Best Hunting Jackets for 2022

Hunting jackets are on the long list of things I recall fondly about hunting with my father during the 1970s and 1980s. Sure, I remember his tattered brush pants, old-school camouflage hat, ever-present pack of Camels in his shirt pocket, and the Remington Model 1100 on his shoulder. But most of all, I remember his coat. A Walls, I think, though it could have been a Carhartt. Plain light brown canvas duck with slanted hip pockets—easy access for more shells, he always reminded me—right shoulder padding, and a corduroy collar. Tattered. A little ragged at the bottom. A couple decades of ground-in use. But it was classic. It was his. And it’s what I remember most.

Fast forward four decades later. He still has that coat, though at 82, he doesn’t wear it as often as he did back in the day. Today, he has other jackets—high-tech coats designed to keep him toasty warm. Synthetics. Pockets. Zippers. Camouflage patterns. Removable hoods and inner liners. A far cry, most would agree, from his Carhartt of old. We’ve taken an in-depth at the latest outerwear to come down the proverbial pike to narrow down the best hunting jackets you can buy today.

Best Overall: Sitka Hudson JacketBest Cold Weather: KUIU Proximity JacketBest for Duck Hunting: Chene Gear Over-and-UnderBest Upland: Filson Tin Cloth Field JacketBest Budget: Gamehide Slough Creek JacketBest Women’s: Sitka Jetstream Jacket

Best Overall: Sitka Hudson Jacket

Why It Made the Cut: Buy one jacket, and wear it from start to finish throughout the whole hunting season, regardless of what you’re chasing or doing. Done.

Key Features

Gore-Tex construction with “stretch” technology and PrimaLoft insulationAdjustable hood and water-sealing “gasket” cuffsBellowed shell pocketsAvailable in Optifade Timber and Marsh

Pros

Designed by people who actually huntExcellent wind and water protectionGreat customer service

Cons

Could be improved with a removable or stow-away hoodCan be too warm if you’re moving around a lot

I said it before, but it’s worth saying again: The folks at Sitka Gear have come a long way from their first days as clothing designers, especially in the waterfowl arena. I wasn’t a fan of their initial attempts, but today, it’s a different story. To me (as someone who’s been hunting for 48 years), it’s obvious that whoever is sketching Sitka’s designs has actually spent time in the swamp behind a spread of decoys. I don’t mean to gush—really I don’t—but it’s good stuff.

Although the Hudson is an all-season jacket, it truly shines as a waterfowl coat due to its incredible warmth and wind- and water-repelling qualities. (It’s arguably one of the warmest men’s jackets.) And it’s comfortable. I abhor shooting while wearing a heavy coat. However, there are times—think Iowa in January—when warmth simply isn’t an option. Here, the Hudson works, thanks to its stretchiness, which allows full freedom of movement, despite its seemingly bulky appearance.

It may be nit-picky but I’d really like the option to remove the hood. I hate hoods! A zippered pocket in the collar for rolling up the hood and tucking it away would be great. Other than that, you have a definite winner here.

Best Cold Weather: KUIU Proximity Jacket

Why It Made the Cut: Warm and quiet, if not silent, have often been at opposite ends of the hunting apparel spectrum. That’s not a problem anymore. 

Key Features

SynthaCell wind-resistant bonded membrane outerBody-mapped insulation with anti-odor treatmentRemovable hoodFull-feature jacket pockets and zippered pockets with handwarmer holdersTreestand safety harness portFour unique camouflage patterns

Pros

Warm and quiet, the perfect combinationRoomy but not bulky; can be easily worn over base- and mid-layers High level of wind resistance Low-sheen finish helps reduce clothing glare or shine

Cons

I tried—couldn’t come up with one 

I’m admittedly new to Kuiu, though Kuiu isn’t new to the hunting scene, having jumped into the outdoor apparel circle some 11 years ago. Today, Kuiu’s lineup includes everything from hunting packs and tents to socks and boots—and now, the Proximity line of clothing.

