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By: Lindsey Davis
Out of any outdoor pursuit I’ve been a part of, hunting has my favorite gear. I will attribute some of my affinity to growing up as a tomboy in Girl Scouts and finally getting the knives and technical toys I’ve always wanted. On a broader scale, I don’t know a single product designer in the hunting industry who doesn’t actually hunt themselves. This is paired with a strong feedback loop from us, their customers because season after season we truly put things to the test.
Hunters go from hot, dry environments to freezing temps within the same day. We endure every element, and if all goes well add hundreds of pounds of extra weight to everything we’re wearing and carrying.
This year I’ve forayed into bow hunting, which has unique early-season nuances. For me, being organized is key, so I can take full advantage of the weekends and have quick transitions from the city to the hills. My base camp is a ‘01 Toyota Tacoma — it has 4WD and enough existing pinstripes and dents that I don’t mind taking her down roads with character. With the basics of the bow, training, and landscape in the first story of this series, here is the gear you won’t find me without in the field and in camp this year.
Packs
- Mystery Ranch Pop Up 28: the perfect pack for my early season kit; small enough to be maneuverable in thick brush, and a quick conversion for meat hauling
- Mystery Ranch Mission Duffel: the portable ‘closet’ for all of my hunting clothes
- Mystery Ranch Mission Rover: for all the non-camo wear, and to isolate dirty clothes
Clothing
- Sitka Ascent Pant: my everyday pant; light, breathable, and perfect for the heat.
- Sitka Merino Lightweight Hoody: my everyday shirt; light, full coverage from the sun, and doesn’t stink… too bad…
- Sitka Kelvin Active Jacket: enough warmth for mild conditions
- Ascent Gaiter, Face Mask, Traverse Glove.
Optics
- Vortex Fury HD 10×42: great binos with a built-in rangefinder. Who doesn’t love a two in one?
Footwear
- Danner Trail 2650: a great burly trail shoe. I’ll wear these until it snows.
- Xtratufs: a comfy camp shoe is a must!
Field Dressing Kit
- Allen Game bags, Havalon Piranta knife, Leatherman Signal, zip ties.
Not to be forgotten: bear spray, a ‘shit-kit,’ first aid kit, and archery repair kit.
Camp
- Back of a trusty truck
- Goal Zero Yeti 400 + Lantern
- Yeti LoadOut Gobox – this has turned in to my garage/pantry in camp.
- Yeti Flip 18 – for the few perishables
- Yeti 75 – big enough for a deer, and packed with ice if I get lucky.
- Camp chair, water jug, simple stove.
Add a few adult beverages of choice, a good book, ample snacks, and you’re well on your way. All of the above tucks neatly into my truck for when I’m out in the hills. To note, the ice-loaded Yeti stays put once she’s full, so this is a solo camp ladies and gentleman. If you’re taking a page from my book, get ready to spoon your cooler at night. A bonus you’ll find is that it serves as a table inside the shell. Good luck out there everyone!
To follow along with this hunt and our exploration of the American Prairie Reserve this fall, stay tuned with @lindsey.browne.davis, @modernhuntsman, @americanprairie, and @ryan__holm.
Photo credit for all imagery to Lindsey Davis.