Keith Lusher 05.29.25
There’s a particular sound within the southeast Louisiana woods that each outdoorsman is aware of all too properly: the rhythmic smack of palm in opposition to cheek, neck, and brow. It’s the determined symphony of a hunter at warfare 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 combat with an offended raccoon.
Between the welts from bites and the self-inflicted pink marks from failed makes an attempt to defend myself, I appeared ridiculous. Worse but, these frantic actions had spooked each turkey inside earshot.
That’s after I determined sufficient was sufficient; one thing needed to change. Enter the Badlands Stealth CoolTouch Hoodie, a bit of drugs that’s modified how I stalk turkey within the insect-infested paradise I name my looking grounds.
Why I Purchased It
After my constructive 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 circumstances 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 expertise
- 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™ therapy
- 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 usually 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 absolutely deployed, solely my eyes stay seen, creating the last word stealth profile. The fabric felt clean 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 area.
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 can be shedding layers, I remained absolutely hid with out overheating.
The face wrap portion deserves particular point out. It’s designed to suit comfortably with out proscribing respiratory or creating that claustrophobic feeling some face masks trigger. The stretch-fit design strikes with you, by no means binding or proscribing 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 may be a problem.
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 with out a snag or tear. The fabric has maintained its form and elasticity even after a number of washings.
The antimicrobial Silvadur therapy 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 motive 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 count on 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 gear.
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 time, I’ve worn it fishing to fight each solar publicity and people infamous Louisiana gnats. The face wrap and thumb holes create a whole barrier that bugs merely can’t penetrate, making it invaluable for bayou fishing journeys.
The moisture-wicking properties maintain me dry even throughout energetic stalks, whereas the antimicrobial therapy prevents odor buildup over a number of days within the area. I’ve even worn it throughout winter hunts as an important 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 climbing trails, this hoodie has confirmed itself helpful in nearly 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 some other piece of drugs 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 advantageous print or exceptions—if it breaks, they’ll repair or substitute it, interval. Having used their guarantee service for one more piece of drugs, I can attest that they honestly stand behind this promise, which provides great worth to the acquisition.
Closing Ideas
For hunters who prioritize staying hid whereas remaining snug in hotter circumstances, the Badlands Stealth CoolTouch Hoodie is a must have piece of drugs. The face wrap characteristic alone makes it definitely worth the worth, reworking 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 affected by bugs, it’s turn out to be one of many most-used objects in my outside arsenal. For somebody as notoriously tight with cash as I’m in relation 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 a whole Badlands turkey hunting system or simply want a flexible, light-weight hoodie that provides superior concealment, the Stealth CoolTouch deserves a spot in your gear assortment. Simply be ready to search out fewer and fewer causes to take it off because the seasons change.
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