Scent Control Clothing:

An Important Layer in
Scent Control Hunting

The hype about scent control clothing for hunting, like Scent Blocker, Scent-Lok and No Trace has less good science behind it than people think. The research that is used for advertising purposes is often from flawed science models.

Scent-Lok and Scent Blocker, the carbon embedded types of scent control hunting clothing, become gradually less effective with time, starting immediately. Any carbon containing clothing must be “reactivated” with heat, but the science does not show that the common household dryer is hot enough to be able to reactivate it over and over again.

Also, the carbon clothing traps gases, so heat may not escape as easily either. Something to keep in mind during archery season or on a hard climbing hike.

The carbon suit manufacturers admit that the odor reducing effectiveness begins to diminish after about 18 months, assuming the product is used and treated just right for about 18 six hour hunts per season. Most hunters can’t take care of it properly anyway. That doesn’t sound like a good deal to me, but if money is no object, these can add a measure of scent reduction.

No Trace uses cyclodextrins embedded into the fibers of the clothing to “adsorb” odor molecules. The cyclodextrins do trap odors. The odors are then freed from this binding when the clothing is washed. No Trace is about half the cost of the carbon suits and is easier to “reactivate”, by simply washing them in odor free soap.

Too Many Variables to be Considered Effective

I would recommend the cheaper No Trace scent control hunting clothing, but add it to the more effective silver fiber, next-to-the-skin anti-bacterial under garments (see below). If the outer scent control clothing doesn't fit in your budget, just go with the silver fiber as a first layer.

Effective Scent Control Hunting Garments

They also make outer clothing with silver fiber as well. All you really need is the undergarment shirt, pants and socks because the silver fiber must be next to your skin to kill those bacteria growing on body moisture. An outer shirt with silver fiber in it will not provide much benefit, not being next to the skin. Silver fiber clothing will also pick up odors that are not caused by growing bacteria.

Add an silver fiber hood to your scent control clothing and you will eliminate a big source of odors. They also make silver fiber gloves, but remember that the gloves will pick up odors from touched surfaces.

The X Static silver fiber scent control clothing are very durable. I have worn one “light weight” undergarment set for about there seasons now and the only significant wear is at the edge of the cuffs. The Scent-A-Way Tech 4 garments are supposed to have "1/3 more silver", but I have not tried this brand yet.

I have found the wicking properties of these garments to be superb. When I get sweaty, it is amazing how quickly I dry up, minimizing the effect of getting cold after a sweaty climb or bike ride. Put some silver fiber hunting clothing next to your skin and wash it often.

Add scent control clothing to

scent control sprays, soaps, detergents (click here for that discussion) and you have a good start at minimizing human associated odors when elk hunting, but first manage the wind!

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