A good hunting jacket fits into whatever system youre looking to build for your outdoor endeavors.Clearly, what works for folks in the Midwest wont always cut the mustard in the high mountains of the American West, or vice versa.

　　Your goal should be to build a layering system that fits your hunting conditions. Your initial base layers will combine with your midlayer and outer layer jackets to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable in all sorts of weather conditions.

　　Luckily, there are hundreds of jackets to choose from.Weve done the work and compiled our favorites here.

　　Editors Note: GearJunkie overhauled this guide on August 15, 2025, reviewing new products and providing a Buyers Guide and Frequently Asked Questions section.

　　The Best Hunting Jackets for Men in 2025 Best Waterproof Shell KUIU Chugach TR Rain Jacket 8.8/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at KUIU Best Midweight Hoody Kings Camo XKG Pinnacle Jacket 8.5/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at Bass Pro ShopsCheck Price at Kings Camo Best Puffy Jacket for Hunting Stone Glacier Grumman Down Jacket 9.1/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at Stone Glacier Best Softshell Jacket KUIU Alpine Hooded Jacket 7.6/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at KUIU Best All-in-One Jacket Badlands Venture Jacket 7.7/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at Badlands See more picks KUIU Chugach TR Rain Jacket Check Price at KUIU

　　8.8 How we rate products Rating Details Warmth 6.5 Waterproofness 9.5 Durability 8.8 Fit 8.5 Specifications Materials: 4-way stretch Primeflex Nylon, Dermizax HDM Membrane Waterproofness: Waterproof, 30,000mm H2O Type of Jacket: Outer Shell Insulation: None Colors: Valo, Verde, Vias, Ash, Black, Gunmetal Pros Superb waterproofness Lightweight and packable More breathable than other rain jackets Cons Price Sean McCoy Storms can roll in fast in the autumn and early winter hunting seasons. So GearJunkie editor Sean McCoy was happy to be carrying the KUIU Chugach TR Rain Jacket ($319) through the Colorado elk archery and first rifle seasons. The lightweight (14 ounces) jacket took up very little space in his pack. But when the weather went bad quickly in a few circumstances high in the mountains, this jacket was worth every gram.

　　This jacket uses the brand Torays durable but light Torain Waterproof Technology. Unlike many waterproof fabrics, Torain combines spandex-free, stretchy fabrics with a highly breathable Dermizax HDM microporous hydrophobic membrane. The result is excellent breathability, lower water retention, increased hydrolysis resistance, and great long-term durability.

　　That means the jacket keeps water out and stays dry on the inside, even when youre working enought to sweat lightly.

　　In the field, this meant it kept our editor dry when evening rainstorms rolled through. And when a blizzard struck unexpectedly during his remote rifle hunt in the Flattop Mountains, McCoy was able to layer the shell over his puffy down jacket for added weather protection when he needed it badly.

　　Best Midweight Hoody Kings Camo XKG Pinnacle Jacket Check Price at Bass Pro ShopsCheck Price at Kings Camo

　　8.5 How we rate products Rating Details Warmth 4.0 Waterproofness 0.0 Breathability 7.5 Fit 8.0 Specifications Materials: Polyester, Spandex Waterproofness: None Type of Jacket: Mid-Layer Insualtion: Lightweight Fleece Colors: XK7, Desert Shadow, Charcoal, Realtree Edge Pros Hood Design Comfort Large Pockets Versatility Cons Large thumbholes Tighter fit in torso Sean McCoy A mid-weight layer like the Kings Camo XKG Pinnacle Jacket ($139) is one of the most important pieces in a hunters kit. A good mid-weight top will likely go on every hunt with you, serving as a sole insulating piece for chilly evenings in the archery woods, a breathable outer layer while hiking in mid-seasons, and a critical layering piece on the coldest of hunts. You should probably make sure its a good one.

　　The Pinnacle is up to the task. It is the sole insulating layer Gear Junkie contributor Morgan Nowels will be taking on early-season whitetail hunts in Tennessee this year. After using it for a few weeks, hes been impressed with its functionality in varying temps and noticed how it keeps him warm on cold mornings, but breathes well as the day heats up. The versatility of the jacket is impressive, and its the type of top you put on first thing in the morning and never feel the need to take off.

