Tag: Orvis

December 30, 2017

Ultimate Upland Cache #4 – Kansas Cache

The bulk of my adult life I’ve made one or two trips a year to the state of Kansas to chase wild birds. Salt-of-the-earth people, a substantial amount of land enrolled in the state’s walk-in hunting program (WIHA) and a resurging Bobwhite population make it one of my perennial favorite destinations.

I look at Kansas as a bellwether for upland game across the grain belt. The market pressures that determine the direction of crops selection, habitat retention and land use are at the core of the Sunflower State’s upland experience. The state created the WIHA program in 1995 to take hunting pressure off of public wildlife areas; over 97 percent of land in Kansas is privately owned. The WIHA program allows the state to pay landowners a per acre stipend — rates are dependent on habitat quality, location, and amount — to voluntarily enroll. More than a million acres have been opened to access for hunting which has been a boon for bird hunters and the small Kansas towns who see an influx of non-resident hunters’ spending.

The upland season is open for another month in Kansas, so we’re gonna give late-season warriors a chance to find the final Ultimate Upland Cache.

The first person to locate this Ultimate Upland Cache and provide proof of discovery will get geared up by Orvis – the Upland Shell which comes in both men’s and women’s version and the new Pro Series Hunting Vest. Details on the locations of this final cache will be shared across our social platforms so be sure to follow us as we head into the wild — Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube.

And for those unable to travel to Kansas in search of buried bird hunting treasure, we’ll be awarding secondary prizes by random selection to followers made eligible by actions detailed in the corresponding social media posts.

Join us outside for the late season, share this pursuit of birds and passion for the outdoors that takes us to the edge of the map.

First Big Clue to Finding Ultimate Upland Cache #4: Though Kansas has only a small amount of public lands, they manage the habitat on this land well. It offers great opportunities for late season birds seeking refuge from harsh weather and great places to hide a cache. Click this pict to get you headed down the right road.

Giveaway Disclosure (the fun legal stuff)
• ELIGIBILITY: Giveaway is open only to U.S. residents 18 years or older and minors accompanied by a legal guardian or responsible adult. Void where prohibited by law. Ultimate Upland, LLC (UU) and their respective affiliates, as well as all others involved in this promotion and their immediate families (defined for the purposes of this giveaway as parents, spouses, children, siblings and household members) are not eligible.
• CACHE PRIZES: Prize will be awarded when an individual finds each cache to one (1) winner per cache, proof of discovery must be provided. Instructions are located in the cache. The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible people attempting to locate the cache. No purchase necessary. Cache Prizes expire on February 28, 2018.
• SECONDARY PRIZES: Prize will be awarded to one (1) winner randomly selected from qualified responses on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Instructions will be provided on these social platforms to become eligible for each secondary prize. The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible people responding on each social platform. No purchase necessary.
• WINNERS: Prize will be awarded by Ultimate Upland, LLC, whose decisions on all matters relating to the giveaway will be binding and final. Winners will be notified on or about two (2) days following winner selection. The winning name can be obtained by writing to info@ultimateupland.com.
• ADDITIONAL TERMS: Giveaway is valid in the United States only. If you do not live in the United States, do not enter the giveaway. If for any reason the giveaway including, but not limited to, the online portion, does not function as planned, its integrity or feasibility is undermined, or anything compromises the administration, security, fairness, proper conduct or intended play of the giveaway, Ultimate Upland, LLC reserves the right at its sole discretion to disqualify any individual the Sponsor deems responsible, and/or to abbreviate, cancel, terminate, modify, or suspend the giveawway. UU assumes no responsibility for any defect or delay in operation or transmission, communications failure, theft, destruction or unauthorized access to, or alteration of, entries, including any erroneous appearance of qualification for a prize. If the Sponsor, in its discretion, elects to abbreviate the giveaway, the Sponsor reserves the right, but shall have no obligation, to award the prize(s) from among all valid and eligible entries received up to that time. All entries are the property of the Sponsor and are not returnable.
• WARNING: ANY ATTEMPT BY ANY PERSON TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY WEB SITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THIS GIVEAWAY IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH ATTEMPT BE MADE, ULTIMATE UPLAND, LLC RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. Giveaway entries generated by a script, macro or other automated means are ineligible and will be disqualified.
• RELEASE OF LIABILITY: By entering, entrant agrees to accept and abide by the rules of this giveaway and agrees that any dispute with regard to the conduct of this giveaway, rule interpretation, or award of prize, shall be resolved by UU in its sole discretion, whose decision shall be binding and final. By participating, entrant agrees to release and hold harmless the Sponsor and any respective parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, and the officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives of each from any injury, loss or damage to person or property due in-whole or in-part, directly or indirectly to the acceptance, use, or misuse of a prize, participation in any giveaway-related activity, or participation in the giveaway. Sponsor is not responsible for any typographical or other error in the printing of this offer, administration of the giveaway or in the announcement of prizes, including such error as may give an erroneous indication that a prize has been won.

