If you’re an avid bow hunter, you know that early-season hunting can present some unique challenges, including hot weather, wet conditions, and irritating insects. One of the most important pieces of gear to have in your arsenal is a reliable pair of hunting pants that work well for bow hunting. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start.
The great thing about my job is I get to test a lot of hunting gear, but more importantly, you get to benefit from what I learned from it. Last season the heat stayed around a lot more than any of us would like, but it also allowed me to put these different pants to the test for an extended period.
With that I’ve now put together this guide to some of the best early-season bow hunting pants I tested in 2024, to help you find the best early-season option for you and how you like to hunt.
*See My Full Early Season Clothing System Tests Here.
Best Early Season Bow Hunting Pants 2024
What I found during my comprehensive review of early-season pants for this year:
- Best Overall: Sitka Equinox Guard Pants
- Best Runner-Up: Asio Gear Lightweight Pants
- Best Insect Control: Forloh Insect Shield® SolAir Pants (100% Made in the USA)
- Best Wicking: Kuiu Tiburon Pants
- Best Scent Control: Scentlok Savanna Aero Crosshair Pants
- Most Comfortable: Kryptek Valhalla Pants
- Best Budget Option: Huntworth Durham Lightweight Pants
- Honorable Mention: First Lite Trace Pants (Just received and starting to test, so far, so good!)
As you will see, a lot of the pants listed here meet or exceed the criteria listed below, but each one listed above stood out from the rest in those highlighted categories. For camouflage, all except for Scentlok have a lot of options for advanced deer vision focused camo.
Review Criteria
Before diving into the reviews of the best early-season bow hunting pants, it’s important to establish the criteria we used to evaluate them. Here are some of the key factors we considered:
- Durability: Hunting pants need to be tough enough to withstand the rigors of the field, including abrasions from rocks, sticks, and brush.
- Mobility: Bow hunters need pants that won’t restrict movement, especially when it comes to drawing and shooting a bow.
- Water resistance: Early-season hunts often take place in areas with morning dew or occasional light rain, so pants need to repel moisture and keep the hunter dry.
- Moisture management: With high exertion levels in hot and warm weather, hunters need pants that wick sweat away and dry quickly to keep them comfortable and prevent overheating.
- Scent Control: The ability to provide antimicrobial or scent control technology to the pants to minimize or eliminate scent while hunting.
- Camo and Stealth: The ability to blend in with the environment is crucial for any hunt, so pants with a disruption-style camo pattern and quiet fabric are highly desirable. Keeping quiet is critical for deer hunters.
- Insect control: Mosquitoes and other bugs can be a major distraction and annoyance on early-season hunts, so pants with insect-repelling properties are a valuable asset.
By evaluating hunting pants based on these criteria, we could better determine which ones are the best fit for bow hunters in the early season. See the guide on how we pick the best bow-hunting clothes here.
Sitka Equinox Guard Pants
Price: $249
The Sitka Equinox Guard Pants are a versatile and reliable choice for early-season bow hunters. I rated these as my top pick due to their versatility and overall quality. The attention to detail and design stand out from others in this category. I wore these pants during the spring turkey season, summer scouting, and a lot of the fall archery season and learned a lot about them in the process.
The pants are a little heavier than most of the other pants listed here, but with their ability to wick away moisture and side zip vents, I never thought about it. Plus, I was able to wear them into the mid-season by adding a base layer underneath.
The Durable Water Resistant (DWR) protection worked well when going through high grass and light rain. Plus, this is where they also showed their durability by holding up way better than I would have thought when busting brush.
The side-zip cargo pockets are built for bow hunters. They allow easy access when up in a tree stand, standing, or sitting. The taped seams enhanced the water protection on the outside very well and the YKK zippers were fairly quiet.
The Insect Shield protection was a lifesaver on multiple occasions. The bugs were bad this season and the addition of the leg gaiters to keep ticks and other bugs from crawling up your legs was a huge plus. This was a big selling point for me since I have fought Lyme Disease and don’t want to have to deal with it ever again.
The one thing that is hard to articulate is the quality and feel of these pants. I own a lot of hunting pants due to the nature of my job here and these are some of the best I have tested and reviewed. The only real negative is the price.
