Polygiene vs. Scentlok: The Best Long-Hunt Solution

As a dedicated deer hunter, you know that scent control is a critical component of a successful hunt. But with so many different technologies and hunting apparel brands on the market, how can you be sure you’re making the best investment for your needs? When I set out to research the most effective long-term scent control solutions for deer hunting, I wanted to ensure I was getting the most bang for my buck, so to speak.

Through my research, I discovered that dual-action technologies that target both odor adsorption and bacterial odor prevention are the best option for a comprehensive approach to scent control and are particularly effective for long-duration hunting trips, as they are self-regenerating and long-lasting. But with so many brands and technologies to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know which option is the best fit for your needs and budget.

That’s why I decided to compile this blog post, to help my fellow deer hunters navigate the complex landscape of scent control technologies and hunting apparel brands. In this post, I’ll compare and contrast two of the most popular scent control technologies from Scentlok and Polygiene, discuss their advantages and potential drawbacks, and highlight the best hunting apparel brands and products that utilize these dual-action technologies. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, this guide will provide the information you need to make an informed investment in your hunting apparel and maximize your chances of a successful hunt.

READ: Scent Control Clothing for Deer Hunting: Yes or No?

The Importance of Dual-Action Scent Control

Deer hunting is an exciting and challenging outdoor activity that requires a combination of skill, patience, and strategy. One essential aspect of deer hunting is scent control. Deer have an incredible sense of smell, which they use to detect potential predators, including humans. Minimizing human scent can significantly increase a hunter’s chances of success in the field.

Scent control involves two key components: odor adsorption and bacterial odor prevention. Odor adsorption is the process of capturing and trapping human scent molecules, preventing them from being detected by deer. Bacterial odor prevention, on the other hand, focuses on inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the hunter’s body and clothing. Bacteria thrive in moist environments, such as sweat, and can produce unpleasant odors that can alert deer to a hunter’s presence.

By combining odor adsorption and bacterial odor prevention, hunters can effectively minimize their scent and increase their chances of getting closer to deer without being detected. In the following sections, we will explore dual-action odor control technologies from Scentlok and Polygiene used in hunting apparel and gear, and discuss their effectiveness, advantages, and potential drawbacks. This information will help you make informed decisions when choosing the best scent control options for your deer hunting adventures.

READ: 26 Scent Control Tips for Deer Hunting (My Scent Control Routine)

Why Scentlok?

Scentlok has been at the forefront of scent control technology in the hunting industry for years, primarily due to its patented activated carbon technology. Owning the patents on activated carbon for hunting apparel has given Scentlok a unique position in the market and has prevented other companies from using the same technology in their products. This exclusivity has contributed to Scentlok’s reputation as the gold standard in scent control.

ScentLok’s Carbon Alloy™ technology is a proprietary blend of activated carbon, activated carbon fibers, and zeolite that effectively absorbs a wide range of odors. Carbon Alloy™ technology is more advanced than standard activated carbon alone, as it provides more surface area for odor adsorption, while also reducing the chances of saturation or overloading. By using Carbon Alloy™ in their hunting clothing, ScentLok is able to offer a high level of odor adsorption, which can significantly improve a hunter’s ability to remain undetected by deer.

The company’s commitment to research and development has also led to the integration of other antimicrobial scent control technologies, such as Silver Alloy™ and Fusix™, further enhancing the effectiveness and comfort of their products.

As a result, Scentlok has built a loyal following among hunters who trust the brand for its consistent performance and reliable scent control solutions. While other scent control technologies have emerged in the market, Scentlok remains a popular choice due to its proven track record, exclusive activated carbon technology, and continued innovation in the field of scent control.

Why Polygiene?

Polygiene has emerged as an innovative alternative to traditional scent control technologies in the hunting industry. With its unique combination of Polygiene StayFresh™ and Polygiene OdorCrunch™ technologies, Polygiene offers a comprehensive approach to odor management in hunting apparel. This has made it an attractive option for brands like Forloh, Pnuma, and Element Outdoors, who prioritize scent control in their products.

StayFresh™ technology uses silver chloride as an antimicrobial agent to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the fabric. By targeting bacterial odors, Polygiene helps reduce the human scent that could alert deer to a hunter’s presence. OdorCrunch™, on the other hand, employs modified silica particles to capture and break down a wide range of odor molecules through oxidation. This dual-action approach to odor control addresses both bacterial and non-bacterial odors, offering a more versatile solution for hunters.

Polygiene’s technologies are not only effective in reducing odor but are also environmentally friendly, as they help extend the life of garments and reduce the need for frequent washing. This can be particularly advantageous on multi-day hunting trips, where access to laundry facilities is limited.

Polygiene stands out as an appealing option for hunters seeking an alternative to traditional scent control technologies. Its innovative, eco-conscious approach to odor management, combined with the comprehensive performance of StayFresh™ and OdorCrunch™ technologies, makes it a strong contender in the world of scent control for hunting apparel.

