Since Christmas is just around the corner, your favorite hunter west of 100th parallel will probably be leaving some telltale hints for you around the house. Keep an eye out for scuffed up boots left surreptitiously by the woodstove or camo pants with the knees threadbare left on the bed. A copy of this column left in a conspicuous place should be taken as a direct hint. In case your hunting relative or significant other isn’t so forthcoming, I have some ideas. (Ahem, MY relatives take note!)
Sitka Gear – For the active hunter, Sitka Gear, is taking the hunting apparel industry by storm. They call it “mountaineering inspired clothing for hunters”. Sitka incorporates the latest soft shell, high performance fabrics in a layering system that covers from base layers to active second layer pants and shirt, and then an insulating layer called the 90% pant and jacket. It’s a water resistant, fleece lined jacket and pant that will be plenty in 90% of the weather encountered in hunting the West. The Mountain Mimicry camo pattern works out West and the pieces are available also in Loden and Black. Rumor has it that the ASAT camo pattern will be available soon too!
Prices range from $49.95 for base layer bottoms to $229.95 for the 90% jacket. But clothing like this is a lifetime investment.
Merino Wool – Whether it is a pair of sock liners or a set of next to skin underwear, forget what you thought about ool. The Smart wool Merino Wool product line is nothing like what you remember. Merino wool is a super fine interlock knit fabric, which is not scratchy. It wicks away moisture and does not hold body odor, like synthetic fibers are famous for. Available in micro weight, light weight and mid weight , these machine washable products from Smartwool are the first step in dressing for success in the backcountry.
Prices range from $15.95 for a pair of Smartwool Socks, to $79.95 for a mid weight zip-top I really have my eye on.
Packs from Badlands – Since getting my Badlands 2200, I haven’t found anything I couldn’t do with it. Except maybe pack enough gear for a week backpacking in the wilderness. The Badlands 4500 in Max1 camo would sure fit the bill though. It has all the features I love about my 2200. Kevlar stitching on all the seams, Zipper pull covers to keep them from jangling down the trail, Waterproof tape on the seams, and the best belt and strap design I’ve come across. Plus the 4500 has a nifty “outrigger” pack that expands so I can haul meat, plus my camp gear. Price $349
Then for the winter upland bird hunting, the Badlands bird vest would come in handy. It is equipped with hydration capabilities, as well as a generous game bag, and the suspension system I have come to appreciate.
Topo USA Ver. 6.0 – I have used my Topo USA program Ver 4.0 to make maps of hunting destinations throughout the West. In fact a topographic map I made helped us guide a helicopter to rescue a hurt outfitter during the 2006 Wyoming deer season. Version 6.0 is improved with new features including, downloadable hunt unit maps, aerial photos and 3-d view capability.
Garmin Rino GPS/Radio - These GMRS/FRS radios have a 5 mile (up to 12 mile for some units) line-of –sight range, and a GPS that transmits your coordinates to another Rino user. The units feature 500 waypoint and 20 to 50 reversible route capability. The units are 100% waterproof and will put you within 10 feet of your destination. You can get up to 15 hours of battery life with alkaline or rechargeable batteries. Now if your hunter is late getting back to camp, his campmates can see where he is on their Rino units, up to 12 miles away. Prices range from $169.99 to $399.99 for single units. For $599 you can get a set of two (2) Rino 120’s.
Camelbak – These folks based in Petaluma, California have perfected the art of on-the–go hydration. The troops overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan have adopted their system of tough, flexible plastic bladders and connected to bite valves with poly hose. There is no sloshing and the wide mouth openings are easy to refill. If you are filtering your drinking water in the back country, you can attach the filter output to the drink tube and refill the bladder without even removing it from the pack. Lots of manufacturers try to imitate Camelback, but no one has built a system as tough and durable, and leak proof. I could use another 100 oz reservoir with an insulated drink tube to prevent freezing in the late seasons, and hot drinking water in the early California bowhunting season.
Remember, quality gear will improve your hunter’s chance of success. When it comes to the cost of quality gear, many folks balk at the price tag. In Elk Camp, a seasoned hunter looked across the campfire and said to me. “Son, quality gear is a lifetime investment. The sooner you get it, the more years you will have to use it and the cost per year of use will be lower. So buy the best and you won’t regret it.”
So remember those words of wisdom when you are thinking of your Western hunter. Perhaps you can’t foot the entire bill, but a gift card at your local independent sporting goods store or online could be the building blocks for a successful and safe future afield.
Online check out these fine retailers
Sage Creek Outfitters Sitka Gear, Badlands Packs
Schnee’s Sitka Gear, Merino wool
Cabela’s Sitka Gear, Garmin