Field & Stream delivers quality outdoor gear

Field & Stream delivers quality outdoor gear

By Tyler Frantz

            What does country music sensation Jason Aldean have in common with professional hunters Melissa Bachman and Mike Stroff? For one, they all work hard to achieve success. Each possesses a genuine passion for the outdoors. Plus, they choose Field & Stream outdoor gear and apparel when heading afield.

            Local outdoorsmen might find they actually have many of the same things in common as these big-name stars, too, but they need not be celebrities to reap the benefits of quality gear at affordable prices.

            Not to be confused with the popular outdoor magazine, Field & Stream stores and products are owned and operated by DICK'S Sporting Goods. F&S brand products are available at both store’s retail locations, including DICK’s in Harrisburg and Field & Stream in Camp Hill.

            Field & Stream recently took its fondness for the outdoor traditions public in a series of commercials featuring Aldean, (official F&S Brand Ambassador), and his father sitting around a campfire ring reminiscing of deer hunts gone by.

            But the media campaign isn’t just smoke and mirrors. The new line of F&S merchandise offers rugged yet refined products to meet the needs of hard-hunting men and women seeking long-lasting comfort and durability from their gear. 

            One of the coolest items offered this year is the F&S Ultimate 360 Ground Blind, which I’ve personally had the pleasure of using during the past several weeks of archery season. The five-hub portable pop-up comes ready to use right out of the box and sets up in less than two minutes.

            This blind is huge; it’s big enough to comfortably fit up to three hunters, making it perfect for mentoring youth hunters or for setting up chairs and a tripod to film the hunt. The large opening door panel provides easy entry, while the high ceiling gives hunters the ability to stand while in the blind- something I wish I could’ve done to stretch my legs and back during long full-day sits in the past.

            The 360-degree viewing capability is nice to customize shot openings for a variety of terrain and cover situations, while multiple elastic brush-in straps help the blind blend into surrounding vegetation if necessary.

            Included stakes and tie-down straps help hold the blind securely in place for weeks of weather-resistant use, while an included backpack carry case makes it easy to transport to new locations quickly.

            Ground hunters looking for something smaller may elect to go with the new F&S Magnum Deluxe Ground Blind instead, which is suitable for two hunters and offers a horizontal front seven-window design for maximum shot clearance, while those looking for an aerial advantage can opt for either the 17-foot Outpost XL Ladder Stand or Timberline Hang-On Stand- both choices designed with comfort, safety and reliability in mind.  

            Field and Stream also unveiled a new line of women’s clothing to keep up with the fastest growing demographic of hunters hitting the woodlot. Outfitting female hunters from head to toe in top-of-the-line hunting apparel, featuring technologies designed specifically to keep them warm, dry, scent-free and comfortable during their time outdoors has clearly become a priority. 

            "I hunt in some extremely tough conditions and usually for an extended period of time," Melissa Bachman, F&S pro-staffer, said. "I need gear that will not only hold up and keep me warm but also keep me comfortable so I can focus on hunting. The women's line from Field & Stream has proven itself on everything from the Alaska tundra for brown bear to the heat of early season mule deer."

            The huntress line features a Base Defense mid-weight base layer shirt and leggings combo, complete with C3 Scent Control and SmartWick Technology, utilizing a feminine cut for a better fit.

            The Women’s Every Hunt Softshell Hunting Jacket and Pants include hydroRepel fabric for water resistance and quiet fleece for silent movement in addition to the scent-inhibitors. Add the Softshell Hunting Gloves and Game Trail Boots to complete this versatile package, and outdoorswomen have all they need for a comfortable, successful hunt.

            Of course, there are plenty of options for the guys too. For instance, the new Triumph collection utilizes high-tech WindDefense fabric to block cold gusts, but also has strategically-placed zippered vents for increased breathability while walking to and from the stand. Triumph boots and gloves are equally well thought out with advanced engineering, but offer a price point that appeals to the every day hunter.

            “I really like shopping at Field & Stream because the prices are more affordable than many of its competitors, yet the quality isn’t compromised,” said Cory Rowe, a Physical Education teacher and recreational hunter from Camp Hill. “Plus the rewards card program can be used interchangeably with DICK’s, so that’s a nice bonus, considering all the sports gear I buy in my line of work.” 

            For tough, reliable hunting gear at a fair value, see for yourself what Field & Stream has to offer this fall. Stop by a local retail location or visit the store online at www.fieldandstreamshop.com.

For more great writing, photography and video work by outdoors freelancer, Tyler Frantz, visit www.naturalpursuitoutdoors.com. Also, please LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

 

 

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