Southern Style

Gearing Up for the Blind

Duck-hunting gear that will stand up to the elements—and that muck-covered retriever who enjoys a good shake

Photo: PETER FRANK EDWARDS

From top:

 

Blind Bag

There’s not a more dunk-proof, mud-proof, abuse-proof duck pack out there, and few that work smarter than the Timber Pack by Sitka. The bag can hang from a tree by its integrated strap, complete with a gun hook, or stay dry on the ground due to a beefy waterproof welded rubber bottom. Bonus: The top opens as wide as a gator’s mouth, with zippered accessory pockets ($239; sitkagear.com).

 

Coffee Jug

This burly French press BruTrek travel mug is just what the spouse ordered when it comes to silent, easy, no-mess middle-of-the-night java making. The unique vessel’s design prevents grounds from slipping back into the twenty-four ounces of liquid, which double-wall insulation and a body built as tough as a coal car keep extra hot ($50; planetarydesign.com).


Photo: PETER FRANK EDWARDS

From top:

 

Hoodie

This do-it-all Duck Camp hoodie, with its fleece-lined tunnel pocket, will ward off a chill on its own, or work perfectly for layering. And it feels as comfy as that ancient college sweatshirt ($169; duckcamp.com).

 

Duck Call

The first Yentzen duck call was a black walnut model that came to life in 1959 on a Nederland, Texas, back porch, and went on to gain status as the first double-reed call to win the World Championship of Duck Calling. The classic version still gets made in the Lone Star State and pumps out sweet tones that work in tight timber and open water alike ($70; sureshotgamecalls.com).

 

Cutting Tool

Built by Bahco, a European brand more than 130 years old, this indispensable, pocket-size folding saw is head and shoulders above the rest. Coated teeth cut in both the push and pull modes to take down brush for a blind, chew through tree limbs for an open shot, and clear your way into a swamp ($30; theprunerwarehouse.com).


Photo: PETER FRANK EDWARDS

Clockwise from top:

 

Insulation Top

The legendary Jac-Shirt by Filson gets a face-lift in this good-looking version filled with sustainably sourced goose down and outfitted with a snap-front closure, two chest pockets, and two slash pockets lined with flannel. The lightweight nylon shell, treated for water resistance, slides easily under outer layers when the going gets a little colder and wetter ($295; filson.com).

 

Waders

Wearing waders no longer has to test a hunter’s fortitude and endurance thanks to advances in comfort like the standout elements built into this Chêne Gear pair. The four-layer waterproof and breathable nylon fabric doesn’t bind, and the deep, waterproof zipper makes getting into them a snap ($1,100; chenegear.com).

 

Wader Pant

The integrated belt on this cozy wader pant, also by Chêne Gear, is a brilliant touch, the four-way stretch fleece feels decadent, and the built-in stirrups shave precious moments off getting dressed at zero dark thirty ($230; chenegear.com).

Photo: PETER FRANK EDWARDS

From left:

 

Gun Sleeve

This brand-new Wren & Ivy shotgun tote repels muck and water with serious style. Crafted of heavy waxed twill canvas and bridle leather, it features optional personalized embossing and a simple but effective backpack harness for hunters who have their hands full ($225; wrenandivy.com).

 

Hunting Jacket

Retro camo is all the rage, but this spin by Tom Beckbe on the company’s Tensaw jacket looks truly timeless. It has a bi-swing back and gusseted underarms, so hunters can move easily, and the shell’s waxed shelter cloth turns away wind, rain, snow, and those unexpected splatters when the dog gives a shake ($495; tombeckbe.com). 


T. Edward Nickens is a contributing editor for Garden & Gun and cohost of The Wild South podcast. He’s also an editor at large for Field & Stream and a contributing editor for Ducks Unlimited. He splits time between Raleigh and Morehead City, North Carolina, with one wife, two dogs, a part-time cat, eleven fly rods, three canoes, two powerboats, and an indeterminate number of duck and goose decoys. Follow @enickens on Instagram.