Best Scent Blockers Reviewed & Rated

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Hunt Lab Technologies
Test Winner: Hunt Lab Technologies
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Deer have a very keen sense of smell, and if they smell something that is not natural, they will stay away from that area until the odor dissipates. Even if you shower before you head out, the scent of the shampoo or soap you use can actually deter deer from coming your way – same for the deodorant you might typically use. However, there are some products out in the marketplace which can help you overcome this problem. Within this article, we’ll go over some of the different types of scent blockers, and what makes each one unique.

Standout Picks

Hunt Lab Technologies Scent Blockers
Our Number one out in the marketplace currently is a kit which comes from Hunt Lab. Not only can this be used for deer, but for other animals as well, including Moose, Coyote, Elk, and Bear, making this product very versatile for any hunting needs .
Amazon Link
Scent Blocker SB Detergent Scent Blockers
This detergent has a deep cleaning aspect to it, meaning it will dive deep into your clothing and knock out any alarming scent and help absorb the scent so it does not give away your position to any potential deer.
Amazon Link
X-Out 360° Scent Control Kit Scent Blocker
X-Out has this Kit available to you which offers you a variety of different solutions to help take care of any need you might have to eliminate odors.
Amazon Link
$17.99
Scent Shield SB Bar Scent Blocker
Coming to you in the form of a soap, this solution from Scent Blocker can be used on various pieces of hunting equipment, as well as on your hunting clothes, blinds, and boots.
Amazon Link
$6.99
Nose Jammer Scent Blocking Laundry Detergent Scent Blocker
This is actually a special formula laundry detergent. This particular laundry detergent will deeply clean your hunting clothes while also penetrating the clothes to help embed some compounds which will give off an aroma to help block the noses of any deer.
Amazon Link
$19.58
Scent Thief 16 Ounce Spray Bottle Scent Blocker
Coming to you in a spray bottle, Scent Thief promises to eliminate any odor which might be coming from you to help bring more deer into your kill zone.
Amazon Link
Scent Shield SB Clothes Wash Scent Blocker
Scent Shield has this detergent concentrate out in the marketplace, which comes in a 12-ounce bottle. This detergent is very powerful and will help deodorize and clean any of your hunting clothes and gear to ensure they are fully decontaminated from any human odor.
Amazon Link
Primos Hunting Control Scent Blocker
Every hunter knows to get close to prey you need to have as little of smell on you as possible. Animals can smell up to 100x more than homes, therefore, your natural scent combined with any other smell will tick off any animal around. However, that can easily be resolved by Primos Hunting Control. Designed to eliminate every single scent possible this one gets the job done effectively with only the need for one product.
Amazon Link
Wildlife Research
While many options are typically shampoos, lotions or even detergents that you have to apply to your skin right before you go hunting, the Wildlife Research Scent Killer Gold Autumn Formula takes on a different approach. Formulated as a spray, this comes prepared to help you be as undetected as possible due to how light and airy it is. There is no residue or sticky feeling instead it almost feels like an aerosol that you can easily get on and wipe off.
Amazon Link
$44.99
Scent Kapture
This set from Scent Kapture comes in different styles which allows you to have more of a direct application to your clothing and body. It is also great for spraying onto your decoy, to ensure any human odor which may have been transferred onto the decoy is eliminated, so the decoy will perform to the level you desire.
Amazon Link

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Effectiveness

It’s easier to understand how to use a scent blocker more effectively if you have an idea of how it works. These work in two principal ways: either killing the smell before it is even produced or capturing it once it has. The process of smell in the human body starts with sweat. However, sweat alone does not produce odor until it has mixed with bacteria that starts to breed. This is what the animals in the wild smell even before they see the hunter.

Some of the strategies used to control scent attack the bacteria so that it does not get a chance to reproduce. Yet some eliminate the smell after it has been produced. However, it would be a travesty for anyone to say that all scent can be eliminated. The idea is to reduce the scent to levels so low that only the sharpest nose is able to dictate it.

It’s important that hunters treat the whole idea of scent blocking as part of their hunting strategy as opposed to an afterthought. What this means is that you should have the right budget for purchasing these products when the hunting season is upon you. You will then need to know the steps to be followed, as overlooking some of the steps could render the whole process ineffective.

Materials

With today’s scent-control technologies, it's easier than ever to block your smell. Here are some of the materials that go into these formulas to make them perform so well:

Zeolite
Zeolite is not a new technology. But it is new to hunting. Zeolite is a naturally occurring mineral that is formed from volcanic ash and alkaline groundwater. Its value comes from its highly porous structure which makes it an odor collector. The porous body invites odors in and traps them, ultimately removing them from the environment they are in.

