Like hunting during any time of year, the early season comes with its own set of challenges.
One of the biggest hurdles when it comes to early-season hunting is staying cool while also staying protected. It can be tough to find rugged gear that keeps you in the game without making you sweat to death.
So, in light of the coming early season and the pile on my backseat in the rearview mirror, I’m going to run through some key items I’ve found to help along the way. These are in no particular order, but I’ve found value in each of them.
Must-Have Gear for Early-Season Hunting
Darn Tough Lightweight Hunting Sock
![Darn Tough Lightweight Hunting Sock](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/08/Darn-Tough-Lightweight-Hunting-Sock-700x467.jpg)
Finding a good early-season hunting sock has honestly felt like pulling teeth, in my experience. The reason is that most “early-season” socks are just too dang thick. I’ve been left fairly disappointed time and time again until recently.
The Darn Tough Lightweight Hunting Sock hits the nail dead center on the head with force, from the spot-on no-bunching fit to the overall comfort. And more importantly, this sock is thinner for the heat that comes with early-season hunting. I don’t say things like this often, but this is the perfect early-season hunting sock.
Crispi Colorado GTX II (Noninsulated Boot)
![Crispi Colorado GTX II (Non-Insulated Boot)](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/08/Crispi-Colorado-GTX-II-Non-Insulated-Boot-700x467.jpg)
First Lite Wick Hoodie
![First Lite Wick Hoodie](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/08/First-Lite-Wick-Hoodie-700x467.jpg)
MSR Dromlite Water Bags
![MSR Dromlite Water Bags](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/08/MSR-Dromlite-Water-Bags-700x467.jpg)
Argali High Country Game Bags
![Argali High Country Game Bags](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/08/Argali-High-Country-Game-Bags-700x467.jpg)
Final Thoughts
![Must-Have Gear for Early Season Hunting](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/08/Must-Have-Gear-for-Early-Season-Hunting-700x467.jpg)