It’s an annual ritual. As bird seasons near, wingshooters go through their closets and shelves, sorting through clothes and equipment. Each piece is evaluated for fit and wear—and whether it meets current standards. Then it’s out with the tired and torn, in with the new and improved. Upgrading gear and upping the odds for success.
HIGH PLAINS GEAR UPLANDER
Bird hunters looking to upgrade their hunting vests need look no further than the High Plains Gear Uplander. This durable, lightweight hunting system is made of Cordura and features a yoke shoulder strap, laser-cut belt and Cobra GT buckle. MOLLE webbing on the belt, the low-profile shoulder straps and the bird bag offers the ultimate in customization. The vest comes with two 8" collapsible pouches (each of which will hold a box of 3" 12-gauge shells), although combinations of different-size pouches can be ordered for a fee. The vest also comes with a standard-size bird bag that attaches to the yoke and belt and is adjustable for a custom fit. (A larger “guide bird bag” can be ordered for an extra $20.) Available accessories include adjustable water-bottle sleeves as well as holsters for different ecollar handhelds. Colors: Coyote Brown/Hunter Orange, Coyote Brown. Belt sizes: S through XL. Weight: 2.43 pounds (M). Price: $255.
L.L. BEAN HUNTER’S PATHFINDER FIELD PANTS
L.L. Bean Hunter’s Pathfinder Field Pants are a three-season solution for bird hunting, dog training or any outdoor activity. Breathable, abrasion-resistant polyester dobby fabric provides stretch for range of motion. It also is water repellant, offers UPF 50-plus sun protection and is treated with No Fly Zone odorless bug repellent that will last up to 70 washes. Six pockets provide plenty of carrying options, and there are articulated knees and a rubber-coated shank button closure. Colors: Dark Cinder, Mossy Oak Country Roots. Sizes: Even waist 32" through 46"; inseam 29", 31", 33". Price: $120.
TRAVOCA RIGEL DUAL ZONE ECOOLER
For reliable, ice-free cooling, Travoca’s Rigel Dual Zone eCooler can serve as a refrigerator, freezer or both. Combining a steel body with an overmolded HDPE base, bamboo accents and efficient vacuum insulation, the fully electric cooler runs on a quiet compressor. Dual zones are separated by a removable divider and can be controlled from the integrated panel or remotely through an app, allowing for customized temperatures (read: cold drinks and ice cream). The interior can be cooled from 79°F to 32°F in 20 minutes and can go as low as -4°F. The cooler can be powered by a vehicle’s 12V outlet, an AC wall outlet or a portable power station and solar panel for true off-grid use. The cooler also has a drain hole, an interior LED light, folding carry handles and a three-way-opening, removable lid. Sizes: 25L, 35L, 45L, 60L. Weight: 48 pounds (25L) to 63½ pounds (60L). Price: Starting at $650.
CHÊNE OVER/UNDER GLOVE
For cold-weather waterfowl or upland hunting, Chêne Gear recently released the Hydro-Lok Glove Collection—a line of insulated, waterproof hunting gloves. Part of that collection is the Over/Under Glove, which has a fleece body for warmth and a two-layer windproof convertible mitt that seals out cold but can be tucked away into a back-of-hand cuff pouch. The result is wind protection when it’s needed and full dexterity when it comes time to pull the trigger. Colors: Cypress, Field Tan (shown). Sizes: S through XL. Price: $80.
BALL AND BUCK QUILTED INSULATED LINER VEST
Anyone who owns a Ball and Buck Upland Jacket or Waxed Field Jacket knows it’s not going to wear out anytime soon, and now that jacket can be upgraded with a Quilted Insulated Liner Vest. Featuring lightweight mini-ripstop fabric and PrimaLoft Gold Insulation with Cross Core technology, the diamond-quilted vest can be seamlessly zipped into Upland or Waxed Field jackets dating back to 2012. The vest delivers down-like warmth even when wet, and it can be removed in seconds and packed into an integrated zippered stuff sack. Colors: Blaze Orange, Brown. Sizes: S through 3XL. Price: $168.
PLANO DIVERGE 54" SHOTGUN CASE
Offering security without bulk, Plano’s Diverge 54" Shotgun Case has a Toughshell EVA molded exterior that offers impact and weather protection. Inside is compression-fit high-density foam that will securely hold a gun up to 54" in length. Molded trays on top can hold small parts and accessories, and daisy chain attachment points allow for connecting compatible accessory bags. A non-slip shoulder strap and carry handle make for easy transport, and the case secures with lockable zippers. Colors: Desert Tan, Black, Mossy Oak Original Bottomland. Exterior dimensions: 55¼" (l) x 9¾" (w) x 4½" (h). Price: $160.
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