I recently had the opportunity to field test Duluth Trading Co‘s Fire Hose Briar Pants at several venues. I wore them to a sporting clays shoot, on an upland bird hunt and during the opening of the fall dove season here in Oklahoma. The areas I hunt —both here and in Texas— are rough, and I wanted to see if Duluth’s Briar Pants were up to the challenge. When I first put them on, I was pleasantly surprised with their fit and comfort. I would suggest washing them by hand with rocks several times before wearing them because not only will the material appreciate the abuse but you too will like the way they wear. I was concerned that the pants would be rough and uncomfortable, but they were as comfortable, if not more so, than the jeans that I wear every day.

We hunted dove early in September and the weather, as it is most years, was hot and humid, but the birds were there in record numbers. The hunt was successful and most everyone shot their limits. As I said, the areas I hunt are known for their ruggedness, and as I retrieved birds from places covered in mesquite and prickly pear cactus I was able to get through them and pick up my birds with ease.

Bending down to pick up the birds was pure comfort; these pants have a hidden crotch gusset that makes it easy to bend down. Fire Hose Briar Pants really increase your range of motion and move-ability which adds a whole new dimension of comfort. The Briar Pants protected my legs better than any other pants I have to date tested, and they breathe so that I was not uncomfortable at any time during the hunt.

A good hunt many times hinges on the quality of your gear, especially when hunting the west for upland game like quail, pheasant, and grouse. If the area you hunt is harsh and inhospitable you will not find a more rugged reliable pair of pants.

Quality

Duluth Trading Co has a reputation for quality. All of the Fire Hose line of pants come pre-washed. It wouldn’t hurt to rewash them however as it will increase the comfort considerably. They also don’t skimp on quality; all of the Fire Hose pants breathe well, making them comfortable in warm weather, and yet with Under Armour would be great for those colder days of hunting. They have a triple seam, and they will not come apart with repeated or continual abuse. The crotch gusset makes it easy to bend and crouch, a must for any hunter. They are treated to resist water and stains. 

Reliability

You will not find a more reliable pant on the market. These pants are tough and made to be comfortable and able to withstand the harshest conditions. They will take continued abuse with ease, and as there broken in they increase in comfort. After two days of walking through rough terrain like mesquite, brush and prickly pear cactus, my legs were completely protected by the reinforced nylon leg patches.

Price/Value

The Duluth Trading Co Fire Hose Briar Pants retail for 74.50 which is comparable to other briar pants on the market. One pair will last you a lifetime, the value for the price is exceptional.

Referability

I recommend these pants highly to the avid hunter; you will not find a better pair of briar pants on the market than Duluth’s Fire Hose Briar Pants. After 35 years of trying different types of pants I feel confident in saying, I guarantee it.

Images courtesy Andy McDaniels