Choosing the best hunting clothes and footwear could mean the difference between staying out longer鈥攁nd coming home with meat鈥攙ersus calling it quits early because your gear couldn鈥檛 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 treestand mid-January. While trying to fill your freezer, the last thing you should worry about is your gear being too sweaty, cold, or loud鈥攐r worse, blowing out mid-climb.

To help you find the best hunting clothes for your needs, terrain, and game, we tested over nearly 40 pieces of apparel and footwear this year, including an assortment of jackets, pants, vests, base layers, socks, and boots. Five new pieces stood out, joining the ranks of those that continued to surpass expectations across two full hunting seasons of testing. We鈥檙e delighted to report that last year鈥檚 best hunting apparel list was solid鈥攖esters鈥� updates were consistent with their initial thoughts. We hope this year鈥檚 14 picks will also stand the test of wear and time.

Updated September 2025: We added five new pieces to our list of best hunting clothes, including a late-season deer hunting outfit, waterfowl hunting jacket, women鈥檚 hunting pants, mud boots, and a pair of socks we wear for everything. We also updated pricing.

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The best hunting gear can make your hunts more efficient and productive by giving you an edge in addition to keeping you comfortable and safe. For instance, packing out meat shouldn鈥檛 end in back pain because you brought the wrong pack. A trail camera that constantly freezes is useless. A good pair of binoculars will help you make the correct call when judging whether an animal is legal and desirable to take. And a warm sleeping bag could keep you well-rested for a tough climb the following day. Innovations in hunting accessories give us the ability to hunt longer, smarter, and harder.

To help you figure out the best hunting gear for your needs, terrain, and game, hunters tested gear in eastern and central Nebraska, Iowa, Alaska, New Mexico, Illinois, and Minnesota. They collectively hunted bear, white-tailed deer, mule deer, sheep, moose, wild pigs, turkey, pheasant, coyote, and waterfowl, and one tester did some trapping. Testers hunted in a wide range of conditions fall through early spring, including on warm, mild days to sub-zero temperatures. After testing more than 100 items for a whole year, this is the best hunting gear that got us through multiple seasons.

Updated September 2025: We added four new hunting pieces, including a day pack, sleeping bag, bino harness/pack combo, and storage bucket. We鈥檝e also updated info and pricing on some of our previous picks that we still highly recommend.

The post The 12 Best Hunting Accessories for Fall and Winter 2026 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Hunting apparel has come a long way since just a few brands were running the show. This year, we prioritized diversity in our final selection. Below, you鈥檒l find the best mix of well-known hunting names, newcomers, and a few non-traditional brands looking to break into a new audience.

The Winners at a Glance

• Aku Riserva High Therm200 GTX
• Appalachian Gear Company 8020 Sun Hoodie
• Ditale Outdoors Sofia 国产吃瓜黑料 Pants
• Ibex Wool Aire Hoodie
• Injinji Boot Original Weight OTC socks
• Kuiu Axis Thermal Hybrid Hooded Jacket
• Kuiu Pro Brush Pants
• LaCrosse Alpha Agility Select Waders
• Sitka Ambient Jacket
• Sitka Equinox Turkey Vest
• Under Armour Ridge Reaper Infil Windstopper HD Pants

The Reviews: The Best Hunting Apparel of 2024

Aku Riserva High Therm200 GTX boots ($400)

Weight: 29 oz per boot (men鈥檚)
Size: 7-13 (men鈥檚)

Pros:

• Comfortable break-in
• No blisters
• Provides stability when hunting with pack
• Grippy, aggressive tread
• Good value

Cons:

• 国产吃瓜黑料 leather doesn鈥檛 dry quickly
• Laces are about 3-5 inches too short

These mountain boots are well-made, comfortable, and well worth the $400 price tag. Although a bit stiff out of the box, tester Charlie Ebbers broke them in by walking through slushy snow in Alaska before he went into the backcountry. The more he walked, the more the boots molded to his feet thanks to the 200g Gore-Tex liner. So far, Ebbers has walked about 80 miles wearing the Riserva with no blisters and complaints. The membrane didn’t separate from the hull of the boot, which can often happen with cheaper boots. The Riserva鈥檚 Vibram tread is aggressive because of the many lugs, allowing Ebbers to traverse slick ice without slipping. Ebbers tested these boots carrying 25- and 42-pound packs, and even when he was weighed down, the Riserva kept him stable. He plans to exclusively hunt in these boots when the weather turns cold in Alaska this fall.

