Base Layers for Hunting and Fishing – Quiet, Warm and Dry

Short answer: A base layer for hunting and fishing has to keep you warm and dry for hours without movement and without rustling. Bamboo is an obvious choice, because the fabric is soft and quiet, moves sweat away after the walk out to your spot and stays fresher for longer than many synthetic materials.

The problem once you are in position

Hunting and fishing alternate between activity and long periods of standing or sitting still. If you sweat on the way out, you get cold once you are in place. Bamboo viscose moves moisture away from the skin, so you do not cool down in wet clothes. It is during the quiet hours that a dry inner layer is felt the most.

The undershirt as the foundation

Start with a bamboo undershirt as the inner layer. It lies smoothly against the skin and forms the foundation for the rest of your clothing. On top, add wool or fleece and finally your hunting or fishing gear. Choose a close fit, so the fabric can do its job of moving moisture away.

Long sleeves for cold mornings

On cold mornings, a long sleeve bamboo T-shirt is a good alternative or addition to the undershirt. It covers the arms down to the wrist, so no cold gaps appear between sleeves and gloves. For fishing by the water in spring or autumn, it can also be worn on its own under a windproof jacket.

Long johns for the legs

The legs are often forgotten, but they lose a lot of heat when you stand still. A pair of bamboo long johns under hunting trousers or waders keeps you warm without feeling bulky. The fabric is soft and smooth, so trousers slide over easily, and it does not rub at the knees when you crouch or walk across rough ground.

Quiet fabric that does not rustle

For hunting, sound is a practical consideration. Soft bamboo fabric does not rustle when you move, because it is smooth and supple. That makes it a comfortable inner layer when you sit in position and want to avoid unnecessary noise. The outer clothing matters most, of course, but a quiet base layer adds to the whole.

Feet and socks

Cold feet end more days in the field than rain does. Dry feet in bamboo socks for men hold warmth better in rubber boots and hunting boots. Change into a dry pair if you have walked a long way to your spot, and keep an extra pair in your bag for a long day by the water or in the woods.

Less odour after a long day

After many hours in the same clothes, odour is often a problem. Bamboo usually stays fresher than synthetic materials, because the fabric moves moisture away from the skin. That makes it comfortable to wear from early morning to late afternoon. Air your clothes between trips, and wash them without scented detergent if you want to keep the smell neutral.

Caring for your base layer

Wash the base layer at 30 to 40 degrees on a gentle programme, without fabric softener, which leaves a film on the fibres. Let it air dry instead of using a tumble dryer, so it keeps its shape and softness for longer. Store it clean and dry between seasons, and it will be ready when the next season begins. See also the bamboo undershirt as a base layer.

Frequently asked questions

Why is bamboo good as a base layer for hunting?

Bamboo moves sweat away from the skin, feels soft and does not rustle. It helps you stay dry and warm when you stand still for a long time after walking out to your spot.

Can I wear bamboo long johns under waders?

Yes, bamboo long johns are smooth and soft, so they are easy to wear under waders or hunting trousers. They keep you warm without feeling bulky on the legs.

How do I keep my feet warm while waiting?

Keep them dry. Wear socks that move moisture away, and change into a dry pair if you have walked far. Wet feet lose heat much faster than dry ones.

You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.