The best hunting pants are not just about the camo. A great pair of hunting pants matches the environment in which you choose to pursue wild game. Rain pants don’t make sense in the desert, but are vital in the Pacific Northwest. Insulated pants might work for a late-season elk hunt, but would likely be too hot for the rut.
Below are top choices that cover a wide variety of needs. These are the pants that my fellow GearJunkie editors, I, and our hunting partners wore in the field last season. They’re the hunting pants we’ll wear again this year.
It’s worth noting that one pair of pants might get through 95% of your season. Another might be utilized for a very specific need on a hunt. Whatever way you slice it, there are pants for every hunter and every budget on this list.
Editor’s Note: This guide was updated on November 26, 2025, to include the SITKA Stratus 2.0 Bib and the KUIU Kutana Hybrid pants. We also included an updated rating system and explanation, which will provide you with clear insights on testing criteria and the best uses for each set of pants included.
The Best Hunting Pants for Men in 2026
KUIU Attack Pants
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Versatile
- Durable enough to resist briars, brush
- Just enough stretch
Cons
- Hip pockets are a little small for a cellphone
KUIU’s Attack Pants are relatively affordable and a favorite of many hunters. At $149, they offer eight variations of solids and camo. And Primeflex Toray fabric is notoriously tough and comfortable. KUIU treats these with its K-DWR for water resistance, and the design is simple, athletic, and streamlined.
I’ve worn the Kuiu Attack pants for a dozen or so days of hunting so far and love the athletic fit coupled with flexible fabric. They really give great freedom of motion. Most recently, I wore them spring turkey hunting in Colorado, with temperatures in the 50s and no precipitation. To close the deal on my hunt, I had to crawl on my hands and knees through oak brush for about 75 yards while a gobbler hollered through the morning mist.
I rose up on the articulated knees to take a shot and drop the bird when it poked its head above a log. The pants are relatively quiet, and hold up well to the brush. I love the thigh vents — clutch when carrying a heavy bird 2 miles back to camp as the day warms up. And the zippered pockets are excellent.
I only wish the hip pockets were a touch larger. I like the quick access to my phone, and it’s a little snug for my liking. Otherwise, these pants are darned near perfect and super versatile, ready to tackle pretty much any conditions with proper layering.
One note on fit: These tend to run on the small side. I sized up one size, going with a 32-inch waist. I generally wear a 30 or 31, but the 32 fits well. Plan to size up a bit.
If your budget is stretched, a pair of Attacks can fit into most workplaces (in non-camo) as well as doing double duty in the mountains. These aren’t necessarily your inclement cold-weather pants, but for the average hunter, they’ll serve a ton of purposes in the field while maintaining decorum in public.
Kryptek Valhalla
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Moisture wicking
- Large pockets
- Very comfortable
Cons
- No DWR treatment
- Soft fabric not protective against heavy brush
Kryptek is best known for its camo patterns. But did you know the brand also makes pants? And they pack a great value. The Valhalla pant ($120) is a great choice for cool to hot hunting conditions. Kryptek manufactures them from 92% polyester, 8% elastane, with an articulated, athletic fit. What that means is that you get a stretchy, soft, and extremely quiet pant that excels for stalking.
The polyester fabric also dries quickly, an important attribute for hunting gear. We’ve used these primarily for spring turkey hunting where they thrive in weather ranging from the 30s in the morning to the 70s in the day. Layer under them for colder conditions, and strip away the base-layer when it gets hot for a soft, breathable camo pattern on the legs.
Some of the best features are the comfortable fit and huge pockets in the Valhalla pant. A hip pocket on each side, plus a large dump pocket (perfect for a folding knife) and zippered pockets on each leg, as well as back pockets, provide ample storage. Thankfully, these pockets are large and stretchy enough to hold big items like range finders – not that it’s an ideal spot for them. But the ability to haul a lot in the pants adds to their versatility.
Beyond that, they fit like pajama bottoms in many ways. They are very soft and cozy, enough so that I’ve slept in them in my sleeping bag a few times. This presents one downside, that the fabric isn’t very protective. If you’re pushing through brush or thorns, these won’t cut it. But for early-season big game or warm-weather waterfowl hunting, the Valhalla pant should be a solid choice that won’t break the bank.
