In response to the outstanding gear thread,http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=661698, written by H&Hhunter I thought I’d do a review of some of the items on his list that I have acquired for my upcoming Elk hunt here in CO in November. This is based on my initial reaction to the items and having tried it out around the house, or from previous usage. I will do a field use review when I can get into the field, or after the hunt.
Clothing
I went with Patagonia Capilene Level 3. I have one set already and bought a second set so I’d have something to change into mid week. This stuff works and works well. I used to work outside 365 days a year and this helped me stay an acceptable level of warm. Capilene really excels at wicking moisture away from your body and I find that I almost never over heat while wearing it. Not the cheapest out there but well worth the money.
http://www.rei.com/product/801816/patagonia-capilene-3-long-underwear-bottoms-mens
http://www.rei.com/product/801813/patagonia-capilene-3-zip-t-shirt-mens
At least three pair of good wool socks accompanied by good moisture wicking sock liners.
I went with Smart Wool medium cushion hunting socks and liners. I have used Smart Wool socks as daily wear for years not and find it to be a great sock system.
Two pair wool pants, shirt.
Surplus wool pants, and shirts, are gone. Or at least I could not find anything for cheap. If you can, buy it now. I ended up going with Big Bill, (Codet), wool pants from here:
https://secure.armysurplusforless.com/productView.php?id=384
They are good heavy weight wool and appear to rather well made for the price. They are itchy the way real wool should be but there is just enough synthetic material to make them machine washable. I have only worn them around the house but they are not too stiff and offer good flexibility and movement. And they are WARM.
I bought two of these shirts at the same time as my pants.
https://secure.armysurplusforless.com/productView.php?id=4120
Again, from just wearing it around the house it is WARM. This is a surplus Navy shirt that appears to be almost black in color rather than blue. But I don’t really care about color. It is warm without but overly bulky and should make for a good shirt on those cold days at 10,000 ft.
I will be adding a Mountain Hardware Tech Jacket to the mix as it is wind proof, very light weight and very warm. My old one died last year when the zipper gave out after many good years of service. I wear the Tech Jacket like a light shirt rather than a jacket, or over my wool shirt if it is REALLY cold.
http://www.rei.com/product/817991/mountain-hardwear-mountain-tech-jacket-mens
Extremities
Foul Weather Gear
I bought a set of Kuiu Chugach rain/ foul weather gear. I hate being wet. HATE. So for me this was money well spent. I tried it out in the shower the other day and was very pleased. The water just beads up and runs off. It is nice light weight gear that packs well but is very well constructed so it should last. I will do an AAR on this gear after the hunt. I bought the solid Olive color as I happened to catch it on a very good sale. I saved a good deal over the regular price.
http://shop.kuiu.com/chugach-jacket-p16.aspx
http://shop.kuiu.com/chugach-pant-p13.aspx
Gloves two pair
I have one pair of GoreTex mittens that I have used for years snowboarding or for general nasty, cold outdoor use. They are great. I am a big fan of mitts. They keep my hands warmer than gloves and with a liner on I have never had cold hands. I can slide them off quickly and quietly to make a shot if I need to. I also have a pair of waterproof stand alone gloves that are really rather warm and nice that I plan on bringing as well.
Hat
I really, really wish Mountain Hardware made this in Hunter Orange.
http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Men's-Dome-Perignon/OM4357,default,pd.html
As it is I just put my HO ball cap on over my headgear and rock on. Looks goofy but I could care less. I am warm and that is all that matters. I also picked up a Kuiu Guide Beanie for warmer days/ sleeping. So far the Kuiu is not as bulky or warm as my Mountain Hardware but it will be very nice for lighter warmer days or for just general wear. The Mtn Hardware comes out when things go all pear shaped.
http://shop.kuiu.com/guide-beanie-p21.aspx
Boots
I picked up a pair of the Schnee Hunter II pack boots and must say I am really impressed with their construction and fit. I wear a 9.5 EE boot and they recommended that I buy a size 11. It sounded a bit large but I trusted them and could not be happier. The fit is perfect and after wearing them around the house and climbing the stairs a ton I know they will work great in the field. I bought the 13” version along with an extra set of liners, laces and their leather conditioner. Great products and great service!
http://www.schnees.com/product/SCHNEES-Hunter-II-pac-boots/schnees-insulated-pac-boots
My other boots are a pair of GoreTex combat boots that I picked up at the local surplus store. While they may not be traditional hiking boots they have served me just fine. Well until two years ago when I learned that they were no longer waterproof in the middle of a hunt. Ask Justin how fun I am to be around when my feet are cold and wet. A set of Seal Skin waterproof socks have solved that problem.
Gaiters
Outdoor Research Crocodiles. That is all you need to know. There is nothing better.
Other essential gear
Two knives
I have three… two folders and a custom made skinning knife that a friend of mine made for me.
