Back in the day, when men were men and sheep were nervous, wool and cotton were kings. The ideal base layer worn for hunting was a set of cotton “long handles” with a buttoned back flap. And while that red “union suit” is still fashionable for sitting around the fire or snoozing in a cold sleeping bag, it’s been replaced in the field by hi-tech synthetic tops and bottoms. These advanced undies can be as important to your hunting success as the outer clothing layers you choose.
So why’s the new stuff so much better? Modern hunting base layer materials are usually made of polyester, polypropylene, silk—or a mix of synthetic and natural insulating and wicking fibers such as polyester and wool. Scent control technology is another important ingredient. All that can add up to a more comfortable, and hopefully more productive, outdoor adventure.
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| S3 Silverback short-sleeve shirt |
Robinson Outdoors
Scentblocker S3 Bamboo Collection
Robinson’s new Scentblocker S3 camo bamboo base layer collection is designed to give you the competitive edge when pursuing any game. According to Robinson, the benefits of bamboo clothing are nearly limitless. Bamboo is naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic and is grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides. Bamboo is also very quick to absorb moisture, keeping you dry and odor free. Pure bamboo clothes dry up to twice as fast as cotton clothes, and their texture resembles that of silk. This very versatile fabric can be worn year round, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. S3 antimicrobial technology also aids in odor control as it wicks moisture away from the body.
The S3 Silverback loose fit bamboo short-sleeve and long-sleeve shirts feature all the above features, plus mesh back panels that improve ventilation and ease of movement. The new S3 bamboo base layer collection is available in Realtree, Mossy Oak and black. And worry not fellow tree huggers, the bamboo is a highly renewable resource, so we’ll never run short of cane poles.
S3 Silverback short-sleeve shirt: $49.99
S3 Silverback long-sleeve shirt: $59.99
Gamehide
Base Tech And Dark Archer Base Layers
Gamehide’s new Base Tech Moisture Management tee with scent-reducing Silver Ion Technology promises to up your hunting odds. Both the Base Tech long sleeve and the Base Tech short sleeve shirts are incredibly light and comfortable. Constructed of ATB-100 fabric, they wick moisture away from your body and dry in no time. Plus, the Silver Ion Technology kills game-spooking odors. The Base Tech is available in a variety of Mossy Oak and Realtree camouflage patterns.
Another warm-weather shirt is the Dark Archer long sleeve shirt. The revolutionary Dark Archer can be used as a base layer or worn entirely by itself. The self-wicking fabric helps keep you dry and cool while the lightweight knit collar and cuffs offer comfort around the neck and wrists. The Coolon material is stretchable, lightweight and has a silky feel that will make this shirt one of your absolute favorites.
Base Tech long sleeve: $54.95
Base Tech short sleeve: $39.95
Dark Archer long sleeve: $49.95
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| Base Tech long sleeve |
Base Tech short sleeve |
Dark Archer long sleeve |
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| BaseSlayers |
Scent-Lok
BaseSlayers Series
In 2004, the Scent-Lok fabric research team developed the first activated carbon base layer. Since then, the BaseSlayers series of garments has become the scent-conscious hunters’ choice for first-layer scent control. When combined with other Scent-Lok outer garments, the BaseSlayers series provides the ultimate in scent-free protection.
For warmer weather, camo BaseSlayers—when combined with Scent-Lok standard weight garments—can help you sneak by the noses of the most sniffer-gifted big game animals. Camo BaseSlayers eliminate much of the human odor through Scent-Lok’s patented activated carbon scent-eliminating technology.
BaseSlayers with ClimaFleece are an ideal way to stave off the cold and go undetected, especially when layered with scent-free outer garments. The inside fabric keeps moisture away from skin and provides enough loft to help insulate from winter chill, and the outer layer features a brushed polyester finish that adds another layer of warmth. Along with scent protection, all BaseSlayers garments provide superior comfort and range of movement in the field.
BaseSlayers: $89.95/top; $89.95/bottom
BaseSlayers with ClimaFleece: $99.95/top; $99.95/bottom
Under Armour
HeatGear
Hot or cold, Under Armour has you covered with high-performance gear that includes new Capture Scent Technology. Capture Scent is engineered to trap human odors before they reach the outside of the garment. Unlike carbon-based technologies, this scent system works wet or dry, has the capacity to hold more human scent and easily washes out with soap and water.
