We’ve all heard about it … but what exactly should a female hunter consider when it comes to layering clothing in the various hunting seasons? There is often a misconception out there that layering consists of one thing and one thing only…a really heavy layer. Often, women feel compelled to bundle like the Michelin Tire Man, cocooning themselves in an unusual amount of heavy jacketry. (Yes … jacketry is a word … at least here at Próis Hunting & Field Apparel.) Not only is this method bulky and unnecessary, it is not at all the best method of thermoregulation in the outdoors.
So, you might ask … What IS the best method of layering?
Well, we might reply … it is as easy as 1,2,3. (Or … BIS)
Baselayer
A wicking baselayer is a must. Not only should a baselayer function as a wicking undergarment that will pull moisture from the skin to help keep you warm. It should be able to function as an outergarment as temperatures climb. Thus, allowing it to breathe and wick to keep you cool. From Prois, we recommend any of the Ultra Shirts. They are engineered with polyester birdseye fabric that provides that ability to keep warm in cool climates and cool in warm climates.
Please remember — you do not need several baselayers at a single time unless you are truly in very cold climates and undergoing little physical exertion. You can add warmth in those conditions through optimal insulatory layers.
Prois field-staffer and WON managing editor, Britney Starr, sports the Prois Ultra Hoodie in Max-1 during a hog hunt in Texas.
Insulation
Simply a warm midlayer. Nothing more. The insulation layer should optimally warm the core. We highly recommend a vest or light jacket for this layer. I personally recommend the Pro-Edition Vest, Reversible Sherpa Vest or Sherpa Jacket for this layer. You do not need super technical fabrics and windstopper for this layer … just warmth. Additionally — all of the aforementioned pieces have scapular pockets between the shoulder blades and lumbar compartments across the lower back to hold activated hand warmers — thus increasing the core warming in cold climates.
Shell
Yep — the shell. The shell should be the item to protect you from all that Mother Nature throws your way. This is where waterproofing, wind-resistance and protective features are important. Your optimal shell choice will be completely dependent on the geographic locations and climate conditions you will be hunting in. For moisture-rich regions, we recommend the Eliminator Rain Jacket/Pants which are waterproof and breathable. For regions in which the temperatures may change from 20 degrees in the morning to 60 degrees in the afternoon we recommend the Pro-Edition or Generation X Jackets which offer windstopping and water resistance. They are lighter weight and are very effective in cold weather with a good insulatory layer. For the cold climates we recommend the XTREME Jacket and Pants which offer water resistance and 150Gm Thinsulate for added warmth.
Prois field-staffer, Mia Anstine, with her Pro Edition Jacket/Pants in Max-1.
So there it is — the secret of layering. Stay tuned as we continue this series with our picks for layering options in various hunting conditions. It will be riveting!
[Editor’s note: Próis Hunting & Field Apparel is a leader in women’s outdoor apparel and has been a supporter of Women’s Outdoor News since day one. We are proud to have a such a great partner!]
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
I think that those three steps are exactly the ones that should be followed, Layering and clothing are quite an important part of the hunt.