Waterfowlers are fanatical about their equipment, and that includes their attire. From waders to parkas and everything in between, duck and goose hunters can be pretty particular about how they dress. However, outfitting waterfowlers involves much more consideration than just style. Waterfowl clothing should be both functional and comfortable, while at the same time providing adequate concealment. It should be breathable and moisture wicking for early-season hunts and warm and for late-season hunts. The following items will allow your waterfowling customers to hunt in both style and comfort this season. 

Sitka

Sitka clothing is extremely popular among waterfowlers currently, so it makes sense to stock some Sitka apparel items. Good bets include the Traverse, Dakota and Jetstream lines. The Traverse lineup includes the Hoodie, with warm Berber fleece, facemask integrated into the hood, and zippered hand and chest pockets, and the mid-weight Pant, which has a water-resistant finish and zippered side pockets. I find myself wearing the Traverse Pant almost all season long because it’s so comfortable. It would also be a good idea to stock affordable entry-level Traverse items like the Cap, Beanie, and Gloves, all of which are great pieces of hunting gear in their own right and will appeal to customers looking to get into the Sitka brand.

The Dakota lineup consists of Hoodie, Pant and Vest. All are windproof and very warm. The Hoodie features a zippered chest and kangaroo pocket, the latter perfect for stashing extra shells or anything else you want to keep secure. The Vest has zippered hand pockets plus high hand-warmer pockets, plus a magnetized chest pocket for quick access. The Dakota Pant is simply warm. That’s all you need to know about it. If customers are looking for a warm pant, this is it. 

The windproof Jetstream Jacket isn’t cheap, but it blocks the wind, period. Again, I found myself wearing it nearly all season, even while pheasant hunting. Couple it with the Jetstream Insulated WS Beanie for the ultimate in windproof protection. 

Other noteworthy items include the Core Lightweight Hoodie with integrated facemask and Core Lightweight long-sleeve t-shirt. Both are ideal for early-season duck hunting or for use as a base layer later on. A personal favorite is the Core Midweight Zip-T. Its warm, quick-drying fleece lining is perfect for laying. I bought one last fall and wore it all the time, even while hunting deer and pheasants. The ever-popular Grinder Zip-T or Hoodie, either of which can be worn as an outer layer in mild weather or under a jacket in cold weather, will also be good sellers. 

All of the above items are available in Optifade Marsh or Timber camo patterns, so stick with those colors when ordering for waterfowlers. (You might also want to order the Jetstream Jacket in blaze orange for deer and/or pheasant hunters.) Sitka tops tend to run small, so be sure to stock plenty of the larger sizes like XL, 2XL and 3XL. Full disclosure: I order most of my Sitka tops online because I need 3XL and my local sporting goods store only stocks up to 2XL. Don’t make the same mistake. Be aware that Sitka offers many of these items and more in women’s sizes, too. www.sitkagear.com

Banded

Banded is another really popular brand among waterfowlers, with an extensive clothing line dedicated to duck and goose hunters. A best seller is the versatile Calefaction 3-N-1 Wader Jacket. The waterproof outer shell features breathable SHEDS technology, while the zip-out inner line has 100-grams of warm PrimaLoft insulation. Colors include Realtree Max-7, Marsh Brown, and new Legacy, an updated version of the original Realtree camo pattern.

The Stretchapeake Insulated Wader Jacket also features SHEDS waterproof technology and a Coral Fleece lining for warmth, and it is constructed of 4-Way Stretch Fabric for comfort and maximum maneuverability. The Stretchapeake Insulated Pullover shares many of the same features, but in the comfortable convenience of a quarter-zip pullover that’s perfect for layering. Another perennial favorite among fowlers is Banded’s Atchafalaya Pullover, a hooded pullover with a quiet windproof and water-resistant Stealth Shell exterior and a Coral Fleece interior. Both the Stretchapeake Jacket and Atchafalaya Pullover are offered in Realtree Max-7, Timber and Legacy camo patterns, while the Stretchapeake Pullover is available in Max-7, Legacy and Marsh Brown. www.banded.com

Browning 

Browning hunting clothing enjoys a well-deserved reputation for high quality that rivals that of the company’s fine firearms. Browning’s Wicked Wing collection is particularly popular among waterfowlers. Several small retailers in my area stock Browning apparel.   

There are many items within the Wicked Wing line, but here are a few to focus on. The three-tiered Windkill Jacket has a sturdy outer face, a windproof middle layer, and a fleece inner layer. A high collar, adjustable hood, and wrist cuffs also help keep out the wind. Fleece-lined handwarmer pockets are located on both the hips and chest, while two cargo pockets keep valuables secure. 

The Insulated Vest has a tough exterior and warm PrimaLoft Silver insulated interior. It also has a removable hood, which is unique for a vest, fleece-lined handwarmer pockets top and bottom, and a zippered chest pocket. The hooded Insulated Wader Jacket shares many of the Vest’s features, plus long sleeves and two large cargo pockets with magnetic flaps for storing plenty of ammo. 

