Whitetail Deer Hunting Layering System
When hunting whitetails versatility is key because you have to deal with both early-season heat and late-season cold. Take a look at KUIU’s whitetail layering system guide below to find the right clothing and gear so you’re ready for a range of temperatures and conditions all season long.
EARLY-SEASON WHITETAIL DEER HUNTING SYSTEM
Base Layer Top: Gila LS Crew
Mid Layer Top: ULTRA Merino 145 Zip-T
Pant: Tiburon
Glove: StrongFleece 220 Glove
Hat: Pro Hat
As the sun hits early season corn and bean fields, the Gila LS Crew base layer will keep you cool, help wick moisture and keep you protected. When you need an additional layer to keep the chill off during early morning sunrises, the ULTRA Merino 145 Zip-T is a lightweight Merino wool and nylon option that can stow in your pack and be ready when you need the extra warmth.
The Tiburon pant is the most technically advanced hot-weather pant ever created. Its fit and stretch comfortably fits a base layer underneath on cooler mornings and evenings. It's designed with articulated knees and action gusset to allow a full range of unrestricted movement. Combine these items with the PRO Hat and StrongFleece 220 Gloves to round out your concealment for early season.
PRE-RUT WHITETAIL DEER HUNTING LAYERING SYSTEM
Base Layer Top: ULTRA Merino 145 Zip-T
Mid Layer Top: Encounter 200 or Encounter 290 Fleece Zip-T
Outer Layer: Encounter Jacket
Base Layer Bottom: ULTRA Merino 145 Zip-Off Bottom
Pant: Attack or Encounter Pant
Beanie: Peloton 97 Fleece Beanie
Neck Gaiter: Peloton 97 Fleece Neck Gaiter
The ULTRA Merino 145 Zip-T has high stretch, incredible moisture management, and great warmth. The Encounter 290 Fleece Zip-T with bonded fleece backer provides a wind-resistance when a mid-layer is needed. Add the ultra-quiet Wind Pro Full Zip as your final top layer to remain silent and retain warmth on chilly mornings.
The Attack Pant or Guide Pant with hip vents are a big upgrade from blue jeans and are designed to help keep you cool when headed to the stand. Add in the PRO Merino 200 Zip-Off Bottom to retain warmth while sitting stationary. Finish your kit with the Peloton 97 Fleece Beanie and Neck Gaiter for superior warmth with minimal bulk.
The Rut Whitetail Deer Hunting Layering System
Base Layer Top: ULTRA Merino 145 Zip-T
Mid Layer 1: Encounter 200
Mid Layer Top: Peloton 240 Full-Zip
Outer Layer: KUIU Proximity Hooded Insulated Jacket
Base Layer Bottom: PRO Merino 200 Zip-Off Bottom
Pant: KUIU Proximity Insulated Pant
Beanie: Proximity Beanie
Neck Gaiter: Proximity Neck Gaiter
Gloves: Yukon Pro Glove
The ULTRA Merino 145 Zip-T has high stretch, incredible moisture management, and great warmth as a base layer. Sometimes at these temps, you will want an extra mid-layer, the Peloton 97 Fleece Zip-T traps warm air inside the fabric with its special brushed fabrication which makes it perfect for the extra layer. Add a Peloton 240 Full Zip with bonded fleece backer when you need more wind-resistance.
Silencing your every move, the Proximity Jacket is your go-to outer layer in these lower temperatures. The combination of Proximity Pant and Pro Merino 200 Zip-Off Bottom will keep you quiet and warm in stationary situations. Finish your kit with the Wind Pro Beanie, Wind Pro Neck Gaiter, and Yukon Pro Gloves for superior warmth with minimal bulk, offering high-performance, cold weather protection.
POST RUT WHITETAIL DEER HUNTING LAYERING SYSTEM
Base Layer Top: Ultra Merino 145 Zip-T
Mid Layer 1: Kenai Vest
Mid Layer Top: Wind Pro Fleece Full Zip
Outer Layer: KUIU Proximity Hooded Insulated Jacket
Base Layer Bottom: Pro Merino 200 Zip-Off Bottom
Pant: KUIU Proximity Insulated Pant
Beanie: Wind Pro Beanie
Neck Gaiter: Proximity Neck Gaiter
Gloves: Northstar Glove
During the post-rut, sub-freezing temperatures, snow, and wind are normal conditions—we have the right insulation layering system to help keep you in the stand and ready for an all-day sit. Again, the ULTRA Merino 145 Zip-T is the top choice of base layer. The streamlined Kenai Vest is a fantastic insulating mid-layer that regulates your core temperature with body-mapped 3DeFX+® active insulation. Add a Wind Pro Full Zip which can act as your outer layer when the afternoon sun heats up, and your mid layer when temperatures plummet.
Keeping you silent, the KUIU Proximity Jacket continues to shine as the outer layer in these temps. The combination of KUIU Proximity Pant and Pro Merino 200 Zip-Off Bottom or Kenai Insulated Pant will keep you quiet and warm in stationary situations. Finish your kit with the Wind Pro Beanie, Wind Pro Neck Gaiter, and NorthStar Gloves for superior warmth and cold weather protection.
