Quality clothing keeps you warm, dry, and hunting longer in comfort. Here are some of the industry's leading options worth considering this season. (Photo courtesy of High 'N Dry)
DON'T MISS Episode 38 of the Wildfowl Podcast
I’ve hunted and fished throughout Alaska for over 30 years; lived there 9 of those. I preach to never, ever, go to Alaska with gear that’s not proven, stuff you know works! Last fall I defied my wisdom. I spent 20 consecutive days in brand new High ’N Dry breathable waders, hunting waterfowl and fishing. And they performed to perfection! What I loved most about these early-season waders was their tough design. The Kevlar outer layer which sits atop neoprene reinforced knees greatly impressed me, as I was on my knees a lot on volcanic sand beaches, rough rock, thick mud, tundra bogs and saltwater, and I didn’t have a single issue.
Use something long enough, in a range of situations, and you realize its worth. This takes time. When testing shotgun shells, for instance, I never draw a conclusion after going through one box. Give me a few flats and let me shoot it throughout the season in as many different conditions as possible, then I’ll give you my thoughts. That’s how it was for me last season with Realtree’s new MAX-7 Camo. I wore the new MAX-7 on prairie puddle duck hunts, multiple goose hunts from Texas to Oregon to Mexico, dozens of duck hunts in the Pacific Northwest, and dove and sandhill crane hunts. Conditions ranged from 83º and glaring sun to 16º and heavy clouds. What impressed me most about this pattern was the depth of field it created due to strategically placed blades of grass and shadow use, no matter the setting.
This one is an American-made groundbreaker. FORLOH's latest technologically-advanced warm-weather clothing, their Insect Shield® SolAir UPF Hooded Long Sleeve Shirt and Lightweight Pants, are expertly engineered to combat the harmful rays of the sun and biting insects, while keeping the wearer cool, dry and odor-free. Insect Shield repels mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers and midges without the smell. Insect Shield® protection is built right in and lasts the expected lifetime of the product. SolAir products incorporate cooling minerals into the fabric for an immediate and continuous cooling effect with active wicking to move moisture away, and rapid drying to keep you comfortable. You can bet I’ll be taking this to Alaska with me this fall, and using it in the early duck and goose seasons around home.
In addition to two new colors for their waders, Chêne also released two new jackets for this season. Chêne’s waders feature 4-layer nylon, which is waterproof, breathable and more abrasion resistant than polyester. The EVA boot midsole means all-day comfort and durability, with an adjustable strap for optimum comfort and fit, and fleece-lined hand-warming pockets. Limited lifetime warranty.
This collection features a hoody, pant and glove designed to be worn together to minimize the health risk and distraction of insect bites by preventing contact with mosquitoes, ticks and other bugs. Together, the pieces prevent contact with insects by limiting skin exposure, utilizing a newly developed bite-reduction fabric and infusing built-in Insect Shield treatment. Each piece also offers UPF50+ protection, Polygiene Odor Control Technology and moisture-wicking to keep hunters comfortable in warm and humid conditions.
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After exploding on the scene last year as the first in the line of Dive Bomb Technical Gear, the Power Hoodie has continued to impress with an exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio & built in-stretch that allows for full range of motion. The ultimate in performance & versatility, this 170 gram Power Wool™ construction combines the unbeatable natural properties of wool with advanced synthetic fibers to eliminate breakdown after heavy use. Available in covert green (pictured), otter brown, field tan, and white.
Whether you’re in a blind or a boat, a muddy field or stubble, setting decoys or getting in and out of a hide, this bib allows a full range of motion. The 3LI Bib is breathable, 100% water and windproof, designed with Primaloft 100 gram insulation, ever adjustable suspender straps, adjustable waist zip to hip leg zipper, Kevlar reinforced knee and seat, and a 4-way stretch crotch gusset.
A high-performance jacket that’s so light, it doubles as a comfortable shirt. Ideal for layering, the double-weave spandex face fabric with microcheck backer means comfort in all conditions. Upper chest, snap-secured handwarmer pocket, lower, zipper-secured kangaroo pocket, it also features integrated gear tabs and comes in popular Vintage Tan as well as Mossy Oak Bottomland.
These insulated, breathable waders feature an RZ-CLINCHFIT Strap System with over-the-boot, removable protective pant connects with an easy-to-use built-in belt system, eliminating stitching to provide long-lasting durability and comfort. Reconfigured anatomical seam mapping mirrors body movement, dramatically reducing seam fatigue and the GO-FLATSEAM assembly with single stitch design provides an ultra-smooth, lay-flat surface to securely seat waterproof taping. The RZ-TRACTION Boot offers 1,600 grams of Thinsulate and is anatomically molded to match foot movement.
Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Habitat is the pattern that pays homage to the first waterfowl-specific camo pattern ever made, Mossy Oak® Shadow Grass®, while incorporating the most realistic, digitally accurate images of the actual natural elements that make up a true waterfowl habitat. After photographing a variety of grass blades along water edges and flooded fields, they saw that each blade was unique, and was most often accompanied by a thatch background of dead or pressed-down lesser grass. That combination went to create the perfect pure grass pattern by arranging each blade of grass in natural positions with shadows falling across each other on a thatch background. Regardless of whether you’re being approached from the sky, eye level or any angle in between, you’ll blend in no matter where you set up.
Hunting in the rain can be challenging; hunting in the rain and getting wet is downright intolerable. Keeping you dry in the toughest conditions is the Nomad Hailstorm NXT Jacket. Featuring a quiet and stretchable 2.5-layer shell both waterproof and breathable. It repels water from drizzles to downpours while allowing for heat and condensation to escape. Windproof and waterproof taped seams help keep moisture out, even when moving through the woods and or climbing into a stand. Plenty of room for gear in the deep, zippered pockets,and in warm conditions, the zippered armpits help hunters stay cooler. Adjustable hood and hem for a perfect fit.
We highlighted these waders last year, but we’re doing a double-take. Here’s why. They came out late in the season and I was one of the first in the country to wear them. I wore four brands of waders on over 100 outings last season, from Alaska to Mexico to Texas, and the LaCrosse Agility Waders were a favorite, making it into marshes, rivers, creeks and saltwater on over 60 hunts in temperatures ranging from 8ºF to 75ºF. The boots in the Agility Waders are very comfortable; I was a four-sport athlete in high school, played a bit of college ball, and quality footwear is high on my priority list.
When I first saw the Canvasback Fullbody Waders, my wheels started turning, envisioning the places I could have used them last season, and where I’d put them to the test, this season. For two years Canvasback Waterfowl Co. has worked at perfecting the first ever patent-pending fullbody wader. Constructed of a premium 4-layer breathable waterproof polyester base fabric, they’re designed for layering to accommodate a variety of environments. Hand pouches are a must, and these have two fleece-lined with waterproof zippers built as an overlay to thwart water. Custom boots with 1200g Thinsulate and neoprene sleeve cuffs offer further comfort and protection. There are more features, many more.
Lynn Burkhead, OSG Senior Digital Editor
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