Keith Lusher 05.29.25
There’s a distinctive sound in the southeast Louisiana woods that every outdoorsman knows all too well: the rhythmic smack of palm against cheek, neck, and forehead. It’s the desperate symphony of a hunter at war with mosquitoes and gnats.
Last spring, I returned from a turkey hunt with arms tired not from carrying a shotgun, but from the constant slapping and swatting that left my face looking like I’d lost a fight with an angry raccoon.
Between the welts from bites and the self-inflicted red marks from failed attempts to defend myself, I looked ridiculous. Worse yet, those frantic movements had spooked every turkey within earshot.
That’s when I decided enough was enough; something had to change. Enter the Badlands Stealth CoolTouch Hoodie, a piece of gear that’s changed how I stalk turkey in the insect-infested paradise I call my hunting grounds.
Why I Bought It
After my positive experience with the Badlands Turkey Chest Rig, I was slowly building my collection of their turkey hunting gear. The one thing I was missing was proper upper body camouflage that could adapt to the warm conditions of southeast Louisiana.
During early season hunts, I’d often find myself compromising between staying concealed and staying cool; until I discovered the Stealth CoolTouch Hoodie.
Specs
- CoolTouch technology
- Ultra-lightweight at just 9 oz
- Built-in hood and face wrap
- Thumb hole sleeves for full coverage
- Stretch-fit design for mobility
- Moisture-wicking properties
- Antimicrobial Silvadur™ treatment
- 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex blend
- Approach GT camo pattern
Out of the Box
My first impression was how incredibly lightweight this hoodie is. At just 9 ounces, it feels more like a long-sleeve t-shirt than what you’d typically call a hoodie. The Approach GT camo pattern perfectly matches my chest rig and other Badlands gear, creating a seamless camouflage system.
The built-in face wrap was what really caught my attention. When fully deployed, only my eyes remain visible, creating the ultimate stealth profile. The material felt smooth against my skin, and I immediately appreciated the thought that went into the thumb holes—a small detail that makes a huge difference in the field.
Comfort
This is where the Stealth CoolTouch Hoodie excels. Despite providing full coverage from neck to wrists (including hands with the thumb holes), the breathability is remarkable. On warm mornings when most hunters would be shedding layers, I remained fully concealed without overheating.
The face wrap portion deserves special mention. It’s designed to fit comfortably without restricting breathing or creating that claustrophobic feeling some face masks cause. The stretch-fit design moves with you, never binding or restricting you when drawing your bow or shouldering your shotgun.
What surprised me most was its versatility beyond turkey season. During a fishing trip to the bayou, I was being eaten alive by southeast Louisiana gnats until I pulled this hoodie from my pack. With the face wrap deployed and thumb holes utilized, those pesky mosquitoes couldn’t find an inch of skin to attack. It was a game-changer, and I now pack it for any outdoor activity where bugs might be an issue.
Score: 9.7/10
Durability
Despite its lightweight construction, this hoodie has proven surprisingly durable. I’ve pushed through brush, leaned against rough bark, and even had a close encounter with a barbed wire fence—all without a snag or tear. The material has maintained its shape and elasticity even after multiple washings.
The antimicrobial Silvadur treatment is a thoughtful addition that pays dividends during long hunts. Even after sweating in this garment for several consecutive days (hey, sometimes the turkeys are stubborn), it didn’t develop that funky odor typical of synthetic materials.
The only reason I’m not giving it a perfect 10 is that I’ve only owned it for one season. But if it’s anything like my other Badlands gear, I expect it to last for many seasons to come.
Score: 9/10
Versatility
If there’s one area where the Stealth CoolTouch Hoodie exceeds all expectations, it’s versatility. This isn’t just a turkey hunting garment—it’s an all-season, multi-purpose piece of outdoor equipment.
In spring, it’s perfect for early morning turkey hunts when there’s still a chill in the air, yet breathable enough to wear as temperatures rise. During summer, I’ve worn it fishing to combat both sun exposure and those notorious Louisiana gnats. The face wrap and thumb holes create a complete barrier that insects simply can’t penetrate, making it invaluable for bayou fishing trips.
The moisture-wicking properties keep me dry even during active stalks, while the antimicrobial treatment prevents odor buildup over multiple days in the field. I’ve even worn it during winter hunts as a crucial first layer beneath my heavier gear. The close-fitting design traps body heat without adding bulk, and the face wrap eliminates the need for a separate neck gaiter or face mask.
From turkey blinds to deer stands, bass boats to hiking trails, this hoodie has proven itself useful in virtually every outdoor scenario I’ve encountered. It’s the first thing I pack regardless of season or activity, which is something I can’t say about any other piece of gear I own.
Score 10/10
The Badlands Warranty
Like all Badlands gear, the Stealth CoolTouch Hoodie comes with their legendary Unconditional Lifetime Warranty. As they put it, “If our name is on it, it’s covered.” There’s no fine print or exceptions—if it breaks, they’ll fix or replace it, period. Having used their warranty service for another piece of gear, I can attest that they truly stand behind this promise, which adds tremendous value to the purchase.
Final Thoughts
For hunters who prioritize staying concealed while remaining comfortable in warmer conditions, the Badlands Stealth CoolTouch Hoodie is a must-have piece of gear. The face wrap feature alone makes it worth the price, transforming you into a nearly invisible presence in the woods with only your eyes exposed.
What makes this hoodie exceptional is its versatility—from early season turkey hunts to fishing trips plagued by insects, it’s become one of the most-used items in my outdoor arsenal. For someone as notoriously tight with money as I am when it comes to hunting gear, the fact that I’m already planning to buy a second one speaks volumes about its value.
Whether you’re building a complete Badlands turkey hunting system or just need a versatile, lightweight hoodie that offers superior concealment, the Stealth CoolTouch deserves a spot in your gear collection. Just be prepared to find fewer and fewer reasons to take it off as the seasons change.
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