How To
Best Pnuma Gear Layering Systems for Whitetail
Here’s the deal. Can you kill a giant buck in your flannel and blue jeans? Absolutely. Will you be comfortable? That depends on who you ask. Everyone is different in how they hunt, what they hunt, and where they hunt. One of the most frequently asked questions we get here at Pnuma is, “I’m a deer hunter and hunt in temperatures ranging from zero degrees to fifty degrees. What is the best suit for me?” Let me take you down the layering rabbit hole and what I have found to work best for me in these temperature ranges.
WHERE TO START
Putting together the right whitetail hunting system can be tricky. It can be easy to get lost in all the technologies that are out there or buy one of everything that a company offers. This may not necessarily be the best approach for you especially if you are on a budget. At Pnuma, we design gear that is built to overdeliver, designed to out-perform, and proven to outlast. We know that every hunt is a challenge and the last thing you need to worry about is your gear. We are constantly seeking the most revolutionary fabrics, technology, and patterns out there that can help level the playing field for whatever you’re chasing. Before you buy, these are a few important key points to keep in mind when looking at our gear to build out your perfect whitetail system.
Temperature Control
We all know that weather this time of year can be volatile. It seems like it can change at the mere push of a button. We’ve all been there where it’s a beautiful day to be in the stand and the next thing you know, there is snow falling from the sky. It’s important to be able to withstand any of these elements and not have to run back to the truck because you weren’t ready. Dependent on your hunt, selecting the right layers will determine how comfortable you will be and ultimately increase your odds of seeing that hit list buck.
Wicking Capability
When selecting gear, I want to stay as dry as possible. I don’t mean dry from the rain either. I’m talking sweat. Depending on how far you are traveling to the stand, you can raise your body temperature significantly. Your body’s response to cool itself down is to sweat. It’s important to get this sweat off your skin as it can be the difference between you staying warm or freezing.
Whisper Quiet
A whitetail deer’s ears are built to detect predator sounds. Their ears are shaped to bring in as much sound as possible so that they can determine where a sound comes from once detected. This should be a top priority when choosing the right outer shell for your system. You want to be able to move undetected in the stand.
Geared For The Outdoors
Again, the weather this time of year can’t decide what it wants to do most of the time. If you’re like me and live in Texas, you can experience all four seasons in one day. When selecting your gear, keep in mind where you will be primarily hunting. If you live in an area that sees significant amounts of moisture, you may want to consider spending a little extra money on rain gear or waterproof jackets like our Selkirk. If you live in a more arid and dry region, rain gear may not be high on the priority list for you.
HOW TO LAYER
What is a base layer? Base layers are to be worn next to your skin. They help move the sweat away from your skin and keep you warm and comfortable. There is also a cooling factor to base layers, but we will stick to staying warm during deer season. Merino Wool is a great material for wearing as your base layer. Our Merino ¼ Zip and Pant make a great next-to-skin layer. These two items are made to wick moisture, contain odor, and be light enough to not restrict movement once you start stacking layers. The only other base layer that I keep at bay is our Heated Core – battery powered vest and pant for when temperatures really plummet. This allows me to never get cold and is a great option for all day sits during the rut or late season.
This layer of your system is meant for ultra-warmth when the temperatures really drop. This layer isn’t always needed. Mid Layers are to be worn over your base layer to help retain your body's heat, and protect you from the cold. When I hunt in temperatures above thirty-five degrees, I don’t typically wear a mid-insulation layer. Once the thermometer hits frosty temps, I get our Alpha Vertex Jacket and Pant out of the closet. These two pieces will be worn over my base layer and under my outer shell. The Alpha Vertex is a great piece that is lightweight, warm, and non-restrictive.
The last and final piece to your system will be the outer shell or outer layer. This will be a piece that will be highly important and dependent on where you hunt. Outer Layer - or the shell layer - are designed to shield you from the extreme elements, such as wind and rain. Things to consider with this layer when making a decision is what you want it to accomplish. Other than warmth, there are items like our Selkirk and Waypoint. Each offer warmth, but also offer different features such as windproof and waterproof capabilities.
WHAT'S THE "GO-TO" SYSTEM?
Hunting whitetail is a nation-wide obsession where people hunt in all different types of terrain and weather. Not one system will work for everyone. What we’ve done is listed different layering systems below for early-season, mid-season, and late-season whitetail hunting to help guide you in the right direction.
Early Season
Our early season system is designed for warm weather whitetail. Some whitetail seasons start as early as August and September in various states. These products are for those hot days in the stand where less is better.
- Top: Renegade ¼ Zip Jacket
- Bottom: Pursuit Pant Zip-Off
Mid-Season
Our mid-season layering system is designed for when the temperatures begin to drop, the leaves change color, and the deer are hardcore rutting. Aside from the gear listed below, it's never a bad idea to keep rain gear like our 3L Element Rain Jacket at hand.
Outer Layer
Base Layer
Mid-Insulation Layer (Optional)
- Alpha Vertex Jacket (Optional and good to keep in the pack.)
Late-Season
Our late-season layering system is designed for those frigid days when the mercury hits rock bottom and you demand warmth. This system is designed to help keep you comfortable in the stand for all-day sits if needed.
Outer Layer
Mid-Insulation Layer
Base Layer
IN CONCLUSION
You can still head to the stand and kill a big buck in your flannel. But, with this knowledge now in your back pocket, you can head to the stand and stay longer no matter what mother nature throws at you. These systems are designed to help you perform the best and stay out in the woods longer so you can hunt harder. We have tested these systems along with our Recon Team to determine what pieces work well together in different conditions. With this being said, you may find a way that is better for you to layer depending on what you are chasing and where you are chasing it.
