August 01, 2018
By Haynes Shelton
DIY whitetail hunting demands utilitarian gear. When just getting to your stand is a strenuous task, it's important to select equipment that will perform excellently without weighing you down.
Browning The Hell's Canyon Speed Backcountry-FM GORE Windstopper protects active hunters from harsh elements. It offers three layers of wind-proof, water-resistant insulation and is highly breathable. It's lightweight, packable and has a zip-through collar, lower hand warmer pockets, two napoleon chest pockets and harness access. It's available in A-TACS TD-X camouflage. browning.com
Mossy Oak The Sherpa Lined Fleece Jacket is great for mid- to late-season hunting, thanks to its athletic cut and soft, 390-gram micro-fleece exterior. It's flexible to allow for added mobility and features a full-length front zipper for easy removal. It has two zippered hand pockets, and is available in sizes medium to 3X. Look for this one in Bottomland, Original Treestand, Mountain Country and Break Up Country patterns. mossyoak.com
Huntworth The Soft Shell Hybrid Pullover is a versatile outer layer designed for less-than-ideal weather. In addition to a DWR-coated water-resistant shell, this garment also offers 75- and 220-gram performance fleece insulation. It has two side zippered pockets, a zippered upper chest pocket and a high-standing collar to protect your neck. Shown here is Disruption camouflage. huntworthgear.com
Sitka Optimized for warm- weather performance, the ESW shirt is the perfect upper garment for beating the early- season heat. It features lightweight stretch polyester in the body and arms for a quieter draw, silent snaps for easy removal, mesh pits for ventilation and Permanent Polygiene Odor Control throughout. It's shown here in GORE OPTIFADE Elevated II camouflage. sitkagear.com
Thermacell The MR450 Armored is a lightweight, portable insect-repellent device that can clip to your belt. The revamped unit features a more efficient front grill for better airflow in an upright position, creating a perfect zone of protection when worn on your waist. In addition, the ignition switch is 50-80 percent quieter than previous models. thermacell.com
Browning The Epic 1AA USB headlamp is recharged in the same way as your phone, eliminating the need for disposable batteries. The LED has 100- and 260-lumen modes, allowing for illumination up to 115 yards. There are high, low and strobe modes, and the adjustable brightness setting affords up to 10 hours of continuous use. An additional green LED is less visible to game. browning.com
Keyport Part key organizer and part multi-tool, the Keyport Slide 3.0 is a handy item for deer hunters. Everything from keys to a USB memory stick, pocketknife and flashlight can be stashed into a sleek modular stack. An optional low-energy Bluetooth locator even makes finding lost keys a snap. The Slide 3.0 weighs under a half-ounce. mykeyport.com
BOG POD Dead Silent Shooting Sticks are collapsible and weigh just 16 ounces, making them an ideal choice for backcountry gun hunts. They're made from 9/16" aluminum tubing for added durability and extend to 72" to accommodate standing shots. An elastic strap keeps the sticks snugly bound together and quiet during transport. btibrands.com
onX Maps The onX Hunt App provides critical mapping information for not only 121 million private properties but also 985 million acres of public land. Provided are 421 map overlays and 400,000 miles of trails, giving you more accurate information to plan your hunt. It's available for Apple and Android devices, as well as desktops and Garmin GPS units. You can also save maps and access them in the field using your phone's GPS, instead of cell service. onxmaps.com
Throne Cart The Kill Shot Multipurpose Game Cart easily converts from a durable transport vehicle to a hunting chair with a shooting rest. It features a 500-pound carrying capacity, and the chair swivels 360 degrees. The 2" cushioned seat provides all-day comfort, while the 25" solid rubber wheels make toting game a breeze. thronehunting.com
YETI The Panga 28 Backpack is completely airtight and waterproof, thanks to the HydroLok Zipper and high-density nylon puncture-resistant shell. It features an interior sleeve and stowaway mesh pocket for storage, and weighs just 3.9 pounds. The chest and waist belts are removable, making it the perfect adaptable dry-bag for any outdoor adventure. It measures 20" x 12.5" x 7". yeti.com
Tenzing The TZ 2220 daypack features 11 storage compartments but weighs in at just 4 pounds, so it's made for light and fast hunting. The pack also contains a fold-out boot for carrying either a gun or bow. Other features include a rain cover, 2-liter hydration compartment, padded hip support and an internal aluminum frame for all-day support. Empty, the pack is 23" x 12" x 4". tenzingoutdoors.com
Pine Ridge Every deer hunter needs a capable blade. The High Country is handmade from 1095 high-carbon steel and fire-etched in a coal forge to produce a textured finish. The blades are hardened to 58 Rockwell, and each cross-draw sheath is handmade from Hermann Oak Leather. The cross-draw style promotes a more comfortable carry and allows for easier removal. pineridgeknife.com
Birchwood Casey The Gun Plumber Folding Multi-Tool is a compact gunsmithing tool that can get you out of a bind in the backcountry. It includes 2mm and 6mm hollow-ground bits, a Phillips head screwdriver, and Torx T10 and T15 wrenches. Hex wrenches in sizes 1/16", 3/32", 7/64" and 5/32" are included, as well. A universal choke tube wrench completes the package. birchwoodcasey.com
Hooyman Need a portable saw with extreme reach? This 16-foot Extended Pole Saw breaks down to just 4 feet for carry and has a 12" MegaBite XP locking blade for sawing through the toughest limbs. The I-beam aluminum construction provides adequate backbone for controlling your cut without leaving the safety of the ground. btibrands.com