Clothing Tips for Colder Expeditions

TipsProducts
Written By Dorothy Kansal
 

Changing seasons means changing gear

The days are getting colder, and temps are dropping into the single digits or below. If you’re out there hunting already, you know the drill—when the weather changes, so should your gear. But if you’re new to this here’s what to keep in mind as you venture into adventure outdoors!

By the way, we are linking to products for sale throughout. We don’t sell any of these or benefit from their purchase in any way. Do your own research and buy what works for you!

 
 

Clothing

Clothes can make or break the hunt. When you’re out hunting, you’re often sitting for long periods, waiting for your target. When we’re still, we can’t generate additional body heat from movement, but we can try to keep the heat we’ve got and prevent it from escaping.

Layers

Your best friend when it comes to trapping warmth. Make heat work its way through multiple materials before it can escape. But not all layers are equal — you need good insulation and to stay flexible— the sweet spot is generally agreed to be three layers: base, mid, and outer.

 
 

Your base layer’s job is to keep you dry by wicking away moisture. Go for fabrics like polyester, nylon, or merino wool—avoid cotton, since it holds onto moisture and pulls heat away from you. Polyester and nylon are durable and warm enough for most days, but if it’s freezing, merino wool is the way to go. Here are a few recommendations for base layers:

If it's especially cold, merino wool options are perfect:

 
 

The mid layer depends on the temperature. You can go with flannel, fleece, wool, or a thicker polyester knit, and if it’s rainy, a waterproof option is a good idea. Here are a few ideas:

For a wool option:

 
 

Finally, your outer layer should be waterproof and wind-resistant to keep the elements out. Here are some great options for both waterproof and windproof jackets:

Waterproof Jackets:

Windproof Jackets:

Winter Jackets:

 
 

As for pants, the same idea applies—if it’s seriously cold, three layers might be necessary, but if it’s not too bad, underwear and a solid insulating outer layer will usually do the trick. Some recommendations:

Waterproof and Insulated Pants:

Merino Wool and Polyester Layers:

Accessories

Accessories play a big role too, protecting the parts of your body that are most exposed—like your hands, feet, and head.

 
 

For socks, moisture-wicking materials like polyester or nylon are great choices to keep your feet dry and warm (merino wool is perfect if it’s really cold). It’s also smart to pack an extra pair just in case your feet get wet.

Socks Recommendations:

 
 

When it comes to gloves, look for ones that are insulated, moisture-wicking, and waterproof—materials like polyester, nylon, or merino wool work well. A thin waterproof hood should be enough to keep your ears covered for now, and many jackets come with a built-in hood.

Glove Recommendations:

 
 

For shoes, waterproof options with good grip are key to keeping your feet dry and comfortable no matter the terrain.

Shoes Recommendations:

 
 

And if you have equipment, including firearms, waterproof covers can help protect them from rust and moisture.

Equipment Covers:

 

Bob Blaylock, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Warmers

Let’s be honest—losing body heat is inevitable in cold weather, even with all the layers. That’s where warmers come in handy.

There are different types of warmers: chemical, rechargeable, and refillable gas warmers.

Refillable gas warmers are usually the safest as hand warmers. They’re really hot because they use an internal flame to generate heat. Chemical warmers are reusable and filled with gel, which moves with your body, so you can use them anywhere. Rechargeable warmers are great for your hands and pockets, as they are made of plastic and are rigid.

Warmers Recommendations:

 
 

Food

Now that we’ve covered what to put on your body, let’s talk about what to put in your body. When it comes to cold weather, it’s important to have food and energy to keep you going. Our body burns a lot of calories to stay warm, so it’s important we keep feeding it. Bringing snacks on the hunt is a great idea.

Protein bars, trail mix, berries, or anything with a mix of simple carbs and protein will keep you going longer. By the way, have you heard about the marshmallow protein bars? They’re just like eating marshmallows, but the twist is they’re full of protein! Might be a great snack for your next hunting trip. (We’re not endorsing these, but if you’re curious, you can find them at Costco!)

Snack Recommendations:

 
 

Hunter Orange

As a licensed hunter in Ontario, you must wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange vest and headgear. This protects you from other hunters and helps identify you. You can find more details here: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary.

Hunter Orange Gear Recommendations:

Let us know how your outdoor adventures are going!

 
Dorothy Kansal
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Learn To Hunt (OHEP) is Sunday, November 3.