Hunting Jackets

The perfect hunting jacket for every occasion

To find the perfect hunting jacket for every hunting occasion, good advice is the key. On this page you will find important information on the different types of jackets and useful tips on how to choose your hunting jacket correctly.

Go directly to: 
➜ Checklist // ➜ Important jacket features // ➜ The right colour // ➜ Jackets for stalking // ➜ Jackets for mountain hunting // ➜ Jackets for winter hunting  // ➜ All-purpose jackets 

Checklist: How to find the right hunting jacket

If you use the following questions as a guide, it will be much easier for you to choose the right hunting jacket:

1. What is the hunting jacket for? Think about what you want to do with the jacket in advance: Is it for passing through, mountain hunting or driven hunts? For stalking in summer or sitting in winter? The general rule for hunting clothing is: The type of hunting decides. You can find out more about the right jackets for the different types of hunting below.

2. What requirements should the hunting jacket fulfil? Most of the time, hunters want to find the "perfect jacket", but they know that there is no such thing. Should the jacket be waterproof and windproof or quiet? The first two points usually cancel out the last, because a waterproof jacket has a membrane. However, the material of the membrane usually rustles a little and is therefore less quiet.

3. Does the jacket really have to have all the features you thought of in the first step? Experience has shown us that you can often neglect individual features. For example, does a hunting jacket for winter hunting really have to be waterproof? It is often sufficient if the jacket is merely water-repellent. After all, when you are sitting in an enclosed pulpit, it is much more important that the material is quiet and keeps you warm. Loden, for example, is more suitable for this than a jacket with membranes.

Typical hunting jacket features from A to Z

Like all outdoor jackets, hunting jackets have different features and functions. Think carefully about what is particularly important to you personally in your hunting clothing.

➜ Tip: You can use the filter function at the top of this page to filter all hunting jackets by jacket type and property .

• Breathable: Transports sweat and moisture to the outside without losing too much body heat.
• Ventilation zip: During movement hunting and tracking, this will make you sweat less.
• Thorn-proof: Robust, hard-wearing outer material that prevents you from getting caught on thorns and hedges of, for example, blackberries.
• Lined: Warm lining protects you from the cold but adds bulk, making the jacket thicker.
• Quiet: Quiet material is particularly suitable for hunting jumpy game.
• Gore-Tex: Product technology for absolute waterproofness.
• Rabbit pocket: Special pocket with sufficient storage space on the back of the jacket.
• Hood: With or without? Is it detachable? If you want to wear the jacket as a mid-layer, the hood may be distracting.
• Primaloft: Special padding with high insulation capacity. Artificial alternative to down.
• Stretch: Allows more freedom of movement and comfort, especially when hunting in motion.
• Teflon: Forms a barrier around the fibres and makes the jacket dirt and water repellent.
• Water repellent: Does not get clammy quickly and does not absorb water. Even when it's not raining, it's often damp and wet in the forest.
• Waterproof: Does not let any water through thanks to the integrated membrane, and the seams are usually also welded.
• Reversible: One side in muted colours such as green, brown or camouflage and the other side in a signal colour - ideal for social hunting.
• Windproof: Keeps the wind out with a membrane and protects the body from cooling down.

Which jacket for which type of hunting?

Hunting is as versatile as the weather conditions you are exposed to as a hunter. Each type of hunting places different demands on your hunting clothing and equipment.

Consequently, a single outdoor jacket alone cannot cover all hunting requirements in one go. Depending on the hunting ground, climate and hunting plans, you should buy an appropriately tailored jacket. That way you will enjoy hunting in the long term. 

tip: For female hunters, aspects such as a tailored cut of the hunting jacket also play an important role. Our hunting jacket range for women is specially designed to meet these requirements.

Jackets for stalking

When stalking, the hunting jacket should offer the greatest possible freedom of movement. Jackets with a high stretch content are ideal. In addition, a stalking jacket should be quiet.

In terms of special equipment, a wind blocker is usually sufficient for a stalking jacket. This is oftenwater-repellent  at the same time. Light rain is therefore no problem. In heavy rain you can simply put on an additional thin, waterproof rain jacket over your hunting jacket.

Jackets for mountain hunting

When you hunt in the mountains, this places completely different demands on your hunting jacket: you cannot simply go back to the car to change your jacket. Every item you carry in your rucksack is pure ballast. The hunting jacket should therefore have aslittle weight as possible. You also need to be prepared for sudden weather changes.

For hunting in the mountains, you should opt for the layering system for outerwear instead of choosing a specific hunting jacket.
A onion principle of four layers has proven to work well.

1.Layer: The first layer is also the most important: it should fit closely to the body and be made of functional material. It should wick away perspiration well so that moisture does not remain in the fabric and can evaporate quickly. Because as soon as you are wet, you start to feel cold. A normal cotton shirt is unsuitable because it soaks up moisture and dries slowly.