While these aren’t as scent-fighting or techie as some of the other pants on the list, for the price, the Valhalla is hard to beat.
First Lite Trace Pants
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Super-breathable for hot climates
- Fast-drying
- Excellent, ample pockets
- Knife pocket
Cons
- Built-in belt's buckle prone to damage
- Not intended for cold weather
Early-season hunts call for lightweight, breathable pants, and the First Lite Trace Pants ($160) are among the best I’ve worn. They have a unique fabric that’s cool, breathable, and durable. It’s called KinneticGrid, which essentially allows air to flow through the pants while maintaining rugged construction.
After wearing these on a turkey hunt, a camping trip in the Great Sand Dunes National Park, and a boar hunt in Texas, I can attest that the breathability works. From 95-100–degree weather, these pants felt similar to wearing shorts. And if they get a little wet, the synthetic material dries wildly fast.
To further improve on breathability, First Lite built zippered vents on each leg, perfect for grueling hikes in the archery elk woods. You can open them up and get maximum breathability when temperatures soar. The zippered vents also serve as excellent pockets for items you need to keep secure. Those in conjunction with deep hip pockets and button-down thigh pockets on each leg ensure you can store anything you need for a day in the field.
I’ve been wearing the solid-colored version, and they look good enough to wear to the office and around town throughout the summer. They’ve proven to be durable even with consistent use. The only thing that’s given me a problem is the included belt buckle. It lost a tiny piece of plastic, so it doesn’t lock as well as it did when the pants were brand new. It’s still functional, but may end up failing over time.
If you plan on hunting in August or September, grab yourself a set of the Trace Pants. They’ll keep you cool in midday heat, and may end up being some of your favorite everyday pants.
SITKA Stratus Bib 2.0
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy to adjust strap system
- Windproof
- Chest zipper and 7/8th length leg zippers
- Very breathable for a warm bib
- Excellent pockets
Cons
- Price
There are more whitetail bibs available to hunters than ever, but the SITKA Stratus Bib 2.0 ($400) stands above the rest. In a crowded market, these bibs stand out because of several small details that add up to a big difference.
Many of those details center around breathability, which is really tough to execute with an insulated bib. If you want to walk to the stand while wearing them, you can unzip the 7/8th leg zips to keep things breezy. That isn’t unique, but the zip front on the chest is, which unzips down to your waistline for those times you really want to dump heat.
The breathability doesn’t stop there either. The panel on the lower back features zero insulation, and is constructed with a breathable synthetic material. That keeps your lower back from getting sweaty while carrying a backpack and eliminates chill from a sweaty back in the stand. A similar material is found in the crotch, although there is still a single layer of insulating grid fleece there. These bibs add breathability to areas of high heat, keeping you dry, and warmer.
Tester Morgan Nowels found himself needing them for cold, humid 48-degree mornings in the mid-fall but would have a mile walk back to the truck with temps approaching the 70s. It would have been more comfortable to take the bibs off, but by unzipping them completely, it wasn’t an uncomfortable walk, which was really impressive.
The strap system is buckle-less, and adjust easily with an ingenious hook and loop system. Rubber inlays on the straps ensure they stay on your shoulders no matter what. The internal belt is highly adjustable, and keeps things on the exterior of the pant streamlined.
While these aren’t as warm as the Fanatic bibs, they can definitely handle cold weather. Both the brushed polyester fleece outer and the LMC grid fleece interior combine to keep you warm. If the wind kicks up, the WINDSTOPPER GORE-TEX liner keeps the chill from penetrating. Nowels hasn’t had the opportunity to use these in the extreme cold yet, but with a solid mid-layer and a thick baselayer, he assumes you could hunt in these in temps in the teens or colder.
Honestly, there are too many awesome things to go over here, and there isn’t anything not to like about these bibs, aside from the price. But with how well they do their job, its worth the blow to your bank account.
First Lite Obsidian Merino Pants
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Silent
- Light
- Plentiful pockets
Cons
- Less durable than others on the list
First Lite’s Obsidian Merino Pants ($190) are the GearJunkie team’s favorite pants for the early season, but they’re pretty dang flexible. A high point of merino is the minimal drying time, minimal scent, and longevity of wear time between washes.