　　One of the standout features is the hood construction. It is smartly placed slightly further back from the front of the collar. That placement keeps your peripheral vision wide open when the hood is up, which is a huge benefit when looking for subtle movement. Nowels said that he has never used a hood that keeps his vision as unobstructed as this one. Whats more, the hood is insulated, but thinner, allowing for easier layering with other pieces.

　　The pockets are massive, the fleece interior feels great directly on your skin, and the polyester exterior is stretchy and breathable. The XKG Pinnacle jacket packs Polygiene Odor Control Technology, which will fight the funky smell associated with synthetics. After a week of wear, the jacket had no smell.

　　Overall, the fit is solid, with two things of note. There is phenomenal mobility in the arms, making this piece great for dynamic movement. However, the fit in the torso is tighter than in other jackets. Its not so tight that you should size up, but it is noticeable.

　　Best Puffy Jacket for Hunting Stone Glacier Grumman Down Jacket Check Price at Stone Glacier

　　9.1 How we rate products Rating Details Warmth 9.4 Waterproofness 3.0 Breathability 9.2 Fit 8.9 Specifications Materials: 15 Denier Pertex Quantam Shell, Goose Down Waterproofness: Water resistant Type of Jacket: Puffy Insulation: 850+ down Colors: Tarmac, Granite Grey, Coyote, Stone Grey Pros Very light and packable Super warm for weight Excellent hood Cons Slightly fragile face fabric Sean McCoy The Stone Glacier Grumman Down Jacket is one of the best puffy down jackets on the market, period. And among hunting jackets, it is the Valhalla of down jackets. Youll certainly feel youre in a hall of warmth once you throw it on. In two full seasons of testing, the Grumman Down Jacket has proven itself to pack an incredible warmth-to-weight ratio. Thats thanks in part to the 850+ fill power, DWR-treated, traceable, certified down.

　　Its also in part due to the light 15-denier Pertex Quantum shell material. But it has more than great ingredients. It uses time-tested yet perfected architecture to achieve something as close as we may see to the Platonic Ideal down jacket—well, at least in our lifetimes.

　　McCoy tested this jacket during two full seasons of big game hunting in Colorado. It became his go-to jacket for cold days, especially when weight was a factor. Extremely light and packable, the Grumman ($349) weighs 11.7 ounces. Then, it packs down into an 8 x 4 x 3.5-inch stuff sack. The jacket takes up almost no room in a pack. So on big hunts, like a four-day backpack hunting into the Gore Range, it proved incredibly valuable.

　　But pull it on and its like wearing the most comfortable cloud that might also save your life on a very cold day. While wind whipped into camp during late rifle season, the jacket stood up against 10-degree cold and provided insulation below a shell. The incredible hood hugs the head, providing significant additional warmth in very cold weather. The pockets as sufficient for modest items, and the zippers are light but high-quality YKK models.

　　McCoy tested the jacket through much more than hunting. A dedicated skier, he also wore it as a layer for backcountry skiing, while waiting for ski races to begin on cold Rocky Mountain winter days, and even on spring and fall camping trips. And his verdict is that this is among the very best lightweight puffy down jackets. Its wispy light, toasty warm, and keeps the wearer insulated with almost no weight. Just keep in mind that while it does have a water-resistant DWR, the jacket will eventually get wet in the rain. Make sure you also carry a shell to layer over this in windy or rainy weather.

　　Best Softshell Jacket KUIU Alpine Hooded Jacket Check Price at KUIU

　　7.6 How we rate products Rating Details Warmth 7.0 Waterproofness 7.0 Breathability 6.8 Fit 10.0 Specifications Materials: Polyester Waterproofness: DWR Treated (water resistant) Type of Jacket: Softshell Insulation: Fleece-lined interior Colors: Camo and solid available Pros Lightweight Minimalist Not too warm for active hunting Cinch closure around hood and waist Cons No pit zips Price Sean McCoy The KUIU Alpine Jacket ($259 hooded, $239 non-hooded) is the lightest of KUIUs soft-shelled jackets. The lightweight nature makes it an excellent choice for weight conscious backcountry hunters.

