GEAR
Reliable gear can make all the difference when the backcountry decides to test you.
by Brad Fenson
Hunting is full of unpredictability. That is part of the draw, but reliable gear can make all the difference when the backcountry decides to test you. Over the years, I have experienced hunts where one piece of equipment turned things around. It kept me out longer, made me more comfortable, sharper, safer and ultimately helped me succeed. Here’s a look at the gear that saved my hunts, and why it might just save yours.
There is nothing worse than being underdressed when the weather turns ugly. I’ve been there. It’s one of the fastest ways to have your hunt cut short. That’s why the KUIU Super Down LT Jacket (shown above) is always in my pack. It performs when it matters most.
The jacket starts with KUIU’s 850+ fill-power Quixdown that delivers serious warmth in a lightweight package. A silent, matte-finish ripstop shell stops wind and won’t crinkle or shine when animals are close. The K-DWR treatment sheds moisture and dries fast, keeping you comfortable even when you’re working hard.
The Super Down LT layers well over a base layer and under rain gear, allowing you to wear it across multiple seasons. I love that it packs into its own pocket and can even double as a pillow at camp. I’ve been on countless hunts, whether glassing on a windy ridge or pushing deeper into the mountains, that I pulled out my Super Down LT and it kept me in the field despite any challenges levied by Mother Nature. MSRP: $319
On a recent backcountry elk hunt, I watched the sky change from blue to black in minutes. Rain, wind and falling temps hit fast, and I was miles from the tent. The Cabela’s Instinct Barrier 2.0 Jacket and Pants withstood the onslaught when anything but top-quality gear would have sent me scrambling for shelter.
New for 2025, the Barrier 2.0 system offers some impressive upgrades, including new-and-improved weather protection with Bone-Dry Gold technology that combines specialized waterproof membranes with durable water repellent treatments, as well as enhanced zippers, improved ventilation, and adjustability that makes the jacket and pants fit and function perfectly. With a 3-layer construction design and full seam-sealing, this jacket-pant system blocks wind and rain while still allowing body heat to escape. The jacket has pit zips, an adjustable hood and a two-way zipper for comfort and range of motion. And the pants feature full-length zippers, allowing you to layer or vent without removing your boots.
I’ve used this system in some truly nasty weather, and it’s never let me down. It’s become my go-to when the forecast looks questionable or I know I’ll be out for long stretches in the elements. Jacket MSRP: $249.99 | Pants MSRP: $199.99
One frosty morning, I slipped on a pair of Kenetrek x RMEF Monarch Socks, and it felt like wrapping my feet in warm, insulated clouds. The Merino wool padding and snug fit provided instant warmth and all-day comfort. These midweight, over-the-calf socks wick moisture and stay warm, even when wet, which is essential after hiking for miles.
Pair those with the Kenetrek x RMEF Hunting Gaiters, and you’ve got a combo that keeps your lower legs and feet dry and protected. These gaiters are easy to put on, stay in place thanks to a cam-lock buckle, and don’t slip. The quiet tricot outer stays silent in the woods, and the Stormblocker membrane keeps out snow, slush and debris. The Hypalon rubber understraps handle tough terrain without buildup or freezing. I now use the socks and gaiters every day I’m in the field to ensure comfort and get ahead of any wet conditions.
And these pieces of gear do more than keep you comfortable. Every purchase helps fund wildlife conservation through RMEF, so you’re supporting the mission while staying dry and warm in the field. Socks MSRP: $29.95 | Gaiters MSRP: $95
A cold night in elk camp can feel endless without heat. I’ve had trips where staying warm was not optional, it was essential for survival. That’s when the Davis Tent Ridge Wood Stove made all the difference.
The Ridge is the midsized version of Davis’s Summit Series and is designed for tents in the 12-by-15- to 14-by-15-foot range. This 95-pound stove brings reliable heat to larger basecamps that you can count on when the temperature drops and the snow piles up. It is built from 10-gauge steel on the top and door, and 12-gauge cold-rolled steel for the body, so you know this stove is tough enough for years of use.
What I love about the Ridge is the full setup. It includes a warming tray, water heater, coal grate, and a nesting pipe with a spark arrestor and damper control. After a cold day in the field, there’s nothing like drying gear beside a crackling fire or drifting off to sleep with steady wood heat. This stove doesn’t just keep your tent toasty. It helps you recharge and stay ready, and it keeps the coffee warm under any conditions. MSRP: $499
Late-season hunts will test every part of your gear and grit. When the temps drop and the wind howls, the SITKA Blizzard Parka and Bib steps up.
Wet, freezing weather typically means stacking layers to keep the cold out. But each layer restricts movement, especially when traversing rugged terrain. Sitka upgraded its Blizzard line with a down and synthetic insulation blend to provide warmth while reducing bulk—an innovative solution that also adds critical warm-when-wet performance. Pair that with breathable 100% waterproof GORE-TEX fabric, and you have a system made to keep you in the field to stock your freezer with venison, even when the cold is trying to shut you down. Parka MSRP: $800|Bib MSRP: $800
There is nothing like getting a bull in your sights late in the season. When adrenaline kicks in and the weather challenges you, a steady rest can be the difference between success and a missed opportunity. That’s where the BOG DeathGrip Infinite Carbon Fiber Tripod comes in.
