The Best Hunting Clothes and Boots, Tested in Extreme Winter Conditions

Choosing the best hunting clothes and footwear could mean the difference between staying out longer—and coming home with meat—versus calling it quits early because your gear couldn’t stand up to the elements. After all, patience is the name of the game, whether following sheep across unforgiving miles or hunting deer from a tree stand mid-January. While trying to fill your freezer, the last thing you should worry about is your gear being too sweaty, cold, or loud—or worse, blowing out mid-climb.

We tested over 40 pieces of hunting apparel and footwear through the heart of winter, including an assortment of hunting jackets, pants, bibs, waders, base layers, socks, and boots. Nine new pieces stood out to join this tried and tested list of hunting gear that continues to surpass expectations.

Updated February 2026: After extensive testing in harsh winter conditions, we added nine new picks to this guide, including the Sitka Men’s Endure Pants (our new pick for the best hunting pants for men) and XKG Wind-Defender Shift Jacket (best bowhunting jacket). We’ve also updated pricing throughout. 

Best Hunting Clothes and Footwear: At a Glance

• Best Men’s All-Around Hunting Pants: Sitka Men’s Endure Pants ($219)
• Best Men’s Midlayer Jacket: Stone Glacier Headwall Jacket ($299)
• Best Women’s Hunting Pants: Sitka Women’s Ascent ($199)
• Best Women’s Midlayer Jacket: Kuiu Women’s Border Fleece Full Zip ($149)
• Best Women’s Brush Pants: Forloh Women’s BTM Pro Pants ($259)
• Best Bowhunting Outfit: Kings XKG Wind-Defender Shift Jacket ($210) and Bib Pant ($210)
• Best Late-Season Hunting Bib: Sitka Blizzard Pro Bib ($800)
• Best Women’s Down Jacket: Kuiu Women’s Super Down LT ($319)
• Best Men’s Waterfowl Hunting Jacket: Chêne Gear Men’s Hydro-Lok Shell Jacket ($400)
• Best Waterfowl Hunting Waders: Sitka Delta VentLite Zip GTX Wader ($1,500)
• Best Hunting Boots: Meindl Eurolight Hunter 300 ($330)
• Best Cold Weather Gloves: Kuiu Northstar Glomitt ($139)
• Best Hunting Socks: Paka Trail 3/4 Crew Socks ($24)

Best Men’s All-Around Hunting Pants

Sitka Men’s Endure Pants

$219 at Sitka

$219 at Cabela’s

Sizes: 30R-44R

Pros and Cons
+ Pockets for knee pads (sold separately)
+ Reinforced knife pocket
+ Zippered hip vents
– Expensive

We tested the Sitka Men’s Endure Pants while logging serious miles—chasing grouse through thick Wisconsin national forest cover full of prickers, blackberry canes, and sharp branches, then wearing them daily on Montana mule deer and antelope hunts in October. Over the course of the season, we put at least 50 miles on the pants in conditions that swung from warm afternoons to cold, snowy mornings.

With proper layering, the Endure Pants kept us warm and protected on cold days. They blocked wind, repelled snow, and brushed off wet vegetation with ease. Built from a tough double-weave polyester, durability stands out immediately. These pants take abuse in a way most hunting pants don’t—briars, brush, and sharp edges barely leave a mark. After a full season of hard use, they still looked nearly new.

The fit feels athletic but not restrictive. The pants move naturally, even with layers underneath. Worn solo, the uninsulated build breathes well enough to prevent overheating on warmer, high-output days. Zippered hip vents make it easy to dump heat during long hikes. Despite their toughness, they don’t feel stiff or fatiguing like some brush pants can after several miles.

These are true four-season workhorses, ideal for hunters who cover ground in thick cover or out West on spot-and-stalk pursuits. Even after full days on foot, they never felt restrictive or uncomfortable.

Criticism was minimal. For certain close-range scenarios, we’d welcome slightly quieter fabric—but stealth isn’t the Endure Pant’s primary mission. For what Sitka designed them to do, they deliver. They’re expensive, but for hunters who put on real miles, the performance justifies the price.

Best Men’s Mid-Layer Hunting Jacket

Stone Glacier Headwall Jacket

$299 at Stone Glacier

Sizes: S-3XL

Pros and Cons
+ Windproof, yet quiet
+ Pit zips for ventilation
+ Water resistant, breathable soft shell
+ Extended tail for lower back coverage while wearing a pack
– Expensive
– Bulky

The Headwall shines as a mid-layer. Worn alone, it offers the warmth and breathability needed for active early-season hunts in places like Alaska, where one tester lives and hunts. Layer it under a down puffy, and it keeps you toasty while sitting and glassing.

