Gear Guide 2018: Upland

We expect our gear to do what it was made to do, to hold up to the beating we give it, time and time again. Here are our upland selections for 2018.

Filson Insulated Jac Shirt & Shelter Cloth Brush Pant
There’s a tradition that surrounds the woods and fields where pheasants, quail, chuckkars and grouse call home. Despite the few changes traditional bird-hunting garb has seen over the years, Filson still seems to evolve its function-driven designs. This year Filson has incorporated Mossy Oak Shadow Grass camo in its classic Insulated Jac Shirt. Its oil-finished Shelter Cloth shell repels wind and water, and Primaloft Gold insulation keeps you going in the South Dakota cold. The Shelter Cloth Brush Pant is made from the same element-repelling material with an oil finish on the legs, a button fly and suspender buttons. Pair the two and you’ll be protected from brush in a suit of armor.
MSRP: $225 pant; $275 shirt; filson.com.

Browning Bird'n Lite Strap Vest
Because we know you never leave the field without a full load of birds, you need a vest that can carry the extra weight. With a strap system designed to distribute loads evenly and securely, you don’t have to pack “lite” when venturing out for a day of pushing. Aside from a large front-loading, blood-proof game bag, this vest sports padded shoulder straps, two large cargo-style pockets in front with shell loops inside, two water bottle pockets, handwarmer pockets and a large rear pouch for any extra gear. The Bird’n Lite vest is constructed with a durable cotton/polyester shell and accented with tons of blaze orange. MSRP: $129.99; browning.com.

CZ Sharp-Tail Shotgun
There’s just something about a side-by-side. Lucky for you, the Sharp-Tail shoots as good as it looks. Its one-piece, CNC-machined, color-case-hardened receiver is adorned with a Turkish walnut stock and fore-end. The Sharp-Tail’s upgraded action houses independent floating firing pins, coil-spring hammers and redesigned sears resulting in a shotgun that’s dependable, durable and built to last. A single, selectable mechanical trigger, tang safety, and detailed checkering on the pistol grip and fore-end round out the package. Available in 12-, 16-, 20- and 28-gauge, and .410 bore. MSRP: $999-$1,229; cz-usa.com.