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

Lederuger And Beretta
Lederuger And Beretta

Ruger and Beretta Reach Agreement

Ruger and Beretta Holding—two of the most beloved names in the hunting industry—reached a strategic cooperation agreement last week. Officials from both companies said the terms were mutually beneficial. Read on for the details.

Hardware Review: Taurus Raging Hunter 350 Legend

Check out Frank Melloni's Hardware review of this dedicated hunting handgun from Taurus.

Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-10x24mm FFP

The latest Strike Eagle 1–10x24mm FFP from Vortex Optics plants a stake in the middle ground between close-range speed and long range performance, delivering more reach and a compact footprint that saves space for rail-mounted accessories. Deerwoods hunters and predator hunters, take serious note.

Review: Leupold BX-3 Alpine HD 12x50mm

Contributor Phil Massaro reviews the Leupold BX-3 Alpine HD 12x50 binocular, which offers a stellar image at an attractive price.

New for 2026: Browning Trail Cameras' Defender Vision Pro LSF

The Defender Vision Pro LSF is Browning Trail Cameras' 2026 livestream cellular trail camera, built for users seeking immediate visibility and real-time awareness from the field. It is designed for both property and game monitoring.

Texas, Hogs and Thermals

Follow along as Brian McCombie indulges in his favorite trio: Texas, hogs and thermals.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.