Sitka Gear

While the “Clothing as Gear” innovators at Sitka (877-SITKAGR; www.sitkagear.com) continue to expand their Western- and mountain-hunting-inspired collection of clothing and gear available in proven Optifade Open Country camo, it’s Sitka’s line of clothing geared toward whitetailers—decked out in treestander-friendly Optifade Forest camo—that is drawing most of the recent accolades. Case in point is the great-looking new Fanatic Jacket ($369) and matching Fanatic Bib ($329) that come complete with lightweight, super-efficient synthetic Primaloft insulation, WindStopper softshell fabric—and plenty of cool “hunter friendly” details. They include the jacket’s diagonal front zipper that makes room for a built-in kangaroo handwarming pocket, as well as strategic rangefinder and grunt tube pockets and thumbloop gaskets.

Under Armour

More super-functional new outerwear aimed at serious whitetailers hails from Under Armour (888-727-6687; www.alwayslethal.com). Since its introduction in 2009, UA’s Ridge Reaper Series has quickly gained a tremendous following with hunters nationwide. New for 2011, in addition to its original Ridge Reaper Jacket and Pants system, UA has expanded the collection to include two new systems: the Ridge Reaper Shell Jacket & Bib and Ridge Reaper Early Season Hoody & Pant.

The Ridge Reaper Shell Jacket & Bib ($250 each) offer an unusual combination of quiet, all-weather performance—using 100-percent waterproof and breathable ArmourStorm fabric. You’ll also find Capture scent technology, large pockets for storage, and a soft and silent, 100-percent polyester outer shell.

The athletic-cut Ridge Reaper Early Season Hoody ($130) & Pant ($120) offer ultralightweight 100-percent polyester construction that’s silent, wind and water resistant; and infused with Capture scent technology.

More whitetailer-friendly offerings from Under Armour include its new line of boots, especially the H.A.W. boot ($130), a knee-high design that features lightweight, waterproof construction with technical air-mesh lining, an internal “memory foam” heel pad, and aggressive traction outsole. You’ll also find an abrasion-resistant toe cap and molded Ortholite sock liner. The H.A.W. is available in Realtree and Mossy Oak Bottomland camos, as well as solid Rifle Green.

Danner

Another cool boot is the new Pathfinder GTX Boot ($190) from Danner (www.danner.com). Featured is a 100-percent waterproof Gore-Tex lining for ultimate, breathable comfort, as well as a rugged 1000 Denier upper, and Danner’s proven Terra Force platform for extra stability and support. The Danner Mountain Goat outsole offers solid traction in the toughest terrain.

Teko

Wearing the right socks afield can be nearly as important as your choice in boots, and merino wool offers deer hunters real benefits. From Teko (www.tekosocks.com) comes the new S3 SIN3RGI Evolution Fit collection, comprised of a conventional, 100-percent North American merino wool that is blended with tekoPOLY—which is sourced from recycled water bottles and made in North Carolina. The wool is also sourced in the U.S., and all socks made with these fibers are manufactured here in the U.S. Better still? S3 Evolution Fit socks are more price-competitive within the traditional merino wool sock category while still being eco-conscious and performance-oriented. Choose from two different weights for both men and women: the light hiking ($16) and the midweight hiking ($17).

Manzella

Can a glove help your customers become better whitetailers? It can if it’s the Whitetail ST Bow Glove ($30) from glove specialist Manzella (800-645-6837; www.manzella.com). The windproof, form-fit, softshell bowhunting glove features Anti-scent scent-elimination technology and a Control Trax palm for sure grip. But maybe its best feature is the one Manzella has made famous—the exclusive bow release collar that allows your customers to experience a custom fit even while wearing a mechanical release. The Whitetail ST is available in both Realtree All Purpose and Mossy Break-Up Infinity camo, in sizes small to XL.

Fieldline

Avid whitetailers have played a serious part in the current day pack revolution, and several companies continue to tweak and otherwise improve these critical pieces of gear. The new Pro Series Hunter’s Daypack from Fieldline (800-438-3353; www.fieldline.com) is sized just right to allow hunters to pack light and smart—and eliminate the temptation to needlessly tote around a full week’s worth of gear. The hunter-friendly design begins with an extra-large main compartment (18.5x12.6x7.5 inches), while a roomy secondary compartment (complete with organizer) makes stashing smaller items like calls, scents, and cell phones a snap—and accessing them even easier. Also included is a Gear-Lock Modular Locking System with multiple gear lock attachment points—ensuring your customers’ gear stays put while trekking through even the brushiest, nastiest tangles. More handy features include a 2-liter hydration compatible pouch (reservoir sold separately) and elastic mesh pouches ideal for housing 20-ounce water bottles. Made from heavy-duty water resistant fabric, the Fieldline Pro Series Hunter’s Daypack is available in either Mossy Oak Infinity or Realtree AP camo.

GamePlan Gear

New from GamePlan Gear (877-544-6611; www.gameplangear.com) is the great-looking Over-and-Under 3-in-1 Pack System. Composed of an intermediate-sized, low-profile backpack and an oversized fanny pack, the Over-and-Under is actually three packs in one. Like many of GamePlan Gear’s products, this smart system is based upon military pack platforms with full customization in mind. Two simple connection buckles hold the entire system together and make it easy to separate each piece for individual use. One of the most unique features is the ability to manage a full quiver of arrows in countless ways on each section of the pack. Mount your quiver in endless positions and angles, while the pack’s front pocket is designed to drop open and hold your quiver hood in a soft, silent neoprene cover.