Are expensive hunting clothes worth it?

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I’m a big deer hunter and I’ve always just kind of warn thrown together clothes like old army fatigues. I’m thinking of upgrading to something like First Lite but It’s not cheap. Is an investment in expensive hunting clothes worth it? I hunt in South Arkansas and North Louisiana.

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I guess it depends on the kind of hunting. If you’re going to be out in the elements bow hunting or stalking then some of them would be. For the bow hunting stuff you will want quit and light weight for the early season when it’s balls arse
hot.

If your sitting in a heated ground blind or box blind with a rifle then probably not. I bought a bunch of the Badlands stuff when it went on 50% sale a few years ago. It’s not the best out there but for what I do and 50% off I couldn’t pass it up.

I hunt deer mostly in NW Arkansas and South MO….I gets damn cold and a few years ago I switched to First Lite Moreno wool and it was a game changer for me…on the flip side i sometimes hint in MS and Texas and my light Moreno wool stuff keeps me just as cool in the “summer” as it does warm in the winter when I wear it as a base layer

I think what others have said is correct. Depends on what you are doing. I know in SW Mississippi last year I spent just as many times climbing into my box stand in December and January wearing basketball shorts and a t shirt because it was a sweat lodge with the temperatures.

If you are deer hunting, There are some really nice Over all / Big Jacket combos and jump suits out there! All you need are some really good base layers.

There really is nothing like a good jacket though

Do you get cold when you hunt wearing your current attire? I used to hunt in army fatigues, etc. and would always be cold. Current hunting clothing has come a long way in my opinion and is worth upgrading if staying warm is a problem for you when you hunt.

The key to deer hunting is time in the stand. If you’re uncomfortable, you’ll spend less time in the stand.
Son gave me a Sitka bow jacket a while back when he was getting a discount with them. It’s done the job from zero degrees in Colorado and WYO to 30 degree days in Mississippi and Louisiana when it’s spitting ice pellets.
I’ve also had good luck with Cabelas Berber fleece, but it’s a bit more bulky.
Use whatever keeps you on the stand longer.

The true answer is NO. In the end its a fad. Yes I have purchased more expensive hunting clothes than most. If Sitka, Drake, REI, First Lite, North Face, etc makes it I probably own it. With that being said Moreno wool that has been commented is a absolute great layer to have. And honestly not expensive and made by a bunch of companies now. SAID ALL THAT, TO SAY THIS.... LAYERS are the key to warmth period end of story and bottom line. Also planning your hunt. If I'm walking into a deer stand or duck blind most of the time, I have two warm outer layers in a bag and don't put them on until I'm in a blind and settled a couple minutes to let moisture from walk dissipate. South in general is more humidity control than cold. It's just not cold down here to speak of. I never hunt less than 2 layers even in Sept Oct. And as many as 4 Jan Feb. 80% the time it's a cotton shirt first and honestly have left many in the woods in a stump hole covered in dirt and leaves. Once they are wicked and full of moisture (SCENT) they got to go. Reach in bag and fresh one and layer up for the sit time. Never been a fan of scent Lok or similar products because the honestly just don't work after you've warn them a handful of times or sweat in them once. You can't wash that out without adding another scent to replace it.

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The key to deer hunting is time in the stand.

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I have picked up quite a bit of First Lite stuff over the years from sales and some second hand pieces. For the most part I do like it, especially their outer layers.

One thing I will caution you about: be careful washing it and where you wear it. Merino wool, not just First Lite, is not durable. My Obsidian pants are threadbare and have a few holes from moderate use. I have a few base layers that look like they were shot with bird shot from all the holes. I highly recommend washing them separate from other clothes on delicate, or hand washing, and hanging to dry.

I grew up killing deer in flannel shirts, thermal knits, blue jeans and carhartt coats.

Still hunt in similar gear at times, but the short answer is YES.

Good base layers (merino or synthetic) and well fitting, well thought out outers will make your hunt more comfortable.

Anybody considering buying Origin’s new camo when they release it? It’s all made in the US, so I’m sure it’s well made, but they’re going to want some serious $$$$ for their tiger stripe design