That feeling when your dog throws its nose in the air, spins and locks on a bird. For the upland hunter, it’s a feeling like no other: success, satisfaction and exhilaration at the action to come. Finding new gear can be the same way. Discovering something different that fills a need builds anticipation for the season ahead. We found the following items that may enhance your field experiences this year.
BADLANDS HURON UPLAND JACKET
Whether you’re walking the fields for pheasants or climbing the mountains for chukars, the Badlands Huron Upland Jacket is designed for use in cool weather and any type of cover. The jacket is made of a polyester-nylon-spandex blend for comfort and freedom of movement and has abrasion-resistant nylon overlays, 40-gram PrimaLoft Active Insulation in the front and tops of the arms, and a water-repellent finish. The Earth version (shown) has blaze orange on the arms, chest and across the shoulders for visibility. The jacket has zippered hand and chest pockets and magnetically sealed shell pouches with built-in shell holders. There is no game bag, as the jacket is designed to be worn with Badlands’ Upland Vest.
Colors: Earth/Blaze Orange and Olive.
Sizes: M through 2XL.
Price: $190.
BERETTA NYALA FOLDING BLADE KNIFE
For everything from camp chores to cleaning birds, the Beretta Nyala Folding Blade Knife is a handy and practical tool. The knife comes with a drop-point blade made of AISI 440 stainless steel as well as a “bird hook” for removing the entrails of game. The handle material is walnut and G10 fiberglass laminate, and there is a hole for attaching a string.
Weight: 5 oz.
Price: $99.
BROWNING UPLAND SWEATER
For chilly days in the field, Browning’s Upland Sweater offers warmth, comfort and protection from the elements. Made of 100% polyester, the sweater has a windproof lining; 70D polyester, water-resistant overlays on the arms and elbows; and a left chest pocket. The sweater can be worn by itself or as a layer with a shell or jacket, and attractive styling makes it appropriate for the field or street.
Color: Chocolate.
Sizes: S through 3XL.
Price: $100.
DANNER RECURVE MOC TOE BOOTS
Combining the style of traditional hunting boots and the design and technology of popular hiking boots, Danner’s Recurve Moc Toe boots are made to perform in a variety of terrain types and conditions. The 7” boots incorporate waterproof, full-grain leather and nylon uppers with a breathable mesh lining and Thinsulate Ultra insulation. A Vibram SPE midsole, Ortholite footbed and heel clip provide comfort and stability. The Vibram Recurve outsole offers excellent grip in wet and dry conditions.
Color: Brown leather/Olive nylon.
Sizes: D whole and half sizes 7 through 12 plus 13 and 14 & EE whole and half sizes 9 through 12 plus 13.
Price: $200.
PYKE WINGMAN UPLAND STRAP VEST
Offering everything hunters need in an upland vest and nothing they don’t, Pyke’s Wingman Upland Strap Vest is lightweight, comfortable and tough. The outer fabric is 1000D nylon, and there is Ultrasuede on the padded waist belt and shoulder-harness yoke. Adjustable, low-profile shoulder straps and a sternum strap won’t interfere with a gun mount. The vest comes with 2 hook-and-loop-closure shell pockets that each will hold a box of shells, and an adjustable molle system allows for customized placement of the shell pockets and optional accessories. The vest has an easy-to-access, ventilated game bag with a zippered rear pocket and is hydration-bladder compatible.
Sizes: Regular, Large, XLarge.
Price: $300.
L.L. BEAN TECHNICAL STRETCH UPLAND SHIRT
For all-day comfort and safety in the uplands, L.L. Bean’s Technical Stretch Upland Shirt checks all the boxes. The body fabric is a rugged 4-oz nylon-spandex blend that provides a full range of motion and offers UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) 50+ protection. The No Fly Zone treatment repels ticks and biting insects, and a wicking finish keeps the body dry. The shirt has 2 vertical zip chest pockets and hunter orange overlays for increased visibility.
Color: Ash/Hunter Orange.
Sizes: Regular S through XXL & Tall L through XXL.
Price: $89 & $94.
