GEAR
Boots, Hunting Apparel & Christmas Gift Guide
by Brad Fenson
I’ve been impressed with my LaCrosse Ursa boots over the last couple of years, as they’ve proven to be comfortable, durable, breathable and versatile while tackling terrain from the Rocky Mountains to the dense thornbush veldts of Africa.
Quick-drying, breathable quarter panels work on hot days and perform equally well on frosty mornings. The material is extremely durable and has stood up to the rocks, mud and moisture that torture-tested them. Ursa boots feature a Vibram outsole for exceptional traction, an EVA midsole for comfort and a double-stitched upper-backed Gore-Tex liner keeps your feet dry.
Lightweight to help prevent fatigue on longer adventures, the 8-inch-tall Ursa ES, or early season, weighs only 2½ pounds while the Ursa MS mid-season boot is seven inches tall and 3.1 pounds. LaCrosse also offers a LS (late season) model and LS 400 G for extreme cold, both 10 inches tall. Lacrossefootwear.com
As I opened the box and saw my Kenetrek Bridger High hiking boots, it was love at first sight. I’d heard many accolades about Kenetrek boots, but this was the first time I got to try them on. Solidly built yet extremely lightweight, they were as comfortable as walking shoes.
The Bridger’s stout 7-inch leather upper is cushioned to form the boot to your foot and ankle to help prevent hot spots while providing superior support and comfort, and it has a breathable, waterproof liner to keep you dry regardless of the weather. These boots were engineered and tested in Montana and proved both durable and easy to wear all day, with high-traction soles ready to navigate the toughest terrain. Their biggest selling point for me was the complete support in the footbed and a pronounced heel pocket that greatly reduces any break-in period. Also keep a lookout for new RMEF licensed gear in the new year! Kenetrek.com
I’ve had the pleasure of using the new KUIU Guide PRO jacket while hunting spring turkeys, exploring prairie badlands for deer and hiking steep country in search of elk, and have loved the versatility. It’s loaded with features to help hunters stay in the field and remain comfortable. The Guide PRO’s stealthy soft-shell finish doesn’t compromise wind resistance, stretch or durability, making it an ideal layer for high-country hunting. Like all KUIU clothing, the fit is outstanding, featuring enhanced articulation and added length in the hem for layering. And at only 22 ounces, it won’t weigh you down as those miles tick away in the backcountry.
It can be tough to pack for fall adventures when it may be cold and wet—or both. The Guide PRO is ready to shrug off passing storms with a K-DWR water-repellent treatment and Primeflex quick-drying fabric to create a jacket that withstands light rain and snow that’d normally have you reaching for hardshell rain gear.
The Guide PRO also stands up to abuse with a quiet-yet-tough nylon face, an ultra-soft micro-fleece interior and a laminated wind-shedding layer sandwiched between. The combined technologies create an exceptionally durable jacket for pushing through brush-choked terrain yet is still extremely quiet for archery hunting. Designed with the mountain hunter in mind, its features include dual chest pockets to keep rangefinders and other accessories from getting lost, zippered pit vents to dump heat on the big climb and a two-way adjustable storm hood that can be cinched to maintain your peripheral vision. Hunters will also appreciate the adjustable shock-cord at the waist to fend off cold and wind and raised hand pockets that are accessible while wearing a pack. The jacket has plenty of pockets, a chin guard with wind flap, sleeve articulation, adjustable wrist cuffs and even provides odor control. Kuiu.com
SITKA calls its new HyperDown Sleeping Bag a “full-body bunker.” When I pulled it from its storage bag, I quickly saw why it earned the name, with an innovative design that makes it much more than a sleeping bag.
SITKA built the HyperDown with zippers that free your arms to enable glassing or cooking while keeping most of your body in the bag. The main center zipper also allows you to open the bottom to free your feet, and with an adjustable contoured hood and abrasion-resistant shell and lining, the bag doubles as an extremely warm goose-down jacket. I immediately slipped into the bag, freed my arms and legs and stood inside picturing myself glassing from a frigid point while nearly impervious to cold.
