Hunting Apparel & Outerwear Washington DC

In 1899, Charles Duell, then-commissioner of the U.S. patents office, allegedly proposed closing down his office because he believed everything that could possibly be invented already had been.

While there's some question as to whether Duell actually said this—despite the story being widely circulated —the sentiment behind his alleged statement might have been shared over the years by anyone with an interest in hunting outerwear. What new patterns are left to be introduced, and what new advancements in fabric could possibly be made?

The short answer to that question is: They're not done inventing and advancing yet. For example, as television is moving toward high-definition, so too is camouflage. Jordan Outdoor Enterprises Ltd.'s Realtree® brand last summer brought out what the company intends as refinements to its five-year-old High Definition imaging process, Realtree AP and Realtree APG. The company said the two patterns represent "a lighter, more open, neutral-toned alternative." AP is intended for use in fall, winter and early spring, while APG is designed for early fall and spring. "And depending on time and terrain, the patterns can be mixed to better match your surroundings," according to Realtree.

On the subject of refinements by leading camo pattern marketers, Haas Outdoors' Mossy Oak® recently brought out the third generation of its Super Elite turkey vest series. Known as the SE3, the newest incarnation of this series offers nine redesigned custom pockets for slate calls, locator calls, a box call, and accessories.

The accessory pocket houses four shell loops, while the inside of the vest features eight newly reconfigured mesh pockets to allow hunters to easily view the pockets' contents. There's also a newly designed, 2"-thick seat cushion, with a rounded front end for lighter weight, lower bulk, and improved comfort, according to Mossy Oak. The bottom of this detachable seat cushion is water-resistant PVC gripper fabric, intended to keep hunters from sliding while seated.

Along with advancements in camo patterns and in the utility of outerwear pieces, there has also been a focus on performance fabrics intended to address one of the longstanding bugbears of hunters: odors that might cause a game animal to sniff the air with suspicion and back off. At the 2007 SHOT (Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade) Show in Orlando, Florida, Milliken & Company brought out an extension of its VisaEndurance "smart fabric" line, in the form of the VisaEndurance Scent Control System for hunting apparel.

Developed expressly for big-game hunters—whitetail hunters in particular—the Scent Control system includes a silver-ion based antimicrobial technology designed to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria on under-layer garments and an odor-absorbing polymer technology for outer layer garments. The silver ions are released when the wearer perspires, and the fabrics also wick perspiration away from the skin, according to Milliken.

Similarly, Scent-Lok Technologies, which devised the Scent-Lok® brand of odor-eliminating hunting apparel, launched a new line of waterproof breathable products at this year's SHOT Show. The ThunderTek Series is offered in several styles, each with features and benefits meant to accommodate a variety of weather conditions.

Leading off the new assortment is the 4x4 Quattro parka and pant. It features Scent-Lok technology in both the outer waterproof shell as well as the removable zip-out TimberFleece inner jacket and pant. In addition, Scent-Lok Technologies will also offer an upgraded model of the standard insulated parka and bib, also featuring PrimaLoft, an insulation said to be lighter than most insulating materials while providing warmth whether dry or wet.

For the ladies

Another emerging trend in hunting outerwear—and more generally in hunting apparel—stems from what the National Shooting Sports Foundation recently called "remarkable growth" in female participation in hunting and shooting sports. Citing statistics from the National Sporting Goods Association, NSSF said 72 percent more women are hunting with firearms today than just five years ago. That translates to more than 3 million women hunting, while over 5 million women participate in target shooting, according to NSSF.

"More and more women are discovering that hunting and shooting sports are great family activities," commented Doug Painter, NSSF president. "It's a new awareness borne from many programs introducing females to these traditionally male sports, along with a growing list of manufacturers who design products especially for, and retailers who cater to, women."

One company addressing this burgeoning interest in hunting is Foxy Huntress, which designs apparel that is intended to combine functionality and fashion. Or, as owner and president Shelah Zmigrosky put it, "Whether on a hunting expedition or hanging out at the lodge, the Foxy Huntress wearer knows she's dressed to kill in more ways than one."

Zmigrosky introduced three ensembles at the SHOT Show, including the Foxy Huntress Legal Blaze Orange Upland Ensemble. It features an Upland vest with polyester mesh back, back-loading zip-down pouch and zip front with shooting patch. "I listen to the women who hunt and provide exactly what they want," said Zmigrosky. "For instance, women in Wisconsin said their state requires Blaze Orange in their Upland Suit and now Foxy Huntress offers it." The company also introduced the Predator Hunting Ensemble, featuring a camo jacket with a hidden hood and mesh facial cover.

Similarly, She Safari, Inc. used the SHOT Show to introduce hunting outerwear designs in Realtree and Advantage camo patterns. According to the manufacturer, "SHE Safari's styles have been specifically designed and tailored for women and are not altered men's apparel that does not properly fit the shape of a woman. By taking the styles women wear daily and combining them with the functional aspects of safari, upland and hunting outdoor wear women now have the option of choice."

Along more traditional (i.e. male) lines, Sure Foot Corp. at the SHOT Show brought out a line extension of its NRA Outdoors series of apparel, including jackets and vests along with shirts, pants, and accessories. New to the NRA Outdoors line, part of the footwear manufacturer's Due North apparel division, is the Shooting Sports Apparel series. It includes a convertible vest, a range coat, and quilted shooting jacket.

In common with the NRA Outdoors Hunting Apparel line, which was introduced to stores last summer after being sold exclusively through the NRA Store since fall 2005, the Shooting Sports Apparel series helps fund will hunter education, firearm safety, wildlife conservation and other National Rifle Association programs. "The NRA brand evokes the American outdoor spirit," said Wayne Waege, Sure Foot's general sales manager. "This is a natural product extension for the NRA and one that will benefit everyone involved in shooting sports."