Late summer will see many of us take to the mountains to chase elk, deer and more. This new gear is built for the ride.
Bushnell Pro 400 Lumen Rechargeable Headlamp. This smart hunter-friendly design ($34.99) features an integrated USB charging cord that connects to an included rechargeable lithium battery—so you can charge on the go. Five modes include High Spot, Low Spot, High Flood, Low Flood and Red to save your night vision. With up to 34 hours of run time on low flood, you’ll be sure to have light when you need it most.
Browning Night Gig Elite Headlamp. Backcountry hunters spend many critical hours traveling and field-dressing in darkness, and this specialized, water-resistant design was built for top versatility—it runs on both a USB rechargeable Li-ion battery pack or three standard AAA batteries (both included). Choose from long distance spot plus an intense wide angle flood beam; both wide-angle and long-distance beams may be activated at the same time to provide 180-degree coverage.
ALPS OutdoorZ Bino Harness X with Vital X. This premium binocular harness ($54.99 to $59.99) comes in standard or extra large to accommodate all sizes of binoculars. It stays close to your chest, preventing bouncing or shifting as you run, hike and climb into position. The straps have been specifically designed to fit comfortably underneath your pack straps, allowing you to wear the Bino Harness X comfortably with or without your pack. The tough durable design features the same 1680D Nylon Ballistic material fabric found in all of the ALPS Extreme line products to ensure extra durability in even the harshest environments. The Bino Harness X features four total lashing points to allow for your favorite add-ons, including the Vital X rangefinder pouch ($19.99, shown attached above). A lens cloth is also included in the front zippered pocket. Choose from Coyote Brown (shown), Veil Cervidae and Realtree Excape.
Browning Bino Hub. Protecting your expensive binocular is one thing, but keeping it close with quick access is another. The Bino Hub ($59.99) does both. The rangefinder side pocket is the final touch to the kind of binocular harness truly made for hunters. Nice touches include an adjustable double strap harness with four quick-release buckles that spreads the weight over both shoulders to help prevent neck fatigue; a concealed rain fly and full-coverage top flap with magnetic closure delivers quick access when you need it most.
Sitka Mountain Optics Harness. When in the backcountry, smart hunters let their optics do work at every opportunity. Ideal for run-and-gun hunting, the Mountain Optics Harness ($149.99) is designed to be fully customizable for any hunting style and season. Compatible with most MOLLE accessories, you’ll also find modular side pockets that are removable using a patent-pending, custom-molded pocket clip for quick and quiet access to rangefinders or other items. The chassis has zippered stash pockets on the back for added storage; numerous elastic pockets provide at-hand storage for wind gauges and calls. And a magnetic one-handed front flap makes it easy to access binos without looking (and with minimal movement) while a brushed polyester face fabric keeps things quiet.
Outdoor Edge RazorMax. Elk. Mule deer. Backcountry bruins. Whatever you’re processing or field-dressing, this replaceable-blade knife innovator has done it again with the RazorMax ($79.95) the company’s first fixed-blade knife to also feature the replaceable-blade system, dubbed the RazorSafe System. The RazorMax is the first model to accept both standard replacement blades as well as a new 5-inch boning/fillet blade, making it the complete solution for preparing all types of small and big game, from start to finish. The RazorMax allows you to field dress, skin, debone and process game into perfect cuts ready for cooking—all with a single tool. The included 3.5- and 5-inch blades are Japanese 420J2 stainless steel; The 3.5-inch general-purpose drop-point blade is a true workhorse/field-dressing blade.
Browning Speed Load Steel Folding Knife. Not all replaceable-blade knives are created equal, and Browning’s Speed Load knife series has been lauded by veteran hunters to be among the best interchangeable-blade systems available, with stand-out blade retention, quality, and attention to detail. The Speed Load Steel knife ($45.99) includes four replaceable blades (three drop-point and one caper) and was designed to use both steel (not compatible with the blades used in the Hunting and Tactical models) and ceramic blades, offering greater versatility in cost, durability and edge retention. Blade length is 3 inches; overall length is 7 inches.
Leatherman FREE Series. You just can’t go wrong packing the next generation of Leatherman. Redesigned end-to-end, Leatherman FREE ($124.95) places every implement on the outside of the tool for one-handed access, so your favorite sportsmen can keep their eyes on the task, not the tool. Revolutionary magnetic architecture reduces friction when opening and closing tools, and will never wear out, letting you work with speed and confidence for years.
WOOX AX1. Every hunting base camp needs an axe, and this new tomahawk-style premium hand axe (on sale now for $179) is even light and compact enough (2 pounds, 15.7 inches long) to tote into the backcountry. The octagonal Appalachian hickory handle offers both durability and a comfortable grip; the Cerakote finish enhances performance and makes it more resistant to abrasions, wear and tear, corrosion, chemicals, and impact. In addition to its tempered carbon steel head and diamond heel, an Italian leather collar is included with each axe.
Wildlife Research Center Scent Killer Gold Field Wipes. One of the handiest things backcountry hunters can keep in their packs or camps. A great way to freshen up when a shower is not available or to touch-up high perspiration areas, the new-and-improved unscented formula cleans and fights human odor, and is enriched with Vitamin E and Aloe for quick and easy use. Each resealable pack ($7.99) contains 24 7×10-inch moist wipes.
Klymit KSB 0 XL. Most mummy-style bags are restricting; this sweet design ($329.95) features additional width in the chest that makes all the difference. The 650 fill power down top and synthetic fill bottom provides an exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio and comes Team HuntStand approved; we’ve used this bag on several extreme hunts recently including a spring 2020 Minnesota turkey adventure that featured two nights of just 12 degrees—and we slept impressively toasty. When temps drop this bag eliminates excessive air pockets to achieve lasting warmth through the night. Flexible Stretch Baffles keep fill next to your body and stretch when you move, while Length Locks allow you to adjust the bag to your height, creating a comfortable cocoon of fill around your feet.
Klymit Insulated Static V Luxe. When your sleep pad offers impressive cushion it’s done its job; when it also provides warmth you’ve reached the next level. Whether you’re base camping or backpacking deep in the backcountry, this fine pad ($119.95) is Klymit’s biggest, warmest, most-comfortable inflatable pad, weighing in about two pounds. Klymalite lofted synthetic insulation keeps you comfortably warm throughout the night on a V-Chambered sleeping surface that’s wide enough so you can move around without feeling restricted. It even rolls up small enough to easily slide in a pack.
Bushnell 1 Person Backpacking Tent. Getting off the road to shadow mule deer bachelor groups and wandering elk herds requires ultralight gear, and this compact, lightweight model ($119.99) certainly qualifies. Two durable yet lightweight aluminum poles make for simple/fast pitching, and the included ripstop fly turns back inclement backcountry weather while you recharge for the next day’s adventure. Reflective zipper-pulls and piping around the door enhance nighttime visibility for easy tent access.
Browning Camping Big Horn 5. Many of us who prefer remote backpack hunts also make use of more-comfortable base camps, and this is where the spacious Big Horn 5 ($249.99) shines. Using fiberglass poles and steel uprights, Big Horn Tents boast a free-standing cabin tent design built to withstand the most severe elements and conditions. Forget kneeling and crawling—its extra-tall (84 inches) center height makes changing clothes or getting ready for bed as easy as if you were in your bedroom. In addition to the extra-tall ceiling, straight side walls allow more room for cots, side tables or more conveniences. Large doorways and windows allow for easy access and great ventilation. The Bighorn 5 features a 8×10-foot base and packed size is 9×29 inches; total weight is 21 pounds.
