Good hunting gear is built to handle tough conditions. But even the toughest clothing performs better, and lasts longer, when it’s looked after properly.
Whether you're pushing through thick bush, climbing steep country, or working long days outdoors, your gear takes a beating. Mud, sweat, rain, and scrub can all wear clothing down over time if it isn’t cared for the right way.
The good news? A few simple habits can extend the life of your hunting clothing, helping it stay comfortable, durable, and ready for the next trip into the bush.
Why Proper Hunting Clothing Care Matters
Quality hunting clothing is designed to perform in challenging conditions. But dirt, moisture, and rough use can slowly reduce the effectiveness of fabrics if they aren’t maintained.
Taking care of your gear helps:
- Maintain breathability and comfort
- Protect water-resistant finishes
- Prevent fabric wear and damage
- Extend the lifespan of your clothing
- Keep gear ready for your next hunt
A little maintenance goes a long way when it comes to outdoor hunting clothing in New Zealand conditions.
Wash Your Hunting Clothing the Right Way
After a long day in the bush, it’s tempting to throw everything straight into the wash. But washing outdoor clothing correctly helps preserve its performance.
Here are a few simple tips:
Use cold or warm water
Hot water can damage technical fabrics and reduce the effectiveness of water-repellent coatings.
Choose mild detergent
Strong detergents or fabric softeners can clog breathable fabrics and reduce moisture-wicking performance.
Avoid fabric softeners
These can leave residues that interfere with technical fabrics used in outdoor clothing.
Turn garments inside out
This helps protect prints, logos, and outer fabric surfaces during washing.
Let Your Gear Dry Naturally
After washing your hunting clothing, air drying is usually the best option.
High heat from dryers can weaken fabrics, shrink garments, and reduce water-repellent coatings.
Instead:
- Hang clothing in a well ventilated space
- Avoid direct high heat
- Make sure items are fully dry before storing
This helps preserve the shape, fit, and durability of your gear.
If you need to use a dryer, use a low heat setting. For waterproof garments, a tumble on low heat can actually help reactivate DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coatings.
Reapply Water Repellent When Needed
Many outdoor garments, including lightweight hunting trousers and jackets, use a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating to help shed light rain.
Over time, this coating can wear down, especially after repeated washing.
If you notice water starting to soak into the fabric instead of beading off, it may be time to reapply a DWR treatment.
These treatments are easy to apply and can help restore the performance of your outdoor clothing.
Store Your Hunting Gear Properly
How you store your clothing between hunts can make a big difference.
Before putting gear away:
- Make sure clothing is completely dry
- Brush off dirt, mud, or debris
- Store in a cool, dry space
Avoid leaving damp clothing in packs or vehicles for extended periods. Moisture trapped in fabrics can lead to odours and damage over time.
Proper storage keeps your gear ready for the next hunt or outdoor trip.
Check Gear for Wear and Tear
Outdoor gear naturally takes some punishment. Regularly checking your clothing for small issues can help prevent bigger problems later.
Look out for:
- Loose stitching
- Small tears from scrub
- Worn zips
- Damaged pockets or seams
Repairing small issues early can help extend the life of your hunting clothing significantly.
Take Care of Your Gear and It Will Take Care of You
When you're deep in the bush or out in the hills, your gear plays a big role in keeping you comfortable and prepared.
Game Gear hunting clothing is built tough for New Zealand conditions, but like any equipment, it performs best when it’s properly maintained.
By washing, drying, storing, and checking your gear the right way, you can get more seasons out of your clothing and keep it performing at its best.
Because when your gear lasts longer, you spend less time replacing it and more time out where you belong, in the outdoors.