Bottom line: The AKU Riserva High 200 GTX boots would be ideal for a sheep, goat, elk, deer or bear hunting in the mountains.

Appalachian Gear Company 8020 Sun Hoodie ($112)

Weight: 7-11 oz (men鈥檚) / 5-9 oz (women鈥檚)
Size: S-XXL (men鈥檚) / XS-XL (women鈥檚)

Pros:

• Antimicrobial and odor resistant
• Lightweight
• Moisture wicking
• Ideal for cold and mild weather
• Holds up well to machine and hand-washing

Cons:

• Alpaca material is scratchy when new, but does improve with wear.
• The natural material smells funky when wet, but the odor disappears when dry
• Line dry only, as the material can shrink in the dryer

Low-maintenance and quality outdoor clothing is our jam, and the 8020 Sun Hoodie offers both. This long sleeve shirt is made of 80 percent alpaca and 20 percent Tencel, a breathable, antimicrobial and odor-controlling natural blend that doesn鈥檛 require constant washing. We liked it for pheasant and quail hunting in the fall and winter because the shirt never left us clammy after we worked up a sweat. And it was equally comfortable to wear while sitting in a boat during spring fishing, carrying us through chilly, early mornings as a base layer and worn by itself during the warm, sun-drenched afternoons. When hung inside out after being worn, the shirt really does shed odor, even after two weeks of wear without washing (be warned: it smells a little strange when it鈥檚 wet, but the odor goes away once it dries).

Bottom line: Hunters who backpack, camp and travel often will appreciate the 8020 Sun Hoodie鈥檚 low maintenance and odor resistance.

Ditale Outdoors Sofia 国产吃瓜黑料 Pants ($179)

Weight: 24.7 oz (women鈥檚 medium)
Size: XXS-3X/regular/curvy (women鈥檚)

Pros:

• Adjustable inseam
• Deep, roomy pockets
• Water resistant
• Stretchy
• Offered in regular and curvy sizes

Cons:

• Size chart on Ditale Outdoors is inaccurate, runs large

Thoughtfully constructed, the Sofia 国产吃瓜黑料 pants offer an adjustable inseam of 29-34 inches secured by snaps at the cuffs, front pockets that actually fit our hands, and two roomy cargo pockets on each leg that could fit a phone, wallet, and more. Tester Angie Kokes was especially impressed with the adjustable inseam because she鈥檚 5鈥�10鈥� and it鈥檚 difficult to find pants that fit her. Metal zippers are made to last, and the extra wide, elastic waistband offers not only comfort, but is also compatible with a tactical belt or suspenders (not included) because no ties or buckles get in the way. The pants are water resistant due to DWR treatment, and made of 92 percent polyester and 8 percent spandex. Thanks to the gusseted crotch and articulated knee darts, the Sofia allows full mobility when hunting. Although the pants cater to a wide range of body types, offering regular and curvy options, Kokes warned that the company鈥檚 sizing chart needs to be updated for accuracy鈥攖he Sofia runs quite large. 鈥淚f I could get them to fit, I鈥檇 pay $300 for these pants,鈥� she said.

Bottom line: The Sofia 国产吃瓜黑料 Pants would be ideal for any late spring to early fall hunting.

