We went hunting for the latest in apparel to see what’s different and new for 2020. We stalked up on many items that we expected to see, such as new hoodies, rain gear and boots — but a few things made us re-check our zero, so to speak. Camo Vans, BOA snake boots and a Realtree engagement ring, to name a few, were some of the unusual exotics that we turned up.

Our little shopping trip for new clothing items for your store surprised and, in some cases, delighted us. We think your customers might feel the same.

Shirts

Browning Conway Shirt

The Conway (photo above) comes in short and long sleeve. It’s 97 percent polyester and 3 percent spandex. The fabric is two-way stretch, and it has a bi-swing gusset so air can circulate around the arms. It’s water-resistance and has a quality YKK zipper to keep a fishing license or phone secure in the chest pocket.

 

Catchin’ Deers Dashboard Tee

Catchin’ Deers is a tongue-in-cheek company that produces lifestyle clothing with a retro look. It started in 2016 with caps and t-shirts and has ventured into button-down shirts, shirt-jackets and ¼-zip fronts. The brand took off when a seriously silly video of the founders “catching” fake deer went viral. See the video and the clothing at catchindeers.com.

 

Drake Cast-Away Performance Fishing Shirt

Drake must have tested this shirt on the water with rod in hand. One thing you’ll notice is that the rod butt doesn’t snag on the side of the shirt like most other shirts. You’ll also see that the Cast-Away has four different types of weaves. One is a tighter weave to keep the pockets in shape while the others are designed to give you stretch where you need it. The Cast-Away is antimicrobial, has a coolant treatment to keep your temp down, and shields you from the sun’s rays to 50 UPF.

 

Ol’ Tom Performance Mock Neck

Ol’ Tom makes great minimalist turkey vests, but their shirts are utilitarian and quality as well. If your customers hunt in hot weather, the Performance Mock Neck is made for them. It’s moisture-wicking and has a 2-inch neck, which helps with concealment. The Mossy Oak NWTF Obsession camo doesn’t hurt in that area, either. That collar also helps with sun shielding but doesn’t cover up too much so that your skin can breathe and keep cool.

 

Blocker Outdoors Angatec

Blocker redesigned its Angatec line for 2020 and is bringing the new Shield Series to market. Everything about the series is made to keep hunters cool during springtime and early fall hunts. Inspired by athletic gear, the Angatec fabric is lightweight, moisture-wicking and durable. Available as a short-sleeve, long-sleeve and snap-shirt (pictured here in Realtree Excape).

 

L.L. Bean Big Game Hunter

Bean calls this the ultimate warm-weather hunting shirt. It has breathable, lightweight fabrics with four-way stretch so you can move freely. It’s also treated with polygiene anti-odor technology that helps conceal you from game. When it gets colder, it can serve as a layer in late season. There’s a back vent for air circulation, two chest pockets with silent snaps and convenient side zipper entry. Comes in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country.

Hoodies

Badlands Stealth Hoodie

The hoodie (photo above) comes in black and Badland’s own Approach and Approach FX camo patterns. The black version is made of Merino wool and is better for cooler days. We think it’s perfect for a ground-blind sit. The camo options are made of a cool-touch fabric, so they’re just right for hot days afield. Now, when you go hunting, there’s no need to worry about remembering a balaclava, neck gaiter and face mask — they’re built in.

 

Bexley Women’s Camo Tech Pullover Hooded Shirt

This women’s hoodie is made to look great and keep women cool and dry, according to Bexley Outdoors. It’s 92 percent polyester and 8 percent spandex with ripstop fabrics. It has a moisture-wicking, quick-dry treatment, a 1⁄2-zip closure, sleeves that are the right length for most women and thumb holes.

 

TrueTimber TurtleMask Chiller

The folks at TrueTimber are fabric masters. In their TurtleMask Chiller, they used a flat cross-structure yarn technology that has a wide surface area to quickly transfer body heat and reflect sunlight for a UPF 50 rating. Another unique texturing process creates a low bulk yarn for breathability. It’s a poly-spandex mix with integrated face gaiter and hood. Basically, that all means it’ll keep you cool and so you can hunt longer. Available in TrueTimber’s Strata, HTC Green and Kanati camo patterns.

 

TrueTimber Hytrek Packable Parka

This hoodie-jacket is a great piece of gear to bring along for early-season hunting when you might need a jacket. It actually folds into itself and packs neatly into its own zippered chest pocket. It’s made to be quiet and breathable yet water repellant and tough in order to stop wind penetration. There’s also a pant option if you want to make this your go-to rain gear.

 

Gill Rock Softshell Jacket

If you fish in weather that’s not too hot and not too cold, the Rock is a good option. Gill wanted it to be durable, flexible, warm and water repellent — in that order. It has a high-loft thermal lining, zippered handwarmer pockets and anatomically shaped sleeves. Those sleeves are finished in an adjustable cuff that lets you create the proper wrist fit when you add gloves.

