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Hunting Supplies Clothing

Best Hunting Jackets – 2024 Reviews And Top Picks

Having the right clothes for hunting is crucial. Not only do you want to be able to stay dry whilst you are hunting, but you’d also want to stay warm and that’s a delicate balance. Hunting is all about the thrill, but you won’t have that if you’re all cold and wet! This is why we’re going to help you find the best hunting jacket for your needs. Trust me, I am someone who knows!

My background in hunting stems right back to my childhood when I’d go out hunting with my grandpa. We’d go out in all weather conditions, come rain or shine. More often than not it would be in rain! Grandpa was old, but he didn’t think too much about my clothing at times. I remember sitting there shivering in his ground blind and then one day he gave me his old hunting jacket. It made all the difference to me. From then on, I’ve been toasty warm in my hunting expeditions.

I kept that jacket until I was a fully grown adult and once it became a little too threadbare, I decided to look for a new one. It was a minefield and I didn’t know where to start! So, welcome to our hunting jacket reviews! You’ll not be stuck like me as I’ve since spent years researching and trying out a number of hunting jackets, coats, and vests. So, I’ve done all the hard work for you!

Best Hunting Jackets for the Money: Top 10 Reviews

Top Choice for Men

1 Carhartt Men’s Quilted Flannel Lined Duck Active Jacket

Carhartt Men’s Quilted Flannel Lined Duck Active Jacket

If you don’t get your jacket right, the whole expedition might end up miserably. The chill, the rain, snow or raging wind will test your patience and dedication. Matching with the weather condition, we put the Carhartt quilted flannel lined Duck Active Jacket to test to see if it could live up to our expectation. Our putting it to the top of the list should give you some idea, spoiler alert!

The jacket is particularly built for cold weather. The outside is made from 100% cotton ring-spun duck canvas at 12 ounces for ultra-durability. The hood is a nice addition. It is also adjustable with drawcord closure to keep out the wind and the cuffs and waist are rib-knit to keep the cold out too. The quilted lining is inside the hood and body for even more warmth. and the fact that it’s wind-and water-resistant means that it’ll stand the test of time as well as keeping you warm and dry out in the field.

The hood This jacket ticks all the boxes in terms of how well it keeps out the element whilst you’re out hunting. The large size measures 29” and the large tall measures 31”. There are two pockets at the front at the bottom as well as two inside pockets for extra bits and pieces. The fact that you can wash this one at home, and even tumble dry it, makes it a winner for me!

When we did our research, the price ranged from $90 to just under $160. This is quite a wide range in price, so make sure you check out the latest deals when looking to buy it.

Specifications

  • Carhartt Gear Collection
  • 100% Cotton outer
  • Quilted lining made from nylon
  • Zipper fastening
  • Machine washable
  • Tumble dry briefly on low setting
  • Drawstring hood
  • Kangaroo split pocket at the front
  • Rib-knit waistband and cuffs

Pros

  • Cozy and warm
  • Lots of pockets
  • Fully machine-washable and can be tumble dried
  • Cuffs and hood to keep out the cold

Cons

  • We couldn’t find anything

Our Verdict

It’s no surprise that this one is in our top spot. It keeps you warm and dry whilst out in the field thanks to its thick insulated layers, pockets, rib-knit cuffs, and tie-cord hood. The fact you can wash and dry it at home is the biggest plus too, in my opinion.

2 Caterpillar Men’s Heavy Insulated Parka

Caterpillar Men’s Heavy Insulated Parka

This heavily insulated parka jacket from Caterpillar is another great buy. It is fully resistant to the elements as it is heavily insulated heavyweight polyester as well as being windproof and water-resistant. The outer shell and the lining are also made from 100% polyester. To protect you, even more, there is a two-way zipper at the front with two storm flaps for optimum protection.

As for the hood, it’s removable with a zipper and is lined in microfleece for the ultimate comfort and warmth. The hood also has drawcords that can be adjusted with cord locks to keep out the cold and the wind. There are also cords at the waist and bottom hem too. We felt really snug when testing this one out. The cuffs are also adjustable as well, which adds to its snugness.

You know I love a good pocket. Well, this one has multiple pockets for all your bits and pieces. There’s even a sleeve pocket with snap closure as well as a vertical pocket with a zipper.