The void between warm and quiet as it applies to hunting clothes has traditionally been wide, save for wool, which unfortunately can be quite heavy, especially when wet. Kuiu addressed this gap with the Proximity line, which was designed to “combine industry-leading technology [so that you] remain undetected during close encounters and warm in cold-weather conditions.”

Kuiu accomplishes this thanks to a long list of technological advancements in apparel design and construction. This jacket features a water- and wind-resistant brushed knit outer that’s available in three what I would call old school yet ridiculously effective camouflage patterns (Valo, Verde, Vias) as well as a solid (Ash) that takes the Proximity jacket from the treestand to an evening out without a stutter step.

Best for Duck Hunting: Chene Gear Over-and-Under

Why It Made the Cut: Newcomers to the waterfowling arena, the folks at Chene Gear have done it right with their insulated Over-and-Under Jacket.

Key Features

Insulated upper with sherpa fleece lining and antimicrobial treatmentStreamlined body-mapped fit with top-to-bottom zipperHigh/low handwarmer pocketsAvailable in three Mossy Oak camouflages

Pros

Exceptionally comfortable fit underneath chest wadersNon-bulky design that’s big enough to wear over a heavier mid-layerThree zippered pockets along with fleece-lined handwarmer pocketsHigh collar keeps warmth insideMulti-season/multi-species jacket

Cons

Price tag might be a turn-off for some, but it’s right in the ballpark

Based out of Memphis, Tennessee, Chene Gear is relatively new to the waterfowling stage. That said, they’ve jumped onto said stage with a well thought-out product line that seems to have been designed by men and women who don’t merely hunt ducks, but are truly waterfowl hunters. 

Jackets meant to be worn underneath chest waders aren’t anything new but in my opinion, few have hit the mark when it comes to getting it right. Chene Gear, though, tagged a bulls-eye with their O/UJ. It fits as an under-wader jacket should—roomy up top, form-fitting on the bottom. It’s not restrictive in terms of movement and it’s warm, with secure accessible pockets where you need pockets and without a whole lot of extraneous bells and whistles factored in simply to raise the ‘Cool Level.’

Let me put it this way. Almost five decades hunting ducks, and I have a lot of ‘fowling clothing. But I will be wearing Chene Gear’s O/UJ this fall when I step into the field. Why? Because it works, and not only for ducks, but when I’m sitting in a treestand, hunkered in a ground blind, or still-hunting Washington blacktails.

Best Upland: Filson Tin Cloth Field Jacket

Why It Made the Cut: This is one of the, if not the, best-looking jackets on the planet. Sam Elliot would wear this jacket. That’s good enough for me.

Key Features

Water-resistant construction with seamless shoulder designTwo-way front zipper with storm flap and adjustable waist and hemLined and zippered rear game bag and/or large pocketWool-lined pockets and collar

Pros

Incredibly good-looking jacketVersatile; can be worn hunting, out on the town, or for doing choresSuper rugged Tin Cloth exteriorNearly perfect in terms of water resistance

Cons

A little on the pricey sideRequires periodic maintenance

Let’s get the downsides (and I use the word loosely) out of the way first. Yes, she’s expensive, but you get what you pay for, and with Filson, you’re paying for the very best quality in terms of outdoor/everyday apparel. This stuff should, if taken care of properly, last a lifetime—and maybe your children’s lifetimes, as well. And speaking of care, Oil/Tin Cloth requires some maintenance in order to keep doing what it’s designed to do, a.k.a. protect you. Just a wipe with a damp cloth and periodic waxing is all it takes.

