Chêne Gear, maker of performance waterfowl hunting apparel, is launching a new youth apparel collection and a one-of-a-kind program that allows children to trade in their waders as they grow. This program will help provide children a better experience in the woods and help parents with the costs of kids outgrowing their gear.
Chêne’s founders started the company to create high-quality, durable hunting gear they always dreamed of owning but was never available on the market, and that goal also inspired the new youth collection, which includes youth-sized versions of the brand’s flagship waders, the Over-and-Under Jacket, Hydro-Lok Shell, and Sherpa Fleece Wader Pants.
“It’s ironic that we inevitably stick the kids with the hand-me-downs and lower quality gear, when they’re the ones who actually need the higher functioning, better performing gear. They’re the ones who we want to have the absolute best possible experience so that they’ll come back again and again, bring their friends, and talk about it at school,” said Field Norris, co-founder of Chêne Gear and father of young hunters. “We saw this as a challenge from day one and set out to fix it.”
Under the youth wader exchange program, the initial pair of waders can be purchased for $800. As children grow, their waders can be exchanged for a larger, like-new pair for $125. Waders must be in good condition and approved by Chên in order to be exchanged. If a child outgrows the youth sizes, they can make one additional exchange for an adult size. Children graduate the program when they turn 15.
“We’re introducing a new model for mentors taking kids out into the woods and helping parents with the costs of outfitting children with quality hunting gear,” Norris said. “Children are so impressionable. They want to be whoever you are, and they want to wear what dad is wearing and what grandpa is wearing. That’s what this program is all about.”
Chêne’s new youth collection is a complete system of waterfowl hunting essentials that will prepare children for any condition they’ll face in the woods, including:
- Chêne Gear Youth Wader: A zipperless wader built with the same waterproof and breathable nylon fabric as Chêne’s flagship wader. Available in three sizes: 6-8 years (size 4 boot), 9-11 years (size 5 boot), and 12-14 years (size 6 shoe)
- Over-and-Under Jacket: A jacket built the cold, lined with sherpa fleece for an ideal blend of warmth and breathability. Available in Jr., XXS, and XS.
- Hydro-Lok Shell: Built with 3-layer breathable and waterproof nylon to provide dependable protection against heavy and sustained rains. Available in Jr., XXS, and XS.
- Sherpa Fleece Wader: Designed to be worn under waders for comfort and warmth, thanks to the 300-gram sherpa bonded fleece and 4-way stretch polyester construction. Available in Jr., XXS, XS.
All products will be available exclusively at CheneGear.com starting July 20 at 10 a.m. CST.
