GEAR
Outfitting Yourself for Elk Country
by Brad Fitzpatrick
As an outdoor writer and gear editor, I’m often asked for recommendations on what to bring for an elk hunt. The wilderness is a harsh environment, and not every new product that promises superb performance lives up to that claim. Like the time I was hunting in western Idaho and a pair of “waterproof” boots leaked along every seam or when I tried out a new “bargain” pack that literally came to pieces after the first load of meat. I think it’s safe to say that anyone who has had their equipment fail understands the right gear can make or break a hunt. With plenty of choices out there all clamoring for your hard-earned money, here are some rifles, optics, boots and packs to consider that are built tough and won’t let you down your next time afield.
It’s incredible to see how rifle design and manufacturing have evolved over the last two decades. Modern rifles—including more affordable models—shoot with very good accuracy, and today’s premium rifles offer a list of features that were once found only on dedicated target guns.
The new Christensen Arms Evoke, starting at $898.99, is built to the company’s legendary standards at a price that won’t break your bank account. Quality is evident throughout from the precision machined steel receiver and match chamber to the hand-lapped stainless steel barrel with a recoil-reducing muzzle brake. The standard model comes ready to withstand the elements and help you shoot accurately with a polymer stock and trigger, a Smoked Bronze Cerakote finish and detachable box magazine. The line-topping Precision model, which arrives later this year, features a carbon fiber cheek riser, hex pattern engraved barrel and a dark gray Cerakote finish with a camo stock. Evoke rifles are available in 13 chamberings all backed by a sub-MOA accuracy guarantee.
The Savage 110 is the oldest continually produced American bolt-action, and while the 110 has long been admired as a value rifle, the company has spent recent years proving itself more than capable of building premium-class hunting guns. Case in point, I carried the new Savage 110 Ultralite Camo priced at $1,739 on a recent wilderness caribou hunt in Alaska and came away impressed. Matched with an adjustable polymer AccuFit stock that’s comfortable and secure to hold, the blueprinted 110 action is mated to a carbon-fiber-wrapped stainless steel barrel. I found it superbly accurate and light yet not abusive when fired. With multiple suitable elk calibers and some models weighing in at under six pounds, this rifle packs plenty of punch yet is light enough to carry all day.
Springfield Armory recently announced the release of the Springfield Model 2020 Boundary rifle, which offers the feel and many features of a classic sporter rifle in a modern, stylish package starting at $2,173. With the same push-feed dual-lug action as Springfield’s outstanding Waypoint 2020, the Boundary comes with a carbon fiber stock donning Rogue camouflage. Both steel and carbon fiber barrels come with threaded muzzles and a SA Radial Brake that helps tame recoil. I tested the 6.5 Creedmoor version and found it lived up to its bold .75 MOA accuracy guarantee with a design that adjusts for comfort. The receiver’s wire EDM raceway operates as smoothly as a custom rifle and I really appreciated the Boundary’s internal box magazine with a hinged floorplate, a feature favored by many hunters.
An accurate rifle relies on a high-quality optic that performs well regardless of conditions. Fortunately, there are several excellent scopes available for hunters in a variety of price ranges.
After a half century of production, Burris Fullfield scopes stand as one of the most popular riflescopes on the market with a reputation for very good optical performance at a reasonable price. For 2025, Burris is releasing the fifth generation Fullfields that bring substantial upgrades without a steep increase in cost—they start at $189. Six new Fullfield models ranging from 2-8x35 to 6-24x50 include Burris Knob Synergy that allows swapping dials to adjust for species and hunting style. Burris also offers multiple reticle options, including simple plex and MOA and BDC holdover reticles, as well as both illuminated and non-illuminated reticles. All these scopes come with high performance glass and multi-coated lenses, and their rugged design and quality make them an excellent value.
How do you improve on one of the most popular rifle scopes in the world? Leupold decided to take its VX-6HD to the next level with the recently updated Leupold VX-6HD Gen 2, starting at $1,999.99. Featuring the innovative new CDS-SZL2 dial with SpeedSet, the Gen 2 is an even more versatile and reliable hunting partner. Traditionally, resetting a scope’s zero required tools, but the new design allows you to remove the dial and reset it by simply unlocking a lever. That’s not to mention the new integrated throw lever to easily adjust magnification. With numerous models available (1-6x24, 2-12x42, 3-18x44, 3-18x50, 3-18x56 and 4-24x52) and four illuminated reticle options, Leupold continues to excel with outstanding light transmission, glare reduction and resolution. I tested this scope on my New Mexico elk hunt last year and came away impressed at its outstanding low-light performance, durability and precise adjustments.
If you’re searching for a premium optic to match your blued hunting rifle, the new Leica Fortis Glossy, starting at $2,549, blends beautiful aesthetics with rugged reliability and a crisp sight picture. The Fortis takes “glossy” to the next level, with each scope polished for roughly 90 minutes by Leica optics specialists. I was excited to pick one up at SHOT Show 2025 and thought it looked as much like a piece of art as a hunting scope. Of course, since these are Leicas the optical quality brings exceptional contrast and sharpness that boasts 92% light transmission and a larger exit pupil than many of its competitors. Three models ranging from 1-6x24 to 2-12x50 are available, all of which come with an L-4a illuminated reticle. The Leica Fortis Glossy may just be the perfect optic for your favorite rifle.