November 27, 2017

Orvis Pro Series Vest

The upland game vest may be the single most-utilized piece of gear in upland hunting. Regardless the terrain, bird species, weather conditions…. the vest is always part of the hunt. Depending on the time of year, it has to fit over different layers, carry different loads, securely stow essential gear. And for me it’s gotta fit like a well-worn glove. The Orvis Pro Series Vest has multiple strap adjustments reminiscent of a backpack, so the game pouch and pockets ride exactly where you want them. No matter your frame size, this vest should adjust to exactly how you are most comfortable busting cover. Zipping pockets to lockdown keys, licenses and phones. An expanding game bag could carry a bushel of birds. The hydration bladder compatibility allows me to carry a gallon for dogs to extend our range on hot days. Beefy buckles and materials, lightweight, solidly stitched — this vest is gonna be a constant companion for the foreseeable seasons – $189 click here to learn more.

November 26, 2017

Orvis Barbour Wax Jacket

One of the biggest challenges I face hunting the open plains of North Dakota is the wind. During the winter months the freezing temperature combined with high wind can be brutal. I love waxed canvas because it not only keeps you dry during snowfall, but it is excellent for blocking out the wind. The Barbour Wax Jacket is essentially a shell that I can layer differently depending on the temperature, and has the option of purchasing a separate fleece vest that zips in. It has hand warming pockets as well as convenient deep front pockets. This high quality, great looking jacket is something I wear in the field as well as around town – $349 click here to learn more.

October 25, 2017

Ultimate Upland Cache #3 – Maine Treasure

Ultimate Upland Cache #2 – Yooper Treasure

The Ultimate Upland Cache

2016 Gift Guide for Bird Hunters

Even most bird hunters deserve more than a few lumps of coal this holiday season. With help from Contributors Kali Parmley and Andrea Haas we’ve assembled a list of gift ideas that should simplify shopping for the uplanders in your life.

When we came off the mountain from ptarmigan hunting in Colorado I surprised my hunting partners by making homemade apple pie in the Camp Chef Coven. Boiling, grilling, and frying have never been a problem at hunting camp. But sometimes you just want a loaf of bread or cinnamon rolls. Now with the Coven nothing is off-limits cooking in bird hunting camp from quail casseroles to pheasant quiche.

Even on the coldest mornings the Coven would fire up and climb to 350°+ using standard propane bottles. Multiple racks allow heating the 13 x 9″ lasagna at the same time as a baking sheet of rolls. And the two-burner cooktop will accommodate boiling, frying or scrambled eggs……getting hungry just thinking of all the possibilities. You may as well get the travel case too ($37), because the CampChef Coven ($130) is going to become required gear for every camp.

One of the worst things about the shortened days of daylight savings is leaving for work in the dark and returning home in the dark. That schedule doesn’t mesh well with bird dogs that need to burn off excess energy. With the Nite Ize Glowstreak LED dog ball we can now play fetch into the wee hours without losing bumpers or dogs ($12).

