By The Editors
After one of the strangest springs anyone can remember, hunters are looking forward to fall like never before. Many are already poised in the starting blocks awaiting the opening gun. Of course, to avoid false starts they must be properly prepared—making sure guns are in working order and gear is fit for the task. Some of these new-to-market items might help you lead the field this season.
FILSON X DANNER COMBAT HIKER
A collaboration between two iconic brands has resulted in the limited-edition Filson x Danner Combat Hiker—a custom version of a boot developed for sandy deserts and mountainous terrain and issued to US troops throughout the world. Made with a full-grain leather upper, the 6” boot is fully lined with waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex. A Vibram rubber rand wraps around the entire boot for protection from cuts, abrasion and water, and a Vibram Bifida outsole provides flexible, durable traction. Weight: 3 pounds 10 ounces per pair. Color: Forest Green. Sizes: 8 to 14. Price: $340. Filson; Danner.
LEUPOLD PERFORMANCE EYEWEAR
From one of the most trusted names in riflescopes and binoculars comes another item to enhance your vision. Leupold Performance Eyewear is available in five styles: the Katmai, Becnara, Packout, Switchback and Tracer. All are made from lightweight, ballistic-rated materials and ship with scratch-resistant lenses that offer UV protection. In addition the Packout, Switchback and Tracer styles meet or exceed ANSI Z87.1 high-velocity impact standards for eye protection. The Tracer (pictured) is designed for shooters and comes with a Matte Black frame with Shadow Gray lenses or Shadow Tan frame with Bronze Mirror (polarized) lenses. Both come with interchangeable yellow and clear lenses to match light conditions. Price: $150 (black/gray) and $180 (tan/bronze). Leupold.
ORVIS TOUGHSHELL WATERPROOF UPLAND PANTS
Whether you’re out and about in rain or slipping through dew-soaked grass, Orvis ToughShell Waterproof Upland Pants will keep you dry and protected. The ToughShell outer is not only waterproof but also windproof, puncture-resistant and breathable, and a brushed tricot lining offers warmth and comfort inside. Other features include a gusseted crotch, a double-snap closure at the waist, articulated knees, and a reinforced front leg, lower back leg and cuff. There are waterproof zippers on the rear pocket, side pockets, side vents, cuffs and fly, and ankle zippers make for easy on-off. A roomy fit allows for layering. Sizes: 32” to 44” (even) waist, with 31" or 33" inseam. Price: $229. Orvis.
BROWNING WICKED WING BLIND BAG
Waterfowlers who want to get organized this season should invest in Browning’s Wicked Wing Blind Bag. The sturdy bag has a waterproof padded interior with dividers, a molded base, a clear internal zippered pocket for valuables, and zippered end accessory pockets. The top flap secures with a zipper and hook-and-loop fasteners, and the cover has a buckle closure. The bag is transported with carry handles or a removable padded shoulder strap. Dimensions: 18" (l) x 11" (w) x 12½" (h). Weight: 3 pounds. Color: Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades. Price: $90. Browning.
LUCKY DUCK LUCKY DOVE HD
Dove hunters looking to bring ’em in close will appreciate the Lucky Dove HD from Lucky Duck. This ultra-realistic spinning-wing decoy has magnetic wings and an integrated chest mount with bungee, making it hassle free and mobile. It perches atop a 4-piece, 44" metal stake and will run for 12-plus hours on 4 AA batteries (not included). Price: $30. Lucky Duck.
PEREGRINE SHOCKEATER RECOIL PAD KIT
For those who are recoil sensitive or looking to add length to a gunstock—or both—Peregrine’s ShockEater Recoil Pad Kit is an easy answer. ShockEater pads, made by Gamp Sports, are soft and conforming but upon impact temporarily stiffen to absorb recoil. Peregrine has been making its apparel (which includes the Wild Hare and MizMac lines) compatible with the pads for years and now has incorporated ShockEaters into slip-on neoprene (pictured) and lace-up leather sleeves. Kits come with the sleeve—with the 8mm-thick ShockEater sewn in—and three (1/4", 3/8" and ½") length-of-pull foam spacers. Sleeves fit most gun butts from 4.5" (l) x 1.5" (w) to 5.375" (l) x 1.875" (w). Price: $35 (neoprene) and $75 (leather). Peregrine Outdoor Products.
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