Duck hunting is a popular outdoor activity that requires the right gear, and waterproof gear is at the core of having a successful duck hunt. Since duck hunting can be a wet and cold activity, you need gear that will keep you warm and dry. This includes waterproof boots, a waterproof backpack, and warm layers that can be easily removed if you start to overheat.
We’ve compiled a list of the best gear for duck hunting below
Top Duck Hunting Gear
We know the importance of having the right waterproof gear to ensure a successful and enjoyable hunting experience. After testing and researching various products, we have compiled a list of the best duck hunting gear on the market.
FEATURED
If you’re looking for a reliable handwarmer that will keep you warm during the coldest duck or goose hunting days, the Cupped Waterfowl Deluxe Hunting Handwarmer is a great choice.
Pros
- The fleece-lined handwarming pocket with exterior shell holders is designed to keep your shells close at hand and your hands warm on even the coldest of duck or goose hunting days.
- The exterior neoprene material is durable and water-resistant with shell holders for fast reload. The interior pocket is fleece-lined to keep hands warm and out of the elements.
- The handwarmer pocket features a belt for wear around the waist and upper clips to clip on wader suspenders for wear on the chest.
Cons
- The belt is very short, so it may not fit larger waists comfortably.
- The zipper on top of the pocket is not very durable and may break easily if not handled with care.
- The storage pouch may not be big enough to fit larger gear items.
During a chilly and blustery day of duck hunting, we put the Cupped Waterfowl Deluxe Hunting Handwarmer to the test, and it exceeded our expectations. The plush fleece-lined pocket kept our hands toasty, while the convenient shell holders ensured swift reloading. Its resilient neoprene exterior shielded our hands from moisture and harsh weather conditions.
However, we did observe that the belt might feel snug for individuals with larger waist sizes. Moreover, the top pocket zipper seemed prone to fragility and could break if not handled delicately. Nonetheless, these minor drawbacks don’t overshadow the handwarmer’s overall performance.
For your next waterfowl hunting expedition, if you seek a dependable and enduring handwarmer, the Cupped Waterfowl Deluxe Hunting Handwarmer is certainly worth considering.
TOP PICK
The Breakwater Supply Fogland 25L CORDURA waterproof backpack is literally perfect for any duck hunter.
Pros
- IP68 waterproof and submersible for keeping your gear clean, dry, and safe no matter what.
- Lightweight CORDURA Ripstop material is badass and looks beautiful.
- Welded seams, weatherproof nylon straps, and non-corrosive Duraflex hardware offer exceptional outdoor durability.
- Features include a 16″ laptop sleeve, multiple gear attachment points, side bottle pockets, and ergonomic curved shoulder straps.
Cons
- CORDURA material is offered in Safari Tan and Gray colorways, while the Marsh Green is not offered in CORDURA.
With a generous 25L capacity, the Breakwater Supply Fogland 25L CORDURA waterproof backpack boasts genuine CORDURA tactical ripstop fabric that’s been permanently coated with a thick layer of waterproof TPU, ensuring your gear stays dry even in the swamp.
For those who bring their laptop or tablet, there’s a dedicated laptop sleeve to shield your tech, alongside multiple organizational pockets to stow smaller essentials securely. Dual side water bottle pockets offer convenient access to hydration while on the move. A heavy-duty top carry handles is a nice feature for grabbing out of the boat, truck, or other storage areas.
But the highlight? This backpack floats on water and is fully submersible, eliminating worries if it takes an unexpected dip in a lake or river. Built rugged and waterproof, the Fogland backpack stands ready for any hunt, ensuring your gear remains safe and dry. Whether hiking, camping, kayaking, or other wet-weather adventures, it’s the ideal choice.
RECOMMENDED
If you’re looking for a durable and spacious duck decoy bag with efficient drainage and a camo design, the MYDAYS 12 Slot Duck Decoy Bag is worth considering.
Pros
- The double drawstring locking closure tabs provide extra height and secure all of your gear to prevent accidental spills.
- The 12 independent slots design separates every duck decoy from rubbing and damage.