Comparing Scentlok to Polygiene

1. Carbon Alloy™ vs. OdorCrunch™: Scentlok’s Carbon Alloy™ technology focuses on trapping and holding odor molecules while hunting clothing treated with Polygiene’s Odor Crunch™ eliminates odors by breaking down the molecules through oxidation. Both methods help reduce human scent, but their mechanisms of action are different.
2. Silver Alloy™ vs. StayFresh™: Both Scentlok’s Silver Alloy™ and Polygiene’s StayFresh™ use silver-based antimicrobial treatments to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the fabric. Their effectiveness in controlling odors caused by bacteria should be similar.
3. Fusix™ vs. Stay Fresh™ + Odor Crunch™: Scentlok’s Fusix™ technology aims to provide effective odor control while maintaining fabric stretch and comfort. In comparison, Polygiene’s StayFresh™ and Odor Crunch™ technologies address both bacterial and non-bacterial odors, providing a more comprehensive odor control solution.

READ: Bow Hunting Clothes: Optimizing Camo, Scent, and Stealth

Scentlok vs. Polygiene on Long-Duration Hunts

On multi-day or week-long hunting trips where washing and cleaning clothes are limited, both Scentlok and Polygiene-treated clothing can provide benefits for scent control. However, each technology has its advantages and drawbacks that may impact its performance in such conditions.

Scentlok’s Carbon Alloy™ technology traps and holds odor molecules, which means its odor adsorption capacity may decrease over time as it becomes saturated with odors. The performance of the activated carbon may also be reduced by moisture, which is often present during extended hunting trips. However, Scentlok’s Silver Alloy™ technology can continue to help inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria throughout the trip, which may help maintain some degree of scent control.

Polygiene’s StayFresh™ technology uses silver chloride to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the fabric, helping to keep the clothing fresher for a longer time without washing. In addition, Odor Crunch™ technology breaks down odor molecules through oxidation, which means it doesn’t rely on trapping the molecules like the activated carbon in Scentlok.

Therefore, OdorCrunch™ will never reach a saturation point since it uses a unique catalyst that breaks down the odor. Once the odor molecules are adsorbed, they will be catalytically cracked and broken down and the offensive odor is permanently eliminated. This is a continuous process so the Odor Crunch™ particles don’t need to be recharged or “refreshed” by washing like the activated carbon or zeolites in Scentlok’s Carbon Alloy™.

Considering these factors, Polygiene-treated clothing with StayFresh™ and Odor Crunch™ technologies may have a slight advantage for multi-day or week-long hunting trips with limited washing facilities. The combination of bacterial odor inhibition (Stay Fresh™) and continuous odor molecule breakdown (Odor Crunch™) can help maintain a higher level of scent control over an extended period.

However, it’s essential to keep in mind that no scent control technology can completely eliminate human scent. Regardless of the technology used, hunters should also practice proper scent control techniques, maintain good hygiene, and adopt appropriate hunting strategies to minimize their odor signature during extended hunting trips.

Other Comparable Dual-Action Technologies

Under Armour’s UA Scent Control technology combines antimicrobial silver with a zeolite-based adsorbent that traps odor-causing bacteria. This dual approach prevents bacterial growth and actively absorbs odors, providing a more comprehensive scent control solution.

Drake Waterfowl’s Agion Active XL also uses a dual-action approach, combining a silver-based antimicrobial with a carbon-based adsorbent. The silver antimicrobial prevents the growth of bacteria and fungi, while the carbon adsorbent traps and absorbs odors.

ScentBlocker’s Cold Fusion and S3 Scent Control technologies use a variety of odor-adsorbing materials, including zeolites, activated carbon, and copper, in combination with antimicrobial agents to control both bacterial growth and odor absorption. This dual-action approach provides a comprehensive scent control solution for hunters.

Under Armour’s UA Scent Control uses a combination of antimicrobial and odor-adsorbing technologies, but it does not provide as comprehensive of a dual-action approach as Scentlok and Polygiene. Drake Waterfowl’s Agion Active XL also uses a dual-action approach, but it may not be as effective as Scentlok and Polygiene in terms of odor adsorption.

ScentBlocker’s Cold Fusion and S3 Scent Control both use a combination of antimicrobial and odor-adsorbing technologies, but they may not provide the same level of effectiveness as Scentlok and Polygiene in terms of long-term scent control for extended hunting trips. Overall, while these technologies are comparable to Scentlok and Polygiene, they may not provide the same level of effectiveness and durability for long-term scent control.

Conclusion

When it comes to selecting a scent control technology for hunting apparel, one important factor to consider is its effectiveness for long hunting trips. Polygiene’s Odor Crunch™ and StayFresh™ technologies are particularly effective for long-duration trips, as they are self-regenerating and long-lasting, which helps to reduce the need for washing and extends the life of the garment.

While other technologies like Scentlok’s Carbon Alloy™ and Silver Alloy™ can also provide effective odor control for hunting apparel, they may not be as ideal for long-duration trips due to their potential to break down over time or the requirement of frequent washings.

In addition to their effectiveness in minimizing human scent, technologies like Polygiene’s Odor Crunc™h and StayFresh™can also help to extend the life of hunting apparel. By choosing a technology that provides dual-action odor control and garment longevity, hunters can stay undetected in the field for longer periods of time and maximize their chances of success.

Overall, hunters planning long-duration trips who want long-term effective scent control should consider the benefits of Polygiene’s Odor Crunch™ and StayFresh™ technologies, as well as other technologies that provide effective dual-action odor control and garment longevity. By selecting the right scent control technology for their needs, hunters can increase their chances of success and stay undetected for longer periods of time.