Bird season is coming fast. Now is the perfect time to make sure none of your old gear is wearing out and that you have everything you need. To aid in your preseason shopping, we’ve put together a list of items that are both useful and built to last. From Georgia quail plantations to the Western mountains and everywhere in between, this must-have wingshooting gear will serve you well in the field and beyond. Check out these upland essentials, and get the jump on fall hunting!
OU/SXS UPLANDER HUNTING SHOTGUN CASE BY NEGRINI CASES
The series of compact shotgun travel cases developed by Negrini Cases remains unmatched by any other maker in the industry, and the OU/SxS Uplander Hunting Shotgun Case represents the pinnacle of Negrini’s Compact Series air-travel technology. Ultra-strong, beautifully compact and wonderfully lightweight, the Uplander fits one over/under or side-by-side shotgun with up to 30" barrels. The case offers double-walled construction and German-engineered, recessed combination locks plus multiple luxury finishes and a wide range of custom trim and color options. Style your custom Italian-made case today, and look forward to hassle-free travel with the most secure, TSA-friendly shotgun case on the market!
Colors: Black, Caoba Leather, Green, Khaki/Blaze, Navy, Red, Rich Tobacco Leather, Tobacco Leather
Weight: 6.55 pounds
Price: $489–$669
FLYWEIGHT SHIRT BY CORDIA
When hunting in hot weather, it pays to have premium apparel that keeps you cool and dry. CORDIA offers performance wear designed to hold up to warm South Texas hunting conditions. The Flyweight Shirt is made of the most lightweight, quick-drying and moisture-wicking synthetic blends available. Shooters will appreciate the two chest flap pockets plus two large zippered pockets providing ample storage that’s quickly accessible. The shirt also provides UV protection and flex for free movement, and it comes in two proprietary camo designs. Don’t sweat it this bird season—give yourself an advantage with the new Flyweight Shirt.
Colors: Late Season Camo (shown), Original Camo
Sizes: S through 5XL
Price: $55
KUIU PRO BRUSH PANT
The ability to tackle extreme terrain and thorny places with ease and comfort is what the KUIU PRO Brush Pant brings to the table. The pant is lightweight, stretchy and breathable in low-contact areas and rugged and durable in high-contact areas. It also sports three styles of pockets and a zip-vent-and-mesh air-circulation system along with a plethora of other features that ensure good fit and maximum functionality. This is an awesome piece of gear—and exactly what sportsmen have come to expect from KUIU.
Colors: Valo, Verde, Vias (new), Ash, Bourbon (new), Gunmetal, Khaki (new, shown)
Sizes: Even waist sizes 30" through 42"
Inseams: short, regular, tall
Weight: 1 pound 4 ounces (without suspenders)
Price: $199
LEATHER BIRD BAG TRIO
BY BLAKE JONES DESIGNS
Blake Jones Designs, in South Texas, offers a range of elegantly crafted and monogrammed custom leather goods styled for function and fashion in the field. The Leather Bird Bag Trio is handmade from supple cowhide and has bridle-leather trim and solid-brass hardware. Shooters can securely carry loaded shells on one side and empties on the other side. The fully lined game bag in the middle attaches to the belt by a brass zipper for easy removal. Elevate your upland hunting, dove shooting or clay shooting experience—and your look—with the Leather Bird Bag Trio!
Colors: Chocolate with Chocolate Trim, Chocolate with Russet Trim, Gold with Chestnut Trim, Mahogany with Russet Trim, Olive with Chestnut Trim (shown), Whiskey with Chocolate Trim
Belt Sizes: Even sizes 32" through 50"
Price: $269
LAPPONIA LITE BY CRISPI US
Crispi US has brought out its latest hiking boot just in time for fall hunting. The Lapponia Lite—a lighter version of the company’s popular Lapponia II—is designed to provide the agility of a nimble trail-runner without sacrificing the support and durability of a hunting boot. Outstanding features include a 6" upper made of breathable, abrasion-resistant PUtek Spider Fabric and water-repellant Nubuk leather; a comfortable Gore-Tex lining; a removable air-mesh footbed and a Crispi Claw sole. Asymmetrical laces allow you to customize the boot’s toe-box area for better fit and traction. Swap out your old clunky hikers, and get a leg up on the birds this year.
Color: Brown
Sizes: Whole and half 8 through 12 plus 13, 14
Height: 6"
Weight: 1 pound 2 ounces (per boot)
Price: $320
DEVIATE SERIES BY HUNT REDI
Hunt REDI delivers on ultralight, ultra-customizable and ultra-tough strap vests. The all-American-made Deviate Series is one of the company’s most versatile systems, thanks to its compatibility with Molle/PALS accessories and the FirstSpear 6/12 Modular Platform integrated into the padded waist belt and game pouch. Added D-rings, shoulder-harness attachment points, a large game pouch plus an exterior mesh pocket for shells or gloves and an interior mesh pocket for personal items like keys or a phone provide abundant ways to carry gear. The Ambush 2.0 configuration (shown) includes two water bottles and holders, a 12-shell rail pouch and a multipurpose pocket and lashing straps. Customize your own vest today, and strap in for a great season!
Colors: Blaze Orange/Coyote (shown), Ranger Green/Coyote
Belt Sizes: S through XL
Shoulder-Harness Sizes: Regular, tall
Weight: 3.3 pounds
Price: $250–$365