A reputation for rugged no-frills performance in the roughest work environments had many hunters wearing Carhartt clothing in upland brush for years. This season Carhartt made it official with a new trio specifically for bird hunters; the Upland Field Shirt, Pant and Jacket.

The jacket ($140) and pants ($80) in the Carhartt Brown canvas with Rain Defender® water repellent have reinforced seams and overlays in high-wear areas for durability. The khaki shirt ($70) also offers water resistance in the Quick Duck® canvas with spandex and poly in the blend for added mobility. This Upland Field shirt is as hard core as it gets, even with the vented back it may be too warm for early season but will be just right for running down educated roosters once winter arrives.

Tons of pockets, the right mix of blaze, built tough like the guys who wear it – if you’re a fan of Carhartt then you’re gonna like their upland lineup.

It seems like we’re always having to charge some device in order to share photos or videos from the field. Lander’s Cascade 7800 Power Bank ($53) gives you tons of backup power in a slim, lightweight profile to charge smartphones, tablets or action cameras when wandering far from outlets. In power-sapping, sub-freezing temps at elevation in Colorado the Cascade still managed to put multiple charges on our phone.

Go ahead and pair the power bank with Lander’s Neve cables that are virtually indestructible, reflective and made to insure your connections are always solid ($15-$25).

Heading to the edge of the map in pursuit of wild birds has become a regular part of our autumns. That solitude can be a truly welcome change from the bustle of constant connections afforded by smartphones and dumb computers. The birds we’re after seem to have a keen awareness of the boundaries of cell service and congregate in those deep culverts and woods where one can’t alert anyone to their location.

Though chances are remote, there’s potential for injury or immobility. That’s where the SPOT GEN3 comes in. It tracks your paths for later review, or marks locations and shares via text or email with up to 10 friends and loved ones. But in the event of an emergency pushing the SOS button alerts the GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center who provide your GPS coordinates and information to local response teams. They send the cavalry, helicopter or whatever resources may be needed to get you and your bird dogs out – yes, I made sure my dogs are part of my rescue plan. If the cavalry isn’t needed but assistance from another contact in a non-life-threatening situation the help alert is available as well. All this is accomplished via satellite, no cell signal required only a clear view of the sky.

When your family wants to know you’re safe but the birds lead you to places that aren’t, SPOT GEN3 is the answer. Take advantage of the holiday sale – 50% off retail for the unit ($75, service starting at $15 per month).

Not sure you can out-design the blade makers at Benchmade, but now you can give it a shot. Two of their most popular knives – the Griptilian® and Barrage® – can now be made-to-order with Benchmade Custom. From blade shape and metal to handle material and color, hardware color, even custom laser engraving; the combinations are nearly endless and allow crafting a hunting knife unlike any other in the world.

Your custom knife will go in the production queue and you’ll receive email updates reporting progress. In 10-15 days it will arrive on your doorstep razor sharp and ready to disassemble birds. I opted for the Barrage® with blaze handle, SV30 stainless and Ultimate Upland graphics. But I’ve already designed a Griptilian® with G10 handles that may need to find it’s way to my stocking ($165 – $250 depending on selected options).

The problem with most range bags is they can’t handle the weight of shotgun shells and end up folding under the pressure. Cabela’s Eliminator Range Bag is lightweight yet with enough structure to easily hold 12 boxes of 20 gauge. Padded sides and movable dividers allow arranging of gear to your liking. Tons of pockets for choke tubes, ear and eye protection, car keys, snacks….. it’s tough to imagine a better solution for under $35.

Though socks are rarely highlighted in gear discussions, they can be extremely important for upland pursuit. During the first half of the season we averaged over seven miles a day in all kinds of terrain and weather. Farm to Feet’s Ely line has both lightweight and mid-weight options ($23–$27) at varying lengths to match any conditions afield.