This one is dark in color, but it does have a reflective panel on the front so that you can be seen by other hunters for your safety. Additionally, you can wash this hunting apparel in the machine! Bonus! This jacket is a really close second to our top choice.

Specifications

  • 100% polyester insulation, lining and shell.
  • Two-way zipper fastening
  • Machine washable
  • Removable zip-off hood
  • Microfleece lined hood with draw cord with cord locks
  • Snap-closure storm flaps
  • Adjustable cuffs
  • Draw cords with cord locks at the bottom and waist

Pros

  • Removable hood
  • Resistant to the elements
  • Fits well with cord adjustments
  • Loads of pockets
  • Affordable price
  • Water-resistant, windproof and insulated

Cons

  • The zippers were a little tricky

Our Verdict

As you can tell, we loved this one as part of the outfit! There were so many things that kept us toasty warm from the double storm flaps, the adjustable cords, the cuffs, the hem, the waist… not to mention the thick insulation! The fact that you can take the hood off is also a great plus as is the amazing array of pockets that it has. Us hunters all love a good pocket!

3 Wantdo Men’s Mountain Waterproof Ski Jacket

Wantdo Men’s Mountain Waterproof Ski Jacket

Third place is the Wantdo Mountain Waterproof Ski Jacket. It has a warm and water-repellent fabric and a lovely fuzzy lining. It’s made from 240g polyester fiber, keeping you warm in all weathers. It can even withstand water at more than 10,000mm pressure head, so you really won’t get wet.

For the wind, there are adjustable cuffs with Velcro fastenings as well as stretchy glove parts that have thumb holes to lock in the warmth. There’s also a snap skirt that’s windproof inside with a drawcord at the hemp. The hood is also detachable and fully adjustable to make sure that the wind stays out. The soft-shell outer is also resistant to the wind too.

To sum up, the fabric is made from 75D x150D polyester with a polyurethane membrane – no wonder it’s wind and water-resistant. It also repels stains as well! The lining is made ergonomically with 3-structured cuts and a fuzzy lining to keep you warm as well as allowing you to move freely whilst wearing it. But it also has a micro-pore structure that lets air move freely through the fabric, so you don’t end up sweating.

As for pockets, there are two hand pockets with zippers, a chest pocket that has a zipper top, an inside pocket, a secure inside pocket for your devices, and there’s a line fastening for your earphones inside to top it off.

Specifications

  • 75D x 150D polyester fabric with PU layer
  • Windproof
  • Water-resistant even under high pressures
  • Breathable
  • Stain repellant
  • Gloved cuffs with thumb holes
  • Warm fuzzy lining
  • Lots of different pockets
  • Headphone placement

Pros

  • Good pricing
  • Tons of features
  • Thumb-hole tuck cuffs
  • Lots of pockets
  • Fully waterproof

Cons

  • Weaker seams and stitching at the seams

Our Verdict

We loved this one. It was so warm and cozy, and the thumb-hole cuffs really added to that as well. I liked the fact I could easily access my headphones while out and about and that there were lots of pockets. No wonder why it’s one of the top rated hunting jackets out there. The fact that it was really affordable was a total plus as well. What’s not to like with a fuzziness inside like with the Wantdo ski jacket?

4 Columbia Men’s Glennaker Lake Packable Rain Jacket

Columbia Men’s Glennaker Lake Packable Rain Jacket

The next up is the Columbia Men’s Glennaker Lake Packable Rain Jacket. This one is inspired by mountaineers in its design to try and get effective waterproofing in a lightweight jacket. And it really is lightweight! It weighs just 11.7 ounces!

It is made from 100% nylon and is easily packable. This means that you can put it in your backpack and head out without a worry. When it rains you can just whip it out and put it on, it’ll protect you from the rain and the wind. It is stylish and comfortable as well.

If you’re a casual hunter that mostly sticks to drier hunting seasons and are looking for a packable waterproof jacket to carry with you if you’re caught short in bad weather, this is certainly a great choice for you. The design is really simple with a hood that hides away.

However, one thing we did find was that it didn’t offer a true water-tight membrane, which was slightly disappointing for some of our testers. Likewise, the zippers are not water-resistant. So, although it might not be as waterproof as a true, full hiking waterproof, it keeps you dry enough in a quick shower whilst hunting. It won’t offer full protection if you’re in a downpour.

