For this review, the Mossy Oak Sherpa 2.0 was my favorite. It is a lightweight jacket that will not hold you back or restrict any movement. It will provide proper insulation, and you can always wear base layers underneath if it is freezing outside. The price is also reasonable.
This article will be about the best hunting jackets that will be durable and provide excellent insulation.
As an avid hunter, I have come across countless jackets in the past. Some of the jackets were so bad that I could not even go through an entire season without asking for a refund. I want you to avoid that mistake.
I have also vetted over eighteen jackets and could only find seven that fit my selection criteria.
There are many jackets to choose from. Some are inexpensive, waterproof, versatile, and even have scent suppression. Below is a list of what you will find:
Best Hunting Jackets
- Mossy Oak Sherpa 2.0 (Editors Choice)
- New View Hunting Jacket (Budget-Friendly)
- Nomad Men’s Harvester (Best Scent Suppression)
- Legendary Whitetails HuntGuard Reflextec Jacket (Most versatile)
- ScentLok Hydrotherm Jacket (Also Good Scent Suppression)
- SITKA Gear Jetstream Jacket (Best At Wind And Waterproofing)
- Browning Upland Jacket (Honorable Mention)
Are you ready? Let’s start with the first jacket.
#1 Mossy Oak Sherpa 2.0 (Editors Choice)
- Size: Medium, Large, X-Large, 2X-Large, and 3X-Large
- Weight: Lightweight
I am the type of guy that likes to wear hunting jackets that are not too bulky. I would rather wear extra base layers underneath when it is freezing outside. I want to move around without any obstructions.
The jacket is made from two layers, which consist of micro-fleece fabric on the outside and a sherpa fleece lining on the inside. This combination will provide good insulation and warmth during the winter months. These materials are also very durable.
It has a zipper at the front, which can be used to open the jacket. There are also two zippers on the side, which can be opened for all the hot air to escape so that you can cool down. You will also have two sets of pockets. You get two zippered chest pockets and side pockets.
This jacket also has four different camo patterns, including Bottomland, Break-up Country, Treestand, and Terra Gilla.
Cons: Will need to wear base layers under the jacket to give you more insulation.
#2 New View Hunting Jacket (Budget-Friendly)
- Size: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large and 2X-Large
- Weight: Medium Weight
If you are tight on a budget and want a jacket that will not cost a fortune, I would recommend this jacket from New View. It has a long list of features that will make it worthwhile. The outer lining is made from a combination of polyester (94%) and spandex (6%), which makes it both durable and stretchable.
It also has a soft inner lining, which will help to keep you warm and comfortable. The combination of materials also gives it some waterproof capabilities and insulation. The outside fabric is also very quiet when you move and are less likely to alert any surrounding animals.
It can be opened by a front zipper and also has a zipper under each armpit. Once opened, hot air will escape, which will allow you to cool down. It also has up to seven pockets, which are located in strategic areas. It also has a hoodie that can be tightened by an adjustable drawstring. Now your head will stay warm and dry during the season.
The waistband and cuffs are also adjustable. The waistband uses an elastic cord, while the cuffs use velcro. This feature will allow you to adjust the size to fit you more comfortably. It also uses Plus Tree and Thick Reeds as camo patterns to prevent animals from spotting you.
#3 Nomad Men’s Harvester (Best Scent Suppression)
- Size: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, 2X-Large and 3X-Large
- Weight: Lightweight
If you are planning to hunt close range, then I would recommend this hunting jacket from Nomad. It has Silver Z Scent Suppression that suppresses the natural that our bodies give off. It uses silver that is a potent antimicrobial, and zeolites, which catch the microbes. The microbes on our skin are responsible for giving off the scent from our bodies.
The material used is polyester, which is very durable and has other properties as well. This material also makes the jacket windproof and waterproof, which will keep you warm and dry during the hunt. The material is also coated with a water repellent coating, which prevents moisture from leaking into the jacket.
It has a fleece interior that is soft to the touch and will keep you warm and cozy inside the jacket. It uses a front zipper and a pocket on each side, which helps you carry more gear with you. It has four different camo colors/patterns, including Bottomland, Break-up Country, Realtree Edge, and Realtree Timber.
Cons: Will need to wear base layers underneath during late season (colder weather conditions).
