The whitetail rut is the most electrifying part of the season. Across the country, the rut is winding down, yet bucks are still active. These few weeks are when mature bucks lose their caution, daylight movement increases, and anything can happen at a moment’s notice. It’s also when hunters push themselves harder than at any other time of year. Dawn-to-dusk sits start to occur more often, and patience in the stand is often the key between tagging a buck or going home with “what-ifs.”
I hate to admit it, but sitting for long periods has gotten harder over the past few years. Two-panel saddle designs have made saddle hunting more comfortable, and during rifle season, I rely on my box blind with its padded chair to help me stay longer. Still, as I get older, the aches set in, and sometimes I just can’t sit for as long as I used to.
There are plenty of reasons hunters climb down before prime time, such as getting cold, damp, uncomfortable, or fed up with their gear. Staying still in those chilly November conditions is an endurance test, and nothing cuts an all day sit short faster than wearing the wrong clothing.
That’s where ScentLok really makes a difference. Their smart, adaptable layering systems, combined with industry leading scent control, help hunters stay warm, dry, quiet, and confident from first light to last. With the rut still going strong in some areas and just beginning in others, there’s still plenty of opportunity for all day sits. But to make it happen, you need the right gear. Here’s how to layer up for your next cold weather hunt so you can power through long sits and stay ready when it counts.
Base Layer: Your First Line of Defense
Successful layering begins next to the skin. An effective base layer regulates temperature, wicks moisture, and prevents chills caused by damp clothing during periods of inactivity. ScentLok’s base layer lineup is designed for exactly this purpose; Climafleece Base Layers and Merino base layers feature moisture management fabrics that draw sweat away during walks to the stand and insulate once you settle in. Carbon Alloy technology also begins the process of scent absorption from the base layer, giving rut and late season hunters a critical edge during close encounters.
Opt for a mid weight base layer for November’s swings between cold mornings and warmer afternoons. Choose materials that stretch and move with you to stay comfortable during long sits and make sure your base layer fits snug to maximize moisture transfer and heat retention.
Mid-Layers: Versatile Warmth for Any Forecast
Mid-layers are the key to keeping your body temperature in control. They provide insulation while allowing you to adjust quickly as conditions change. ScentLok’s mid weight and heavy weight options offer quiet, low bulk warmth without adding noise to your draw cycle or movement. Whether you choose fleece, insulating grid fabrics, or performance weight pieces, the goal is simple: trap heat without overheating.
Mid-layers matter when hunting in late November or throughout December. Mornings can be frosty, afternoons mild, and evenings chilly. Versatile mid-layers let you adjust on the fly, so you don’t have to call it quits mid-hunt. If you plan to sit all day, bring one mid-layer in your pack to add later as temperatures drop. Wearing a good mid-layer also helps avoid the biggest heat loss contributor, preventing your core temperature from dropping too low early in the day. To prevent that cool mid-hunt chill, I love wearing my BE:1 Reactor Heated Vest. When that first chill begins to go down my body, a simple push of a button delivers warmth that keeps me comfortable and lets me stay in the stand longer.
Outer Layers: Protection from the Elements (and From Being Detected)
Your outerwear is where comfort, concealment, and scent control meet. All day sits mean facing wind, drizzle, sleet, or biting cold. Where I am from in the Midwest, it is not uncommon to experience all of these, sometimes within a single hunt. You need an outer layer that blocks the elements while trapping scent and maintaining silence.
ScentLok’s outer layers combine Carbon Alloy scent control with windproof, water-resistant, and insulating features designed for rut season hunts. Their jackets and bibs are crafted for comfort while seated and built to stay quiet even when temperatures drop.
If you want to sit longer and stay comfortable, you need gear that can stop the wind. Nothing steals body heat faster than a cold gust cutting through your clothing. Moisture protection is just as important; staying dry all day is the only way to avoid those bone chilling cold spells.
And then there’s scent control, where ScentLok truly shines. Their Carbon Alloy technology traps and destroys odors, helping keep deer from catching your scent during those unpredictable rut winds. Finally, you need flexibility so you can move quietly, whether you’re drawing your bow or shifting positions after hours in the stand.
Accessories: Small Items With Big Impact
Many hunts are cut short not because of core temperature, but because extremities get cold. Smart accessory choices keep you mentally sharp and physically capable when a rutting buck finally appears.
Must Have Accessories:
- ScentLok gloves with dexterity for shooting and warmth for waiting.
- Insulated, scent controlled headwear to trap heat and reduce odor.
- Neck gaiters to seal gaps and prevent heat loss.
- Quality socks and insulated boots to keep your feet warm during hours of inactivity.
A warm core, and a comfortable upper and lower body won’t matter if your fingers or toes go numb by 2 p.m. Cold hands and feet have cut more hunts short than any other factor when it comes to staying warm and comfortable for all day sits.
ScentLok’s Scent Control Advantage
Layering is only half the battle. Scent control becomes even more important during the rut as deer move unpredictably and winds shift throughout the day. ScentLok’s Carbon Alloy technology works through every layer, creating a complete scent control system from skin to shell. When you’re in the stand from sunup to sundown, reducing your scent signature can be the difference between seeing a cruising giant or getting caught if he circles downwind.
Stay Longer, Stay Warmer, Stay Invisible
The rut is the Super Bowl of deer hunting, and success often comes to those willing to wait it out. The right layering system keeps you in the stand longer, and ScentLok’s innovative, scent-controlled apparel gives hunters the comfort and confidence to push through every hour of November daylight. When temperatures drop, winds swirl, and deer movement peaks, you’ll be ready. Layer up, stay comfortable, and let the rut handle the rest.
