Best Hunting Jackets [Top Comparison Guide]

When the temperature drops, there's no time to waste - you need a good, reliable hunting jacket ready to go! 

Today's latest technologies have improved the hunting jacket tremendously, protecting hunters from wind, rain, snow, and whatever else mother nature has ready to throw at you.

But at the end of the day, it's not about finding an "ok" hunting jacket. It's about purchasing the best hunting jacket that's made for you and your style of hunting.

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The Quick Summary
Overall, the Best Hunting Jacket is the KUIU Super Down ULTRA Jacket!
Below you can check out other top options including the... 
- Best Windproof Hunting Jacket: Sitka Stratus Jacket
- Best Waterproof Hunting Jacket: First Lite Vapor StormLight
- Best Heated Hunting Jacket: TIDEWE Heated Hunting Jacket
And scroll down to find out the two things to avoid when picking your jacket!

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I've spent countless hours comparing some of the top hunting jackets I personally use to other great options out there. I've scanned reviews, YouTube videos, and I even spoke to a few customer service representatives at these hunting clothing brands. 

After all the hours of research, I've put together a simple list that's going to walk you through the top hunting jackets available on the market today. Each one represents the best option in some very popular categories. 

Enjoy the information below, and take a look at the hunting jacket comparison chart for a quick summary!

Trivia Question: How much faster does water conducts heat away from the body than air? (Click here to see answer).

Full Disclosure: Some of the links below may be affiliate links. If you follow an affiliate link and end up making a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  

 

Best Overall Hunting Jacket

KUIU Super Down ULTRA Jacket

The Super Down ULTRA Hooded Jacket is a must-have for hunters who want unbeatable warmth without the bulk. This jacket weighs only 7.9 oz and is built with a mid-layer fit, making it an excellent insulating layer or a standalone jacket for milder weather. The 2.3 oz of 850+FP TORAY Quixdown insulation is 50% less than what is used in the Super Down PRO, making it the lightest down jacket from KUIU.

 

This jacket features a cinch hood for better fit and visibility, as well as stretch binding-finished cuffs and an adjustable hem. The jacket also has two zipper hand pockets, allowing you to keep your hands warm and your essentials close. When you're not wearing it, the jacket can be packed into its self-stowing left pocket, making it easy to carry in a backpack or duffel bag.

The Super Down ULTRA Hooded Jacket is made with 12D Stunner Stretch ripstop fabric for durability and longevity. The insulation is water-resistant Quixdown 850+ FP, which is 95% down cluster and 5% feather. It is IDFL certified by the International Down and Feather Laboratory, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of quality.

For latest prices, and more information about the KUIU Super Down Jacket, click below!

Best Windproof Hunting Jacket

Sitka Stratus Jacket

The Stratus Jacket from Sitka Gear is a hunting jacket that offers protection against the wind, cold, and noise. It has a GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® Technology membrane that is sandwiched between warm and silent micro-grid fleece. The jacket also has a removable hood with specialized hearing ports that improve the ability to hear deer approaching and double layer PolarTec® Alpha® Direct panels that retain heat.

It's is a versatile and reliable jacket that is comfortable enough to stand on its own into mid-season, but also fitted for insulation under layering to take you well into November. It also features the innovative Constant-Connect SITKA® Safety Harness Pass-Through Port with Cobrax® secure slide-to-lock snap and magnetic closure which eliminates the need to disconnect from a harness when adding or removing gear keeping you safer and quieter in the stand.

With its unique combination of warmth, protection, and stealth, the Stratus Jacket is the ultimate hunting companion for cold and windy days.

For latest prices, and more information on the Sitka Status Jacket, take a look below!

Best Waterproof Hunting Jacket

First Lite Vapor SuperLight Jacket

The First Lite Vapor Stormlight Rain Jacket is an ultralight rain jacket designed for backcountry hunters. It weighs only 12 ounces, making it the perfect rain jacket to carry without adding unnecessary weight to your pack. The jacket features the Turret Hood and waterproof zippers, making it durable and reliable in extreme weather conditions.

The jacket's exclusive 37.5 Active Particle Technology helps to exhaust moisture and maintain core body temperature, ensuring maximum comfort during high-exertion backcountry hunts. It also traps odors and releases them when laundered, keeping the jacket fresh and odor-free for longer periods. The Vapor Stormlight Rain Jacket is built with built-in stretch for complete range-of-motion, and it has biomechanically accurate shooter's sleeves and shoulders.

Its 3D Turret™ hood construction provides a maximized Field-of-View, making it easier to spot your prey. With its lightweight, breathable, and packable design, the Vapor Stormlight Rain Jacket is the ultimate rain jacket for backcountry hunters.

For latest prices, and more information on the First Lite Vapor SuperLight Jacket, we have that as well!

Best Heated Hunting Jacket

TIDEWE Heated Hunting Jacket

The TIDEWE heated jacket is made with water and wind-resistant breathable polyester fabric and features an anti-static fleece liner to trap heat and provide a comfortable fit. It comes with a 10000mAh 5V battery pack and has three adjustable heat settings indicated by blue, white, and red colors. The jacket can provide up to 10 hours of heat on low, 5.5 hours on medium, and 3 hours on high.

