First Impressions of Browning Wicked Wing Field Pro Pant – Mens
The Browning Wicked Wing Field Pro Pant – Mens immediately struck me as a versatile and comfortable option for waterfowl hunting. Browning’s reputation for quality hunting gear, combined with the features listed – stretch fabric, water resistance, and ample pocket space – piqued my interest. I’ve been searching for a pant that could handle the unpredictable weather and demanding conditions of duck hunting, and these seemed promising.
For years, I’ve struggled to find hunting pants that offer both mobility and protection in the field. My old pairs were either too restrictive, hindering my movement when setting decoys or getting into a layout blind, or they lacked adequate water resistance, leaving me soaked and cold after a morning in the marsh. The Field Pro Pant’s promise of a soft shell stretch fabric and DWR coating seemed to address these issues perfectly.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the feel of the fabric. It was surprisingly soft and flexible, definitely not the stiff, crinkly material I was used to. The construction felt solid, with reinforced stitching in key areas. They felt noticeably lighter than my canvas hunting pants, which I appreciated.
I was debating between these and the Sitka Delta Waders and the Drake Waterfowl EST Eqwader 2.0 pants. The Sitka waders are bombproof, but overkill for warmer weather. The Drake pants are good, but lacked the articulated knees I was looking for in a dedicated hunting pant. I chose the Browning Wicked Wing Field Pro Pant – Mens because they seemed like the best balance of comfort, weather protection, and freedom of movement for early season hunts.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. They felt great right out of the box, but the real test would be how they performed in the field. I was excited to see if they lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Browning Wicked Wing Field Pro Pant – Mens to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Browning Wicked Wing Field Pro Pant – Mens during an early teal season hunt in the flooded timber of Arkansas. The weather was warm and humid, with a light drizzle threatening to turn into a downpour. I spent the morning wading through knee-deep water, setting decoys, and sitting in a layout blind waiting for the birds to fly.
The pants performed admirably in these conditions. The DWR coating effectively repelled the light rain, keeping me dry and comfortable for the first few hours. The stretch fabric allowed me to move freely and easily, whether I was crouching down to hide in the blind or reaching for shells. The zippered leg vents proved invaluable in preventing overheating.
I did notice that the water resistance started to diminish after prolonged exposure to the drizzle. This was expected, as DWR coatings eventually wear off.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple duck hunts in various conditions, the Browning Wicked Wing Field Pro Pant – Mens have held up remarkably well. I’ve worn them in everything from warm, sunny days to cold, windy mornings, and they have consistently provided a comfortable and functional hunting experience.
There are no signs of significant wear and tear. The fabric has resisted snags and abrasions from brush and branches, and the stitching remains intact. I’ve washed them several times according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and they have retained their shape and color.
Compared to my previous hunting pants, the Field Pro Pant offers a significant improvement in comfort and mobility. They allow me to move more freely and quietly, which is essential for successful waterfowl hunting. While they don’t offer the absolute waterproof protection of waders, they provide more than adequate weather resistance for most hunting situations.
Breaking Down the Features of Browning Wicked Wing Field Pro Pant – Mens
Specifications
The Browning Wicked Wing Field Pro Pant – Mens boasts several key specifications that contribute to its overall performance. The pants are constructed from a polyester stretch twill fabric with a soft backing, providing both durability and comfort. A water-resistant DWR coating helps to repel water and keep you dry.
Other noteworthy specs include: SILVADUR technology for odor control, deep, zippered cargo pockets, hand and rear pockets, 5 large belt loops, side leg venting with 13in zippers, and 4-point knee articulation. These features work together to create a pant that is both functional and comfortable in the field. The available sizes range from 32-40 with a 32in inseam and 34-38 with a 34in inseam.
The polyester stretch twill fabric is important because it provides a balance of durability and flexibility, allowing for a full range of motion without sacrificing protection. The DWR coating is crucial for keeping you dry in wet conditions, while the SILVADUR technology helps to minimize odors, which is especially important during long hunts. The deep, zippered cargo pockets provide ample storage for essential gear, and the side leg venting allows you to regulate your body temperature when activity levels increase. Finally, the 4-point knee articulation ensures maximum comfort and freedom of movement when kneeling or crouching.
Performance & Functionality
The Browning Wicked Wing Field Pro Pant – Mens performs its job exceptionally well. The pants are comfortable to wear for extended periods, offer excellent freedom of movement, and provide adequate weather protection for most hunting situations.