Testers wore the Stone Glacier Headwall Jacket while hiking the ponderosa pine forests of central New Mexico this winter. They traveled mostly off trail, cruising ridgelines in search of elk and deer. During a 1,500-foot push up a steep ridge, testers didn’t overheat. The breathable soft-shell fabric and armpit zip vents dumped heat efficiently on the climb. Later, while glassing on a windy ridgeline with the pit zips closed, one tester stayed warm while his hiking partner had to throw on another layer. A comfortable fleece lining adds insulation without compromising mobility.

A passing squall tested the jacket’s weather resistance, and water beaded nicely on the face fabric. Still, the Headwall isn’t a rain jacket. One tester pushed its limits under a running sink; it would handle a drizzle, but you’ll want a true rain shell in a downpour.

Despite its wind- and water-resistant build, the jacket remains exceptionally quiet. Testers slipped within range of a pair of bedded cow elk in a ponderosa stand without spooking them. The Fieldstone colorway blends seamlessly into western mountain terrain or an Alaskan river bottom in autumn. Pockets remain accessible under a backpack, and the longer cut keeps you covered when sitting to glass.

The tradeoff? Bulk. At 1 pound, 14 ounces (size large), the Headwall doesn’t compress like a down jacket. If you bring it, you’ll likely wear it. Fortunately, it’s comfortable enough that you won’t mind.

Best Women’s All-Around Hunting Pants

Sitka Women’s Ascent

$199 at Sitka

$199 at Scheels

Sizes: 25R-36R

Pros and Cons
+ Comfortable four-way stretch
+ Breathability
+ Odor control technology
+ Lightweight
– Pricey

When she first pulled on the Ascent Pant, one tester’s reaction was simple: “yuck.” She’s not a fan of leggings outdoors—especially for hunting—and the Ascent’s lightweight fabric and close-fitting cut felt a little too much like a tight. But after committing to wear them for the sake of the test, she didn’t want to take them off.

She wore the Ascent while pheasant hunting in South Dakota, goose hunting from a layout blind in central Nebraska, and hiking to her deer box blind. She’s pushed through upland fields thick with stickers and cockleburs and waded through pokey cedar brush to check stands. Though the Cordura construction feels light, it’s far from flimsy. The pants have held up through two seasons of hard use. She liked them enough to buy two more pairs.

The Cordura nylon fabric feels lightweight and breathable, with four-way stretch that makes the pants exceptionally comfortable and easy to layer. They hold their shape and don’t sag after a full day of movement. Breathability proved especially valuable while setting decoys—strenuous work for anyone who’s done it. She stayed dry and comfortable, which meant she didn’t have to sit in an uninsulated layout blind feeling cold and clammy.

The Optifade Subalpine camo pattern also impressed. From a layout blind—where the slightest unnatural movement can send birds flaring—the pattern blended seamlessly. On her last goose hunt, she didn’t have time to fully conceal her blind. “Other camo patterns under the same circumstances would have alerted the geese, but the Optifade didn’t even faze them,” she said.

Room for improvement? More pockets and additional belt loops for clipping a knife or carrying concealed.

Best Women’s Midlayer Hunting Jacket

Kuiu Women’s Border Fleece Full Zip

$149 at Kuiu

Sizes: XS-XL

Pros and Cons
+ Wind- and water-resistant
+ Quiet
+ Reasonably priced
– Fleece material attracts stickers and cockleburs
– Sleeves run short for taller testers

The Kuiu Border Fleece Full Zip quickly became a go-to this season for everything from hunting to farm chores to trips into town. One tester wore it while chasing pheasants through tallgrass prairies and hunting Canada geese over cut cornfields and meadows near her home in central Nebraska.

Fleece jackets are quiet, but they rarely block wind or moisture. Our tester appreciated how the Border Fleece Full Zip strikes that balance—quiet, warm, and surprisingly protective. To her surprise, the jacket effectively cut wind and shed light moisture when she wore it as a standalone piece during testing.

The Border Fleece proved versatile enough for fall upland, small game, and big game hunts, and it worked just as well as a mid-layer during late-season deer, predator, or waterfowl seasons. The fit also hits the mark—not too loose, not too tight—and the longer cut keeps the wind from sneaking up her back when she bends over. One note: Some taller testers found the sleeves run short.