　　Gear Junkie contributor Morgan Nowels wore the jacket as his main outer piece while in British Columbia and found it performed exceptionally well. The weather for the week varied greatly, with temperatures in the upper 40s to the 80s and constant drizzles to outright downpours. He found the jacket capable of a wide range of uses when paired with a good layering system.

　　Most impressive was the jackets performance in the rain. The Alpine is labeled as water resistant, not waterproof, but when exposed to light rain for hours at a time, water beaded off the jacket, and it kept him dry. Even in a short, intense squall, the interior of the jacket stayed dry. However, if you were exposed to heavy rain for hours at a time, water would definitely seep through. Still, its on the upper end of water resistance and should have enough protection to keep you from digging into your pack for rain gear in most situations.

　　As a standalone piece, it wont keep you warm when temperatures really start to drop, like Morgan experienced in the early mornings. But if you put it on over a wool or fleece mid-layer, it can keep the chill at bay. Once temperatures hit the mid-50s and the sun was shining in B.C., there was no need for a mid-layer underneath.

　　With a slight amount of warmth, the Alpine is light enough to hike around in without excessive overheating. One of the only things that would make it better for that would be the inclusion of pit zips. However, zippers add more weight, which would defeat the jackets lightweight nature. Overall, though, its great for all-day wear when temperatures are in the 40s and lower 50s.

　　The cinch system around the hood and waist works well. The fasteners in the hood are concealed and sewn into the fabric. This makes it much more difficult for them to be accidentally pressed, resulting in a cinched hood rapidly un-cinching.

　　The Alpine Jacket is available in a hooded and hoodless version, as well as a myriad of colors, including both camo and solid options. Its priced fairly high for what it is, resulting in a slight decrease in the rating, but its a quality product that will last. For a solid outer piece for mid-season, it passes the test.

　　Best All-in-One Jacket Badlands Venture Jacket Check Price at Badlands

　　7.7 How we rate products Rating Details Warmth 8.7 Waterproofness 8.2 Breathability 6.0 Fit 7.0 Specifications Materials: Polyester Waterproofness: Waterproof Type of Jacket: Insulated Outer Shell Insulation: Primaloft Gold (80 gram in body, 40 gram in arms) Colors: Approach FX Pros All-in-one jacket Exceptional warmth to weight Waterproof Rangefinder pocket Treestand harness ready Warranty Cons Too warm for active hunting Buttons on arms Sean McCoy If you could only have one hunting jacket, the Badlands Venture Jacket ($289) would be your best choice. In an age of outerwear specialization and layering, it can seem like you need three different, multi-hundred-dollar jackets. While that type of system may be ideal, not everyone can afford that many jackets.

　　Hunters wear jackets to keep themselves warm and dry, and the Venture will do both. It gives off a waterproof, durable puffy jacket vibe.

　　Its lined with Primaloft Gold insulation, which makes the jacket very warm without excessive bulk. However, theres a trade-off to that insulation. Its not ideal for active hunting. Yes, its labeled as breathable, but it still wont take much to get sweaty in it. Its best to use it for warmth when you are in a treestand, or sitting and glassing, or are hiking in very cold conditions.

　　Badlands claims the jacket to be fully waterproof, featuring sealed zippers, but were sort of taking the brand at its word on that. So far, Nowels has tested it in light rain, and it kept him dry. However, hes concerned about true torrential downpours. The soft exterior fabric feels like it could absorb water over time. But overall, there hasnt been any dampness yet, so really, there are no qualms with its waterproofness.

　　Aside from being a great catch-all jacket, it also sports some other cool features. It has a passthrough for a treestand harness at the back. On some jackets, the port is too large, resulting in cold air getting on the back of your neck. The one on the Venture is tight, with just enough room for your harness to pass through without allowing cold air in.

　　Theres also a nifty internal tether in the chest pocket to retain a rangefinder for easy access. To top it all off, Badlands has an unheard-of warranty in the apparel industry. It will replace the jacket at any time, for any reason, no matter where you bought it. No questions asked. For life.

