Keith Lusher 05.29.25
There’s a particular sound within the southeast Louisiana woods that each outdoorsman is aware of all too effectively: the rhythmic smack of palm in opposition to cheek, neck, and brow. It’s the determined symphony of a hunter at struggle with mosquitoes and gnats.
Final spring, I returned from a turkey hunt with arms drained not from carrying a shotgun, however from the fixed slapping and swatting that left my face trying like I’d misplaced a battle with an indignant raccoon.
Between the welts from bites and the self-inflicted pink marks from failed makes an attempt to defend myself, I regarded ridiculous. Worse but, these frantic actions had spooked each turkey inside earshot.
That’s once I determined sufficient was sufficient; one thing needed to change. Enter the Badlands Stealth CoolTouch Hoodie, a bit of substances that’s modified how I stalk turkey within the insect-infested paradise I name my looking grounds.
Why I Purchased It
After my optimistic expertise with the Badlands Turkey Chest Rig, I used to be slowly constructing my assortment of their turkey looking gear. The one factor I used to be lacking was correct higher physique camouflage that might adapt to the nice and cozy situations of southeast Louisiana.
Throughout early season hunts, I’d typically discover myself compromising between staying hid and staying cool; till I found the Stealth CoolTouch Hoodie.
Specs
- CoolTouch know-how
- Extremely-lightweight at simply 9 oz
- Constructed-in hood and face wrap
- Thumb gap sleeves for full protection
- Stretch-fit design for mobility
- Moisture-wicking properties
- Antimicrobial Silvadur™ remedy
- 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex mix
- Strategy GT camo sample
Out of the Field
My first impression was how extremely light-weight this hoodie is. At simply 9 ounces, it feels extra like a long-sleeve t-shirt than what you’d sometimes name a hoodie. The Strategy GT camo sample completely matches my chest rig and different Badlands gear, making a seamless camouflage system.
The built-in face wrap was what actually caught my consideration. When totally deployed, solely my eyes stay seen, creating the last word stealth profile. The fabric felt easy in opposition to my pores and skin, and I instantly appreciated the thought that went into the thumb holes—a small element that makes an enormous distinction within the discipline.
Consolation
That is the place the Stealth CoolTouch Hoodie excels. Regardless of offering full protection from neck to wrists (together with arms with the thumb holes), the breathability is exceptional. On heat mornings when most hunters could be shedding layers, I remained totally hid with out overheating.
The face wrap portion deserves particular point out. It’s designed to suit comfortably with out limiting respiratory or creating that claustrophobic feeling some face masks trigger. The stretch-fit design strikes with you, by no means binding or limiting you when drawing your bow or shouldering your shotgun.
What shocked me most was its versatility past turkey season. Throughout a fishing journey to the bayou, I used to be being eaten alive by southeast Louisiana gnats till I pulled this hoodie from my pack. With the face wrap deployed and thumb holes utilized, these pesky mosquitoes couldn’t discover an inch of pores and skin to assault. It was a game-changer, and I now pack it for any outside exercise the place bugs could be a difficulty.
Rating: 9.7/10
Sturdiness
Regardless of its light-weight development, this hoodie has confirmed surprisingly sturdy. I’ve pushed via brush, leaned in opposition to tough bark, and even had an in depth encounter with a barbed wire fence—all and not using a snag or tear. The fabric has maintained its form and elasticity even after a number of washings.
The antimicrobial Silvadur remedy is a considerate addition that pays dividends throughout lengthy hunts. Even after sweating on this garment for a number of consecutive days (hey, typically the turkeys are cussed), it didn’t develop that funky odor typical of artificial supplies.
The one cause I’m not giving it an ideal 10 is that I’ve solely owned it for one season. But when it’s something like my different Badlands gear, I anticipate it to final for a lot of seasons to return.
Rating: 9/10
Versatility
If there’s one space the place the Stealth CoolTouch Hoodie exceeds all expectations, it’s versatility. This isn’t only a turkey looking garment—it’s an all-season, multi-purpose piece of outside tools.
In spring, it’s good for early morning turkey hunts when there’s nonetheless a chill within the air, but breathable sufficient to put on as temperatures rise. Throughout summer season, I’ve worn it fishing to fight each solar publicity and people infamous Louisiana gnats. The face wrap and thumb holes create an entire barrier that bugs merely can’t penetrate, making it invaluable for bayou fishing journeys.
The moisture-wicking properties hold me dry even throughout energetic stalks, whereas the antimicrobial remedy prevents odor buildup over a number of days within the discipline. I’ve even worn it throughout winter hunts as a vital first layer beneath my heavier gear. The close-fitting design traps physique warmth with out including bulk, and the face wrap eliminates the necessity for a separate neck gaiter or face masks.
From turkey blinds to deer stands, bass boats to mountain climbing trails, this hoodie has confirmed itself helpful in just about each outside state of affairs I’ve encountered. It’s the very first thing I pack no matter season or exercise, which is one thing I can’t say about every other piece of substances I personal.
Rating 10/10
The Badlands Guarantee
Like all Badlands gear, the Stealth CoolTouch Hoodie comes with their legendary Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee. As they put it, “If our identify is on it, it’s coated.” There’s no nice print or exceptions—if it breaks, they’ll repair or substitute it, interval. Having used their guarantee service for an additional piece of substances, I can attest that they really stand behind this promise, which provides super worth to the acquisition.
Remaining Ideas
For hunters who prioritize staying hid whereas remaining snug in hotter situations, the Badlands Stealth CoolTouch Hoodie is a must have piece of substances. The face wrap characteristic alone makes it well worth the worth, remodeling you into a virtually invisible presence within the woods with solely your eyes uncovered.
What makes this hoodie distinctive is its versatility—from early season turkey hunts to fishing journeys stricken by bugs, it’s develop into one of many most-used objects in my outside arsenal. For somebody as notoriously tight with cash as I’m with regards to looking gear, the truth that I’m already planning to purchase a second one speaks volumes about its worth.
Whether or not you’re constructing an entire Badlands turkey hunting system or simply want a flexible, light-weight hoodie that gives superior concealment, the Stealth CoolTouch deserves a spot in your gear assortment. Simply be ready to seek out fewer and fewer causes to take it off because the seasons change.
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