Drake Guardian Elite Series in Realtree Camo Answers the Needs of the Waterfowler
- November 21, 2017
- By Stephanie Mallory
- Products
Waterfowlers endure some of the toughest hunting conditions out there. They must often be able to endure wet, windy and cold weather to pursue the sport they love. For this reason, quality apparel is essential. Drake Waterfowl is on the job with its newest Guardian Elite Series apparel, with options available in Realtree camo.
To create the most durable waterfowl products on the market, Drake Waterfowl Systems sought out hardcore waterfowlers to join the Research and Development Team for Guardian Elite Series. The gear experienced every weather condition imaginable over four flyways. From trudging through flooded timber with daily weather extremes in Stuttgart, Arkansas, to spending mornings in an open-water boat blind while being pelted by freezing rain on the eastern shore of Maryland, it performed perfectly. By using the same three-layer construction utilized in our breathable waders and new Fowl-Proof zipper, the Guardian gear provides unprecedented protection and results. With a combination of nearly 1,000 hours in the rain, the R & D Team remained dry and warm and defied even the most inclement weather conditions. It’s important for waterfowlers to understand that our Guardian Elite Series is built for the hunter or guide that spends 100 plus days in the field and places maximum abuse on the gear from season to season. Professionals in the industry need elite gear that is extremely dependable, more waterproof, more windproof and more conducive to chasing waterfowl over the nation. Trust the name associated with innovation in waterfowl products.
– Drake Waterfowl
Drake Waterfowl Systems was founded by Bobby Windham, Jr. and Tate Wood in 2002 by combining years of waterfowl hunting experience with the latest apparel technologies. Prior to Drake’s entry, the waterfowl apparel market was a seemingly forsaken product market with a tremendous void for innovation and advancement. Since it’s beginning, Drake family of brands has registered significant growth and the business now serves over 1,000 independent retailers, sporting goods and sports specialty “big box” retailers and operates a successful and growing e-commerce site across the U.S. Today Drake offers product assortments under four distinct brand umbrellas: Drake Waterfowl Systems, Non-Typical by Drake, Drake Clothing Company and Ol’ Tom Technical Turkey Gear. With Drake offering complete apparel lines for all major hunting seasons - waterfowl, big game and turkey - as well as use during outdoor recreation activities like fishing, camping and tailgating, Drake adopted the tagline of “Always in Season” in 2015 as the only true hunting brand that can outfit a hunter’s apparel needs 12 months a year, 365 days a year.
The original and current largest-volume line produced by the company, Drake Waterfowl Systems provides an array of items such as waterproof coats and jackets, windproof pullovers, vests, long and short sleeved shirts, t-shirts, base layers, pants, waders, footwear and other various accessories.
Drake’s products are produced with the best quality materials available, while industry-leading designs provided by Realtree™ ensure the latest available camouflage patterns. This partnership also offers growth opportunities as consumers look to replace their hunting apparel with new camouflage patterns or textiles that provide greater waterproofing, wind resistance or breathable properties and greater success camouflaging or concealing the hunter while stalking game.
MST Guardian ELITE Eqwader™ Full & ¼ Zip -- The Guardian Elite’s outer shell fabric is built with Drake’s most technologically advanced three-layer fabric, which is not only Drake’s most durable fabric, but its most breathable. This jacket is engineered specifically with Drake's Elite team in mind and is equipped with even more waterproof features than before, plus an all-new heathered look. The Fowl-Proof™ zippers compliment the taped seams and waterproof fabric, making it Drake’s most elite Eqwader offering to date. Staying true to the Eqwader design, this is the only garment that delivers waterproof protection up top and maximum breathability below, forming the ultimate wader jacket.
LST Guardian ELITE Eqwader Full & ¼ Zip -- Designed for the brutally cold days of late season, the Guardian Elite Heavyweight Eqwader 1/4 Zip is now equipped with even more waterproof features than before, plus an all-new heathered look. Fowl-Proof zippers compliment the taped seams and waterproof fabric to deliver waterproof protection up top and maximum breathability below, forming the ultimate wader jacket. Features adjustable neoprene cuffs, mid-chest adjustment cinch cord and waist adjustment cinch cord.
EST Guardian Elite Parka -- This extremely durable, 3-layer shell-weight parka is perfect for the hunter who understands effective layering, making this a favorite go-to jacket from early to late season. The Guardian Elite Parka is built with Drake’s most technologically advanced three-layer fabric, which is not only Drake’s most durable fabric, but its most breathable. The parka is engineered specifically with Drake's Elite team in mind. The team consists of hardworking, demanding guides, industry pros and professional dog trainers that never quit working during the hunt and never turn back due to bad weather, while averaging 100 plus days a year in the field.
