The ORVIS PRO LT Hunting Pants ($149) are an ideal choice for early season hunting, when keeping cool and moisture-free is a top priority for maintaining comfort during long days afield. The lightweight Cordura nylon polypropylene fabric promotes wicking, venting, and temperature control, but you’ll still be protected from most brush thanks to a tight weave that helps you trudge through the undergrowth. Pockets are made of ventilating mesh, reinforced to resist wear when carrying your knife, and there’s a cell phone pocket on your right hip with a pull tab to provide easy access. Your biggest challenge might be overcoming the temptation to wear them all the time, but is that really such a bad thing? www.orvis.com
You can usually tell when experienced hunters have played a pivotal role in product development, and that’s certainly true with the SITKA Delta Wading Vest ($199). A clever, first-of-its-kind shell carrier orients shotgun ammo and stacks it in groups of three for quick removal and reloading when the action gets hot, while quilted shoulder padding and an integrated lumbar support belt make sure you stay comfortable while waiting in the blind. Wellplaced pockets provide plenty of storage, and the Gore Optifade Waterfowl Marsh camo pattern proves highly capable of concealing you in virtually any setting—from swamps to standing timber to cut fields. The vest is just one piece of the impressive Sitka Waterfowl System, which you can learn more about at www.sitkagear.com.
L.L.BEAN has a well-earned reputation for creating innovative, highquality hunting gear ever since Leon Leonwood Bean founded the company, way back in 1912. Its new Waterfowler’s Backpack ($129) is perfect for any duck hunter who needs to navigate the early morning darkness of a blind while keeping gear organized and easily accessible. Made from waterproof ripstop polyester, its reinforced vacuum-molded side pockets are spacious and rugged while a rigid bottom gives the pack a structure firm enough that it stands up on its own. Multiple calls fit into the large side pocket, while the strong carrying handle and easily adjustable shoulder straps make for easy transport. You’ll be delighted to make this bag a core part of your waterfowl ensemble. www.llbean.com