See My Full Sitka Equinox Guard System Review Here.
Other Reviewer Comments
- “The Sitka Equinox Guard Pants are perfect for warmer early season hunts and pre-season scouting and tree stand preparation.”
- “Awesome warm weather pants, especially once the bugs come out and other lightweight pants will let bites through.”
- “I took these pants archery elk hunting in September… LOVED them!”
- “The stretch is also great, making the pants a good choice for big-game pursuits.”
Forloh Insect Shield® SolAir Lightweight Pants
Price: $179
The Forloh Insect Shield® SolAir Lightweight Pants are the epitome of technologically advanced warm-weather outdoor pants. With the addition of Insect Shield® protection, they repel a wide range of insects without any noticeable scent. These pants feature FORLOH’s flagship cooling technology, brrr® Pro, which incorporates cooling minerals to keep your skin temperature consistently cooler.
Now initially I was skeptical about the quality of these pants because of all the different technologies Forloh claims to have incorporated into them. With Polygiene® Stay Fresh antimicrobial and Odor Crunch® scent control systems added to the list too, I wanted to see if any of this hype was even close to true.
The first thing I noticed was that they felt like I was wearing pajamas. They are so light and very quiet.
I took them on multiple summer scouting trips last summer and through several hunts last fall and they proved me wrong. While extremely light, they are very durable and way quieter than I expected. Their ability to wich away moisture and keep you cool was a standout in this category.
The Insect Shield protection worked extremely well and was one of the reasons I used these during my summer scouting trips so much.
My biggest problems with the pants were that they only had a single right zippered cargo pocket, two hand pockets, and a single right back pocket. If you are a lefty, these pants are not for you.
The biggest plus, however, is these pants are 100% Made in the USA!
See My Full Forloh Insect Shield SolAir Pants & Hoodie Review Here.
Other Reviewer Comments
- “The pants were comfortable and quiet, allowing for unrestricted movement during my bow hunts.”
- “One standout feature was the effective odor control provided by Polygiene.”
- “The Insect Shield® technology provided long-lasting and convenient insect protection.”
Asio Lightweight Pants
Price: $139
The Asio Gear Lightweight Pants are a great choice for early-season bow hunting. These pants are designed with a focus on comfort and mobility, making them perfect for those long treks in the woods.
I have a serious crush on Asio. The quality and overall value of everything I have tested from them has been top-notch. These pants are no different.
I have now worn these through two bow hunting seasons and they are one of my favorites. With a host of all the features you want in an early season pant. Lightweight, moisture-wicking, more pockets than you can count with YKK zippers and taped seams on every pocket to go with their superior DWR protection. They shed light rain very well.
The pants have side zip vents that I use all the time. I think all hunting pants should have them and these work very well and don’t get in the way of the front double cargo pockets. They are probably the most durable pants in this category and can take on thick brush very well considering how thin they are.
They also offer a lot of mobility. I am always impressed by the 4-Way Stretch in these pants and my ability to take on all kinds of terrain and tree-climbing activities without issue. They could be quieter, but with everything else they provide, they are quiet enough.
I only wish they had Insect Shield protection too. This would have put them at the top of this list, but they are right there.
I consider the Asio Midweight Pants to be one of the best pants options for bow hunters. These lightweight pants are not far behind.
See My Full Asio Gear Lightweight Pants & Hoodie Review Here.
Other Reviewer Comments
- “The Asio Gear Lightweight Pants are comfortable and provide great mobility. I never feel restricted in these pants.”
- “These pants have plenty of pockets for storage. The dedicated knife sheath is a nice touch.”
- “The lightweight fabric is breathable and dries quickly, keeping me comfortable during my early season hunts.”
Huntworth Durham Lightweight Hunting Pants
Price: $119.99
The Huntworth Durham Lightweight Hunting Pants are a great option for hunters who are looking for comfortable and flexible pants for their hunting trips. Made of stretch-woven polyester with a DWR finish, the pants are soft, yet abrasion-resistant and protect you from the elements while providing an excellent range of motion.
