Disclosure: ShopBuyZones is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission — at no extra cost to you.
Opening weeks of hunting season are often the hardest to dress for. It can be near freezing when you leave the truck, hot by mid-morning and cool again the moment the sun drops. Dress for the cold start and you are soaked in sweat within a mile. Dress for the heat and you shiver through the last hour of light. The answer is light clothing that dries fast, plus one warm layer in the pack.
Sweat is the real problem
In warm weather your body cools itself by sweating. That works well while you are moving. The trouble starts when you stop: damp clothing keeps pulling heat away from you, so a hunter who hiked in wet with sweat can feel chilled an hour later even on a mild day. Everything below is about staying dry from the inside.
Choose fabrics that dry fast
Skip cotton, including cotton T-shirts and jeans. Cotton holds moisture and dries slowly. Lightweight polyester and merino wool move sweat away from your skin and dry much quicker. Merino has the added benefit of resisting odor over several days, which is handy on a multi-day trip.
Wear less on the walk in
A good rule: start out feeling slightly cool. You will warm up within ten minutes of walking. Carry your insulating layer in or on your pack and put it on when you reach your spot, before you cool down. Unzip vents, roll sleeves and open your collar on climbs instead of waiting until you are already overheated.
Keep your legs cool and covered
Shorts are tempting, but long pants protect you from thorns, poison ivy, sunburn and insects. A lightweight stretch pant gives you that protection without the heat. Pants with snap loops let you roll the legs up for a creek crossing or a hot climb, then drop them back down when you reach cover.
Plan for ticks and mosquitoes
Early season is peak bug season in much of the country. The CDC recommends treating clothing and gear with products that contain 0.5% permethrin, and using an EPA-registered insect repellent on exposed skin. Tuck pant legs into socks or boots in tall grass, and check yourself for ticks when you get home, including behind the knees and around the waistband.
Stay quiet and keep the wind in mind
Leaves are still on the trees early in the season, so shots are close and animals hear well. Soft, quiet fabrics matter more now than later in the year. Sweat also means more scent, so pay attention to wind direction and consider packing a dry shirt to change into before you sit.
A lightweight pant built for this
How we picked it: we have not field-tested this item ourselves. The details below come from King’s Camo’s own product listing. See how we research and choose products.
King’s Camo XKG Ridge Pant
A lightweight four-way stretch hunting pant (93% polyester, 7% spandex) with a water-resistant treatment, articulated knees, a grip-strip waistband, snap-close cargo pockets and snap loops for rolling up the legs. Comes in camo and solid colors, waist sizes 30 to 44, with tall inseams available.
Check today’s price
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear when it is hot in the morning too?
A single light, long-sleeved shirt and lightweight pants. Long sleeves in a thin, light-colored fabric are often cooler than bare arms in direct sun, and they keep bugs off.
Do I still need a jacket in early season?
Yes, a light one. Temperatures can fall quickly at dusk, especially at elevation or after rain. A packable insulated jacket weighs very little and can make the last hour of light much more comfortable. Our guide on layering for cold weather covers the basics.
How much water should I carry?
More than you think. Needs vary with heat, effort and body size, so there is no single number. Drink before you are thirsty, and carry extra on hot days or long walks. Headache, dizziness and dark urine are signs you are behind.
The Bottom Line
Early-season comfort comes down to three habits: wear fabrics that dry fast, start your walk a little cool, and carry one warm layer for when you stop. Add long, lightweight pants and a plan for ticks, and you are set for the warm half of the season. Find more guides and gear in our Outdoor Zone.