　　The only design flaw in the jacket is the buttons on the forearm. Theyre meant to allow hunters to cinch down the jacket and tuck away excess material, which can be important when archery hunting. However, the arms are already plenty tight. In fact, Morgan couldnt pull the material any tighter to even use them. All the buttons do is catch backpack straps and rub against things.

　　Outside of that one complaint, the Badlands Venture jacket is a great choice if you want one layer to keep you protected in cold, wet conditions.

　　Other hunting jackets, tested Forloh ThermoNeutral Down Hooded Jacket Check price at Forloh

　　(Photo/Forloh) 7.9 How we rate products Rating Details Warmth 8.4 Waterproofness 4.0 Breathability 8.0 Fit 8.7 Specifications Materials: Nylon, Quantum 40D Ripstop, Activ-Dri Organic Duck Down Waterproofness: Water Resistant Type of Jacket: Puffy Insulation: 800 fill down Colors: Forloh Green, Marsh Field, Black Pros More durable than most down puffies Relatively water resistant Fluorine-free DWR Cons Heavier and less compressible than ultralight puffy jackets Sean McCoy One of the only down jackets entirely manufactured in the U.S.A., the Forloh ThermoNeutral Down Hooded Jacket ($399) is purpose-built for hunters. The jacket aims at improving durability and water resistance, the two biggest things hunters struggle with in a puffy jacket.

　　The jacket attains those qualities through the use of a 40-denier fabric, a mixture of PrimaLoft gold insulation and down, and a DWR treatment. Yes, the more durable fabric makes the jacket heavier and less compact than other puffies, but the tradeoff when crashing through brush is worth it. Its still not as durable as a shell, but it could save you a few tears.

　　Gear Junkie Editorial Director Sean McCoy tested the water resistance in his shower and found that the jacket does indeed bead water away after a thirty second rinsing. On top of that resistance, the synthetic PrimaLoft will keep hunters warm in the event water does penetrate. Puffy jackets loaded solely with down will clump and lose warmth in the event they get wet, but this one will retain some of its warmth.

　　While ice fishing in the jacket in the midwest, Sean found the jacket to be perfect for temperatures ranging from 10-30 degrees. If things get colder than that, you may want to pair it with another layer on top, like he did on a frozen lake.

　　While the ThermoNetural Down Hooded jacket is a touch heavier and more expensive than other down jackets, its a great option for those looking for a touch of durability and water resistance in a puffy jacket.

　　The Best Hunting Jackets for Men Comparison Chart

　　Testing the KUIU Chugach TR in an unexpected storm; (photo/Sean McCoy) How We Tested Hunting Jackets The crew of hunters at Gear Junkie spans across the United States. Our team has hunted in Montana, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Tennessee, Idaho, and Washington. Once fall rolls around, the team relentlessly pursues all manner of game, whether its muleys, whitetail, elk, bear, turkey, or antelope.

　　With such a diverse cast, these hunting jackets were tested during hot, backcountry archery elk trips, to late-season, snowy rifle hunts. If there are conditions you plan on facing this year, chances are, someone on our team has been there and tested these products in a similar situation.

　　Buyers Guide: How to Choose the Best Hunting Jacket for Men Hunting jackets are the final layering piece of an overall system designed to keep you temperature-regulated in any scenario. So, its important to consider what your personal layering system consists of and which hunting jackets will fit your kit best.

　　At Gear Junkie, our team looks at four different qualities to determine which jacket is best for our time in the field: warmth, waterproofness, breathability, and fit.

　　Warmth of Hunting Jackets

　　(Photo/Josh Kirchner) Warmth is the most crucial part of selecting a jacket. Obviously, if you dont dress warm enough for the conditions you face, youll be cold. But, on the flip side, if you go too warm, youll end up sweating, which will ultimately get you to the same point: cold. You dont necessarily want the warmest jacket at all times.

　　Thats why its crucial to develop a layering system. Having multiple layers in your kit allows you to maintain warmth in varying conditions. When its hot or youre on the move, you can shed layers and keep your body temperature down and remain relatively sweat-free. When things get cold and nasty, or you sit down to glass or hunt in a stand, you can bundle up with multiple layers.

　　Here are a few of the different types of jackets youll encounter and the relative warmth they provide.

