Campers And Hikers Agree That Wearing This Clothing Color Is Smart During Rainy Winters

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Winter is here, but that won't deter outdoor enthusiasts from getting outside and staying active. Just as hikers and campers make their way into the woods, hunters from across the nation are also heading into the deep bush hoping to snag that coveted deer they've been eyeing. As you walk along the trails, you can hear the distinctive crack of a 20-gauge far off in the distance, but rather than running scared, you've listened to your fellow campers and hikers when they told you that wearing blaze orange-colored clothing is the smartest thing you can do while in the woods during dreary winters.

There are many tips to help you feel safer while hiking alone, and wearing blaze orange (also commonly referred to as hunter orange or safety orange) as part of your hiking gear is definitely one of them. While the color itself won't land you on Vogue's Most Fashionable lists, wearing it can not only make you visible to hunters perched up in trees out of sight, but it can potentially save your life and prevent you from being mistaken for a deer roaming the woods. There's no better time to bust out that '80s-inspired DayGlo orange jacket than right before hitting the trails this winter.

Hunters are skillfully trained to keep a close eye out for movement in the woods, and not only those with four legs. They are also trained to look for certain colors, such as blaze orange, red, and even pink, and when they see those colors, they know it's not safe to shoot. Hunters themselves also wear blaze orange along with their camos, so that other hunters are aware of their whereabouts. It's also mandatory for hunting in the United States.

America has one of the must-visit destinations around the world for avid hikers, and along with hikers and campers, hunters also delve into the woods every hunting season. Hunting season varies from state to state, and each seasonal window is species specific, with most typically falling from September to January or February. After reading our ultimate guide to packing the best (and safest) hiking gear, you'll be ready to hit the trails with confidence this winter.

So, why blaze orange? Yes, you may look like a human-sized orange Hi-Liter, but the color is meant to stand out against nature's neutral tones and foliage, so that when hunters scan the area, you are essentially a highly-visible walking pylon among the branches. Wearing the bright orange color as a hoodie, jacket, or a vest on your upper body is best, as it is the largest surface area of your body, as well as the highest, so you are quickly visible to hunters. Adding a few blaze-orange accessories, such as a hat or gloves, are also great ways to increase your visibility. If you bring your four-legged friend with you, consider purchasing a bright blaze-orange jacket for their safety as well.

While deer and larger mammals may be colorblind to your blaze-orange outfit, hunters won't be. Stay warm and visible in this budget-friendly yet just as effective Men's Wool Vest by Minus 33 for $120. This ladies Hoja Adventure Vest for $135 by Fjällräven is also perfect for layering and staying visible, or place this bag cover over your backpack for an easy and cost-effective way to stand out on your next hike.