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The wild turkey’s reputation for being exceptionally smart is a bit of a misconception. From the time they are hatched, they spend their lives being hunted and it’s their constant awareness to their surroundings that enable them to evade danger so effectively. They are quick to notice anything that seems out of place, which is why for turkey hunters, having the best turkey hunting clothing and camo is important to stay concealed in different types of terrain, as well as staying comfortable during the hunt.
Here’s a list of the turkey hunting apparel you might need this spring:
- Base Layers
- Shirts
- Pants
- Gloves
- Face Mask
- Rain Gear
- Leafy Gear
Adding a turkey vest to your gear is crucial for carrying essential gear and calls, ensuring quick access and organization.
How We Chose the Best Clothing for Turkey Hunting
Over several years spent in the spring turkey woods, we’ve tested and used countless brands and types of turkey hunting gear. Here’s a brief breakdown of what we look for in the apparel we wear during spring turkey season.
- Constructed of high quality materials that are tough and built to last.
- The clothing should be comfortable while worn.
Base Layers for Turkey Hunting
While early season turkey hunting or depending on the area you are planning on hunting, you’ll likely encounter some cooler temperatures. This is where having a quality set of base layers that are light weight to keep you warm without adding bulk really comes in handy. The light weight nature of these base layers enhances mobility and comfort during the hunt, ensuring you can move freely without being weighed down.
For the last two turkey seasons I’ve personally worn the First Lite base layers during the cooler parts of turkey season and have been impressed with their ability to keep me warm without the bulk of conventional cold weather gear, all while maintaining a light weight that supports greater mobility and speed. Here is the list of the base layers I prefer during the cooler parts of the season:
First Lite Origin Hoody
First Lite Wick LS Crew
First Lite Kiln Long John
Both the Wick LS Top and Kiln Long John bottom are made of high quality merino wool that works extremely well at keeping you warm during the morning, while also having the ability to wick moisture away from your body extremely well during the warmer parts of the day. If the temps are to cold for just these layers I’ll add the Origin Hoody for an added layer of warmth.
Best Turkey Hunting Shirts
Mossy Oak Cotton Mill Flex Shirt
The Mossy Oak Cotton Mill Flex Shirt is my go to choice for early season turkey hunting here in the Southeast. It has the lightweight design that I prefer while turkey hunting in warmer temps but is still heavy enough to keep me warm with the proper layers during cool mornings.
Here are the features listed on the Mossy Oak Website:
- Lightweight, 98/2 Cotton/Spandex Blended Material
- Two-Way Stretch for Extra Comfort and Mobility in any Position
- Classic Button Down Front & Collar
- Two Large Standard Chest Pockets with Button Closures
- Action Back Shoulder Expansion Gussets
- Under Arm Stitched Eyelet Vents for Breathability
- Mossy Oak Silicone Patch Logo on Left Chest Pocket
- Buttoned Cuff Adjustments
Ol Tom Mesh Back Flyweight Shirt
Once the early season ends and the temperatures increase, I transition to the Ol Tom Mesh Back Flyweight Shirt. This is one of the most lightweight and breathable button up shirts a turkey hunter can purchase and works extremely well at keeping me cool during the warmer parts of the season.
Here are the features listed on the Ol Tom Website:
- Removable Spine Pad only on the portion of your back that rests against the tree
- UPF 50+ Sun Protection
- Mesh Back panel
- 2 large chest pockets with button
- Relaxed comfort fit
- Blaze orange safety flag
Best Turkey Hunting Pants
Mossy Oak Cotton Mill Flex Pant
Just like the Mossy Oak Cotton Mill Flex Shirt, the Cotton Mill Flex Pants made by Mossy Oak are my go to choice during the early parts of the season. During a cool or cold morning in the turkey woods, I like to pair these pants with the First Lite Kiln Long John bottom and as it starts to warm up during the day I shed the base layers.
Here are the features listed on the Mossy Oak Website:
- Made from Soft, Quiet, and Durable, 57/41/2 Cotton/Poly/Spandex Woven Material
- 4-Way Stretch for Extra Comfort and Mobility in any Position
- Gusseted Crotch for a Non-Binding, Action Fit when Sitting, Kneeling, or Walking
- Articulated Stitched Knees for Easier Squatting and Kneeling
- Partial Elastic Waistband for Stretch and Added Comfort
- Button Front Closure, Zippered Fly, and Belt Loops
- Crotch Eyelet Stitched Vents for Breathability
- Two Front Pockets and Two Rear Buttoned Pockets
- Two Cargo Pockets for Additional Gear
- Left Rear Pocket Embroidered Mossy Oak Logo
Ol Tom Tech Stretch Turkey Hunting Pant
Late turkey season in the Southeast can have some extremely warm weather. That when I will transition to the Ol Tom Tech Stretch pants. These hunting pants are lightweight, breathable, and moisture wicking. In my experience, lightweight hunting pants tend to not be very durable but not these pants. The Ol Tom Tech Stretch pants are abrasion resistant and have held their own in the woods for me the past few seasons.
