The Layering Strategy Every Late-Season Deer Hunter Needs to Know

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat in the stand in the late season and absolutely froze my tail off. I never knew that trying to fill just one more tag could be so uncomfortable. Low winter temps and blistering wind are the biggest culprit. Obviously the colder the air is the colder you are. Everyone knows that, but what everybody doesn’t know is the proven ways to minimize the chill. Between effective clothes layering and a little know how, you can increase your late season comfort immensely. 

I’ve learned these lessons the hard way. When you freeze enough while hunting, you will quickly find ways to fix that problem. I’ve also learned that an increased price tag on hunting clothing is often for a reason. Quality materials and production cannot be overlooked when picking out clothes for frigid weather. Cotton camouflage from Walmart is nice but limited. If you want to truly stay warm, I’d encourage investing in a quality, layering system. 

Layering for Warmth and Function

When it comes to trapping heat and maintaining comfort, layering is the only way to go. You don’t want to just go putting clothes on haphazardly though, you need to stick to a system. This keeps you as warm as possible with the least amount of material as possible. Here’s a breakdown of how you should layer your clothes:

• Base Layer: A good base layer is where a good heat maintenance system starts. Without a properly working base layer, your other layers are going to have to work twice as hard and often won’t be able to maintain optimal warmth. Start by looking for fitted, full coverage clothing. It should have enough stretch to move with you but also be thick enough to maintain warmth and comfort. The best base layers utilize merino wool. It packs the best heat maintenance while still being a thin, breathable garment. It also stays warm while wet which is great for those hunters that sweat on the way to the stand. It also doesn’t mildew and stink like other clothes, so you can get many wears before needing a wash. I personally choose the Kiln series from First Lite to meet a full season of baselayer needs. 

• Mid Layer: In my opinion, your mid layer needs to be the most versatile piece of clothing that you wear. It needs to be multi-functional. You still want it to maintain heat well but also be thin and flexible. It needs to allow you to move well too. A well-designed mid layer can also act as the outer layer on milder weather days or on more active hunts. This is what I mean by it being the most versatile layer. Think along the lines of buttoned flannels, quarter zips, and hoodies. If you are looking for ideas for a quality mid layer option, check out the Navigator series from First Lite. 

• Outer Layer: Once it finally gets cold enough, it’s time to break out the outer layers. Good outer layer clothing serves two main purposes, to not let heat escape and to keep the chill out. This is accomplished through building an insulating layer. Whether its thick material or the utilization of air space (like down material), insulating layers aid in keeping that last layer of heat in. As far as keeping the cold air out, this insulating layer acts in the same way. These materials are often wind blockers too, which is the absolute key to not getting cold. If a stiff wind can cut your clothing, you don’t stand a chance. A can’t-go-wrong option for your outer layer is First Lite’s Brooks down jacket. 

I hope this layering guide helps. It took me an embarrassingly long time to learn how to do this. I realize now that there were a ton of harsh, uncomfortable hunts that could have been much more enjoyable. Don’t freeze this late season, layer up!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do hunters stay warm during late-season hunts?

Hunters stay warm by using a proper three-layer system: a merino wool base layer to manage moisture, a flexible mid layer for insulation and mobility, and a wind-blocking outer layer to trap heat and stop cold air from cutting through. Quality materials make the biggest difference in harsh winter temperatures.

What is the best base layer for cold-weather deer hunting?

Merino wool is widely considered the best base layer for late-season hunting because it traps heat, wicks moisture, reduces odor, and stays warm even when damp from sweat. A fitted, full-coverage merino base layer creates the foundation for an effective cold-weather system.

Do layering systems really keep you warmer than heavy clothing?

Yes. Layering keeps you warmer by trapping heat in multiple thin, insulating zones instead of relying on one bulky garment. It also lets you adjust for changing weather and activity levels so you don’t sweat on the walk in and freeze when you stop.

Why do hunters get cold even with heavy clothing?

Most hunters get cold because their clothing isn't moisture-managing or wind-blocking. Sweat from walking to the stand, cotton layers that hold moisture, and jackets that allow wind to cut through all contribute to heat loss—even if the clothing is thick.

What outer layer is best for late-season whitetail hunting?

A high-quality insulated jacket with wind-blocking properties is essential. Down or synthetic insulated outer layers—like First Lite’s Brooks Down Jacket—are designed to trap heat while stopping wind that would otherwise steal warmth.

Will Bowen, Okayest Hunter Contributor