Hunting in warm climates can present different challenges to cold-weather hunting. The animals tend to be motionless and often hunters need to target from further distances. Cartridge performance can change too, making technical aspects more difficult.

Hunters also need to be fully aware of the choices in clothing they make, as heatstroke and sunstroke are serious risks that hunters face, and so we should be donning the correct apparel in order to limit them. We’ve put together a short list of things to look out when choosing clothes for hunting in hot weather:

Upper Body – Shirts

Always go for cotton shirts for hunting in warmer weather. It is a natural fibre that just works better in hot and humid conditions. It goes without saying that the shirt should also be lightweight and fairly loose-fitting. Some synthetic fabrics are designed for better waterproofing or insulation, but cotton should be your first choice of material if you’re out there hunting in the heat. To avoid sunstroke, you should opt for long sleeves on your shirt, which can always be rolled up if you’re feeling too hot. But otherwise, the trick is to cover every part of your body.

Lower Body – Shorts or Trousers

The same rule for upper body goes for lower body. It is best to cover up your skin from the sun to avoid sunburn and sunstroke. So rather than wearing shorts, you should opt for trousers whenever possible, although you can find a type that has a zip, buttons, or Velcro, which allows you to roll up the trouser legs and allow some ventilation. Don’t forget that wearing trousers will also protect your leg from getting cuts and grazes inflicted, or insect bites, or other abrasions. They are a much smarter choice over shorts.

However, whether your personal preference is to wear shorts or trousers, there are a few basic rules you should follow. As with shirts, allow your shorts or trousers to be loose fitting and lightweight. This will really help your body deal with the heat. Secondly, try to wear the style which has a lot of pockets. You will want to carry as many things as possible all over your pockets, especially considering you probably won’t want to carry a backpack or wear a hunting vest in the hot weather.

Another golden rule is that your trousers or shorts should be made from sturdy material, so no flimsy material like nylon. Again, cotton is best, to make them cool enough for the hot weather, and strong enough to resist any snags or tears. Many hunters opt to wear Seeland outdoor clothing in warmer weather as it has the desired properties of being strong and sturdy, yet lightweight and versatile.

Head — Hats

When going hunting in hot weather, you’ll really need a hat that covers your entire head and face. The sun is strong, and if you’re going to be out hunting all day, then you need to protect yourself from sunstroke and heatstroke. You should consider a wide-brimmed hat, with also a material pulldown that can shield the back of your neck. Be sure to avoid having the brim reinforced with wire as this will interfere with your rifle stock. Don’t forget that a hat not only protects from the sun but can keep your head dry instead of rain; so you could also seek to buy a hat has a water-repellent finish.

If you follow these guidelines on these main three types of clothing – upper body, lower body, and head – you should find a happier hunting experience in warmer weather.