Made in North Carolina from nylon, Spandex and merino wool raised by American Farmers, the fit and compression from arch to the Achilles is what really makes Farm to Feet wear different. Seamless toe closures and extra cushioning in all the right places help protect your feet on days when the miles pile up. Give Farm to Feet Ely a try, they’ll make a good hunting boot even better.

Nothing is gonna make the “character marks” on my upland gun look new again, but Hoppe’s Wax Treated Gun Cloth may be the next best option. It cleans, polishes and protects wooden stocks, metal hardware and gun barrels. At under $6, it’s an easy stocking stuffer for any gun owner.

The STRONGBACK Low Gravity Chair was a big hit at bird camp. Finally there’s a campfire seating option that offers true back comfort with frame integrated lumbar support. Extra large feet keep the STRONGBACK chair from sinking into turf even with a 300 lb weight capacity. Still light and low profile, these chairs fold down into a carry bag with back pack straps that could even make the trip to a hunting blind.

Sit back, relax, put your drink in the holder and enjoy some campfire ergonomics thanks to STRONGBACK ($60).

Kali Parmley’s Picks….

It’s hard to find a women’s specific upland vest—more often than not we are resorting to men’s vests that can be too large and cumbersome for us. If you’re looking for a vest that is simple, well-made, and actually fit for a woman, take a look at Orvis’s Women’s Upland Vest. This vest ($149) comes complete with mesh sides to reduce weight, two water bottle pockets, and a waterproof/bloodproof blaze orange game bag. Additionally, the vest features two front shell pockets with magnetic closures, a zip pocket on the front, and a hidden zip pocket inside. Bonus: Orvis has included a vertical loop on the outside of the vest for securing your dog collar transmitter. It sits low enough to reduce getting in the way of shouldering your gun on the flush.

When chasing birds to the tops of peaks, flexible and unrestricted pants that still protect from the thickest of briars are a must. Cabela’s has answered that call with their Instinct Prairie Runner pants ($140) that are made with a flexible polyester/spandex shell and water-resistant nylon overlays to protect you in thick brush. I wore these pants on a three week road trip chasing birds across the west. Breathable and light, these pants allowed easy and quick movement while hunting running sharptails and huns across Montana.

I was about to hit the road for a three week road trip with my dog, Lincoln, and I was trying to travel as light as possible. Dog bowls can be bulky and take up too much space—that’s why I discovered Orvis’s Field Collection Travel Bowl ($29). Made of a cotton with a waterproof liner, the travel bowl is a full size dog bowl that zips down to the size of a wallet. I used this as Lincoln’s food and water dish for the entirety of the trip with no problems. When not in use, I tucked away easily, leaving me more room for birds.

When roughin’ it in the backcountry, your K9 companion needs to sleep just as well as you do to have the energy to find wild birds. In search of a lightweight pad to carry for Lincoln on our backpacking adventure up 12,000 feet to chase ptarmigan, I stumbled upon the Highlands Pad from Ruffwear ($30). A packable, lightweight (7 oz.), sleeping pad, the Highlands Pad is made of closed-cell foam that helped provide insulation from the cold ground for my tired pup. The pad folds down accordion style, making it simple to strap to the front of my pack.

Andrea Haas’s Picks… Be sure to follow Andrea at Huntress View

The First Lite Talus Fingerless Merino Gloves ($18) are perfect for the upland hunter. The fingers are open so your hands remain warm while still being able to easily load your shotgun and feel your shotgun trigger. They’re made from 100% merino wool which is known to keep over 80% of its warmth and insulating properties, even after getting wet. These are my go-to gloves all season long, no matter what game I’m pursuing.

Like a lot of women, I am petite and have issues finding hats that fit me, even ones that are designed for women. The Prois Orange Cap with Brown Waxed Bill fit me perfectly and the size can easily be adjusted with a back Velcro closure. And to make it even better, they have so many colors to choose from, including the classic upland hunting colors: blaze orange and brown waxed canvas ($27).