- The bag comes with two handles and one padded shoulder strap for easy carrying.
Cons
- The drawstring top is made of thin material that may rip after a few uses.
- The bag may tear at the seam with heavy use.
- The bag may not fit magnum or above-sized decoys.
We recently put the MYDAYS 12 Slot Duck Decoy Bag to the test during a hunting expedition and were thoroughly impressed by its capacious layout and effective water and dirt drainage mesh system. Its reed camouflage pattern blended seamlessly with our hunting attire and gloves, while the innovative 12 independent slots design ensured our decoys remained well-organized and shielded from harm.
The dual drawstring locking closure tabs not only added extra height but also secured our gear snugly, averting any accidental spills during our journey to the field. Moreover, the drawstring dust and dirt cover preserved the decoys’ appearance, keeping them free from dirt and maintaining their realistic appeal.
Transporting the bag was effortless thanks to its two handles and one padded shoulder strap, while the mesh bottom facilitated hassle-free dispensing or gathering of decoys. Its ample size accommodated various decoy types including mallard, wood duck, diver duck, redhead, blue wing teal, widgeon, and teal.
Nevertheless, we observed that the drawstring top seemed susceptible to tearing after repeated use due to its thin material, and the bag’s seams may be prone to tearing with heavy usage. Additionally, it may not accommodate magnum or larger-sized decoys.
In summary, the MYDAYS 12 Slot Duck Decoy Bag stands out as a reliable choice for hunters seeking a sturdy and roomy decoy bag featuring efficient drainage and a camouflaged design.
RECOMMENDED
If you’re looking for a comfortable and durable duck lanyard, the GearOZ Duck Lanyard is a great option.
Pros
- The slip rings make it easy to attach and detach ducks or other small game.
- The strap is padded and comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
- The lanyard is versatile and can also be used to hang decoys, flashlights, or game calls.
Cons
- The 12 drops may be excessive for some hunters and could make the lanyard bulky.
- The lanyard is only available in one camouflage pattern.
Though not a waterproof product per-say, the GearOZ Duck Lanyard is worth mentioning. We found its durability and comfort to be remarkable. The slip rings facilitated swift attachment and detachment of ducks, while the padded strap ensured comfort even during prolonged wear. We took advantage of its versatility by utilizing it to suspend decoys and a flashlight.
However, one potential drawback is that the lanyard’s 12 drops could be excessive for certain hunters, potentially resulting in bulkiness. Furthermore, its availability solely in one camouflage pattern might not complement all hunting gear.
RECOMMENDED
A decent pair of gloves when you’re out duck hunting is another essential bit of kit. The AUSCAMOTEK Waterproof Neoprene Duck Decoy Gloves are a great choice.
Pros
- The gloves are made from 5mm thick neoprene fabric, ensuring excellent insulation and waterproofness.
- The laminated stretchable spandex fabric offers a flexible fit that accommodates most hand sizes.
- The gloves have a patented AUSCAMOTEK duck blind pattern that blends well with your duck hunting gear.
Cons
- The gloves are quite bulky and may not be suitable for tasks that require fine motor skills.
- The gloves may not be as durable as some other options on the market.
We’ve put these gloves through their paces during numerous late-season duck hunts and have been thoroughly impressed by their performance. Crafted from neoprene, they offer exceptional insulation and waterproofing, ensuring our hands stay warm and dry even in the chilliest conditions. The laminated spandex fabric delivers a snug and comfortable fit, while the elastic cuff ensures the gloves stay securely in place during hunting endeavors.
Featuring long and roomy sleeves, these gloves provide added protection against water and wind. Their grid-textured palms and fingers afford a firm and reliable grip on wet hunting gear, decoys, or any slippery items. We’ve discovered their versatility extends beyond hunting, finding them suitable for various cold-weather activities such as ice fishing and pool maintenance.
RECOMMENDED
If you want to have a successful duck hunting trip, then the PAMASE Duck Call Lanyard is an essential accessory to have.
Pros
- The lanyard has 10 adjustable loops that can hold all your necessary hunting gear, including your duck call, survival whistles, and small LED lights.
