The Best Cold Weather Hunting Gear: A Complete Guide 2022

Are you itching to hunt but it’s too cold outside that you might get frostbite and make your fingers fall off due to the cold? This complete guide of what’s the best cold weather hunting gear will help you conquer the cold so that you can hunt freely in the cold weather. 

Hunting in The Cold Weather

Hunting in the cold weather is every hunters’ nightmare, especially if you’re not appropriately geared for it. And with winter just being a few months away, you’re probably starting to look for new and trending hunting gear. 

Being at the mercy of the cold without proper gear is very dangerous. You don’t only risk getting frostbite but also the deterioration of your overall health. The aftereffects of being in the cold for too long without the proper gear will most likely give you hypothermia. Hypothermia has numerous long-term side effects, such as a higher risk of getting a heart attack, liver damage, kidney failure, and even a higher risk of death. 

There’s nothing more annoying than almost getting your prey but losing it because you notice that you’re too cold and you’re already getting frostbite, hindering you from getting that clean shot. So, in conclusion, if you are set on hunting in the cold weather, you must be prepared for any given situation during your hunt. Whether it may be your clothes or food, you must prepare everything beforehand so that you can have a fun experience during your hunt out in the cold.

Factors to Consider When Looking for The Best Cold Weather Hunting Gear

Before purchasing warm hunting gear, there are a few things you should consider. These factors will help you to determine if the gear you’re planning to purchase is worth buying. These factors are the gears’ durability when used on the cold hunting field, their ability to give warmth and insulation, lastly, its wind and water resistance/proof capabilities. 

Durability & Build

One thing you don’t want to happen when you’re already on the hunting field is your gear breaking in the middle of your hunt. That would be one of the most disastrous situations, especially if you did not bring a backup. 

The durability of your gear is very crucial because gear that easily breaks means that it does not have the capability to protect you from harsh weather conditions. Additionally, the build of your gear is also something to note because poorly constructed gear will hinder its durability, reliability, and usability. 

What to check on the gears’ build is its seams and lining, the noise it makes, and the overall fabric. The seams and lining should have the ability to be appropriately sealed because, during the winter season, it can become unsurprisingly wet when you’re out in the field. Hunting gear that is well-constructed will prevent the cold wind and any water from seeping through inside. The second is the noise the gear might make. If your gear is too noisy, your prey might run away even before you get to aim at them. Finally, the overall fabric is the most important factor since the suitable material would be silent and durable, and resilient enough to withstand thorns and harsh movements in the cold hunting field. The overall fabric will also be the one to provide you with warmth and comfortability. So, make sure that you choose a material that is both durable and comfortable. 

Warmth & Insulation

Warmth is something you shouldn’t compromise on, especially if you’re planning to hunt at 10° and below temperature. Hunting without proper warmth and insulation of your hunting clothes could compromise your health and could put you in a very dangerous situation.  

Your hunting gear should be able to keep you warm even if the temperature drops significantly. That is the most basic warm hunting clothes feature it should provide you because your gear is what you’ll rely on when hunting in the cold to give you your body heat.

Insulation is also vital because the insulation is what will keep the cold out. It prevents the cold from seeping through. The insulation is typically the innermost layer of clothing you’ll have, so ensure that your inner layer has the proper insulation you’ll need. Polyester, fleece, or wool are great options for proper insulation. 

Wind-Resistance

Even if it isn’t raining, being stuck in a situation wherein the wind is strong and heavy might also leave you feeling cold, which is where you’ll want windproof hunting gear. The key here is to keep the wind from cutting through, which is what windproof fabrics provide. Generally speaking, most waterproof materials are also windproof. However, if you are concerned about the wind, it is best not to disregard the windproof function and depend exclusively on the waterproof function of your jacket.