Day Pack
I picked up an Osprey Stratos 24 and love it. Though it may well prove to be bigger than what I need. Osprey makes excellent packs. The built in rain cover is bright red so that is a plus but mainly it is just a comfortable pack. Well worth the money and I know it will see use outside of hunting.
High energy snacks
Cliff Builder Bars, I have used these for some time now because of their high protein content. These really work and help take the edge off between meals or before or after a workout.
Flash light or head lamp with extra batteries
I have a Surefire G2X Pro that is simply an amazing little light. I bought a red filter for it for use at night or in the tent or any other time I do not need to illuminate 3 counties. And it will do it too.
http://www.surefire.com/illumination/flashlights/g2x-b-bk.html
I also have a Black Diamond Storm LED head lamp. I am not sure how I ever lived without this thing. I have used the heck out of it since I bought it.
http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/mountain/lighting/storm-headlamp
Rifle
On the advice of good friend and world class hunter I bought a Winchester M70 Safari Express in 375H&H Magnum. I don’t really care if it is “too much” for Elk or not. I wanted one and so I bought it. With the right load it will do just fine. But haters gonna hate… I topped it off with a Leupold VX3 2.5-8x36 scope with the B&C reticle sitting in low rings. It is a perfect set up as far as I am concerned. It shoulders like it was made just for me. It is a tad heavy at somewhere between 9 and 10 lbs but I am not too worried. I need to get in shape anyway.
Camping gear
Good sleeping pad
I have a Therm-a-Rest Luxury Map Sleeping Pad that I recently picked up and so far I like it. But I have only used it in the living room so time will tell. I am right around 225lbs but it is very comfortable and I have no doubts about sleeping well on it.
A good sleeping bag
I have an old US Extreme Cold Weather down bag that has served me well for years. I almost never zip it up, even in the winter. It is rated to -20 and I believe it. I also carry my trusty old poncho liner as a blanket.
Tent
I went all out on the tent and ordered this:
http://www.alaskatent.com/oven/ao12vest.html
I have not received the tent yet but will do a write up when I do. This was by far the most expensive part of the entire journey but I wanted something that would last for many hunting or camping seasons with the family. Their customer service was great. They answered every question I had and were even truly concerned about my safety and the proximity of the fires. Good folks.
I refuse to be cold if I can help it so I also picked up one of these:
http://www.coloradocylinderstoves.com/Spruce-Stove-Package-ASP-24142g.htm
It is surly a stout little fella but do not knock over the side table on your bare big toe. I cannot wait till they lift the burn bans so I can take it out back and fire it up and give it a run through. The stove is very well constructed and solid. Should work great.
This is just my initial impress of some of the gear the H&Hhunter suggested. I will try to post a AAR of what worked or didn't or what I'd like to change after the hunt in November.
Clothing
I went with Patagonia Capilene Level 3. I have one set already and bought a second set so I’d have something to change into mid week. This stuff works and works well. I used to work outside 365 days a year and this helped me stay an acceptable level of warm. Capilene really excels at wicking moisture away from your body and I find that I almost never over heat while wearing it. Not the cheapest out there but well worth the money.
http://www.rei.com/product/801816/patagonia-capilene-3-long-underwear-bottoms-mens
http://www.rei.com/product/801813/patagonia-capilene-3-zip-t-shirt-mens
At least three pair of good wool socks accompanied by good moisture wicking sock liners.
I went with Smart Wool medium cushion hunting socks and liners. I have used Smart Wool socks as daily wear for years not and find it to be a great sock system.
Two pair wool pants, shirt.
Surplus wool pants, and shirts, are gone. Or at least I could not find anything for cheap. If you can, buy it now. I ended up going with Big Bill, (Codet), wool pants from here:
https://secure.armysurplusforless.com/productView.php?id=384
They are good heavy weight wool and appear to rather well made for the price. They are itchy the way real wool should be but there is just enough synthetic material to make them machine washable. I have only worn them around the house but they are not too stiff and offer good flexibility and movement. And they are WARM.
I bought two of these shirts at the same time as my pants.
https://secure.armysurplusforless.com/productView.php?id=4120
Again, from just wearing it around the house it is WARM. This is a surplus Navy shirt that appears to be almost black in color rather than blue. But I don’t really care about color. It is warm without but overly bulky and should make for a good shirt on those cold days at 10,000 ft.
I will be adding a Mountain Hardware Tech Jacket to the mix as it is wind proof, very light weight and very warm. My old one died last year when the zipper gave out after many good years of service. I wear the Tech Jacket like a light shirt rather than a jacket, or over my wool shirt if it is REALLY cold.
http://www.rei.com/product/817991/mountain-hardwear-mountain-tech-jacket-mens
Extremities
Foul Weather Gear
I bought a set of Kuiu Chugach rain/ foul weather gear. I hate being wet. HATE. So for me this was money well spent. I tried it out in the shower the other day and was very pleased. The water just beads up and runs off. It is nice light weight gear that packs well but is very well constructed so it should last. I will do an AAR on this gear after the hunt. I bought the solid Olive color as I happened to catch it on a very good sale. I saved a good deal over the regular price.
http://shop.kuiu.com/chugach-jacket-p16.aspx
http://shop.kuiu.com/chugach-pant-p13.aspx
Gloves two pair
I have one pair of GoreTex mittens that I have used for years snowboarding or for general nasty, cold outdoor use. They are great. I am a big fan of mitts. They keep my hands warmer than gloves and with a liner on I have never had cold hands. I can slide them off quickly and quietly to make a shot if I need to. I also have a pair of waterproof stand alone gloves that are really rather warm and nice that I plan on bringing as well.
