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

Choice 300Gr XTP 460 SW
Choice 300Gr XTP 460 SW

Behind the Bullet: The .460 Smith & Wesson Magnum

If ever a handgun cartridge deserved the title “magnum”, the .460 Smith & Wesson Magnum is it. In the cartridge world, magnum is defined as a cartridge which provides a performance level exceeding the norm, and that is a perfect way to describe S&W’s big .460: it is at the top of the heap in the .45-caliber handgun cartridge family.

Nosler Expands Whitetail Country .30 Caliber Line

Nosler has expanded it's Whitetail Country ammunition line with two new 180-grain .30 caliber offerings. There are: .30-06 Springfield 180-grain Solid Base, and .300 Winchester Magnum 180-grain Solid Base.

Savage Model 99—The Jeep of the Gun World

Savage 99 represents a full circle of rifle design. Join Andi Bogard on a whimsical exploration of both the technical brilliance and timeless effectiveness of this iconic design. 

First Look: Arcus Hunting Defend by Tink's

Arcus Hunting has released Defend by Tink's, focused on creating the impression that coyotes are present, keeping unwanted wildlife away from homes and properties, and providing a strong, authentic urine sourced from real coyotes for real effectiveness.

Black Bear in Saskatchewan: Fortune Favors the Foolish

They pressed north through wildfire to their destination, a lakeside bear camp in Saskatchewan. Days later, they wondered whether their decision-making was bold or reckless.

First Look: Henry 1860 SUV Eagle

Pre orders for the Henry 1860 SUV Eagle are ongoing, a custom-engraved edition of its H11 New Original Henry Rifle developed in collaboration with the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War ("SUVCW"). A portion of the proceeds from every sale will support SUVCW's mission to preserve the history and legacy of America's Civil War veterans. Pre-orders are available exclusively at HenryUSA.com.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.