The modern way of life does not oblige men to obtain food for the family by hunting forest animals. It has become mostly a passion, a hobby, communication with nature, a break from the bustle of the city. But among hunting enthusiasts there are many professionals who take this very seriously and begin to prepare in advance for the opening of the hunting season, thinking through all the smallest details. Particular attention is paid to the selection of clothing for winter hunting.
HOW DOES HUNTING CLOTHING DIFFER FROM ORDINARY CLOTHING?
Hunting clothing must meet all the requirements necessary for this type of activity. When choosing equipment, the hunter evaluates it according to the following criteria:
- First, a set of underwear. Winter hunting involves being outside for a long time, waiting in ambush, and walking for a long time. Therefore, it is important for the hunter to stay warm in order to achieve his goal. Full set includes:
- comfortable, heat-retaining thermal underwear;
- a fleece sweatshirt, hunting pants that not only retain heat, but also do not retain moisture;
- outerwear that is not blown, but at the same time breathable; the ideal outerwear option consists of a jacket and overalls that protect the back and lumbar region from the cold and do not hinder movement;
- a hat, which should be made of natural material, for example: wool or fur, with a fleece lining;
- mittens of the appropriate size, with impregnation that repels water, so that your hands remain dry;
- comfortable warm hunting shoes.
- Secondly, the material from which the equipment is made. The fabric of the top is especially important. Hunters place increased demands on it: noiselessness, heat preservation, moisture transfer. Silence of fabrics is an important criterion. The rustle of clothing when moving, and even more so when walking, can scare away prey. The top layer should protect from the wind, prevent moisture from being absorbed, and not freeze in the cold. Experts recommend choosing natural, membrane or combined materials.
According to consumer reviews, the following materials deserve attention:
- Fabric with a membrane coating that effectively repels wind and moisture, does not interfere with the evaporation of sweat, and also slows down the transfer of heat and protects against harmful substances called “alova”.
- Multilayer material of synthetic origin, which has increased strength, effectively protects against moisture, does not interfere with the body’s breathing, retains heat, without interfering with the removal of moisture called “Nortex”.
In addition to the above, the outer layer of clothing must be durable in order to protect the hunter from injury, and, of course, so as not to lose its main purpose. Most high-quality hunting suits, as users note, are made from fabric from foreign manufacturers.
The insulation must also meet the basic requirements of winter hunting:
- be light;
- retain heat;
- promote moisture removal while maintaining thermal insulation qualities;
- do not crumple, do not get lost.
In the manufacture of winter hunting clothing, the following insulation materials are used:
- Non-woven fiber of synthetic origin, which has a high degree of heat conductivity, holofiber. It also has anti-allergenic properties and does not absorb odors well.
- A material created using innovative technologies, environmentally friendly and very light, siberia.
- Artificial fiber, chemically produced, elastic, lightweight, wear-resistant, thinsulate.
- Domestic material, with effective protection against severe frosts and winds, is lightweight, retains its shape for a long time, thermotex.
- Silicone fiber of polyester origin, lightweight, non-restrictive, Alaska.
The lining fabric should not only have the properties necessary for hunting clothing, but also be pleasant to the touch, not irritate the skin, not form pills, and not become electrified. Fleece is considered the best material; it contains 100 percent polyester, which will warm you, remove excess moisture, and keep the pile in its original form.
- Thirdly, coloring. Hunting camouflage has a camouflage color. Usually olive, brown, khaki, gray-green. Professionals recommend choosing colors in accordance with weather conditions, as well as terrain features. Otherwise it will not be effective. In some cases, for example, when driving an animal, a bright vest will be more effective. Experienced hunters purchase camouflage kits (camouflage suits) for seasonal hunting.
For winter hunting, camouflage coats with the following pattern are recommended:
- For camouflage on snow cover, a “blot” pattern is suitable, which imitates thawed patches or pieces of tree bark with black spots. This equipment is ideal for the winter forest.
- In the coniferous forest, taiga camouflage is used. The fabric is white with elements of dark green shades scattered throughout. This camouflage coat can be used throughout the winter.
- It is better for a hunter to travel through open space in winter wearing a camouflage robe called a “blizzard.” Only by merging with the snow can you get close to the animal unnoticed.
If the weather conditions on the hunting grounds are unstable, then clothing is selected in accordance with the landscape. Clothes with special holes and fastenings for camouflage using available natural materials are becoming popular; branches, leaves, grass.
- Fourthly, comfort. Clothing should not restrict or restrict the hunter’s movements, be loose-fitting, and fit properly.
- Fifthly, accessories. Professional hunters, when choosing a winter hunting suit, pay a lot of attention to detail.
Important elements of clothing for hunting are:
- A typeface represented by zippers, buttons or buttons. The zipper should have two sliders, as well as a long tab so that you can easily unfasten it without taking off your mittens.
- Lots of pockets, voluminous, durable, roomy. Fastened with a zipper or button. Be sure to have internal pockets protected with water-repellent fabric.
- Cuffs on sleeves and trousers for protection from snow or wind.
- A hood, preferably anatomically shaped, for a better fit and protection during a snowstorm.
- Sanitary pocket for performing hygiene without removing the suit.
- Additional pockets for thermoregulation.
WHY IS MEMBRANE FABRIC PREFERRED FOR HUNTING CLOTHING?
Membrane fabric is unique in its properties. Thanks to its special structure, it perfectly protects from the wind, repels water from the surface, and does not create a greenhouse effect, but allows moisture to freely evaporate from the body and pass out. This is explained by the multi-layer nature of the fabric, where each layer functions individually. But the top one must be wear-resistant. The properties of membrane fabric are used to make clothing for hunters, fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts. The following types of membrane fabric are distinguished:
- 2-layer (a membrane mesh is applied to the dense upper fabric);
- 2.5-layer (the bottom layer is a compacted membrane mesh, in the form of pimples);
- 3-layer (except for the top dense layer, a knitted mesh is added on top of the membrane).
Membranes can be non-porous, porous or combined.
High-quality equipment made from membrane fabric must have taped seams. The most popular combination membrane. Moisture cannot get inside through it, but evaporates freely out. The care for such clothes is special: they are washed by hand using special means, dried flat, and not ironed.
