Chêne Gear Launches New Collection for Every Flyway; Gifts DU Membership With Every Wader Sold

Chêne Gear, a leading maker of technical waterfowl apparel, is launching a new collection of apparel that will serve a wider range of waterfowl hunters, including its new Hydro-Lok Field Bib, Flyweigh Primaloft Jacket, and two new colors of its flagship wader. To celebrate its two-year anniversary, Chêne is giving back to its customers and supporting waterfowl conservation by providing a free Ducks Unlimited membership to the buyer of every wader for the rest of the year.

“After going to market two years ago with our wader, we’ve selectively put together a comprehensive collection of waterfowl hunting essentials that are built better. We’re now able to better serve hunters across all flyways, whether you need protection in frigid temperatures, hunt geese in fields, or simply want comfortable performance apparel that won’t fall apart on you,” said Jeff Jones, co-founder and chief operating officer of Chêne Gear. “Like all of our other technical hunting products, we’ve spent the last two years field testing and improving these products to ensure they meet Chêne’s standards for performance and durability.”

As part of its commitment to conservation, Chêne’s gifting of Ducks Unlimited memberships is an effort to raise awareness of the non-profit’s critical work. Ducks Unlimited was founded in 1937 during the Dust Bowl to save North America’s drought-plagued waterfowl population and has since conserved more than 15.5 million acres of crucial waterfowl habitat. In 2022, the volunteer-based non-profit protected and restored more than 575,000 acres of wetlands and associated habitat in the United States.

“For the last 86 years, Ducks Unlimited has focused on wetlands and waterfowl, and the results are astounding. We’ve lost 3 billion birds across North America, but waterfowl are the only bird species increasing in population, thanks to the support of those hunters out there and the members of Ducks Unlimited that do so much to support that vision to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever” said Adam Putnam, CEO of Ducks Unlimited.

“Whether its habitat conservation, working with waterfowl biologists, or grassroots engagement with hunters across the country, Ducks Unlimited has made an invaluable contribution to North American waterfowl populations and the sport of waterfowl hunting,” Jones said. “By providing this membership to our customers, we want them to experience the value of this organization and encourage them to get more involved, whether it’s renewing their membership, attending a banquet, or volunteering on a project.”

The new products will be available on July 13, 10 a.m. Central Standard Time exclusively at CheneGear.com. The new collection includes:

• Flyweigh Primaloft Jacket ($400, imagery): A favorite among the Chêne staff and field-testing team, the Flyweigh Jacket is a high-performance outer layer. It was built to hunt in a broad temperature range, without extra weight or bulk. It delivers enhanced warmth for cold days and effectively regulates body temperature so that hunters won’t have to remove it in the field when making long walks to the blind, putting out decoys, or hunting chilly mornings that will eventually get warmer.

This versatility is made possible by Primaloft’s 100 percent synthetic Silver Thermal Plume insulation with CrossCore technology, which provides superior insulation, body temperature regulation and comfort. The rugged outer layer is water and wind resistant and protects against abrasion and punctures. Other features include a fully adjustable draw-cord hood, vertical zippered chest pockets, side hand warmer pockets, Lycra form-fitting sleeve cuffs, and a highly packable design that provides convenient storage. It’s available in Mossy Oak Original Treestand, Mossy Oak Original Bottomland, Mossy Oak Shadowgrass Habitat, Olive, and Field Tan.

• Hydro-Lok Field Bib ($500, imagery): In response to overwhelming demand from field hunters, Chêne’s new field bib is inspired by its best-selling waders. The three-layer nylon construction delivers high breathability, uncompromised waterproof protection, and rugged resistance against punctures and abrasion.

This highly anticipated product is loaded with smart features that are the result of two years of field testing, including knee-length zippers for easy boot removal, muck-friendly zipper flaps that utilize magnets that are uninhibited by mud, and adjustable elastic stretch shoulder straps for full mobility and all-day comfort. Other features include an oversized YKK Vislon chest zipper, water-resistant zippered chest pockets, magnet-closed interior pockets, fleeced-lined high chest hand warming pockets, and water-resistant zippered, fleece-lined leg pockets. It’s available in Mossy Oak Bottomland, Field Tan, and Habitat.

• Chêne Gear Wader ($1,100, imagery): Chêne’s flagship wader is available in two patterns this year: the Mossy Oak Original Treestand and solid brown. Chêne believes Original Treestand, a vintage pattern released more than 30 years ago, is one of the greatest patterns ever created for timber hunting. Customers have long asked Chêne to release its wader in solid brown, a versatile color that blends in nearly everywhere.

When Chêne launched its flagship wader in 2021, the brand was the first to design a waterfowl hunting wader built with breathable, waterproof nylon fabric, which is tougher against punctures, rips, and leaks compared to polyester. The wader’s custom boot design, which features an EVA midsole, provides all-day comfort and durability. The waders are backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

• Merino ½ Zip Hoodie ($125, imagery): In response to the popularity of its Merino wool base layers, Chêne is adding a Merino wool half-zip with a hood. Made with 100 percent New Zealand Merino wool, this temperature regulating, moisture wicking garment is designed to be worn as a base layer in all temperature ranges, as it keeps you cool on warm days and warm in the coldest conditions. It’s available in olive.

• Bonded Fleece Field Stretch Pant ($180, imagery): The insulated version of the popular Field Stretch Pant is built for everyday use, from the duck boat to the campfire. Featuring 315GSM weight and constructed with 92 percent polyester and 8 percent durable Spandex climbing fabric, this pant provides 4-way stretch for all-day comfort. The fleece lining delivers superior warmth and comfort, making it a great option for a midlayer to be worn under waders on cold days. Other features include Agion antimicrobial treatment and a DWR finish to repel moisture and inhibit odor, mold and mildew. It’s available in Mossy Oak Bottomland, Mossy Oak Original Tree Stand, and brown.

• Wax Canvas Gun Sleeve ($100, imagery): Simple, sleek and built to work, this durable sleeve is built to protect your gun from moisture, mud and contact with rough surfaces to and from the blind. It is built without padding so it can easily roll up and store during the hunt. Constructed with two layers of wax canvas to protect from the elements, folding flap closure, and metal hook and webbing loops for secure storage.

About Chêne: An idea born in the flooded timber, Chêne Gear is built better. After introducing its flagship breathable nylon wader that set a new standard for quality, comfort, and customer service, Chêne now offers a complete system of performance waterfowl hunting apparel.