Specifications

  • 100% nylon
  • 7 ounces in weight
  • Easily packable
  • Shower-proof
  • Wind-proof

Pros

  • Hidden hood
  • Lightweight
  • Can be packed away and carried easily
  • Stylish, simple design

Cons

  • Not suitable for storms or heavier rainfall

Our Verdict

We loved this one for how lightweight it was and how easily we could stash it into our kit. Of course, we would only take this one out hunting with us if the weather was predicted to be mostly light rain or dry – it certainly wouldn’t cope well in a thunderstorm and can’t be part of your rain gear! But for the fair-weather hunters, it’s one of the best hunting jackets for men!

5 Rothco Special Ops Soft Shell Jacket

Rothco Special Ops Soft Shell Jacket

The next in our list is the Rothco Special Ops Soft Shell Jacket. This one has three layers in its make-up, so it deflects the wind, retains heat and wicks away any moisture too.

The outer shell is made from waterproof polyester fabric. There are also more than six pockets with zippers that are extremely versatile, meaning that you can store all of your kits with you. On the reverse side, there’s a back pocket with a double zipper which is better for storing large gear and other items.

Additionally, this one has a collar that is fleece-lined and stands up too to keep you warm in cool winds and colder weather. The collar also houses a removable hood that’s cleverly concealed within it.

In terms of its tactical features, it has a zipper that zips two ways as well as a drawstring at the waist. This means you can easily use the zippers to access pockets in your pants. The elasticated cuffs at the wrist are fully adjustable and there are ventilation zippers under the arms too to keep you cool. Likewise, there are two loop Velcro shoulder patches measuring 4 x 4.

It comes in sizes XS to 7XL, so a chest width of 42.5” up to 66”. With sizing so versatile, it’s suitable for practically any body size and shape. It comes in seven colors too, including woodland camo and subdued urban camo varieties.

Specifications

  • 3 layers of high-performance materials:
  • Polyester shell for wind and water repellent effects
  • Middle layer to wick away moisture
  • Inner fleece layer for warmth
  • Lots of pockets, both internal and external
  • Loop 4 x 4” patches on the shoulders
  • Adjustable waist
  • Double zipper
  • Versatile sizing
  • Concealed hood

Pros

  • Three layers for warmth, dryness, and breathability
  • Lots of great tactical features
  • Lots of pockets
  • Concealed hood
  • Great sizing and color options

Cons

  • Some testers found the underarm zips a little uncomfortable
  • The collar can feel a little bulky when the hood is packed away

Our Verdict

Overall, we think this is one of the best fleece hunting jackets out there and we loved this hunting jacket for its versatility on so many levels. It has so many features and pockets that made it really easy when we were out hunting. We also stayed cool, warm, and dry in it thanks to its three layers. It also fits all testers easily thanks to the sizing options. The fact it also comes in many color options is fantastic as well!

Top Women’s Hunting Jackets

6 Carhartt Women’s Sherpa Lined Sandstone Sierra Jacket

Carhartt Women's Sherpa Lined Sandstone Sierra Jacket

Our top hunting jacket choice for women is the Carhartt Sherpa Lined Sandstone Sierra Jacket. This one is machine washable, which is what you want in a hunting jacket.

The Sherpa lining makes it extra warm as it is made from 12oz, 100% cotton sandstone duck featuring princess back seams making it fit in a premium quality way. The cotton is also brushed so it’s really cozy and warm. You can also move easily with it having an inbuilt bi swing. The Sherpa lining is not only in the body but also in the hood.

The sleeves have quilted nylon lining and rib-knit interior storm cuffs which keep out the cold. There are two pockets on the inside, one on the left chest and a zipper pocket too. Additionally, there are triple-stitched seams for true strength. The elbows are pleated so you have extra freedom of movement in your arms whilst hunting too.

Essential to know is that this one can be machine-washed and can also be tumble dried (at low heats). You can also iron most of it but not the ornamentation.