Ibex Wool Aire Hoodie ($285)

Weight: 11.37 oz (men’s medium) / 9.87 oz (women’s medium)
Size: S-XXL (men鈥檚) / XS-XL (women鈥檚)

Pros:

• Lightweight and packable
• Non-bulky merino wool insulation
• Fits well underneath a shell jacket or hunting vest
• Scuba hood provides protection from the cold
• Wind and water resistant face material
• Moisture wicking

Cons:

• Color offerings are limited for hunting

This versatile mid-layer kept us comfortable through almost any situation: early-season quail hunts, late-season pheasant hunting in the teens, walking the dog, sitting on an airplane, and socializing around a campfire. Because it鈥檚 low-profile, it doesn鈥檛 feel cumbersome when mounting a shotgun. The 80-gram insulating merino wool fill is warm enough that it can be worn alone, but it isn鈥檛 bulky鈥攊t fits seamlessly underneath a shooting vest. One of our favorite features is the Wool Aire鈥檚 scuba hood, which stays put during periods of high winds and provides full protection around the head, neck, and chin. Despite being a mid-layer, the jacket does an adequate job of keeping out wind and low to moderate amounts of dew and rain thanks to the natural merino wool insulation and 100 percent nylon face fabric. It is also breathable, which was useful while we were on the move and temperatures started to rise. Bonus: it fits into its own chest pocket.

Bottom line: Although not ideal for archery hunters because the face material isn鈥檛 quiet enough, the Wool Aire is an ideal layer for upland and even rifle hunters in the spring, fall and early winter.

Injinji Boot Original Weight OTC socks ($18)

Weight: 3.2 oz (medium)
Size: S-L (unisex)

Pros:

• Breathable and cool in hot weather
• Prevents blisters
• Comfortable

Cons:

• Not warm enough for cold weather

Let鈥檚 be honest鈥攖oe socks look weird. But we decided to give these Injinji boot socks a chance, and were thoroughly impressed. Angie Kokes wore them with her Muck Boots while hiking over miles of soft, muddy ground, fully expecting her feet to get torn up, but they didn鈥檛. The socks kept her feet cool and dry, despite testing them in warmer weather. Although normally a fan of merino wool, Kokes was surprised by the comfort and moisture-wicking capabilities that the Injinji socks offered鈥攖hey鈥檙e made with a blend of 78 percent polyester, 18 percent nylon, and 4 percent Lycra. Also, the socks鈥� toe separation wasn鈥檛 noticeable, yet provided protection against friction and hot spots.

Bottom line: The Injinji Boot Original Weight OTC Socks are best worn during fast-paced, spot-and-stalk hunting situations.鈥攖hey won鈥檛 keep you warm when sitting in a tree stand in the fall or winter.

Kuiu Axis Thermal Hybrid Hooded Jacket ($349)

Weight: 25 oz (men鈥檚)
Size: S-3XL (men鈥檚)

Pros:

• Can replace rain gear
• Snug but stretchy
• Warm, low-bulk insulation

Cons:

• Sticky pit ventilation zippers

When you鈥檙e in the field for long periods of time, comfort becomes paramount. The Axis Thermal does the job, providing both lightweight and protective warmth thanks to the synthetic insulation that mimics the shape and properties of goose down. Tester Kevin Paul wore it while hunting deer and waterfowl in the single digits through the upper 40s, and he stayed comfortable at both ends of the temperature range. The jacket鈥檚 snug fit hugs the body in a cozy way, yet provides plenty of stretch and enough range of motion for all hunting tasks. Other notable features include underarm zip venting, body-mapped insulation in the core and bicep areas, and a wind- and water-resistant membrane. Although the jacket wouldn鈥檛 hold up to a full day of torrential downpour, it is protective enough to replace rain gear under normal circumstances. Snow shed off excellently during one test鈥攅ven when the chest area showed some signs of wetting out, it maintained its warmth.

Bottom line: The Axis Thermal would be best suited to hunts requiring constant thermal management, likelong hikes followed by static periods of glassing.