The downside is that I’ve found merino to be less durable on brushy, rugged hunts. Thankfully, First Lite builds these with embedded nylon strands for durability. After three full seasons of hard Rocky Mountain elk hunting, they’re still holding up like new.
These pants shine in one particular area — they are so, so quiet. They allow you to move with no swishing as your legs brush each other or twigs. When you want versatility from chilly to warm weather, these are a great choice.
Thanks to their versatility, they are well-suited to longer hunts where minimal packing is required. These pants have loads of pockets, and I love that I can stash my rangefinder, phone, and game calls in them and can forego carrying a chest pack.
It’s important to note that merino does require some extra care for longevity. I recommend cleaning both merino and synthetics with scentless Active Wear Laundry Detergent. Learn how to better care for your activewear, and it will last for years.
Check out our full review of the Obsidian Pant.
KUIU Chugach TR Rain Pants
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Soft, quiet fabric that doesn't feel like plastic wrap
- Surprisingly durable for such a lightweight design
- Available in men's and women's sizing
- Less clammy than most raingear
Cons
- Pricey compared to bargain-bin options
Rain gear has a bad habit of feeling like you’ve wrapped yourself in a sweaty, crinkly garbage bag. Most of the time, that’s exactly what you’re doing, just with a bigger price tag. But KUIU’s Chugach Rain Pants ($269) are a rare exception to that sad reality.
Available in both men’s and women’s cuts, these pants manage to feel soft against your skin instead of stiff and plasticky. Slide them over your baselayers, and you’ll notice the difference right away. The fabric doesn’t scream every time you take a step.
And while I’m not going to pretend any rain shell is truly breathable (let’s be honest, that’s marketing wizardry at its finest), these somehow feel less suffocating when you’re slogging uphill in a downpour.
Durability is also worth calling out. I’ve crawled over deadfall, sat in mud, and generally treated them like the do-it-all layer they claim to be. They’ve shrugged it all off almost without a complaint. That being said, we’ve had a few unexpected openings that had to be patched, which isn’t surprising considering it’s rain gear. I can’t imagine any of my other raingear even being salvageable if I’d put it through what the Chugach has been through.
Overall, it’s just hard to find rain gear that beats these for comfort, durability, and packability.
Filson Oil Finish Single Tin Upland Pants
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The toughest pants one can buy
- Never wash
Cons
- Stiff
- Hard on the skin after long miles
Colorado upland bird hunting means big miles on the plains and a lot of bushwhacking. After five years of wearing the Filson Oil Finish Single Tin upland pants ($199), I am absolutely amazed at their durability. Through briars and brush and all manner of nasty thickets, these pants have protected my legs over a lot of 15-mile days.
While tough as nails, these are specialized hunting pants. For one thing, they’re pretty heavy and bulky. You wouldn’t want to pack them in a backpack for a high-altitude hunt.
They are also so burly that they’ll beat up your skin if you don’t wear long underwear. And given that you should not wash these (or risk removing the oil finish that keeps them water-resistant), they will be forever dirty. So, plan to wear long underwear! Put two and two together, and you’ll surmise that they’re not great in hot conditions. No, they are not. These are cool-to-cold weather pants, so plan accordingly.
But if you can get past those cons, these are some spectacularly tough pants that will serve the average hunter for a decade or more. For huge days of stomping through upland brush and scrub in cool to cold weather, they’re hard to beat.
KUIU Kutana Hybrid Pants
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Waterproof panels hold up to severe moisture
- Stretchy, mobile fit
- Hip vents
- Highly durable
- Breathable pockets
- Boot hooks
Cons
- Very noisy
- Not as breathable as other lightweight pants
- Not as warm as other midweight pants
- Price
Of all the pants on this list, the KUIU Kutana Hybrid Pants ($199) are the most capable of handling a variety of conditions. The entire pant has a highly water-resistant DWR finish, and there are 11,000mm waterproof panels on the lower legs as well as the seat. That provides waterproofness in the areas you need it most, while mitigating the negatives of waterproof pants, namely, lack of breathability.