The bag is built for extreme cold with Allied Down 900-fill goose down that keeps it to an astonishingly low 2 pounds 3 ounces—incredible warmth-to-weight and packability. Rated to 15 degrees, the bag has enough room for additional layers of clothing when the temperature plummets. And while most down sleeping bags quickly succumb to wet weather, SITKA’s ExpeDRY treatment provides synthetic-like performance. Sitkagear.com
I have long relied on wool baselayers to stay comfortable and dry on long days afield and was highly impressed with the Eberlestock Lochsa Merino Baselayer System. Designed to regulate your body temperature no matter what your hunting day entails, they also benefit from the natural odor-resistance for which wool is famous.
Eberlestock offers seven garments in the line, including short- and long-sleeved shirts, briefs, pants and quarter-zip hoodies. The lightweight 180 GSM is for the active hunter with a 95% merino wool and 5% Spandex blend. These layers are ideal for high-intensity activities like mountain climbing or packing out an elk, ensuring you stay cool and dry. The Lochsa 300 GSM is a 93.5% merino wool and 6.5% Spandex blend, designed to trap body heat while maintaining breathability, preventing overheating and keeping you cozy during low-intensity activities or in freezing conditions. Thoughtfully placed zippers allow for easy venting or when you need to swap or shed layers in the field. Eberlestock.com
Nine inches tall and weighing only 3.9 pounds, the Italian-made Schnee Beartooth V3 0g had me dreaming of hunting the early-season high country the moment I slipped them on my feet. This new model is perfect for those trips when insulation isn’t necessary, with features designed for comfort and support. The boots are handmade for the ultimate in fit, durability, ergonomics and quality.
The Schnees felt incredibly supportive from the moment I tried them on, and as a hunter I was quick to notice the one-piece, premium 2.3-mm leather upper built to stand up to the roughest terrain. Speaking of which, a full-length 5-mm nylon insole and Vibram Tsavo outsole strikes a great balance between just stiff enough to provide ample support but flexible enough to maneuver quietly. The boot features a special heel pocket to keep your feet from sliding around inside and a breathable, waterproof membrane that keeps them dry. Schnee also offers Beartooth models with 200 or 400 grams of insulation for colder weather. Schnees.com
To keep a hunt from turning miserable or even dangerous, wind and moisture must be kept at bay. The Browning name has become synonymous with quality outdoor clothing, and the new Browning Late Season Bib and Parka are designed to perform in the worst Mother Nature can deal out.
Both items are constructed with ripstop fabric bonded to a waterproof/breathable Pre-Vent membrane for managing heat and moisture when active. Taped seams prevent leaks to keep you dry. The parka is insulated with 133 grams of PrimaLoft Rise for frigid mornings glassing from a ridgetop. Its three-point adjustable hood, zippers and storm flaps are well-designed to seal out wind, rain and snow.
The bib offers 80 grams of insulation and includes durable overlays on the seat, ankles and knees to resist wear and tear. Adjustable shoulder straps and zippered leg openings make them easy to take on and off, while the internal-zippered and fleece-lined pockets keep your valuables secure and your hands warm.
Browning’s Late Season line has an athletic fit to move with you and not bind when hiking or working hard in challenging conditions. Featuring Ovix camouflage, it blends in well with most hunting terrains and habitats. Browning.com
If you aren’t a sock snob, you could quickly become one after using the LaCrosse Wallowa Sock System. The temperature-regulating merino-nylon-poly blend is comfortable on the skin and lives up to its reputation for durability.
The Wallowa extends over the calf and features a fully cushioned ankle and footbed to reduce pressure on the foot when traversing steep slopes or carrying heavy loads. The system includes a sock liner to wick sweat and moisture off your feet and help prevent blisters. Field-tested in their namesake Wallowa mountain range in Oregon, which is famous for its elk hunting, these socks will keep your feet happy. Lacrossefootwear.com
The Cabela’s Original PEET Boot Dryer by PEET is a permanent fixture in the front landing of our home through the winter and spring. Wet and cold mitts, gloves and boots are a daily occurrence, especially with twin six-year-olds who love their outdoor playground. The twin-test speaks volumes about the endurance and air-moving capacity of the dryer, which uses gentle thermal conduction to dry boots and gloves. Staged drying ensures that leather does not crack or shrink from overheating and prevents mold and mildew. The PEET Dryer also cuts down on odors and other funk that can cause the boots to deteriorate or cause skin irritation.