Kuiu Pro Brush Pants ($199)

Weight: 19.6 oz (men鈥檚)
Size: 30-42/reg/short/tall (men鈥檚)

Pros:

• Protective, thorn-proof material
• Comfortable and stretchy
• Water repellent
• Odor resistant
• Comfortable in warm weather

Cons:

• Back pocket openings are too narrow

Hunters who are looking for the durability of canvas, yet the comfort and coolness of athletic pants, won鈥檛 be disappointed by Kuiu鈥檚 Pro Brush Pants. Bust through brush, briar and thorn-choked terrains without worrying about scraping your limbs. 鈥淣ormally, I find the best way to get durability in pants is to find fabric that is close to canvas and just deal with the heat,鈥� said tester Kevin Paul. 鈥淭he Pro Brush Pants are the first pair I have worn and felt like I could bust by locust trees or cross barbed wire fences without destroying my clothes.鈥� Paul appreciated the thigh venting, which allowed heat dumping on hot days. The articulated knees, gusseted crotch, and four-way stretch polyester made Paul feel like he was wearing sweatpants. In addition to durability, the pants are also water repellent, thanks to a DWR finish, and odor resistant鈥攁 tester rotated them with two other pants during a sweaty two-week trip in Europe, and it still didn鈥檛 stink by the end of it. Cargo and side pockets provided easy access to personal items like a cell-phone or a wallet, although the back pockets were more difficult to get into because the pants are so form-fitting. Note: the mesh liner on the inside of the pockets allowes sweat to preach through, so we don鈥檛 suggest storing a hunting permit there.

Bottom Line: The Pro Brush Pants are ideal for warm, early season and active hunts. The material is on the thinner side, so the pants won鈥檛 provide much warmth.

LaCrosse Alpha Agility Select Waders ($690)

Weight: 9 lbs. (men鈥檚 size 10)
Size: 7-15 (men鈥檚)

Pros:

• Durable and leakproof
• Breathable nylon shell
• Removable insulating liner for versatility
• Easy to move in

Cons:

• 3-season

Calling all waterfowl hunters who have suffered years of uncomfortable, cumbersome waders. Tester Jeff Kurrus hunted in these through an entire season on the famed Platte River of central Nebraska, and was won over by the waders鈥� comfort, versatility, and durability. Pockets, including a waterproof sleeve for his phone, are strategically placed on the chest, and made grabbing essentials easy鈥攖wo of them are big enough to hold waterfowl calls, ear protection, and other small items. There are also shotgun shell holders in the chest area. A removable 120-gram quilted liner offers flexibility between September teal season and December geese. A slightly roomier fit for layering and the breathable nylon shell topped it off. Kurrus often ran into brambles and barbed wire while chasing mallards in the Rainwater Basin, and the Alpha Agility has held up to every snag. Jeff Kurrus said: 鈥淚 know myself, and I know other hunters like me: If there is a pile of barbed wire between me and a flock of geese, I鈥檒l be careful when I walk through, but I don鈥檛 want to be hindered by my gear. I鈥檇 rather pay extra money for the Alpha Agility over a typical $300-$400 pair of waders I鈥檇 have to coddle.鈥� Choose the size you wear based on your sneaker size. These waders run slightly large, which allow room for thicker socks.

Bottom line: These Alpha Agility waders are comfortable within the 30 to 60-degree range.

Sitka Ambient Jacket ($299)

Weight: 18 oz (men鈥檚)
Size: M-XXXL (men鈥檚)

Pros:

• Lightweight and low-bulk, yet warm
• Versatile
• Stretchy
• Breathable
• Quiet face material

Cons:

• No hood

We love the Ambient鈥檚 versatility, whether worn as part of a cold-weather ensemble during Nebraska鈥檚 most frigid days hunting geese, as an outer layer for fall fishing or quail hunting, or even to work and social functions鈥攖he pattern and cut is unexpectedly elegant. Constructed of 20D ripstop nylon shell and 150 grams of post-consumer recycled PrimaLoft active insulation, the Ambient delivers in breathability, stretch, low-bulk warmth, and water-shedding capability, all while being supple and pleasant to wear. Plus, it鈥檚 quiet. Tester Jeff Kurrus wore the Ambient during archery deer season in Nebraska and did not once spook deer.

Bottom line: The Ambient would be most applicable for bow hunters because it鈥檚 so quiet. It would also be ideal for early dove and teal seasons, when mornings feel crisp, or worn as a mid-layer during the dead of winter. If active, the Ambient is comfortable between the 20s and 50s. When sitting in the deer stand, it鈥檚 comfortable down into the 30s with a base layer.

