In the field hunting togs primarily disguise us from our quarry. Just as importantly, they keep us dry and cool while perspiring, toasty-warm when it’s cold, and unconditionally dry when wet. As one clothing manufacturer would advise: Camouflage attire’s no long just clothing, but part of our essential gear. And the modern bowhunter has never had it so good, both in the variety and the technological advances that make comfort easier under any conditions.

Outerwear

ASAT Camouflage ASAT Camouflage (406-563-9336; www.asatcamo.com) puts out deadly effective camo, but also offers thoughtful, bowhunting-specific outdoor wear. The Ultimate Coat and Pants ($200 each) are part of ASAT’s Exhale layering system. The exterior polyester fleece is treated with Lotus Nano-barrier, making it soft, silent, water resistant, breathable, and odor-resistant. A highly breathable core membrane provides a water/windproof shield, while the inside soft, warm and silent material allows free motion. Coats include snap-close hood, secure zippered pockets, and side vents for climate control. All garments are wrapped around flexible fabrics and cuts designed for active hunting. Pants include six-pocket design with zipper closures and interior pockets for knee pads.

Browning Browning’s (800-333-3504; www.browning.com) Hydro-Fleece is back! The original extreme-weather fleece pioneered by Browning in 1993 provided bowhunters ultra-quiet, waterproof camouflage. Softer, quieter Hydro-Fleece now includes improved water-shedding surface treatment and HMX bi-component waterproof/breathable membrane with OdorSmart antimicrobial lining. New insulated models feature ultra-warm, quiet, and light PrimaLoft Sport insulation for high warmth-to-weight ratios. The updated line includes a PrimaLoft Parka ($300), Jacket ($268), Bib and Pant and Soft Shell Jacket ($232) and Pant in Mossy Oak’s Infinity.

FirstLite FirstLite (208-721-0101; www.firstlite.com) gained an industry foothold with quality Merino camouflage offered at a fair price. Gila Pants ($160) now include machine-washable Merino wool construction. The ultra-breathable, rip-stop weave makes for added ruggedness. They’re quiet enough for the closest big-game encounters, fitted with suspenders, and comfort-rated to 80 degrees F. Look for them in original ASAT Camo, or newer Mossy Oak Infinity and Realtree Max-1.

Irish Setter Many know Irish Setter (800-665-3369; www.irishsetterboots.com) for top-quality hunting boots, but in 2011 Irish Setter enters the outerwear market with durable, comfortable, and affordable clothing designs. The Nekoma soft-shell jacket ($99) sports a Realtree AP shell of brushed tricot bonded to micro-fleece for a soft, quiet bowhunting option. Front zip closure with quiet zipper technology, multi-function pockets for convenient storage, and warm, windproof construction are suited for layering or wearing alone.

Predator Camo Predator Camo (800-430-3305; www.predatorcamo.com) has been a pioneer in camouflage since 1988. The big news for 2011 the new 3D Deception pattern. It retains Predator’s open-element concept, but with more realistic detail that blends with any surrounding. The pattern will be available immediately in most of Predator’s cotton, polyester, and polyester compression wares ($30 to $48).

Russell Outdoors Russell Outdoors’ (Mossy Oak Apparel) (256-500-5889; www.russelloutdoorsgear.com) APXg2 wear’s designed as a complete layering system. APXg2 uses cutting-edge designs and fabrics to create L1 (base) through L5 (heavy outer) options for any weather. L1 base items include flat seam construction, Dri-POWER and Scent-Stop technologies, and body mapping for a minimal binding. L2 layers include Wind Control garments with Dri-POWER and Scent-Stop technologies. The L3 and L4 series includes Scent-Stop Fleece and Single Layer Soft Shell attire, reserved for cold-weather layering, or stand-alones for warmer seasons. L5 garments include Chill Blocker and Insulated goods. In all, layering up and down for comfort is easy with APXg2.

Sitka Gear Sitka Gear (707-253-1122; www.sitkagear.com) offers the latest fabrics and mountaineering-inspired tailoring targeted to the most hardcore bowhunter. So new is the Fanatic Jacket and Bib ($369 and $329) you won’t find them in the 2011 catalog. Designed for serious whitetail hunters, the Jacket’s side zipper design allows a kangaroo handwarmer pocket; the zipper’s terminus is at the shoulder instead of the chin. The line includes fully articulated cuts for comfortable fit, grunt-tube slot, and rangefinder pocket for added versatility. Both pieces include quiet exteriors, insulated with 130-gram PrimaLoft beneath Gore’s Windstopper membrane. Other features include removable hood, internal wrist gaskets, and full side bib zips. They’re covered in Gore Optifade Forest for ultimate treestand concealment.

