2016 Gear of the Year: Browning Packs by SPG

by
posted on May 3, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
gear_of_year_2016.jpg

“Best in class” just about says it all. It announces to the world that you stand head and shoulders above your peers. To those companies whose products are featured herein, we say, “Welcome to the ‘best’ class.”

Gear of the Year: Browning Packs by SPG
Browning teamed with licensee Signature Products Group in Utah to produce some of the best pack designs we’ve seen in years. The Buck 2500RT Daypack ($199.99) and Billy 1500 Lumbar Pack ($179.99) are built from high-strength, super-light Baumshell fabric with reinforced stitching to hold more weight than you can imagine. The Bear 3500 Dry Duffel carries gear via back straps from truck to field with water-resistant, welded technology that weighs only a pound.

The Buck is water-resistant, weighs only 3.25 pounds and features: a rifle sling; treestand strap; front compression flap; silent-slide Hyposonic zipper on the hip pocket hunters use most; lash points; hunter-specific organization in numerous pockets; a roll-top enclosure for silent entry; and ventilated padding. Shoulder straps on an infinite loop move with the wearer whether drawing a bow or climbing a treestand. A cam buckle on the hip belt cinches tight and stays tight. The Billy has many of the same features but won’t leave your back sweaty.

Editor's Note: Winning products must be tested by the editors, meet or exceed expectations on innovation, and provide hunters and shooters with value for their money. NRA Publications will present the annual Golden Bullseye Awards at an invitation-only breakfast during the 2016 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Louisville, Ky., May 20-22.

Latest

W H2026 06 Hardware W3820 TAH 8188
W H2026 06 Hardware W3820 TAH 8188

Hardware Review: Henry H23 SPD PREDATOR

Check out Frank Melloni's review of the Henry H23 SPD PREDATOR.

First Look: Hawke Optics Vantage HD 30 SF

Hawke Optics has introduced its Vantage HD 30 SF, a second-focal plane riflescope line boasting System H2 optics for clarity.

Pyrodex Turns 50

Pryodex, the revolutionary black powder substitute that continues to be one of Hodgdon Powder Company’s most popular products for hunters who head afield with a “smoke pole,” was first introduced at the 1976 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits.

Know How: Understanding and Obtaining a Cold-Bore Zero

Have you ever spent hours at the range zeroing a rifle only to learn it is nowhere near center when you go to confirm it at camp? Many attribute this malady to scope shift during travel, and that can sometimes be the case. However, far more often this point-of-impact change can be attributed to the way we zeroed back home.

First Look: Winchester Air Rifles Single Action Western Revolver

Built to recall the Wild West, the Single Action Revolver from Winchester Air Guns is the perfect sidearm for junior-shooter summer fun.

#SundayGunday: Ruger Harrier

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re taking a look at the latest modern sporting rifle from Ruger, the Harrier. Chambered in classic 5.56, this is a great rifle for any hog or predator hunter targeting large packs or sounders. Learn more in this exclusive video.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.