Upland Stuff We Want for Christmas: You?
Blue grouse?
Just like the title says, here’s some stuff we want for Christmas – “we” being Jay and Sean, Brendan’s brother. Apparently Brendan has all he wants…not really but he didn’t type something up in time for this post. So here goes – with two disclaimers:
1. Thanks to the exploits of our Pheasants Forever brothers on this year’s Rooster Road Trip, we now know of some gear we want to test for next year. In other words, this want list doesn’t reflect all the upland gear out there, which is a good thing – and bear in mind that we already own a good amount of battle-tested gear…which is a reminder to put that list up on the site here somewhere.
2. Unfortunately this list doesn’t include guns, which would make it a long, long list!
Jay
Since it seems like Al Gore was right – he did invent the internet…no, no, I mean about the globe getting warmer thing – I need some warm-weather upland gear. The ultimate warm-weather upland gear. I’m done with sweating like a buffalo in the early season.
I already have the pants needed: L.L. Bean’s Technical Upland Pants. Awesome in every way. Super light, articulated, great. Not the best for cold and wet, but that’s not what I’m talking about here.
For a baselayer top in warmer weather – and cool and cold weather, for that matter – I wear Patagonia merino blend shirts. They beat synthetics any day of the week (more on that in a future post).
Hadn’t been able to find the shirt I needed until I stopped into L.L. Bean last summer. The Ventilated Upland Shirt is perfect for warm-weather hunting. Here’s what Bean says about it:
Our lightest-weight upland shirt has integrated ventilation points that allow air to circulate, keeping you dry, cool and comfortable. Lightweight, breathable fabric dries quickly and stands up to the rigors of the field. Vertical back flap offers ventilation and allows freedom of movement for swinging on a fast target. Vertical chest pockets are low profile so they won’t catch on your lanyard or the butt of your shotgun. Comfortable, generous cut allows for an unrestricted swing. Provides UPF 50+ sun protection.
Will this be under the tree?
Feels cool, looks cool. If I liked it when I tried it on, why didn’t I buy it? Asked myself the same thing when I was sweating my tail off the third week of October in Maine. In other words, didn’t think I needed it!
I see from the website the blaze version of the shirt is now sold out. I hope someone already got mine….
I have been seeking, but have not yet found, the following items:
> Warm-weather pack or vest that’s ergonomic, not bulky and doesn’t weigh down the shoulders as traditional vests loaded with shells are prone to do.
> A good-looking, good-fitting (for my beanpole physique), waterproof hunting jacket. Was thinking about the Orvis Wet Weather Upland Shell, but it’s insulated and costs $$$.
If you can make a recommendation, much appreciated.
Sean
Sean in PA early this year. Check out the wet pants.
Here’s what’s on Sean’s list:
> L.L. Bean Gore-Tex Upland Field Pants – Because mother nature always seems to know when you have one or two days scheduled to take off work to go hunting and lets loose with rain, snow or freezing rain\sleet…like last year’s trip to PA. Plus they look cool. [Brendan and Jay won’t leave home without these pants.]
> Midland 75 822 40-channel CB radio – It became apparent this year in Maine that we absolutely need a CB radio for emergencies. Cell phone reception was non existent out on the logging roads and all the logging trucks and camps have CB radios.
More
> After jealously watching Jay’s glove experience, both Haines brothers also want the Geier gloves made for Wood & Metal. Seriously! (We’re all kinda wanting the Musher’s Secret and Renaissance Wax too, here.)
> We’d love to design some upland gear, made for Serious hunters and not-so-serious ones who just want good stuff. But for now we’ll make do with what’s available.
What’s on your upland list? Any recommendations for us?
Category: Clothing, Gloves, LL Bean, Wood and Metal
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I would like an inexpensive, gun case to fit on the roof of my station wagon, so everyone doesn’t have to jam their shotguns into a crowded car. I priced 8″ PVC tubes like they use for sewers and was going to make something, but the price was prohibitive. It would have to be secure, waterproof and allow quick access to the gun. Any ideas?
David,
what about a thule roof rack carrier? they are a little on the expensive side, but are secure and waterproof. and they look less like a fishing rod/gun case.