The Disruption® digital concealment pattern provides the necessary stealth, whether you are spotting and stalking or sitting in a blind or treestand. I always say that the Disruption camo is what you get if the Sitka Optifade Subalpine and Elevated II camos had a baby, this is what you’d get.
The Durham Pants have abrasion-resistant and waterproof reinforcement at the knees and the seat of the pants. I’ll be honest, I did not like the looks of it when I first started testing them. I was worried about noise when busting through brush. They do make noise when these parts of the pant rub against brush, but the durability is top-notch.
In the stand, however, I have never had a noise issue. They provide good mobility and stretch too.
These pants are more of a budget brand, but don’t think that means they are not quality pants. They definitely are and while the price is listed at around $120, Huntworth has numerous sales that make these an easy under $100 buy if you are on a budget.
If you are looking for a budget option that is also a quality pant, this is the one.
See My Full Huntworth Lightweight Pullover and Pants Review Here.
Other Reviewer Comments
- “Hands down the best pair of spring turkey and early archery season pants I have ever owned. They are incredibly comfortable and silent.”
- “Put these pants through the wringer this fall. Very happy with them. Great for those early season sits, and for mobile hunting year round!”
- “I wear these pants anywhere from 90 degrees during September elk hunts down to 20-30 degrees during October and November hunts (with a base layer underneath them).”
- “No rips” despite putting them “through some rough terrain this season.”
- “You just can’t beat the Disruption camo pattern.”
- “What is great about the pants is that they are breathable and if you get wet the pants will dry fast. Great quality and the knee patches are great.”
Kryptek Valhalla Pants
Price: $119
The Kryptek Valhalla Pants are an excellent choice for any hunter looking for a lightweight and breathable option for early-season hunts. These pants are made from a blend of 92% polyester and 8% elastane, providing an athletic fit while offering excellent stretch and flexibility for a wide range of motion.
The fabric also features Kryptek Cooling™ technology, which actively wicks sweat away from the skin to keep both you and your gear dry and cool. The Valhalla Pants are quick-drying and moisture-wicking, which is ideal for hunting in hot and humid conditions.
In terms of features, the Valhalla Pants have reinforced buttons, belt loops, and a total of six pockets. There are two hand pockets, two thigh pockets, two zippered thigh pockets, and two rear pockets. The pants are designed to be packable, making them a great option for hunters who need to carry their gear with them on the go.
The only reason these pants are not at the top of this list is the pocket configuration. There are zippered pockets on the back of both legs and these have a phone-sized open pocket above each one. This, along with not having side zip vents was an issue.
The Valhalla Pants are constructed very well and the thing that stood out to me is how comfortable they are for as durable as they are. They are really comfortable to wear in hot weather. They are not as quiet as some other options here, but they are great pants nonetheless.
Other Reviewer Comments
Reviewers have praised the Kryptek Valhalla Pants’ sturdy build and practical features. One hunter highlighted the thigh pocket placement and fleece-lined hip pocket, stating that it came in handy on chilly mornings. The Obscura camo pattern is also a standout feature, with hunters stating that it works well in various terrains. Overall, the pants are a reliable and practical option for hunting gear.
Hunters have also praised the comfort and durability of the Valhalla Pants. One hunter found them to be cool and comfortable during fieldwork, while another described them as “amazingly comfortable” for both hunting and casual wear. The pants are also versatile, with hunters wearing them in different colors for both work and hunting.
Despite their light and stretchy material, the pants are also surprisingly durable, making them a favorite among hunters. As one reviewer stated, “Once you buy a pair, you will want to buy more.”
Scentlok Savanna Aero Crosshair Pants
Price: $129
The ScentLok Savanna Aero Crosshair Pants are an excellent choice for early-season hunting when staying cool, comfortable, and undetected is crucial. The Carbon Alloy® Technology used in these pants is an effective odor control method that reduces human scent and keeps you undetected by game animals. The moisture-wicking and antimicrobial treatments are also effective features for staying dry and odor-free during high-exertion hunts.
These pants are made with advanced lightweight fabrics that keep you cool and comfortable, preventing overheating while providing maximum mobility. The six-pocket design ensures that all necessary items are within reach, and the side waist adjusters guarantee a comfortable and secure fit.