Sportchief Sportchief (800-567-1729; www.sportchief.com), a Canadian company that knows a thing or two about foul weather, offers the Triatlon soft-shell for those wet days afield. AquaTex 3-ply, seam-sealed construction is waterproof and breathable; water-resistant zippers also protect against the elements. Unlike many company’s “quiet” waterproof attire, Sportchief’s micro-fleece Triatlon is truly suited to the intimate ranges posed while bowhunting. Look for it in jacket ($180) and pant ($130), the latter including leg zips.

Toad-A-Flage Toad-A-Flage (865-548-1283; www.toadaflage.com) uses the realistic patterning of toad skin. The result is camouflage that blends with nearly any terrain, from hardwoods to meadows. Toad-A-Flage wares (long-sleeve shirt, 8-pocket cargo pant, and Hunter Jacket, $40 to $60), include early-season 7-ounce 60/40 cotton-poly blend brushed to make it quiet. The Hunter Jacket includes fleece lining.

Whitewater Strategic Hunting Apparel Whitewater Strategic Hunting Apparel (920-564-2674; www.whitewateroutdoors.com) brings you the improved Realtree Pro-Series Reversible Sherpa Snow jacket and bibs ($140 apiece). New material technology makes these garments quieter, also providing versatility via Realtree AP camouflage (soft-shell tricot) reversing to Realtree AP Snow (high-pile Sherpa fleece). They’re 100 percent waterproof/breathable via RainBlocker membrane and warm enough for extreme cold-weather comfort. Jacket includes attached hood, storm-flapped full zipper, elasticized wrist cuffs, and adjustable draw-cord waist. Bibs include adjustable shoulder straps, full-front, and storm-flapped, 24-inch leg zippers.

Base Layers

ASAT Camouflage ASAT Camouflage’s (406-563-9336; www.asatcamo.com) Extreme Layer Zip Mock ($90) is a heavy-weight, quarter-zip pull-over with mock neck and zippered chest pocket. It’s treated with AG Vaportech Nano Silver Odor Suppression. This technology requires no special activation and won’t wash away during laundering. Concentrated wicking compounds assure comfort in all bowhunting conditions.

FirstLite FirstLite’s (208-721-0101; www.firstlite.com) Merino wool offers the easy comfort of sweats in a tough material that’s deadly silent, naturally antimicrobial, and absorbs UV rays so it won’t shine. Look for base layer shirts and bottoms of various weights, button-up and pull-over mid-layer shirts, vest, and other accessories ($45 to $150). In 2011 FirstLite goods will be offered in Mossy Oak’s Infinity and Realtree’s Max-1 in addition to original ASAT.

Hunter’s Specialties Scent control has long been Hunter’s Specialties’ (319-395-0321; www.hunterspec.com) game. Scent-A-Way TEK 4 ($45 to $70) silver-technology base layer clothing helps control odor-causing bacteria on contact. TEK 4 use 33 percent more silver than other available silver-based garments. Nylon threads encapsulated in pure silver are woven right into material to last the life of the garment. They’re also designed to move moisture away from the skin while providing excellent thermal-regulating properties in comfortable, durable designs. They’re offered in Realtree AP and options to cover you head to toe.

ScentBlocker ScentBlocker (800-397-1827; www.scentblocker.com) represents innovation spawned of necessity, specifically for hardcore bowhunters. New Arctic Weight Baselayers were inspired by overwhelmingly frigid temperatures encountered by stand-bound whitetail hunters. They include high-pile fleece fabric to tenaciously preserve body heat while wicking moisture through quick-drying, highly-breathable fabric. They also include S3 antimicrobial technology for odor control. The Shirt ($90) includes pullover, quarter-zip styling and 2.5-inch collar. The Pants ($80) feature a boxer-style fly. Both include comfortable flat seams.