Furthermore, the battery used in the TIDEWE heated jacket has UL, FCC, RoHS, and CE certification for safety. It also has a smart temperature control feature that turns off the battery once the temperature goes beyond 131 ℉, ensuring the wearer's safety. The TIDEWE heated jacket is perfect for outdoor activities during the winter season, allowing you to stay warm and comfortable for extended periods.

For latest prices, and more information on the TIDEWE Heated Hunting Jacket, we have that as well!

Things To Consider When Choosing A Hunting Jacket

Materials

If you take a look at the comparison chart above, you'll notice that many of the hunting clothing materials used are somewhat proprietary - meaning these companies take a foundation material and adjust it to improve its characteristics. 

Don't be worried though. The popular hunting jacket materials such as wool, fleece, down, polyester, etc. are still the base of these jackets, but now they're just a little bit better. Now, you have the reliability of older options with new-age improvements.

Many of these top brands list what their materials are best for, and outline who should be wearing them. Take a look at their handy guides to figure out which option is best for your style of hunting.

Pro Tip: Try your best to avoid cotton as a base layer. Instead, use a material such a merino wool.

Weight

Referencing the previous section, material... along with construction, is going to make a big impact on the weight of your hunting jacket. And don't forget about this commonly look-over characteristics, as a good jacket can get heavy quick.

In the past, you'd pick up a heavy jacket and assume it's going to be warm and serve its main purpose while out in the field. However, nowadays, there are some very innovative materials out there that keep you warm while not weighing you down.

I'd consider sacrificing a little weight on your next jacket and ensuring it's both windproof and waterproof. Of course, a jacket is supposed to keep you warm but you shouldn't be counting on one layer to do that. Be sure to equip yourself with multiple layers to stay agile, while relying on the jacket for a final, added touch.

Price

Outside of a good pair of hunting bibs, a jacket is probably going to be your most expensive piece of hunting clothing. Today's top clothing companies are going to attach a nice little price tag with these innovative options, and you honestly can't blame them.

Let's keep in mind that a hunting jacket can last for years, so spending a lot of money isn't the worst thing in the world. 

Honestly, I wouldn't sacrifice too much on price for this particular category, especially with the options listed above. These are built for very specific purposes, and they're constructed with the best materials available to battle the weather in any of your worst hunting days.

Hunting Style

Hunting style is a key consider point as it's going to truly separate what you need from what you need to avoid. 

For instance, those that hunt in treestands in the South and East aren't going to rely so much on a lightweight option, whereas those that hunt public land out West may require a final layer that's not going to bring about too much weight in their pack.

Of course, almost every hunter requires their jacket to keep them dry and protected from wind. Now, you just have to figure out which one you're going to run into more. You might not find one jacket that's going to do it all, but you can sure narrow down this to what's going to protect you the most.

Most Popular Hunting Jacket FAQs

1. What Is A Hunting Jacket?

A hunting jacket is the final layer of clothing protection that hunters rely on to keep them warm, dry, and protected from the elements.

2. What Are The Most Popular Hunting Jacket Brands?

The most popular hunting jacket brands including the following... KUIU, Sitka, First Lite, Under Armour, Drake, and Mossy Oak.

3. Does Carhartt Make Hunting Jackets?

Yes, Carhartt does make hunting jackets. However, Carhartt's traditional style favors those that like a heavy, stiffer, less-athletically designed jacket.

4. What Is The Warmest Fabric For Hunting Jackets?

Wool is going to be the warmest fabric available for hunting jackets, with down being a close second. Of course, the biggest advantage wool has is the fact that it can get wet and still keep you warm.

5. Do They Make Bow Hunting Jackets?

Yes, they do make bow hunting specific jackets. These jackets are a little more snug than most jackets as they want to keep you chest and arm areas as close to the body as possible to avoid interference with your bow string.

6. How Much Do Hunting Jackets Cost?

Hunting jackets can cost anywhere between $100 and $400, with the most expensive jackets coming in around $300-$800.

7. What Is The Best Women's Hunting Jacket?

While there are many options, the best women's hunting jacket is the Sitka Women's Kelvin Lite.

Two Things To Avoid!

Lack Of Breathability

There's no doubt that a hunting jacket is meant to keep you warm and dry, but what happens when your body finally heats up? You don't want moisture to build up inside your mid and base layers because of additional exertion.

As a result, I would make sure your next hunting jacket is somewhat breathable so you can wear it for extended periods of time in order to remain warm and comfortable.

No Jacket Hood

When trying to stay warm while hunting, you need to keep your head warm - it's just that simple. Having an extra level of protection on top of your hat or beanie, will also help keep the wind, rain, and moisture off your head. 

As a result, I'd recommend staying away from any hunting jacket that doesn't have a hood attached. 

Answer: Water conducts heat away from the body 25 times faster than air.

For a blog about the Best TV Hunting Shows, take a look today!