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

Ledegolden And Big Boy Dead Eye Revolvers
Ledegolden And Big Boy Dead Eye Revolvers

Henry Introduces New Deadeye Revolvers

Henry Repeating Arms has announced the addition of two new revolver variants, the H16 Golden Boy Deadeye Revolver and the H17 Big Boy Deadeye Revolver, created in direct response to feedback from Henry owners and enthusiasts.

Range Review: Hi-Point HP-15 M81 .300 BLK Pistol

This recently added pistol from Hi-Point sports a new finish and upgraded features.

New for 2026: Leupold VX-4HD

When a hunt can shift from tight timber at first light to a long look across open country by midmorning, a scope must do more than just magnify. The Leupold VX-4HD is built for exactly that kind of versatility, blending rugged construction, smart engineering and optical performance into a scope that works wherever the hunt takes you.

Federal Ammunition Launches Henry Cattleman Special Edition

Federal Ammunition has launched a limited-edition, commemorative, collectible packaging to pair with Henry's American Cattleman Tribute Edition Rifle. The new 150-grain, .30-30 Win. offering features a bonded soft-point bullet, and the nickel-plated case's unique geometry promotes smooth, reliable feeding through the rifle.

A Rabbit Hunting How-To

Rabbit hunting can be a wonderful social affair that the entire family can enjoy. If you know anyone with a few rabbit beagles do yourself a favor and ask to be part of a hunt!

First Look: Millennium Treestands Antler Shak Ground Blind

Millennium Treestands has launched its new Antler Shak Series, headlined by the Antler Shak 7 Mag and Antler Shak 30/30 ground blinds. Built with a 600D brushed shell in Mossy Oak Country Roots, each blind is designed to disappear into the landscape while providing a spacious, tactically superior shelter for the modern hunter.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.