The unit is compact at 14.2 inches tall, with two air chambers that gently move warm air up and into shoes or boots. Extension pipes for taller boots and extra extensions can be purchased. The unit comes with a 25-year warranty and is made in the USA. Cabelas.com
After I asked my hardcore hunting buddies what their favorite boots were, two out of three said Lowa. That led me to check out the Lowa Tibet EVO GTX boots designed for backpacking enthusiasts and big game hunters who regularly tackle tough country. The unique I-Lock lacing cam-and-roller eyelets allow you to equalize lace tension between your ankle and the top of your foot for perfect fit and comfort. The upper is made of Heinen Terracare Nubuck Leather, and the boot is lined with Gore-Tex for breathability and water resistance. A special insole with a dual-density midsole adds comfort and support. The boot features a new rand and Vibram Apptrail Divo outsole designed for maximum traction. Lowaboots.com
When snow piles deep or grass and brush are covered in moisture, Kenetrek Hunting Gaiters are exactly what hunters need to keep feet and boots comfortable and dry. Kenetrek has taken gaiters to a new level with its front-opening design making them easy to put on with adjustments for perfect fit and protection. Web straps with cam-lock buckles snug the gaiter around the top of your calf, and a waterproof membrane keeps them dry and breathable. Tough rubber straps securely fasten around the instep of your boot to help seal out snow and ice. A lace hook helps keep the gaiters in place so no readjustment is required. Best of all, unlike many hunting gaiters, they are both dead silent and incredibly durable. Also keep your eyes out for new RMEF licensed gear in the new year! Kenetrek.com
A good rain suit can save a hunt, and the Scheels Outfitters High Level 3L Rain Jacket and Pants provide advanced waterproofing to keep you dry and comfortable, with breathability to allow airflow and regulate moisture. I could tell they were ready for any adventure by the feel of the waterproof stretch fabric, three-layer seams and leak-proof zippers. The rain jacket features an adjustable hood, a chest pocket and two front pockets for storage. Hunters will appreciate that the pants can be put on or taken off without removing boots, have adjustable suspenders and easily store in a front pocket stuff sack. Each garment weighs less than 21 ounces. Scheels.com
I love cooking wild game and fish and don’t know howI survived without a SearPro—a handgun-shaped torch used to add texture, color and the perfect presentation to your meal. I use the SearPro to brownsteaks and salmon on the barbecue without adding tothe cooking time. I even turned the flame to the lowest setting to caramelize the sugar top on crème brûlée. The gun screws onto a small propane bottle and has a built-in electronic ignition. A barrel end helps to focus and direct the flame, while a wheel regulator controls its intensity. In addition to cooking, the unit can also be used to start a fire or get charcoal burning. Searpro.org
I have owned many good hiking boots, but Meindl has remained a stand-out since my first pair lasted more than a decade while other brands never finished a hunting season. The new Meindl EuroLight Hunter isthe next great boot in the company’s lineup. Lightweight at 3.1 pounds and extremely durable, the boots feature 9-inch waxed full-grain nubuck leather uppers that with proper maintenance, will stand up to years of hard use in extreme conditions. Meindl’s quality is evident, with a rubber-reinforced toe and cap to protect areas that take the most abuse, a high-performance polyurethane midsole and Meindl Air Active insole that provides cushioning and support. The sole has aggressive multi-directional lugs that deliver traction and stable footing on rough, wet and icy ground. A nice feature is the oversized gussets that open wide for easy on and off. The boots allow sweat to evaporate while keeping water out thanks to the Gore-Tex waterproof-breathable liner. Strategically placed vents in the forefoot help the boot to breathe and keep you cool. Meindl offers both an uninsulated model and a 300-gram insulated version of the EuroLight. Meindlusa.com
When I saw the new Dryshod Evalusion Max Gussets, I knew they’d be perfect for adventures like spring bear hunting that require traveling through muskeg and marshy areas, crossing creeks and trudging through snow in comfort. The boots have an adjustable gusset that expands to allow room for layers of clothing or to accommodate hikers with sizeable calves. A new outsole cuts the overall weight of the boot, keeping them to about 5½ pounds. It employs a fusion compound that eliminates the need for a secondary rubber sole while delivering maximum stability and energy return to reduce fatigue. The boot is completely waterproof and promotes airflow to minimize moisture build-up and help keep insulation dry during cold weather. The integrated polar fleece lining offers a broad comfort range from 50 to minus 65 degrees. DryshodUSA.com