 

Rocky Stratum Jacket

This jacket is a good early-season jacket or late-season shell option. Now it’s available in Realtree Edge and Rocky’s own Venator camo. Either way, each has a waterproof silent-suede fabric and antimicrobial technologies. Seams are taped and sealed, and there’s a convenient safety harness slot at the top of the back. The drawstring hood is detachable.

Pants

Bexley Ripstop Hunting Pants

These are made for women and pair nicely with the Tech Pullover Hooded Shirt. The pants (photo above) feature Realtree Edge camo patterns, and the ripstop fabric stands up to wear and tear. The inseam is adjustable, and the elastic waistband gives the ladies a comfortable fit. A side leg zipper aids with pulling the pants on and off when conditions change.

 

Badlands Algus Pants

This material’s cool-touch technology reacts with your sweat to keep you cool. Folks at Badlands aren’t lacking in a sense of humor and said to think of it as “an A/C unit built into your pants.” Other than that, the pants have reinforced double belt loops, articulated knees and a proprietary waterproofing treatment.

 

L.L. Bean Big Game Hunter’s Pants

The breathable, lightweight fabric is four-way stretch and is infused with polygiene, anti-odor technology. Sleek but roomy cargo pockets on each leg give you extra storage, and the snaps are quiet, which all hunters — especially bowhunters — love. They come in several Mossy Oak patterns and solid colors, too.

 

Rocky Stratum Pants

A great match to the Stratum Jacket, these pants have six pockets, two with magnetic snaps, a tapered leg with side zips to the knee and a stretch waistband for easy layering. The fabric is waterproof and made of silent suede.

Boots

Irish Setter VaprTrek Snake Boots

VaprTrek boots (photo above) have been around for years, but the new BOA binding technology is new in the series. The BOA system makes getting your boot on and off much easier as compared to most 17-inch boots. If you’re not familiar with BOA, they take the place of traditional laces or buckles and allow you to tighten or loosen a web of thin stainless steel cables with a turn of a button. These boots are non-insulated but waterproof.

 

Danner Recurve

This boot is a hybrid of sorts. It brings together a traditional hunting-boot style with the construction you find in Danner’s best-selling hiking boots. It has a Vibram SPE midsole and a heel clip to ensure long hours of comfort and long life. It has 7 inches of ankle support and options for full-on waterproofing if you expect things are going to get wet in your neck of the woods. The upper is breathable nylon and the lower is full-grain leather. Shown here looking sweet in Mossy Oak Bottomland.

 

LaCrosse Lodestar

This boot is all about stability and comfort, according to LaCrosse. Some of the features you’ll notice are a Gore-Tex liner to make it waterproof and breathable, a Vibram outsole with omni-directional lugs, and a full-length shank to evenly disperse weight. The upper is nubuck leather and abrasion-resistant.

 

LaCrosse Women’s Alpha Agility

LaCrosse has been busy. They’re also bringing a newly designed Alpha boot for women, called Agility, to market this spring. This boot was made to be light, flexible and comfortable. It has hand-laid rubber and 5mm of insulating neoprene for waterproofing and durability. You can opt for the non-insulated or a model with Thinsulate Ultra. LaCrosse says their signature adjustable gusset fits any size calf securely.

 

Western Chief Neoprene Ankle Boot

The 6.25-inch boot is waterproof and has 7mm of insulation. It has a hard rubber inner-sole board and steel shank for support. A moisture-absorbing fabric in the lining has a removable insole. Rated to -20 degrees.

Accessories

C4 Camo Belts

Beside a cool look with camo patterns like Realtree’s Wave, the C4 belts (photo above) are quite practical for outdoorsmen and women. There are no metal parts to set off TSA screenings. It’s made with waterproof materials and has a lifetime warranty. The company also partners with charities to give a portion of sales to people in need.

 

Vans Old Skool

Urban meets woods when Vans partners with Realtree in this fun mash-up sneaker. You can get them in several Realtree Xtra patterns, like Wild Orchid, shown. Not sure what else we can say about it, but it’s unique and we thought you’d like to know they’re out there.

 

L.L. Bean Ridge Runner Waist Pack

The good folks at Bean designed this pack to let you get at gear without spooking game in the woods. The main compartment has dual side pouches to help you organize gear and additional storage on the back panels of the harness. You can also take it apart to make it a lumbar pack or use it as a backpack. Comes in various Mossy Oak options, such as Obsession.

 

Realtree Camo Engagement Ring

How could she say no? Realtree calls the pink sapphire “sassy,” and we’re not going to disagree. The cobalt chrome ring is has a Cerakote coating — that’s right, Cerakote, just like your gun. Now, for the honeymoon destination? Which treestand … hmmm.