It’s crazy how busy the “off-season” is. Since January I’ve given over 30 seminars and written 34 magazine articles. We’ve been editing new TV episodes and the boys’ basketball season is over and baseball’s begun. Seems the down time in life is getting shorter, as now we’re in the middle of spring hunt preparation.
Last fall I used a lot of different hunting gear, and want to share what I liked best. Hunting gear is an amazing thing–our industry is inundated with it. Some of the best stuff won’t even make it to market due to poor marketing…some of the worst stuff will be in every store due to great marketing.
I’m fortunate to be able to test a lot of gear, and always try to be straight-up in my evaluations. Because I spend so many days in the field, I’m able to thoroughly put gear to the test. I’m not much of a gadget guy, but if I find something that makes my life easier, safer, more comfortable and helps me put more meat in the freezer, than I’m all over it. Here’s a look at some of the best gear and gadgets I used in 2011, and will continue using.
If I had to pick one piece of gear as the best of the best, it would be the LoopRope. Constructed of doubled-up 1/4-inch heavy duty shock cord, the made in Oregon LoopRope comes in three, four, and five foot lengths. If desiring a longer one, simply join them together. With the LoopRope we secured loads on wilderness horseback hunts, used it around camp, strapped animals to pack frames, tied-down coolers, propane bottles, ATVs and more. The only limits this tool seems to have is your imagination. We use them around home, on the river and in the back of our vehicles to secure loads. They’ve produced dozens of outstanding how-to video clips, www.looprope.com.
Over the years I’ve played with many ways to secure a rangefinder. Out West, where most of the hunting is spot-and-stalk, it’s not easy to find a way of securing a rangefinder to the body where it doesn’t get hung on brush. Crooked Horn Outfitters solved that problem by introducing the RF Hook Up. The RF Hook Up attaches to your bino’ strap and adjusts for easy movement. I really liked it when bowhunting, for it kept the rangefinder close to my body and was 100% out of the way when reaching full-draw.
Crooked Horn also introduced a stoked-up version of their Trail Lights. The new Backpack Trail Light is a touch bigger and burns brighter. It easily switches from green to white, and attaches to the straps on your pack, bino’ system or
pocket, allowing the beam to project in front of your body, thus cutting down on overhead glare often encountered with headlamps. The independent swiveling of each light allows you to project the beam where you want it, then use it hands-free. The hood atop each light further blocks glare. Learn more at www.crookedhorn.com.
I had many late season hunts last winter, and spent nearly 30 days straight in below freezing temperatures. One of the greatest aids I’ve found to keep my feet warm is ThermaCELL’S Heated Insoles. Operated by a wireless remote while in your boots, there are two temperature settings, medium (100º) and high (111º). If you get too warm, turn them off, 
then turn them back on again as needed. I was amazed how comfortable the heated insoles were to hike in, and how much heat they generated when sitting on stands, keeping the cold from entering the bottoms of the boots. Recharging is simple, with charges lasting up to five hours of continuous use. What I would have given to have had these when living in Alaska’s Arctic region all those years! Visit www.thermacell.com for details.
The LaCrosse Hunt Pac Extreme boots were awesome in the cold. Finding footwear that fits bone-chilling demands is tough, but last season I put the Hunt Pac Extremes to the test…and loved them. Not only did the 2000 grams of Thinsulate keep my feet warm, but the outer sole structure was comfortable and very durable. Even when walking on snow-covered shale slopes, this boot performed extremely well. The reinforced toe cap and heel offered abrasion resistance in all the places I wore this boot, and my feet stayed 100% dray and warm, even when sitting for long periods. www.lacrossefootwear.com.
When searching for predator calls, I like a wide-range of sounds to help coax in wary prey. Be it fox, coyote, wolf, lynx or bears, the Point Blank Venom Series Predator Calls work. Originally developed by Larry D. Jones, the company has since changed hands and the calls undergone an upgrade. Thanks to re-tooling efforts and discrete changes, Point Blank Hunting Calls has unveiled the Venom Series which is available in cottontail, jack rabbit and rodent sounds. The calls are some of the easiest to blow on the market, and they work! www.pointblankcalls.com
Last fall I packed out deer, elk and bear, and was more than pleased with my Cabela’s Extreme Alaskan Outfitter Pack Frame. In fact, it’s one of the best pack frames I’ve ever strapped on, and at an affordable price-point. It features an adjustable suspension system with a padded hip belt and shoulder straps, much like you would expect to find on more expensive, customized packs. The bottom of the frame extends out with a freighter shelf to help support the load of the pack or to carry a heavy load when the pack is removed. Nylon webbing extends from the base of the frame out to the freighter shelf, preventing anything from slipping out. The heavy-duty frame adjusts from 39″ to 43″ high, weighs in at under six pounds and can carry loads up to 175 pounds. www.cabelas.com
As for rifles, I used a few last season, but was most pleased and impressed with Nosler’s Custom .325 WSM, and their ammo. Right out of the box this straight-from-the factory gun shot like a dream, and resulted in accurate hits on mule deer, whitetail and a pair of elk. Shots ranged from 100 to more than 400 yards, and you’ll see them all on upcoming episodes of Trijicon’s The Hunt.
On the bow front, I shot two of Diamond’s latest models, the Dead Eye and the Fugitive. I did like–I think the Fugitive may have gone overlooked. Simply put, I like the comfort, feel and draw-cycle of the Fugitive, and look forward to using it on bear this spring. Teamed with Gold Tip’s new Velocity arrows, both bows shot extremely well for me. These arrows, and the similar model which preceded them, have accounted for many big game animals around the world for me, and have never failed.While most folks were praising the Dead Eye–which
There you have it, my top gear & gadgets used in 2011 based on my using each product extensively in the field. There’s more, like clothing, camping gear, knives and fishing equipment, but those will have to wait until another time.
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