the same as hunting in the summer. Hunters must dress warmly to defend themselves from the bitter cold. I’ll show you how to layer for cold weather hunting in this article. Otherwise, the cold can be extremely problematic for you.

Sometimes, you must stand for hours to manage your body temperature and protect yourself from cold weather. Furthermore, three clothing layers provide sufficient warmth and comfort.

While selecting the clothes, remember to carefully get each clothing layer’s right size. Besides, you also need to determine what type of layers you need for your hunting style. Your special considerations for clothing for hunting will be incredibly beneficial if done keeping in mind the requirements of different styles of hunting and weather conditions. Different hunting styles include spot and stalk, waterfowl hunting, and treestand hunting.

How To Layer Properly For Cold Weather Hunting – The Three Layers

1- First Layer: The Base Layer

The base layer should not be too warm and made of comfortable material as it will be in direct contact with your body. But base layer clothing can be made of different styles for different temperatures.

For example, First lite makes base layers of three wool weights suitable for warm, cold, or very cold temperatures. The materials used mostly for base layer clothing include,

Merino Wool: It is the most preferred material for base layers as it provides comfort and protects the body from moisture. Also, it is best to keep your body warm in low temperatures.

Polyester: Polyester fiber is also great for base layer clothing. It offers breathability as it is light and comfortable to wear. Besides, it is inexpensive, durable, and reliable for hunting and hiking.

Silk: It keeps your body warm enough for standing for hours in cold weather. However, it absorbs water but dries fast and offers moisture-wicking performance. Therefore, it can be used as a base layer of clothing.

Polypropylene: Just like merino wool and silk, polypropylene also offers reliable moisture-wicking performance. It dries fast after absorbing moisture and is long-lasting material for base layer clothing. These materials make the base layer an insulation layer.

Moreover, it protects the body from getting wet. Therefore, focus on buying the best material for the base layer as it will safeguard your body. Don’t choose cotton clothes for the base layer as it has several cons. It absorbs water and will take forever to dry in low temperatures. Thus, it will be uncomfortable for your body.

2- Second Layer: Mid-Layer

As it will be worn above the base layer, it needs to be a little loose but not too much to feel loose even wearing on the base layer. The material used for the mid-layer can be the same as the base layer, such as merino wool or polyester or some other material like nylon, fleece, or some other type of thermal.

A mid-layer will increase the insulation as well as keep your body dry. As it will be on top of the base layer, it will wick the moisture away from the base layer. In short, it works the same as a base layer to add to the insulation and protection.

3- Third Layer: The Outer Layer

Hunting in the cold or stormy weather will require you to consider your clothes, especially your clothes. Therefore, just like the inner two layers, the outer layer of your clothing should also be protecting enough to act as a shield against the coldness and the storm.

Usually, an outer layer consists of a jacket, bibs, or coveralls with hoods. These clothes should be waterproof and water-resistant to repel water, snow, or wind. Besides, comfortability is the priority. They should not be too tight to make it uncomfortable for you.

Also, as they will be above the two inner layers, you will need them in loose size to fit properly. Mostly, these are the three main layers of clothing for hunters. However, you can add another layer as an additional layer of some clothes and accessories if you want to.

Different Hunting Styles of Cold Weather Hunting

1- Spot and Stalk Hunting

You move around to spot a buck, and once you see it, you hide and become still to tag it quietly. It means you are hunting in spot and stalk style. Spotting and stalking mean you may be actively following the buck at one moment and maybe still at the other moment.

In low temperatures, being still for some minutes and hours can be difficult without sufficient and suitable clothing layers. For spotting and stalking,
The base layer should not be too warm to make it difficult to breathe while moving. The material can be of any kind but should be lightweight to make it breathable. There are various go-to base layers available for spotting and stalking that you can choose from.

While the mid-layer for spot and stalk is preferred with a zip so you can unzip it if you feel warm during the move. The outer layer needs to be of the most reliable material and water-resistant. But being well protected, an outer layer of clothing should also provide breathability. For spot and stalk, bibs or coveralls rather than the jacket will be more suitable as they will allow some perspiration.

Besides the three layers, accessories or special considerations for insulation and cold can be done. A hat or gloves will make a lot of difference for you on the move or while resting at a spot. The products or accessories should be packable so you can carry them around in your backpack when you don’t need to wear them.

2- Waterfowl Hunting

As it feels colder in waterfowl hunting because of lower temperature, wind, and less moving around, you will need more warm clothes for waterfowl hunting than for spot and stalk hunting. Also, there are more chances of getting wet, so you need to wear wind and waterproof clothing.

The base layer should be of sufficiently warm and comfortable clothing. This layer will protect your body from moisture; therefore, choose the material that can wick the moisture away from your body.

