Tips to Finding Performance-Enhancing Gear for Women

By:  Kirstie Pike, CEO Prois Hunting & Field Apparel for Women

1. Look for function first…the rest will follow.  When looking at gear, ask yourself, “Will this help my performance on the hunt, and if so, how?”.  If you easily answer, “Yes” and quickly provide knowledgeable reasons… you are on the right track.  But what components provide function?
   • Gadgets.  Do you see them and think, “This was really made by a hunter”?  If so, consider if it will help in the field.  Chances are it will.
   • Pockets.  Pockets are the ultimate must-have on functional hunting gear.  Try them out.  Open and shut them.  Listen to them…are they loud?  Can they hold the gear you carry? Can you get to them without being a contortionist?
   • Do zippers work easily?  Are they noisy?  Are there elastic cording, camstrapping, drawstrings and openings where you want them?
2. Fit to be tied.  Once you find function, fit is almost as important.  Here are some tips to finding the best fit for the aggressive huntress.
   • Room to move.  If you are a strenuous hunter, whether climbing tree stands or climbing rocky crags, you will need room to move.  Does your gear allow movement?  Does it bind up and reduce movement?  Does it allow you to squat, crawl and stalk?  Are there pleats or added room?
   • Room to layer.  Layering is the key to optimal thermoregulation in the outdoors.  Can you layer different pieces and still move optimally?  Is the clothing too tight for layering?  Does upsizing help?  Try all of the prospective pieces on together.  In, fact- if you are looking for that new hunting jacket to go over your vest, take the vest with you to try on under the jacket.  Make sure your hard-earned dollars are well spent.
   • Reduction of bulk.  Bulk hinders movement.  Anyone who has bundled up a toddler to brave the snowy elements understands this phenomenon as once the said toddler falls in the snow, he/she is rendered as helpless as a turtle on its back.  Find compressed fabrics that provide function.  It is possible to get warmth without 12 pounds of fluff that restrict your draw or shot
3. Climate Control.  Look closely at your gear down to the fabrics, stitching and taping.  Think of the hunting seasons for which you will use the gear.  Do you have some future hunts coming up, and if so, will this gear work on those hunts too?  You may not always be able to find the perfect cross-over pieces to accommodate ALL hunts, but ask yourself if you will get the most use possible from the piece.
   • Consider the coldest points of your hunting days.  Then consider the hottest points of your hunting days.  Can you utilize these pieces to keep you thermoregulated across that span of temperatures?  How can you best layer your pieces?
   • Again- layering.  Rather than consider one heavy jacket, consider a hearty baselayer that can be utilized solo in hot hours.  Consider a vest which will cover you during the moderate temperatures.  Consider a jacket that can layer over all to provide max warmth during those cold hours.
   • Windstopping.  As we know, nothing stops a hunt faster than wind…whether it is due to cold or scent…wind blows!  Literally and figuratively.  You may not be able to stop scent transfer all the time, but you can help reduce chill through windstopping fabrics.  Look for them.
   • Technical fabrics.  For anyone who truly exerts themselves, sweat is pretty darn natural.  Cotton and sweat go together like oil and water.  Choose fabrics to wick, dry, cool and warm.  Spend the money for that piece, you won’t be sorry.
4. Concealment.  When camo is needed for your hunt, pause and think, “Where do I do the majority of my hunting?”.  Choose a camo pattern that may best suit that climate and region.  For example, Realtree Advantage Max 1 and Camowest Arid  patterns are stellar for western US hunting where sage, prairie and mountains are abundant.  Realtree Advantage Max 4  and Mossy Oak Wetland patterns are your choice for waterfowling.  Mossy Oak Break-up patterns and Realtree Hardwood patterns are great for southern and eastern regions where foliage is thick and abundant.  If you plan to hunt everywhere for everything… go for a great all purpose pattern such as Mothwing or Realtree AP.  Again,  camo patterns are often a personal choice as most hunters have a brand that is near and dear to their heart.  Whatever that brand, choose the patterns that will provide the most function for the most hunts.