Best Women’s Brush Pants

Forloh Women’s BTM Pro Pants

$259 at Forloh

Sizes: 00-14

Pros and Cons
+ Abrasion and thorn resistant
+ Machine washable despite waxing
+ Odor resistant
+ Pockets for knee pads (sold separately)
– Fit runs small
– Expensive

The BTM Pro Pants do exactly what they’re built to do: protect your legs and take a beating. Forloh’s waxed ripstop nylon/cotton panels that extend from the hem to mid-thigh on the front of the pants provide protection from water, abrasion, and thorns. In back, those panels extend to the knee, with an additional layer across the seat for protection while sitting.

We wore the BTM Pro Pants while pheasant hunting in central Nebraska, crossing marshy ground thick with tall reeds and willows and pushing through tallgrass prairie in the Sandhills. After long days in the field, we picked off only a few cockleburs and sandburs, while others in the group came out covered.

These pants shine in “brush to mountain” terrain. Even after heavy sweating, they resisted odor thanks to built-in antimicrobial treatment. When grime finally builds up, you can toss them in the wash—then reapply wax as needed.

We appreciated the heavy-duty snaps, durable stitching, and deep, well-constructed pockets. Two zippered side vents dump heat quickly, and snap-adjustable cuffs accommodate different boot sizes. The BTM Pro Pants also include internal knee pad pockets for optional molded pads (sold separately). In the field, they performed flawlessly and feel tough enough to last for seasons.

Our one gripe: fit. The pants ran small—about two sizes too tight in the waist—while feeling loose through the hips. We also found the rise higher than preferred.

Best Bowhunting Outfit

Kings XKG Wind-Defender Shift Jacket and Bib Pant

$210 at Kings (Jacket)

$210 at Kings (Bib Pants)

Sizes: M-4XL (jacket); M-3XL (bib pant)

Pros and Cons
+ Less expensive than competitors
+ Extremely quiet fleece material
+ Resists attracting stickers and burs
+ Comfortable across a wide temperature range
+ Non-restrictive for layering
– Jacket could offer more wind resistance on bitter days

This jacket and bibs combo kept our tester warm and comfortable across a wide temperature range—from 15 degrees to the mid-60s—while bowhunting big game in the Midwest and Mountain West this season. On warmer sits, a light merino base layer was sufficient. On chillier days, he layered up without losing mobility, and the jacket allowed for a full draw without binding at the shoulders.

This hunting jacket and bibs are well-built and surprisingly tough for such quiet materials—essential for bowhunting in close quarters. They shed stickers and briars better than most other outfits we’ve tested, with no premature snags or wear. This is a rare achievement, as clothing designed for bowhunting typically attracts stickers and burs.Our tester also appreciated the well-placed pockets that offered easy access, even when secured to a tree by a harness. When hunting on the ground, the removable knee pads on the bibs proved to be a valuable feature. His only wish? A bit more wind resistance in the chest area of the jacket for those bitter winter days.

Best Late-Season Men’s Hunting Bib

Sitka Blizzard Pro Bib

$800 at Sitka

$800 at Cabela’s

Sizes: M-3XL

Pros and Cons
+ Warm but not hot
+ Breathable, waterproof face fabric
+ Does not attract burs and stickers
+ Comfortable for still hunting or on the move
+ Durable ripstop polyester
– Pricey

The Sitka Blizzard Pro Bib was put to the test across various hunting scenarios, including upland bird hunting in heavy cover, deer hunting from a tree stand, squirrel hunting, and waterfowl hunting in fields and blinds. Throughout these experiences, it performed exceptionally well, keeping our tester dry and protected through thick undergrowth, briars, and frozen crop stubble.

With a 75-denier ripstop polyester face fabric and breathable Core-Tex material, the bib is incredibly comfortable and warm without being overly hot. The PrimaLoft Silver 60/40 gray duck down blend provides lightweight insulation in the thigh and seat areas, while 60 grams of PrimaLoft Gold insulation adds warmth in the upper bib. The durable leg-length zippers make for easy on and off when conditions change. Waterfowl hunters who need extra warmth during the late season can pair the Blizzard Pro Bib underneath waterproof waders without feeling bulky. Despite the high price tag, the Blizzard Pro Bib proved worth every penny when temperatures dropped.

