JT’s Upland Blog
Ramblings of an Upland Bird Hunter and Businessman
Many of you may know already, but my wife and I run an ecommerce website called Uplanders Warehouse (www.uplanders.com). We specialize in apparel and gear for the upland bird hunter. Our primary product categories are listed below. If you click on any of these links, it will take you to that product category on the Uplanders Warehouse website:
Upland accessories (gloves, gun cleaning, etc.)
We also proudly feature the following brands:
Beretta
Bob Allen
Boyt Harness Co.
Browning
Columbia
Crackshot
Filson
Gamehide
Kodiak Canvas Tents
Pella
Turtleskin
Hi!
I am looking into getting a new bird vest and found your site very helpful reading your reviews you have completed. One vest that I am looking at is made by “Bucks Bags” that is made locally (Boise, ID). It seems like a great vest at a good price and mainly because it is made in the USA. Have you had any experience with this vest or completed a review of it? Just curious as I see it on your bird vests offered but didnt see a review on it.
Do you have any thoughts on this vest?
Thanks,
Matt
Posted by Matt O'Connor | October 25, 2010, 12:08 pmMatt,
I have not officially reviewed the Bucks Bag Upland Vest – but I do know a bit about it. What I can tell you is that it is very heavy-duty. The straps, the construction, the materials are all top-notch and it is built to last. I think it is well worth the money – especially when you factor in the hydration bladder is included. The waist/weight belt is a key feature of this vest and definitely makes carrying a load easier. I give it a “thumb’s up” rating – let me know if you have any specific questions about it I can answer. Thanks -JT
Posted by JT | October 27, 2010, 10:19 pmJT – Great site and Blog. I am also looking for a new vest for ruffed grouse hunting in MN & WI. I have two labs that always go w/me so I need something that will have capacity to carry plenty of water and gear. I have a backpack vest from Cabelas, but I don’t like the shoulder strap as it can interfere with the gun shoulder mount. I use a o/u 28 gauge so shell loop size is a concern. I read your review on Browning’s (or Pella’s) Bird-n-Lite. Would you recommend this Browning vest for ruffed grouse hunting over some of the others such as Quilomene?
Posted by SteveS | August 28, 2011, 9:23 amSteve,
I like both the Quilomene and the Bird’n Lite. The Quilomene is built for a bladder, but the Bird’n Lite isn’t. You can jerry-rig the Bird’n Lite to hold a bladder, but it’s not built for it. The Bird’n Lite has a couple water bottle holders – but they are a smaller bottle size. The first question you need to answer is whether you want a bladder hydration system or a bottle system. The Quilomene is a great option for bladder systems. The Wingworks vest is my preference for a bottle system. My dogs drink better out of bottles than they do out of bladders, so I prefer to take bottles anyway (and I hunt with a Wingworks vest). I have hunted with all of these vests, and each has their advantage/disadvantage. I hope this helps – let me know if you have any other questions. -JT
Posted by JT | August 30, 2011, 8:08 amJT,
I was wondering if you know of a replacement hydration reservoir that would fit a Mother’s upland vest?
Thanks,
Martin
Posted by Martin Bohnert | August 18, 2011, 10:22 amMartin,
I sell the Camelbak reservoir in 2 sizes (70 oz. or 100 oz.) that will fit your Mother vest. Here’s the link:
http://www.uplanders.com/home.php?dr=products&fn=product_details&pr_id=ACC-13-1
Posted by JT | August 18, 2011, 12:33 pmJT,
The 100 oz will fit? The review said it will accept a 2 liter which is just under 70 oz. I do a lot of chukar hunting in the high desert of CA, so I want to carry as much water as possible and if the 100 oz will fit that is what I’ll go with.
Thanks,
Martin
Posted by Martin Bohnert | August 31, 2011, 3:45 pmI wish I had a Mother vest to check, but I’m pretty sure the 100oz. will fit – I recall selling the 100oz to several Mother vest customers a couple years back. Worst case if it doesn’t fit, I’d be happy to take it back and and send you the 70oz. -JT
Posted by JT | August 31, 2011, 4:06 pmJT,
Works for me. I’m placing the order now.
Thanks,
Martin
Posted by Martin Bohnert | August 31, 2011, 4:08 pmHi,
I enjoy your blog, and I was surprised to see that UW was based in Bozeman! You have quite a good stock, and I like your reviews. I have been looking for shooting shirts, and you have a great selection, but my problem is fit. I have a tall, slim build with long arms; needless to say, hunting clothes are not made with me in mind, and it is rare that I find a good fit. So I have 2 questions:
1) Do you know of or carry upland shirts that are intentionally sized this way (long arms, slim body) – specifically something in the vein of the Filson or Browning shirts that are on your website (SHIRT-20-14 and SHIRT-7-8, respectively)?
2) Since I also live in Bozeman, is there a possibility of trying on before buying to avoid the return?
Thanks,
James
Posted by James Meadow | February 1, 2012, 2:46 pmI just read your latest email on dog vests in which you felt it appropriate to comment on Colorado and its new gun laws. While I may not agree with all of the initiatives, some of the changes make a lot more sense than does the NRA position.
I do not understand why background checks are good for Cabelas but not the “unlicensed” seller at the next table at the gun show. I do not understand how you can promote increased accuracy of the list of those not able to buy guns but fight increased use of those lists. I do not understand why I must plug my gun and limit myself to 3 shots while hunting, but can purchase 100 round magazines increasing the probability of human injury, intentionally or accidentally. I do not understand why those claiming to stand on the second amendment and its intent, have chosen to ignore the first part referencing a well ordered militia. FYI I was raised with a shotgun in my closet and our household currently owns 5 guns.
I do appreciate your honesty. I hope you can understand my decision not to further support your business.
Posted by Lisa Ellis | May 2, 2013, 9:57 amLisa,
My Colorado comments were a bit ‘tongue in cheek’ and I apologize if they offended you. Perhaps I would have been better served keeping my own sense of humor to myself
As many do, one way or another, I do have strong views on gun control. I know in light of the tragedies in both Colorado and Connecticut, people are screaming for reform – and rightfully so – and the legislators are trying to respond. One of my biggest issues with any gun control legislation is that it only applies to the law abiding citizens – generally those people who would never go on a shooting rampage. The criminals and evil-doers will always get around the laws to acquire and use whatever means they need to inflict their evil. I feel that the specific legislation in Colorado may be a bit of a knee-jerk reaction, people clamoring for reform, and legislators trying to do ‘something’ whether it’s right or wrong. I understand that, and it is what it is. But, the core of the gun control issue still remains with sick, evil people who will never be affected by gun control legislation. How do we control them? That is the bigger question and issue in my mind.
Obviously I’d rather keep you as a customer. But if my views do offend you, I completely respect your decision – I’d do the same. Either way, I appreciate you taking the time to give me your feedback. -JT
Posted by JT | May 2, 2013, 1:37 pm