Water-Resistance & Waterproofness 

There is no way to guarantee that it will not rain while you are out hunting. With that being stated, you might wish to check for the best waterproof hunting gear for the cold weather. However, don’t confuse water resistance with waterproofness. Water-resistant hunting gear can withstand penetration of water to some extent, but not completely. Waterproof ones, on the other hand, are impenetrable. So, the best choice to get is waterproof hunting gear because it’s always better to prepare for the worst.

All of these factors are important and should be present in the hunting gear you’ll purchase. Its reliability on the field is the top priority and not its aesthetics because your well-being will depend on how well your gear works when you’re already out in the field.  Without the proper gear, you might put yourself at risk of many potential dangers and that may put you in a dangerous spot. 

Things To Take Note Of About Warm Hunting Clothes

There are two things you should know about warm hunting clothes before buying. Its inner and outer layer. But what are the inner layer and outer layer?

Inner Layer

The inner layer is the material that sticks to your skin. In simpler terms, it’s the base layer where you’ll put your outer layer after this inner layer. This inner layer is what will help you to be warmer and it is what insulates the heat. 

Your inner layer should also prevent you from sweating from the inside and should be breathable because your sweat will make you colder and we don’t want that. To prevent you from sweating, your inner layers’ material should be made from either polyester, fleece, or wool. These materials are great for insulation. 

Inner layers include socks, a tight-fitting top and bottom such as leggings, and of course, your underwear. 

Outer Layer

Your outer layer is what you wear after your inner layer. Your outer layer should be able to prevent wind and water from penetrating. It should be waterproof and wind-resistant to prevent all nature’s elements out and seal your body to maintain the body heat your inner layer gives you. 

Typically, it would be best to get a size bigger than your original size because the dead air space will help hold the heat instead of a tighter fit outer layer. And as mentioned, the material of your outer layer should make little to no noise. If not, then even before you get to aim at your prey, they’re probably running away from hearing the rustling of your clothes.

Your outer layers include your jackets, pants, boots, gloves, headgear, earmuff, etc. 

Essential Warm Hunting Clothes for The Cold Weather

Below, we have listed great warm hunting clothes that you can use during the cold weather. We have listed everything your body will need when hunting in the cold, starting from your head and down to your feet.

Head, Face, Neck, and Ears

1. Minus33 Merino Wool Ridge Cuff Wool Beanie

The Minus33 Merino Wool Ridge Cuff Wool Beanie is the highest-rated beanie on Amazon, with a 4.6 rating out of 5. This beanie is very comfortable, not itchy even if it is made with wool, soft, and incredibly warm, making it perfect for the cold weather.

The material is durable and because it is made with 100% wool, it won’t easily smell bad as opposed to a synthetic beanie which would easily smell foul if used all the time and not washed regularly. It also dries faster compared to other beanies.

The Minus33 Beanie also has various colors you can choose from and can fit up to 17-25 inches. It is also lightweight, so you won’t feel like it’s too heavy on your head once you wear it during hunting. The only downside of this beanie is that it is slightly thinner compared to the other beanies, so it would be best to pair this beanie with a thicker one if the weather is too harsh to wear only this beanie during your hunt in the cold weather. This would be an excellent inner layer.

Overall, this beanie is rated highest and with good reasons.

2. Sitka Dakota Windstopper Water Repellent Hunting Beanie

The Sitka Dakota Windstopper Water Repellent Hunting Beanie is made with GORE-TEX INFINIUM w/ WINDSTOPPER Technology, Polyester Woven Face, Micro-grid polyester fleece knit backer. The GORE-TEX INFINIUM w/ WINDSTOPPER offers you complete windproof protection through a durable, lightweight, and breathable material that is great for hunting. 

It is comfortable and is designed for flexibility and functionality to support your hunting activities during the cold weather. It also offers comfort and reliability with its wind-resistant and waterproof material. Its brushed polyester woven face has a robust texture that resists light precipitation and keeps the face fabric from soaking out.

