Game Changing Gear!
- Thread starter ScottR
- Start date
arwaterfowler
Active Member
A new 85mm Vortex Razor spotter. Huge upgrade from an old Nikon prostaff 65mm. I saved several miles of walking due to the upgrade.
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I just picked up an Alps Pathfinder lumbar pack which at $70 I figured was a decent deal. I'm not in love with how its side pockets work, and it took a lot of fussing to get the straps adjusted so it was comfortable. But it's been a huge help on my scouting trips. It's been way warmer than average this year - all the archery guys I run into are bitching about how hot it is. I overheat really easily and once you're soaked you're uncomfortable.
I'm a total convert now. What's cool about this particular unit is if I have to pack out or I want to spike in, it's easy to convert so it's a full sized backpack or just a shelf and straps to hold a quarter. That makes it a bit bulkier than some others, but I like that versatility.
Did a 7.5mi hike with it this past weekend and it worked out really well.
I'm a total convert now. What's cool about this particular unit is if I have to pack out or I want to spike in, it's easy to convert so it's a full sized backpack or just a shelf and straps to hold a quarter. That makes it a bit bulkier than some others, but I like that versatility.
Did a 7.5mi hike with it this past weekend and it worked out really well.
JimP
Administrator
The nice thing about being a old fart is that there isn't too much gear that you need to buy anymore to help out on the hunts.
I did put a locking front end into my 4 wheeler as a just in case I need it. But I often wonder why I did it since I have been riding 4 wheelers for over 30 years now and never really needed a locking front end before, but have been in a few places that it would of been nice.
I did put a locking front end into my 4 wheeler as a just in case I need it. But I often wonder why I did it since I have been riding 4 wheelers for over 30 years now and never really needed a locking front end before, but have been in a few places that it would of been nice.
tdcour
Veteran member
Trekking poles. This is my first year using them and they are just what everyone else says... necessary! I'm young and have strong legs and back, so I never figured they would make much of a difference. Better late to the party than never I guess!
mallardsx2
Veteran member
- Jul 8, 2015
- 3,917
- 3,235
My new 15X56 SLC's. If they dont change the game I am never going to admit it openly anyhow because they cost to much lol
Slugz
Veteran member
New Crispi boots. Nevada uninsulated.
Kifaru Ultra Light Frame.
Mountain Ops Enduro, Ignite and one of their workout routines they have on the Web site.
I couldn't have gotten both those animals out by myself without the help from the above three.
Kifaru Ultra Light Frame.
Mountain Ops Enduro, Ignite and one of their workout routines they have on the Web site.
I couldn't have gotten both those animals out by myself without the help from the above three.
dirtclod Az.
Veteran member
Hi-Tec boots-cactus,boulders,scree slopes etc.Not even scratched...Az.bring it on.Never would I buy Hi-Tec,but these things rock!
(Birthday gift)Thanks again B&C!!!
(Birthday gift)Thanks again B&C!!!
hunter25
Very Active Member
Strangely with all the expensive junk I own the most significant thing I used for the first time this year were gaiters. Didn't know what I'd been missing.
Made the comfort level 10x better with all the Wet squishy tundra Walking in alaska this year.
I'll never be without them again.
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Made the comfort level 10x better with all the Wet squishy tundra Walking in alaska this year.
I'll never be without them again.
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
dustin ray
Veteran member
5.11 flash lights iv used the L1 for years i started using the TMTR3 vary cool
https://www.511tactical.com/tmt-r3mc-flashlight.html
https://www.511tactical.com/tmt-r3mc-flashlight.html
RICMIC
Veteran member
Not specifically a piece of hunting gear, but this years nomination for me is a battery powered impact wrench. It turned a flat on my trailer into a ten minute tire change. I will never leave home without it. The only problem is that this one was borrowed, so guess what I am getting for Christmas?
Timberstalker
Veteran member
Huge change for me in the pants department. Have been wearing old cotton BDU 6-pocket pants for years.
Finally pulled the trigger on some Kuiu Attack pants, then found Sitka Mt. pants on clearance rack at Cabela's. Wow, big difference!
And got some gaiters as well...like very much.
Finally pulled the trigger on some Kuiu Attack pants, then found Sitka Mt. pants on clearance rack at Cabela's. Wow, big difference!