2.Layer: A light insulating jacket such as a lined quilted jacket is a good second layer, but a lambswool pullover also serves this purpose. Make sure that the material is suitable for creating a layer of air between the body and the jacket. Because air is the best insulator.

3.Layer: The third layer should consist of a light, windproof jacket. Even the warmest insulating layer is no use if the wind whistles through and you cool down as a result. Only the windproof layer ensures that the warm air stays under the jacket and on your body.

4.Layer: For the fourth layer, it is best to choose a waterproof rain jacket. You carry this in your rucksack and simply pull it over when the rain comes.

One hunting clothing manufacturer that specialises specifically in mountain hunting is Sitka Gear. The high-tech hunting clothing from the US hunting outfitter adheres exactly to the layering system described above.

Jackets for winter hunting

There is a wide range of special winter hunting jackets. But the layering system also makes sense for winter hunting. A winter jacket alone is seldom sufficient when you are sitting for several hours and the thermometer shows minus temperatures below -5°C. It is then crucial what you wear. It is then crucial what you wear under or  over your jacket: warm functional underwear, for example made of merino wool, is particularly recommended. In addition, you should wear one or two intermediate layers of warming fleece or wool between the underwear and the hunting jacket. The lined winter hunting jacket only follows on top of this.

Since it rarely snows in sub-zero temperatures, it is usually less important for the choice of winter jacket that it has a waterproof membrane. If you are sitting in an enclosed cabin, it does not matter anyway whether the hunting jacket is waterproof. Of greater importance and much more useful are features such as breathability.

A windblocker makes sense if you want to sit on the open ladder.

You should not sweat in the hunting jacket, nor should icy cold wind be able to whistle through it. Reliable winter hunting jackets with membranes are, for example, the models Deerhunter Muflon, Pinewood Abisko or Härkila Norfell.

When hunting wild boar or red deer your focus should be on the hunting jacket being as silent as possible . This speaks against a membrane, because it rustles a bit more. Instead, loden jackets are well suited. Loden is not generally windproof. But there are loden jackets that are made of thicker loden. If the loden material is very densely milled, a loden jacket can also provide good protection from the wind. 

The manufacturer Carinthia, for example, is a specialist for very warm winter hunting jackets made of loden.

At extremely low temperatures, however, even the warmest hunting jacket is often not enough. In such cases, you can bring out the heavy guns and additionally put a Ansitzsack over the winter hunting clothing - a real bulwark against ice and cold. This creates an air cushion that, in combination with the hunting outfit, reliably protects you from icy temperatures.

Jackets for tracking

Tracking jackets must be extremely robust as they - just like the hunter himself - are exposed to high levels of wear and tear. The hunting jacket should not be lined as you will quickly start sweating during the search when the dog pulls you through rough terrain. You should also make sure that the jacket is high breathable . Ideally, a tracking jacket is also equipped with ventilation zips under the crooks of the arms.

The choice of colour is also important for the tracking jacket: The best choice is a jacket in signal colours such as orange or red, so that you are easily visible to other shooters during the drive hunt. Sewn-on reflectors increase safety.

Such special hunting jackets for dog handlers are often equipped with many practical pockets. In them you can safely stow dummies and treats for dog training.

Special models & materials: The basics of hunting jackets

The range of hunting jackets not only differs according to the intended use, but also varies with regard to the materials. The different materials each have their own advantages and disadvantages. The brands  Seeland, Hart, Fjällräven and Härkila offer different models in different price ranges for both men and women.

All-purpose jackets / all-season jackets

What all-weather tyres are for cars, the all-purpose hunting jacket is for hunters : All-season hunting jackets never cover 100 percent of all different hunting requirements, but they are generally a solid solution. Ideally, a good all-season hunting jacket has a waterproof, windproof and breathable membrane. If the jacket is equipped with a high-quality membrane, it automatically also insulates very well.

➜  Tip: An all-purpose jacket for hunting should not belined at all or at most lightly lined so that you can wear the jacket in any season. In combination with the right underwear and warm mid-layers, you can then wear it in winter without any problems.

Loden jackets for hunting

Loden is a natural product made from virgin wool. It is superior to synthetic materials in many aspects: Loden is naturally water-repellent and highly insulating. In addition, loden jackets are pleasantly soft, extremely quiet and warm even when wet.

➜ Tip: The loden jacket is an ideal, silent and warm hunting jacket for stalking or sitting in autumn and winter in uncomfortable weather.

 

Softshell jackets for hunting

The term softshell jacket is very broadly defined. The typical common feature of all softshell jackets, as the name suggests, is their soft shell: they have a soft and flexible surface material. Some softshell jackets are also equipped with membranes and have water-repellent properties. A softshell hunting jacket is therefore suitable both as an outer layer jacket, but can also be worn comfortably as an intermediate layer under another jacket.