Its 4-way stretch fabric features a micro knit backing that provides light insulation. You wear it alone in milder cold weather or layer it with a heavier beanie during harsh weather conditions. Lastly, it is not very bulky, but it will keep you warm during the cold weather. 

3.  Sitka Dakota Windstopper Water Repellent Hunting Beanie

The Ergodyne N-Ferno 6823 Balaclava Face Mask is a full face mask that offers you cold-blocking protection against the cold wind. With the protective fabric paneling over face shields making it wind-resistant – this will help you protect your face against the harsh wind during the cold weather. The thermal fleece material is excellent for mild to even extreme cold. Its aligned mesh panel over the mouth is great for optimal airflow and will provide you with easy breathing. 

This balaclava can also be used in three different ways: the open face balaclava, neck gaiter, or full ski mask. The innovative hinged design allows you to modify the level of coverage you require according to the weathers’ temperature. This gives you options and would also be great not only for hunting but also for other purposes. And with its long length, it can be tucked inside a jacket and can also keep your neck warm. 

4. HOMFUL Unisex Trapper Trooper Hat

The HOMFUL Unisex Trapper Trooper Hat is an excellent and good-looking fur hat perfect for subzero weather. The flock lining provides you with warmth and comfort, while the polyester outer base makes it easy to wash and dry. It also features a removable face mask to protect you from the strong wind.  

This fur hat is simple and straightforward, which makes it perfect for hunting during cold weather. Its windproof and snowproof/waterproof will help you protect yourself from the strong winds and rain, keeping your head and even your ears warm and insulated.

For only $15.99, you can get this fur hat at a great price compared to other fur hats due to its excellent features. And it has excellent reviews on Amazon, making it even more promising.

5. VCZUIUC Headwear Bandana

• Machine Wash
• Machine washable.
• Approx 19.6″x 9.8″, accommodate for most head sizes.
• Multi functional to wear it as headband, scarf, bandana, neck gaiter and more.
• These versatile face bandanas also keep dust away, great for outdoor and indoor sports like riding, hunting, snowboarding, hiking, yoga and fishing.
• 100% premium microfiber with High UV and sun protection, a soft and breathable material.

The VCZUIUC Headwear Bandana is an all-around bandana that you can wear like a neck warmer, bandana, scarf, headband, balaclava, and many more. It is made with lightweight material for more breathable headwear. 

This headwear will protect you from any dust, smoke, fog, and smog you may encounter during your hunt. Additionally, this headwear can be washed easily in a washing machine and with its lightweight material, it also dries faster.

The only downside of this headwear is that it is made with a lightweight and thin material that may not suit subzero weather. Although, the good thing with its thin material is that you can layer this headwear under a thicker balaclava, beanie, or fur hat for optimal warmth. 

Eyes

During the cold weather, it is most likely also to be windy. The wind could carry small particles that could into your eyes, hindering you from getting a straight aim and shot of your prey. But this can be easily solved with the proper eye protection.

The correct eye gear will help keep your eyes protected from small particles and even the wind. It keeps your eyes stable, safe, and free of distracting tears and flying particles. Bear in mind that protective eye gear can project glares from hitting any source of light. But, aside from bodies of water or tiny puddles, there aren’t many sparkling objects in nature that could project a glare. So be careful not to send a glare into the eyes of your unsuspecting prey.

1. HULISLEM S1 Sport Polarized Sunglasses

• TR90 frame
• TriAcetate Cellulose lens
• UV Protection Coating 
• Lens width: 5.1 inches
• Lightweight polycarbonate frame 
• UV 400 mirror flash coating
• Specially designed F1 frames
• HD Grade Lenses
• S1 Lens Coloring System

This HULISLEM S1 Sport Polarized Sunglass is one of the highest-rated sport sunglasses. What do you think the reason is? This pair of sports sunglasses are made with a high-quality TR90 frame, a thermoplastic material. This thermoplastic material is like combining the durability of metal and the lightweight feel of plastic. And with its lightweight polycarbonate frame, you might even forget that you’re wearing sunglasses because of how light it is.