Sitka Equinox Turkey Vest ($249)

Weight: 44.5 oz (unisex)
Size: One size (unisex)

Pros:

• Ergonomic storage system
• Easy seat deployment
• Adjustability among hunters of different torso sizes
• Form fitting and comfortable to wear when covering ground

Cons:

• Price

The Equinox was created for the light-and-fast turkey hunter鈥攊ts storage system isample, yet minimalistic and efficient. Magnet closures on the front pockets allow for quick, quiet access to a variety of turkey calls and equipment, whereas larger compartments are assembled like a daypack with large openings that are hydration-bladder compatible. Other notable features include an outside pocket for rain gear, two sewn-in blaze orange flags to pull out for visibility and safety, and straps that allow for adjustability among hunters of different torso sizes. Also, the removable, dual-density foam drop-down seat is comfortable and easy to deploy and cinch back up. In fact, it鈥檚 so cozy that tester Jeff Kurrussaid the Equinox felt like an extension of his body during Nebraska鈥檚 fall and spring turkey seasons.

Bottom line: Spring and fall turkey hunters will love this vest, that is, if they鈥檙e willing to cough up the dough for a piece of equipment that is highly specialized.

Under Armour Ridge Reaper Infil Windstopper HD Pants ($200)

Weight: 22.4 oz (men鈥檚)
Size: 30-44 waist/30-36 inseam (men鈥檚)

Pros:

• Warm and protective in cold weather
• Quiet
• Fits taller hunters
• Good for layering
• Flexible
• Ample pockets

Cons:

• Wind resistance could be improved
• Elastic waistband feels too thick

The Ridge Reaper offers an impressive balance of fit, warmth, and moisture management. Tester Charlie Ebbers wore the pants during a winter caribou hunt in the Alaska Range and an overnight burbot fishing trip in the Chugach Mountains. During the caribou hunt, Ebbers snowmobiled and trudged on foot through deep snow, in 0-degree weather, and the Ridge Reaper kept him warm and protected thanks to the three-layer bonded fabric that has a water-shedding exterior and soft interior. The pants fit well on Ebbers鈥� tall frame, and the durable, smooth exterior and warm, brushed interior of 100 percent polyester felt so comfortable and flexible that he鈥檇 forget he was wearing them. 鈥淭he flexibility and weight of the fabric makes the pants feel like you can glide up a ridgeline or through a swamp unencumbered,鈥� Ebbers said. Articulated knees allowed freedom of movement, and the lightweight knee pads provided comfort while he kneeled on rough terrain. Plus, heavy-duty, zip cargo pockets provided ample storage space without creating hot spots on his legs. The Ridge Reaper is thin enough to be worn in conjunction with a base layer and/or coveralls. 鈥淯nder Armour delivered pants that I will trust in the backcountry of Alaska for at least one full hunting year (4 hunting seasons),鈥� said Ebbers.

Bottom line: The Ridge Reaper would work well for a variety of hunting and outdoor situations in moderate to cold weather.

How to Buy

Hunting gear is an investment, but if you鈥檙e a beginner looking to get into it, don鈥檛 rush out and buy the most expensive and technical gear possible. While top-of-the-line hunting gear certainly helps with comfort, it won鈥檛 make game animals appear nor improve your shooting. Big-box stores such as Cabela鈥檚 and Bass Pro Shops generally offer decent mid-tier products. In some parts of the country, even Walmart carries cheap hunting gear. If you鈥檙e already a backpacker or hiker, wear the clothing you already own鈥攍ightweight and moisture-wicking are features that are also desirable in hunting. Choose pieces in muted, natural colors, and when hunting in a ground blind, the color black is actually the best color to wear, as it will help you blend in with the dark interior. Unless you鈥檙e hunting in open country and doing a lot of spotting and stalking, expensive camouflage is not required鈥攕taying comfortable and warm is more important. For guided hunts, reach out to your guide with any questions about layering and insulation. Lastly, don鈥檛 forget to check state regulations for hunter orange requirements.

