August 17, 2017
By David Draper
This season's introduction of camo clothes for waterfowling includes everything from traditional looks and cuts to high-tech camo made with the latest water-shedding fabrics. The good news is that if you've been waiting to make an investment in what you wear to the blind, you'll find some fantastic selections. So, put your hard-earned dollars towards something warm, because even when the gunning's hot, it sucks being cold.
Here are our picks for the best new waterfowling apparel for 2017.
MOSSY OAK
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DU SHADOW GRASS BLADES
Waterfowlers have long loved Shadow Grass, and Blades made the pattern even more effective. Three-D shadows and lifelike blades of grass add depth and realism. It's also the official camo of DU. | MOSSYOAK.COM
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REALTREE MAX-5
Realtree's most recent duck pattern gets its appearance and versatility by layering photo-realistic renderings of marsh grass, reeds, wheat and oats throughout the garment. An additional application of images of mud, branches and shadows in the background makes Max-5 incredibly effective. | REALTREE.COM
GORE OPTIFADE
WATERFOWL MARSH
Instead of blending in, Marsh is designed to look like nothing. By applying the science of how birds see and taking into account what angle they're usually coming from, the masterminds at Gore created a digital pattern of colors, shadows and shapes that practically make hunters invisible. | OPTIFADE.COM
AVERY HERITAGE JACKET
Avery throws it back with this 8-oz. waxed cotton classic. Water- and wind-proof, complete with hood, it's at home Hunting in the marsh or big water. Chest pockets are fleece-lined; lower pockets are big enough for a box of shells. $220 | AVERYOUTDOORS.COM
BANDED LIGHTWEIGHT SERIES
The answer to steamy teal season, this line is built of a poly-blend that is super breathable, but durable with a rip-stopping weave. Shirts are vented with roll-up sleeves. Pants are fully articulated with four-way stretch. $80-$130 | BANDED.COM
BROWNING WW TIMBER HOODIE
Slip an outer shell on easy with the slick facing of this stretchable, mid-weight fleece. Sleeves have a second layer of wind- and water-resistant material. Thumbhole cuffs and dual pass-through pockets keep hands warm.
$186-$199 | BROWNING.COM
DRAKE MST GUARDIAN
Most waterfowling coats are bulky, but Drake slims it down, incorporating the same waterproof, 3-layer construction found in their breathable waders. All seams are taped, cuffs made from neoprene and the zippers are water-resistant.
$300-$310 | DRAKEWATERFOWL.COM
SITKA GRADIENT HOODIE
Seriously warm, this piece can be worn as an outer or base-layer. High-loft Berber fleece liner is fronted by a smooth polyester face with a DWR finish that sheds moisture. Tall collar zips up to create a half-mask for added protection.
$199 | SITKAGEAR.COM
SOUTHERN MARSH PULLOVER
Billed as weekend casual, there's no reason it wouldn't work under a shell in the field. Unique waffle grid is tight enough to block blustery breezes, yet still vents to eliminate that cold, clammy feeling.
$69 | SOUTHERNMARSH.COM
REDHEAD CANVASBACK
Fleece-lined, the wind- and water-proof shell offers just enough breathability to keep sweat-levels down when you're pushing through waist-deep water. Classic 1/4-zip design easily slips over base layers.
$80 | BASSPRO.COM
UA THREADBORNE
The Threadborne line was constructed with a synthetic-blend that maintains wool's natural ability to insulate even when wet, and adds the comfort of a brushed liner. UA Storm treatment helps shed water to keep you dry.
$250 | UA.COM
David Draper
Editor-in-Chief
An avid hunter and accomplished writer, David Draper has traveled the globe in search of good stories and good food, yet his roots remain firmly planted in the soil of his family's farm on the High Plains of Nebraska. As a young man, his dreams were fueled by daily trips to the original Cabela's retail store, which stood a short four blocks from his childhood home. The ensuing years spent chasing his passions for adventure and the outdoors have taken him from the shores of Africa's Gambia River to Alaska's Brooks Range. He has hunted birds and big-game on five of the seven continents.
A 20-year industry veteran, Draper has worked in communications, writing and editing roles for the biggest names in the industry. In addition to bylines in scores of publications, he also served as the editor for the hunting journals of Dick and Mary Cabela and contributed to several books on the outdoors. Draper is Editor-in-Chief of Petersen's Hunting magazine, where he also writes the Fare Game column covering all aspects of processing and cooking wild game.
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