If you are looking for a scent control solution for the early season, then these pants should be at the top of your list. They are really good hot-weather pants that are lightweight and allow for great mobility. The fact that they have both odor-adsorbing and antimicrobial treatments in such lightweight pants is impressive. The only other pants in this review that has the same capability are the Forloh Solair.
I do question their durability so be careful when wearing. I ripped a big hole in these pants on my first afternoon hunt with them. I was going through some heavy jaggers, so it’s not all the pant’s fault.
Other Reviewer Comments
According to one reviewer, the Scentlok Savanna Aero Crosshair Pants are their favorite hunting pants for early and mid-season or warm weather conditions, due to their comfort and stretch in the right places. The pockets are also well-designed, making them a great all-around option.
However, another reviewer noted that they did not hold up well against briars, but still considered them a good purchase for their comfortable material. They were unsure about the pants’ long-term durability compared to other ScentLok products due to their hard use.
Despite concerns from one reviewer about the lack of a back pocket, another customer was pleased with the pants’ true-to-size fit and silent movement. The lightweight and breathable material made it an ideal choice for public land hunting in Florida, with the pants hitting the mark in terms of comfort and fit.
Additionally, one satisfied customer considered the Scentlok Savanna Aero Crosshair Pants as the best and most durable pants for early-season hunts, with plenty of pockets and the ability to remain cool during temperatures of 60 degrees or higher.
Kuiu Tiburon Pants
Price: $149
The KUIU Tiburon Pant is designed for the heat of the early season. Made from a lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying fabric, these pants are perfect for those hot early-season hunts. The Tiburon Pant features a durable water-repellent finish for protection in wet conditions and a 4-way stretch fabric for unrestricted movement.
One of the standout features of the Tiburon Pant is its dot air mesh technology. This technology allows for maximum breathability, helping to keep you cool and dry during high-exertion activities. The pants also feature a gusseted crotch and articulated knees for improved mobility and comfort.
These are very comfortable pants and were one of my favorites to wear.
Kuiu sets a different standard when it comes to their pants and the Tiberon is the consummate warm weather early season pants. They are not as durable as some others here, but when it comes to mobility, breathability, and wicking they are at the top of the list.
They are remarkably quiet and feel extremely light when worn. The side-zips are a plus and this is another pair of pants that will make you fall in love with Kuiu’s gear. I wore these for three straight days hunting and can’t offer any real negatives other than a slight durability issue.
The Tiberon is a great pant, but if you are looking for something a little heavier and more durable, I highly recommend the Kuiu Kutana Stretch Woven Pants as an alternative option.
Other Reviewer Comments
- “The Tiburon Pant is my go-to for early-season hunts. The breathability is unmatched.”
- “These pants are lightweight and comfortable. The dot air mesh technology really helps keep you cool.”
- “The 4-way stretch fabric allows for great mobility. I never feel restricted in these pants.”
Conclusion
When it comes to the best early-season bow hunting pants, having the right pair can make all the difference in the world. We’ve reviewed six excellent options, each with its strengths and benefits for different hunting conditions and styles.
The Sitka Equinox Guard Pants are an excellent choice for insect control, durability, and water resistance, with its GORE-TEX fabric and reinforced knees for rugged terrain. The Asio Lightweight Pants are great for mobility and stealth, with their four-way stretch fabric, quiet construction, and exceptional water-repellency. The Huntworth Durham Lightweight Hunting Pants offer excellent value and versatility, with a durable ripstop fabric and durable water-repellent (DWR) finish.
For those looking for the ultimate in moisture management, the Kryptek Valhalla Pants are a top pick, with their Kryptek Cooling™ technology and lightweight, breathable construction. The Scentlok Savanna Aero Crosshair Pants offer outstanding scent control and antimicrobial treatment, keeping you concealed and odor-free in the field.
Finally, the Kuiu Tiburon Pants offer a balance of mobility, durability, and breathability, making them an excellent all-around choice for any early-season hunting adventure.
Ultimately, the best early-season bow hunting pants for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the hunting conditions you’ll be facing, the level of activity you’ll be engaging in, and the features that are most important to you. With these six excellent options, you’re sure to find a pair of pants that will help you stay comfortable, concealed, and successful in the field.
