WINTER 2024 GEAR REVIEW

Pesca Muerta, Guide Belt and Dog Collar

One of the coolest brands in the fly-fishing arena has released a new and improved guide belt that is bound to make a splash with anglers everywhere. Constructed of high-quality webbing, the Guide Belt is reversible, featuring a light-gray camo background with the Pesca Trout design on one side and a colorful tie-dye-inspired background on the other side. The no-slip buckle will keep your pants securely in place, and if you find yourself needing a bottle opener while out on a flats boat, fear not—the buckle doubles as a bottle opener. If you like the look, you can take things a step further and get your dog a matching collar. Pesca’s dog collar has the same design as the belt and is available in two adjustable sizes to ensure there’s a collar for dogs of all sizes. $39 for the belt; $29 for the dog collar; pescamuerta.com

Pale Blue Earth, Approach 2 Solar Panels

As we become increasingly reliant on our devices, finding ways to keep them charged can be a challenge. Pale Blue Earth’s Approach 2 Solar Panels offer a novel way to provide the needed charge around the house or in the field. The three-solar-panel, foldable unit is compact, durable and capable of providing 21-watts of output for your handheld devices. The Approach’s grip cords (Pale Blue Earth provides four with the unit) allow for an easy and secure way to attach the solar panels to a pack or position them for optimal charging. With the Approach solar panels in your pack or car, not having a charged cell phone becomes a choice. $149; paleblueearth.com

Irish Setter Boots, Elk Tracker XD

The new Elk Tracker XD boots improve upon Irish Setter’s earlier versions. Built to withstand rugged terrain while offering comfort and performance, the Elk Tracker XDs will appeal to hunters and outdoorsmen. The waterproof leather camo uppers are attractive and functional. The wraparound Armatec rubber rand provides additional abrasion resistance right where you need it, and the aggressive Vibram soles can handle any terrain. The boots are also available in an insulated version for the extreme cold. Available in both 8-inch and 10-inch heights, the Elk Tracker XD boots provide hunters with the performance they need and the comfort they want. $249 for the 8-inch boots; $259 for the 10-inch boots; irishsetterboots.com

Mountain Hardwear, Jackson Ridge Long Sleeve Shirt

A new addition to the fan-favorite Jackson Ridge collection, Mountain Hardwear designed its Long Sleeve Shirt with a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts in mind. Made from durable canvas cotton, the Jackson Ridge Shirt has a relaxed fit with two large chest pockets if you need to stash your phone. Durable, comfortable and stylish, this shirt is great with layers or as a standalone garment. $110; mountainhardwear.com

Vertx, Cutback Technical Pants

Made for outdoorsy types who pursue an active lifestyle, the Vertx Cutback Pants provide comfort and function that meet dynamic conditions and environments. Engineered with technology that promotes active cooling and rapid drying, the Cutback Pants are a versatile option if you find yourself out in the elements or under a blazing sun. Vertx intelligently designed the Cutback’s active cut with 14 pockets allowing ample storage for whatever you need to carry without sacrificing looks or function. $92.99; vertx.com

GiantMouse, Kitchen Knife Set

As an outdoorsman who likes to spend time in the kitchen, I was excited to discover the same company that manufactures some of the best field knives on the planet now offers first-class kitchen knives. GiantMouse’s Kitchen Knife Set includes chef, santoku, carving and paring knives. GiantMouse constructed all blades in the set with satin-finished Nitro-B steel, which is known for its durability and edge retention. Fashioned with green canvas micarta handles, the knives deliver an attractive and unique look that suit any well-appointed home kitchen. Like all GiantMouse knives, this set is ergonomically designed and crafted its kitchen knives to offer balance and control when slicing, dicing and carving. If you don’t need the full set, you can purchase individual knives. In addition, the magnetic bamboo knife bar offers the perfect way to complement your sharp set. $541.50 for the full set; giantmouse.com

Think Tank Photo, Retrospective 30 V2.0 Camera bag

Finding a safe, comfortable and fashionable way to haul around camera gear can be a challenge. The Retrospective 30 V2.0 is the latest offering from Think Tank Photo for photographers who prefer a shoulder bag to a backpack. Engineered with an old-school soft canvas look, this well-appointed bag provides a ton of functionality and customization. You can adjust the large interior pocket to fit a variety of camera, lens or drone configurations. The Retrospective 30 V2.0 is large enough to hold two camera bodies side-by-side while accommodating a 15-inch laptop. The bag’s interior and exterior pockets offer options to keep everything secure and organized. If the Retrospective 30 V2.0 is more than you need, Think Tank offers four other shoulder bags in a variety of sizes and shapes. Form, function and style are music to a photographer’s ears. $219.75; thinktankphoto.com

