APPAREL
by Mike Floyd
DULUTH PACK UPLAND GAME VEST
Duluth Pack has been creating premium outdoor products in northern Minnesota since all the way back in 1882, making it the oldest manufacturer of canvas and leather bags, gun cases, luggage and sporting apparel in the country. So when we heard its staff of artisans had been tasked with fashioning an heirloom-quality Wax Canvas Upland Game Vest ($215), it was on our short list of products to check out for Gray’s Best consideration. It came as no surprise to find that it’s an instant classic. Hand crafted and double stitched from rugged 15-ounce cotton duck canvas, all of it made right here in the USA, the vest features two expandable pockets for shells, adjustable cotton-webbing shoulder straps, and a rear-loading, grommeted game pocket that cleans easily. The waist strap is made of premium leather, while all snaps and buckles are constructed of sturdy metal. We wore ours over a light shirt while shooting doves in warm, early-season conditions and above layering as we chased pheasants in cooler weather. It proved equally comfortable. Above all, what you’re really getting here is a game vest that harkens back to another era—no plastics, no shortcuts, and a look that’s only going to get better with age. www.duluthpack.com
ORVIS PRO TOUGHSHELL JACKET AND PANT
When things outside take a turn for the worse, there’s nothing wrong with putting another log on the fire and catching up on some reading. But if you’re the kind of outdoorsman who sees bad weather as an opponent that must be vanquished, Orvis has built a full suit of armor for people just like you. The PRO series was introduced to much acclaim back in 2016, but the recent redesign of the Toughshell PRO pant ($349) and jacket ($398) has proven even more exceptional than its predecessor, thriving under the most wretched conditions and looking good in the process. Following the dogs through heavy thickets of invasive Callery pear? Unscathed. A long walk back to the rig in a driving rainstorm? Bone dry. Cool autumn mornings that morph into unexpectedly warm summer afternoons? No sweat. Upgrades include fully taped seams to keep the wind and water at bay, magnetic closures, zippered exterior pockets and neoprene cuffs. There are zippers beneath both arms for immediate heat release, plus an internal stash pocket to keep your phone, keys and GPS remote control dry and accessible. Clearly, the folks at Orvis understand that waterproof and thorn-resistant don’t have to be mutually exclusive. www.orvis.com
BALL AND BUCK 17-0UNCE PINE DUCK FIELD PANT
Mark Bollman has been designing functional, stylish, heirloom-quality apparel for sporting gentlemen since he founded Ball and Buck 15 years ago. And as an avid wingshooter, he is first and foremost attuned to the needs of upland hunters. The new American-made 17-ounce Pine Duck Field Pant ($238) attests to that. Like so many of Bollman’s creations, beauty and craftsmanship can be found in the small details and, in this case, that means original camo pocket lining, signature shotgun shell brass hardware and a blaze YKK zipper tape. And then there’s the cut. The pants sit perfectly, just below the waist, while added leg room promises comfort during long days afield. There’s also a reinforced ballistic Cordura seat and bar tacks for increased durability. But it’s ultimately the performance that sets these pants apart. Hand-sewn in B&B’s Boston shop from 10-ounce duck cotton fabric, then reinforced on both legs, front and back, with 7-ounce waxed canvas, you’ll walk confidently through the worst cactus fields and briar heads, all the while developing a rugged patina that says you’ve done this many times before. Truly a product that wears in, not out. www.ballandbuck.com
DUCK CAMP DECK JACKET
Hard-core technical fishing jackets certainly have their place, and I am one who very much appreciates their attributes when I’m on the water. But off the water, they often have a look that says you should probably still be out there. By comparison, the Duck Camp Deck Jacket ($249) has all the tools you need for inshore and off-shore outings—adjustable hood and hem, Velcro cuffs, a low-profile kill switch attachment, spacious and easily accessible front pockets, ample interior storage, fully waterproof—but still maintains a relaxed feel that is comfortable in a variety of settings, filling a void that has long existed between technical and casual. In fact, although blessed with options, I’ve found myself going back to the versatile Deck Jacket time and again as the weather gets nippy, be it scouting for ducks, sitting in a deer stand, gathering around a campfire or simply making a quick grocery run. This is a coat that does many things and does them well, both on and off the water, and, like me, you’ll likely find yourself grabbing it on your way out the door more often than any other coat you own. www.duckcamp.com
