Chêne Gear, maker of performance waterfowl hunting apparel, is launching a new youth clothing collection and a unique program that allows kids to swap out their boots as they grow. This program will help give kids 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 never came to market, and that goal also inspired the new youth collection, which includes youth 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 leave kids with lower-quality, second-hand equipment, when they really need higher-functioning, higher-performing equipment. They are the ones we want to have the best experience possible so they 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 starter pair of waders can be purchased for $800. As kids get older, their boots can be traded in for a bigger, like-new pair for $125. Waders must be in good condition and approved by Chên in order to be exchanged. If a child is out of youth sizes, she can make an additional exchange for an adult size. Children graduate from the program when they turn 15 years old.
“We are introducing a new model for mentors to take kids into the woods and help parents with the costs of outfitting kids with quality hunting gear,” Norris said. “Kids are so impressionable. They want to be whoever you are, and they want to wear what daddy wears and what grandpa wears. That’s what this show is about.”
Chêne’s new youth collection is a complete system of waterfowl hunting essentials that will prepare boys for whatever conditions they face in the woods, including:
- Chêne Gear Youth Wader: A no-zip wader constructed from the same waterproof-breathable nylon fabric as Chêne’s flagship wader. Available in three sizes: 6-8 years (boot size 4), 9-11 years (boot size 5) and 12-14 years (shoe size 6)
- Overlay jacket: A jacket built for the cold, lined with sherpa fleece for an ideal blend of warmth and breathability. Available in Jr., XXS and XS.
- Hydro-Lok casing: Constructed with breathable and waterproof 3-layer nylon to provide reliable protection against heavy and sustained rain showers. Available in Jr., XXS and XS.
- Sherpa Fleece Wader: Designed to be worn under wellington boots for added comfort and warmth, thanks to a 300-gram sherpa fleece lining and 4-way stretch polyester construction. Available in Jr., XXS, XS.
All products will be available exclusively at CheneGear.com starting July 20 at 10am CST.