I’ve hunted in some of the most extreme conditions you can imagine—from -20°F in the rugged mountains of Kyrgyzstan and the frozen expanses of Canada to 100°F in the heat of Hawaii. Over the years, I’ve learned the hard way that how you layer your clothing can make or break your hunt.

In the freezing, wind-swept rugged mountains of Kyrgyzstan, every step feels like a fight against the cold, while in Canada’s harsh winter conditions, staying warm and dry is a constant challenge. On the other hand, in Hawaii’s intense heat, staying cool and dry is almost as critical. Whether battling bone-chilling cold or oppressive heat, the right layers are the key to staying comfortable, mobile, and focused on the hunt, rather than the elements.

These experiences have taught me the importance of a proper layering system—one that allows you to adapt quickly as conditions change and as your activity level fluctuates throughout the day. Through trial and error, I’ve discovered the balance between warmth and breathability, and how to ensure your clothing works with you, not against you, no matter what the weather throws your way.

When it comes to layering for late-season hunts, proper layering isn’t just about keeping warm—it's about staying agile, comfortable, and prepared for every variable. As the temperatures plummet, the challenges increase, and you’ll be spending more time in harsh conditions. Whether you’re hiking through snow or sitting still glassing in sub-zero temperatures, each layer plays a crucial role in maintaining your body’s temperature regulation and mobility. The key is knowing how to build a system that can be adjusted quickly as you move between activity to inactivity, from sweating it out on the move to shivering while glassing for big game.

To layer effectively for late-season hunts, it's important to understand how your body retains and loses heat. The human body generates heat through movement and muscle activity, but it also loses heat through exposed skin, moisture, and the head, hands, and feet. These are the areas where your clothing choices can make the biggest impact. Heat mapping your body’s temperature zones helps you prioritize insulation in areas that need it most while ensuring moisture doesn’t build up in areas that can cause discomfort or cold-related injuries. By addressing these heat loss points with the right layers, you can stay warmer for longer, even when the weather turns unforgiving.

Key Zones for the Heat Map:

1. Head – High Heat Loss Zone: The head is a significant area for heat loss, especially through the scalp and face.

2. Hands – High Heat Loss Zone: The hands can lose heat rapidly, particularly in cold, wet conditions.

3. Chest and Core – Core Temperature Retention Zone: The torso is where your body generates and holds the most heat.

4. Chest and Core – Core Temperature Retention Zone: The torso is where your body generates and holds the most heat.

5. Neck and Shoulders – Moderate Heat Loss Zone: The neck is an area where heat is lost quickly, and shoulders can become stiff from cold.

6. Arms – Moderate Heat Loss Zone: Similar to the hands, the arms can lose heat, but generally less so than the extremities.

7. Legs and Thighs – Moderate Heat Retention Zone: While not as critical as the core, legs can benefit from insulation, especially if you’re sitting still for long periods.

To layer effectively for late-season hunts, it's important to understand how your body retains and loses heat. The human body generates heat through movement and muscle activity, but it also loses heat through exposed skin, moisture, and the head, hands, and feet. These are the areas where your clothing choices can make the biggest impact. Heat mapping your body’s temperature zones helps you prioritize insulation in areas that need it most, while ensuring moisture doesn’t build up in areas that can cause discomfort or cold-related injuries. By addressing these heat loss points with the right layers, you can stay warmer for longer, even when the weather turns unforgiving.

The foundation of any good layering system starts with the base layer, which is designed to regulate your body temperature by managing moisture and providing an initial barrier between your skin and the outside elements. The primary function of a baselayer is to wick moisture away from the skin, keeping you dry as you move or sweat. This is especially important in late-season hunts where the combination of cold temperatures and physical exertion can quickly lead to discomfort or worse—hypothermia.

When it comes to baselayers, merino wool is one of the best materials you can choose. Unlike synthetic fabrics, merino wool is naturally moisture-wicking, highly breathable, and, perhaps most importantly, odor-resistant. This means you can wear it for days without worrying about the smell, which is a huge advantage on long hunting trips. Merino wool is also incredibly lightweight and soft, so it won't irritate your skin or restrict your movement.

One of the key benefits of merino wool is its ability to regulate body temperature. It keeps you warm when the weather is cold and cools you down if you overheat. This is due to the natural crimp in Merino fibers, which trap air and create insulation while also allowing moisture to escape. This dual-purpose ability helps you stay comfortable in a range of temperatures, making it perfect for the dynamic conditions often encountered on late-season hunts.

Additionally, merino wool is naturally anti-microbial, meaning it resists bacteria growth, which helps keep you fresher longer. When paired with other layers in your system, it forms the foundation of an effective moisture management system, keeping you warm and dry no matter how active or still you may be.

In short, a good merino wool baselayer is your first line of defense against the cold, providing moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating benefits that will help you stay comfortable and focused throughout your hunt.

The mid-layer is all about versatility—providing warmth and insulation without hindering your movement. One of the best pieces to include in your mid-layer system is an active hoodie, like the Muley Freak Drifter, which strikes the perfect balance between warmth, breathability, and mobility. Whether you're hiking, climbing, or navigating rugged terrain, an active hoodie offers just the right amount of insulation to keep you comfortable during high-output activities.