Ideal softshell jackets for hunting can be found from the Härkila brand in the models Härkila Kamko or Härkila Lynx. Both hunting jackets are reversible softshell jackets with a brushed, soft fleece surface and an integrated windbreaker membrane.

The opposite of a softshell jacket is the hardshell jacket. They are made of a much harder, partly plastic-like surface material. Rain jackets, for example, fall into this category. 

➜ Tip: If you combine softshell and hardshell jackets, you are already well equipped for most hunting situations.

Fleece jackets for hunting

A hunter's wardrobe should not be without a fleece jacket. Fleece jackets are available in various thicknesses, from thin to thick, and with or without membranes. They are universal and, just like softshell jackets, can be worn as a mid-layer or as an outer jacket. Models with thumb loops are particularly popular, which ensure that the sleeves do not ride up during movements.

A special type of fleece jacket is fibre fur jackets : Their fleece fibres are longer than those of a classic fleece jacket made of short-pile fleece. The teddy fur-like material can trap more air due to its structure and thus has better insulation properties. Fibre fur jackets are therefore ideal as an intermediate jacket for the cold season.

➜ Tip: If the fibre fur jacket is impregnated or has membranes, it makes a practical hunting jacket for the transitional season.

Quilted jackets for hunting

Quilted jackets are characterised by their typical quilted look. They often have a honeycomb pattern or a waffle structure. Quilted jackets in the English hunting style with a timeless, classic design are very popular. Current and modern jacket models can also increasingly be found in camouflage and with highly functional features. The quilted jacket is thus a suitable, elegant to sporty everyday jacket for the hunter.

The quilted pattern not only has visual advantages, but primarily serves to fix the lining material. Natural materials such as down fillings or modern polyester padding such as Primaloft are used. The advantage of quilted jackets is their good insulating properties combined with low weight. Many models have a coated outer material that makes the jacket water- and dirt-repellent .

Quilted jackets can often be folded up very small and stored in an included bag to save space . 

➜ Tip: When deciding on a quilted jacket, bear in mind that the material usually rustles somewhat . Quilted jackets are therefore less suitable for stalking or raised hide hunting.

Reversible jackets for hunting

Reversible jackets kill two birds with one stone: they provide camouflage and visibility at the same time - depending on what you need in the current hunting situation.

While one side is kept inmuted colours such as brown or green, the other side shinesin highly visible red or orange. Reversible jackets are therefore ideal for use in driven hunts and social hunts. Many models are also functionally convincing with features such as waterproofness and breathability and have practical pockets for radio equipment and other hunting accessories.

The right colour for your hunting jacket

Classically, the majority of hunting fashions are in hunting green tones . In recent years, however, Brown has also become more popular and modern. The decision between green and brown is ultimately a matter of taste.

The situation is different with orange or red jackets: Choosing a hunting jacket in signal colours is a matter of visibility and safety. In social hunting, you can't shine enough to be seen well by other shooters.
 

Hunting jackets in camouflage colours

Camouflage jackets promise exactly the opposite: Camouflage instead of visibility. This is all about blurring your contours to remain hidden from shy game.

From fleece jackets to softshells and winter jackets, all the above-mentioned jacket designs are usually available as camouflage jackets.

The market now has countless camouflage patterns. Many manufacturers have even developed their own patterns. In general, you can distinguish between real-looking natural camouflage patterns and newer, digital pixel camouflage patterns. You should not only choose the look according to your personal taste, but above all depending on the hunting ground and vegetation.

When buying a camouflage jacket, you should also first consider the intended use. Camouflage jackets are especially recommended for hunting crows and ducks, as flying game can be very good at eyeing. You can find an overview of camouflage patterns in our camouflage pattern guide.

Finding the right jacket size

When choosing a jacket size, be sure to consider the intended use and type of jacket.

If the hunting jacket  is to be usedas an outer jacket, it is often advisable to choose one size larger. You should still be able to fit a mid-layer underneath so that you don't freeze on cooler days when you are out hunting.

If you want to wear the jacket as a first or second layer, it should fit tighter.

However, the hunting jacket shouldnever be tight, because then there is no room for an insulating layer of air, as the air is squeezed out. And without an air cushion you will cool down more quickly and freeze sooner.

However, you should not choose a hunting jacket that is too wide, as the air cushion will then not be able to warm up.

If you are unsure about the size or are between two sizes, just give us a call: We will be happy to measure the jacket model you want so that you can order the right size.

 
Hunting Jackets buying at Pirscher Shop

In the Pirscher Shop hunting clothing range you will find a suitable hunting jacket for every hunting occasion and of course also the matching hunting trousers. When selecting and compiling our hunting fashion, we attach great importance to quality and a good price-performance ratio. We also pay special attention to functionality, so that our hunting jackets can really meet every hunting requirement.

If you are still missing something specific, please contact our customer service without hesitation.