Hunting tips
Layer-on-layer guide
Chose the right hunting apparel with Deerhunter´s layer-on-layer guide
Clothes that keep you warm and dry when the weather shows its teeth are a must. But what is most important when you need to invest in hunting apparel?
The more you are going to use your hunting apparel, the more important it is to invest in the right products from the outset. Will most of your hunting clothes be used for hunting which involves a lot of movement in moderate weather conditions, or does it need to be suitable for extreme weather conditions while you remain relatively still?
Quality is a key factor. If you have to buy hunting apparel on a restricted budget, you are well-advised to save a little on the inner and intermediate layers and spend more on the outer layer of clothing (outer fabric).
QUICK GUIDE
Base layer
| Temperate climate: | At high levels of activity, we recommend undergarments made of synthetic material / At low levels of activity Synthetic and cotton. |
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| Cold climate: | At high levels of activity, we recommend undergarments made of Merino wool/ At low levels of activity Cotton. |
Midlayer
| Temperate climate: | A fleece/knitwear/shirt is best. |
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| Cold climate: | A fleece/knitwear with a membrane is best. |
Outer shell
| Temperate climate: | A jacket, for example, with a waterproof/windproof/breathable membrane is best. |
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| Cold climate: | A jacket, for example, with a waterproof/windproof/breathable membrane + padding/down is best. |
The triple-layer principle
Once you get wet, staying warm becomes difficult. One of the best ways to keep warm and dry is to dress in accordance with the triple-layer principle.
Here, you can read about the triple-layer principle, and what you should consider:
The base layer
When you wear moisture-wicking underwear, perspiration is transported from the innermost layer of clothing to the insulating intermediate layer, which absorbs the moisture and retains the heat.
The mid layer
From the intermediate layer, the moisture is transported to the outer layer of wind and waterproof clothing, where it escapes through a breathable membrane or coating.
Read moreThe outer shell
The outermost layer of clothing, which protects you from the wind and rain, is called the outer shell.
Read moreThe base layer
The perfect choice of underwear depends on the temperature and the degree of physical exertion.
In warm weather and when you are physically active, synthetic fabrics are recommended as they ensure effective moisture-wicking. In cold weather on the other hand, and when you are not moving about much, the typical choice would be woollen underwear.
Underwear should be close-fitting, but not too tight. Your vest should always be long enough to prevent you from getting a cold midriff.
- Cotton underwear is comfortable, but it is not suitable for intense physical exertion. This is because the fabric absorbs perspiration instead of wicking it away from the skin. Cotton doesn’t keep you as warm when it’s damp, and you will soon feel clammy and cold. Therefore it’s not a good idea to wear cotton in the winter.
- Wool wicks moisture much more effectively than cotton, but not quite as well as synthetics. On the other hand, wool warms better than synthetics – whether it’s wet or dry. Even though wool insulates reasonably well when it’s wet, it takes far longer to dry than synthetic materials. Stationary hunting and moderate physical activity in the autumn and winter months or in cold climates does not make any great demands on the moisture-wicking properties of the fabric, but rather on its insulating properties. For this purpose, wool or a wool-synthetic mix will often be the best choice. Woollen products have a tendency to be itchy. To avoid itchiness, buy merino wool.
- The fibres in synthetic fabrics such as polyester absorb very little moisture, which means that these fabrics have excellent moisture-wicking properties. Similarly, synthetic fabrics dry very quickly, which is a great advantage in persistent rain or in very humid climates, where clothing takes a long time to dry. Another advantage of synthetic fabrics is that they are more durable than wool. Wool is, however, warmer.
The mid layer
The insulating intermediate layer typically comprises a shirt, fleece, pile jacket or similar.
If the temperature exceeds 10-15 °C, and there is no rain and only a light breeze, there is no real reason to wear more than underwear and a fleece.
In windier conditions, a windproof/breathable fleece would be the more comfortable option. The advantage of a fleece is that it breathes better than a conventional outer shell, which is designed to withstand even the heaviest rain. The fit of your fleece is incredibly important. A soft chunky fleece may feel great when you try it on in the shop, but if it is too thick, it will be too bulky to wear under a jacket.
A fleece is undoubtedly the most popular choice for the insulating intermediate layer of clothing, as it dries significantly faster than wool. If you need to be cost-conscious, a fleece is one item you can economise on.
The outer shell
When the weather is at its worst, it is the outermost layer – or outer shell – which provides the most important protection.
If you are moving about a lot, you will seldom need more than one intermediate layer under the outer shell – for example a thin fleece. More intermediate layers or thicker layers will be required mostly in connection with stationary hunting.
If you are very active, your outer garment needs to be wind and waterproof – as well as being breathable, so that you are not left drenched from within. Here, choose one of Deerhunter’s products with a Deer-Tex® membrane, which is 100% waterproof, windproof and breathable.
Water penetration resistance
Water penetration resistance, or waterproofness, is a measure of the efficiency of the membrane. The higher the score, the more waterproof the garment. Theoretically, we measure how much water the outer shell can withstand before water begins to seep through the membrane. This figure is stated in mm.
If you’re hunting in light rain, a 3,000 mm water penetration resistance rating is appropriate. The Deer-Tex® membrane is rated up to 10,000 mm, which will protect you under the harshest of weather conditions.
It is worth noting that a thinner membrane breathes better. About half of the moisture we sweat is ventilated out through the neck and sleeve openings and the rest through the membrane.
Taped seams
Taped seams are often used in connection with different types of membrane.
When a garment is sewn with a needle and thread, small holes are made in the fabric. To avoid moisture seeping through these holes, seams are often taped from the inside.
They can, however, also be taped on the outside of the fabric as an extra detail. This simply helps to safeguard vulnerable areas to achieve the best possible solution.
The right accessories
Some of your body heat is lost from the head, so it’s important to wear the right headgear. Hands and feet also need to be kept warm, so that cold does not spread to the rest of the body.