Layering for a Western Hunt

Guides and outfitters are often asked about the proper clothing to bring on a western big game hunt. While the elevation and terrain vary drastically from a high country sheep hunt to a desert antelope hunt, one thing remains true: on the high prairies and rocky mountain slopes, conditions can change in the blink of an eye. Hunters must be prepared for a wide range of conditions from hot and dry to freezing cold and wet.

With such a wide range of autumn weather possibilities across the west, how should hunters prepare? The key is to dress in versatile layers that allow the hunter to adapt to hourly changes in weather. Sitka even offers a System Builder to help you choose the right layers for your particular hunt.

Make it simple by organizing your hunting clothing into three main categories: base layers, insulating layers and outerwear. Base layers include anything you wear next to your skin, like t-shirts and long underwear. Insulating layers may include fleece pullovers, vests, and down jackets. Outerwear should include garments like pants, jackets, and rain gear.

As you pack for your hunt, keep a checklist of items in each category. Make sure each category has at least a couple of options of varying weight and warmth that will allow you to adapt to conditions. Here is an example of a good layering system.

Base Layers:

Lightweight underwear and t-shirts
Light to mid-weight long sleeve top and bottoms
Heavyweight/thermal long underwear

Insulation:

Lightly insulated vest
Warm pullover top
Down Jacket

Outerwear:

Hunting pants
Soft shell jacket
Rain jacket
Rain pants

Of course any system isn’t complete without hats, gloves, socks and boots. When it comes to socks, merino wool is hard to beat. It wicks moisture to help prevent blisters. We’d also remind hunters do not bring new boots on a hunt. If you’re planning to buy new boots, make sure that you hike some miles in them before your big trip. For more tips on boot selection, see our recent article from the experts at Kenetrek.

No matter what’s on your packing list, synthetic fabrics and merino wool are the standards. Cotton loses its insulating properties when wet, and becomes very heavy. Modern synthetics and merino wool wick moisture, dry quickly, and maintain their insulation properties even under wet conditions. Cotton is no friend of the outdoorsman.

In fact, if you’ve made the investment in Gore-Tex boots and rain gear, you’ll render them almost worthless if you put cotton socks or cotton base layers underneath. Cotton will trap moisture and keep the Gore-Tex membrane from working the way it should. Materials that wick moisture will actually keep your Gore-Tex functioning as designed. I was guiding a fly fishing trip a couple of years ago and my client complained of a leak in his Gore-Tex waders. I came to discover that he was wearing jeans underneath. There was no leak. His cotton denim created such a condensation trap, that he was wet from the inside.

This fall, stay dry, stay comfortable and hunt hard!