#4 Legendary Whitetails HuntGuard Reflextec Jacket (Most versatile)
- Size: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, 2X-Large and 3X-Large
- Weight: Heavyweight
If you would like a versatile jacket that can be adapted throughout the entire hunting season, I would recommend this jacket. What makes it so unique is that it has a removable reflextec liner inside the jacket. During the early season (while it is still warm), you can altogether remove the inner liner and only wear the shell.
You can add the liner back as the temperature starts to drop. What is also nice is that you can wear the outer shell and the sleeveless liner (you can remove the liner’s sleeves). This feature makes it possible to wear this jacket during the entire season, where the temperature will fluctuate.
The outer shell is made from 4-way stretch micro-suede polyester, making it very quiet and gives it waterproof properties. You can open the front part of the jacket with the help of a zipper. This jacket is also breathable with the use of the zippers located under the arms. This feature will allow for some of the hot air to escape cooling you down.
You also have a removable hood with a rain visor, which will keep your head warm and dry. It has two sets of pockets on the chest and sides. The cuffs are also adjustable and have thumb holes, which will prevent the sleeves from rolling up. It also makes use of the Big Game Camo 360.
Cons: It has a high price tag, which might make it less affordable.
#5 ScentLok Hydrotherm Jacket (Also Good Scent Suppression)
- Size: Small, Medium, Large
- Weight: Heavyweight
This jacket is one of the best scent suppression jackets that you can find for the late season. If the nomad’s jacket (also suppresses scent) is too lightweight for you, I would recommend this one.
It has several layers and enough insulation to last you through the late hunting season when it is at its coldest. It uses a carbon alloy between the fabrics, which traps the scent and odor-producing microbes. It is almost like zeolite.
The outer layer is also treated with a durable water repellent, preventing moisture from wicking through it. Other than the repellent, you will have the waterproof and windproof membrane, which will allow for moisture to wick to the outside but not to the inside.
The outer shell is also made from fleece, which is a treated material called polyester. It has an adjustable hood with a rain visor, which will keep your head warm and dry. The rain visor will prevent rainwater from running down your face.
You can open the jacket with a front zipper’s help, and it is further protected by storm flaps, preventing water from leaking through. You can also make use of the safety harness, which is located on the back. This harness is useful if you love to hunt in a treestand. It comes in the camo patterns Mossy Oak Country and Realtree Edge.
Cons: Not suitable for the early season, which can be hot.
#6 SITKA Gear Jetstream Jacket (Best At Wind And Waterproofing)
- Size: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, 2X-Large and 3X-Large
- Weight: Lightweight
If you want a jacket that offers superior windproof and waterproof capabilities, then you might want to look at this jacket from SITKA. It uses two technologies called GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ with WINDSTOPPER®, which are excellent at blocking the wind and preventing moisture from seeping through the fabric, making it waterproof.
These features make it easier to hunt in rainy weather and the later season if snow is present. The material is also made from polyester, which is very durable and also enhances its abilities. The outside layer is a softshell knit made from polyester, which gives it a smooth texture. It also makes use of an inside layer made from a microgrid fleece also made from polyester.
It is important to note that this jacket offers good insulation but not the best. I would recommend wearing baselayers underneath to help with insulation. It has two zippered pockets that you can use to store essential gear, such as a rangefinder or your smartphone.
It has two camo patterns called the Optifade Subalpine and Optifade Open Country. I will go into more depth in the camo section for which areas these camo patterns are best used.
Cons: It is a very high priced product.
#7 Browning Upland Jacket (Honorable Mention)
- Size: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, 2X-Large and 3X-Large
- Weight: Lightweight
If you would like a lightweight jacket best suited for pheasant hunting, then you need to take a look at this jacket from Browning. It only comes in the color tan as the base color and blaze orange as the secondary color.
It uses various materials such as cotton and polyester in its fabric to provide warmth, durability, and some waterproofing. It has a sizeable blood-proof bag at the front that you can use to store some of the pheasants that you have hunted.
It has two pairs of pockets that use zippers and velcro where you can store your shotgun shells. It also makes use of two D-rings to where you can safely attach a dog leash. We all know that you need your hunting dog with you when hunting for pheasants. You can also adjust the cuffs for a more comfortable fit during the hunt.
Cons: Not suitable for deer hunting, and it is not that durable.
