Pre-Season Gear Checklist for Women Hunters

Pre-season is the time to test, pack, and upgrade your hunting gear so you’re ready for opening day. From women-specific camo layers and waterproof boots to temperature-controlling base layers, a stocked hunting pack, reliable optics, and essential safety gear, early preparation ensures comfort, confidence, and success in the field.

Opening day will be here before you know it. The last thing you want is to be scrambling for gear the night before your first hunt—or worse, discovering your boots leak or your camo doesn’t fit right. Pre-season is the perfect time to pack, upgrade, and test your equipment so you’re ready when the season starts.

Make pre-season preparations a breeze, with this checklist:

1. Camo Clothing for Every Condition

Early season weather can be unpredictable, so plan for everything from warm afternoons to frosty mornings. DSG Outerwear’s camo pieces are tailored for women, so you’ll have the mobility you need without excess bulk.

Must-haves:

Softshell Jacket – The Ava 3.0 Jacket is a wind-proof barrier with the durability to brush through cover.
Breathable Hunting Pants – The Bexley 3.0 Pants has flexible, ripstop material for long treks.
Insulating Mid-Layer – Like the Breanna Pullover, perfect for layering when temps drop.

Pre-season check: Make sure zippers, snaps, and velcro closures are fully functional and there’s no wear in high-friction areas.

2. Boots for Comfort and Stability

If your feet aren’t happy, your hunt won’t be either. Break in new boots now to avoid blisters during the season.

Look for:

Waterproofing for wet mornings.
Good ankle support for uneven terrain.
Insulation appropriate for your hunting climate.

Pro tip: Pair with DSG Outerwear’s merino wool hunting socks for temperature regulation and moisture control.

3. Base Layers for Temperature Control

Base layers are your first defense against both cold and heat. They should wick moisture, dry quickly, and fit comfortably under other layers.

DSG Outerwear essentials:

Lightweight Merino Wool Top & Bottoms – Keeps you warm without overheating.
Breathable Synthetic Base Layers – For milder conditions where you need moisture control.

4. Hunting Pack Essentials

Your pack should be ready to grab and go. Do a full inventory and replace any worn or expired items.

Include:

Field knife or multi-tool
Rangefinder and extra batteries
Gloves (light and insulated)
Calls specific to your game
First aid kit
Water and snacks

5. Optics and Accessories

Clean lenses, check mounts, and make sure everything is in working order.

Pre-season tasks:

Sight in your rifle or bow.
Test your rangefinder accuracy.
Inspect binocular straps and harnesses for wear.

6. Safety Gear

Whether you’re hunting alone or with others, safety gear should always be in your kit.

Checklist:

Blaze orange vest or hat (for firearm seasons)
GPS unit or mapping app with offline maps
Headlamp with extra batteries

Don’t wait until opening morning to find out your jacket zipper is stuck or your boots need new laces. Take a short scouting trip wearing your full gear to make sure everything fits, functions, and feels right.

With DSG Outerwear’s women-specific gear and apparel, you’ll head into the season prepared, comfortable, and confident—ready for whatever the hunt brings.