North Dakota Upland Gear List (2026 Edition)
Introduction
The upland game world attracts people from every walk of life. You will meet DIY hunters with no dog, a pair of boots, and a shotgun. You will meet folks who fly private to guided hunts. You will meet everyone in between. In my experience, I have yet to run into someone who is an asshole. People are generally helpful, quick to share advice, and always willing to talk dogs, though they probably will not share their honey hole with you.
I do not have any professional affiliations, and none of the brands I am recommending here are sponsored. These are products I have researched, bought, used, and trusted in the field. My dad bought me my shotgun, and my fiancée bought me my jacket, but you get the point.
This list, like the thousands of others on the internet, will give you a solid starting point. Nothing replaces field experience. You learn fast what you actually need, what you do not, and what makes a long day in the cattails a little easier.
This North Dakota upland gear list is built from real field experience and the equipment I actually use. Nothing here is sponsored, and everything has been tested in the same cattails, weather swings, and long walks that most hunters deal with.
North Dakota Upland Gear List: What I Use in the Field
Field Pants
I run the Pyke Tongass Extreme Upland Pant. They have become my go to for opener. They are durable in cattails, breathable in heat, and surprisingly good in cold mornings.
Vest
I use the Kuiu Upland Field Vest in blaze. This style of vest transfers weight to your hips instead of your shoulders. That matters when you are carrying water, shells, and birds all day.
Jacket
My outer layer is the Kuiu Guide Pro Hooded Jacket in blaze and major brown. It handles wind, light rain, and big temperature swings. That is exactly what opener throws at you.
Gloves
I keep it simple with lightweight upland gloves from Scheels. They offer enough protection for brush and still stay breathable.
Boots
Whatever you choose, make sure they are waterproof, broken in, and comfortable for miles. North Dakota opener is unforgiving on feet.
Eye and Ear Protection
Clear or amber lenses for changing light. Ear protection you will actually wear.
Dog Gear for Upland Hunting
Collar
I do not run GPS because I do not have pointers. I use Dogtra collars for reliable control and durability. But the Garmins work great for pointing dogs!!
Water System
A collapsible bowl and a jug. Dogs burn more water than you think.
First Aid
Pads, tape, styptic, and tweezers. North Dakota grass can be rough.
Kennel
Secure, ventilated, and weather safe for long weekends.
Weather and Comfort Gear
North Dakota weather is unpredictable. You might get heat stroke weather on Saturday and frostbite weather on Sunday.
Base layers
Mid layers such as fleece or wool
Windproof and waterproof outer shell
Beanie and cap
Extra socks
Rain gear
Hand warmers
Truck and Travel Gear
Cooler for drinks, food, and dog water
Tow straps
Jumper cables
Portable air compressor
Seat covers for wet dogs
Blankets
Offline maps or OnX
Trash bags
Farmhouse and Weekend Gear
Smoker or grill if available
Seasonings and rubs
Coffee setup
Boot dryer
Charging cables
Headlamps
Small toolkit
Safety and First Aid
Human first aid kit
Dog first aid kit
Emergency blanket
Knife or multitool
Fire starter
Backup phone battery
Optional Gear That Makes the Weekend Better
Camera
Tripod
Notebook for field notes
Portable speaker
Camp chairs
Extra cooler for ribs
Final Thoughts
This list will get you started, but the real learning happens in the field. Every hunt teaches you something new about your gear, your dogs, your patience, and the weather’s ability to humble you. Build your kit over time, trust what works for you, and enjoy the process.
If you want to see how this gear performed during the 2026 North Dakota pheasant opener, check out my full recap HERE.
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