After years of hunting elk and deer in the western United States, I've tested a lot of gear. Some products have exceeded expectations, others haven't lasted, and a few are already on my future upgrade list.
This hunting gear list contains the equipment I currently use for backcountry and day hunts, including packs, optics, sleep systems, clothing, rifles, emergency gear, and food systems.
Rather than creating a generic hunting gear checklist, I'm sharing the exact products I use along with honest feedback on what works, what doesn't, and what I plan to replace.
Table of Contents
Hunting Packs & Carry System
A hunting pack is one of the most important pieces of gear for western hunting. I need something capable of carrying camp for multiple days while still handling meat pack-outs. My current setup is the Mystery Ranch Beartooth for extended hunts and the Sawtooth for day trips.
Backpack: Mystery Ranch Beartooth 85 (multi-day hunts), Sawtooth 45 (day pack)
Review: The Mystery Ranch Beartooth has been my primary multi-day hunting pack for several years. The frame carries weight well and the organization is excellent. My biggest complaint is that the bag tends to sag when carrying especially heavy loads, which is one reason I'm considering moving to an Exo Mtn Gear system.
I bought the Sawtooth with the frame originally because I like the fact that you could swap out the bag on the same frame. However, Mystery Ranch didn’t design the bags completely the same so I have to swap out the bottom buckles in order to attach the bottom of the Beartooth bag, which is likely why I experience some sagging with the Beartooth. I will note that I have the older version of both bags and frame so it’s possible they fixed this small issue from the older versions.
Add Ons:
Rifle Sling: Creative Outdoors Slik Sling v1
They just came out with Version 4 and I love this thing, it’s simple and easy to use. I’ll upgrade to a newer version eventually, but the v1 works great so no need to upgrade for now.
Platypus 3L Water Bladder
I have read that a lot of hunters have moved away from using water bladders in their packs, but I mainly scout and hunt in Arizona throughout the year and water can be tough to find. Newer packs have sealed their water bladder pockets and also sew in a grommet to allow water to escape at the bottom of the pack minimizing the risk of soaking the rest of your gear.
Review: I’ve been running the same Platypus bladder for the last 4 years and haven’t had any issues with leaks (knock-on-wood).
Mystery Ranch quick access side pouch
Review: Brand doesn’t matter here - a quick access pouch with molle attachment on the side of your waist band comes in handy.
Invader Concepts Backpack Holster for my pistol
Review: This is a very nice and secure way to holster your sidearm. I’m not a fan of the chest pack holsters, but the downside of having this on my pack is when I take my pack off my side arm goes with it. I’ve started packing a holster, I’ll throw on if I drop my pack if I’m stalking an animal and need to by extra quiet
Future Upgrade: Will likely go with an Exo Mtn Gear or Eberlestock pack.
Bino Harness: Eberlestock Recon Bino Pack + Rangefinder pouch + Utility pouch
Review: All good with this chest pack. Plenty of options, fits great, and does what it’s supposed to do.
Trekking Poles: Peax Backcountry Z (Cork) Trekking Poles
Sleep System for Backcountry Hunts
Sleeping Bag: Peax Solace 15 Degree
Review: Great sleeping bag - I love the arm holes and its super comfortable
Sleeping Pad: Therm-a-rest NeoAir Xlite NXT Max
Comfortable but the R rating is questionable. The pad was cold with temps in the low 30’s on wet ground on a mid-October hunt. This pad was recommended to me by an avid hunter so from a sleeping pad perspective, it’s one of the better one’s out there but as mentioned my experience with it is mixed.
Tent: Argali Rincon 2P + Full Insert + GoHunt Tyvek Ground Sheet
Future Upgrade: Argali Absaroka 4P or Peax Solitude 4
Pillow: Klymit Pillow X Base
Review: It works but tends to move around if/when you do. I have found that it is more comfortable if you only inflate about ¾ full.
Future Upgrade: Argali Elite Dream Backpacking Pillow
Hunting Clothing & Boots
Hunting Jackets: Cabelas Instinct Barrier Jacket (performs well in mid-range temps) & Cabelas Instinct Super Warm Puffy Jacket (cold weather)
Review: I’ve been pleased with both Cabelas Instinct jackets, but after wearing other Kuiu layers and pants I’m a Kuiu fan and will likely transition to one of their jackets in the future.
Gear Buying Tip: Add gear to your cart, but don’t purchase right away. Retailers will typically email you a discount code within 10-15 minutes to encourage you to complete your purchase.