One of the biggest strengths of these pants is their versatility. They can be worn as an outer layer in warmer weather or as part of a layering system in colder conditions. The zippered leg vents are a particularly useful feature, allowing you to regulate your body temperature and prevent overheating. The ample pocket space is also a plus, providing plenty of room for storing essential gear.
The only real weakness I’ve found is that the water resistance diminishes after prolonged exposure to heavy rain. However, this is a common issue with DWR-coated fabrics, and can be mitigated by reapplying a DWR treatment. Overall, the Field Pro Pant meets and exceeds my expectations for a waterfowl hunting pant.
Design & Ergonomics
The Browning Wicked Wing Field Pro Pant – Mens features a well-thought-out design that prioritizes both functionality and comfort. The polyester stretch twill fabric feels soft and comfortable against the skin, while the articulated knees and gusseted crotch provide excellent freedom of movement.
The build quality is also impressive. The materials used are durable and long-lasting, and the stitching is reinforced in key areas. The pants are relatively lightweight, which is a plus when you’re carrying a lot of gear. The fit is true to size, and the adjustable waist allows you to customize the fit to your liking.
There is no significant learning curve associated with these pants. They are easy to put on and take off, and all of the features are intuitive and easy to use. The only potential issue is that the zippered leg vents can sometimes snag on brush or branches.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Browning Wicked Wing Field Pro Pant – Mens are built to last. The durable fabric and reinforced stitching have held up well to repeated use in demanding conditions. I expect these pants to provide many years of reliable service.
The pants are also easy to maintain. They can be machine washed and dried, and they retain their shape and color after repeated washings. I would recommend reapplying a DWR treatment periodically to maintain the water resistance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Browning Wicked Wing Field Pro Pant – Mens does not come with any specific accessories, but it is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories. You can easily add a belt, suspenders, or knee pads to customize the pants to your liking.
The ample pocket space provides plenty of room for carrying essential gear, such as a knife, flashlight, or rangefinder. You can also attach a holster to the belt loops for carrying a sidearm. The pants are available in several different colors, so you can choose the one that best suits your hunting style.
Pros and Cons of Browning Wicked Wing Field Pro Pant – Mens
Pros
- Comfortable and flexible polyester stretch twill fabric. Provides excellent freedom of movement for active hunting.
- Effective DWR coating. Keeps you dry in light rain and snow.
- Deep, zippered cargo pockets. Offer ample storage for essential gear.
- Zippered leg vents. Allow you to regulate your body temperature.
- Durable construction. Withstands the rigors of hunting in the field.
Cons
- Water resistance diminishes after prolonged exposure to heavy rain. Requires reapplication of DWR treatment.
- Zippered leg vents can snag on brush or branches in dense cover. Requires mindful use in certain environments.
Who Should Buy Browning Wicked Wing Field Pro Pant – Mens?
The Browning Wicked Wing Field Pro Pant – Mens are perfect for waterfowl hunters, upland bird hunters, and anyone who spends time outdoors in variable weather conditions. They are especially well-suited for early-season hunts when the weather is milder, but a degree of water resistance is still necessary. Hunters who value comfort, mobility, and ample storage space will also appreciate these pants.
Someone who needs guaranteed waterproof protection in extreme conditions (e.g., prolonged exposure to heavy rain or snow) should skip these pants and opt for waders or dedicated waterproof outerwear. Also, those who hunt in extremely thick brush may find that the zippered leg vents snag too easily.
A must-have accessory for these pants is a high-quality belt. I’d also recommend reapplying a DWR treatment periodically to maintain the water resistance.
Conclusion on Browning Wicked Wing Field Pro Pant – Mens
Overall, the Browning Wicked Wing Field Pro Pant – Mens is an excellent choice for waterfowl hunters seeking a comfortable, versatile, and durable hunting pant. The stretch fabric, water resistance, and ample pocket space make them a valuable addition to any hunter’s wardrobe.
The price of $67.49 – $88.49 is justified by the quality of the materials, construction, and features offered. They are a great value for the money.
I would personally recommend the Browning Wicked Wing Field Pro Pant – Mens to any hunter looking for a reliable and comfortable pant for early-season waterfowl hunts and other outdoor activities. If you value freedom of movement, weather protection, and ample storage, these pants are definitely worth considering. Get out there and experience the difference!
