It’s Christmas in July! At least it feels that way to wingshooters preparing for fall with preseason purchases. They’re making their lists and checking them twice, buying new gear to replace old or simply trying the latest and greatest. For those planning ahead, following are some great ideas for self-gifting this year.
BUTTER PAT INDUSTRIES JOE
For fixin’ vittles in the backcountry or cooking dinner at home, Butter Pat Industries’ Joe is a deep-dish cast-iron skillet perfect for braising, roasting or frying. The 12"-diameter skillet (10" cooking surface) has higher side walls than standard skillets and a 4-quart capacity. It is induction compatible and oven safe to more than 1,000°F and can be used in an open fire. Like all of Butter Pat’s cast-iron cookware, the Joe is smooth on all surfaces and “thick where it should be, thin where it can be”—designed for better heat distribution and more consistent cooking. Double tabs make for easy handling, and double spouts are for easy pouring. Height: 2.6". Weight: 6.95 pounds. Price: $425.
Butter Pat Industries, butterpatindustries.com.
GALCO UNIVERSAL CARRY SLING
For wingshooters who would like to carry their guns over their shoulders but whose smoothbores don’t have sling swivels, there is the Galco Universal Carry Sling. Made of bull hide, the sling is designed to slip over the buttstock, with the front loop tightening over the barrels. The wide shoulder strap distributes weight comfortably. The sling has a maximum length of 39.5” and will fit almost any over/under or side-by-side. Color: Dark Chocolate. Price: $89.
Galco, galcogunleather.com.
SCHEELS OUTFITTERS DOG TRAINER BAG
Dog training is a year-round endeavor, and the Scheels Outfitters Dog Trainer Bag keeps the tools of the trade handy and organized. Made of 600D nylon, the bag has seven zippered pockets for secure storage as well as an easy-access bellowed front pocket with Velcro closure and a drink holder with draw cord. There are D rings on the inside and outside for attachments. The bag has a removable padded shoulder strap, and there is an ingenious dog-lead handle with brass hardware that can be removed and used if needed. Elevated feet help protect the bottom of the bag. Price: $80.
Scheels, scheels.com.
FIELDSHEER MOBILE COOLING KING’S CAMO LONG SLEEVE SHIRT ¼ ZIP
When the hunting is hot, literally, Fieldsheer’s Mobile Cooling King’s Camo Long Sleeve Shirt ¼ Zip will help cool things down. The shirt, which can be worn as a base layer or by itself on a warm day, is made from DriComfort GEO 365 fabric, which pulls heat and moisture from the body and dries four times faster than traditional knits. (There are no chemicals or topical treatments that might wash out.) The shirt also incorporates technologies that offer UPF 50 protection from UV rays and guard against odors. There is ventilated mesh on the shirt’s back, sides and underarms, and the sleeves have thumb holes. Sizes: S through 3XL. Colors: KC Ultra (shown), KC Ultra Aqua. Price: $55.
Fieldsheer, fieldsheer.com.
ALPS OUTDOORZ UPLAND GAME VEST X 2.0
ALPS OutdoorZ has taken a good thing and made it better with its redesigned Upland Game Vest X 2.0. Featuring a vented back for heat dissipation, the vest has an oversized game pocket that is easy to clean and has 16” of adjustment to accommodate heavy loads. On the outside of the game pocket is a 17” rear storage compartment and a zippered valuables pocket. The removable, vented waist belt can be adjusted from 26” to 62”, and the integrated MOLLE system will accommodate attachments. Ultra-thin and wide adjustable shoulder straps and a sternum strap are comfortable and won’t interfere with a gun mount. Two structured shell pockets feature magnetic closures, and the non-slip lids can double as gun rests. The vest also has two water-bottle pockets and is hydration compatible. Weight: 3 pounds
4 ounces. Color: Blaze Orange. Price: $200.
ALPS OutdoorZ, alpsoutdoorz.com.
FILSON ULTRALIGHT VEST
On chilly days that call for extra layering, the Filson Ultralight Vest is packable and provides warmth, dry or wet. The shell is made of 1.5-oz Cordura nylon with ripstop reinforcing, and an added layer over the shoulders provides durability and protection. The 60-gram Primaloft Gold insulation is lightweight and compressible and is said to retain 98 percent of its insulating power when wet. The vest has a zippered front with fleece-backed zipper guard, a moleskin-cotton-lined collar and handwarmer pockets, and an elastic-trimmed hem and armholes for a comfortable fit. Sizes: XS through 3XL. Colors: Surplus Green/Gold Ochre (shown), Black/Olive Gray. Price: $165.
Filson, filson.com.
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