Being cold while hunting is miserable, pointless and sometimes even dangerous. It takes the excitement out of the hunt, and often even ends the hunting day early. The right pair of insulated hunting coveralls could end that debilitating cold, and let you get back to what you, and I, love: the hunt. However, before you run out the door and buy the first pair you see, I invite you to take a quick look at the attributes that most hunters agree the best insulated hunting coveralls should offer.
- Water Resistance
- Insulation
- Durability
- Quiet Materials
Those were the four attributes I prioritized when choosing products for my list. At the end of this article I covered all those points more thoroughly, but let’s have a look at my selection first.
The 4 Best Insulated Hunting Coveralls
Now that we have some background on what makes a pair of quality hunting coveralls, I will help you figure out what works best for your situation. After comparing a few of the top-rated pairs, I will give a recommendation for which one had the best attributes from our guide above:
MidwayUSA Men’s Hunter’s Creek Coveralls
This pair of coveralls has many of the qualities I consider to be essential. It has a super quiet Tricot outer shell that is water and windproof. It has 120 gram poly insulation for the lining. This is a lower rating than most insulated hunting coveralls, but also keeps it lightweight at only four pounds.
The dual front zippers make them a snap to get in and out of. Putting them on over other layers is also a breeze. The leg zippers come up to only the thigh which work for regular hunting boots, but not for ankle-fit-hip-boots.
It comes with an assortment of pockets: one on the interior of the chest, two zippered exterior chest, two hip pockets, and two rear pockets; one zippered, one not. This is a good amount to hold what you need in the field for the day without holding you down
Pros
- Water/wind proof
- Extremely lightweight at only 4 lbs
- Full body zipper
- Quiet Tricot shell
- Seven pockets/three zippered providing adequate space for supplies
- Flexible/great range of movement
Cons
- No hood
- No hand covers
- Leg zips only to thigh
- Only three styles to choose from
- Will not keep you warm below 25 degrees
Guide Gear Men’s Guide Dry Hunt
A bit higher priced than the previous Midway USA pair, but the quality might be worth it. I do find this pair quite a bit more accommodating for the cold weather. It has the Tricot outer shell insulated with 180g Thinsulate combined with a quilted interior that has 150g Thinsulate.
One of the more interesting facts about this pair is that it was designed by hunters who know how miserable it can be to be cold out on the hunt. Storm flaps, adjustable snaps at the bottom of the legs, insulated, removable hood, and storm cuffs are all luxuries found on much higher priced hunting coveralls.
In addition to the features of the Midway USA pair, these come with an insulated, removable hood. It has an extended visor to block the sun, or precipitation. The storm cuffs have thumb holes to allow for outstanding dexterity while keeping you warm.
Pros
- Water/wind proof
- 180g Thinsulate shell
- 150g Thinsulate quilt lined interior combined with the shell makes this warm up to around 0 degrees F
- 2 way center zipper goes from chin to crotch for easy removal, and sliding over layers
- 7 pockets; 2 extra large snap, 2 rear zippered, two hidden zipper, and one interior zippered
- Storm flaps, and storm cuffs with thumb holes.
- Removable insulated hood with visor for sun and rain protection
- Elastic waist keeps it fitting close, so there is no clumsy bulk
Cons
- The added insulation and hood make it noticeably noisier than light-weight coveralls
- The front zipper often broke after only minimal use
- It claims to be waterproof when it is actually only water-resistant
World Famous Sports Insulated Coveralls
This pair of insulated hunting coveralls would be what I would choose if I was a casual hunter, or if I had a tight budget to watch. It combines heat-taped seams with one hundred percent polyester shell.
This pair comes with a wind flap to cover the front body zipper for added protection on those windy days. The leg zippers only go a little past the knee, which makes boots a bit more time consuming. It has six pockets; 2 in the front chest, 2 on the side legs, and 2 in the rear. Knit cuffs help keep the elements out, and the elastic waist gives more freedom of movement.
Pros
- Much less priced than competitors
- 100 percent polyester shell keeps you dry
- Storm flap adds a layer of protection in front
- Elastic waist
- Plenty of pocket space for supplies
Cons
- Outer shell not water-proof
- Lacks micro-fiber insulation like Thinsulate
- Heat-taped seams are more liable to tear
- Leg zips only to just above the knee
- No pockets have zippers or snaps
Walls Men’s Legend Insulated Coverall
These are a great pair of hunting coveralls for the later hunting season, and for the further north hunters like me.
They consistently keep you warm, even in 9 degrees F, with a strong breeze. The shell is a combination of sixty percent cotton and forty percent polyester, brushed twill brushed with DryTec water repellent. The liner is diamond quilted six ounce polyester heavyweight insulation.
The stitching on these is the best I have seen yet, with added scuff guards on the back leg seam to increase durability. Elastic inserts at back waist increases mobility, while cutting back on sound. These coveralls combine incredible insulation with stealth-like motion.
At only two pounds, they are lighter than any of the others I have seen yet. It combines lightweight construction with great insulation. It has hip-high zippers for easy removal. The stitching is much more durable, both at the seams and in the shell and liner. For the price, it is a well constructed pair of hunting coveralls.