And got some gaiters as well...like very much.
Huge change for me in the pants department. Have been wearing old cotton BDU 6-pocket pants for years.
Finally pulled the trigger on some Kuiu Attack pants, then found Sitka Mt. pants on clearance rack at Cabela's. Wow, big difference!
And got some gaiters as well...like very much.
Finally pulled the trigger on some Kuiu Attack pants, then found Sitka Mt. pants on clearance rack at Cabela's. Wow, big difference!
And got some gaiters as well...like very much.
Fink
Veteran member
A couple items for me:
1: Sitka Timberline Pants. These things are awesome!! Had been wearing them during turkey season, but after wearing them for a week in the mountains, I'm hooked. Incredibly comfortable, and I never got hot or cold in them, just stayed a constant comfortable temperature
2: Black Ovis game bags. My elk died in a rocky nasty burn, and after quartering him up, and moving bags around, dragging them on the ground, etc... They never tore or ripped. Got them home washed them out in the tub, then ran them through the washer (got busted doing this... Oops), and they are clean and as good as new.
3: Black Diamond Icon headlamp - Thanks to WapitiBob for the rec. This thing is bad to the bone. It was a little scary going back in the the second load of meat on this elk, considering we had just seen a mountain lion not 75 yards from where he died.. But, the ultra bright setting really lit up the night!
1: Sitka Timberline Pants. These things are awesome!! Had been wearing them during turkey season, but after wearing them for a week in the mountains, I'm hooked. Incredibly comfortable, and I never got hot or cold in them, just stayed a constant comfortable temperature
2: Black Ovis game bags. My elk died in a rocky nasty burn, and after quartering him up, and moving bags around, dragging them on the ground, etc... They never tore or ripped. Got them home washed them out in the tub, then ran them through the washer (got busted doing this... Oops), and they are clean and as good as new.
3: Black Diamond Icon headlamp - Thanks to WapitiBob for the rec. This thing is bad to the bone. It was a little scary going back in the the second load of meat on this elk, considering we had just seen a mountain lion not 75 yards from where he died.. But, the ultra bright setting really lit up the night!
JimP
Administrator
I was prepping my truck for the upcoming hunts and I did come up with a game changer that a lot should have in their vehicle if heading into the back country miles from anywhere. It is a Viair 300P 12 volt air compressor. If you have a flat tire from a rock, nail, screw or anything else that you can fix with a plugging kit you are going to need to have a good air compressor to refill the tire and this Viair compressor will do the trick and just might save the hunt.
HighPlainsHunter
Active Member
I upgraded optics and it's been a game changer for sure.
Leupold BX-3 replaced by Maven B2
Vortex 1000 replaced by Leica 2000
+ marsupial harness from Shednecks.com
The BX-3's were nice and were a huge upgrade from the junk I had before. They served me well but the Mavens are in a different class. I hated that POS Vortex 1000 since I bought it and finally it stopped working so I was able to get it replaced and then sold.
Ended up costing me about $600 after selling the old ones.
And then I ran across a great deal on a Pentax PF80 ED on E-bay, sold the 100X+ power eye piece it came with to some guy in Spain, and found a great deal on an adjustable eye piece so I now have a very solid spotter that I only have a few hundred bucks in.
Been much different hunting so far, can't wait until Monday.
Leupold BX-3 replaced by Maven B2
Vortex 1000 replaced by Leica 2000
+ marsupial harness from Shednecks.com
The BX-3's were nice and were a huge upgrade from the junk I had before. They served me well but the Mavens are in a different class. I hated that POS Vortex 1000 since I bought it and finally it stopped working so I was able to get it replaced and then sold.
Ended up costing me about $600 after selling the old ones.
And then I ran across a great deal on a Pentax PF80 ED on E-bay, sold the 100X+ power eye piece it came with to some guy in Spain, and found a great deal on an adjustable eye piece so I now have a very solid spotter that I only have a few hundred bucks in.
Been much different hunting so far, can't wait until Monday.
swampokie
Veteran member
Thompson center pro hunter fx with leupold ultimate slam. Before this front stuffer came along I had more confidence in my recurve than my muzz. The accuracy is amazing and I now look forward to muzzleloader season. Also must give a big shout out to blackhorn 209 powder. A lot of the improvement is due to it.