NOTICE: Certain links on this post may earn a commission for Western Hunter Magazine from Amazon or our other affiliate partners when you make a purchase. Thank you for your support.
Gear Highlights
Katabatic Tincup Down Jacket
There are times when you'd rather be warm, and there are times when you absolutely must be warm. The Tincup is an ultralight (actually–12-16 oz depending on size) puffy jacket that you have to wear to believe. On a fishing boat in the North Pacific at dusk at six degrees with 30-mph gusts, I was frozen everywhere this jacket didn't reach, but both my core and my head, thanks to the hood, were toasty. I've carelessly packed this jacket and worn it through brush, and it looks the same as the day I got it over two years ago… it just doesn't smell quite the same.
Coast Headlamp
With so many high-end backcountry headlamps out there, it’s easy to overlook the budget options. This one from Coast is worth grabbing if you get the chance. I picked up a three-pack at Costco for 30 bucks, used them on my latest Coues deer hunt, and honestly, for the price, they can’t be beat. They’re rechargeable or battery powered and have three main beam settings, plus red and green light modes. There’s also a “utility arc,” a softer warm light that’s perfect for hanging around camp or taking photos without blowing out your shot. They have a high waterproof rating, sturdy and durable build, and a solid battery life. It's a great deal if you happen to spot them on the shelf during your next rotisserie chicken run.
Alu-Cab Gen 3R Expedition RTT
In early 2025, I traded my camper-shelled third-gen cummins for an overland enthusiast's wet dream. A 1999 Toyota Landcruiser that's decked out to the gills. That deck-out job included this Alu Cab Gen 3R rooftop tent system. This is no Utah weekender rig. It's built in South Africa specifically for the most rugged environments on earth. It's a four-season tent that sleeps me (6'3), my fiancé, and two dogs very comfortably. It has interior USB outlets, an insanely comfortable breathable mattress, and makes for an RV-like experience anywhere you go. It takes me four seconds to set up (five if you count attaching the ladder) and about 25 seconds to take down and drive away. There is nothing like it, period.
MDT Gen 3 Double Pull
I was nervous that MDTs Gen 3 Ckye Pod might leave some of the great performance of Gen 2 behind, but of course it didn’t. For me, the biggest improvement is with the throw lever that makes attaching and detaching the bipod super quick and simple. The new locking legs also add a more secure feel to the position you set them at which is helpful in quick deployment situations. Overall, they hit the nail on the head with many small improvements to rigidity, knob size, profile, etc that make a huge difference. Side note: the Double Pull is the right size if you’re looking for a bipod that will be tall enough for most match scenarios and is still perfectly sized for a hunt.
Hogue Expel Folding Scalpel
The most uncomfortable part of breaking down an animal with a razor-sharp scalpel blade has always been changing the blade. I was immediately drawn to this knife with its “no-touch” system of switching out a brand new blade. It’s incredibly easy to use and offers some peace of mind while using an incredibly sharp blade. I’d recommend getting the Blade Dispenser with it so you never need to touch a blade, even when opening a new one.
Uncharted Supply Co. The Possibles Pouch
There are only about three guys whom I listen to when it comes to backcountry survival, and one of them designed this bag of necessary gear for anyone going into the woods. If you flip a few more pages ahead, you’ll see why I won’t go anywhere without this kit.
Outdoor Vitals Vantage Alpine Down Jacket
Unless the lows are in the 60s, I take a puffy jacket everywhere I go. It’s a good insurance policy if the weather turns south or you end up in a bad way. The new Alpine Down is going to be the only puffy I carry from here on out, with the best fill-to-weight ratio of anything on the market. It offers the most warmth for the least weight.
Leica Rangemaster CRF Max
Leica has been the industry standard for rangefinders for decades now. Their lasers have always been the quickest and the given the most accurate readings, but their displays have left a little bit to be desired, until now. The updated display gives you all the information you want while still keeping things clear enough that your dad could use it.
Gunwerks ClymR
Its hard to sum up an $8,000 rifle in a couple of sentences. The feel of this rifle is somewhere between a piece of art and a custom made component from the drivetrain of an F1 car. It’s a dream to shoot, and it’s always a good feeling to know that the reason I missed wasn’t the rifle.
