In this buying guide, we would be focusing on one out of the many hunting essentials: the hunting jacket. The hunting jacket makes every hunting expedition a little less unbearable when unfavorable weather sets in. It also helps hunters stay hidden until they make the kill. As seen in the product review section above, we have selected the best jackets for hunting. In this section, we will give a detailed overview of how we chose the best hunting jackets. We will also be answering relevant hunting gear questions.
What Are the Types of Camouflage Patterns?
Camouflage patterns are a common feature of hunting jackets. They assist hunters in staying and remaining undetected when hunting. While there are different types of camouflage patterns that work well for different animals, seasons, and environments. We have classified the lot of them into four main categories.
Mimicry Patterns
These are printed images that assist the hunter in blending with the environment. They are an imitation of what can be found in the hunter’s immediate environment. Patterns used here include bushes, shrubs, and marshes.
Breakup Patterns
Here the hunters' outlines are blurred to make the hunter undetectable and hidden from the animal. Even with mimicry patterns, some animals can pick out the shape of a human. Patterns used here do not include trees or things from the natural environment; instead, they are a combination of different shapes.
Breakup patterns can further be classified into macro breakup and micro breakup patterns. Macro break-up patterns are particularly useful when hunting at long range, while micro break-up patterns come into play when it's time for close-range hunts.
3D Patterns
These patterns are perfect for stationary hunts that involve no movement. They tend to get snagged by trees and rocks due to the texture of the fake trees, rocks, and leaves when used for hunting on the move.
Snow Patterns
When hunting in a snowy environment, this is the only option. With snow patterns, you can blend with the plants and landscape of the snowy climate. However, when wearing these patterns, we advise that you wear a blaze orange vest to avoid being mistaken as an animal by other hunters.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hunting Jacket
Before you decide to pay for that hunters’ jacket, take a look at these features and ensure that it is up to par.
Quality and durability of the material
Hunting jackets need to be durable, but this will only be possible if they are made from rugged high-quality materials. And although we recommend choosing the ones you are most comfortable in, still ensure that the material is breathable. Lastly, it should be waterproof and light.
Weight
You should choose hunting jackets that will not weigh you down while hunting. You will be doing a lot of running and moving, so, you need to be quick on your feet to make the kill. In addition to this, you never know where danger will be lurking, so choose a jacket that is easy to move around in.
There are lightweight jackets, heavy jackets, and medium-weight jackets. The season will determine if you should go lightweight or not. The best mid-season jackets are always medium weight; this way they are capable of withstanding the discomfort of hunting in spring and fall. However, for the early hunting season, lightweight is the only way to go.
Insulation and breathability
Hunting jackets should be breathable, yet they should also be able to insulate you from harsh weather conditions. It is also imperative that you know the climate of the environment before venturing out.
In tropical climates, you need hunters' jackets that are very breathable so that even when it does not rain, you won’t feel the need to take off your hunting jacket.
Color and pattern
Choose colors and patterns that allow you to blend with the environment. When you do this, capturing your prey will be easy. Also, since there are different types of hunting environments, you would need to learn about the perfect camouflages and colors for animals in that environment. More details on the different types of camo patterns are above.
Other features
One extra feature that should be included in every hunting jacket is the drawcord for adjusting the cuff and waistline of the jacket as you see fit.
Additionally, having pockets on your hunting jacket is not a bad idea. You can choose to keep your personal items in these pockets. However, you should know that the more pockets, the heavier the hunting jacket gets.
You can also choose to opt for jackets that feature a hood. Many of these hooded jackets feature detachable hoods.
Best Hunting Jacket FAQs
Q. What is the best extreme cold weather hunting gear?
A. The best clothing material for hunting under icy conditions is wool. Although silk is also a great option, we prefer wool because of its excellent insulating properties even when wet. Additionally, wool is odor resistant and pretty durable. Lastly, wool has natural moisture-wicking properties; these wicking properties are second only to synthetic materials.
Q. What is the quietest hunting material?
A. We understand that hunting requires a tremendous amount of stealth, so you will need a hunting jacket and clothing that do not make noise. The quietest hunting cloth is wool. It is popular for being able to remain silent even as you bustle through the bushes and shrubs. Stay away from hard shells and synthetic clothing if you want quiet clothing.
Q. What is the best camo pattern for early-season deer hunting?
A. When hunting for deer, opt for the Xtra Green camo pattern. This camo pattern blends with the early-season deer hunting environment since everything will still be green. Wearing hunting jackets and clothing with this pattern in the September to mid-October deer hunting season will significantly increase your chances of going home with game.
Q. Do I need camo to hunt?
A. A camo hunting jacket is good to have but not vital, yet having it will increase your chances of having a successful hunting expedition.
Let’s categorize the importance of camouflage while hunting different animals. Firstly, their importance is next to zero when hunting birds. When it comes to hunting deer, their relevance increases slightly. However, when hunting wild predators and animals with horns, the importance of camo cannot be overemphasized.
Q. What are the most important hunting clothes to buy?
Apart from your hunting jacket, here are some other essential pieces of clothing you would need when hunting.
1. A long sleeve layered T-shit
2. A face mask to cover your face as you approach the game
3. A hat to keep the sun from affecting your aim
4. A camo belt
5. A Ghillie suit
6. Long pants with pockets.