When the weather conditions are less than perfect, the SHE® Outdoor Expedition BONE-DRY Insulated Waterproof Hunting Boots go the extra mile in keeping your feet warm and dry. They are breathable, waterproof, and have a great fit and comfortable support that make them perfect for walking miles in search of upland birds in a variety of terrain and weather conditions. I have worn these the past 2 seasons and see no reason to try anything else! ($100)

Yes, the name has “Safari” in it, but don’t be fooled! This Prois Sojourn Safari Hoodie has become a staple item in my hunting closet and I have found it to be great for a variety of different hunting endeavors, including upland bird hunting. Constructed from cool polyester/spandex, this shirt provides moisture wicking properties, as well as UV protection AND antimicrobial properties. The thumbholes in the sleeves are a bonus, adding a little extra warmth to your hands when needed. I wore this hoodie alone during the cold morning hunts and carried it over into the warmer afternoon hunts without having to change up my wardrobe ($70).

Just think, the sooner you get all the shopping done, the more time you’ll have for wild places and wild birds. Head outside in some frightful weather and make it a great holiday.

June 20, 2016

Orvis Upland Shell

Besides doing their part to support public access, Orvis is also making some great improvements to their upland gear. When the leaves have yet to drop and shooting windows are minute, the ruffed grouse leave no time for thinking or for fumbling with the mount of the shotgun. The thing I like most about the Orvis Upland Shell ($198) is it provides warmth and water resistance without bulk. Tough fabric stands up to the briars but still breathes. The adjustable cuffs and addition of a blaze orange options are a big improvement from the previous model which I wore for years. When the weather turns cold this jacket has found permanent residence under my vest.

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November 30, 2015

2015 Gift Guide for Bird Hunters

‘Tis the giving season once again. It has been another solid year of putting outdoor gear to the test. Contributors Kali Parmley and Britney Starr add their wishes to this year’s list for outfitting the bird hunters in your life.

Having dogs share the load can save a lot of leg on a pack-in to upland camp. Ruffwear builds hard core active-dog gear. The Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack ($60) has all the right adjustment points, fits close to the dog’s body and distributes loads evenly. It took a little time for Rio the setter to learn her new dimensions while carrying her food and first aid kit, but soon she was scurrying uphill without losing a step. When the Bivy Bowl ($23) is collapsed flat it takes up almost no space in the backpack yet when expanded it still has the rigid sidewalls to which my dogs are accustomed. This is a perfect holiday combo for your camping bird dog and we even used the Approach with light loads to help build strength and endurance leading up to the hunting season.

To list all the features of this duo in a gift guide is daunting. Garmin used to be known simply for preventing hunters from getting lost. But it seems they are doubling down on their commitment to outdoorsman offering wearables, cameras and sporting dog gear. They are becoming an outdoor brand.

The Fenix 3 ($400) hasn’t left my wrist for anything but charging since the spring. It’s tracked my preseason workouts, warned of coming storms, pointed me in the right direction, foretold sunrise and sunsets, showed distances I’ve travelled and marked the truck’s location. An amazing piece of wearable tech that I still am not utilizing a fraction of its total potential. And now I can use it to control the VIRB XE ($399) action cameras to take first person video and stills.

Besides the 1080p video, 12MP capabilities and waterproof to 50M without a case, the stand out feature of the VIRB XE is the incorporation of data overlay which can track speed, g-force, position….. attach the VIRB to a bird dog and the possibilities become mind boggling. You’ll be seeing more and more video from Ultimate Upland in the coming months as we continue to explore this Garmin duo in bird hunting applications.