Sitka Gear New for 2011, Sitka Gear (7007-253-1122; www.sitkagear.com) offers Merino wool base layers for the ultimate moisture-wicker, insulator, and naturally effective odor-fighter. Sitka’s Merino line is covered in Gore’s Optifade Concealment Open Country and Forest camouflage patterns and charcoal. Options include Core Zip T and Core Bottom ($119), Beanie ($29), and Liner Glove ($35).

Special Use

HECS HECS, a.k.a. Human Energy Concealment Systems (541-575-4327; www.hecsllc.com), adds yet another layer of defense against animal detection. HECS engineers say animals sense electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emitted by hunters. HECS 6th Sense Apparel blocks these EMR emissions, eliminating detection via patent-pending Energy Cloak Fabric with conductive carbon yarn woven in specific grid patterns. The technology is offered in a complete NEXT Camo suit ($179), layered beneath outerwear, or worn alone during warmer seasons.

ScentBlocker Back by popular demand, ScentBlocker’s (800-397-1827; www.scentblocker.com) Dream Season Protec XT ($150 per piece) utilizes WindBlocker technology to keep you comfortably warm, while also providing SPF 60 (ScentBlocker’s highest rating) Cold Fusion activated charcoal scent prevention. The wind-blocking membrane is fused to soft, quiet, anti-pilling fleece, creating a System Layer Three garment perfect for plummeting temperatures. The suit includes nine bowhunter-friendly pockets, wind-flapped front zippers, safety-harness jacket slit, and 20-inch pant zippers, BodyLock collar, elastic waist and cuffs, and Mossy Oak Infinity cloaking.

Scent-Lok Technologies Scent-Lok Technologies’ (800-315-5799; www.scentlok.com) new Head Hunter outerwear ($200 to $210 per piece) was developed with the most advanced scent-control fabric ever developed by Scent-Lok, plus added detail and styling for better bowhunting function and performance. Soft-shell outer fabrics keep moisture and wind in check while maintaining ease of movement and ultra-quiet qualities. Key design features include articulated hood, shoulders, elbows, and knees that improve fit and range of motion. Adding extra panels in these areas eliminates bulk, waterproof zippers keep moisture out, and wrist and forearm areas include compression zippers to keep clothing in check while shooting. Pants feature zip legs.

Extreme Weather Clothing

Gerbing’s Heated Clothing Fear not cold weather. Gerbing’s Heated Clothing’s (866-371-HEAT; www.coreheat.net) Heated Fleece Vest ($100), in Mossy Oak Break-Up camouflage, contains machine-washable nano-wire technology, conductive fibers strategically placed in chest and back areas to maintain core body temperature. The vest is powered by a compact 7-volt rechargeable lithium battery pack, allowing four temperature settings between 85 and 135 degrees F.

The Heater Body Suit When facing killing cold and blowing snow, reach for The Heater Body Suit (888-565-2652; www.heaterbodysuit.com). The Heater Body Suit ($345) is, in essence, a sleeping bag complete with individual legs and booties spacious enough to accommodate insulated pack boots as well as interior should straps for easy wearing. A zippered front allows closing yourself inside or silently unzipping and shrugging the suit off when shooting opportunities arise. It rolls tightly for toting to stand with included backpack straps. It’s so effective it’s guaranteed: If you get cold, your money’s refunded.

InfernoTek InfernoTek (816-262-3339; www.infernotek.com) Element Protection System ($300) is designed for the most inhospitable weather. The innovative backpack design with comfortable shoulder straps and generous side storage pockets quickly deploys into a warm, protective bag-like garment. Hood/facemask and arm sleeves allow you to stay warm but also unrestricted when shooting time arrives. The heavily-duty flocked nylon shell is treated with a water-repellent finish and 200-gram Thinsulate Ultra layered inside. The rip-stop nylon lining is treated with an antimicrobial to keep odors inside.

IWOM Outerwear The Hunting Parka System from IWOM (814-272-5400; www.IWOMouterwear.com) (Inner Warmth Outer Mobility), which runs $300 to $350, is waterproof/breathable and versatile. It converts from a compact “fanny-pack” to foul-weather, hooded parka, to total enclosure warm-bag in seconds. The durable brushed tricot shell is wind/waterproof, the inner layer a proven Thinsulate Insulation, and the interior microfleece includes the SmartSilver antimicrobial treatment. Features like integrated microfleece headnet and facemask, and Realtree AP camouflage make it bowhunting-ready.