Specifications

  • Carhartt Gear Brand
  • Machine washable
  • Zipper front and storm cuffs
    Multiple pockets
  • Rear princess seaming
  • Triple-stitched seams
  • 100% cotton sandstone duck materials
  • Nylon lining in sleeves
  • Pleated elbows

Pros

  • Warm lining
  • Stylish and comfy
  • Machine washable and can be tumble dried
  • Triple stitched seams

Cons

  • Some of the testers thought it was a little short in the length

Our Verdict

For a woman, this one is a great choice thanks to its toasty warm cotton lining with all the great features it has for ease of movement too. It’s durable too thanks to its triple-stitched seams! The fact that we could give it a wash after a muddy hunting expedition was a total bonus for us and the fact that we could tumble dry it as well. It meant that we could pop it in the wash one day after a hunt and still wear it the very next day. Overall, our testers loved it!

7 Legendary Whitetails Women’s Saddle Country Shirt Jacket

Legendary Whitetails Women’s Saddle Country Shirt Jacket

Second, up for the ladies is the Legendary Whitetails Saddle Country Shirt Jacket. Made from 63% cotton, 37% polyester in the shell, 100% cotton body lining and 100% nylon sleeve lining, this one is great for lots of purposes, not just hunting!

Its shell is flannel lined and is finished with accents of corduroy and a heavy-duty zipper. There’s a drop tail at the rear and large cargo pockets that have top flaps. The pockets are also lined for warmth for your hands too.

This jacket is also tough for hunting but is stylish enough to wear for a night on the town. The shell is a wax cotton-polyester soft-washed blend and there’s a storm flap that snaps down too to keep out the elements.

The Legendary brand metal tag is made from antique embossed brass and there’s also their Signature embroidery on there too. The cuffs and collar are chambray trim lined adding a color pop too. In terms of style, this is definitely a winner for women.

You can wash this one with similar colors but there’s a warning against ironing certain decorative parts.

Specifications

  • A mix of cotton and nylon
  • Back drop hem
  • Flannel lined
  • Corduroy accents
  • Heavy duty zippers and storm flaps
  • Machine washable
  • Stylish design
  • Warm pockets

Pros

  • Stylish design
  • Durable with strong zippers and fabric
  • Warm thanks to the flannel lining and thick-lined pockets

Cons

  • Not so effective at withstanding full force heavy rain

Our Verdict

If you want to look the part whilst out hunting, this is the best hunting jacket for you. It doesn’t compromise style for substance. It is warm thanks to its flannel lining and thickly lined pockets for your hands as well as having a drop-down hem at the rear so you can sit whilst keeping warm on even the coldest bench. Moreover, it’s totally on-trend and makes you look the part. You can even wear it every day – it’s that stylish!

Best Unisex Hunting jacket

8 ARSUXEO Winter Warm UP Thermal Softshell Jacket

ARSUXEO Winter Warm UP Thermal Softshell Jacket

As for a unisex jacket, first up is the Arsuxeo Winter Warm UP Thermal Softshell Jacket. This one is made from tri-layer fabric to keep you dry as well as warm. It’s made from a combination of 85% polyester and 15% spandex.

The outer layer is a windbreaker surface that’s durable and rugged. It also causes water to bead up and prevents stains as a result. The next layer has a breathable and waterproof membrane film with the inner/base layer being a warm, soft fleece.

Additionally, this jacket has an elastic hem with a drop tail which keeps you drier and warmer in the places it matters when hunting. There are also reflective parts on the back and front to make sure that you can be seen by other hunters and don’t become a target!

There are two pockets including one on the front chest area with a zipper. The cuffs are designed to be longer to give your wrists extra coverage. There are stretch insert panels too to give you optimum air circulation and mobility (but they do say that these parts are not windproof or waterproof). These are the black areas of the jacket.

The great thing about this one is that we found it to be multi-functional. It was great when we used it for walking and cycling as well as hunting.

Specifications

  • 3-layer construction
  • Thermal
  • Low-drop hem
  • Longer cuffs
    Water-resistant (on the color parts)
  • Wind-resistant (for the color parts)
  • Two pockets
  • Stretch panels for movement
  • Multi-functional
  • Hi-vis and reflective sections

Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Thermal with extra features for warmth such as long cuffs and drop hem at the rear
  • Water and wind-resistant
  • Breathable

Cons

  • Some users have reported that the sizing comes up small

Our Verdict

For something that’s for all the family regardless of sex, this thermal jacket ticks a lot of boxes. It doesn’t cost the earth and is really warm and cozy. The three layers make it water-resistant and wind-resistant for the most part, in particular, if you’re only going out hunting in changeable weather rather than full on rainstorms!