Activated Carbon
Activated carbon, or activated charcoal, offers natural filtration. “Activation,” when associated with carbon or charcoal, means that the carbon or charcoal has been processed to have a surface area that is covered in tiny pores. These tiny pores chemically absorb or trap odor molecules that come into contact with them.

Engineered Polymers
An engineered polymer resin can also trap human odors. This synthetic material contains macropores and micropores. Opposed activate carbon only having tiny pores, the engineered polymers have macropores that provide a large surface area while the micropores work to trap human odor molecules.

Antimicrobials
Antimicrobial technology is similar to zeolite because it is also not a new concept. An antimicrobial is an agent that has been known to kill bacteria growth for more than 2,000 years. Tried and true. Unlike zeolite and activated carbon, which each work to trap human odors, antimicrobials penetrate the bacterial cell walls and prevent their reproduction.

Ozone
The ozone? Yep! Again, the ozone is not a new discovery. However, its use when it comes to hunting and scent-blocking is. Since the ozone is a made up of highly unstable gas, its first priority to cling to other molecules, some of which can compromise human odors.

Value

In order to get the most out of your hard-earned dollar, you want to make sure you know exactly what you need and how to use it. What you should first determine is whether or not you want to apply them to your clothes, or if you want to put a lure in place instead. If you have a Decoy, you can also spray the decoy with a lure, but there is no sense in spraying the decoy with a scent blocker, as most decoys should actually look like a deer, and should not have any scent on it. There is nothing wrong with spraying the decoy, but you should not have to do it very often.

Once you have determined whether or not you are going to spray your clothes, or set up a lure, it should help narrow your choices down to which kind you need. If you want a lure, you just need to decide if you want a bottle in which you use a brush or a tip to apply to certain areas of either your clothing or your decoy, or if you want to put out a scent bomb in your kill zone. Most of the lures are sold in packages, so you will have the option of what to do and how you want to apply the lures out in the wild.

If you would rather go with a spray, then you will have a couple of different choices in which to choose from. You can go with an aerosol spray, which will ensure you are fully covered, but there will be some waste as it is in an aerosol form, which means it is more like a scattershot. If you’d rather have the option of having more of a direct amount applied, as well as choosing how weak or strong you want the scent, then you can go with a spray bottle and concentrate combination. This option gives you the flexibility to give you the right amount of strength to match the environment you are hunting within.

Style

There are many different types that are available to you to choose from. Here are some of the more popular ones.

Aerosol Spray
The most common type is one that comes in an aerosol can. This is very easy to use, as you just spray it over your clothes before you go and set up. It should be sprayed over the top layer of clothes you are wearing; if you are wearing multiple layers, you don’t want the outer layer to conceal the smell you want to go out. The outer layer, if not sprayed properly, will give off the scent of wherever it was last, whether that was doing yard work or working on the car or was in the washing machine.

The great thing about the aerosol can is that it can be applied to your outer clothing multiple times per hunting trip if needed. Most of the sprays should last for the entire time you are out hunting, but if you happen to run into something while out in the wilderness, or you feel that the scent is starting to fade away, you can easily reapply at any time.

Lure and Scent Bombs
Another product line you could use is actually a scent that is intended to not only mask your own odor but to actually lure deer over towards you. Most lure scents are ones which have to be applied using a tip or a brush of some sort and can be applied to only certain areas of your clothing. Most of the lures are made up of some kind of deer or buck and their natural scent, which could be urine or excrement. Depending upon the brand, you can actually pick out a scent that is advertised to be from a bigger buck, which actually sends out a signal to other bucks that are nearby who want to challenge for supremacy. This will help bring bigger bucks over to your area, so you need to ensure you are ready for this kind of hunting.

The scent bomb does the same kind of thing, but instead of applying it to your clothing, you can actually drop it in an area and allow the scent to spread out into the woods. This kind of action will ensure the lure is where you want it to be placed, which should be right in the kill zone area you have planned out.

Spray Bottle and Concentrated Liquid
Another way these can be applied is using a spray bottle, which typically comes in a combo pack along with a bottle of concentrate for you to be able to make your own. This will allow you to decide how strong or weak you want it to be, which is advantageous, especially if you know the area you are hunting within. You should have an idea of how strong the aroma needs to be to block your scent to help draw the kind of deer you want to hunt.

The beauty of this product is it can be applied well ahead of time to the outer clothing you will be wearing on the day of the hunt. Depending on the brand and the concentration amount you use, you can apply the blocker the morning of, a couple of days ahead of time, or even a couple of weeks ahead of time. Depending upon how absorbent the clothing is you are wearing for hunting should determine how soon you will need to apply this kind.

