Upland hunting doesn’t require a mountain of gear. At its heart, all you need is a shotgun, some shells, and maybe a trusty pointer by your side. With just these basics, you can enjoy a rewarding day in the field.. as long as the weather cooperates and the terrain is gentle. But if you want to be prepared for something of a more extreme kind or simply make your adventure more comfortable, you need certain accessories and garments. This guide focuses on this exact upland hunting gear and accessories that make the difference between a comfortable, successful hunt and a day you’d rather forget.
Upland Hunting Vest
Your vest is command central for everything you need during a hunt, keeping it at arm’s reach. A good upland hunting vest has pockets that actually make sense, shell loops that hold shells securely, and a game bag that won’t dump your birds when you’re scrambling through thick cover. The game bag should be large enough for a limit of birds but not so huge that it throws off your balance when loaded. Water bottle holders are essential – you’ll need hydration for both yourself and your dog during long hunts.
Take the Outlander, for example. This Beretta vest hits the sweet spot for most hunters. Its backpack-style padded shoulder straps distribute weight evenly, which you’ll appreciate when carrying multiple roosters and a full water load. The front-loading design means you can access your gear without contorting like a pretzel, and the expandable cargo pockets adapt to whatever you’re carrying that day. The water-repellent game bag lining makes cleanups super easy.
BERETTA Men's Outlander Strap Vest
$99.00
Price accurate at time of writing
Features:
- Heavy-duty 90% CO / 10% Synthetic Fiber
- Travel backpack-style padded shoulder straps
- Front-load capable
- Game bag with lining
- Waterbag holder with an outlet for tube
- Hinges on the front with easy access
- Front cargo pockets with flap, expandable
- Large openable game bag with zip closure
- Water-repellent lining for easy cleaning
For those wanting more features, Beretta’s Command Pro vest steps things up with additional storage options and enhanced durability, though the Outlander handles most hunters’ needs perfectly well.
BERETTA Men's Command Pro Vest
$99.00
Price accurate at time of writing
Features:
- Heavy-duty 90% CO / 10% Synthetic Fiber
- Water-repellent
- Front-load capable
- Game bag with lining
- Game bag zips open for easy access and cleaning
- Hinges on the front with easy access
- Front cargo pockets with flap, expandable
- Large openable game bag with zip closure
- Water-repellent lining for easy cleaning
- Side slits
Your choice depends on your hunting style. If you’re a minimalist who prefers light, fast hunts, a streamlined design works best. Planning all-day expeditions with your dog? You’ll want more storage capacity.
Quick Note on Blaze Orange
Here’s something every upland hunter needs to understand: blaze orange isn’t just a legal requirement in most states – it’s your insurance against becoming a statistic. Unlike waterfowl hunting where you’re typically in a blind with a clear field of fire, upland hunting puts you in thick cover with other hunters who might be just 50 yards away but completely invisible.
Birds don’t see blaze orange the way we do. Their vision lacks the red receptors that make hunter orange so visible to human eyes. What matters to them is movement and shape, not color. So wearing that bright orange hat or vest doesn’t hurt your hunting success, but it keeps you safe from a friendly fire.
Different states have varying requirements – some mandate just a hat, others require a certain square footage of orange clothing. Check your local regulations, but I recommend going beyond the minimum. A blaze orange vest, hat, and even an orange shirt if you’re hunting popular public areas gives other hunters multiple reference points to identify you as human.
Protective Upland Hunting Clothing
Proper upland clothing needs to balance protection, comfort, and mobility. You’re not sitting in a blind waiting for birds to come to you – you’re actively pursuing them through whatever cover they choose to call home.
Start with base layers that manage moisture effectively. Beretta’s TKAD shirt uses technical fabrics that wick sweat away from your skin while providing UPF sun protection. Actually, any upland hunting shirt will do the trick as long as it’s not made from cotton – cotton retains moisture and loses its ability to keep you warm when wet.
BERETTA TKAD Flex Sand Long Sleeve Shirt
$109.00
Price accurate at time of writing
Features:
- 4-way stretch synthetic soft wrinkle-resistant fabric with anti-odor and insect-repellent treatment
- Mesh paneling on the back spine enhancing breathability
- Hidden button-down collar and roll-up sleeves with button closure
- Microfiber insert inside the shirt bottom opening to clean your glasses
- UPF 50 protection
- Hidden chest pockets
For your legs, dedicated upland pants make a dramatic difference compared to jeans or your work pants. Imagine trudging through thick briars or dense underbrush – they won’t offer the thorn resistance essential for protecting your legs from painful scratches or pokes. Plus, their stiff fabric limits mobility, making it harder to crouch, bend, or move freely while stalking game. Simply put, they’re not built for the demands of the hunt.
True upland hunting gear is designed for more than just ruggedness; it is designed to adapt to outdoor conditions too. Specialized materials ensure flexibility for quick, smooth, quiet movements and are often reinforced for better weather resistance. The Thorn Resistant EVO pants feature reinforced fronts that handle thorns and briars while maintaining breathability. The Tri-Active EVO pants offer similar protection with enhanced mobility for those days when you’re covering serious ground.
