What's some gear you can get by without top of the line?
- Thread starter NDguy
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Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
All the new clothing that costs a small fortune. What I have (a mix of all kinds and types bought on sale, from military surplus, etc.) now does fine. Just can't justify spending hundreds on way overpriced new camo stuff.
JimP
Administrator
Actually just about anything that you buy.
A couple of things that I don't skimp on are rain gear and boots.
A couple of things that I don't skimp on are rain gear and boots.
Never in Doubt
Active Member
- Jul 9, 2012
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When I started hunting I used mostly cheap gear and clothing and over time have been able to upgrade to mid-range to higher end gear 1-2 items a year.
I still wear (mostly)cheap camo shirts, and it works just fine. Old Cabelas jacket I got for 60$ on sale I still use on most trips. Optics, no Swarovski yet, just Leuphold and Redfield.
My Alps tent cost 150$ and I love it. Cabelas pack cost $120 I think. Still use both of them. Basic Remington rifle was on sale, finally upgraded the scope after a couple years.
I have a nice pair of boots and good socks, I don't go cheap on those anymore.
Finally got a pair of First Lite pants and I can already tell they will be very nice to have going forward. But my cotton pants worked fine in the past, as long I didn't sweat them out too bad in cold weather unless I had a dry pair to change into.
I still wear (mostly)cheap camo shirts, and it works just fine. Old Cabelas jacket I got for 60$ on sale I still use on most trips. Optics, no Swarovski yet, just Leuphold and Redfield.
My Alps tent cost 150$ and I love it. Cabelas pack cost $120 I think. Still use both of them. Basic Remington rifle was on sale, finally upgraded the scope after a couple years.
I have a nice pair of boots and good socks, I don't go cheap on those anymore.
Finally got a pair of First Lite pants and I can already tell they will be very nice to have going forward. But my cotton pants worked fine in the past, as long I didn't sweat them out too bad in cold weather unless I had a dry pair to change into.
Good gear has its place. But you can always find it a cheaper costs. I paid $260 for a pair of $450 KENETREK boots. New with tags on from cabelas. Goes to show how high they jack prices up. Who needs this years model? Look for a year old or two year old model of whatever you buy. I won't buy used boots but other stuff like camo orpacks ill buy used if things feel and look right. I too have killed a lot of animals in blue jeans and cotton shirts..... But, if your backpacking and are several miles from rd or truck and weather changes on you you will regret both having gear for the task. Jeans don't cut it once cold and wet. Not a matter of being tough it a matter of not being foolish. With that said..... Dad never hunted in anything other than jeans and a button up cotton wrangled shirt.
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
Fink
Veteran member
I skimp by buying the generic brand of Tylenol PM, so I can sleep a littler better on the hard ground. Also skimp by buying super cheap camp shoes, you don't need Crocs.
Horsenhike
Very Active Member
None of that top shelf stuff is necessary. Nice, but not required. Solid mid-grade stuff these days is great.
An Alaskan Guide tent and quality rain gear are the things we have beyond the minimum required. All of our other stuff is pretty average. Leupold optics. Savage rifles. Cabela's pack frames. 64s GPS. Bows bought second hand.
Better boots would be at the top of my wish list now.
An Alaskan Guide tent and quality rain gear are the things we have beyond the minimum required. All of our other stuff is pretty average. Leupold optics. Savage rifles. Cabela's pack frames. 64s GPS. Bows bought second hand.
Better boots would be at the top of my wish list now.
Wapiti_Hunter
Member
I'm with most of you, I have one nice pair of boots, and a decent sleeping pad, that's about it. One item that is way overpriced for me is backpacking stoves. I have owned the same MSR Pocket Rocket ($30 at the time) for 15 years and it works beautifully. I personally think the Jetboil is overrated and will never spend that much on a stove.