Top Kids Hunting Jackets

9 Carhartt Boys’ Active Jac Quilt Lined Jacket Coat

Carhartt Boys’ Active Jac Quilt Lined Jacket Coat

For kids, we tried this Carhartt Active Jack which is quilt-lined. The shell is made from 100% and the lining is polyester. The rib cuffs are all 99% cotton but with 1% elastane for coziness.

You will be pleased to know that this coat is fully machine washable, which is essential for kids! Another essential kid feature is the name label on the pocket inside. You don’t want your child to lose their jacket at school before your big hunting trip at the weekend! Add that to the triple-stitched seams and you’ve got yourself a durable, long-lasting coat.

The Active Jac from Carhatt has long been a firm favorite on farms, factory floors, and American ranches ever since it was released in the 1970s. It keeps going for so long for good reason! This cold-weather version of the adult jacket has a long-lasting cotton duck and feels comfortable right from the first wear without any need to break it in.

There’s a brushed tricot flannel lining too even in the hood, which makes your child feel cozy and snug. The sleeve lining is made from quilted taffeta. There are also insulated pockets at the front, which is an added bonus for cold small hands!

Prices started around $40 when we tested them out, which was great as you really don’t want to pay above the odds for a kids’ coat when they grow so quickly at times.

Specifications

  • 100% duck cotton outer
  • 100% polyester lining
  • 99% cotton, 1% elastane rib cuffs
  • Name label on inside
  • Fully machine washable
  • Brushed tricot flannel lining
  • Hood
  • Insulated pockets

Pros

  • Kid-friendly features
  • Machine washable
  • Affordable price
  • Durable materials
  • Multi-purpose

Cons

  • One user reported difficulty getting their child’s arms in the sleeves

Our Verdict

If you’re after a coat for your kid that meets the ‘suitability for hunting’ criteria as well as allowing them to wear it every day too, then this is the one for you. You don’t need to worry about it getting lost thanks to the name tag nor about it getting dirty thanks to it being machine washable. It is a durable coat that will last long before your child grows out of it, meaning you can pass it down to siblings or friends’ children and it will look as good as new for years. We loved it and we’re certain your kids will too.

10 Carhartt Girls’ Redwood Jacket Sherpa Lined

Carhartt Girls’ Redwood Jacket Sherpa Lined

This jacket is super warm for your little one. That’s why people buy it again and again. Indeed, we saw hunting jacket reviews online where people buy another one every time their child outgrows it as it’s that good!

It is made from 100% cotton and so it’s machine washable. Let’s face it, you could end up washing it every week depending how messy or clumsy your child is! It has a hood and a zipper front, and the lining is Sherpa material, which is what makes it so cozy.

In the sleeves, there is quilted taffeta lining. The extra layer of warmth is just what little ones need in the wintertime – why should cold weather stop their play? There are also added split kangaroo-style insulated pockets at the front. What kid doesn’t love a pocket? To keep their arms warm, there are also the rib-knit cuffs too.

The outer material is rugged canvas fabric, making sure that it is durable and will stand the test of time. Indeed, it is a 9oz canvas that has been micro-sanded to make it even softer. The main seams are also triple stitched for extra durability. Add in the drop-tail hem at the rear to keep them warm when sitting and you’ve got a super warm coat for all weathers and all activities. There’s even a name label to prevent it from getting lost at daycare.

Again, this is another jacket for kids from Carhartt that is loved by parents! It had a cost of around $60 at the time of our research which makes it an affordable jacket that will last.

Specifications

  • 9oz canvas sand-blasted 100% cotton
  • Sherpa-lined body
  • Quilted-taffeta lined sleeves
  • Triple-stitched main seams
  • Name label
  • Kangaroo style thermal pocket
  • Hood
  • Full front zipper
  • Rib cuffs
  • Drop-hem at the rear

Pros

  • Soft and comfortable to wear
  • Super warm thanks to Sherpa lining
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • Not as warm as previous variations of this jacket
  • More expensive than other kids’ jackets from Carhartt

Our Verdict

The little people that tested this jacket loved it. In fact, one little girl said that it was the warmest jacket that she had ever worn and didn’t want to take it off (and who could blame her!). I think the fluffiness of the Sherpa lining won the kids over, not that they needed much persuading. This jacket is certainly a top pick amongst parents. It’s just a shame that it is slightly more expensive than the more neutral-colored (read: jackets labeled for ‘boys’!).