Best Women’s Down Jacket

Kuiu Women’s Super Down LT

$319 at Kuiu (Women’s)

$319 at Kuiu (Men’s)

Sizes: S-3XL (men’s); XS-XL (women’s)

Pros and Cons
+ Windproof
+ Water-resistant
+ Warm
+ Ripstop outer fabric
– Noisy outer material

The Super Down LT is a durable, lightweight, midlayer puffy that’s suitable for a variety of mid-season hunting, whether backcountry rifle, waterfowl, or upland game hunting.

The outer nylon ripstop fabric is water-resistant, warm, and durable (though it’s too noisy for bow or spear hunting).

One big game and goose hunter doubted the jacket’s wind resistance because it’s so thin, but her skepticism was immediately extinguished on a blustery December day when all she wore underneath was a T-shirt while working outdoors in the unforgiving Sandhills of Nebraska. She fully expected to freeze, but the jacket kept her toasty. She also caught the Super Down LT on barbed wire and, later, on a jagged culvert while checking minnow traps, and the jacket didn’t tear once—a miracle for a piece of ultralight down gear.

Testers loved the details, too. You won’t find shiny face fabric on this down jacket—the Super Down LT features a dull, matte finish for better concealment. It self-stows in the right-hand pocket, with enough room to include the Super Down LT Pant. The pouch can then be used as a camp pillow, or a secondary cinch can compress the jacket to half the size.

When checking back with our tester over a year later, she said the puffy has held up well and remains one of her favorites to wear when hunting during the late season. One ding: Kuiu no longer offers camouflage options for women.

Best Men’s Waterfowl Hunting Jacket

Chêne Men’s Hydro-Lok Shell Jacket

$400 at Chêne

Sizes: S-4XL

Pros and Cons
+ Waterproof and windproof
+ Comfortable, flexible soft-shell-like face material
+ Roomy pockets
+ Built to last
– Price

We tested the Hydro-Lok Shell Jacket over several waterfowl hunts in Nebraska and Iowa. The field hunts, in particular, brought some of the most frigid conditions the Midwest can deliver, with wind chills plunging below zero. Our tester waited for birds hunkered down in coffin and frame blinds, which offered little protection from the harsh cold, wind, and snow. The Hydro-Lok Shell proved up to the task, keeping our tester warm and dry in those bitter conditions.

The jacket is made of the same fully waterproof, windproof nylon face material as Chêne’s flagship waders, which repels snow, rain and the gnarliest wind. Our tester wore the Hydro-Lok with a base layer and polyester pullover underneath throughout his testing and stayed comfortable across a wide range of temperatures, from freezing conditions to 50 degrees.

Despite the jacket’s protective quality, the face fabric resembles more of a soft shell. The Hydro-Lok doesn’t feel like a traditional waterfowl jacket, which can be stiff, heavy and crinkly. You can stuff the Chêne jacket inside waders without compromising comfort and mobility.

The hood easily fits over a stocking cap, adjustable neoprene wrist cuffs seal out moisture, and a fleece-lined neck feels soft and cozy against the skin. Two breast pockets and two handwarmer pockets offer ample storage for essentials and comfortably fit gloved hands.

What’s missing? Reinforcement at the elbows to handle the leaning and crawling hunters often do while stalking ducks and geese.

Best Waterfowl Hunting Waders

Sitka Delta VentLite Zip GTX Wader

$1,500 at Sitka

Sizes: S9-3XL14

Pros and Cons
+ Lightweight waterproof body material
+ Sneaker-like, comfortable boots
+ Breathable
+ More durable than traditional waders
– Runs short
– Expensive

Nebraska waterfowl hunters tested Sitka’s wader while chasing ducks and geese from blinds, sandbars, and flooded timber. Their first impression: it’s the most comfortable wader they’ve ever worn. Where most waders feel stiff and clunky through the boot, these felt more like sneakers, making it easier to climb in and out of blinds and wade out to set decoys. At just 6 pounds, 8 ounces (size L/10), the Delta VentLite is also ultralight. Testers noticed less fatigue on walks in and out while hauling gear compared to traditional waders.

The four-layer Gore-Tex Pro upper and legs deliver full waterproof protection while remaining breathable, making them suitable from early to late season. One hunter said there’s no Midwestern weather where he wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing the Delta VentLite. PrimaLoft Gold insulation in the boot kept his feet warm on frigid hunts and released excess heat and moisture when temperatures climbed. A Vibram Litebase Megagrip outsole with added traction made muddy banks and fields easier to navigate.