How We Test

• Number of testers: 8
• Number of products tested: 90
• Number of miles/vertical feet: 900 miles

Our eight testers had their work cut out for them as this year with the task of putting over 90 pieces of hunting apparel and accessories through their paces. Testers were between their early 30s to late 40s, each claiming at least 12 years of hunting experience (one especially well-seasoned tester has 45). The majority of testers would consider themselves 鈥済eneralists,鈥� having pursued big, upland, waterfowl and small game on a regular basis. We took these products through a variety of terrain, from the rugged Chugach Mountains of Alaska to the forested plains of the Nebraska National Forest to the waterfowl-rich areas of the Central Flyway. We rated apparel based on comfort, durability, performance, warmth, and price.

Meet Our Lead Testers

Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley grew up camping and backpacking in Southern California. She began hunting in her early 20s and currently resides in Nebraska as an outdoor writer, photographer and wild game cook.

Charlie Ebbers lives and hunts in the Copper River Basin of Alaska. He’s a generalist and was charged by three grizzlies in 2022. He has more than 20 years of hunting experience.

Angie Kokes shot her first shotgun at 3 years old and grew up hunting with her dad to pursue upland birds. After teaching herself how to rifle and archery hunt for deer, Kokes learned how to spear hunt. To date, she has taken 13 big game animals between the U.S. and Africa with her spear.

Jeff Kurrus is an author and photographer who has hunted and fished more than 40 years, from Louisiana to Minnesota and all points in between. Each year, he spends more than 150 days in the field.

Kevin Paul is an industrial service electrician in Nebraska who spends most of his free time hiking, hunting or pursuing some form of shooting sports. Kevin is a generalist, self-taught hunter who has a soft spot for upland birds and small game.

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Nicknamed the 鈥渄evil bird,鈥� the chukar is not for the fair-weather hunter. These introduced from the Middle East and southern Asia thrive in the steep slopes and treacherous terrain of the Great Basin region of the western United States, where they鈥檝e evaded many a hopeful hunter. The good news: Chukar seasons are typically long, and public access is probably the best of any game bird. From Washington down to California, chukar country is almost always on BLM land. It鈥檚 also a tasty bird with plump, light flesh between the size of a pheasant and quail.

Matt Hardinge, 39, has been a hunter since he was 13. He began chukar hunting eight years ago, and now, pursuing the game bird makes up most of his time afield. Having chased chukar in Oregon, Idaho, and Nevada, Hardinge warned that first-timers should get in shape before doing so. Even the most well-conditioned athlete can struggle while ascending thousands of vertical feet on the trail of this bird.

鈥淚 took a guy out who had done an Iron Man, and he was huffing and puffing and struggling to keep up,鈥� Hardinge says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a different type of fitness that you can only get from essentially going out and hunting chukar.鈥�

But if you love adventure, being physically tested, and immersing yourself in the kind of vulnerability that only nature can provide, chukar hunting might be for you. Here鈥檚 how to do it.

What to Wear

鈥淎 lot of people compare chukar hunting to hiking or backpacking, but there鈥檚 no trail, and you鈥檙e essentially climbing mountain after mountain all day long,鈥� Hardinge says. And at 3,500 to 7,000 feet, where the birds are generally found, the weather can change abruptly. Technical clothing and footwear is essential.

Hardinge鈥檚 go-to bottom is First Lite鈥檚 ($195), which is lightweight, moisture–wicking, reinforced with nylon at the seat, knees, and cuff, plus offers exceptional temperature regulation thanks to its merino-spandex blend. With these pants, plus a combination of merino base layers, an insulated vest, and a protective soft-shell jacket on top, he’s prepared to hunt from September through January.

The farthest Hardinge has walked in a chukar-hunting day was 18 miles, but he averages closer to 10. Chasing these birds requires a lot of traversing loose, volcanic rock piles, scree fields, and basalt on extremely steep slopes in the absence of trails, which can do a number on even the most expensive boots. Hardinge typically goes through a pair each season, if not quicker, and says he鈥檚 destroyed just about every high-end brand available.

Currently, his favorite pair is the ($360) by White鈥檚 Boots, which is relatively affordable, comfortable, long-lasting, and features a protective rand that wraps around the entire shoe.