LST Guardian Elite High Back Hunt Pant -- The Guardian Elite High-Back Hunt Pant retains body heat below the waist when protection above the waist is already covered. Featuring a rear flap that keeps your kidneys warm, these pants significantly cut down on the escape of body heat, ensuring hunters are comfortable in the coldest weather conditions. Features removable suspenders, a kidney-warmer pouch and easy on/off leg zippers.
LST Guardian Elite Bib -- Perfect for use in a ground blind, this flexible piece is great for wearing on top or under a coat. For those hunters seeking even more warmth during the brutally cold days of late season, the Guardian Elite Bib is the ultimate full-body cover-up to protect you from the coldest weather conditions. Features include Fowl-Proof YKK zippers, Magnattach pocket, call separator, easy on/off side leg zippers, vertical zippered chest pocket and zippered slash pockets and against-the-body hand warmers.
MST Guardian Elite Jacket with Fleece Liner -- The Guardian Elite Jacket with Fleece Liner is perfect for the hunter who understands effective layering. Ideal for early to late season, this fleece-lined jacket provides additional warmth not found in shell-weight jackets. This jacket is built with Drake’s most technologically advanced three-layer durable and breathable fabric. Features include Fowl-Proof YKK zippers, Magnattach pocket and adjustable neoprene cuffs. The jacket also includes an adjustable roll-up hood, waist adjustment cinch cord and front cargo pockets.
Shoulder Bag 2.0 – Drake’s new and improved Shoulder Bag 2.0 is the choice for many guides and outfitters because of its exceptional organization features and low-profile size. Modeled after a messenger bag or briefcase, the Shoulder Bag 2.0 is sized in between Drake’s Shell Boss 2.0 and its larger Blind Bag 2.0. The bottom is slightly wider than the top so the bag stands up when fully loaded. Boasts 650 cubic inches of storage, adjustable strap with HD2™ shoulder pad, improved zipper, improved durable hardware, several storage pockets and 13 neoprene front shell loops.
Walk-In Backpack 2.0 -- Waterfowl hunters that must walk in to their hunting area and pack in all their gear will appreciate the Walk-In Backpack 2.0. Large storage compartments and plenty of customized pockets hold everything you need to get from your boat or vehicle to your favorite honey hole in one trip, all while keeping your hands and arms free. This backpack features internal organization storage pockets, 12 neoprene shell loops, 11 storage pockets, EVA shoulder straps, zippered side pockets and a shotgun cradle.
Blind Bag 2.0 – The Blind Bag 2.0, available in two sizes, is loaded with pockets and features for organizing gear so you can find items quickly when it matters. The Large bag has 18 pockets and the X-Large bag has 20 pockets. The main storage compartment is protected by two liners. Constructed with a seam-welded vinyl internal liner overlaid with Drake’s vinyl organizer, the compartment is waterproof from the bottom to the zipper. Features include an adjustable strap with HD2 shoulder pad, improved zipper, improved durable hardware, two side zippered shell pockets, outer face pocket with elastic shell/choke tube dividers, 18 pocket vinyl organizer, 20 pocket vinyl organizer, see-through map pocket, thermos/jacket sleeve on top, adjustable gun case loops and protective sunglass holders.
Shell Boss 2.0 – The Shell Boss 2.0 efficiently organizes gear and ammo in a small package, making it especially useful for hunting WMA’s that limit the number of shells you can carry. The Shell Boss 2.0 is also a great alternative to a blind bag for hunters that prefer to travel extra light. It holds three boxes inside for essential gear. Includes adjustable strap with HD2 shoulder pad, improved zipper, improved durable hardware, outer storage pocket, two adjustable inner dividers 10 neoprene front shell loops, rear rubber mesh storage pocket and thread-through handle.
LST Left Hand Caller’s Glove -- The LST Left Hand Caller's Glove is for right-handed shooters. This single glove features a fleece-lined outer muff connected to the back side of the glove to create a warm, easy access for the dominant hand when calling/shooting. It is the ultimate tool for the waterfowl hunter who desires both the warmth of a glove and the comfort of calling/shooting bare-handed. This glove features hook and loop closure cuff to lock in heat.
For more info, check out www.drakewaterfowl.com.
Editor’s Note: Realtree licenses 27,000 products that can be found in more than 38,000 retail locations worldwide. Whether customers are looking for rugged outdoor equipment or everyday gear that enhances their active lifestyle, it can be found in a Realtree pattern. If you’re interested in growing your business with a Realtree licensing program, let’s talk! Find out more and contact us here.