Here are some of the great upland clothing, boots and gear items for gun dog owners that caught our eye this season.
Choosing what we believe to be some of the best new pieces of upland gear each year is always fun. In addition to killer duds, we've also rounded up a few dog accessories, coolers and general upland must-haves to truly round out a great day afield. This is merely a sampling of the many great products that are out there for 2017, but these are some of the special items that caught our eye this year.
A&C Moleskin Field Shirt
The story behind the Moleskin is an interesting one that goes back 270 years and involves the comfort of coal miners. It turns out when you spend your days doing backbreaking work, you need a great shirt. Moleskin was their choice of fabric, and today that same option is available to the upland hunter. This shirt, available in Loden or Cornsilk, is designed with side panels and bi-swing help to provide excellent fit and comfort. $198 | avedoncolby.com
Browning Featherweight 8"
Browning's Featherweight is designed with TRULAST technology to provide a higher degree of comfort and a perfect fit through performance foot-shape geometry. It also features Climate Command Waterproof technology, which keeps your feet dry while traversing wet conditions (and remaining breathable). $150 | browning.com
Filson Shelter Cloth Strap Vest
This updated reintroduction of the heritage style hunting vest is ideal for all-season hunters who target pretty much any type of gamebird. Made with Shelter Cloth, designed with pleated front snap pockets, it features a front-entry game bag with a blood-proof liner. To store your license or other can't-lose gear, the vest has a secure internal zipper pocket. $225 | filson.com
Danner Sharptail
An athletic, supportive fit and Terra Force Platform, which offers serious support and stability without the traditional weight (51-oz per pair), make the Sharptail an all-day boot. Non-insulated and GORE-TEX-lined, they measure 10" tall and are anchored by an outsole that provides traction in all types of terrain. $200 | danner.com
Irish Setter Ravine Boots
EnerG technology provides comfort and support through an energy-returning core that is packed between multiple layers of the midsole. Underfoot support is guaranteed through the Anti-Torsion Chassis while a rubber outsole that is designed with multi-tiered lugs provide excellent traction. Ravine's UltraDry waterproofing keeps feet dry. $180 (start) | irishsetterboots.com
Howling Dogs of Alaska Dog Blanket
Great for travel, this blanket measures 39x39 inches and is constructed out of three layers of durable, water-repellent material. The three-layer system allows heat to be trapped in the middle layer, so that your dog will stay warm no matter where you are. This is also an excellent addition to any travel crate for serious over-the-road adventures. $35 | howlingdogalaska.com
Pelican 20QT Elite Cooler
This bear-proof (literally) cooler is 30 percent lighter than its predecessors, features a dual-wall exterior and an extra-thick polyurethane foam core that keeps birds on ice for days. The 20QT can hold up to 24 cans or 19 liquid quarts. $200 | pelican.com
Bucket Pack
Made of durable polyester and covered in Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades, the Venture bucket features formed pockets that can hold up to five boxes of shells. It's also designed with padded shoulder straps, a back pad and dual insulated water bottle holders. Opt for the Combo unit, and you get the bucket and a Big Bear Silent Spin Lid Seat. $70 | peregrinefieldgear.com
YETI Hopper Two 30
The Hopper Two 30 is the perfect size for a rooster roadie, and is 100 percent leak-proof and redesigned to allow for easier access to your goods. To keep ice, game and after-hunt necessities cold for days, the Hopper Two utilizes ColdCell Insulation. It's an awesome all-season cooler you'll likely never have to replace. $350 | yeti.com
Sylmar Body Guard Dog Vest
Keep your pup safe from barbed-wire and other hidden dangers with this well constructed 500 denier cordura rip-stop nylon vest. Sylmar reinforced the chest area for added protection. Sizes are available to cover dogs ranging from 15 to 140 pounds. Choose from Safety Orange or Safety Yellow. $42 | sylmardogwear.com
Orvis Outdry Hunting Glove
Waterproof, you'll no longer have to sacrifice feel or comfort to keep hands dry afield. An innovative Outdry liner is bonded to the outer shell with no seams or gaps for water to sneak in. Clays shooters, or those lucky enough to hunt Argentina doves, will want to check out the High Volume Shooter's glove, made of abrasion-resistant nylon. $99-$109 | orvis.com