As an avid bow hunter and hiker with over 20 years exploring the lakes and woods of Wisconsin, high-quality clothing and gear built to withstand the elements is incredibly important. I‘ve tested jacket after jacket, worn countless boots over rugged terrain and evaluated my fair share of hunting accessory brands.
Throughout my many trials, one name has continued to stand out as a reliable choice combining durable construction with a focus on comfort and timeless style: Legendary Whitetails.
I still remember thrifting my first Legendary button-down almost a decade ago, drawn to the handsome red buffalo check pattern and corduroy accents. It quickly became a staple on crisp fall outings in the deer stand and eventually at the office on casual Fridays once I discovered its wrinkle-resistant properties. To this day, it has held up better than just about any flannel in my closet despite countless machine washes.
Over the years, I‘ve integrated various pieces from their rugged outerwear to cozy base layers into my everyday hunting, hiking and outdoors lifestyle. In this comprehensive Legendary Whitetails review, I‘ll provide my honest perspectives on the longstanding Wisconsin brand – both the good and the bad. Consider this a candid tell-all from an experienced outdoorsman on whether Legendary truly delivers on its promises of lasting performance and protection from the elements.
Brand Background
First, let‘s look at the origins of how Legendary Whitetails came to be long before their camo and flannel became staples at retailers across America.
Legendary got its start in 1999, founded by avid hunter Larry Huffman in his hometown of Slinger, WI. As the story goes, Huffman yearned for better quality hunting apparel and decided if the market wasn‘t going to provide it, he would simply make it himself. Early sales out of his basement led to such demand that by 2001, Larry had left his career in printing to focus full-time on expanding his homegrown business.
Major milestones over the past 20+ years:
- 2001: Incorporated Legendary Whitetails company, opened first office. Hired 5 employees.
- 2002: Published 1.3 million catalog circulation to launch wholesale business, reaching 3,000 retail doors by end of year.
- 2010: LegendaryWhitetails.com online store launched, allowing customer orders direct.
- 2013: New 60,000 square foot global headquarters built in Slinger to house all design, marketing, sales and distribution. Crew expanded to over 75 full-time employees.
- 2016: Size range expanded to serve more body types and age groups. Big & Tall and Plus sizes introduced.
- 2019: Legendary Whitetails annual revenue surpasses $100 million.
- 2021: 15,000 square foot onsite outlet store unveiled at Slinger HQ to sell past season goods and samples.
Today, two decades after Larry sewed that first jacket, Legendary Whitetails has grown into one of America‘s leading providers of outdoor apparel sold through thousands of retail partners and their own bustling ecommerce operation. They also run an outfitter program serving businesses in the fishing, hunting and shooting industry.
Yet as impressive as their retail availability across the country may be, I‘m most interested in how their products actually perform out in the wilderness – where it really counts.
So let‘s get hands-on with some of Legendary‘s most popular clothing and see how this heritage Wisconsin brand stacks up to the elements.
Reviewing Men‘s Outerwear Best Sellers
As an avid bowhunter, outerwear plays a critical role in my ability to remain concealed, scent-free and most importantly, warm during those early morning hunts. Legendary Whitetails produces an immense assortment of season-spanning jackets, parkas, vests and bibs purpose-built to withstand the rigors of rural terrain while accommodating conceal and carry needs.
I tested two of their current top-rated men‘s styles to see if they lived up to expectations out in the field.
Big Game Canvas Jacket
This heavy-duty canvas workwear coat provides the foundation for a versatile layering system. Key features:
- Durable 10oz cotton canvas exterior repels wind/rain
- Polyester quilted lining with 210g insulation
- Shoulder yokes and leather patch accents
- Two snap flap chest pockets
- Embroidered deer logo
- Available in sizes: S-2XL in Regular and Big & Tall
- Retail price range: $69.99 – $120
Trying this coat on instantly transports me back to childhood when my dad would bundle up to work outside in his faded canvas coat that seemingly endured anything. The Big Game Canvas from Legendary recaptures that spirit of an unfussy, rugged jacket made for blustery days handling tasks in the elements.
I tested this coat for a full Wisconsin gun deer season and was pleased by its performance as an outerlayer to block wind and light precipitation while trapping body heat. It truly excels as a core item to throw over base layers. I tended to overheat if wearing thicker insulation underneath. Hands down the ideal coat for bowhunters who need flexibility of movement.
I foresee this coat becoming my go-to for essential warmth while working outside the cabin this winter. For just $70-80 at full price, very reasonably priced given the durable build. Sleeves run a bit short on my long arms but overall true to size in chest/body.
As one satisfied Legendary buyer shared: "Awesome coat for late fall/winter in the woods. Warm but not bulky. Fit is perfect in size Large Tall – sleeves and length are spot on at 6‘ 5". Couldn‘t be happier for the money."
Concealed Carry Vest
No outdoor brand targeting hunters can ignore the concealed carry trend. I was impressed to see Legendary create an entire sub-brand devoted to packing heat called Locked N‘ Loaded, including this purpose-designed shooting vest. Key specs:
- 10oz cotton canvas shell with cozy blanket lining
- Two oversized cargo pockets
- Side arm dual mag pouches
- Premium corduroy trim
- Embroidered patch crest
- Rear concealed carry holsters sized for small/large firearms
- Available in sizes: S-2XL in Regular and Big
- Retail price range: $89.99 – $99.99
I‘ll admit I had low expectations for a mass market concealed carry vest but this one surprised me with smart little details for responsible firearm owners. The dual mag pouches provide quick access when loading/unloading alongside two large front utility pockets capable of holding gear. Generous corduroy at stress points helps cushion firearm concealment while shoulder pleating offers full range of motion.