Choose the Right Vest

A good upland vest is essential, and most don鈥檛 make the cut for chukar hunting. In pheasant or quail hunting, you drive to a 20-acre field to walk for 30 minutes, and then get back into your truck and head to the next one, Hardinge says. When chasing chukar, you often leave the truck and don鈥檛 return for eight hours.

Hardinge鈥檚 hunting vest must carry a minimum three-to-four liters of water for himself and two dogs, plus snacks, a first-aid kid, GPS, two boxes of ammo, a headlamp, and any extra layers. And that鈥檚 not counting any birds. Hardinge loves the (from $300), which was designed by an avid chukar hunter.

Picking a Gun and Ammo

鈥淵ou can shoot chukar pretty hard, and they can still fly a mile across the canyon, land and run up the side of the mountain and die later. They鈥檙e inherently tough birds, and if you wound one, they鈥檒l crawl under rock crevices, and the dogs can鈥檛 get to them,鈥� Hardinge says.

Twelve-, 20- and 16-gauge shotguns are all acceptable for chukar hunting, but Hardinge prefers carrying a 12-gauge for the extra firepower and pellets to kill birds quickly rather than wounding them. He shoots shot size 6 all season through modified and improved cylinder chokes.

Choosing Hunting Dogs

鈥淚 wouldn鈥檛 hunt chukar if I didn鈥檛 have a dog,鈥� Hardinge says. 鈥淭hat sounds like a terrible idea.鈥�

Good hunting dogs make finding chukar鈥攁nd then retrieving them if you manage to shoot one in the steep terrain鈥攎uch easier. Hardinge hunts with his two , and they鈥檙e one of the reasons he loves hunting so much. 鈥淭he dog work is phenomenal. You see them running up a mountain, slowing down and walking up on a point, and it鈥檚 super steep and treacherous, and rocks are falling down鈥攊t鈥檚 pretty special,鈥� he says.

Any pointing dog can hunt chukar, but Hardinge prefers a medium-ranging dog. A dog that can range 1,000 yards might be excessive鈥擧ardinge鈥檚 dogs will point at 500 yards, and even then, it will take him 20 minutes to get to them because of the rough territory. Fortunately, chukars tend to hold tight. 鈥淪ometimes, you can walk right on top of them before they get up,鈥� he says.

How to Find the Birds

With few exceptions, hunters generally find chukar on steep, cheatgrass-covered hills with rock formations that serve as additional cover and protection. When Hardinge hunts an area for the first time, he lets the wind do the work. Hunting into the wind means the dogs can pick up a scent from half a mile away, which cuts out a lot of guesswork. Then he assesses how the wind corresponds with the topography, and he plans from there.

鈥淵ou look at a mountain and you have to kind of strategize the best way to approach it鈥攚hether you want to go straight up to the best-looking terrain for birds, or if you want to conserve energy and pick a ridgeline to work a little more methodically so you don鈥檛 wear yourself out,鈥� Hardinge says.

He likes to hunt around perennial springs, especially early in the season when the birds are looking for water. After the first rain, focus around creeks, rivers, reservoirs, stock tanks, or any water source where birds might gravitate. During windy days, look for little depressions at the top of draws that allow birds to get a little cover. Also check for rock formations that can break up a wide-open hillside covered in cheatgrass.

Later in the season, Hardinge might focus on south-facing aspects where the ground is warmer and snow melts quicker, allowing birds to access food with less digging through snow.

Prioritize Safety

Chukar hunting is a sport of solitude. 鈥淢ost of the time, you鈥檙e hunting for them in the middle of nowhere, and you won鈥檛 see anyone else,鈥� Hardinge says 鈥淥r you鈥檒l be the first or second guy there all season. That鈥檚 how I like to do it.鈥� But this isolation obviously comes at great risk.

Falling, breaking a leg, rock slides, snake bites, and sudden snowstorms are just a few hazards of this unforgiving country, which tends to be out of cell phone range. Although he enjoys hunting by himself, Hardinge says the buddy system is always good practice. Either way, he carries a My Medic kit ($175) with extra items for his dogs.

