Collection: Russell Gear for Africa

Made from the original Russell Bird Shooter patterns, the Backcountry's lineage is that of the most accomplished boot in American history. Lightweight, highly water resistant, and extremely durable, the Backcountry is the boot we recommend as a customer's first pair. If you want a pair of Russells that can be worn from sea to summit in incredible comfort, the Backcountry is your boot.

Originally called the Mascoutin, after the tribe of Indians that inhabited the Fox River Valley, the Bird Shooter model is one of our longest running patterns. Updated in the late 1920's by Russell's President, Bill Gustin, the Bird Shooter was marketed to the outdoor community with great success in the subsequent decades.

Developed for Safari clients in the 1960s, the famous Russell Bird Shooter was adapted with quarters made from heavyweight cotton twill and a low-drop sole for stalking. Ultra-lightweight and breathable, it was an instant success for long distance treks and dangerous game hunts. 

Named after the experienced trackers who guide dangerous game hunts, the Russell PH series boots have been stalking the plains of Africa and Australia for over 40 years. An excellent boot for warm weather situations in any country, the PH is the go-to boot for hunters and guides on safari. Breathable, packable, and extremely durable, the PH is a unique boot that is equally suited for daily wear.

Cam Smith, from Mississippi, is an long-time customer who has ordered several unique Russell boots made specifically to guide Elk hunts in the Black Range of the Rocky Mountains. Cam requested adaptations to a model previously known as the Wapiti Rambler. This variant caught on with other serious outdoorsmen and the Big Cambo has been one of our most popular boots ever since. After several iterations over the last decade, the version offered today is 7-inches high, constructed in a Double Vamp with a Molded Sole (aka Triple Vamp) configuration for maximum support and water resistance. Just about everything in Russell's Kitchen sink has been built into these extreme boots, all while maintaining a weight of only 4.5lbs a pair (based on a size 10). 

The tale behind the South 40 was written in the pheasant fields of South Dakota in 1983-1984. Our team realized the need for a boot that could hold up to a broad variety of conditions and tackle long miles with comfort, all in the lightweight package the Russell Bird Shooter model is known for. Introduced in 1984, the Russell South 40 Bird Shooter was an instant success and continues to be the best in class 40 years later.

Designed for horse riding & upland bird hunting, the Zephyr was the original zipper-back moccasin. A solid brass YKK zipper above the heel provides added on-and-off speed and permits snug fit around the leg. Over the last 75 years the Zephyr has been colloquially known as the "Plantation Boot" due to it's extensive use by hunting guides and farmers across wildlife preserves in the Southeastern United States.