　　Base Layers, Mid-weight Layers, and Softshell Hunting Jackets Dont be fooled into thinking you need to stick with one brand to build a layering system. Starting with your base layers, focus on buying wicking materials that will keep you warm even if they get wet. Wool still reigns, and we have a full breakdown of the best base layers to help you here.

　　A mid-layer jacket like the Kings Camo XKG Pinnacle is the next step up in warmth, and is great for when things start to get chilly on September evenings, or when youre hiking and on the move during October hunts. The best mid-layers will have merino or fleece insulation, but still be light enough to breathe well during high activity.

　　Softshell hunting jackets are the final layering piece for many early and mid-season hunters. Most are water repellent, which offers protection in light rain or when going through dew-covered brush. The ideal softshell is a windbreaking in-between coat that is easily stashable and durable, like the KUIU Alpine Jacket.

　　Our tester Morgan Nowels, finds himself perfectly comfortable with a mid-layer and a soft shell in temps around the upper 40s. When it dips below that, youll need to add a jacket built purely for insulation.

　　Highly Insulating Jackets

　　(Photo/Sean McCoy) These are your lightweight, insulating layers for extra warmth between the base layers and your shell in a complete layering system. Insulated with either down or synthetics like Polartec, pay attention to either down counts or synthetic weights.An 800-fill down coat like the Forloh ThermoNeutral Down Hooded Jacket is extremely warm, whereas 80 g of synthetic insulation is more of a midweight jacket.

　　Down has its upsides. Its warmth-to-weight ratio is phenomenal. But if down gets wet, it loses both loft and warming qualities. And its often much more expensive.

　　Youll see that downs are beginning to be treated and marketed as hydrophobic. However, synthetics tend to outperform down in water-repellent qualities. That being said, a shell is your final layer and can protect your down from getting soaked, which takes us to waterproofness.

　　Waterproofness of Hunting Jackets

　　DWR finishes allows water to bead up and fall off;(photo/Morgan Nowels) Just like different insulation levels for various conditions, there are also different levels of waterproofness in hunting jackets.

　　There are some downsides to hardcore rain gear. Fully waterproof layers, while marketed as being breathable, are not very breathable. No matter what a brand says, fully sealed jackets can make you feel clammy from sweat. They also tend to be very noisy, which isnt ideal when stalking spooky game.

　　Water-resistant jackets are popular because they minimize those negatives. If you only plan on being in light rain, often all you will need is a DWR-treated jacket. However, if you want to be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws your way, be sure to pack a waterproof shell.

　　The final bastion of protection against the elements, your shell is your waterproof, windproof, batten-down-the-hatches jacket. A true shell has an adjustable hood and cuffs, some sort of drawstring at the waist, and a full zip nearly to your nose to truly snug yourself in.

　　It can be a raincoat in the summer months. Or it can have mapped insulation for winter months. But it can truly mean the difference between cold and wet misery (and possible hypothermia) and staying comfortable in crappy conditions. Some sort of shell should always be in your pack no matter the season. It may sit in there 95 percent of the time, but youll be thankful for a jacket like the KUIU Chugach TR when the skies open up.

　　Like its name, youll often shell out extra bucks for the technology of a quality hunting jacket. Where you can skimp a bit on base layers and insulation, I suggest dropping a bit more cash on a quality shell that wont fail when you need it.

　　Breathability

　　(Photo/Josh Kirchner) If youre an active hunter looking for a jacket to wear on the move, breathability should be your top consideration. Generally, as you go up in warmth or waterproofness, a jacket will get less breathable.

　　The most breathable jackets are baselayers and synthetic mid-layers. Theyre perfect for fighting off chill, but will allow your body to breathe while you hike to the next ridge or a far-off treestand.

　　Soft shells also offer decent breathability, but are best reserved for when youre hiking in temps from 50 degrees or lower. In temperatures higher than that, you may find yourself sweating.

　　Puffy jackets and rain shells are the least breathable jackets available. Even a breathable membrane like GORE-TEX will leave you sweaty during a strenuous hike, and it should be reserved only for when youre stationary or hunting in the most extreme conditions.