Here are the features listed on the Ol Tom Website:
- Reinforced, abrasion-resistant knees, ankles, and bottom
- Gusseted crotch for comfort when seated for extended periods of time
- Relaxed fit for comfort on the move or when seated on the ground
- Hook & Loop adjustable waistband to help ensure proper fit
- Mesh pockets in front and back for better ventilation
- Zippered back pockets
- 2 cargo pockets on legs to store gloves, mask, calls, etc.
Best Leafy Jacket For Turkey Hunting
North Mountain Gear 1/2 Zip Leafy Jacket
Fooling a turkeys eyesight is one of the many important things to be successful on a weary gobbler and a leafy gear can aid in this endeavor by breaking up your outline. For the last three springs I’ve used the North Mountain Gear 1/2 Zip Leafy Pullover to do just that. This leafy gear is available in:
- Mossy Oak Greenleaf
- Mossy Oak Bottomland
- Mossy Oak Obsession
- Mossy Oak Country DNA
Here are the features listed on the North Mountain Gear Website:
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Adjustable Hood
- Adjustable Bottom
- Side Hand Pockets
- Large Kangaroo Front Pocket with Zipper
Best Turkey Hunting Gloves
North Mountain Gear Lightweight Hunting Gloves
North Mountain Gear offers a lightweight option that strikes the perfect balance between a weightless feel and necessary durability. These gloves are clad in camo, making your hands virtually invisible to the keen eyes of a turkey. It’s like a second skin that keeps your fingers nimble for calling or taking that critical shot. With these, you’re all set to blend in and stay comfortable, even during a long stakeout in the brush.
Here are the features listed on the North Mountain Gear Website:
- Sure Grip palms & extended cuff
- Lightweight and Breathable
- Mossy Oak Original Bottomland Camouflage
- For Gun and Bow Hunting
Best Turkey Hunting Facemask
Mossy Oak Camo Mesh Hunting Face Mask
Designed for the turkey hunter who values concealment and breathability, this mask is a go-to. Its lightweight mesh material is a real boon, allowing us to breathe easily even as temperatures climb. We can’t ignore the importance of a mask that keeps us cool while also blending us into the Oaks.
Here are the features listed on the Mossy Oak Website:
- 100% Polyester Mesh for Maximum Breathability
- Shockcord Adjustment with Barrel Clip for an Exact Fit
- Soft, Silicon Nose Grip
- 12″ Length for Full Coverage
- Woven Brand Flag Label
- Branded Heat Seal Logo
Best Turkey Hunting Rain Gear
You honestly never know when an unexpected shower might pop up while hunting turkeys. That’s why having a light and package set of rain gear is a must have in your turkey hunting gear.
Ol Tom Ultralight Packable Rain Jacket
Here are the features listed on the Ol Tom Website:
Packable in Elastic Closure Bag 7.5” X 4” pack size
3-piece hood
2 lower slash pockets with zippers
Shock cord waist
Taped seams
Ol Tom Ultralight Packable Rain Pant
Here are the features listed on the Ol Tom Website:
Packable in Elastic Closure Bag 7” X 3” pack size
Shock cord waist
Taped seams
How To Pick A Camo Pattern For Turkey Hunting?
Over the course of turkey season, the landscape will change and its important to match your camo pattern with the terrain your hunting in. While their are many quality types of camo on the market suited for different terrains and hunting scenarios, I prefer the Mossy Oak patterns.
During the early portion of the spring, before the forest floor begins to green up, I have had great success using Mossy Oak Bottomland. This camo blends well with the early spring terrain.
As things start to green up during the spring, I will switch to Mossy Oak Obsession. This pattern is designed to blend extremely well with the green landscape associated with spring turkeys.
While these are by preferred choices for chasing wild turkeys during the spring, their are many great options available on the market. The important thing is to choose a camo that will allow you to disappear into the specific terrain that you hunt.
Final Thoughts
It’s clear that outfitting yourself with the right turkey hunting gear is not just about comfort; it’s a tactical decision. The savvy turkey hunter knows that blending into the environment one of the most important aspects of the hunt. Whether it’s the early chill of spring mornings or the unexpected showers, each piece of clothing and gear plays a pivotal role in staying concealed and ready. From the indispensable base layers of First Lite to the Mossy Oak camo that meshes with the morphing spring landscape, your choice in apparel could very well be the difference between a successful hunt and a learning experience. So gear up, blend in, and get ready for your next wild turkey adventure. Remember, in turkey hunting, sometimes it’s not about being seen, but being unseen.
