Recommended Clothing for a British Columbia Hunt

At Kawdy Outfitters, we hunt a remote and rugged area. Hunters can expect changing weather conditions and physically challenging terrain.

When it comes to selecting gear for a remote combo hunt, we recommend investing in high quality items that are lightweight and durable. Every person has a different tolerance for heat and cold, so it’s difficult to recommend specific pieces. But the following list should help provide you with a working example.

Here is a typical clothing system that we’d recommend for a hunt in northern British Columbia:

Base Layers

We recommend quality merino wool tops and bottoms for your base layers. High quality merino wool breathes well, it manages moisture, and it dries quickly. An added benefit is that it resists odors much better than synthetics. We recommend a lightweight set of merino base layers, and a heavier set for cold weather. Don’t forget some merino wool boxer shorts to complete your base layer.

Mid-Layers

We like packing two or three lightweight options for mid-layers. First, pack a lightweight jacket or vest. Next, pack a warm, puffy jacket for colder temps. Finally, you might want an option that falls somewhere between the two – a mid-weight jacket or pullover. Having a few options will allow you to  adjust to conditions as needed.

For your lighter insulation layer, consider a lightweight windbreaker or vest. This will add warmth and wind protection without adding much weight to your system.

Next, consider packing a mid-weight insulation layer like a fleece or merino wool jacket. Both synthetic fleece and merino wool are breathable. This is a great piece to have when the weather is cool, but when periods of high exertion require breathability.

For your warmest insulation piece, go with a down or synthetic puffy jacket. These jackets are light and they easily stuff into your pack when you don’t need them. They provide excellent warmth when conditions turn cold. Down has the highest warmth-to-weight ratio but many companies offer quality synthetic options as well.

Outerwear

Find a high quality, versatile hunting pants that fit you well. Different brands fit different body types, so we recommend trying on a few. Good qualities to look for in a hunting pant include a bit of stretch, breathability and a DWR finish to repel moisture. In general, we prefer hunting pants that are lightweight and non-insulated. It’s better to be versatile – you can always wear long underwear underneath or add rain pants over the top as conditions change.

Speaking of rain gear, purchase the best you can afford. A great set of breathable rain gear is essential on a long hunt in B.C. Even when it’s not raining, you may find yourself moving through wet willows and spruce thickets on these hunts. It wouldn’t be uncommon to wear rain gear nearly every day of the hunt.

Gloves and Accessories

In addition to your base layers, mid-layers and outerwear, bring a warm hat for cold mornings and evenings. Plus, pack a brimmed cap to keep the sun out of your eyes on sunny days. For gloves, a quality pair of leather gloves is great for long days on horseback or climbing through rocky terrain. When the weather turns cold and snowy, an insulated, water-resistant glove is a great choice.

Finally, don’t neglect your feet. Bring good merino wool socks and a tough set of gaiters. Gaiters will protect your rain pants from abuse and provide an extra layer of protection to keep your boots dry.

For more gear tips and information leading up to the hunting season, please take a few minutes to explore our Gear Page. If you’d like to speak with us about our hunts or availability, please feel free to contact us at any time.