Best Hunting Jackets Reviews [Buying Guide]

Hunting jacket buying guide

Before you start, you may want to think about the types of things that are important (or not) when buying a hunting jacket.

1. Material

The material of the jacket is vital that could have an impact on your budget. You need to choose a fabric and internal pads that don’t have a scent and one that will disguise your own scent. Additionally, it needs to be comfortable as well as breathable, and, of course, you need the waterproofing! You should think about the best jackets for hunting that has three layers to it so you are kept comfortable from the rain and wind as well as being insulated.

2. Type

  • Insulated

Hunting in cold temperatures means you’ll need that insulation! Your body will stay warm and stop the cold air from entering. Jackets like this can be bulky or thick so they may not be the best choice if you know you’re going to be cramped up in your hunting blind.

Insulated models often come with extra padding for shooting in rough landscapes. You also get battery heated models that are super effective in cold weather. If you want naturally warm coats, we’d suggest going for berber fleece and leather models.

  • Waterproof

Being waterproof is also one of the most important things if you’re hunting waterfowl. But a lot of insulated jackets are also designed with keeping you dry in mind. Lightweight waterproof jackets are better suited for the warmer weather.

Unless you have the best waterproof hunting jacket, you’d have to carry an extra raincoat. So, it’s better to get a waterproof model. Leather and Waxed Cotton fabric are naturally waterproof. If you plan to get one for your dog, make sure that one is waterproof too.

  • Lightweight

If you hunt early on a morning but want to stay dry in the fog and dew, a lightweight hunting jacket is ideal. Choosing a breathable material is great and the lightweight sleeves are great for protecting you from bites from insects or scratches from spiky plants. These are popular in competitions and small games.

3. Pattern

There are lots of possibilities when it comes to the pattern of your jacket. You should consider a pattern that blends in with where you want to hunt such as a woodland print or grass print. However, if you always hunt in a ground blind, the pattern may not be as crucial to you. Pattern graphics are suitable for both up and down hunting.

4. Size and Fit

It sounds obvious but you need to know how it should fit. It should be snug as this can help cut noise down when you’re moving in the field. On the other hand, it shouldn’t be too snug that your movement is restricted. You also need to think about the hem length and the sleeves – so pay attention to the sizing charts for the different jackets.

5. Pockets

Choosing the best hunting jacket for hunting with many pockets on the inside and outside is crucial. If you carry a lot of hunting gear, having deeper pockets is essential as shooting also involves setting traps. You should also think about a chest pocket that will allow you to have easy access to your mobile phone.

6. Hood

Hoods are an individual choice, but a hood does give you a little extra coverage and perhaps camouflage too. It also gives you the added protection from the elements. Having a hood that’s removable gives you the best of both worlds.

7. Adjustability

Everyone is different when it comes to comfort. As a result, choosing a hunting jacket that has great adjustability for the individual is ideal. You should look for one that has adjustable cuffs or an adjustable waist, with a drawstring if possible.

8. Color

There are many dark color jackets designed for hunting, but a lot are camouflage colors (for obvious reasons!) or are orange. The camo jackets can come in an array of patterns, some designed for different kinds of hunting environments.

The bright orange or other brightly colored jackets may seem counterintuitive; however, they most definitely serve a purpose. They are those colors so that other hunters do not mistake you for a large animal.

In fact, there are some states that require all hunters to wear something bright somewhere on their bodies when they are hunting. You better check with your local regs before you choose the best hunting coat based on its color.

The most common colors for the sports would include white, red, radium green, blazing orange, yellow, pink, purple, grey, red, sky blue, and brown.

9. Camouflage

Camo jackets are widely used during deer and wildlife hunting in general. If camo graphics is your choice, check the type of camo fits in with the area where you’ll be hunting.

  • Contrasting dark greens, browns and lighter shades: This type of camo is used in areas of light woodland such as those who choose to hunt elk higher up. This also is suited to a lot of areas in the west of the US. The brown colors make it blend with tall grasses (most vintage models are brown), sand, and dried sage that is frequently found there.
  • White pattern camo: For winter hunting, you’ll need something with white as its base with specks of gray so that you blend into snow scenes behind you. Mossy oak graphics fall into this category.
  • Brown shaded camo: If you hunt in wetlands or marshes, this color is ideal. It resembles army fatigue graphics. It’s also a great choice for hunting in the fall. If you have a tree stand to hunt on, you should consider something with darker greens and olive colors.
  • Digitized camo patterns: These are perfect for remaining completely conspicuous in the field. They are more expensive, but they work so well. The downside? Other hunters can’t see you, which makes it a much riskier option in terms of your own safety.