The lenses are also made with HD-grade lenses that are polarized. Each lens is made from a single toric lens with the super HD feature. This ensures that you will receive fantastic depth perception, color contrast, and clarity. Additionally, the lower vision field is clear.

Finally, its UV 400 mirror flash coating provides total UV protection. This pair of polarized sport sunglasses are highly recommended, especially for its excellent price point. This pair will be able to help you get through your hunt in the cold weather. 

MOTELAN Polarized Sunglasses Tr90

• TR90 frame
• TriAcetate Cellulose lens
• UV Protection Coating 
• Lens width: 5.1 inches
• Lightweight polycarbonate frame 
• UV 400 mirror flash coating
• Specially designed F1 frames
• HD Grade Lenses
• S1 Lens Coloring System

Hands

Protecting your hands from the cold is crucial because if your hands get frostbite, you won’t be able to shoot or even aim at your prey. Getting frostbite might even cause long-term damage to your hands and fingers. 

So, getting great hand gear to fight off the cold weather should be prioritized if you want to continue hunting in subzero weather. 

Below, we listed a few great hand gears that you might want to check out! 

1. Mechanix Wear: M-Pact MultiCam Tactical Work Gloves 

The Mechanix Wear: M-Pact MultiCam Tactical Work Gloves is a top-rated glove in Amazon and has a 4.7 rating out of 5. It is undoubtedly a great pair of gloves, especially when used for hunting during cold weather. 

It keeps your hands warm and protected during your hunt in the cold weather with its thermoplastic rubber lock that secures your wrist against impact and abrasion while also giving a proper grip. Its palm padding is made of D3O, which absorbs and dissipates high-impact energy and vibration. Lastly, with the dual-layer of the internal fingertip, this pair of gloves is very sturdy and can withstand cold weather and the impact of the shooting. 

Overall, this is an excellent pair of gloves, especially when used on the field in cold weather. 

2. KINGSBOM Thermal Gloves

This pair of KINGSBOM Thermal Gloves is perfect for the cold weather because of its insulated lining that will keep your hands’ body heat insulated. The insulated lining is made with a 300M’s 200g, which is thin, making this pair breathable, comfortable, and will keep maximum heat retention. They are light enough to ensure optimal mobility, dexterity, and flexibility of your hands and fingertips. 

Next, this pair won’t hinder your use of phones because it features a coat with a conductive fabric on the thumb and index fingers, allowing you to tap and swipe quickly. Lastly, it is also waterproof, snowproof, and windproof, perfect for cold and wet weather.  

This is definitely worth the hype because it will live up to your expectations. 

Upper & Lower Body

         Inner Layer

Carhartt Base Force Midweight Classic Crew

This Carhartt Base Force Midweight Classic Crew is an inner/base layer that keeps your body warm with its thermal base. It is designed to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable during strenuous activities. It is made to be layered with thicker material for optimal warmth during cold weather. 

FastDry technology will diminish your sweat and odors, while the Rugged Flex technology will give you the freedom to move freely, giving your arms a full range of motion. And with its concealed thumb loops will help keep your sleeves in place when you put on another layer.

Carhartt Force Midweight Classic Thermal Base Layer Pant

The Carhartt Force Midweight Classic Thermal Base Layer Pant is a great partner for the Carhartt Base Force Midweight Classic Crew, with both great features complementing each other. 

These thermal inner layer bottoms have almost the exact features of the thermal inner layer top, which makes them great for pairing. Although, some features set them apart, such as the smooth flatlock seams and tagless label enhance comfort and strategic seam placement for maximum comfortability and reduced chafing, perfect for when you’re walking on extended hours.

Overall, this bottom has excellent quality and features, most especially when paired with its top.