Another important consideration is transportation: Drive into this harsh country with a reliable four-wheel vehicle only, and be prepared with spares and recovery tools.

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Hunting in the winter鈥攚ith severe temperatures, rain, mud, and snow鈥攚ill test the limits of your gear. Whether pursuing elk in alpine meadows or chasing sheep over rocky terrain, count on unpredictable conditions to challenge you. From footwear to clothing to optics, our testers chose the most innovative hunting equipment based on technology, performance, and price.

LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro Insulated Boots ($190)

Cover the toughest terrain without sacrificing comfort. Neoprene layered underneath scent-free rubber makes the Alphaburly Pro waterproof and moisture-wicking, and it won鈥檛 crack in the cold or get soft in the heat鈥攊deal for active stalking or bitter days in the tree stand. Even better: it requires little break-in time.

Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 10x52mm Binoculars ($270)

After more than a century, Leupold knows a thing or two about optics. This set offers exceptional dawn-to-dusk light transmission for bright, clear images. Waterproofing, fogproofing, and glare-reducing technologies provide an unhindered view no matter the conditions. The Exo-Armor housing is solid and grippy in the hand.

Benchmade 15006 Steep Country Knife ($130)

An even compromise between a lightweight, ultrasharp tool and a heavier boning knife, the corrosion-resistant 15006 Steep Country is the knife to bring if you can bring only one. Use its drop-point corrosion-resistant steel for field dressing, cutting through joints, and separating cuts of meat for the pack out. The 3.54-inch fixed blade has a hunter-orange handle that ensures it won鈥檛 get lost in the underbrush.

Stone Glacier Skyline Bino Harness ($119)

The Skyline snugly fits a wide range of binoculars, with a 颅flip-open top for easy access and three-layer waterproof fabric that keeps rain and snow out. A low-profile yoke and adjustable waist straps help prevent pressure points during long periods of wear, and two adjustable waist straps make the 8.8-ounce harness comfortable and easy to fit, even for shorter hunters. Optional attachments can holster your bear spray and range finder.

Forloh Deep Space Baselayer Top (from $99)

The Deep Space absorbs and retains heat well and pos颅sesses extreme moisture-wicking abilities that kept us dry during testing. A Polygiene treatment tackles body odor while simultaneously eliminating outside scents, providing olfactory imperceptibility that lasts the lifetime of the garment. The fabric is UPF 50+ with four-way stretch, sewn with flat, nonchafing seams, all of which spells comfort and protection. What more could you want from the best hunting clothing? (women鈥檚 XS鈥揦L / men鈥檚 S鈥揦XL)

Sitka Kelvin Aerolite 30 Sleeping Bag ($399)

Arm holes and a center zipper allow you walk around camp, cook, and glass for your next target without having to get out of your sleeping bag. PrimaLoft Gold and aerogel insulation yield a temperature rating of 30 degrees. Pair it with Sitka鈥檚 clothing system in lower temps. It weighs 2.4 pounds and packs down into an 11-liter stuffsack.聽

5.11 Tactical Rush72 2.0 Multicam Pack ($265)

While it鈥檚 impossible to find one pack that flawlessly fits every hunting scenario, the Rush72 2.0 comes close. Water-resistant and built from ultrarugged 1,000-denier Cordura, this 55-liter hauler has ample gear space, whether for a three-day, hike-in hunt or a morning of dove hunting with a pack full of decoys. The pack鈥檚 meticulous organizational system includes 30 compartments. The straps never dug in on our tests, even when loaded down.

DSG Outerwear 奥辞尘别苍鈥檚 Kylie 4.0 Drop Seat Bibs ($190)

Answer nature鈥檚 call without taking off layers鈥攁nd losing precious body heat. The Kylie鈥檚 seat zips out of the way, so you can relieve yourself quickly and discreetly. These DWR-treated bibs also have removable suspenders, a cinchable waist, and adjustable inseam, which make for a flattering fit. On cold days, 120-gram synthetic insulation helps keep you warm in the blind. The brushed, fine-knitted shell fabric is also quiet, windproof, and breathable. (齿齿厂鈥�5齿尝)

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