Top Performing Gear from 2017:

[ScottR]

Since we are now back at the tailgate...

What was the one piece of gear that showed up for you in a big way this year?

For me it was my Timberline Pants from Sitka again, and of course the InReach. Both of those left me excited about what I can do with them in the future.

 

[WapitiBob]

Finally, after a cpl decades, a boot that got wet and didn't leak; Hanwag Alaska

'99 F350, hit 400,000 in the Shirley Basin

OnX app worked great as well

 

[RANGER619]

I really liked my Meopta 8x32. They were plenty of glass in the timber and did well even out in the open. It was nice not having the extra 10 ounces to hall around. I still have my 10x42, but they both will have a place in the arsenal.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

I hate to be the follower here but the Sitka Timberline were the big one for me. I also got a Sitka puffy with a hood and love that thing too.

G7 Range finder would be the equipment on this list along with the Harris Bi pods that swivel.

The Crispi Lapponia boots I added this summer are now my daily work boots I liked them so much.

 

[Matthoek21]

Sitka Timberlines for me as well. Love those pants. Also my sleep system. My zippers actually work unlike somebody's I know...made for some cool drafts at night. Haha. Oh yea and my Jetboil. Hard to beat.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[mntnguide]

Crispi boots, the new k2 exo mountain gear pack, my new Kowa 77mm spotter, and the new First lite puffy pants are lifesavers!!

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[go_deep]

Firstlite base layers for me worked great!

 

[Hilltop]

My new Vortex Viper HD 10x50 Binoculars were my best new purchase of the year. I spent a lot of hours behind them on my mule deer hunt. I really like them, especially in low light.

 

[Daubs]

Zeiss Conquest HD 10x42's were a huge improvement over the old Cabela's 8x42 (15+ years old). In-Reach provided me and the Mrs. a peace of mind.

My season starts November 11th...looking forward to trying out the new Sitka Mt. Pants (found them at Bargain Cave for a steal), Attack Pants and Guild DCS Jacket. First new hunting clothing purchase in 15+ years. Probably won't use the new Irish Setter Elk Tracker Boots (they aren't broken in yet).

 

[hntnnut]

items really stood out for me this year my Kifaru gun bearer and my Kryptek Dalibor II Pants. The gun bearer completely changed the way I carry my rifle. I also had a new pair of Sitka mountain pants to try which are well built and I like but don't care for the fit and I really hate the way the suspenders attach no captured hooks. My Dalibor II Pants on the other hand fit like a glove, the knee pads have a better fit and snug up to the knee better. My knees are shot from skiing and I wont consider pants without any more. Also I like how the suspenders attach, no more hooks slipping off the loops.

Richard

 

[Swift]

[ Probably won't use the new Irish Setter Elk Tracker Boots (they aren't broken in yet).

I bought a pair of those same boots and loved them. I made the unfortunate error of leaving all of my boots in NC and was forced to buy a pair and break them in as I hunted. They are super tough, comfortable and I was the only one without blisters after hiking well over 80 miles.

 

[tdcour]

For me the biggest was upgrading my sleep system. I dropped 5 pounds by going to a nemo hornet 2p tent and an enlightened equipment revolution quilt. Tent was a little smaller than I was used to, but 3 pounds lighter. Quilt was WAY more comfortable and warm than my old down bag and cut the weight by just about 2 pounds.

Hopefully next year it will be a new pair of boots since every pair I own now leak like I'm wearing flip flops

 

[JEandAsGuide]

OnX app came up big for me this year. Packed my GPS on both trips and never used it. It was awesome being able to looked at the downloaded aerial images and see exactly where the deer or elk were I was glassing. The GPS on my phone got a little screwy where I killed my bull but it must have been a satellite thing because the InReach wouldn't work either. Lucky I knew I wasn't where the phone was saying I was. I also ran the Attack pants and loved them.

 

[grizzly]

RIFLE - Cooper Model 92 in 300 Win Mag w/ a Swarovski Z5 wearing an Outdoorsman's Turret. Great lightweight rifle (6.6lbs including fully loaded mag and sling) that shoots sub .5 MOA and kicks less than a 7mm.

SLEEPING BAG - NEMO Tango Duo Sleeping Bag (lightweight backpacking sleeping that worked great for me and wife).

TENT - Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL3... very comfortable lightweight tent that is great for 3-season use.

 

[DRUSS]

First lite aerowool, great upgrade for base layers, kifaru AMR/ suspension, onx maps simplified things a bit this year too. Crispi lapponia for warm weather and the valdreres for the rest of season

 

[Mule3006Elk]

First Lite clothing. You know your clothing is good when you never think about it.

InReach (keeps wife happy knowing what is going on).

 

[ScottR]

First Lite clothing. You know your clothing is good when you never think about it.

InReach (keeps wife happy knowing what is going on).

InReach is killer, I will likely never go to the backcountry without it.

 

[mallardsx2]

I got a new porta-roof. It continues to be one of my best pieces of equipment.

I buy a new one every other year (Just because I can) and I smile each time I take it out of the box...

It separates me from others in a good and fast way.

God only knows how many times I have set one up and smiled knowing everyone else is miserable and or heading for the truck. lol