　　Fit of Hunting Jackets Fit is highly personal. No ones body is built the same, and no manufacturer uses a standard to assign sizes. If youre shopping online, there is one way to ensure you get the correct size: follow the sizing charts provided by the brand. If you do that, you should be all set.

　　However, consider upsizing on your outermost layers. That will ensure you can fit more warm layers underneath. While you may usually fit in a large rain jacket, stacking a fleece, a puffy jacket, and a softshell under it is a sure-fire way to feel like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man and lose mobility in your arms and shoulders. For that reason, you may want to select a larger size for outer layers.

　　On the other end of the spectrum, archery hunters often opt for a more athletic fit, as it keeps their forearms clear of the string when executing a shot. Some jackets, even highly insulated ones like the Badlands Venture Jacket, have a fit designed specifically for archery hunting. That particular jacket has less insulation in the arms and a tighter fit, designed specifically for shooting a bow.

　　Price and Value

　　Going cheap for all of your hunting jackets could leave you headed back to the truck early rather than sticking it out in the field. Like anything in life, you get what you pay for.

　　Since hunting jackets are such a diverse category, its hard to say what exactly budget, mid-priced, and premium jackets will cost you. But, as a general rule, spending more money on any jacket, be it a mid-layer, insulating layer, or shell, will result in a better warmth-to-weight ratio, improved waterproofness, and increased breathability.

　　It goes without saying that it is nice to buy the best of the best in every jacket category. Still, you dont have to spend big bucks on every piece in your hunting kit. Here are the areas it makes sense to save money on.

　　Budget Base layers and light tops are a great place to save some coin. All they need to do is be moisture-wicking and provide some level of warmth. You wont need to rely on these pieces in harsh conditions, so instead of forking over big money, save some cash for other pieces.

　　Honestly, a breathable next-to-skin layer and a drab flannel can work just fine.

　　Mid-Tier Soft shells and other mid-level insulating layers can be a decent place to go into a mid-priced jacket. Many brands are offering great pieces in this bracket, like Kings Camo and Badlands. Youll get good warmth-to-weight and water resistance, without shelling out the big bucks for the most expensive clothing on the market.

　　Premium It makes the most sense to spend the big bucks on two types of hunting jackets: waterproof outer shells and highly insulated puffy jackets.

　　Yes, you can find budget rain gear. However, not every waterproof shell has the same level of waterproofness. In an outright downpour, a budget waterproof jacket can still leave you wet. A higher dollar jacket will be able to withstand the worst storms.

　　When youre looking for the warmest jackets, going with a top-tier jacket also makes sense. Budget jackets need more fill to offer the same level of warmth and end up being very bulky. Often, that bulk still wont provide the same level of warmth.

　　When conditions get horrible, your warmest and driest layers will save a hunt. You will not regret spending as much as you can on them.

　　Frequently Asked Questions

　　(Photo/Josh Kirchner) Who Makes the Best Hunting Jacket? In todays day and age, there are more companies than ever creating excellent hunting clothing. Some of the most popular brands are KUIU, Sitka, First Lite, Kings Camo, Badlands, and Stone Glacier. Its pretty safe to say that most companies in the hunting textile industry are making great pieces.

　　What Not to Wear While Hunting Avoid cotton at all costs. Cotton isnt all that warm and loses all insulating properties when wet. Opt for jackets made of merino wool, fleece, or other synthetic blends.

　　How To Choose the Right Hunting Jacket? Your jacket choice should be based on the conditions you plan to hunt in. If youre going to hunt in rain or snow, prioritize waterproofness. For those hunting in cold environments, warmth is the main factor to consider. If you hunt actively or in early seasons, breathability should be your first consideration when selecting a hunting jacket. Sometimes, you may need a combination of all three of those things.

　　How to Get Warm While Hunting Proper layering will ensure you stay warm in the field. In terms of jackets, having a base layer, a midweight top, a softshell, a down puffy, and a waterproof shell will enable you to hunt comfortably in almost any temperature.

　　What is the Warmest Jacket For Hunting? A down or synthetic fill jacket will be the warmest hunting jacket available. Look for something with 800 fill down or equivalent rating. When paired with a waterproof and windproof outer shell, hunters can be warm in the coldest conditions.

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