For hot weather, Under Armour HeatGear camo is one of the coolest things going. The HeatGear Full-T uses a unique microfiber blend to keep you cool, dry and light with or without outerwear—maximizing your time in the field. The HeatGear Full-T also offers UPF 30+ for sun protection. The shirt is available in several camo patterns including Mossy Oak and Realtree.
HeatGear camo leggings are, according to Under Armour, the most versatile lower body base layer for the outdoors. The leggings come with a working fly (that can be critical at times), a performance waistband and UPF 30+ protection.
The HeatGear Full-T: $34.99
HeatGear camo leggings: $64.99
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| HeatGear Full-T long sleeve |
HeatGear Full-T short sleeve |
HeatGear Full-T short sleeve |
HeatGear camo leggings |
Sitka
Core Base Layers
By using only the most advanced fabrics and construction technologies, Sitka is on a mission to design gear that works together in a complete system that “excels in performance, function and protection.” Sitka’s base layers form the groundwork for their layering system. Sitka’s Core Top regulates body temperature, wicks moisture, dries quickly and contains a micro-encapsulated pure silver scent prevention system. Lightweight fibers move moisture rapidly away from the skin, while Polartec Odor Resistant Technology with micro-encapsulated pure silver directly reacts with perspiration to inhibit human scent on contact. The raglan shoulder seams also make for easy layering.
As mid-weight base layer, the front zipper of the Core Zip-T maximizes ventilation on those brutal climbs or warm days on your stand. The Polartec Powerdry construction mechanically wicks moisture from your skin, and a laminated bicep pocket keeps calls and valuables easily accessible. As stated in their mission statement, Sitka’s ultimate goal is to allow its customers to “hunt comfortably in the most diverse and challenging range of hunting conditions.”
Core Top: $79
Core Zip-T: $89
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| Core Top |
Core Zip-T |
Medalist
SilverMax Silk-Weight Base Layer
A leading producer of high-performance apparel and technical fabrics, Medalist Performance Sports Apparel, Inc. now offers its SilverMax Silk-Weight hunting apparel. SilverMax is 99.9 percent pure silver technology for undetected scent-free protection. SilverMax is ideal as a base layer, or can be worn by itself when temperatures climb. When wearing Medalist hunting apparel, hunters can carry fewer pieces of outerwear. This is a result of the excellent body temperature regulation the base layer garments provide in all temperatures and conditions.
The Medalist Silk-Weight long sleeve Raglan crew has Maxflex sleeves for easy movement and a drop tail for additional comfort during active movement. The SilverMax Silk-weight pants have a fly front, leg cuffs and a moisture-wicking waistband.
“Hunters wearing Medalist apparel with SilverMax are protected in extreme weather conditions and temperatures, and remain odor-free during each hunt,” said David Vogrin, director of marketing for Medalist. “The superior scent elimination benefits and body temperature regulation of SilverMax will increase a hunter’s animal sightings and success while the ultimate comfort provided by apparel with SilverMax will extend the hunter’s time spent in the woods.”
Silk-Weight long sleeve Raglan crew: $49.99
Silk-weight pants: $49.99
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| Silk-Weight long sleeve Raglan crew |
Silk-Weight pants |
Russell Outdoors
Dri-Power Base Layers
The folks at Russell say their base layers “can make it easier to stay out there all day.” Russell Outdoors Dri-Power base layers are designed to help manage body moisture in hot or cold conditions. It’s a fact—even in cold weather the body sweats and produces odor. But by adding a layer with Scent-Stop, not only will you stay dry and warm, but you’ll also remain odor-free.
Russell Dri-Power base layers include the Alpine line for mild temperatures, and the Tundra line for cold outings. The most noticeable feature of the APX g2 Tundra L2’s top and bottom is wind protection. But the fabrication also provides moisture management, odor control and warmth, thanks to Dri-Power moisture-wicking technology and Scent-Stop odor control. A grid-patterned fleece on the inside traps body heat to maintain warmth and flatlock stitching reduces bulk. Offset seams also add comfort when wearing multiple layers. Finally, wind control panels cover areas of the body more prone to wind exposure. The Tundra Base Layer line is available in Mossy Oak Treestand camo.
APX g2 Tundra L2: $89.99/top; $89.99/bottom
Contact: russelloutdoorsgear.com
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| APX g2 Tundra L2 - top |
APX g2 Tundra L2 - bottom |