There is no insulation in these pants, and there is a large hip vent on each side. When hunting in temperatures in the 80s, tester Morgan Nowels found them to be plenty comfortable, although not quite as breathable as options like the First Lite Trace or the Badlands Andaire. While they aren’t as breathable as those options, the Kutana Hybrid, with a solid baselayer, pulls double duty as an excellent mid-to-late-season pant.
These are some of the most durable pants in the KUIU lineup, built with a Toray Primeflex 100% Stretch Nylon. Burrs and thorns brush right off the slick fabric. They’re nearly indestructible. The flex of the material, as well as the articulated knees, allow these pants to move with you, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find something with a better fit.
Now, as with all things in life, those benefits do require a tradeoff. These pants are fairly loud, thanks to the waterproof panels and the slick-feeling fabric. But if you’re looking for a pant that will perform year-round and keep you comfortable in a bunch of conditions, these pants are the answer.
Other Notable Hunting Pants
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Wonderful for carrying a backpack
- Durable
- Nice pockets, venting
Cons
- Fabric is a little loud
Stone Glacier is one clever company. With the De Havilland pants ($220), it solved one of the more annoying gear issues faced by both hunters and hikers, and that is the interface between your pants and your backpack’s hipbelt.
The De Havilland pants, like many other outdoor pants, have an adjustable waist that allows you to move it up to three inches to allow for layering. But the clever design — essentially a built-in belt and no front button — results in no bunching and very easy adjustment, no velcro needed.
Beyond that clever point, these pants are overall very good. They begin with water-resistant polyester/nylon/spandex blend fabric cut to athletic but mobile proportions with a gusseted crotch and articulated knees. Full zip side vents let you air it out when the going gets warm. And deep cargo pockets give you plenty of storage beyond the normal hip pocket.
On the negative side, they tend to be a little loud and swish while walking. Thus, these are not our top choice for close-quarters stalking, such as archery still-hunting.
But beyond that one downside, these are darned good pants and even look good enough for civilization (so long as they are not stained with blood and dirt).
Best Hunting Pants Comparison Chart
| Hunting Pants | Price | Overall Score | Warmth | Breathability | Waterproofness | Durability | Material | DWR | Scent Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KUIU Attack Pants | $149 | 9.4 | 6.3 | 7.8 | 7.0 | 8.7 | Primeflex Polyester | Yes | Yes (Makspec) |
| Kryptek Valhalla Pants | $120 | 7.8 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 4.0 | 6.3 | 92% Polyester, 8% Elastane | No | No |
| First Lite Trace Pants | $160 | 8.8 | 2.5 | 9.8 | 6.0 | 7.8 | KineticGrid | No | Yes (HeiQ Pure Odor Control Technology) |
| SITKA Stratus 2.0 Bib | $400 | 9.0 | 8.5 | 7.9 | 7.9 | 8.0 | Recylced Polyester, GORE WINDSTOPPER | Yes | No |
| First Lite Obsidian Merino Pants | $190 | 8.6 | 5.9 | 6.9 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 88% Merino wool, 2% Nylon, 1.5% Polyester, 8.5% Spandex | No | Odor resistant Merino |
| KUIU Chugach TR Pants | $269 | 8.9 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 10.0 | 9.5 | Dermizax HDM Membrane, Primeflex Nylon | Yes | No |
| Filson Oil Finish Single Tin Upland Pants | $199 | 8.2 | 6.5 | 4.0 | 8.0 | 10.0 | 100% Cotton Canvas | Wax Coated | No |
| KUIU Kutana Hybrid | $199 | 8.0 | 5.2 | 7.0 | 8.3 | 8.9 | Primeflex Nylon, Hydroweb Electrospun Nylon | Yes | No |
| Stone Glacier De Havilland Pants | $220 | 7.8 | 4.0 | 7.8 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 50% Polyester, 43% Nylon, 7% Spandex | Yes | No |
Scoring System, Explained
The team at GearJunkie decided to score hunting pants on four different factors: warmth, breathability, waterproofness, and durability. These aren’t scores to “rank” the products, but rather give you a better idea of best-case use. A pant scoring low in warmth is great for early-season hunts, so don’t take low scores as a sign of a bad product. Our overall score, however, is more of a ranking. Here are explanations of each:
Overall Score
The overall scores given to each set of hunting pants are not an average of the feature sub-scores. The reason is that each one of these hunting pants is made for specific scenarios, and the overall score shouldn’t be penalized for that. For example, a hot weather pant will score terribly for warmth, but that shouldn’t reduce its overall score, because maybe it’s a really awesome early season pant.