Many modern active hoodies incorporate grid fleece technology, which enhances both the performance and comfort of the garment. This specialized fleece features a unique grid pattern that maximizes warmth while reducing bulk, creating air pockets that trap heat effectively while remaining breathable. The grid structure also helps wick moisture away from your body, allowing sweat to evaporate quickly and keeping you dry during strenuous activity. Not only does grid fleece provide excellent thermal regulation, but it also dries quickly, making it ideal for high-intensity hunts in unpredictable conditions.

In addition to its performance benefits, grid fleece is lightweight and allows for a full range of motion, essential for an active hunter. Many active hoodies made with grid fleece also include practical features like thumb holes, zippered pockets, and adjustable hoods, which improve overall functionality.

What sets the active hoodie apart is its adaptability. On colder days, it can be worn over a thin baselayer and under a heavier outer or down layer for added warmth. When you're moving, you can unzip or remove it to prevent overheating, and when you’re sitting still or glassing, it offers just enough insulation to keep you comfortable without feeling bulky. The hoodie’s design also adds extra warmth around your neck and head, areas that lose heat quickly.

In short, an active hoodie featuring grid fleece technology is the ideal mid-layer for hunters who need to stay warm, mobile, and comfortable in a variety of conditions. It’s a high-performance, adaptable piece that offers both superior insulation and breathability, making it a perfect choice for late-season hunts.

When temperatures drop and you need reliable warmth, synthetic down becomes a key piece of your layering system. Made from polyester fibers designed to mimic the loft and warmth of natural down, synthetic down insulation has the distinct advantage of performing better in wet conditions. Unlike traditional down, which loses much of its insulating power when wet, synthetic down retains its warmth even when exposed to moisture. This makes it an ideal choice for hunts in wet, snowy, or rainy conditions where down insulation would fail.

Synthetic Down: Warmth That Performs in Damp Conditions

The primary advantage of synthetic down is that it provides dependable insulation even in damp or wet weather. Synthetic insulation tends to dry much faster than natural down, making it a better option for unpredictable conditions. While synthetic down is generally bulkier and heavier than down, it is more affordable and still provides a good warmth-to-weight ratio. It’s an excellent choice for hunters who need to stay warm during active hunts or in conditions where moisture is a concern.

Another key benefit of synthetic down is its durability . Unlike natural down, which can lose its loft and insulating properties over time, synthetic insulation maintains its performance through repeated use and exposure to the elements. This makes it a more rugged choice for hunters who are rough on their gear or expect to face extreme conditions.

Hybrid Insulation: Maximizing Warmth and Performance

For late-season hunts, a hybrid insulation system that combines synthetic down with other layers (such as a base or mid-layer) can offer the best of both worlds. If you're expecting variable conditions, layering synthetic insulation under a waterproof or water-resistant outer shell ensures that you stay warm and dry while keeping the weight and bulk manageable. The flexibility of synthetic down allows you to stay comfortable whether you're on the move or sitting still in colder conditions.

Synthetic down’s moisture-resistant properties also make it an ideal option for highly active hunts where perspiration can be a factor. It allows you to maintain warmth during physical exertion, and when you're stationary, it continues to insulate effectively, even if it gets slightly damp. This makes it an essential piece for hunters who want dependable warmth without the worry of losing heat to moisture.

The Softshell Layer: Weather Protection and Mobility

In addition to synthetic down, the softshell layer plays a vital role in any layering system. A softshell is a versatile outer layer that combines breathability, mobility , and weather resistance in one. Unlike a hard-shell jacket, which is more rigid and protective but often less breathable, a softshell offers the perfect balance of warmth and flexibility. It's made from a stretchable, lightweight fabric that allows for greater freedom of movement—ideal for active hunts where you need agility and range of motion.

Softshells are designed to protect against wind, light rain, and snow, making them an excellent outer layer to wear in conditions where you need both flexibility and weather resistance. The material is typically treated with a water-resistant coating to shed moisture, but it's also breathable enough to manage sweat buildup during high-output activities. This makes softshells ideal for hiking, stalking, or any activity that requires both warmth and mobility.

Our Softshell in Development: Innovation Meets Performance

At Muley Freak, we understand the importance of a softshell in a hunter’s layering system, which is why we're currently developing a new, highly durable, and functional softshell jacket specifically designed for hunters. Our softshell features advanced fabric technology , offering windproof, water-resistant capabilities while still maintaining breathability and stretch. Whether you're navigating tough terrain or sitting on a ridge, our softshell will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable, all while giving you the freedom to move effortlessly.

This new softshell will be a game-changer for hunters who need more than just a basic layer. With strategic venting , reinforced high-stress areas , and quiet materials for minimal noise, our softshell is designed to meet the demands of serious hunters. It pairs seamlessly with your other layers, enhancing overall comfort and performance on long hunts.

Based on my long time experience in the field, I have developed what I believe to be the ultimate layering system.

You can check out the full system here.