It’s not unusual to start the first day of your hunt hiking in a T-shirt—and finish the trip wearing every layer you packed. Northwest Montana weather can change fast, and being prepared is one of the best ways to stay comfortable, safe, and effective in the field.

The goal is simple: be ready to adjust before the weather forces you to. If Mother Nature is going to surprise us, we want your gear to be the one thing that doesn’t.

Base Layers (Your Foundation)

Your base layers matter more than most hunters realize. They’re the clothing system that sits closest to your skin, and they control comfort all day long—especially when you’re hiking, sweating, and then cooling down.

What to look for in a base layer

Choose base layers that are:

• Breathable

• Moisture-wicking

• Odor-controlling

• Able to help regulate body temperature

We highly recommend merino wool for our hunts.

What not to wear

Do not wear cotton.
Cotton holds moisture, dries slowly, and can leave you cold when temperatures drop.

Match Your Base Layers to Your Hunt Style

You know your body best—so don’t overdo it. The key is to limit sweating, because sweat that soaks your layers can chill you quickly once you slow down or the wind picks up.

Archery Hunters

• Lightweight to midweight base layers recommended

Rifle Hunters

• Midweight to heavyweight base layers recommended

Recommended Base Layer Packing List

We suggest bringing:

• Underwear/briefs

• Base layer bottoms (at least 2 pairs)

• Lightweight base layer T-shirts

• Long-sleeve base layer shirts (at least 2)