Some pants also have other cool features that don’t fit into one of the following categories. There may be an excellent pocket layout, insect repellent properties, boot hooks, or other features that make the pants stand out. Those things will be reflected in the overall score.
So, the overall score is a rating of the overall performance for the pants’ intended use, while also taking into account pricing and value.
Warmth
Pants that score in the 1-4 range are tailored for hot-weather hunting. Think temps from the mid 70s into the 100’s.
Hunting pants in the 5-7 range are mid-season pants. Pants that score in this range will be passable in temperatures from the mid-70s down to around 40 degrees on their own, depending on activity level. This is the happy spot that most people will be looking at for a solid, catch-all, do-everything pant.
Any hunting pants that score eight and above are for frigid weather (freezing or below), or stationary hunting in temps up to the mid-40s.
Remember, with good baselayers, you can effectively change the temperatures you can comfortably hunt in any given pair of pants. The scores provided assume no baselayers are being worn.
Breathability
If a pant scores in the 1-4 range, it isn’t very breathable. Anything in this range will result in sweaty legs while performing high-output activities
Anything in the 4-7 range offers decent breathability. In the upper end of this range, pants will have venting systems that can be used to dump heat while on the move.
Pants scoring 8-10 are highly breathable. Many of the pants in this range have micro-perforated holes throughout them, allowing for amazing airflow.
Waterproofness
If a pant has no DWR finish, and no insulating properties when wet, it will score a 1-3 for waterproofness.
Pants that have insulating properties while wet score 4-5.
Any pant with a DWR finish will score 5-7. Some DWR treatments work better than others, and some pants in this range also feature insulation that will keep you warm when wet.
A score of 8-10 indicates a pant that is entirely waterproof, or is nearing complete waterproofness.
Durability
Durability is a little harder to nail down than the other categories, because it can be tough to duplicate the same conditions over a long period of time. So, this score is based on how long a piece has held up over the time we’ve used it.
Do small tufts of fabric get pulled out easily? Are there additional durability features built into high-wear areas, such as the bottom of the legs? Is the material heavy-duty, or is it more prone to ripping? These are all things we took into account when deciding upon durability scores.
Why You Should Trust Us
The GearJunkie team hunts a lot. The primary author of this article, Sean McCoy, hunts from early September through February each year. He pursues elk, mule and whitetail deer, pheasants, grouse, ducks, and geese. He also hunts spring turkeys each year. He’s been hunting since the mid-1980s and values high-quality gear that will last through many seasons of use. He still has and occasionally uses a pair of wool hunting pants made in the 1930s and passed down to him by his great-grandfather.
Beyond many days in the fields and mountains each fall, McCoy tapped into our team of experts for their takes on hunting pants. GearJunkie Contributor Morgan Nowels has spent time hunting in a variety of conditions all over the country. He’s chased desert Mule Deer in Utah with temperatures soaring over 100, sat in tree stands through outright downpours in middle Tennessee, and sat in powdery snow while glassing late-season elk.
The point is, collectively, our team has more than likely hunted in an environment similar to the one you hunt in. We’ve been there and figured out which hunting pants work best for any hunt. We’ve distilled the hours of testing and years of hunting into this guide, so that you can make the best decision possible.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Hunting Pants
The best hunting pants will last years, so you should view them as a long-term investment. Apparel in the hunting world has advanced drastically in the last decade, and most hunters can find the perfect pants for whatever game they pursue in any environment.
Below are some of the top considerations the GearJunkie team considers when selecting a pair of hunting pants.
Warmth/Weight
Some states allow you to get out to the woods as early as mid-August to chase velvet deer and elk. Hunters in those places need a different level of warmth than someone restricted to a rifle season in November. The first thing you should consider when purchasing hunting pants is the temperatures you typically hunt in.
Don’t forget, you can extend the temperature range of any pants by pairing them with a base layer.
