Browning XPO Coldkill

These days, most big companies add a range of clothing to their portfolio. Browning has been doing this for many years and must have one of the most comprehensive and stylish ranges of apparel and related items I have seen. I recall being sent an original XPO (Extreme Performance Outwear) cold weather parka and trousers many years ago, and in terms of field wear, it was 100% functional and practical, and I still use it to this day.

Coldkill

First up is Browning’s XPO Coldkill jacket. This bomber-style garment features a semi-quilted, green outer body, complemented by black arms, sides, and yoke, all made of polyester and nylon with a Thinsulate lining. Visually attractive, it features an olive green Buckmark logo on the right shoulder and on the back of the stand-up collar.

Closure is by a full-length zip with pull tag, and storage consists of two outer pockets (zip-closed) and two deep/large inner ones. So, plenty of capacity. In terms of features, the Coldkill is water/windproof, breathable, quick-drying, lightweight, and offers thermal insulation. It’s also reasonably quiet in use.

It’s warm enough and well suited to more temperate use as a stand-alone garment. However, in cold weather, it’s designed to be inserted into any XPO Pro Parka for extra protection. Sizing is generous, from XS to 5XL. Overall, a very practical jacket equally suited to the clay range, hunting field, or just for driving. It’s also available as a gilet, too.

On the hood

More hunting-orientated is the Teamspirit, long-sleeved, T-shirt hoody. It gets my vote straightaway as it comes in camo, in this case, Realtree Edge. This photo-realistic design consists primarily of various browns, yellows, and ochres, with a few green leaves and brush for contrast. It’s the sort of colour scheme I feel works best for many terrains.

Counterpointing this is ‘Browning’ in dull orange, all the way down the right sleeve, plus the Buckmark logo on the left shoulder. Simplicity is the word here, in a simple, long-sleeved hunting shirt with a large, integral hood that easily covers the head.

Material needs

Made from 100% polyester, this ultra-lightweight, stretchable fabric has integrated UV protection to a factor of SPF 50+. Browning rates it for hunting, shooting, and fishing in summer or sunny weather, and I found it also effective as a base layer with a heavier jacket for colder conditions. The thin material allows it to be worn inside headgear if desired or outside for better concealment. It’s breathable, quick-drying, lightweight, and ultra-quiet. Sizes run from S to 3XL and as a big lad, I found the fit generous.

Overall, a great garment for hunting in more temperate conditions, plus it offers good camo coverage to your head and upper body.