10. Quiet

When choosing a jacket, you should also think about how the fabric moves alongside itself and how it closes together. For example, if you have a jacket with noisy Velcro pockets or noisy zippers, you’re not going to be able to grab something or adjust the jacket easily without distracting your prey.

Also, when you’re walking around, you need to think of how the sleeves will rub alongside the body of the jacket. A lot of polyester jackets can have a rustle to them which makes moving silently almost impossible. Besides, avoid picking big and tall models that don’t go with your body size.

11. Scent Control

There are some jackets out there that are designed with thicker layers and this helps to mask your own scent when out in the field. However, you should also consider the scent of the fabric itself. Some hunting jackets are made from materials such as wax that have a distinct smell to them and this means that animals will be able to smell it too.

12. Harness Access

Many jackets are built with wearing a harness in mind. This is great if you regularly use a tree stand and harness yourself for safety. Having said that, it’s not crucial if you choose a jacket that does not have easy harness access.

13. Ease of Cleaning

Some jackets are more difficult to clean. For some, dry cleaning is the only option but for many, you can simply wash them at home. Wool or faux fur teddy jackets require special cleaning. Choosing one that’s machine washable is understandably much more practical!

14. Pricing

Pricing plays a major role in selecting a model since the value to price ratio is important. you can get a hunting jacket within a range of $50-$2000 and even more. However, look out for expensive models that are on sale during special clearance sale discount seasons like Black Fridays.

How to Wash a Hunting Jacket?

First up, there isn’t one rule for all ways about washing a hunting jacket! You need to be careful and follow the instructions that come with your jacket. They’re usually on the label. But, if you need a little extra guidance, here are some steps below.

We’ll look at how to hand wash a hunting jacket as, if your jacket says it is machine washable, chances are you’ll be doing that anyway! Hand-washing a hunting jacket is always a good idea as you can keep watch of what’s happening with it. It does take a bit of time, but it is best for your jacket all around.

  • Get Prepped

Firstly, you need to get your area ready. If you are going to use your tub or sink it makes sense to make sure the area is cleaned first! You don’t want old shampoo or skin creams mixing in with the delicate fabric of your jacket. As for your detergent, choose one that is scent-free, liquid, and gentle. Remember, you don’t want any scent left on it.

  • Cold Soak

Let your jacket soak in cold water for a while. Five minutes is probably enough time.

  • Swish Swish Swish

Plunge and swish your jacket in the water for a couple of minutes. This should loosen up any dirt further.

  • Drain and Rinse, then Repeat it

Drain away your soapy water before refilling your tub. This time add baking soda – a half cup should be about right. It works well to remove any smells. Put the jacket in and swish it around some more. You should do this however many times you think you need to. But, for any subsequent rinses, just use cold water, no added ingredients.

  • Wring Out and Air Dry

Finally, to remove excess water, you could wring out the jacket. But you must be happy that you won’t make the fabric stretched. If you don’t want to do that, there is another option. Get a chamois towel and put the jacket on top. Then, roll up the jacket with the towel and twist it. After this, hang it up on a clothes airer or clothesline as you would with other coats.

For some jackets, you can use a dryer, but you must make sure you follow the advice on your clothes label.

When it is completely dry, you should place it in a plastic bag that is sealed to make sure that any smells from your home don’t come into contact with the fabric.

Hunting Jacket Storing Tips

Hunting Jacket Storing Tips

It is important to keep all your hunting clothes free from smells. You should avoid wearing any hunting clothes when you are not hunting so that the transmission of smells is kept to a minimum. Any clothes should be washed in scent-free detergents and with baking soda perhaps too.

Storing the clothes in a plastic bag that is sealed is a really good idea to keep out all scents. This is important too if you are storing them in a shed or garage where they might come into contact with strong smells such as gasoline. Some people also put things from nature into their storage bags with clothes such as leaves or pine cones to help the clothes smell more natural.