- The lanyard is crafted from sturdy and resilient nylon rope using a specialized weaving technique, making it durable and weather-resistant.
- The duck hunting lanyard is designed to be comfortable to wear, with a flat length of about 55cm/21.7in, so you can easily wear it even if you are wearing heavy clothing.
Cons
- The lanyard does not come with a duck call.
- The necklace itself cannot be “opened” to slide on bird bands as is common practice among hunters.
During our latest duck hunting expedition, we put the PAMASE Duck Call Lanyard to the test and were thoroughly impressed by its performance. Crafted from top-notch materials, it flawlessly accommodated all our essential hunting gear without any hitches. The adjustable loops allowed for effortless customization to suit our requirements, and its comfort during extended wear was commendable.
Featuring a woven style and a broad neck rope design, this lanyard proved to be an invaluable hunting companion that didn’t impede our movements. The inclusion of a removable buckle was a thoughtful touch, simplifying the installation and removal of the whistle loop as needed. We wholeheartedly recommend it!
RECOMMENDED
Here’s a neat hunting beanie that can keep you dry and comfortable in the woods, the EDTREK Waterproof and Windproof Camo Beanie is a great option.
Pros
- The beanie is made of two layers, with one side being soft knit acrylic and the other side being soft performance fleece in camo. This combination keeps you warm even in cold, rainy, and snowy days.
- The beanie is reversible and styled for both indoors and outdoors. You can wear it on the acrylic side with decent flying duck embroidery and camo decoration, or you can turn it to the camo side for a professional hunting look.
- The beanie comes in medium, large, and X-large sizes, with detailed size specifications provided. The medium size is suitable for most youth, women, and small men’s heads, while the large size is suitable for most men’s head sizes. The X-large size is 11 3/4″ in width for big heads. All sizes offer a snug fit and are big enough to cover ears. If you are between sizes, order up.
Cons
- The camo side of the beanie feels like thick paper – You won’t hear anything with it over your ears.
- It can feel a bit ‘boxy’ in the top and needs to be worn in.
We recently put this to the test, and it exceeded our expectations. The advanced Marsh digital camo provides excellent concealment in various terrains like flooded timber, marshes, and open fields. Even in rainy or snowy weather, it kept us warm and dry, thanks to its snug fit that stayed secure even in windy conditions.
Moreover, this beanie proves to be versatile, suitable for both indoor and outdoor wear. The option to switch between the acrylic and camo sides offers flexibility depending on the setting. Additionally, the flying duck embroidery and camo decoration on the acrylic side add a stylish touch.
Our Comprehensive Guide to Duck Hunting Gear
Selecting the optimal duck hunting gear necessitates careful consideration of several key factors. We’re here to empower you with the insights needed to make informed choices tailored to your specific requirements.
Material
The choice of material profoundly impacts the performance of your hunting gear. Opt for items crafted from robust and waterproof materials like neoprene or Gore-Tex. These ensure enduring dryness and comfort throughout your hunting endeavors.
Camouflage
Effective camouflage is paramount in duck hunting gear. To seamlessly blend into your surroundings and evade detection by ducks, prioritize gear featuring realistic camo patterns harmonizing with your hunting environment.
Comfort
Comfort is non-negotiable when it comes to hunting gear. Ensure your selections fit snugly without constriction or looseness. Seek out adjustable straps and ample padding to guarantee optimal comfort during extended hunting excursions.
Functionality
Your hunting gear should streamline your hunting experience with user-friendly functionality. Look for features such as easily accessible pockets, adaptable hoods, and reinforced seams, enhancing both enjoyment and efficiency in the field.
Price
While price is a factor, prioritizing quality over immediate savings is prudent. Investing in high-quality gear promises long-term durability and performance. Seek products striking a balance between affordability and superior craftsmanship.
In Conclusion
In your quest for the best duck hunting gear, meticulously evaluate material, camouflage, comfort, functionality, and price. By conscientiously considering these aspects, you’ll equip yourself with gear tailored to ensure a triumphant hunting expedition.