Lightweight, Early Season (80-plus degrees)
For those who primarily hunt in August and September, opt for something lightweight, such as the First Lite Trace Pants. Lightweight hunting pants allow your legs to breathe when hiking up mountains in the late summer and early fall, or hanging a treestand in the humid South. If you’re hunting in weather hotter than 80 degrees, you’ll enjoy a specialized early-season pant. In those situations, you’re trying to shed heat, not retain it.
Mid-Weight, All-Season Pants (30-70 degrees)
If you hunt multiple seasons and plan on owning one set of pants, a midweight pant like the KUIU Attack is the way to go. With proper layering, a lightly insulated set of hunting pants can keep you warm down to about 35 degrees, depending on activity level. Your lower half will be happiest from 45-60 degrees in midweight pants.
When temps are over 75 degrees, midweight pants can get miserably hot. But if your tolerance for discomfort is high, they can provide passable service. Pants like the Attack feature zippered vents you can open up when you find yourself in an Indian summer.
Heavy, Late-Season Pants
Hunting in frigid conditions, or stationary hunting in cold conditions, will require a bit more warmth than a baselayer and midweight pants. For those freezing December hunts, plan on purchasing pants with one sole purpose: to keep you warm.
Heavy pants are not ideal for hiking because they tend to overheat easily. However, they can be a real lifesaver when you’re posted up on a ridge glassing on a barren winter day. If you plan on doing that, or sitting in a blind or treestand for late-season whitetail, pick up a set of heavily insulated pants.
In cold conditions, many hunters wear a baselayer and midweight pants, and then bust out the toasty pants when they’re stationary.
Water Resistance
Next, consider how much water resistance you need. Most hunting pants come with a DWR coating, which makes water bead up and roll off. That’s usually enough for light rain or pushing through wet brush.
But, if you’re planning to hunt in heavy rain or soaked terrain, you’ll want fully waterproof pants. Waterproof pants tend to be warmer and noisier than regular DWR-treated pants. These work best as an outer layer that’s used only when needed.
Not all waterproof pants are the same. That “waterproof” label doesn’t always mean they’ll keep you dry in a downpour. Waterproof ratings use millimeters to gauge waterproof level. The measurement refers to the amount of water pressure the fabric can withstand before it leaks.
For example, pants with a 5,000mm rating can handle 5 m of water pressing down on them before water seeps through. A 20,000mm rating means they can take 20 m. Sounds fancy, but here’s the gist: 5,000–10,000mm works for light rain. Over 20,000mm? That’s built for serious weather.
Of course, higher ratings usually mean bulkier pants and a higher price tag. But if you’re expecting wet, nasty conditions, it’s worth spending a little more. There’s nothing worse than spending hard-earned money, hauling rain gear into the field, and still ending up soaked. That’s why GearJunkie Hunt and Fish Editor Rachelle Schrute relies on the KUIU Chugach TR pants. They’re rated at 30,000mm and do an awesome job of keeping you dry in full-on downpours.
Camo Pattern
Camouflage is designed to break up your silhouette. It does a great job of allowing you to be in front of cover with shooting lanes rather than tucked behind it.
Some hunters heavily stress camouflage patterns, but remember that for generations, hunters have been successful wearing flannel. The exact camo pattern likely doesn’t matter too much. If you have multiple options, pick the pattern that best matches the environment you hunt. If you don’t have options, but you really like the pants themselves, don’t stress about the camo pattern.
The situations where camo matters the most are archery hunting and turkey hunting. With archery, you’ll be in very close proximity to animals. Wearing good camo often results in an animal looking at you, trying to figure out what exactly you are, instead of outright bolting. And turkeys? Those things see everything.
Many hunting pants are also offered in solid colors, which isn’t a bad option. For rifle hunting, camo pants don’t matter nearly as much. Getting your pants in a drab brown or green color means they can also pull double duty around town without screaming “hunter” everywhere you go.
Material
Some hunting pants are made of wool, and others are made of synthetics. Different fabrics have different pros and cons.
Wool is warm, quiet, and does a great job of masking the odor of sweaty hunters. However, wool may not hold up as well to serious bushwacking as synthetic pants.