Regardless, this is an awesome jacket. If you’re an upland bird hunter, Tin Cloth is a blessing, as it repels briars, cockleburrs, beggar ticks, and a long list of ‘pockies,’ as my grandson calls them, like nobody’s business. It’s rugged, wind-resistant, and, once it’s broken in, damn comfortable. It does stiffen up a little in extremely cold temperatures, but it’s a small price to pay. The game pouch/rear pocket is zippered, a nice touch in terms of security and not losing stowed gear. The thigh pockets are big, and protected with a more-than-adequate snap/button closure. Exceptionally cold? The Field Jacket can be fitted with a zip in/out liner, sold separately. My call? If you’re looking for a tough jacket for work, play, or both, you can’t go wrong with this one.

Best Budget: Gamehide Slough Creek Jacket

Why It Made the Cut: A C-note (that’s $100) for a well-made rugged jacket you can pass along to your protégé? That’s saying a lot.

Key Features

Large zippered pockets and fleece-lined handwarmer pocketsNo-slip shoulder patches and attached adjustable hoodGamehide’s “StormHide Gridiron” fabric constructionFour camouflage options, including Mossy Oak and Flyaway

Pros

Excellent price pointYear-round applicabilityPlenty of pocketsWell-insulated, but not bulkyTough, tough, tough

Cons

Again with the non-detachable hood

Here’s another so-called waterfowl jacket that pulls duty throughout the whole of the season. Yes, it’ll probably be a little warm for September teal hunts and early October archery outings; however, she’s an excellent choice for the vast majority of outdoor excursions.

I’m a huge fan of simplicity and this jacket, along with being well-priced, is every bit of simple. No hidden pockets. No undercover “I can run my iPhone 14 through this!” pouches. No tethers or integrated cords—just a warm coat that stands up to wind, rain, and abuse, and all for right around $100.

The Slough Creek is offered in four versatile camouflage patterns: Mossy Oak Bottomland and Shadow Grass Blades, as well as Flyway Camo and Flyway Camo ‘North.’ A couple of these should work well in a tree stand, while all blend nicely in a variety of waterfowling environments. Insulated, but not bulky. Warm, yet not overly so when it comes time for the work to begin. And did I mention the $100 price tag? 

Best Women’s: Sitka Jetstream Jacket

Why It Made the Cut: Sitka simply makes good gear that works as advertised and as intended. Can’t ask for more than that, I reckon.

Key Features

Recycled polyester fabric with Gore-Tex Windstopper and taped seamsZippered hand and chest pocketsArmpit ventilation systemTwo camouflage patterns and three solid colors

Pros

Lightweight yet warmExcellent choice when dealing with windy/drizzly conditionsTop-notch fitPlenty of secure pocket space

Cons

May be out of the ballpark for some in terms of priceI’m not a fan of Sitka zippers

I had my wife test-drive Sitka’s new women’s Jetstream jacket, and she had this to say following a blustery morning on Willapa Bay raking steamer clams and gunning sand shrimp for sturgeon bait: “The fit impressed me. It fit extremely well—snug, but not too snug. And it wasn’t binding; I could move freely and easily.” She went on to describe the Jetstream as soft and more than capable of fending off the coastal wind and occasional rain. She also loved the zippered pockets, explaining “I’m always bending and kneeling when I’m out here on the bay, and I don’t want to be losing my phone or my license or whatever.”

The Jetstream comes in two camouflage patterns—Optifade Alpine and Elevated II—as well as a trio of solid colors, including Sitka Black, Mud, and Lead. As is the case with many Sitka items, the Jetstream may be pushing the financial envelope for some with its price tag just shy of $400. However, I’m of a mind if you’re looking for quality (something durable that works as marketed and will last for the life of the wearer), those four Benjamins are bills well parted with.

Things to Consider When Buying Hunting Jackets

Back in my old man’s time, you had warm weather coats, and you had cold weather coats. Now, zip-in/out liners have made the best hunting jackets much more versatile. Buy one, and with a few seconds of intentional customization, you can go from a mid-September teal season to late December greenheads without having to shell out any more of those hard-earned Benjamins. 

It’s nice, but this evolution in hunting jacket technology has turned a reasonably simple decision into a true dilemma. Do I need this? That? This other thing? What goes into choosing the best hunting jackets these days? 