Future Upgrade: Kuiu Axis Thermal Hybrid Hooded Jacket
Mid-Layer: Kuiu Outland Fleece Pullover
Hunting Pants: Kuiu Attack Pants and Pro Brush Pant
Socks: Darn Tough Merino Wool Hunting Socks
Baselayer: Kuiu Ultra Merino 120 Base Layers
Boots: Crispi Summit II
Hunting Gloves: Kuiu Guide X Glove
There are plenty of excellent hunting apparel brands on the market today. The best choice ultimately comes down to fit, comfort, hunting style, and the conditions you hunt in. Brands like Kuiu, Kings Camo, Sitka, SKRE, Cabela's, Argali, and many others all offer quality options, so take the time to find the system that works best for you.
Pro-Tip: Unless you’re in a hurry, wait for seasonal sales and always check deal or sales pages before pulling the trigger.
Power & Lighting
Headlamp: Peax Backcountry Duo Headlamp
Power: Dark Energy Poseidon Pro Power Bank x 2
Future Upgrade: Spectre 18W Solar Panel
Optics and Rangefinding Equipment
Binos: Leupold BX-3 Alpine 12×50mm
Backup Binos - Vortex Diamondback 10×42mm
Future Upgrade: Higher end glass - haven’t decided yet
DigiScope: Ollin Bino Adapter
Rangefinder: Sig Sauer Kilo 3K
Spotting Scope: None
Tripod: Sirui Carbon Fiber Traveler X
Review: Good lightweight tripod (2.09 lbs) and it works for glassing. However, I don’t use it very often and sometimes leave it at camp to shed the extra pounds. One thing I like about it is its dual purpose: if I’m sitting on the side of a hill and need the longer legs to support my rifle, I use this as a bipod and attach it to the front of my rifle via arca rail.
Looking for discounts on hunting optics? Check out our latest optic deals here.
Game Calls
Elk: Phelps EZ Suk’R, Jason Phelps Call Kit
Deer: Illusion Systems Extinguisher 2.0 Deer Call or Phelps Akern Pro Grunt-N-Bleat
Rifles and Sidearms
Elk Rifle: Christenson Arms Ridgeline .300 PRC + Trijicon Tenmile® HX 6-24x50 Long-Range Riflescope + Triggertech Trigger + Spartan Precision Javelin Lite Bipod
Future Upgrade: Weatherby Model 307™ Alpine™ MDT Carbon 7mm PRC or upgrade chassis on the .300 PRC or when I hit the lotto this Seekins Precision 7mm PRC from Precision Hunting Supply :).
I will note that the future upgrade mentioned is more a want than a must have. I’ve been extremely happy with the performance of the .300 PRC in the field.
Deer Rifles: Weatherby Vanguard 30-06, Ruger American Gen II 7mm-08, or Browning X-Bolt .270 WSM
Usually just choose the one I feel like shooting, but the 7mm-08 has really grown on me over the years. It’s a cost effective option and it’s a tack driver.
I bought the 7mm-08 for my 10 year old son and he uses it for deer and cow elk.
Pistol: Sig Sauer P320 .40 - (planning on upgrading to 10mm at some point. I’m leaning toward the FN 510 Tactical right now).
Review: I don’t love P320 and never really have, but it’s the pistol I have so I carry it. I have upgraded the trigger, Wilson Combat grip, sights, guide rod, etc., over the years and still don’t like it. Mainly of how it feels in my hand and the take down lever rubs my thumb upon recoil, which is annoying. I have a Sig P226 9mm and it’s a way better gun, but I personally don’t like carrying a 9mm in the woods.
I carry this on my hunting pack with a custom pack holster by Invader Concepts
Pro Tip: Bring a second rifle as a backup and pack a tool kit for repairs, e.g. torque wrench, etc.
Food & Camp Kitchen Setup
Food System: Jetboil Flash + Titanium Spork and Titanium Cup
Basic Food Options (choose what works best for you):
Peak or Mountain House Meals
Honey Stinger Energy Waffles & Caffeinated Cherry Cola Chews
Cliff Bars
LMNT
18oz Nalgene Bottle
Coffee: Swift Instant Coffee
Wind Checker: Dead Down Wind
Kill Kit Essentials
Hunting Knives: Outdoor Edge Replaceable Blade knife + bone saw
Mystery Ranch Game Bags
Garbage bag and zip ties
Nitrile Gloves
Paracord
Emergency and Survival Gear
Med Kit: Tender Outdoor Adventure Medical Kit + Quick Clot
Future Upgrade: My Medic MyFAK Pro + tourniquet
Fire / Flashlight: Dark Energy Plasma Lighter (windproof and rechargable)
Feet: Leukotape P (if you don’t know, now you know - this stuff is legit for protecting your feet from blisters)
Satellite Communicator: Zoleo Satellite Communicator
Review: Cheaper option than the Garmin InReach and works on the same satellite network (Iridium Network). You can pause the subscription for a low monthly fee ($4/mth) when not in use. These usually go on sale so wait to pick one up if you’re not in a rush for one.