Hunting Jackets
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Beretta Windshield Sweater
A well-constructed wool shooting sweater that keeps you warm in the field can pull double duty as an outer layer. The Beretta Windshield Sweater ($125) with its soft wool exterior and windproof liner, is an attractive mid-layer that acts as a wind block.
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Sitka Gear Vapor SD Jacket
Heading into the backcountry, weight and packability are always top concerns for gear. Sitka’s Vapor SD Jacket compresses small and weighs so little it’s easy to forget tucked in the corner of the bird vest. But weather in the mountains can be unpredictable and unforgiving and when the skies open up and the sleet starts…
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Sitka Women’s Fanatic Hoodie
Gear fit for women is few and far between, but Sitka has broken the barrier by creating gear designed by women hunters. The Fanatic Hoodie is a perfect all-around insulation layer for chasing birds into the high country. The quarter zip hoodie is made of a spandex grid fleece that is breathable yet warm, wicks…
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FirstLite North Branch Softshell
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…
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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…
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Cabela’s Long-Sleeve Fleece
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…
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Orvis PRO LT Hunting Pullover
I tend to run a little warm, even in cool temps, so I’m always struggling to find a lighter jacket for those frost-coated mornings.Fortunately, the new PRO LT line from Orvis includes the PRO LT pullover for those mornings when a jacket is too much but long sleeves just don’t cut it. Lightweight in camouflage…
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Carhartt Upland Field Shirt, Pant and Jacket
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…
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Wolverine Bucksaw
Wolverine is a brand known and respected for durable footwear. We’ve tested a number of their boots and haven’t been disappointed. But now Wolverine is moving into clothing that matches the rugged attitude of their shoes. The Bucksaw fits right in with that tough Wolverine lineup. Heavyweight fleece on the inside with old-school flannel bonded…
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Orvis PRO Insulated Hoodie
I don’t recommend flipping a kayak in 40º air temps, 55º water and 25 mph winds in order to test a jacket. Luckily, I already did this for you – actually, it wasn’t for you. But sometimes sh!t DOES happen and I’m glad I was wearing the Orvis PRO Insulated Hoodie for this soaking. Brutal conditions…
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Filson Ultralight Hooded Jacket
Staying warm is great, but I can’t stand feeling like the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man while hunting. I was able to wear Filson’s Ultralight Hooded Jacket in single digit temps with just one layer beneath and retain that sweet spot between sweating and hypothermia. Yet, this jacket is sheer enough that the bird vest slides easily…
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Walls 3Lb Hoodie
This hoodie is for real. The thirteen-ounce cotton/poly material feels like a layer of armor against the elements. Deep pockets and a deep hood let you tuck in and bull through any weather. I wear it everywhere and have yet to wash it once because it doesn’t mind the dirt. Triple stitching and a beefy zipper make…
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Filson’s Stryker Jacket
We ended up hunting in South Dakota in some of the most brutal conditions I’ve ever experienced afield. Filson’s Stryker Jacket ($325) gave us the perfect balance between insulation and weight. We had no problem wearing our strap vest over top and staying warm. The best part is we could still smoothly mount the shotgun without feeling…
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Filson Ultra Light Weight Jacket
Filson may have built their reputation on their indestructible Tin Cloth, but if they keep turning out jackets like this Ultra Light Weight made from ripstop Cordura® the mantle could be passed. For a weather-resistant jacket, the warmth-to-weight ratio is amazing due largely to the PrimaLoft Gold® Insulation which retains it’s insulating capabilities even when…
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Eddie Bauer and Barbour Vests
The Eddie Bauer Micro Therm StormDown Vest or padded vest by Barbour offer the perfect form-fitting mid-layer for the field.
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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)…