BEST SCENT BLOCKERS REVIEWED & RATED

1. Hunt Lab Technologies

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Hunt Lab Technologies Scent Blockers
Amazon Link

Our Number one out in the marketplace currently is a kit which comes from Hunt Lab. Not only can this be used for deer, but for other animals as well, including Moose, Coyote, Elk, and Bear, making this product very versatile for any hunting needs .

Organic Material
This is made with an organic material that will seek out all odor-causing bacteria and help eliminate it from any surface, so you can be assured your equipment and clothing will be ready for your next hunting trip.

Great Size
With this combo kit, you will receive a spray bottle, as well as a concentrate which can make up 256 ounces, which equates up to 2 gallons worth of material.

Cost and Value
You get a great cost to quantity and quality ratio with this item, another reason why it is on top of our list. It's made from a well-known company in the hunting world and is worth the price.

Amazon Link

2. Scent Blocker SB Detergent

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Scent Blocker SB Detergent Scent Blockers
Amazon Link

This detergent has a deep cleaning aspect to it, meaning it will dive deep into your clothing and knock out any alarming scent and help absorb the scent so it does not give away your position to any potential deer.

No UV Brighteners
There are no UV brighteners within this detergent, and it is made from biodegradable materials. This detergent comes in yellow color, so you can easily differentiate it from another detergent you have on the shelf.

Deep Clean
This detergent features a special formula that deep cleans your clothes and provides maximum absorption of unpleasant smells.

Cost and Value
Although it costs a little more than your average laundry detergent, you can't compare the quality of the job when it comes to getting rid of odors. It's potent and should last a while.

Amazon Link

3. X-Out

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$17.99
X-Out 360° Scent Control Kit Scent Blocker
Amazon Link

X-Out has this Kit available to you which offers you a variety of different solutions to help take care of any need you might have to eliminate odors.

Concentration Options
There are two different types of spray bottles which come in this kit, to help give you a more direct spray application to any surface you are looking to help cover the scent of. You will also receive a bottle of concentrate, so you can help choose the strength depending upon your environment.

Includes Carbon Defense
There is also a carbon defense bottle, which will help you lure deer into your area. These products work together well to ensure there is no extra brightness added to your clothes or decoys while taking away your personal odor.

Cost and Value
A bit expensive but worth it if you are looking for an extremely efficient option. This kit comes with everything you need to lure the game in your direction.

Amazon Link
$17.99

4. Scent Shield SB Bar

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$6.99
Scent Shield SB Bar Scent Blocker
Amazon Link

Coming to you in the form of a soap, this solution from Scent Blocker can be used on various pieces of hunting equipment, as well as on your hunting clothes, blinds, and boots.

Versatile
This can be used for any surface, whether the surface is wet or dry, and it will do the job decently. The soap will neutralize any odor on contact and will absorb any odor no matter how obnoxious it might be.

Easy to Use
Everyone knows how to use a bar of soap. It can be easily carried with you on your adventures and can be used to wash almost anything!

Cost and Value
This item costs a little more than your normal soap, it is well worth the price. It lasts for a long time and is very versatile when it comes to its use.

Amazon Link
$6.99

5. Nose Jammer

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$19.58
Nose Jammer Scent Blocking Laundry Detergent Scent Blocker
Amazon Link

This is actually a special formula laundry detergent. This particular laundry detergent will deeply clean your hunting clothes while also penetrating the clothes to help embed some compounds which will give off an aroma to help block the noses of any deer.

Wash Machine Friendly
When you're buying a specialty item like scent blocking detergent, you want to make sure you have the right equipment for support. The laundry detergent can be used within any washing machine while also ensuring that your hunting clothes do not fade, especially camouflage designed clothes.

Safe For Your Clothes
There is no extra UV brighteners used within this detergent, as well as no added toxins or aluminum materials. This helps your items last much longer.

Cost and Value
This has one of the higher price tags on the list. It works great at clean and preserving your clothes, but if you need to clean in bulk, you may want to consider a different brand.

Amazon Link
$19.58

6. Scent Thief

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Scent Thief 16 Ounce Spray Bottle Scent Blocker
Amazon Link

Coming to you in a spray bottle, Scent Thief promises to eliminate any odor which might be coming from you to help bring more deer into your kill zone.

Exclusive Formula
This unique and patented formula within the spray bottle will help block the smelling sense within any deer, which should confuse them a little bit which should then help lure them into your area.

Multi-Use
This spray can be applied to either a decoy or to your clothing, making sure it does not damage either. The scent of this spray can have a calming and relaxing effect on any deer, making them more liable to walk into your zone without even realizing it.

Cost and Value
This cost more per ounce than most of the other items on the list, but it's also a very potent formula as well. The spray id is convenient but hard to control during windy days.

