The right gear can make a huge difference in your hunting and scouting experience. From blaze orange clothing to a waterproof phone case, there are a number of items that every hunter should keep in their backpack.
Whether you’re bowhunting from an elevated deer stand or tracking down a mountain elk, these key pieces of hunting gear will help you succeed.
As any hunter knows, having the right gear makes all the difference in an expedition’s success. While rifles and other firearms get a lot of attention, boots are another vital piece of hunting equipment that should not be overlooked. The right pair of boots can help you withstand tough terrains and harsh weather conditions, while providing support and comfort throughout your expedition.
When shopping for hunting boots, it is important to consider where you will be hunting and the terrain that you will encounter. If the area is rocky or uneven, lightweight boots can offer greater mobility, while still offering adequate protection and stability. On the other hand, if you plan to traverse wetlands or streams, boots with higher ankle support are ideal for maintaining balance and security.
Additionally, it is crucial to choose a pair of boots that are waterproof. Waterproof membranes allow sweat to escape while keeping water out, preventing your feet from becoming wet and cold. If possible, it’s also a good idea to take your boots on a test hike before the start of the season, wearing the socks that you will be using during your expeditions. This will allow you to see how comfortable they are and identify any stiff areas that need further breaking in.
Clothing
Many hunters find that proper clothing plays a huge role in their comfort, success, and enjoyment. The right clothing can help to regulate body temperature, wick away moisture, and control odors, all of which are vital factors in the hunter’s overall comfort.
The key to finding the best hunting gear is to choose layers based on weather conditions and the type of hunt you will be doing. For example, for an early season deer hunt in hot and dry conditions, a light-weight base layer made from materials like merino wool and polyester will help to keep the body cool while providing thermal insulation.
In addition to choosing a suitable base layer, hunters should also consider wearing blaze orange clothing or accessories to make it easier for other hunters to see them in the field. This is especially important for rifle season and other high-traffic hunting areas, where it’s critical that hunters remain visible to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of others.
Other essential pieces of hunting gear include a durable and functional backpack that can carry equipment and supplies, a quality knife for field dressing and processing game, and a waterproof hat to protect against sunburn and rain. It’s also a good idea to have a first aid kit, a whistle or signaling device, and a GPS or compass to navigate the terrain safely.
Gloves
Gloves are an essential piece of hunting gear because they help keep your hands warm and dry while you’re in the field. The key is to find a pair that offers a balance between warmth and dexterity. While you want the gloves to be thick enough to stop your fingers from freezing as you wait in a shivering duck blind or frigid pheasant field, you also need them to allow you to operate a gun or bow and make precise adjustments to a load.
Choosing the right glove for your needs starts with assessing the time of year. For example, during early season or unseasonably warm sits, you may need a breathable glove that includes built-in insect repellant. During the rut and pre-rut, however, temperatures can swing from warm to moderate to cold quickly, so you’ll want a more durable glove that can battle a wide range of conditions.
Hats
Often overlooked in the hunter’s arsenal, hunting hats are far more than just accessories. Embracing multiple roles, from protection to camouflage, these gear pieces are essential to the success of any hunt.
Hunting hats help you stay safe and comfortable in all conditions. They protect you from blazing sun, freezing winds, and even rain. This is critical because hunters need to be able to concentrate and focus on their target without being distracted by the elements.
Some hats also have a peak that helps conceal the hunter’s face. This can be especially helpful when stalking prey in a steep gully, where any movement could alert the quarry. Other hats have adjustable brims that let hunters customize the coverage to their environment.
Other gear items that hunters bring with them to the field are trash bags (to keep equipment dry), medical and fix-it kits, duct tape, leukotape, and electrical tape. These things don’t take up much space in a pack and can be extremely useful during a search or even in the aftermath of a successful hunt. Rope is another must-have, as it can be used to hang your game for skinning or as a safety net for climbing up and down trees.
Trail Cameras
A trail camera is a hunting essential because it allows you to observe the land when you can’t physically be there. You can learn a lot about your property from the images it captures, including which food sources deer use, whether you have major predator issues, and more.
Typically positioned on your property or on public lands, these cameras are triggered when they detect motion and capture photos or videos in the process. They can be fairly simple, saving pictures to an SD card for you to retrieve later, or more high-tech. For example, some models have a “burst mode” that takes several images in quick succession to give you a more complete picture of the action.
Cellular trail cameras are another option, enabling you to connect them to your phone so you can view the images remotely (assuming you have a strong cellular data plan and you ask for permission before using them on private land). Some also embed GPS coordinates in the photos, which makes mapping your area much easier. For an even more advanced option, consider a model that streams live footage to your device so you can watch a hunt unfold in real time.
Binoculars
Many wild game animals are fast-moving and require hunters to have the right gear to keep them ahead of the game. Whether you’re stalking an elk in dense brush or glassing a distant mule deer, the right pair of binoculars can make all the difference.
The best hunting binoculars have a balance of power, size, and weight. You’ll want something with enough magnification to reach your targets but not too heavy to fatigue your arms. You also want to find a pair with a wide field of view, so you can assess your surroundings quickly and easily.
A good pair of binoculars will deliver bright, sharp images, with high quality optics and thoughtful features like waterproofing and a quick-focus wheel. They should also be durable to withstand a rough environment and weather. Additionally, they should have a carrying bag and lens cloth for proper care and storage.
A world-class pair of binoculars is critical for hunters. They shrink distance and help you see far objects so you can assess them, whether it’s a distant buck or an imposter doe. They can help you decide whether to let a legal doe walk or call it in.
Rope
Rope has long played an important role in human history, from trapping animals to shelter construction. It continues to play an important part in our lives today, being used in marine fishing and exploration, shipping, high-rise construction, climbing and much more. It’s also crucial for hunting, from setting deer traps to hauling game after a shot. For a safe and effective hunt, it’s critical to have rope that can handle the weight you are planning to hang.