A late-season pheasant hunt in South Dakota meant miles of walking in different habitats—the 5.11 Tactical Cepheus Pant was ideal for the challenge. The Cepheus is a high-performance technical pant with eight pockets for carrying essentials. A Teflon coating kept the elements at bay and stood up to harsh vegetation without signs of abrasion. The articulated knees, adjustable leg openings and shoelace hooks allowed for miles of walking with a perfect fit that felt comfortable all day. At the same time, the polyester/elastane double-weave construction afforded a full range of movement without binding. Providing protection, durability and versatility, these pants felt custom-made thanks to their flexible fit. I can’t wait to try them on elk hunts this fall. 511tactical.com
Cuddeback’s CuddeLink trail cameras offer significant advantages for users seeking strong performance in areas with poor cell service. The flexibility allows users to place remote cameras anywhere and receive images seamlessly, as long as the home unit has cell service. This capability is particularly beneficial in draws, valleys, or creek beds where traditional cell service might be unreliable but game animals areplentiful. Cuddeback offers a Cell Starter Kit to make it easy for users to jump into the CuddeLink system, which is sold at a discounted bundled price. Auxiliary battery packs and solar panel are sold separately and allow the cameras to be left to operate for extended periods. The system has progressed over the years with more features focused on ease of use. CuddeLink works with Cuddeback Starter Kits, the L IR, the L Black Flash, and soon, the L Strobe and the L ZOOM. Cuddeback.com
I have used the ALPS Outdoorz Ridge Stalker X Bino Harness for years, and it exemplifies practical design and functionality tailored for hunters.Adjustable to fit all body sizes, its slim profile ensures minimal interference when taking that hard-earned shot. Designed for one-handed operation, this optics harness sports two small pockets perfect for essentials like wind checkers or diaphragm calls. Smooth, durable nylon enhances comfort and longevity while protecting optics without compromising mobility or adding unnecessary weight. It employs quiet, secure clips and noise-reducing materials to ensure stealth. The harness is RMEF branded, fits most 10x42 binoculars, and pairs with accessoriessuch as the Vital X rangefinder pouch and Knockout X bear spray holster. Alpsoutdoorz.com
There’s nothing I like better than a good down jacket, and the Sitka Women’s Kelvin Lite Down Jacket is exceptional. As soon as I put it on, I could feel my body heat captured and held by the lightweight, compressible 900-fill-power Primaloft Gold insulation. This jacket is perfect for mid-season where you need to stay warm in a very light, compact package. It allowed enough warmth to pool under raingear in a September snowstorm at high altitude to keep me from being too cold to draw my bow. The two spacious hand pockets hold my rangefinder and smartphone. The chest pocket is a good place to store a diaphragm call, extra ammo or other essentials for quick access. Zippers are smooth and the fabric resists wind without being too loud when coming to full draw or lifting a rifle, and the attached hood fits snuggly and traps warmth. The camo pattern kept my silhouette well broken up while I snuck within range of a small elk herd. It’s as functional as a Swiss Army knife, while still looking darn good. MSRP $379. Sitkagear.com
The KUIU Women’s Attack Pants are my favorite hunting pants bar none, and the only pair I’ve ever worn that I thought were more than worth the $149 price tag. They are light enough for early-to-mid-season but also shed rain and snow well. Worn with a base layer they are warm enough for almost any conditions. The pants stretch well with movement and didn’t rub or chafe as I hiked and snuck up on elk this past archery season. The deep pockets are placed perfectly for easy access to your smartphone, extra ammo and more. It’s clear the company pays closeattention to the details of fit and function on this garment. The women’s Attack Pant is now available in two solid colors and three camo patterns. The Valo camo pattern kept me well concealed from sharp elk eyes; when I bumped a young cow without her winding me, she settled right back down after looking at my broken-up form. I like these pants so much I bought my brother a pair of the men’s version for Christmas so that he can wear them this archery season. Kuiu.com.