My favorite touch is the back shotgun shell holder just below the neck. It keeps additional ammo handy without weighing down pockets. I could comfortably carry my Browning Silver shotgun all afternoon without fatigue. My only gripe is that the neck corduroy rubbed a bit but nothing drastic.
For conservative concealed carry that keeps bulk minimal without forsaking utility, this surprisingly tactful vest really delivers. Nice to see Legendary respecting safety needs of modern sportsmen rather than taking political sides. Judging by flawless ratings, their customers certainly approve.
Rating Women‘s Apparel Essentials
While Legendary Whitetails originated as a men‘s hunting brand, I wanted to evaluate whether their women‘s lineup achieves that same balance of durability, function and comfort my wife demands from her outdoor clothing. I assessed two top selling female styles:
Switchback Marl Hoodie
My wife lives in hoodies outdoors once autumn arrives so I took notice when Legendary launched this cotton/poly marl knit version last fall. Key attributes:
- Soft marled sweatshirt knit fabric
- Small embroidered deer crest
- Kangaroo pocket for hand warming
- Drawcord hem for adjustable fit
- Available in sizes: XS-XXL
- Retail price: $39.99
After a full season of wear testing, I‘m pleased to report this hoodie remains in steady rotation as my wife‘s favorite cool weather lounge option. It washes consistently without fading or pilling thanks to quality knit construction. She says its relaxed fit drapes nicely over shirt layers and leggings for a cute cabin look that works just as well with jeans out running errands.
My only criticism is the lack of thumbholes to seal heat around the wrists during brisk temps. Otherwise this versatile hoodie really delivers for its sub-$40 price tag. The neutral navy blue pepper color also coordinates with tons in her closet.
Huntress Flannel Shirt
Of course I had to try out this namesake lady‘s flannel that‘s become a Legendary Whitetails signature style. Notable features:
- 100% midweight cotton flannel
- Two button flap chest pockets
- Curved shirttail hem extends rear coverage
- Front button closure
- Roll tab sleeve cuffs
- Available in sizes: XS-3XL
- Retail price: $59.99
Living in Wisconsin, we have pretty high flannel standards thanks to our northern climate. I happy to say this Huntress Flannel delivers reliable warmth and cabin-appropriate style my wife loves. The midweight cotton holds up nicely to washing without losing its softened handfeel. She also appreciates the roomy chest pockets for securing travel tissues and lip balm when outdoors. However, the curved shirt hem in back can tug when tucked into slimmer pants.
Overall for everyday warmth and weekend cabin lounging, the Huntress Flannel keeps up with my wife‘s active lifestyle at a fair $60 price point. The classic hues also inject heritage style into her usual leggings and jeans uniform. We‘d definitely recommend to lady friends needing to add cozy flannel to their fall lineup without breaking the bank.
How Legendary Stacks Up to Competition
Through my in-depth testing spanning core mens and womens pieces, Legendary Whitetails makes a strong case for quality outerwear and casual layers capable of keeping up with active midwest lifestyles. But how do their signature fabrics, fits and pricing compare against other leaders in the outdoor apparel space?
I lined up how Legendary Whitetails stacks up against key competitors across a few helpful metrics:
| Brandon | Legendary Whitetails | Filson | Columbia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $54.99 | $155 | $90 |
| Quality | 8/10 | 9/10 | 7/10 |
| Materials | Midweight cotton, poly/cotton blends | Heavyweight 100% cotton canvas | Technical synthetics |
| Sizing | Runs true to size, consistent | Runs large on outerwear | Runs small, varies by item |
| Warranty | 30 day return policy | Unconditional lifetime guarantee | Limited lifetime warranty |
| Overall Rating | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
Analyzing how Legendary Whitetails compares head to head against other outdoor brands reveals its strong value positioning. While more premium players like Filson edge out in heavyweight construction for 3X the price, Legendary holds its own with reliable touches like corduroy trimmed collars and smart technical features suited for hunting. Up against mainstream market giant Columbia, you see where Legendary delivers vastly better craftsmanship and signature styling Columbia lacks.
For shoppers wanting better quality without paying luxury prices, Legendary Whitetails finds an appealing middle ground on both performance and aesthetics. Their midweight 7-9 oz cotton fabrics withstand years of wear and wash well thanks to their secret softening techniques. Across my years testing their goods against the elements, I‘ve been pleased to find consistent, true-to-size fits rather than the guesswork required decoding standard to big and tall sizing among other major brands.
Could more technical upgrades from innovative waterproof membranes be useful? Perhaps, but that stray away from Legendary‘s core mission of perfecting heritage styling only improves upon rather than overhauls. Their loyal fanbase, including myself, keep coming back year after year because Legendary gets that balance right where competitors falter in the quest for modernity over timeless appeal.
Final Verdict: The Complete Outdoor Wardrobe
In my many years gearing up for adventures near lake and wood, testing the limits of clothing durability along the way, few brands prove as reliably up for the challenge as Wisconsin‘s own Legendary Whitetails. Their array of outerwear, flannels and casual layers stand the test of time thanks to premium fabrics and purposeful features tailored specifically for rural lifestyles.
While options may exist for higher performance or trendier looks, no brand encapsulates that harmony of quality meeting value so quintessentially. Prices remain egalitarian without forsaking meticulous details both outdoorsmen and casual suburbanites admire alike. Much in the way our trusty blaze orange buffalo check coat lives in both duck blind and office, Legendary Whitetails fashions the complete wardrobe equipped for country life while handsome enough for everyday.
So when you need clothing capable of surviving years of adventure as faithfully as old hunting buddies, choose Legendary Whitetails. Discover your new favorite coat, boot or go-anywhere flannel from their collection today. Just don‘t be surprised when it becomes your next lifelong companion.