Tom Beckbe, Waterfowl Strap Vest

Trying to keep your gear and accessories organized while sitting in a duck blind just got a whole lot easier thanks to Tom Beckbe’s new Waterfowl Strap Vest. Like all Beckbe products, the company designed its Waterfowl Strap Vest with a perfect balance between classic looks, innovation and efficiency. Made from 8.25-ounce waxed canvas, the company’s Waterfowl Strap vest will develop a luster and patina the more you wear it. The vest’s two large, fleece-lined front pockets are the perfect place to keep your hands warm and dry. Other pockets provide additional storage for your accessories and valuables without adding bulk that hinders your ability to shoulder a shotgun. Beckbe also outfitted the vest with elastic loops that provide easy access to your shotgun shells, e-collar receiver and duck calls. Attractive and well designed, the Waterfowl Strap Vest is a smart purchase for duck and geese hunters. $249; tombeckbe.com

Fieldsheer, Backcountry Heated Vest 

When the temperatures drop, it’s good to have options to stay warm. Fieldsheer’s Backcountry Heated Vest is a synthetic down puffer designed with added dimension. In addition to Primaloft insulation, this lightweight vest also comes with a 7.4-volt battery you can activate when you need a little more heat. The thin battery fits in the pocket of the vest, which you can turn on by pressing a built-in waterproof touch button or by using the free Mobile Warming app that also monitors battery levels. Whether you wear it as a base layer or as a standalone garment, the Backcountry Heated Vest is suitable for a wide variety of uses and temperatures. $189.99; fieldsheer.com

Garmont Tactical, Nemesis 4 and T-8 Extreme EVO boots

Designed and manufactured for the military, these boots come in two different options for people looking for a great pair of waterproof hiking or outdoor boots. Garmont Tactical’s Nemesis 4 offers a more secure, ergonomic boot made for speed and agility. The Nemesis’s abrasion-resistant synthetic upper is waterproof and lightweight, and the boots’ damper technology provides shock absorption and comfort. If you want something with a little more heft, the T-8 Extreme EVO GTX provides a more substantial suede and mesh upper for added support and protection. The boots’ Vibram soles provide great traction across a variety of terrains, and the Gore-Tex waterproofing will keep your feet dry. $170.00 to $210.00; garmonttactical.com

Filson, Tin Cloth Short Lined Cruiser Jacket

When you match an iconic jacket with classic waxed-cotton-fabric, you get people’s attention. Filson’s new Short Lined Cruiser Jacket features their signature “Tin Cloth” waxed-cotton, paired with a lightweight canvas lining. The jacket is cut a little shorter than their more traditional Cruiser Jackets, which allows for easy movement without riding up when you bend at the waist. The jacket’s large pockets and sturdy buttons provide security and utility when you are in the field, and the tin cloth will take on a beautiful patina as you break it in. Filson engineered its tin cloth to protect foresters in the rain-soaked Pacific Northwest 100 years ago. And while many of us don’t swing an axe daily, it’s nice to have a classic jacket that can withstand foul weather. If you’re a fan of Filson’s Tin Cloth, consider their new range of Tin Cloth duffle bags. Available in two sizes, the duffel bags are manufactured by Filson with the same iconic material and are the perfect accessory to take on your next weekend getaway. $350 for the Lined Cruiser Jacket; $295 for the Tin Cloth Medium Duffle; filson.com

Console Vault, In-Vehicle Safe

If you travel with a handgun, finding a way to safely secure it is priority number one. The Console Vault In-Vehicle Safe offers a high-quality, secure way to keep your firearms and other valuables protected from unwanted hands. Made from 12-gauge steel, these safes are custom designed to fit a wide variety of popular SUV and truck models. Console Vault designed each model to install in your vehicle’s center console quickly and easily. Plus, you have a choice of a key-operated, combination or digital-drill-resistant locking mechanism. Console Vault’s safes do more than protect your guns and valuables—they give you peace of mind. Prices vary depending on vehicle and lock type. consolevault.com

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