I’m always in search of the next great boot because footwear design and materials evolve so quickly relative to other outdoor gear. Every season there is something new and every season we’re hiking hundreds of miles in all kinds of conditions making the perfect grinder to test innovation. I’ve owned a few pairs of Keen before this season and noted them as lightweight, solid construction and extremely comfortable. When I learned about the Keen American Built initiative I knew it was time to take the new style Logans ($130-$160) to the field. Right now 25% of Keen’s line are built in its Portland factory, with hopes to one day have 100% made in the US footwear. That’s a tall order for boots with price points below $160. Comfortable straight out of the box, I’ve worn the Logan exclusively this season, Keen Logan in good weather and Keen Logan Mid when conditions turn sour. Single boots weigh right around a pound, less for Women’s Logan. Aggressive soles, waterproof membranes, solid stitching, synthetic miracle materials….. American Built. I’m sold.

Blitz had it’s origins in jewelry cleaning but has expanded their offerings to include hunters’ bling. Besides being non-petroleum based and made in the USA, the Blitz Firearm Wipes ($7) just work really well. I’m not sure what proprietary oil is used, but every bird hunter should have a pack of these in the truck to wipe the stink off guns before returning them to the case.

The NEMO Equipment Dagger 2 Person Tent weighed in a full 2 lbs. lighter than my old backpacking tent. That may not sound like much but when you’re talking about hauling a crammed backpack miles up a mountain over 9,000′ above sea level, those couple pounds are fairly pronounced. We’ve become fans of NEMO’s equipment which is well thought out and designed. Easy setup, ample floor space for two bird dogs and one hunter (jump up to the 3P if another hunter is in tow), roomy vestibules for extra gear and extra headroom in this tent created by a single pole system means you never end up leaving poles on the mountain in a rushed pack out.

While we’re on the topic of camping and hunting in wild places, these opportunities depend on healthy habitat and good access for sportsmen. The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) fights for all these and more in its mission to guarantee all Americans quality places to hunt and fish. The TRCP is the only group that seeks to unite all sportsmen around important federal issues that affect fish and wildlife habitat, funding for conservation programs, and sportsmen’s access.

This holiday season become a donor and take part in the Public Lands Challenge: from now through December 31, The Orvis Company will match any NEW donor’s gift to the TRCP or any gift INCREASE from a past donor. All donations will support the TRCP’s efforts to keep public lands public (and there are a number of great thank-you gifts to select in exchange for your donation).  You can help make the voice of sportsmen even stronger by supporting the TRCP today.

Learn more, sign up, and donate at www.TRCP.org.

That conniving black lab of mine will no longer use cover of night to perform acts of mischief. Now I clip on a Nite Ize Disco SPOTLIT ($6) and he gives me the look of disdain as I send him outside to do his business. No more losing track of the dark dog in the darkness.

I’ve lost two knives to briars and saplings snagging the pocket clip. Maddening. I decided this season I would teach the pick pocket coverts a lesson and hunt with a sheathed fix blade. To be honest, I still like the feel of a knife in my pocket, probably because most of my brush pants have a permanent impression from years of carry. But the edge retention, hunter orange santoprene polymer handle, the heft of this Benchmade Steep Country ($98) feels great in the hand. Whether it’s an upland bird or a Ponderosa pine, when I have this knife I feel like I can render it to pieces.

When I informed the folks at Hawke Optics that I needed a pair of high-power, high-performance, lightweight binoculars for upland hunting I’m pretty certain they thought I’d sprung a leak. Not really the kind of equipment one thinks of for pursuit of traditional upland game. But when I explained we’d be chasing Himalayan Snowcock in Nevada high country where the challenges of spotting birds before they jump from cliffs is real, Hawke recommended their Endurance 10×42 ($240). For the entire month of September the Endurance were our eyes during brutal mountain ascents and backcountry antics as the Snowcock turned us inside out. We never closed the distance on these spooky birds but still managed to fall on these Hawke binocs no less than three times in loose rocky terrain. None the worse for wear, they are great value, really good glass and live up to the name.

A human can survive without food for three weeks. Hypothermia and exposure are the real killers in the wild. I’ve added the UST WetFire™ Tinder ($7) to my vest as part of my mobile first aid and survival gear. In the event I can’t make it back to the truck due to weather, injury or poor navigation skills I will now always be able to start a fire and stay warm.

