GEAR
Learn more about packs, knives, calls and other elk hunting accessories.
by Brad Fenson
I’ve backpacked thousands of miles over the years and can say with confidence that the Eberlestock M5 Team Elk Pack is a superb pack—not to mention it benefits conservation.
First impressions are important, and weighing in at 6.8 pounds, the M5 felt exceptionally light. But don’t let the light weight fool you into believing it isn’t ready for the rigors of the backcountry. A rugged load-dispersing external frame has the low profile of an internal frame, but with 3,100 cubic inches of storage it’s ready for the big packout with a meat shelf that unclips to secure an elk quarter and keep it balanced. Several compression straps cinch a load tight and keep it from shifting. Plenty of MOLLE attachment points let you add gear and extra pockets, and a built-in bow holder and rifle scabbard protects your most important piece of hunting gear. The pack proved versatile with two long pockets on either side designed to carry a spotting scope or hydration bladder.
When I tested the M5 it felt comfortable after a few strap adjustments and fit the contours of my torso snugly. The NT7 fabric was noticeably silent and finished in Doppel:Ganger Mountain camo, which utilizes a dual image to trick the eyes of wildlife, making it hard to focus on a single element. Highly water-resistant fabric keeps contents dry and ensures no extra weight is absorbed. Top and front access points keep gear organized and make it easy to find what you need without emptying all the goods.
While the M5 stands on its own as an exceptional hunting pack, Eberlestock proudly partnered with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to make the M5 RMEF’s officially branded backpack. A portion of every purchase goes to support the conservation of wildlife and habitat.Eberlestock.com
When a seasoned high-country hunting guide asks for details on your backpack, you know you have a winner. The praise came for the ALPS OutdoorZ Elite Series hunting pack I used on a recent mountain goat hunt in the rugged coastal mountains of British Columbia, and it wasn’t hard to see why the guide was so intrigued.
The well-thought-out Elite pack is all about adaptability and durability while keeping weight down. The award-winning Elite Frame can be paired with easy-to-swap 1800-, 3800- or 5800-cubic-inch pack bags covering needs from a quick scouting mission to multi-day backcountry hunts. Backpack weights range from 5.2 to 6 pounds depending on the bag. Adding to its versatility, it comes with a rain cover, spotting scope pocket, drop-down sleeve to secure a firearm or bow, and a built-in meat shelf for carrying loads up to a full moose quarter. Quick-deployment straps allow the pack bag to slide away from the frame, creating a pocket for meat that keeps it close to your center of gravity for comfort and safety while traversing steep country where balance is critical.
The ALPS felt great on my back with several adjustment points to create a custom fit. Anyone who has packed heavy loads in warm weather knows how hot a pack can get, so ALPS uses a breathable mesh to let moisture out and allow for cooling. This outstanding pack was torture tested on the goat hunt and proved tough and dependable.Alpsoutdoorz.com
My newest hunting knife is the Buck 664 Alpha Hunter Elite, featuring one of the strongest blades in my collection. The strength comes from MagnaCut steel engineered for maximum chipping resistance while holding a sharp edge, but it is still easy to sharpen. I used an Alpha knife with S35VN steel in Africa last year and couldn’t believe the lasting performance. The new MagnaCut blade promises to be even better.
The blade features a drop-point flat grind with jimping and is 3¾ inches long and .14 inches thick. At 8⅛ inches long and weighing 5.2 ounces, the Buck felt solid and balanced in my hand. Hunters will appreciate the removable G10 handle that is easy to clean and has a textured grip and lanyard hole. The knife comes with a black Kydex sheath and a locking belt attachment for easy carry. The Buck is made in the USA and covered under a Forever Warranty, so you can be sure it is built to last. Buckknives.com
Using long strokes with my MKC knife, I peeled the hide off my elk swifter than imaginable—yet another reminder of the value of high-quality steel. Always sharp and reliable, my first MKC knife was a Stonewall that quickly became a favorite piece of hunting gear. My newest is the MKC Blackfoot 2.0—a 7¾-inch lightweight knife weighing in at 3.6 ounces.
The Blackfoot 2.0 has full-tang construction and is oil and cryogenic quenched to create tool-strength steel. The compact 3½-inch blade is .14 inches thick—perfect for caping, skinning and deboning. The grippy and lightweight G-10 handle is contoured for extended, comfortable use, will not crack or break, and won’t be stained by blood or the elements. The knife comes with a custom quick-deployment MKC Kydex sheath that attaches to your belt or backpack strap. A built-in retention screw allows you to adjust how easily the knife slides out. Once you’re done, it goes back into the sheath with a satisfying click. Montanaknifecompany.com
My theory is that the tougher an animal is to hunt and bring home, the better it tastes. The trophy of any hunt is pristine meat that looks like it came out of a butcher’s display case.
Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls have long been a go-to for bringing elk in close enough for a shot. Now the new RMHC Game Bags will help you get your quarters out of the field. The bags are designed to meet the demands of a tough elk hunter who goes the extra mile. A set comes with four synthetic quarter bags and one extra meat bag that fold into a small stuff sack for easy packing. They weigh only 18 ounces yet are large enough to carry bone-in quarters. The washable and reusable bags are white to ensure they don’t absorb heat from the sun with mesh that protects against the elements and unwanted debris or insects. A reflective strip that serves as a hanging point is included on the top of each bag for easy retrieval after dark.Buglingbull.com
I am amazed at the continual advancements in binocular harnesses, which have evolved beyond a product that simply takes the weight off your neck and distributes it across your upper back and chest while protecting your optics. The Badlands Bino X2 Harness takes things to a new level, with accessories to turn your harness into a chest pack for quick access to essentials without looking. The modular system has MOLLE webbing to attach a zip pocket, bottom pocket, RF Mag (rangefinder pocket), bear spray holster or an everything pouch. These accessories fit snugly and securely to the binocular case and harness straps. Badlandsgear.com
The first time I used a Xero C1 Pro Chronograph, I knew it would revolutionize how we capture and track the speed of arrows and bullets. The Xero C1 Pro is compact, measuring 3.03 x 2.38 x 1.36 inches, and uses Doppler radar to accurately record projectile velocities from 100-5,000 fps. I found the unit easy and intuitive to use when I tested it, with a button-operated design and Bluetooth-compatible ShotView app. The C1 has a compact tripod mount and a backlit screen that allows clear viewing in different light conditions. The chronograph won’t affect rifle zero or barrel harmonics, is water-resistant and has a rechargeable battery with a life of 2,000 shots or up to six hours, giving you plenty of time at the range to test cartridges or arrows. It records velocity for every shot fired, provides data on extreme spreads, and allows you to keep track of different projectiles, track deviation and more. The C1 can be used with arrows, bullets, bird shot and BB guns. Garmin.com
I have trusted Outdoor Edge knives, systems and kits for hunting and game processing for years and have become a big fan of replaceable blades. The company knows hunters need different blade designs for specific tasks, and the new RazorCape combines three blade profiles in a compact system, taking the guesswork out of what knife to take afield. The package includes a caping blade for detailed work and a drop-point and gutting blade for field dressing, skinning and quartering. The knife utilizes the RazorSafe system, allowing you to change blades quickly, easily and safely with the push of a button. The replaceable blade system means you will never have to work with a dull knife. The caping and drop-point blades are 3 inches long and the gutting blade is 2¾ inches. Made from Japanese 420J2 stainless steel, it weighs only 2 ounces and everything fits in a sheath ready to hang on your belt.Outdooredge.com
Spending weeks each fall in elk country, I’ve trained my ears to recognize individual bulls by their calls. It is no different than distinguishing human voices. Calling, especially to pressured bulls, means bringing your “A” game and sounding as realistic as possible. The Cambium Elk Bugle Tube from Riven Calls can bring new life to your call with auditory clarity and realism. Crafted from premium black walnut, you simply need to hear the difference wood offers to understand its advantages. The wood makes the tube more like a musical instrument with acoustic quality, realism, depth and balanced sound resonance. Not to mention hardwood grain is attractive and durable. The tube is fitted with a baffled end, has a water-resistant finish and comes with an adjustable paracord sling. Huntriven.com
As a backcountry enthusiast, I’ve started to take along an external power supply to keep electronics powered up and in case of an emergency. After charging the Zeus Pro Jump Starter, you simply store it in your vehicle. The unit’s impressive 20,000 mAh power can jump start dead batteries in anything from side-by-sides to the largest diesel trucks with enough in reserve to start engines multiple times. The unit includes a USB-C port for charging phones, tablets, computers and other devices, and comes with a built-in flashlight with strobe and SOS modes—great additions on an already well-designed piece of emergency gear. Unchartedsupplyco.com
I won’t soon forget the special day I received my Bone Daddy Custom Packer Knife with my initials on the handle and sheath. Owner Ben Barto hires and trains veterans and families of veterans to build custom antler knives and products, with a percentage of profits donated to the Horns for Heroes Foundation. The knives are innovative and beautiful, combing antlers with hand-selected gemstones, silver and turquoise with stainless steel or Damascus steel. Laser images, letters or text can be added to create a unique gift or addition to your knife collection. The Damascus pattern on my blade is a mesmerizing work of art. Bonedaddy-knives.com