How To Choose The Best Hunting Jackets
This section will discuss the criteria that I used to vet the jackets for this list. I will discuss the features in more depth.
Materials Used
When hunting, you want jackets made up of materials that are best suited to do the job. You want materials that are not durable, waterproof, and silent. Some materials such as carbon alloy even have odor suppressing properties, which I will discuss in the scent suppressing section.
A prevalent material called polyester was used for most of the jackets that I have listed. Polyester is one of the best materials that you can incorporate into your hunting jacket. It is a synthetic material that is very durable, heat resistant, and is also waterproof. Polyester is best used as the outer shell as it is there where it will flourish. It can also be used as an inner layer when converted into a fleece.
Spandex can also be added to make the material more stretchable. It is handy when applied to strategic areas on the jacket. Cotton can also be added to provide extra warmth and comfort but is not that durable. It is best to combine cotton with polyester to make it more durable.
Insulation & Windproof
Insulation is critical if you plan to hunt during the mid and late season. What affects insulation is the material used and also the number of layers that make up the fabric. When it comes to material, then I would say that polyester and cotton are both very good at insulation.
Polyester can also become better at insulation depending on the form and texture. You can also make a jacket warmer by adding extra layers of insulation. Some of these layers can also be removed during the early season and then added back as the season goes on.
For the best insulation jackets, I would recommend the New View Hunting Jacket, the Legendary Whitetails HuntGuard Reflextec Jacket (which can be modified), and the ScentLok Hydrotherm Jacket (can suppress scent).
A jacket should also be windproof if you want to stay warm. You do not want the wind to blow all of the hot air and warm away from your skin and the fabric. The SITKA Gear Jetstream Jacket is excellent at preventing wind from freezing you. If you plan to wear a lightweight jacket, I recommend you read this article on the best base layers for cold weather.
Waterproof To Keep You Dry
Although waterproofing is not extremely important, you still want a jacket that will not absorb all of the moisture it comes into contact with. When it rains or snow, some materials, such as polyester, are natural for waterproofing because of their hydrophobic properties.
Polyester is also very quick to dry. Sometimes that is not enough. You can also add a water repellent or agent to enhance its ability to keep you dry. If waterproofing is a big deal to you, then I would recommend the SITKA Gear Jetstream Jacket.
You can also read this article on hunting pants that are also waterproof and hunting gaiters that will keep your shoes dry. You should also remember that hunting ducks with waterproof jackets will only keep your upper body dry. You should consider learning more about waders made for duck hunting.
More Durability
We want our jackets to last long and possibly for years to come. Forget about choosing a material that is not durable, and that will tear the moment you move through the brush. Luckily, most of the jackets in this review are made from very durable polyester.
Some jackets like the Browning Upland Jacket contain cotton, but it also has polyester, making it more durable.
Less Noise
In most cases, the animals will hear you before they even see you, which will cause them to startle. It is essential to choose a jacket where the outer layer is made from a fabric that will not make the swish sound when moving.
The Legendary Whitetails HuntGuard Reflextec Jacket uses 4-way stretch micro-suede polyester on its outer shell, which will make it silent when moving. It is crucial for a bowhunter who requires a shorter distance to make the shot.
Camo Used
This section is essential and can make or break your hunting experience. You want to avoid bright colors that will make you more visible. You need to choose camo patterns that will fit well with the environment, removing your outline.
Below is a list of some of the camo patterns used:
- Bottomland: Best used for flooded timber, hardwoods, and treestands.
- Break-up Country: Very versatile camo pattern that works well in woods and forests.
- Treestand: Best used in a treestand.
- Terra Gilla: Works best in western landscapes where there is a combination of trees and rocks.
- Plus Tree: Best used in woodlands and forests.
- Thick Reeds: Best for waterfowl hunting between the reeds.
- Realtree Edge: Popular camo that is very versatile.
- Realtree Timber: Best for flooded timer and treestands.
- Big Game Camo 360: A good camo that is very versatile.
- Optifade Subalpine: A digital camo that requires vegetation.
- Optifade Open Country: Digital camo that works best for open rocky areas. Arctic terrain.
- Blaze orange: Not considered a camo, but is sometimes required to wear by law. Deer cannot see this color—best for long-range hunting.