I’m not normally a long john kind of guy because trudging through thick cover tends to produce enough body heat that shedding layers is more likely the norm. But last year hunting late season we got caught in a Midwest blizzard with winds cutting at ridiculous speeds and ambient temps in the teens. That’s when I broke out the Under Armour Base 4.0 and it made me a believer ($80 crew/ $80 legs). I felt like Spiderman when I stretched into this base layer. It hugs the body while still putting a cushion of air next to the skin. With windchills reaching deep negatives and freezing rain coming in sideways the hunt continued…. until I could no longer feel my face. Hoping UA Base 4.0 for the face comes out this year.

Everyone considers eye protection at the range required equipment. But vision is probably more at risk when bird hunters are afield. I’ve grown tired of taking sticks to the eye when busting cover. I didn’t think there were glasses that could perform in all the varying terrains and conditions I choose to hunt especially when those change throughout the day. I was wrong. Rudy Project Magster with ImpactX-2 photochromic clear-to-red lenses ($275) transition to any light condition afield. Insanely lightweight with what seems infinite adjustment, I often forget I’m even wearing eye protection. Rudy Project is adding shooting sports to their lineup for elite athletes. Other lens options exist, all with lifetime warranty and frames have a 3-year warranty. I expect these Magster will be with me for a long time because I’m no longer willing to risk my sight while hunting.

If you’ve stumbled into a Cabela’s store recently – and it’s tough not to because they are popping up like Whac-A-Mole – you may notice that more and more of the gear they sell is Cabela’s brand. It appears they’ve used the market research from selling all manner of other brands to produce the top sellers on their own, often at lower price points. I’ve been a skeptic of much of their clothing which in the early days seemed cheap and of inferior production. But my last visit I noticed a number of items that have made a quality leap. That’s how I came to own this Cabela’s Long-Sleeve Fleece ($60) .The shirt looks like an old-school thick wool flannel, but actually is super soft fleece, well-constructed, durable and the right weight over a t-shirt for hanging around a campfire in brisk air of a fall camp.

Kali Parmley’s Picks:

With a myriad of upland gear available for men, women bird-chasers don’t have it that easy. Cabela’s has come to the rescue with their “OutfitHER” women’s specific line of clothing (no pink involved). Ladies looking for a reliable, comfortable, and durable pair of field pants for their adventures chasing ringnecks should turn to the Cabela’s OutfitHER Upland Pants ($60). Made from 100% cotton canvas, the pants are equipped with nylon weave panels that resist the toughest of brambles and thickets, and are lined with hunter orange to help with safety in the field. Best part: their price-point won’t break the bank.

Looking for a softshell jacket that can be warn in your early and late season hunts? Consider the North Branch Softshell from FirstLite ($250) as your go-to jacket. The softshell is lightweight, durable and provides warmth without bulk—a bird chasers best friend. The jacket is fleece lined, but breathable, highly water resistant, wind proof and quiet—all makings of the perfect field jacket. I’ve worn this as my go-to upland jacket this season, and couldn’t have been more pleased. Finding myself in different weather conditions while chasing Sharptails in North Dakota, the North Branch stood up against rain, snow and wind, all the while keeping me warm, comfortable, and still able to swing my shotgun with ease.

Traveling with your favorite four-legged hunting companion just got easier with Cabela’s Gun Dog Food and Hydration Pack ($70) that makes storing food for a long road trip to hunt camp simple. The pack not only keeps up to 8lbs. of food dry with its roll-top closure, it also holds 1.5 liters of water. Bonus features: A zip-open food-dispensing spout and pour valve for water. Also included is a zip-away food/water bowl, perfect for meals on the road. This pack stored food for 10 days, with plenty of room to spare, on my long road-trip to chase wild birds with my lab, Lincoln. This is a must-have for the hunter and dog on the go.