Testers also appreciated the reinforced knee area, which allowed for worry-free crawling. Compared to Sitka’s previous model, the molded, articulated knee pads and Cordura panels feel stronger and more flexible. The updated Gore-Tex Pro fabric is 10 percent more puncture-resistant and 200 percent more abrasion-resistant than before. Overall, testers praised the durability and said they’d trust these waders to outlast traditional neoprene or budget breathable options. One concern: the shoulder straps seemed thin, and long-term durability remains to be seen.

Two factors keep these from a perfect score: sizing and price. While the boot fit spot-on, the overall length ran slightly short for our primary tester, who stands 5-foot-10. And at $1,500, they’re a serious investment. For dedicated waterfowlers who can justify the cost, though, these waders should deliver years of service. Sitka also backs them with a solid warranty and repair options for damage outside standard coverage.

Best Hunting Boots

Meindl Eurolight Hunter 300 boots

$330 at Meindl (Men’s)

$330 at Meindl (Women’s)

Sizes: 7-14 (men’s); 6-10 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
+ Reasonably priced
+ Lightweight
+ Warm but not overheating
+ Supportive
– Leather takes a while to dry

One of our testers has searched for the perfect hunting boot for more than a decade, and he says the Meindl Eurolight Hunter 300 finally fits the bill. He wore them while hunting barbary sheep in New Mexico and while hiking and spring bear hunting in his home state of Alaska during late winter and early spring, when snow still covered the ground and occasionally required snowshoes. True to their name, the boots feel lightweight but offer a wide sole and supportive leather upper that create a stable platform in heavy timber, brush, and uneven, wet terrain.

They felt comfortable right out of the box—a trait that can sometimes signal softer leather—but the Meindls held up over 25 days of punishing miles without showing signs of failure. After his bear hunt, our tester packed hundreds of pounds of meat over soggy, uneven ground and post-holed through pockets of snow without worrying about foot or ankle stability, thanks to the nine-inch height and ample support. The 300 grams of synthetic insulation struck the right balance for winter and early spring, keeping his feet warm without overheating.

“My boot needs vary, but for most of the year and most of my hunts, I want a lightweight leather boot with solid ankle support and exceptional traction. The EuroLight Hunter provided all of that,” he said. Compared to his longtime favorite Kenetrek Mountain Guide boots, the Meindl feels lighter, more nimble, and less clunky underfoot—though not quite as burly.

One drawback: after getting soaked, the boots took a full day to dry, even stuffed with newspaper. With extra wax treatment and gaiters, however, they stayed mostly dry on hunts.

After more than a year of use, our tester still calls them “excellent.”

Best Cold Weather Gloves

Kuiu Northstar Glomitt Gloves

$139 at Kuiu

Sizes: M-XXL (unisex)

Pros and Cons
+ Performed well in very cold weather
+ Waterproof
+ Reasonably priced
+ Good grip and dexterity
– Blood does not rinse off well

A big-game tester wore the Glomitt Gloves on a dog-mushing mission north of Fairbanks, Alaska, spanning late winter into early spring—and they never failed him. The outer polyester layer eventually wetted out, but the waterproof HDry membrane kept his hands dry through full days of slushy snow. Primaloft Gold insulation on the back of the hand and Primaloft Eco Grip insulation in the palm kept his fingers warm. Even as temperatures dipped near 0 degrees, the independent index finger and thumb provided enough warmth and dexterity to operate a camera. A leather palm added reliable grip on the sled.

“These gloves are burly,” he said. “They’re going in my pack on any hunt past September and before April 15. I see them as a safety measure, a comfort measure, and a necessity.”

They’re not ideal for waterfowl, upland, or bowhunting, where quick trigger pulls or arrow releases demand finer dexterity—the forefinger and thumb simply aren’t nimble enough. The polyester outer also absorbs liquids, which makes blood tougher to rinse out. Still, when extremely cold or unpredictable weather looms—like during pack hunts or long glassing sessions on multi-day mountain trips—these gloves earn their place.

Update: After two Alaska winters, they’re still going strong.

Best Hunting Socks

Paka Trail ¾ Crew Socks

$24 at Paka

$65 at Paka (3-pack)

Sizes: S-L (unisex)
Materials: 57 percent recycled nylon, 33 percent baby alpaca fiber, 10 percent Tencel, 3 percent spandex

Pros and Cons
+ Moisture wicking
+ Odor resistant
+ Comfortable all day
+ Reasonably priced
– Limited compression due to short height

Paka’s Trail Three-Quarter Crew Socks have earned praise from marathon runners, mountain bikers, and professional athletes—and now, hunters. One tester wore them for more than a year while hunting, hiking, and working, and liked them enough to buy six more pairs. She calls them the most comfortable socks she’s ever worn and now reaches for them daily.

