Product Review: Magellan Pro Series Apparel

Quality value. That was the message being delivered to us from the moment we arrived in hunting camp last fall. Two words that are so often used in marketing, but rarely seen right beside each other. So, what exactly does it mean? Well, in the hunting industry — for better or for worse — the word “value” tends to make us think that products may not be in the upper echelon of a line. Or, at the very least, they probably won’t last as long as we want them to. If we’re looking at a “quality” product, however, the money it probably takes to acquire it might not be what we’re looking to drop either. But in this case, “quality value” was the promise. Or in other words, the quality hunters want for a price tag that wouldn’t put a major dent in the bank account.

The next five days were about doing everything we could do to challenge that statement. Our goal was to put the Magellan Pro Series line — which featured the Mossy Oak Elements Terra Range camouflage pattern — to the test as we pursued early-season giants at the Canadian River Hilton Hunting Lodge in Western Oklahoma. And if it’s one thing outdoor writers do well, it’s gear testing. Let’s get started!

Warm Weather

Temperatures, as you might expect in early October, were on the warm side. With that in mind, I opted for the Men’s ¼ Zip Long Sleeve Pullover Top. Knit and merino wool fabric gave me two things I was looking for: a lightweight garment with moisture-wicking technology that I could wear in a ground blind, and a comfortable, flexible fit so that I could easily draw my bow from a seated position. It felt like the perfect warm-weather piece: cool enough to keep me comfortable under the sun, but warm enough that I didn’t need to throw an extra layer on when the sun went down. If you did need another jacket in the last hour of the day, one could easily be put on because of its form-fitting design. Included in the ¼ Zip Long Sleeve Pullover is an added attack on scent in the form of an antimicrobial finish. The best part? You can get one of your own for a $50 bill. So, quality value? I’d say so. Read on — it won’t take long before you start detecting a theme.

Now, what do you combine the ¼ Zip with? Look no further than the Pro Hunt Tracker Pants. Before I get into the features, let me start with a pretty direct statement. As far as lightweight hunting pants go, these quickly climbed the ladder and will be a go-to of mine going forward. They’re that comfortable, and it starts with a woven polyester blend with four-way stretch to keep you comfortable from the beginning of the sit to the end. Other features that I enjoyed include mesh-lined cargo pockets, reinforced knees and seat, an offset kick plate that reduces bulk when pulling boots on, and reliable YKK zippers. It’s not always easy to stay comfortable in a ground blind — especially when the temperatures are on the warm side — but these pants are designed to help you do it. That matters! And for $69.99, it’ll be well-worth the money spent time and time again. Quality value? Yep, the Magellan Pro Series is now two-for-two.

Cool It Down

To finish up reviewing the clothing portion of the Mag Pro line, I needed to wait patiently for colder weather to arrive. And although it seemed to take a little while to get here this past fall, it eventually made its annual appearance in the northeast. Luckily, I was prepared.

We’ll start with the Magellan Pro Hunt 3 In 1 Systems Jacket. As you may be able to tell from the name, there is both an outer and inner jacket as well as a detachable hood. Waterproof and windproof, we’re talking about something that’s ideal for colder temperatures. The outer jacket features zippered chest pockets, hand-warming pockets, a safety harness opening, zippered waist pockets, pit zips, and articulated elbows for full range of motion. Inside is where you'll find a puffer jacket. It, too, has a safety harness opening and zippered chest pockets. The system features Sciessent Agion Active scent control, which treats both the inner and outer portions of the garment. Another nice feature is that all trims and zippers are YKK for durability and peace of mind. And comfort? Yeah, it’s got plenty of that. I would have loved to try it out in the blind in Oklahoma — you know, if it was 50 or 60 degrees cooler at the time. With an MSRP of $169.99, it’d be difficult to find a similar product on the market for that price with the same ability to keep you warm in the field.

So, what do you pair it with? Look no further than the Pro Hunt Convertible Pant. Also waterproof, windproof, and treated with the same Sciessent Agion Active scent control, this garment features removeable back suspenders if you like the look and feel of wearing hunting bibs. Full-length leg zippers allow for a quick and easy way to pull on and take off your boots, and double layer reinforced articulated knees give you the always-desired full range of motion. Each pair has an inner fleece lining and a silicone-printed interior waistband. A stretch fabric gusset just adds to the comfort of a product that is sure to extend your time afield. Warmth is key here, as its Thinsulate down blend paired with a high-pile fleece is the perfect complement to the 3 In 1 jacket. Chances are that we all grew up wearing bibs in the field. This, to me, felt like an old school garment combined with today's technology — the best of both worlds! MSRP is listed at $129.99, and they'd be worth every penny to help get you from dark to dark during the best hunting days of the season. 

The Rest of the Story

The Magellan Pro lineup also features a few more products that you’ll want to check out. Completing their lineup is the Pro Hunt Cap, the Pro Hunt Gridded Fleece Gaiter, the Pro Gridded Fleece Liner Glove, the Pro Hunt Men’s Scaloth Boot, the Pro Hunt Men’s Vivor Boot. Additionally, check out the Pro Hunt Day Pack for your trips to and from the treestand or ground blind, as well as the Pro Hunt Waterproof Duffle Bag — perfect for transporting all your hunting necessities from one great destination to another.

I can tell you with complete certainty — you'll get what you pay for and much more with this lineup found exclusively at Academy Sports + Outdoors.

---