Small and portable, the Camp Chef Rainier Campers Combo Stove ($153) is complete with a one-burner stove, and a non-stick griddle and grill. The griddle and grill are easily switched for making pancakes in the morning, to grilling venison for dinner. Complete with a matchless ignition for ease of use, the Camper’s Combo is the perfect stove for hunting and camping adventures. I was fortunate enough to use the Rainier Camper’s Combo in North Dakota during my 3-day wild bird hunt camp. The stove performed flawlessly while cooking antelope over the grill, and even in tight quarters as my fellow hunters and I squeezed into a smaller camper to avoid freezing rain. Venison was grilled to medium-rare perfection, while noodles were boiling on the burner.

Britney Starr’s Picks:

Despite the fact that women’s hunting gear has come a long way, overall, since I first started busting brush, it can still be slim pickins when it comes to female-specific upland gear. Luckily, there are a few companies who are doing it right, not just men’s sizing made smaller, but actual women-designed and women-tailored gear. One of those companies is Eddie Bauer. I’ve worn their Mabton Flats vest ($199) for three seasons in Michigan’s North Woods, and South Dakota, and it’s held up beautifully. The vest is made of durable, water-resistant material, that really does stay dry … Except for if you fall, armpit deep, into a bog while hunting swamp grouse, but I digress. The back pouch is roomy enough for a limit of birds, as well as a water bottle for the dog, and the front pockets can fit an entire box of shells each – if you like to burn powder like I do, you’ll probably want to have that many. Overall, the Mabton Flats vest is a solid staple piece to your upland wardrobe and well worth the investment.

My mom always told me to invest in nice luggage, well, that goes for toting your hunting gear, also. My Mud River Rolling Duffel ($192) has been to Africa, Saskatchewan, and multiple states in the US, and still looks as good as the day I bought it. The hard-sided bottom adds an extra measure of protection, as well as a great storage space. Mud River also offers a host of dog accessories to make your travels easier, including the Crate Cushion ($20 – $27) that gets “two paws up” from my GSP Wesson.

This comprehensive e-collar + beeper system is a great package for any uplander on your Christmas list. With a 1-mile range on the e-collar and 500-yard audible range on the beeper, the SportDOG Brand® UplandHunter® 1875 ($385) makes it just as easy to keep tabs on your big-running dog, as it is to locate your close-working pup in dense cover.

Packed with features like DRYTEK® waterproofing, expandability to add up to 3 dogs on one transmitter, seven levels of momentary and continuous stimulation, as well as the option to train with vibrate and tone, SportDOG Brand follows through with its motto of “Gear the Way You’d Design It.”

To make things even better, SportDOG Brand is offering a $50 rebate on gear priced $199 and above, now through 12/31/2015!

There’s nothing like chasing some late season birds to help get the blood flowing and burn off the extra mugs of eggnog. Get all that shopping done and get outside.

Tag: Orvis

Ultimate Upland Cache #4 – Kansas Cache

Orvis Pro Series Vest

Orvis Barbour Wax Jacket

Ultimate Upland Cache #3 – Maine Treasure

Sponsored by Orvis

Ultimate Upland Cache #2 – Yooper Treasure

Sponsored by Orvis

Giveaway Disclosure (the fun legal stuff)

• WINNERS: Prize will be awarded by Ultimate Upland, LLC, whose decisions on all matters relating to the giveaway will be binding and final. Winners will be notified on or about two (2) days following winner selection. The winning name can be obtained by writing to info@ultimateupland.com.

The Ultimate Upland Cache

Sponsored by Orvis

Giveaway Disclosure (the fun legal stuff)

• WINNERS: Prize will be awarded by Ultimate Upland, LLC, whose decisions on all matters relating to the giveaway will be binding and final. Winners will be notified on or about two (2) days following winner selection. The winning name can be obtained by writing to info@ultimateupland.com.

2016 Gift Guide for Bird Hunters

Orvis Upland Shell

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2015 Gift Guide for Bird Hunters