There may be nothing better than a good pair of hunting boots and nothing worse than a bad pair. Here are a few to consider that will keep your feet dry, warm and happy on those long days in the backcountry.
New for 2025, Lacrosse is launching a new version of its popular Ursa boot—the Lacrosse Ursa ES. Priced at $249, the ES (Early Season) is loaded with features like a 100% waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX lining, suede construction with an abrasion-resistant nylon upper and leather mud guard that provides superior durability. A four-way stretch collar around the ankle and lightweight midsole and molded footbed emphasize comfort on long hikes. Available in black/orange or brown/gold, I enjoyed testing the Ursa MS (Mid-Season) in New Zealand while hunting stag and tahr and I have no doubts that the new Ursa ES will offer the same great experience in the field.
Designed as ideal footwear for mountain hunters, the Schnee Beartooth v3 0g boot blends a classic design with modern materials and construction to create a superb all-around hunting boot. The 0g emphasizes durability with a single-panel leather upper, double-stitched tongue and a new rubber rand that extends higher on the heel to extend the life of the boot. The Sympatex waterproof membrane will keep your feet dry. With support and fit in mind, a polyurethane dual-density midsole offers plenty of cushion for toting heavy loads. Hunters will also appreciate the aggressive Tsavo outsole that provides traction on those “don’t-look-down slopes.” Schnee boots have long been known for their ruggedness, and the Beartooth exceeds all expectations at a price of $489.
Based in Bozeman, Montana, Kenetrek has earned an envious reputation among hunters as one of the finest boot brands on the market. The Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 10-inch boot, starting at $520, lives up to its name as a favorite of serious mountain hunters. The 2.8mm full-grain leather and one-piece upper mated to a 7mm nylon midsole is lightweight but offers excellent support when packing heavy loads. Kenetrek’s K-Talon outsole provides first-rate traction even on slick, steep ground. The Windtex waterproof, breathable, flexible membrane helps keep your feet dry and comfortable, while a reinforced rubber sole guard offers extra abrasion resistance. And with uninsulated, 400‑gram Thinsulate, or 1,000‑gram Thinsulate options, there’s a Mountain Extreme boot that works well in every season.
Like boots, a backpack that’s not up to the job can make life in the backcountry miserable. Make sure you’re toting a pack that’s comfortable and will carry everything you need for the hunt.
Every pack company claims that their products will stand up to hard haul-outs, but I used the Eberlestock RMEF Team Elk pack two years ago on a New Mexico elk hunt and can say with confidence that this thing works as advertised. RMEF and Eberlestock teamed up to deliver this rugged, purpose-built hunting backpack that’s ready for extended hunts in remote areas. Priced at $399, the pack’s light yet rugged aluminum frame excels when hauling meat. It features a spacious floating lid, deep, easy-to-access pockets and a hydration sleeve. I’m particularly fond of the patented rifle-back scabbard and the wide, padded belt that centers the load and positions weight low and close to the back to prevent injury. Purchasing a Team Elk pack supports conservation as well. Eberlestock’s partnership with RMEF means that 10% of the proceeds from every Team Elk pack sold directly benefits the organization. That’s a major win for elk and elk hunters.
The award-winning ALPS Elite Frame + 3800 Pack brings the rugged durability and efficient layout you need in a pack designed for multi-day wilderness hunts. Priced at $449.99, the pack’s re-engineered frame is 30% lighter and 30% stronger, and with a contoured lumbar design, anti-slip lumbar pad and quiet, breathable 3D air mesh adjustable suspension, this pack feels great from sunup to sundown. Load lifters and anti-sway belt straps help keep your load secure and properly positioned. The pack bag is hydration system compatible and includes a cavernous main compartment along with five organizational pockets. I love the waist belt MOLLE system with hip pockets, the rifle/bow drop down pocket and the rain cover that neatly stows in a zippered pocket for immediate access. In addition, the Elite’s modular design is compatible with 700-, 1800-, and 5800-cubic-inch packs, making it one of the most versatile pack systems on the market.
If you’re searching for a premium pack for the toughest haul out, take a close look at Rokman Waterproof. Their Rokman Carbon Fiber Pack Frame ($499-$849) offers unbelievable strength-to-weight ratio and a jaw-dropping load capacity of 250-pounds. You can attach one of Rokman’s three 100% waterproof packs—the Pinnacle 2500, Scout 3800, or Basecamp 5,000—to Rokman’s Core Flex Harness via a pin and pocket attachment system. The exclusive Nose Hole Stowable Strap locks your gun, bow, or game in place. Plus, the bottom frame support serves double duty as a padded chair for glassing, a worthwhile feature when you find yourself sitting for long hours each day. Everything about these top‑tier pack systems says heavy‑duty, light and durable. Prices start at $399 for the pack only and $778 for the pack with harness. That is a serious investment in a pack, but it’s a dream setup for spending time in the backcountry.
