There is such an enormous array of hunting clothes with so many different camouflage patterns. Now that I am doing more hunting, I really want to buy some “real” hunting clothes as opposed to the old army surplus camo I have worn in the past. There are so many kinds. I need some real rubber boots, pants, jacket, and I want them all to have a matching pattern on them.
So far I’ve been browsing the Cabela’s catalog and there are just a billion different choices to choose from. So I figure I’d just ask for a recommendation, because I hate shopping for things and I really don’t feel like taking the time to compare all the many manufacturers’ offerings.
So what do you wear? What brand of clothes, and what camo pattern do you prefer? I already have one shirt with the Mossy Oak Break-Up pattern and I kind of like that. The Realtree AP also looks good, in my opinion. The high-tech looking pixelated patterns are also intriguing.
What have you had good luck with? How much does the camo actually matter?
You named the two patterns I mostly use–I imagine they are two of the most popular overall. Really, it all depends on what you are hunting, and where. Generally speaking, I think the overall lightness or darkness of a camo pattern is more important than the specific designs (bark, leaves, branches, etc.) of the pattern
For turkey hunting, I take much greater care with covering up in camo than I do hunting dove or deer, because I want to be very mobile and turkey have excellent vision and are very cautious. I know I’m going to be on the move a lot, so something relatively “generic” or neutral is best. I mostly use the Realtree AP or APG for that purpose. It has a lighter, more neutral tone to it than many patterns.
Hunting deer or other game from a tree stand or open stand on a tripod, you want to blend in best with whatever is around you. I do have some Mossy Oak Breakup for when I know I’m going to be mostly in or against a tree or trees. It has a darker color that may not work as well out in the open, though, especially in dead grass in the fall/winter months. If I’m hunting from a blind where I’m pretty well concealed, I don’t worry too much about camo. Maybe just a head cover/face mask and gloves to keep my pale skin from standing out in contrast.
With dove hunting, if they spot you from far enough away they may alter their path and go around you. So camo can help there, though I’ve had many successful hunts where I just picked a good spot under a small tree or next to a bush while wearing blue jeans and a t-shirt. I’ve also stood upright right out in the open and shot my limit as dozens of dove flew in toward a nearby watering tank, and they paid me little heed.
Hunting something like pheasant or quail with dogs, camo isn’t necessary. The birds will definitely know you are there and it’s up to you and the dog to find them and flush them.
I’ve never hunted duck, so I can’t comment on that.
What will you be hunting for, and where will you be doing it? Let’s start there…
Deer and turkey in Indiana.
Been awhile since I’ve done much, either bird or deer hunting, but it really depended on whether I was using a rifle or bow. Bow was a lot more involved, with face mask, camo gloves, top, pants, and dark boots. Everything got stored in a bag with baking soda. We still tried to keep the wind in our face, but every little bit helped.
Conversely, the most important part of the rifle hunting outfit was that it have gobs of blaze orange throughout. This was in the West, with pretty far sightlines and lots of glassing. Tree stand and closer range, I’d try to find something that broke up my outline well and was comfortable to wear. Hard to sit still if you’re uncomfortable.
Never been turkey hunting. I understand their eyesight is ridiculously good.
Southern Indiana is totally a bowhunting culture…there’s a short time in November when deer can be taken with slugs, and high powered rifles are not allowed. Some use lever rifles or carbines in pistol cartridges though.
Oh, yeah, something I need to bring up: a lot of hunting clothes seem to be made out of that super-fine microfiber fabric that is sort of velvety to the touch. I can’t stand that stuff. I literally can’t stand it; the texture of it makes me shiver and cringe, even (especially) if it is felt through multiple layers. I don’t know why this is, although apparently I’m not the only one because I have met a few other people who claimed to feel the same way. Touching any “flocked” items gives me the major willies, and I can’t wear any gloves lined with microfleece or any of that stuff.
deer hunting with a rifle? i find cammies little use. you’re at long range, he won’t see you. you’re at close range, it means you have sufficient cover. more important are things like noise and scent.
for cold weather, a pair of long johns under your pants. a long arm turtleneck sweater over your undershirt. then put on two thin jackets over that. if it gets warmer in the afternoon, wear only one jacket. if you’re likely to get your feet wet in snow, slip a plastic bag over your socked feet or wrap them in cling-wrap before putting on your red wings. don’t wear goose down jackets if you’re stalking deer or boar. makes too much noise. ski cap under your waterproof cap. leather shooting gloves (unless you’re good at shooting with mitts on.)