Amazon Link

7. Scent Shield

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Scent Shield SB Clothes Wash Scent Blocker
Amazon Link

Scent Shield has this detergent concentrate out in the marketplace, which comes in a 12-ounce bottle. This detergent is very powerful and will help deodorize and clean any of your hunting clothes and gear to ensure they are fully decontaminated from any human odor.

Eliminate All Odors
Human odors aren't the only scents that will catch an animals attention. That is why it's important to be prepared for everything. This soap will also help eliminate any other non-natural odor, so the deer won’t be able to use their keen sense of smell to flush you out.

Great for Washing
This particular wash will ensure your clothes are washed without blemishing those clothes, while also helping you get out any tough stains which might be embedded in your clothing.

Cost and Value
Although this only comes in a 12-ounce bottle, it goes a long way. The price is pretty good for what it does and how much you get, this is a solid buy!

Amazon Link

8. Primos Hunting Control

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Primos Hunting Control Scent Blocker
Amazon Link

Every hunter knows to get close to prey you need to have as little of smell on you as possible. Animals can smell up to 100x more than homes, therefore, your natural scent combined with any other smell will tick off any animal around. However, that can easily be resolved by Primos Hunting Control. Designed to eliminate every single scent possible this one gets the job done effectively with only the need for one product.

Multipurpose
Anyone who has ever used a scent blocker knows, finding one single product that will eliminate a broad list of smells is not easy to achieve. Sometimes you will have to use two or more products to remove a multitude of different scents. The Primos Hunting Control allows you to use one single product and get the job done. Formulated to remove any type of odor bacterial or not. Furthermore, it works on contact, including on clothing.

Safe for 24 hours
If you plan on hunting for a long time you want to feel secure that your scent will be gone at least for 9 hours. This takes it a step further by keeping you and your items odor-free for 24 hours without the need to reapply. Its all about having one single step be the most important step in your routine.

Cost and Value
Not only are you getting a dual function product, but you will be protected for 24 hours at a reasonable price point. It allows you to have one less issue to worry about when you are on the ground ready to find your next prey. Furthermore, the bottle is 16 ounces, so it does not need to be replaced often. The formula is on the thicker side, so a little bit goes a long way.

Amazon Link

9. Wildlife Research

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$44.99
Wildlife Research
Amazon Link

While many options are typically shampoos, lotions or even detergents that you have to apply to your skin right before you go hunting, the Wildlife Research Scent Killer Gold Autumn Formula takes on a different approach. Formulated as a spray, this comes prepared to help you be as undetected as possible due to how light and airy it is. There is no residue or sticky feeling instead it almost feels like an aerosol that you can easily get on and wipe off.

Scented
As stated above, this spray is a bit different due to how lightweight and airy it is, but not just that it's also scented which is pretty unique. Although, most have no scent to remove your natural smell this one gives you a subtle woodsy forest-like scent. Instead of completely removing any smell off of your body this one gives you a natural one, so you blend in with your surroundings. Doing so will not only help you blend in, but it will ensure anywhere you move you will have that natural scent.

Wet or dry
Yes, you read that correctly, this spray can be used wet or dry. Which means you can spray it immediately before you go hunting or you can spray it a few hours before and allow your clothing to dry, either way, you will still be protected. This is due to having a stick like formula that grips on to smells and engulfs them allow you to have the same effect anyway you decide to use this product. Spray it on your gear only as this is a clothing spray, not a body one.

Cost and Value
When it comes to the cost and value of this product it all depends on how many you are getting and how big your bottles are. The more you get the higher the price will be; however, the price tag isn’t high, so you are getting a bargain in the long run. Additionally, the Wildlife Research Scent Killer Gold Autumn Formula was scientifically, formulated to last longer so you won’t have to spray it as often.

Amazon Link
$44.99

10. Scent Kapture

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Scent Kapture
Amazon Link

This set from Scent Kapture comes in different styles which allows you to have more of a direct application to your clothing and body. It is also great for spraying onto your decoy, to ensure any human odor which may have been transferred onto the decoy is eliminated, so the decoy will perform to the level you desire.

Full Set
This set has everything you need to be field ready. After all, what's the use of washing with special soap if your clothes still smell and vice-versa.

Livestock Odor
In addition to coming with everything you need to ensure that an animal detects your scent, it also includes a spray you can use for your clothes or a decoy to attract animals as well.

Cost and Value
This is a great set to have if you spend a lot of time outdoors. It has everything you need to wash your body and clothes and comes at a very affordable price!

Amazon Link

Sources

  1. Editorial , Wikipedia, Information Site
  2. TRAVIS DORMAN, Bleacher Report, Sports Site