SHOT Show is the place to find the best gear for hunters, sporting enthusiasts, and shooters. And here brands display some of the best products built for women in the field.
As a hunting guide, I expect my gear to do its job every time. And if you’re like me, you know what it’s like to run store to store in search of the best products.
Or you can check out these great finds from SHOT Show, held last month in Las Vegas. I scoured 630,000 square feet of shooting, hunting, and outdoor brands that build quality gear for female hunters like myself. Heck! I even held a ladies’ meeting inside one of the great products I found at the show.
Some items I discovered have been engineered and designed for women. Others are products I just know you’re going to add to your must-have list.
Zippo Rechargeable Hand Warmer
No matter how bundled a girl gets, if her hands get cold she’s probably cold. With that in mind, the Zippo Rechargeable Hand Warmer is a must. No more packs of noisy plastic wrappers with shakable pouches to carry around in our pockets.
For those who don’t want to refill butane warmers, you can charge this device before you head out to the woods, range, or hockey stands. As a bonus, it doubles as a charger, so in a pinch you can give your iPhone a full boost.
The Zippo Rechargeable Handwarmer is available on Zippo.com in green and silver – MSRP 24.95
Filson Women’s 3-Layer Field Jacket
Nestled in a quiet lodge-like loft above the Filson booth, I found a functional yet stylish women’s jacket. The rich, brown Women’s 3-Layer Field jacket has a waterproof shell, taped seams, wind-resistant lining, and covered zipper tabs. This piece is sure to keep a lady warm and dry.
Its design affords a gal to wear it on a day-to-day basis, but it’s designed for the hunt. As such, the jacket has large shell pockets, a vented back, and large game pouch. It’s perfect for both the upland hunter or mom who lives in a chilly climate.
The Filson Women’s 3-Layer Field Jacket will be available in early summer 2018 for $395.
Charles Daly 214E Over & Under Shotgun 12GA/26″ Barrel
From the muzzle to the butt, this shotgun is engineered for a woman. The crew at Charles Daly thought of more than a shortened stock, dropped butt, reduced grip-to-trigger length, and raised comb – all of which are important features. They also built the gun to have a cast and pitch, catering to a woman’s curves.
This model fits a right-handed shooter, but the brand foresees the launch of lefty models in the future. These features create a shotgun that fits well and is easy for ladies to use at the range or in the field.
The Charles Daly 214E Over & Under Shotgun with 12GA/26” hits stores May 2018 for $887.
Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight Technical Crew
This top-of-the-line, lightweight women’s sock is designed with fit, function, and sustainability in mind. These socks will stay put as you trek up and down the trails. Targeted cushioning zones prevent hot spots during long days on the trail.
Farm to Feet’s 19.5-micron merino wool is comfortable and offers natural moisture wicking properties for cozy wear year-round. Care is simple and takes little extra effort. Throw them in the cold wash cycle and then lay flat to dry. The Damascus Lightweight Technical Crew is available now in black or tan for $22.50.
Beretta Women’s Global Big Game
Beretta launched multiple women’s items at SHOT Show. The brand not only adds an over-under shotgun, but also the women’s Upland and Global Big Game lines to its stylish clothing and range wear. The Big Game series caught my attention because it best combines fashion and function.
The Big Game products feature a layering system with a fleece pull-over, pants, and Gore-Tex–insulated jacket. The layering system has quality construction but remains lightweight. And it includes seaming that allows active women to maneuver in the field, at camp, or at home after the hunt.
The Beretta Women’s Global Big Game collection launches fall 2018. The 1/4-Zip Fleece will run $60, Fusion BIS Jacket $175, and Extrelle Light Active Pant $175.
Alps Outdoorz Avail Turkey Vest
The adjustable Avail turkey-hunting vest by Alps Outdoors will fit most ladies who love the pursuit. This vest allows for height, width, and fine-tuning adjustments. It features kick-out legs to support the back, plus a comfortable 2.5-inch Therm-a-Rest cushion seat for those long, motionless sits as she waits for a strutter to come her way.
There are pockets fitted for box, slate, and even mouth-reed calls, all with silent latch closures. Alps designed this vest with function and comfort to keep any hunter happy in the field. The Avail Turkey Vest launches in May and will run $179.
Flambeau RuckBox
This is a box a lady can use to carry her shells, tools, and coffee. Plus, in a pinch it doubles as a seat. Flambeau’s RuckBox also works as a blind bag and has a metal latch with an O-ring seal to keep your powder dry.
The Mossy Oak outer shell has partitioned storage pouches, water-resistant zippers, and a drawstring pouch to store your canteen or mug. The Flambeau RuckBox launches June 2018 for $79.
Cheata Tactical Bra
Here’s an undergarment you won’t be embarrassed to talk about. This bra, originally designed for military and police officers, is a Godsend for ladies who are active in the outdoors or like to hit the gun range. There is no digging or bulging, and the bra locks breasts in place, giving your chest a smooth appearance without the dreaded “uni-boob.”
This design moves “the gals” out of the way when you’re in shooting stance. In a single garment, a lady has the stability about equal to wearing two or three sports bras. When donned properly, it feels comfortable. Sizing runs from XX-Small to XXX-Large and the bra costs $70.
Primos Double Bull SurroundView 270-Degree
Did I mention I held a ladies’ meeting inside a product? Well, I did. I bumped into a colleague, and we decided to take a load off as we ducked inside the Primos Double Bull SurroundView 270-degree see-through blind to discuss details for a ladies’ turkey hunt I’ll be guiding this spring.
Seeing through the walls of the Primos blind is a game-changer. From inside, we could have seen the turkeys coming. But its design means they won’t be able to see us. This blind will give hunters time to identify whether or not it’s a tom, jake, or hen and assist in preparing for a shot before turkeys pass in front of a shooting window. The Primos SurroundView 270 will be available Feb. 1 for $399.
Mia Anstine is a hunting guide based in southwest Colorado, where she grew up in the mountains along the San Juan River. She is a freelance writer, podcast host, commentator, public speaker, and hunter ed, archery, and firearms instructor who shares the real outdoors to inspire others to embrace it.
