Keepin’ ya warm in the saltmarsh.
For generations, wildfowling was a way of life along the Eastern Seaboard and market gunning had become a necessary and respected profession. With the enactment of the Migratory Bird Act of 1918, the variant interests of the market gunner and the Federal Game Warden unfolded as a real-life cat-and-mouse game. The struggle became legendary and nowhere was it more vividly played out than along the tidewaters and estuaries of the Chesapeake Bay. Part-time friends and part-time foes, one thing the gunner and the warden shared equally was the bitter gnaw of winter’s salty northwest blows.
When it comes to staying warm, modern-day outfitters have nothing on these men. Dressing in layers was just common sense and the quilted shell was a key component of every bayman’s garb. Worn as an intermediate layer under oiled cotton smocks and bib pants, early versions were often fashioned from discarded quilts or horse blankets.
Details. Our Outlaw Gunner Hat borrows its being from this time-honored, essential component of warmth on the bay. A tight 2x2 quilt pattern over the nylon outer shell helps build air pockets in the very light poly-fill insulation. The inside is lined with a satin fabric that traps the warm air. The fold-down earmuffs are lined with micro corduroy and tie down with nylon boot lace cord. Adjustable with a genuine leather backstrap and brass hardware.
One size fits most.