BERETTA Tri-Active Evo Moss and Brown Bark Pants
$259.00 - $279.00
Price accurate at time of writing
Features:
- Closure with YKK zip and press studs
- Belt loops
- Inside buttons for braces
- Side pockets with YKK zip
- Front pocket on left leg
- Ventilation openings on outer leg with YKK zip
- High protective lower back support in soft microfleece
- Back pocket with YKK zip
Every hunter will tell you that you need a system of layers, and while upland hunting isn’t as gear-intensive as waterfowl hunting or deer hunting, it still won’t hurt if you have such a system. The key is to have layers that work together to create an optimal level of moisture wicking and warmth. That’s why technical garments work great. For instance, a shell jacket like the Breakaway GTX provides wind and water protection with the breathability you need during active hunting. This is great for cold wet days. A fleece pullover can serve as your outer layer in warmer temperatures or as a midlayer when it’s really cold or when morning and noon temperatures differ greatly.
BERETTA Breakaway GTX Jacket
$265.30
Price accurate at time of writing
Features:
- Durable synthetic fiber exterior
- GORE-TEX waterproof membrane
- Reinforced forearms for durability
- Two zippered front pockets
- Packable emergency collar in hood
- Mesh interior for breathability
- Raglan shoulders and pre-shaped sleeves for maximum freedom of movement
- Cuff with Velcro adjustment
- Beretta removable braces to carry the jacket as a backpack
- Inside pocket with Velcro closure
Upland Hunting Boots
Quality upland boots need to handle three main challenges: moisture, rough terrain, and comfort over long distances.
Waterproofing comes first. Early morning hunts mean dew-soaked grass that can soak you to the knees within minutes. Marsh edges and creek crossings are common obstacles as well. So look for hunting boots/shoes with breathable waterproof membranes or hiking boots/shoes. The lighter, the better.
Protection ranks second. Thorns, rocks, and stubble will test your footwear constantly. Look for boots with reinforced toe caps and side panels. The uppers should resist tears while remaining flexible enough for comfortable walking.
Comfort and support matter most for all-day hunts. Your boots should fit well with hunting socks (never cotton – wool or synthetic only!), provide adequate arch support, and offer enough room for your feet to swell slightly during long hikes.
Don’t overlook gaiters or boot-height chaps – these will not only keep water out but also prevent seeds, burrs, and debris from finding their way into your boots.
KENETREK Hunting Gaiters
$29.99 - $73.68
Price accurate at time of writing
Features:
- Reinforced boot section with 1000 denier nylon
- Extra durable nylon exterior
- Adjustable top web strap with secure cam lock buckle
- Fitted front opening gaiters with hook and loop closures
- Waterproof breathable Stormblocker membrane
- Heavy duty Hypalon rubber straps
Ear & Eye Protection
Shotguns are loud, especially when you’re shooting multiple times during a flush. That’s why protecting your hearing should be non-negotiable, but many hunters skip ear protection because traditional plugs make it impossible to hear approaching game or communicate with hunting partners.
Electronic earmuffs, like Walker earmuffs, are designed to compress the sound of a gunshot while allowing you to hear and even amplifying ambient sound (your dog or hunting partner).
Also, get impact-resistant shooting glasses. These will not only protect your eyes from flying debris but also reduce glare.
WALKER'S GAME EAR Atacs Sport Earbuds
$160.64
Price accurate at time of writing
Features:
- Bluetooth 5.0 Connectivity
- Compatible with Walker's Link Mobile App
- 4 Prorgam Settings: Universal, Clear Voice, Power and Hi Frequency Boost
- 7.5 Hours of Battery Life
- Auto Shut Off: 4 Hours
- Digital Sound Quality
- Low Noise Frequency Tuned for Sound Clarity
- Sound Activated Compression (SAC)
A Few Extras
Beyond the major items, several smaller pieces of gear can make or break your hunt. A quality multi-tool handles field dressing and minor equipment repairs. Cable cutters serve as insurance against snare traps that might catch your dog. Hemostats prove invaluable for removing porcupine quills or cactus spines from both you and your hunting companion. A quality knife for field dressing birds (or game shears) – nothing fancy needed, just sharp and reliable.
Always carry extra water for you and your dog – more than you think you’ll need. Dehydration sneaks up quickly during active hunting, especially in dry climates or warm weather. A basic first aid kit handles minor cuts and scrapes that inevitably occur when pushing through cover.
Other items worth considering: leather gloves for hand protection, a whistle for communication, spare shells and a shell holder, snacks for long hunts, plastic bags for organizing gear and game, and extra socks.
Quick Note on Guns, Ammo, and Dogs
While this guide focuses on gear and clothing, a few words about the other essentials: any shotgun in 12, 16, or 20 gauge will work for upland hunting. Open chokes like Improved Cylinder work better than tight ones for most upland situations. Shot sizes from 6 to 8 handle most upland birds effectively.
Dogs exponentially increase your success, but hunting without them is certainly possible. If you have a dog, don’t forget water bowls, a leash, and any electronic collar equipment you use.
Your Complete Upland Checklist
- Essential Gear:
- Quality hunting vest with game bag
- Blaze orange hat and vest
- Reinforced hunting pants
- Waterproof boots with aggressive tread
- Electronic hearing protection
- Long-sleeved hunting shirt
- Leather gloves
- Additional Items:
- First-aid kit (human and dog)
- Game shears
- Whistle
- Extra water for dogs
- Multi-tool or knife
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Shooting glasses
- Extra ammunition
- Dog leash
- Snacks and water for yourself
- Weather-Dependent:
- Rain gear
- Extra layers for cold weather
- Gaiters for wet conditions
- Hand warmers for cold hunts
The beauty of upland hunting lies partly in its simplicity – you don’t need a truck full of gear to be successful. Start with the basics and add gear as you discover your specific needs and preferences.