Synthetic pants can also be warm, often have a bit of stretch, and will withstand thick briar patches. However, synthetic pants do retain more scent than wool. After a few days, you’ll notice a lingering smell.
There are great hunting pants made of both, and the team of hunters at GearJunkie uses both. Consider the pros and cons of each option before making your final purchase.
Price and Value
Despite what you see on social media, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get out in the field. However, there are some benefits to spending more on hunting pants. Below are different price points and what to expect in each one.
Budget Hunting Pants
You can find hunting pants for $30-100. In that price range, you’ll find a wide variety of quality. Many will fit poorly, not be warm, and fail miserably in wet environments.
Some of the best budget hunting pants, like the Kryptek Valhalla, are breathable, comfortable, and provide plenty of functional pockets. They also come in great camo patterns.
However, even the Valhallas don’t have a water-repellent finish, and like many other budget pants, they aren’t extremely durable. After a season of bushwacking, you may need to replace them.
Mid Tier Hunting Pants
Many of the best pants the GearJunkie crew tested cost between $100 and $200. While that may seem steep, remember, you’re purchasing technical outdoor wear. A pair of blue jeans is easily 80 bucks nowadays, so spending $200 isn’t outrageous for specialized pants.
In this price category, you’ll find some of the best hunting pants on the market, like the KUIU Attack Pants. These pants will be water-resistant, warm, and durable. Ill fit won’t be a problem, and mid-tier pants will allow a wide range of motion. Often, they feature zippered, breathable vents that allow hunters to stay cool when hiking and carrying heavy loads.
You can also find fully waterproof pants in this category. However, you should do some digging into them before making a purchase. A set of rain pants under $200 probably doesn’t have a high waterproof rating. There’s nothing worse than spending your money on “waterproof” pants that can’t hack it in the harsh environments hunters find themselves in.
Premium Hunting Pants
Hunting pants over $200 are priced that way for a reason: they’re made with more material or require more technical construction. That means fully waterproof pants or pants with the maximum amount of the best insulation on the market.
Many hunters can get by without spending this much coin on a set of pants. One way around it is by utilizing effective layering systems.
But, if you plan on being out in late November-January, or sitting out a torrential downpour, you may find yourself sitting on a ridge, wishing you had spent the money on better pants. Premium pants will keep you warm and bone dry no matter how wet it is. For the most serious hunters who refuse to let the weather stop a hunt, paying more for the best gear is a non-negotiable expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frankly, no. Muted greens, grays, and browns are great. But a camo pattern does come in handy in a few situations.
The most camo-necessary situation might be turkey hunting. These birds have literal eagle eyesight. It’s wise to cover everything from your hands to your face in a landscape-appropriate camouflage.
Archery season is the other hunting opportunity where good camo can play a strong hand. I personally feel the more blended, the better when at close range. But neutral solids can also work just fine.
The other great side to camo for hunting clothes is that it really does hide stains. If you plan on being successful, you can also plan on staining every piece of clothing you’re wearing. If you don’t want to stain your favorite pair of hiking pants, get a pair of camo pants to get you through the hunting season.
The answer is yes. I’ve been hunting in my grandpa’s 80-year-old Woolrich pants for a lifetime. They’re low on scent, high on warmth, easy to fix, and durable. I was stoked to see First Lite come out with the Obsidian pants, as wool just has a special place in my heart, and it’s worth the money to pay a bit more to outfit yourself in the stuff.
However, if you’re pressed for cash, go to your local Goodwill, thrift store, or pawn shop. Sift through clothes until you find a heavy pair of wool pants. Get them. Wear them. Love them.
If you’re spending any amount of money on hunting gear, it pays to take good care of it. Wool certainly needs a gentler hand. And you’d be surprised how much body scent synthetics can retain even after going through your normal laundry routine.
Thankfully, there are simple options that can easily fold into your laundry routine. One option GearJunkie likes is Active Wear Detergent, and you can read founder Stephen Regenold’s review on it here.
Two other options come from Nikwax. Nikwax Wool Wash is a machine-friendly option for your merino and other wools. And Nikwax Tech Wash does the same for your synthetics.
Remember to use scentless products to knock out any chance that big ol’ whitetail deer catches a Cotton Fresh breeze and decides to book it from your deliciously scented location.