Hat
I really, really wish Mountain Hardware made this in Hunter Orange.
http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Men's-Dome-Perignon/OM4357,default,pd.html
As it is I just put my HO ball cap on over my headgear and rock on. Looks goofy but I could care less. I am warm and that is all that matters. I also picked up a Kuiu Guide Beanie for warmer days/ sleeping. So far the Kuiu is not as bulky or warm as my Mountain Hardware but it will be very nice for lighter warmer days or for just general wear. The Mtn Hardware comes out when things go all pear shaped.
http://shop.kuiu.com/guide-beanie-p21.aspx
Boots
I picked up a pair of the Schnee Hunter II pack boots and must say I am really impressed with their construction and fit. I wear a 9.5 EE boot and they recommended that I buy a size 11. It sounded a bit large but I trusted them and could not be happier. The fit is perfect and after wearing them around the house and climbing the stairs a ton I know they will work great in the field. I bought the 13” version along with an extra set of liners, laces and their leather conditioner. Great products and great service!
http://www.schnees.com/product/SCHNEES-Hunter-II-pac-boots/schnees-insulated-pac-boots
My other boots are a pair of GoreTex combat boots that I picked up at the local surplus store. While they may not be traditional hiking boots they have served me just fine. Well until two years ago when I learned that they were no longer waterproof in the middle of a hunt. Ask Justin how fun I am to be around when my feet are cold and wet. A set of Seal Skin waterproof socks have solved that problem.
Gaiters
Outdoor Research Crocodiles. That is all you need to know. There is nothing better.
Other essential gear
Two knives
I have three… two folders and a custom made skinning knife that a friend of mine made for me.
Day Pack
I picked up an Osprey Stratos 24 and love it. Though it may well prove to be bigger than what I need. Osprey makes excellent packs. The built in rain cover is bright red so that is a plus but mainly it is just a comfortable pack. Well worth the money and I know it will see use outside of hunting.
High energy snacks
Cliff Builder Bars, I have used these for some time now because of their high protein content. These really work and help take the edge off between meals or before or after a workout.
Flash light or head lamp with extra batteries
I have a Surefire G2X Pro that is simply an amazing little light. I bought a red filter for it for use at night or in the tent or any other time I do not need to illuminate 3 counties. And it will do it too.
http://www.surefire.com/illumination/flashlights/g2x-b-bk.html
I also have a Black Diamond Storm LED head lamp. I am not sure how I ever lived without this thing. I have used the heck out of it since I bought it.
http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/mountain/lighting/storm-headlamp
Rifle
On the advice of good friend and world class hunter I bought a Winchester M70 Safari Express in 375H&H Magnum. I don’t really care if it is “too much” for Elk or not. I wanted one and so I bought it. With the right load it will do just fine. But haters gonna hate… I topped it off with a Leupold VX3 2.5-8x36 scope with the B&C reticle sitting in low rings. It is a perfect set up as far as I am concerned. It shoulders like it was made just for me. It is a tad heavy at somewhere between 9 and 10 lbs but I am not too worried. I need to get in shape anyway.
Camping gear
Good sleeping pad
I have a Therm-a-Rest Luxury Map Sleeping Pad that I recently picked up and so far I like it. But I have only used it in the living room so time will tell. I am right around 225lbs but it is very comfortable and I have no doubts about sleeping well on it.
A good sleeping bag
I have an old US Extreme Cold Weather down bag that has served me well for years. I almost never zip it up, even in the winter. It is rated to -20 and I believe it. I also carry my trusty old poncho liner as a blanket.
Tent
I went all out on the tent and ordered this:
http://www.alaskatent.com/oven/ao12vest.html
I have not received the tent yet but will do a write up when I do. This was by far the most expensive part of the entire journey but I wanted something that would last for many hunting or camping seasons with the family. Their customer service was great. They answered every question I had and were even truly concerned about my safety and the proximity of the fires. Good folks.
I refuse to be cold if I can help it so I also picked up one of these:
http://www.coloradocylinderstoves.com/Spruce-Stove-Package-ASP-24142g.htm
It is surly a stout little fella but do not knock over the side table on your bare big toe. I cannot wait till they lift the burn bans so I can take it out back and fire it up and give it a run through. The stove is very well constructed and solid. Should work great.
This is just my initial impress of some of the gear the H&Hhunter suggested. I will try to post a AAR of what worked or didn't or what I'd like to change after the hunt in November.