Made primarily from alpaca wool and recycled nylon, the socks naturally resist odor and wick moisture. A generous heel cushion delivers plush, all-day comfort. What truly won her over, though, was the ribbed compression at the ankle and the snug support through the arch. At first, the arch felt too tight, but by the end of long days on her feet, she noticed far less fatigue and soreness. Outside of hunting, she logs four to five miles a day staying fit for future hunts and tackling farm chores.

“If I run out because I haven’t done laundry, my feet suffer,” she said.

Other Products We Tested

• Farm-to-Feet Ely Light Targeted Cushion ($26): High-density cushioning targeted critical performance areas throughout the sock that supported testers’ feet during a full day afield. Moisture wicking and thermoregulating properties kept sweaty feet dry and comfortable.
• Sitka Men’s Duck Oven Jacket ($385): A durable, extremely warm jacket that would pair well underneath waders. Testers wished it was hooded.
• King’s Men’s XKG Pivot Pant ($160): A cheaper alternative to more expensive brands, King’s Pivot Pant is just as comfortable and dependable in the field. Testers were also impressed with the XK7 camo pattern that was suitable for a variety of hunting situations.
• Muck x Bone Collector – Men’s 15″ Pathfinder Boot ($145): The Pathfinder shines in slick, muddy and snowy conditions. The boots were comfortable right out of the box—the rubber and neoprene construction provided excellent flex. Testers found them suitable for still hunting whitetails early through mid-season, and they’re surprisingly well‑suited for western spot‑and‑stalk hunts because they are so comfortable.

How to Choose the Right Hunting Clothes

Hunting clothes are an investment. If you’re a beginner looking to get into the sport, don’t rush out and buy the most expensive and technical gear possible. While top-rated hunting gear certainly helps with comfort, it won’t make game animals appear nor will it improve your shooting.

Big-box stores such as Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops generally offer decent mid-tier products. In some parts of the country, even Walmart carries cheap hunting gear that will get the job done, albeit with less comfort and durability than more expensive options. Once you’re committed to the sport, that’s when it’s time to look at the top-tier products that will last a long time and ultimately save you money.

If you’re already a backpacker or hiker, you can wear the clothing you already own—lightweight and moisture-wicking are features that are also desirable in hunting. Choose pieces in muted, natural colors, or black when hunting in a ground blind, as it will help you blend in with the dark interior. Unless you’re hunting in open country and doing a lot of spotting and stalking, expensive camouflage is not required—staying comfortable and warm is more important.

For guided hunts, reach out to your guide with any questions about layering and insulation. For example, what you might wear for a drop hunt in Alaska will be drastically different than hunting deer in a tree blind in the Midwest. Also, areas that see drastic changes in temperature and precipitation from early to late season will require you to pay close attention to the forecast when choosing what to bring and wear.

Lastly, don’t forget to check state regulations for hunter orange requirements, a safety precaution that makes you more visible to other hunters. Although it’s not required in every state, wearing hunter orange is strongly recommended. Learn more here.

How We Test

• Number of testers: 8
• Number of products tested: 37 (in addition to 106 products last season)
• Number of miles/vertical feet: 1,115 miles

To find the best hunting gear, eight testers put 62 pieces of gear—25 accessories and 37 pieces of apparel—up against the elements this season: from warm early-season archery deer in the Midwest to the extreme limits of winter in Interior Alaska. Testers encountered subzero temps, ice, mud and extreme wind. They hunted across a variety of terrain, including the rolling sandhills and steep canyons of central Nebraska, in the dramatic wilderness of Alaska, mule-deer habitat in New Mexico, and in turkey country in the rocky hillsides and prairies of Wisconsin and Illinois.

Meet Our Testers

Category manager and lead tester Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley spent her teenage years camping and backpacking in California. She began hunting in her early 20s and currently resides in Nebraska as an outdoor writer, photographer and wild game cook.

Nolan Dahlberg runs Dahlberg Digital out of Wisconsin, where he spends a considerable amount of time hunting white-tailed deer on his family farm. He also travels to hunt grouse, elk and mule deer.

Angie Kokes shot her first shotgun at 3 years old and grew up hunting with her dad to pursue upland birds in Nebraska. After teaching herself how to rifle and archery hunt for deer, Kokes learned how to spear hunt. She also has hunted big game with her spear in Africa and New Zealand.