Sizing Options
Most commonly, you will encounter sizing options that range from Small to 3X-Large. Most of the products will have a table that will provide all of the measurements you will need. All you need to do is to find a measuring tape and start to measure your upper body. The video below will show you how to measure yourself:
Now that you have all of the measurements, you can start by choosing the correct size. You can always go one size bigger if you are unsure.
Pockets To Store Valuables
The pockets must also be waterproof so that your valuables will not get wet. You can store anything from your smartphone, car keys, and even your rangefinder. Most jackets will have at least two pairs of pockets. You can also warm your hands when it gets too cold.
Weight
The weight of the jackets can range up to 70 ounces. The heavier the jacket, the more insulated it will be. If jacket weight is an issue for you, then I would recommend the following jackets.
If weight is not such a big deal for you, you can choose just about any jacket.
Hoodies For When It Rains
Some jackets will have hoodies that you can also adjust. It is also common to find a rain visor to help guide the running water away from your face. Hoodies are also useful for concealment and to keep your head dry.
The jackets that come with hoodies are the New View Hunting Jacket, the Legendary Whitetails HuntGuard Reflextec, and the SITKA Gear Jetstream.
Game Bag
If you love pheasant hunting and want a place to store some of the game you have hunted, you might need a game bag. These are bags that are attached to the jacket and is also blood-proof.
The Browning Upland Jacket is an excellent example of a jacket with one of these bags in the front.
Safety Harness
If you love to hunt in trees with treestands, then safety is a priority. You do not want to mess up your entire hunting season by falling and breaking a bone. Jackets such as the ScentLok Hydrotherm Jacket contains a safety harness at the back, which you can tie to your treestand.
Adjustability
Jackets also need to be adjustable. Not everyone is the same size, and this is why you need it. Most jackets will have adjustable cuffs that make use of velcro to fit your arm correctly. You can also adjust the breathability and insulation by zipping the area open under your arms.
Some jackets, such as the Legendary Whitetails HuntGuard Reflextec Jacket, can be adjusted for each season by removing the warm inner layer when it’s hot and adding it back in when it gets cold.
Scent Control
Scent control is also essential if you plan to hunt close range. Odor producing microbes on your skin are responsible for the scent that animals might pick up on. You can reduce this by either killing off the microbes or catching the scent.
The Nomad Men’s Harvester uses silver and zeolites to kill and trap the microbes. ScentLok Hydrotherm Jacket is also a good option that contains a zeolite layer between its fabrics.
FAQ
Q: What is a hunting jacket?
A hunting jacket is a clothing piece that you wear on your upper body to keep you warm during the colder hunting season.
Q: Is camo necessary?
Camo is always something that you need to consider when hunting. It is essential to choose a hunting jacket that is also camouflaged because that is the part of your body which the animals will most likely see.
Q: How to make less noise while wearing a jacket?
You can make less noise by moving slower and also wearing a jacket that does not make a lot of noise in the first place.
Q: How to choose the best size?
The best thing that you can do is to measure yourself with the help of a measuring tape. There is a video in the sizing section, which will teach you how to measure each part. Most manufacturers will also give you a table with the measurements that you need to look for.
Q: How to clean a jacket?
You should start by wiping the dirt off the fabric with a wet cloth. If you need to wash it, then I suggest using a washing machine with cold water. You should also wash clothes together, which have the same color scheme. Also, make sure to go over the washing instructions from the manufacturer.
Q: How to make small repairs?
It is recommended not to fix any holes or tears yourself as you might do more harm than good. Take your jacket to a tailor who can fix it for you with minimal costs. If you have sewing experience, then you can give it a shot.
You should also try to match the same materials as that of your jacket. You can also contact the supplier and ask them to fix it if the jacket was costly.
Q: How do I make my outfit more waterproof?
You can make yourself more waterproof by using a poncho. There are several types of poncho’s which include ponchos for hunting and survival. There are also more casual ponchos that are waterproof.
The Verdict
Some of the problems you might encounter while choosing a hunting jacket are that some are not durable. Some jackets are made from low-quality materials, which will not last long. Some of the materials will also absorb water, which is not ideal. You also want a hunting jacket that makes use of a camo pattern to stay hidden.
My #1 product is the Mossy Oak Sherpa 2.0, which solves most of these problems. I have also covered a lot of other jackets that had some neat features.
Are there any jackets you would like me to add? Please leave a comment below and share with us your preference.
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