Purpose/Function

Are you looking for a coat that does it all, or a so-called specialty jacket? A waterfowling parka? Something for early season archery? Or maybe a coat for hunting upland birds, where walking and physical exertion are a constant? Perhaps a jacket with a removable liner is what you’re looking for—something that can be worn September through January, and from the Upper Midwest to South Texas. Consider what you’re planning to do while wearing the jacket.

Price 

If your name is Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk, then price might not make a difference; however, to most of us, price is a factor. You can spend $100, or you can spend $500—whatever your wallet will allow.

Weather

This relates back to purpose and function. What’s the weather going to be like when you’re wearing the jacket? Rain? Wind? Snow? Cold? Really, really cold? Light. Heavy. Insulated. Zip-out liner. Non-insulated. Goose down. Wool. Breathable. All things to think about when you’re considering weather and your jacket.

Weight

My old man’s canvas hunting coat was heavy. Throw a bunch of shotshells, a Zippo lighter, cold weather gloves, and a couple Hershey chocolate bars in the pockets, and it then weighed 14 metric tons. While he didn’t seem to mind, how much the jacket weighs is important to most folks, myself included. Humping around the timber during elk season, I’m looking for something lightweight and breathable. Late-season mallards on a tidal marsh, and now it’s waterproof/water-resistant and warm. Here, I don’t mind something heavier because theoretically, I’m not walking around. Much.

Material

Canvas is tough, but it’s heavy. Oilcloth looks really cool and works well, but there’s some periodic maintenance involved. Fleece is warm, but if you’re within 100 miles of beggar ticks or cockleburs, you’re going to be flat covered up if you’re wearing fleece. Similarly, wool is warm but heavy. Then there are high-tech synthetics, blends, and cotton. Think about how you intend to use the jacket, where, and for what.

‘Gingerbread’

Gingerbread refers to the amenities above and beyond the basics, such as warmth, protection from the weather, pockets for your stuff, and a means by which to close the jacket, i.e. buttons or a zipper. Think cell phone pockets. An infinite number of zippers. Drawstrings. Removable hoods. Hidden compartments and passageways. What do you really need, and what might be nice but prove problematic once you wear the jacket afield? Bells and whistles can be okay, but again, what do you really need?

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you think the way I used to think—that a hunting coat is a hunting coat—I would say it’s high time you stepped back and re-evaluated the hunting jacket game. Given the advancements in garment technology over the past 10 years, there’s absolutely no reason to be cold or wet or hot or sweaty or anything but completely concealed from both the elements and your quarry, thanks to any one of dozens of well-designed styles of outerwear. The challenge today isn’t finding a top-notch coat; rather, it’s choosing one from among the many available. Truthfully? If you have to have a problem, it’s a good problem to have. 

Methodology

Ain’t nothing more revealing than firsthand knowledge. That’s what I did (for the most part) here with the jackets. I had them. I wore them. And I judged ‘em, sometimes critically. In the case of the Sitka Jetstream, I had my wife, Julia—waterfowler, angler, outdoor photographer, mushrooming enthusiast—put it through its paces.

Here’s what I was looking for:

Fit: First and foremost, does it fit? Is it comfortable? Roomy enough to wear overtop a layer or two, if Mother Nature dictates, but not so big as to resemble a U.S. Army issue 1951 mummy style sleeping bag? What’s more, can I shoot effectively while wearing it? That’s a huge deal.Function: Does the jacket do what it’s designed to do? Does it keep me warm? Keep me cool? Dry? Out of the wind? Is it breathable or am I wandering around in a sweat sauna? Price: Can I afford it, and, if it’s on what I consider to be the spendy side, is it worth the extra money? Durability: I take care of my outdoor gear, but I don’t baby it; thus, does Jacket ‘X’ hold up to the rigors which constitute my style of hunting, weather conditions, and old-fashioned toughness?

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