For hunting in extreme weather, there’s the Cold Front Parka. This 3-in-1 waterproof parka has a removable insulated inner liner that is compatible with Browning’s X-Change System, allowing the use of other Wicked Wing zip-in liners for increased versatility. For warm weather hunting, there’s the lightweight Early Season Pant and Early Season Hooded Shirt. For the mid-season, there’s the Smoothbore Hoodie with a water-shedding upper and breathable fleece lower. Likewise, the versatile Field Pro Pant, with its water-resistant coating, multiple gear pockets, and easy on/off leg zippers, make it an ideal choice throughout the season. 

Many of these items are available in Mossy Oak Bottomland and/or Auric camo patterns. The latter is a proprietary pattern Browning recently introduced on many of its clothing items and firearms. If you’re worried that Auric may not appeal to your customers, simply stock those items that are offered in Mossy Oak Bottomland, which is always popular with hunters. 

Finally, there’s the affordable Wicked Wing High Pile Beanie. I have one, and its plush fleece interior is incredibly soft, warm and comfortable. Plus, it’s available in both Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Habitat and Bottomland camo, and you can’t go wrong with either of these popular patterns. www.browning.com

Gamehide

The Gamehide Grand Passage Wader Jacket is made of tough, waterproof, Stormhide Gridiron fabric that keeps fowlers dry and comfortable during mid- to late-season duck and goose hunts. It also has 60G of Heat Tech insulation, upper handwarmer pockets, magnetic closure shell pockets, zippered chest pockets, and a removable hood. Camo patterns are Realtree Max-7, Mossy Oak Bottomland, and Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades, all of which are excellent choices for waterfowling.

Gamehide’s new Decoy Jacket is sure to be popular with duck and goose hunters. This versatile shell jacket features Hydrocore waterproof and windproof lamination and a Teflon EcoElite finish on the Stormhide Gridiron fabric for total protection from the elements. The result is a tough jacket that is also supple and burr-resistant. The interior is mesh lined so it slides on easily over other layers and dries quickly, while hidden vents let excess heat out when setting and taking up decoys. The exterior features two large zippered pockets and two upper chest handwarmer pockets. The new Decoy Jacket is available in Gamehide’s ACENT Herbosa camo, a new pattern developed to help hunters disappear in harvested grain fields and marshes alike. www.gamehide.com

Three Workhorse Waders

Since waterfowling often involves water, it makes good sense to stock a selection of waders, too. Zip-up waders are gaining in popularity as waterproof zippers have become more reliable, but there’s still a place for traditional waders. Here are a few options of both types to consider carrying. 

Simms

Although not designed specifically for waterfowling, the Simms Freestone Z bootfoot wader certainly fills that bill. The Freestone Z is Simms’ cold -weather wader, complete with upper chest storage pockets and fleece-lined handwarmer pockets. Best of all, the waterproof TIZIP front zipper makes taking this wader on and off easy. The tan color also blends nicely into marshes. The Freestone Z is an appealing crossover option for both fishing and hunting customers. MSRP is $599.95. www.simmsfishing.com  

Banded

The folks at Banded recommend stocking the Black Label Elite Z. They say this uninsulated, zip-up wader is one of their more popular models and offers good bang for the buck. It has both chest storage and handwarmer pockets, and comes in Marsh Brown (shown), Prairie (tan), and Realtree Legacy camo. MSRP is $599.99.  

For wearing under the Black Label Elite Z (or any wader, for that matter), Banded recommends their RedZone 3.0 Base Pant. It comes in Spanish Moss (tan) and features PrimaLoft Silver insulation and integrated ankle gaiters to help hold them in place under waders. Anyone who has ever had their pants bunch up inside their waders will appreciate a good pair of wader pants. MSRP is $199.99. www.banded.com 

LaCrosse

The Wetlands II from LaCrosse is a more affordable wader option for waterfowlers on a budget. The Alpha bootfoot has a Swamp Lite outsole for traction and 1600G Thinsulate insulation for warmth. Other features include a lightweight, breathable, abrasion-resistant nylon upper with a removable insulated liner, large storage pocket, handwarmer pockets, and adjustability that allows the wader to be easily converted from a chest wader to a pant wader. Colors include Realtree Max-7 and Mossy Oak Bottomland. MSRP is $400. 

Retailers might also want to consider carrying rubber boots for those fowlers who don’t need waders. In addition to its waders, LaCrosse has numerous rubber boot offerings, including the Alphaburly Pro Side Zip. It features 1000G Thinsulate Ultra insulation and Realtree Edge camo, plus a convenient side zipper for easy on/off. LaCrosse is one of very few companies that offer zip-up rubber boots for retail sale. This boot is a great option for waterfowl- and deer-hunting customers alike. MSRP is $240. www.lacrossefootwear.com