Wrapping It Up

There you have it! Everything you need to know or consider when choosing the best hunting jacket for you, whether you are male, female, or choosing for a child. We have options for both youth and old. There are a lot of options to consider and it does depend on when and where you are hunting as to what you need.

We maintain that our top choice is just that: the most exclusive choice out there today, in terms of general hunting jackets at least. Of course, you may be looking at ones for children, in which case our kids’ choices are highly popular too. Whichever you choose, make sure you follow our advice in taking care of your jacket.

FAQs

1. Are camouflage patterns necessary in a hunting jacket?

Ans: Wearing camo is a good idea if you want a pattern that will keep you well hidden, especially when you’re in a ground blind. But it is not always a great option as it is one of the reasons why you can end up hurt by animals. Animals primarily detect hunters by their scent and then their movement. However, camo is the next reason why. Of course, if you’re too well disguised you can end up accidentally being a target for another hunter.

2. What’s the difference between a waterproof, water-resistant, and water-repellent hunting jacket?

Ans: Jackets that are water-resistant means that water does not penetrate them easily, but this only lasts to a certain extent. A fully waterproof jacket is completely impervious meaning it won’t let in any water. Waterproof jackets give you the best protection. This is followed by jackets that are water repellent. Water-resistant jackets come in third place. But you do need to be wary because some companies use these terms interchangeably.

3. Can I wash my hunting jacket?

Ans: Yes, if it is machine washable! Make sure you read the washing instructions and read our handy tips above.

4. How to do small repairs in a jacket?

Ans: The most sensible option here is to take your jacket to a repair workshop. You can try to repair it yourself but if it is a wool jacket or if the fabric is difficult to mend, a professional is always the better option. Here are a few tips though: take rubber cement wherever you go. It can help with jacket repairs in emergencies. You can put a patch of fabric and fix it in place with the rubber cement.

5. Is the jacket easy to store?

Ans: You should ideally store a hunting jacket in a sealed plastic bag to prevent any smells from getting into the fabric. Some people even place a few leaves, twigs or pinecones in the bag too to give the jacket a more natural scent.

6. How to choose a cold-weather hunting jacket?

Ans: Make sure that you choose one with multi-layers for added warmth and weatherproofing. Cold weather often brings unpredictable weather so you should make sure that you are equipped for rain and wind with any hunting jacket that you choose.

7. What are the differences between hunting vests and hunting jackets?

Ans: A hunting jacket is a full coat that will protect you from the elements while you hunt. A hunting vest is usually sleeveless with lots of pockets and can usually only be worn when the weather allows!

8. Can I wear my hunting jacket anywhere?

Ans: Of course! Just be careful that it doesn’t retain any scents from anywhere. If that happens then don’t wear it out hunting without washing it first.

9. What are the differences between a jacket and a sweatshirt?

Ans: A jacket is more often a piece of outer clothing that goes on top of something else and, depending on the type of jacket, is worn as a coat outdoors. They are often water-resistant and wind-proof to keep you warmer and dryer in bad weather. A sweatshirt is usually soft and warm but is not suitable for outdoor wear alone in bad weather.

10. Do I need camouflage for deer hunting?

Ans. Deer mainly rely on their strong hearing and smelling senses while their visual acuity is worse than us. You don’t need camo for rifle hunting as long as you avoid blue, gray or brown that they see best. However, they’re great at detecting motion and you shouldn’t move much before you take your shot.

11. What are the most common colors for ghillie camo jackets?

Ans. Desert brown, tavern Camo shade, woodland shade, mossy oak, city camouflage shade, and different digital Camo shades.

About the author

Marc Niad

It’s been several years that Marc, a retired teacher and a proud dad, has silently been piling up mature bucks down the South. This humble hunter began his hunting journey at quite an early age and since then, he spent countless hours in the woods and learned good lessons in terms of woodsmanship. Along the way, he also made money sharing his skill with his followers and well-wishers.

The Ranger Expert is the brainchild of this veteran hunter who loves hunting the swamps and the hills around the Mississippi and Homochitto rivers. His most favorite hunting technique is taking his climbing gear and going to the top of pines with a 25.06 – the old-fashioned way!

He gets most of his games during late December through mid-January – his favorite hunting time. Marc strongly believes that hard work, passion, and a bit of luck can bring you success in the wild.

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