Outer Layer

1. MOERDENG Winter Coat

This MOERDENG Winter Coat is great during colder and harsher weather conditions. It is windproof as this jacket comes with an adjustable cuff, retractable winter hood, and snow skirt to keep the cold air out. It is also waterproof because of its superior DWR polymer coating. 

This jacket is also filled with 400 needle cotton, which can help with heat retention. Lastly, it is also made with a high-quality polyester with a fiber-like micro-pore structure to make it breathable, which gives you free rein of motion.

2. ReFire Gear Men’s Soft Shell Military Tactical Hooded Coat

This ReFire Gear Men’s Soft Shell Military Tactical Hooded Coat is a highly recommended jacket with its DINTEX softshell fabric and medium-weight warm fleece lining. It is waterproof, which will protect you if it rained or snowed during your hunt. Not only that, but it is also windproof, which blocks out the wind and keeps out the cold air. 

This jacket has many features such as a hood, adjustable wrist cuff, and a drawstring waist and hood. It also has 7 zipper pockets where you can store many of your belongings such as your phone, hunting knife, etc. Its vent zippers under the arm will also let moisture escape when you are hot. 

3. Mossy Oak Men’s Camo Sherpa 2.0 Fleece Lined Hunting Pants

His Mossy Oak Hunting Pants are made with a comfortable, silent, and durable 390g performing micro-fleece fabric that dissipates light rain and snow. In addition, the inside layer is lined with sherpa fleece for maximum warmth in chilly winter conditions.

Its athletic cut makes this pair of hunting pants comfortable for unrestricted range of motion and it also features articulated stitched knees for easier squatting and kneeling.

Overall, this pair of pants is an excellent choice for hunting in cold weather because it will keep you warm throughout your hunt. Not only is it quiet for stealth, but it also protects you from any water and wind. 

4. Kryptek Hunting Cargo Pant

The Kryptek Hunting Cargo Pant is reliable because it has a fast-wicking, quick-drying, and technically complex fabric, as well as double-reinforced knees and elbows for comfort and durability. Furthermore, all pockets with flaps (left cargo, two rear) have a clasp lock, and the fly is fastened with a button at the top. The knees are adjustable. However, there is no additional support or insert compartments to keep the knee pad cushions. It is comfortable with its 60% polyester and 40% synthetic material and it won’t restrict your movements. 

It is an excellent pair of hunting pants, especially if you’re on a budget. It is definitely a must-try!

Feet

1. Muck Boot Men’s Arctic Pro Snow Boot

The Muck Snow Boot comprises both 8mm neoprene and 2mm thermal foam, which provides comfort and flexibility and outstanding waterproofing, shock absorption, and heat retention capabilities. It conforms to your foot form to prevent blisters and chafing.

It also includes a high-quality rubber that adds durability and makes it a completely waterproof hunting boot. Its lightweight EVA midsole adds comfort, and the ultra-aggressive Bob-Tracker outsole makes this boot robust, resilient, and reliable on the hunt.

2. Alvada 80% Merino Wool Thermal Socks

Finally, these Alvada 80% Merino Wool Thermal Socks would be a great pair with your Muck Snow Boots. This will be a life-saver in the cold weather. It will keep your feet warm when you’re hunting in the cold. It is also highly comfortable as it was built to provide you with total support and comfort. 

It is also made with itch-free material to give you maximum comfort on the field. They are soft and they also feature a temperature regulator to keep your feet warm. Lastly, it also has a cuff to keep it from slipping off.

It is an excellent pair of socks, and it’s no wonder that they have a very high rating on Amazon. 

Conclusion

Hunting in the cold weather is a literal nightmare, especially if you don’t have the right gear to combat the cold. So, with the advancements of all the different hunting gear throughout the years, it has undoubtedly helped make hunting in the cold weather a little less nightmare-ish. 

A few tips from us is that you should make sure to take your time in choosing your hunting gear, remember to research before purchasing, and lastly, don’t forget to have fun!