The same material used for the base layer can be used for the mid-layer. You can add or remove this layer if you feel cold or warm. While the outer layer needs to be the most protective for waterfowl hunting, get waterproof jackets and coveralls and keep yourself covered from head to toe.

3- Treestand Hunting

Treestand hunting needs comfort and clothes that can offer proper insulation. You can choose to wear additional layers for this type of hunting.
The base layer can be as much warmer as you want. You won’t feel uncomfortable with heavier clothes for base layer clothing. The weather will demand to be fully covered.

Some items for mid-layer clothing can be added or removed and kept in your backpack. But you won’t feel the need to remove them and even need them in warmer material. It will add to the insulation as well. Also, getting a fleece with a hood for additional coverage will be better.

The outer layer for treestand hunting should be most protective and soft and act as a shield for your body from coldness and treestand metal seats. You can add bibs for the body for more insulation between the mid-layer and outer layer.

FAQs

What is the best base layer for cold weather hunting?

The best base layer for hunting is a moisture-wicking material like merino wool, synthetic fabrics, or silk that provides warmth without bulk. Choose a layer with odor control technology and select based on personal preference and hunting conditions.

How many layers do you need for 0 degrees?

For low temperatures, three or four (one as an additional layer) will be enough to provide you warmth, but you will have to choose the materials for these layers for special considerations.

How many layers do you need for winter?

Three layers of clothing: a Base layer and a Mid-layer, and the outer layer of the clothing is mostly worn by hunters for hunting in winters.

How to layer for hunting cold weather?

To layer properly for hunting in cold weather, start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating layer, choose a windproof and waterproof outer layer, layer accessories, and allow for ventilation. Adjust layers as needed throughout the day.

Conclusion – How to layer for hunting cold weather

Find out about the weather conditions of the area you are deciding to hunt in and also consider the type of hunting you choose. Keep your backpack spacious for mid-layers or accessories as you may need to add or remove them for the cold or warm weather.

Clothes will significantly affect your comfort level; therefore, your hunt will bring the best profit for you with the best preparation of clothing layers.

Additional Common Questions

What is the ultimate layering technique for hunting in extremely cold weather?

In order to endure the chill of winter while hunting, a strategic layering technique is crucial for comfort. The ideal system uses four separate layers. Starting with a base layer, this is the layer that sits against your skin. Importantly, it must be comfortable and adapt to varied temperatures. Following that, you should layer a mid-layer fleece. This is typically a lightweight layer that helps to trap warm air close to your body.

On top of your fleece, you will need a mid-layer insulated jacket. Ideally this jacket should be padded for extra warmth. Lastly, to protect you from rain or snow, it’s advisable to finish with an outer-layer rain jacket. When picking out these layers, ensure they're all the same size in order to comfortably fit over each other.

From personal experience, this type of layering system has kept me protected in the harshest cold while keeping freedom of movement. A very important aspect when you're out hunting.

Which fabric is most effective for layering in bitterly cold weather?

In my years of braving the cold for various outdoor activities, I’ve found that Merino wool stands out as the most effective and favored fabric for base layers. Derived from a special breed of sheep known as the Merino sheep, this type of wool not only guarantees the required protection but it is also extremely soft, thereby ensuring comfort.

As well as being warm, another outstanding feature of Merino wool is its moisture-wicking properties. This means even when you're sweating, Merino wool will help keep you dry. In the icy cold, staying dry equates to staying warm. Trust me, a day out in the cold can quickly turn miserable if your base layer isn't keeping you warm and dry.

What are the ideal clothing layers to wear for hunting in 30 degree weather?

During colder times, when the temperatures fall somewhere between 30-40 degrees and the weather is calm, layering appropriately can make your hunting experience a lot more comfortable. Having spent many winters in varying degrees of cold, here’s what I suggest:

Your base layer should ideally be made up of warm wool-based layers. Following this base layer, long underwear serves as an excellent midlayer. It is lightweight yet insulates effectively.

When it comes to your outer layer, wool clothing should also be your go-to. Wool has superb insulating properties, and can keep you warm even when it gets wet.

Finally, don't forget about your feet. Opt for wool socks (always) and the LaCrosse AeroHead boot, if possible. I can personally vouch for the fact that cold feet can ruin a hunting trip faster than anything!

Can you explain the concept of the 3 layer rule for winter?

The ‘3 layer rule’ is a popular guideline to follow for dressing appropriately in cold weather. This approach consists of three layers: a base layer, a mid-layer, and an outer layer.

Your base layer, which is essentially a 'sweat-proof' layer, should have moisture-wicking capabilities. The mid-layer is designed to insulate by trapping a layer of warm air around your body. Lastly, an outer layer protects you against wind and rain while allowing any excess body heat to escape.

I can't stress enough how vital a layering technique can be for staying warm and comfortable during the winter months. I've spent many a winter day outside and this method has not only kept me warm, but it also offers the flexibility to add or remove layers as the temperature fluctuates.