Camelcluch
New Member
- Jul 16, 2016
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Timberstalker
Veteran member
Pretty much everything if your planning on just day hunting. If your planning multi day back country hunting it gets a little more technical. The only "top of the line" gear I would have a real tough time giving up is my Kuiu Attack pants, not just for hunting but life in general. Most all of my gear is bottom to mid shelf with very few items from the top shelf, much like my liquor cabinet.
You for sure don't need to spend $189 on a pair of freaking gaiters or nearly $60 for a beanie. I about craped my pants when I seen that... Boots and socks are worth spending extra pennies on. I have to say it took me a while to commit to uping my game in clothing department. When I did I was disappointed with what I got for what I paid. Then I was talked into trying another out. Now I'm hooked but still look for best deals and steals.
Alot of my camo is from the clearance rack at walmart this time of year. I cant pass up $5 shirts or $10 pants and sweatshirts. The 2 things i dont mind spending more money on is boots, packs and rifle scopes but even then i save my money until i find what i want on sale.
Love the replies I echo a lot of it.
Clothing-I agree on the clothes for the most part unless you can find 30+% off some brands. I really like First Lite and Cabelas brand clothing. All of my First Lite gear was at least 30% off unless it was an Xmas or Bday gift.
Pack-I think this is similar to boots. Not saying you need Kifaru or Exo but at minimum shoot for the mid tier packs. I tried using a low end pack while hiking with 25-30 lbs and my back was toast. After getting my MR Metcalf, I can do more weight than that and don't even feel it.
Boots-Agreed, I think I might pick up a pair of Crispis or Kenetreks when I find a good sale. Currently rocking Danner Pronghorns and Salomon Quest 4D GTXs.
Rifle-You all convinced me a month ago to keep my old reliable Tikka Lite 30-06. I think if I get a new gun, I will just buy a Savage or Ruger American. I don't see the point in blowing a bunch of money on a rifle when you can get near same performance for way less. (Unless you have the money and want nice quality parts/wood finish)
Optics/Scope-Agreed this is important to not skimp on. I struggle with it but am going to stick with Vortex Talon 10x42s for a few years.
Clothing-I agree on the clothes for the most part unless you can find 30+% off some brands. I really like First Lite and Cabelas brand clothing. All of my First Lite gear was at least 30% off unless it was an Xmas or Bday gift.
Pack-I think this is similar to boots. Not saying you need Kifaru or Exo but at minimum shoot for the mid tier packs. I tried using a low end pack while hiking with 25-30 lbs and my back was toast. After getting my MR Metcalf, I can do more weight than that and don't even feel it.
Boots-Agreed, I think I might pick up a pair of Crispis or Kenetreks when I find a good sale. Currently rocking Danner Pronghorns and Salomon Quest 4D GTXs.
Rifle-You all convinced me a month ago to keep my old reliable Tikka Lite 30-06. I think if I get a new gun, I will just buy a Savage or Ruger American. I don't see the point in blowing a bunch of money on a rifle when you can get near same performance for way less. (Unless you have the money and want nice quality parts/wood finish)
Optics/Scope-Agreed this is important to not skimp on. I struggle with it but am going to stick with Vortex Talon 10x42s for a few years.
N8tve_Hunter
New Member
- Apr 20, 2017
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- 0
RICMIC
Veteran member
There is some truth in the statement that you get what you pay for. At this stage of my life I an more apt to buy a "quality" piece of equipment, but almost always wait for a special price or a close-out. I bought a complete set of Sitka 90% clothing when they phased out the Mountain Mimicry pattern and paid only 40%. I do love that stuff and other than patching some burn holes it will likely last me for the rest of my hunting career. When my cheapie hiking poles ($20) finally broke, I got some Black Diamond ($120), and never regretted it. A KUIU 2P tent was quite a commitment for me at ($450) after years in a $100 Eureka Spitfire, but after a very tough back country hunt and being snowbound in high winds for 3 days, it is now my favorite piece of gear. Some of my best gear was clothing by "Russell" that Eastmans used to have as a sponsor. I could generally get their stuff at Gander Mt. for 50% off list. Maybe that's why they went out of business.