Stealth Cam has been my go-to trail camera for several years and I’ve quickly grown to appreciate the direct feed of information and photos through the Command Pro app—no more visits to check memory cards and disturb my favorite hunting grounds. The newest Revolver trail camera takes things to a new level with a 360-degree cellular model, covering six zones that can provide a panorama image of its surroundings. It would take six regular trail cameras to provide the same coverage. The Revolver 360 shoots up to 36 MP photos and 1080 HD video with audio. Four LEDs have a long 80-foot detection range and quick .4-second trigger speed. The unit has a built-in GPS and takes two cartridges for 16 batteries. Stealthcam.com
Avid big game hunters have a flashlight fetish, always looking for something better. I was smitten with the Streamlight ProTac 2.0 Headlamp when it came out of the packaging. It isn’t the lightest model I’ve used. However, the oversized Streamlight SL-B50 protected lithium-ion USB rechargeable battery provides both power and endurance. With 2,000 lumens, the range and brightness are outstanding. The headlamp will run for 2½ hours on high and 25 hours on low with an incredible beam distance of 241 meters ready to go when you need it—like approaching hanging elk quarters in the dark. The unit has charging cables and offers TEN-TAP programming to select three operating programs. A Strion 2.0 flashlight with similar features is also available. Streamlight.com
The smell of a well-used canvas tent takes me back to my childhood and family adventures. The Montana Canvas Traditional 10-ounce treated wall tents have been a company best-seller for good reason—comfortable, durable, adaptable and a home away from home. This tent can protect you from the elements and provide a base for any adventure. It includes a backwall window, stove jack with flap, sod cloth around the base, stakes, ropes and tension adjusters for quick set up. Everything is contained in a matching storage bag for easy transport. Frame, fly and floor sold separately. Montanacanvas.com
I have used Montana Decoy moose, pronghorn, elk and deer models to entice game in close. Hunting legend Fred Eichler designed the Eichler Elk model, an alert mature cow to draw the attention of an incoming bull. The decoy deploys easily on the included poles or from an overhanging branch with the string-and-clip hanging system, then quickly collapses into a small circle for storage and transportation. A Quick Stand is sold separately. I never underestimate the visual power of a decoy when it comes to getting a bull in range. Montanadecoy.com
Solo or tandem elk hunters looking for the ultimate base camp should check out the Davis Single Shot Tent. This tent is lightweight, functional and offers two separate door openings. An attached awning and the traditional pole frame with a carry bag for the poles are included. The quality 10-ounce canvas is Sunforger-treated Army Duck, allowing it to breathe and provide durability. This single shot tent comfortably fits one person on a cot or two on the ground. The tent weighs 18 pounds and the poles 7 pounds. Floor sold separately. Davistent.com
Even in the bitter cold, I prefer to use bare fingers when pulling the trigger or grabbing my ice-fishing rod. Gloves or mitts never offer the same feel and dexterity. The Ember Hand Warmer from ALPS is like a hand-muff on steroids, built to protect you from the elements while keeping your hands quick-draw ready. The hand warmer attaches around your waist or to a bino harness for easy hand insertion and extraction. The DEADQUIET layered fabric with fleece exterior is stealthy quiet while hunting and the waterproof inner membrane and suede interior warm hands fast. Cuffs ensure hands stay cozy and shut out wind and cold. Plus, an envelope-style, magnetic valuables pocket lets you swiftly access a few key things. Alpsoutdoorz.com
Hunting gear can be a big investment, so it’s natural to want to take good care of it. The Real Avid Bore-Max Master Cleaning Kit and Mobile Workstation provide everything for cleaning and maintaining rifles, shotguns and handguns. The station keeps all your items organized at home or in the field. The kit comes in a two-piece waterproof case and assorted cleaning tools including brushes, picks, jags and patches. It also has a work light, magnifying glass, support arms and a system to grip and hold firearms during cleaning. The kit is well thought out and provides all you’ll need to keep your firearms in perfect working condition. Realavid.com
Designed with interchangeable, replaceable modules, the Matrix M1offers innovation in an archery target designed to last for years. Consider the target a 3-D puzzle and put it together in a configuration that suits your arrow, broadhead and range options with a bow or crossbow.
Building the modules into a hexagon makes it large enough to shoot at long distances and light enough for one person to carry. The self-healing foam, made of a proprietary hybrid polymer material, withstands all kinds of punishment from field points and broadheads with easy removal. Arrow lube is recommended on faster crossbows.
The modules are held together with straps that can be loosened for changing configurations or tightened to synch the target for action. Dedicate a module to broadheads, and if it starts to show wear, replace it or swap it out to shoot with field points. Having options means this will be the last target you ever have to purchase.
The M1 is 24 inches on the flat side, 27¾ inches at the widest point and 14 inches deep. There is also a M2, Matrix Squared, made of nine modules in a compact 18-inch-by-18-inch-by14-inch configuration. matrixtargets.com