Pros
- Brushed twill shell construction with DryTec water repellent
- Rated for -20 degrees F. for those brutal days
- Lightweight at only two pounds
- Seven different styles and colors
- Scuff Guard at the back leg hem for superior durability
- Elastic waist insert for increased movement
- Cotton to polyester ratio stifles most of the sound from movement
- Leg zippers that reach to just under the pockets of the waist
- Double knee patches for durability where it is needed most
- Adjustable neoprene cuffs with nylon inserts
- Two way, covered front zipper
- Two large front pockets, two back pockets with hidden opening, two hand warmer chest pockets with brushed lining, and an inner utility pocket for cell phone
Cons
- No hood
- Elastic cuffs are a bit too tight
- Sealer odor lingers
- Sizes run a bit too large
Conclusion
While each one of these four has some good, and some bad, qualities, what you will choose will depend on a few factors. Climate, game seasons, and personal preference. After reviewing these four styles, one stands out to me as the best bargain, and the best hunting coverall when comparing it to the buyer’s guide that I formulated.
It actually came down to two for me, but considering I live in brutally cold conditions half of the year, Walls Men’s Legend coveralls are the best all-around for me. Each of these were close to each other in price, but not in quality. The other one I think deserves a mention is MidwayUSA’s Hunter Creek coveralls. These were the only pair that were completely waterproof and super stealthy.
What Does Really Matter?
Water Resistance
Water resistance in hunting clothes really depends on what climate you are hunting in. Being from the north woods of Minnesota, I can tell you that you would not make it very long without this attribute in your coveralls. Some hunting coveralls are water-resistant, while others are water-proof.
What you will need depends on where you are, and what you are hunting. Water-proof is the only way to go in Minnesota, but Wyoming maybe not. Staying dry is one of the most important things for staying warm during long hunts.
Drytec water repellent treated hunting coveralls keep you dry in rain and snow, but not walking through swamps or sitting in a puddle. Tricot is a material, not a chemical like Drytec. It is used in the shell to make it waterproof. If you are hunting in places where it can get extremely cold, be sure to keep this in mind when purchasing.
Insulation
This is only second to being waterproof because once you are wet the insulation doesn’t really matter. Unlike wool Most synthetic materials loose all their insulation abilities. That being said, it takes some looking around to find the right gram of Thinsulate for where you are located. Most insulated clothing will tell you what it is rated for.
A word of caution though: Being too warm is nearly as bad as being to cold. Dress in layers under your coveralls so if you do get hot you can take some articles of clothing off. Some hunting coveralls come with removable liners, hoods and gloves. This is a nice extra to have to keep a comfortable temperature.
Thinsulate is one option when it comes to insulation. Sheer is another, made from wool it works much in the same way as Thinsulate. Thin fibers trap air molecules to keep the cold air from moving in. Either one is great, so this is more of a personal preference.
Durability
This is a no-brainer when it comes to outdoor gear, but many of the cheaper off brands have weak seams. This leads to holes wearing through, or tears in places that should be covered. Fortunately you do not have to sacrifice stealth for durability anymore.
This is not always noticeable at first glance. You have to look at the hems and seams to gauge the quality. Another way to gauge durability is to look up reviews of hunters who have used that particular style and brand. They will inform you of any weaknesses in the construction. Check the stitching for any loose strings or stitches. That is a good indicator that it won’t stand up to outdoor conditions for very long.
Just be sure to inspect the item closely, and even research the manufacturer. Many hunting accessories are now designed by hunters, which is a good indication that they will stand the test of time.
Sound
You know the sound of dry leaves and twigs when your buddies boot comes down a bit too swiftly, and how it nearly guarantees that any animal within shooting distance is long gone. Your coveralls should not sound like your buddy. I like to think of a windless day when I am moving in a particular hunting coverall. I close my eyes and think how loud it actually would be if it was the only sound I could hear.
Tricot, that versatile fabric I introduced in the beginning, is known for its stealth. Keeping noise down is a must for close-range hunting. It’s also priceless for those windless days. The deathly still days when your heartbeat sounds like the kick drum at a Van Halen concert.
It is a well-known fact many game animals have hearing far superior to ours. If you are sitting still, it really doesn’t matter what you are wearing, but what about when you go to grab your gun and aim? If every movement sounds like a newspaper getting tore to pieces, your potential game animal will be long gone by the time you pull the barrel up to aim.
Design
The last big thing to keep in mind is the overall look of the coverall. Knowing the foliage of where you will be hunting is imperative to picking the right tint and style. If the leaves have fallen, like here in my state, then having gray camouflage for, say, a mountainous terrain is not going to help.
Many insulated hunting coveralls come with hand covers with finger holes to easily aim and pull the trigger, without removing anything. This is a great feature if, like me, you spend hours in a tree stand without moving. Hands and feet are furthest from the heart, so they are the first to get cold. Boot straps are another addition to consider. They seal the top of your boot and keep your feet from getting soggy. Anyone who duck hunts knows this feeling all too well.
Pocket size and location is an often overlooked feature of coveralls. Pockets that are big, and waterproof is a good start. I like the cargo-style pockets on the side of the outer thigh. They are easy to reach, but do not hinder with movement or position. Pockets on the inside of the chest or stomach area is good for keeping electronics or other fragile gear safe.
Hunting Coveralls vs Hunting Bibs
As the name implies a hunting coverall actually covers everything. It’s a combination of a hunting jacket and hunting pants. A bib which is designed similar to waders covers only the lower half of your body and requires an additional hunting jacket. Not only are hunting coveralls overall less expensive than buying a bib and a jacket separately, they also tend to have better insulation. They offer less possibilities for cold air, rain or snow reaching your body and are often preferred under really tough conditions.
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Thanks for mentioning the sound aspect. That’s definitely one thing I would have never thought about before getting insulated hunting coveralls.