Hunting apparel is just another style of clothing until a hunter benefits from warm gear in cold weather and cool gear in hot weather or, inversely, if you've ever worn a pair of shoddy boots that have left your mobility utterly compromised. Then, just like that, hunting clothing becomes gear, supreme and essential.
Here's a quick look at 2018 hunting apparel and boots ideal for this fall's deer season.
Hunting Apparel
Fabric technologies have evolved so significantly in the last decade and Whitetail Journal has picked a few that leverage these advantages in ways that change the game for hunters.
Hell’s Canyon CFS-WD Rain Suit
Browning water/windproof Hell’s Canyon CFS-WD rain suit will keep you dry whether you’re on stand or maneuvering on a stalk for deer or other game. The top and bottom have fully taped seams, are compact and packable thanks to the lightweight fabric, and some with drawcord adjustability in the pants and hood. The top has several pockets placed just right for accessing your gear or keeping your hands warm along with a safety harness access port.
MSRP: Varies
Realtree Edge
The camo master has done it again. Realtree’s all-new Edge is made up of warm grays and browns — colors that are found in the woods all year — and a variety of photo-realistic leaves and branches arranged in a way to match the forest floor and canopy. Strategically placed pockets of shadows and highlights mean you won’t look like a black blob in the distance. Arguably the most advanced and flat-out coolest part of the new pattern is the crisscrossing branches, limbs and a large, vertical, nondescript trunk arranged in such a way that Edge actually disrupts your human form at any range.
Huntworth Disruption
Huntworth’s lineup of warm, effective and value-priced apparel adds the Disruption camouflage pattern this year. Disruption utilizes computer-generated graphics featuring a high level of random and abstract visual noise to help you remain undetected in the environment. Disruption is available in outerwear including the Heavyweight Softshell Jacket, a comfortable double-layer 300-gram jacket with DWR finish to repel light rain and snow and an inner storm flap, high stand collar, and long back hem to keep out wind and rain. It also has a Sherpa fleece-lined interior for extra warmth and is quiet on stand or while stalking. Disruption also is available in pants, gloves and headwear.
MSRP: Varies
Sitka Early Season Whitetail
Sitka’s new Early Season Whitetail Series is the lightest line in the whitetail realm, with complete Polygiene odor control and durable, quiet fabrics that are body-mapped for absolute breathability on warm weather hunts. The ESW Shirt offers an innovative minimalist design maximizing stealth and ventilation. The ESW Pant incorporates a revolutionary lightweight 4-way stretch polyester with durability and elasticity to move with the hunter when climbing in and out of a treestand. The streamlined ESW Hat and Glove complete the series built to beat the heat but capable of extending well into the season with easy integration into cooler weather apparel systems.
MSRP: $129 and up
Rocky Prohunter
The Rocky Prohunter reversible parka and bib are new additions this year and designed for deer hunters who want the flexibility of wearing the same apparel in the stand or blind. Fully waterproof and using Rocky’s ScentIQ Atomic scent control technology, the Prohunter parka and bib have Venator camo on one side and Venator Black on the other. This gives hunters two options for being camouflaged in the stand or darkness of a blind, or for predator hunting at night.
MSRP: $129
BOOTS
"There's man all over for you, blaming on his boots the fault of his feet." — Samuel Beckett
Rocky Grizzly
The new Grizzly collection from Rocky offers rugged durability with a traditional lace-up boot with a budget-friendly price. The Grizzly line has a tri-density outsole for better shock absorption and dual EVA mid-layer cushioning system. With full-grain leather and 900-denier nylon uppers, and the Rocky VP waterproof layer, you’ll be able to battle weather conditions with ease while staying warm and dry. Grizzly boots will be available with 200 or 1,000 grams of 3M Thinsulate insulation. They’re available in Realtree Edge or brown.
MSRP: $159.99
LaCrosse Venom
Deer hunters may not think about snakes all the time but in many parts of the country they’re definitely something to be aware of during summer work days and the season. LaCrosse’s Venom snakeboots are designed with a flexible snake guard and scent-suppressing, waterproof internal liner. Laces from toe to top give you flexibility for a tight or loose fit, and the Venom is available in women’s sizes and a youth model, all in Realtree APG.
MSRP: $200
Le Chameau Traqueur
Le Chameau’s Traqueur combines durability with excellent traction capabilities for a wide range of outdoors pursuits. The Traqueur has natural rubber upper with Kevlar reinforcement technology to protect against abrasion from groundcover. A moisture-wicking, anti-allergenic, microfiber OnSteam lining keeps feet dry and comfortable, while the high-performance shank reinforcements support your feet.
MSRP: $219
Related: Whitetail Journal's 2018 Product Preview
Related: The Evolution of Deer Hunting Gear
Related: Bowhunting on a Budget: Get a New Bow Setup for Under $1,000
