Upland Gear Roundup: Fall 2021
Wren and Ivy Fowling Piece Case – $495 (wrenandivy.com)
Wren and Ivy makes some of nicest sporting gear we’ve ever used, and their Fowling Piece Case is no exception. Its classic styling of bridle leather and waxed filter twill canvas is a relief from the current trend of “tactical” gear. But don’t be mistaken, this case is as much about function as style. Designed to protect your firearm, choke tubes, and other accessories, the Fowling Piece Case has lockable solid brass zippers for security and a closed cell foam liner keeps the case afloat if dropped overboard. The majority of the inside is lined with fleece, but the front is reinforced with pack cloth to keep your shotgun bead from snagging. Along with a detachable shoulder strap and reinforced handles, everything about this case is of the highest quality. This is an heirloom case you will pass down to your grandchildren.
Browning Citori White Lightning 16-Gauge – $2,739.99 (browning.com)
We put Browning’s new 16-gauge offering in their Citori lineup through its paces. We used it on quail and pheasant hunts throughout the Midwest, and over the summer we took it to the sporting clays course and put several cases of shells through it. We particularly liked that the Citori is built on a receiver sized to match 16-gauge shells rather than the common practice of building a 16-gauge on a 12-gauge sized frame which makes them too bulky for the fast-pointing upland hunting a 16-gauge is perfect for. The “White Lightning” designation refers to the silver nitride finish on the receiver and trigger guard. This, along with the engraving, provides a nice contrast to the gun’s walnut stock. Despite its updated look, this new iteration stays true to the principles that have given the Citori a reputation for durability.
Apex Ammunition Upland Bird Tungsten Super Shot – $49.99 (apexmunition.com)
After a year of shooting Apex Ammunition’s Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) we can say without question they are the most effective shells we’ve ever used. TSS has traditionally been associated with turkey and waterfowl hunting, but Apex’s line of upland rounds showcase the versatility of TSS. Available in 12-,20-, and 28-gauge and shot sizes ranging from 7.5 to 9, there is a load available for everything from late-season roosters to fast flying quail. Better yet, being non-toxic, TSS won’t harm other wildlife and can be used in places like waterfowl production areas where lead is not allowed.
Sage and Braker Gun Cleaning Mat – $245 (sageandbraker.com)
Sage and Braker’s gun cleaning mat is a beautiful, functional, and durable tool for cleaning your firearm. Made of wool, waxed canvas, and leather, with four large pouches to store gun cleaning supplies like brushes, rods, bore snakes, and swabs, this mat holds everything you need to service your gun after a hunt. It’s also portable—just roll it up, buckle it down, and toss it in your vehicle. We used it hard and enjoyed the convenience of having everything in one spot. At the end of the day, cleaning our shotguns was a pleasure instead of a chore.
Duck Camp Lightweight Hunting Shirt – $89 (duckcamp.com)
This is the Strung crew’s go-to upland hunting shirt! The shirt is lightweight with a built-in mesh venting system for hunting in the heat, but still manages to keep you warm on cool mornings. In colder temperatures, it’s a tough outer layer to throw over a thermal (Duck Camp also makes awesome merino base layers). It’s comfortable, quick drying, and looks good. We also wore the woodland camo version for turkey season and loved it. This is the best upland hunting shirt we’ve come across.
Under Armour CH1 GTX Hunting Boots – $300 (underarmour.com)
Under Armour realizes that while hunters don’t play a big four sport, they are still athletes. They recruited Cameron Hanes to help design their CH1 GTX boots. Well designed and mindful of fit and pressure points, these boots feel like athletic shoes with the stability of hunting boots—perfect for fast paced hunting. Traditional laces have been replaced by the locking BOA system which is a small network of fine cables that tighten in two places for a perfect fit. The mid-foot control provides additional fit and comfort by allowing for quick adjustments during steep mountain ascents. The Vibram soles are sturdy and grip well in a variety of environments. The Under Armour team definitely put some thought into these backcountry boots.
Tom Beckbe Tensaw ES Coat – $495 (tombeckbe.com)
The “ES” in Tom Beckbe’s Tensaw ES coat stands for “early season” and is a lighter version of their popular Tensaw jacket. We wore this jacket throughout hunting season and found it to be durable and highly versatile. The cut of the coat allows a full range of motion, and the ample amount of thoughtfully placed pockets hold everything from loose shotgun shells to your wallet and phone. We also liked that it looks as good around town as it does in the field—no need to pack multiple jackets. Beautifully tailored, the perfect weight, and built to last, the Tensaw ES is a testament to American-made craftsmanship.
Fido Pro Airlift Emergency Dog Sling – $75 (fidoprotection.com)
Would you carry another 8-ounces in your bird vest to save your dog’s life? The Fido Pro Airlift is a lightweight packable harness that fits into a small stuff sack. In an emergency, the harness folds out to secure a 35-to-100-pound dog, and shoulder straps along with a chest clip allow you to carry a dog hands-free. We brought the Airlift on hunts across multiple states and enjoyed the peace of mind knowing it was there. Thankfully, we never had to use it, but we tested it at home and found it quick and simple to use.
Garmin Alpha 200i – $749.99 (garmin.com)
Getting your dog out of the field in an emergency is one thing—getting yourself out is another. The Garmin Alpha 200i is a dog tracking handheld that doubles as a backup plan if something goes wrong in the field. Two-way SMS messaging, as well as an emergency SOS trigger that operates on a global satellite service, means you can call for help whether your truck breaks down out of cell service or you break your leg 10 miles from the trailhead. Throw in mapping software that includes public land boundaries, topographic maps, satellite imagery, and hunt metrics, and the 200i is a solid choice for anyone who spends time in the outdoors. Pair the handheld with Garmin’s TT 15 collar and you have the ability to track multiple dogs as well as stimulation, tone, and vibration controls with intuitive quick keys. 
Eukanuba ActivTrainers – $6.99 (eukanubasportingdog.com)
Whether you are clicker training your dog or just want to give them a treat, Eukanuba ActivTrainers are an excellent choice. Why ruin your performance dog’s diet by giving them junk food treats? At less than 2 kcal per treat, ActivTrainers won’t cause weight gain and are formulated with high-quality animal protein like salmon and chicken to support lean muscles and a healthy coat. ActivTrainers also contain DHA for healthy brain function. The Strung dog team loves them (two English setters, two English pointers, two Labrador retrievers, and a golden doodle) and we like that the resealable top keeps the treats fresh.
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