At 6.5 pounds, it is light enough to carry on steep climbs but solid enough to anchor your rifle. The carbon fiber legs are strong and stable, and the ball head mount allows for smooth tracking and quick adjustments. Whether on uneven ground or an awkward angle, this tripod helps you get steady and stay on target when seconds matter. The BOG has provided me with bench-rest accuracy, helping anchor many an elk to share with my family. MSRP: $494.99
When you’re deep in elk country and staying for days, your tent becomes more than shelter. It becomes your temporary home, your base of operations. The Montana Canvas Bridger Tent is designed for serious hunters who require spacious, comfortable and reliable accommodations when in the field.
At 14-by-14 feet with a 10-foot peak and 5-foot sidewalls, it provides plenty of room to stand, move around and organize gear. Made with Relite 250D polyester and rated at 1500 mm waterproofing, it easily handles wind, rain and snow. A built-in stove jack, venting and full-seam taping help retain heat and block out drafts. It sets up quickly, packs into a single duffel, and weighs just 83 pounds—perfect for hunting from your vehicle or with pack animals.
When you need a warm, dry place to plan, rest and recover, the Bridger Tent delivers. It’s what being in elk country is all about. And there is nothing like the smell of a canvas tent to set the mood for any outdoor adventure. MSRP: $1,499.99
Hunting hard requires sleeping well. The ALPS Vibe 0° Sleeping Bag gave me one of the warmest, most restful nights I’ve had on a recent trip where the cold sent many other hunters heading to lower ground. It uses synthetic TechLoft Micro insulation to trap heat, and the two-layer offset construction prevents cold spots. The contoured mummy shape keeps body heat in and drafts out.
With a ripstop polyester shell and a soft liner, it withstands tough use while remaining comfortable after a long day. The zipper is easy to work, even with gloves, and the whole bag compresses down nicely for packability. When your rest determines how well you hunt the next day, I can tell you from experience that the Vibe sleeping bag becomes essential gear. MSRP: $139.99
I have always said your hunt is only as good as your boots. The LOWA Renegade EVO GTX MID has proven that time and again. They offer a solid blend of support and flexibility, and the GORE-TEX lining keeps your feet dry no matter what hunting season throws at you.
I’ve taken these boots through creeks, across snow and over scree slopes. They feel light for boots with this much stability, which means less fatigue after long hikes. That came into play big time during an elk hunt last season that would have destroyed anything less than top-notch gear. Traversing the mountains, I appreciated the improved outsoles that gripped slick rock, stayed dry in wet brush and easily maneuvered through uneven terrain. The roomier toe box is particularly helpful on longer days when foot swelling can be an issue. I stick with boots that have proven themselves in the field, and these LOWAs leave no question marks when it comes to quality, stability and comfort. MSRP: $280
When your shot opportunity comes and you need to act fast, every detail matters. The RMEF Edition BANISH Backcountry Bugle suppressor recently helped me fill my elk tag, allowing me to take a calm, controlled shot without fumbling for hearing protection or worrying about excessive recoil.
At just 8 ounces and 5.5 inches long, it’s compact and lightweight. But its performance is top tier. Rated for use with cartridges up to .300 Remington Ultra Mag., it reduces sound to safe levels, making your rifle more manageable. And a direct-thread universal HUB mount provides versatile mounting options for a sleek and effective setup.
Every unit sold also supports RMEF, making this suppressor a smart piece of gear that also gives back to the land and wildlife we hunt. MSRP: $1,199
After a brutal day of climbing and glassing, I needed a hot meal fast. The Jetboil Flash boiled water in two minutes flat. That quick cup of coffee and hot food was all I needed to refuel and refocus.
The 1-liter cooking cup features an insulated cozy, and the updated ignition system lights up quickly. A built-in heat indicator lets you know when your water is ready. Everything nests into the pot for compact carry, and at just 13 ounces, it’s a no-brainer for any backcountry hunt.
Jetboil’s speed and simplicity are the kind of small luxury that makes a big impact when you’re pushing hard. MSRP: $144.99
When your hunt starts to go sideways, whether it’s due to brutal weather, fading energy or sinking morale, Peak Refuel meals can be the game-changer that gets you back on track. These delicious meals are fully freeze-dried and made with real meat and premium ingredients. Each one is packed with protein to help your body recover quickly so you can return to hiking, glassing or packing out.
These meals are made with non-GMO ingredients, contain no MSG, and are ready to eat in just a few minutes. That means you spend less time cooking and more time focusing on the hunt. The taste delivers when you need it most. Whether it’s Chicken Alfredo Pasta or Beef Stroganoff, each meal feels like a well-earned reward after a long day in the field. MSRP $7.99-$14.99
Every piece of gear on this list earned its place in my hunting pack or camp not just by working well, but by turning things around when conditions could have ended the hunt. They kept me comfortable, alert and in the field longer. When the wild throws everything it has at you, the right gear helps you stay in the fight. And sometimes, that makes all the difference between coming home empty or coming home with meat to fill your freezer.
