Gear Up For a Better Hunt
Hunting Accessories: Practical Gear to Bring Into the Field
As summer winds down and temperatures start dropping, hunting season isn't far behind. Steve and Caleb are at the Brownells bench to talk about hunting gear, but this time they're leaving the firearms out of the discussion.
Instead, they're looking at accessories that can make a hunt more comfortable, organized, and effective.
You don't need every piece of equipment on the table. What you carry depends on where you're hunting, how far you're traveling, and the type of hunt you're planning. But these are some of the accessories Caleb has found useful in the field.
Hunting Binoculars
Binoculars are one of those pieces of hunting gear that can seem unnecessary until you start carrying them.
Once they're available, you'll probably find yourself using them regularly. Binoculars make it easier to observe animals and terrain without relying on your rifle optic.
They can also help determine whether something in the distance is actually an animal or just another bush.
Budget vs. Premium Binoculars
Hunting binoculars cover a huge range of prices.
Caleb discusses options from Athlon, Vortex, Leupold, and Halo Optics. Many optics manufacturers offer entry-level, mid-range, and premium models.
More expensive glass can provide improvements in clarity and overall optical performance, but hunters don't necessarily need the most expensive binoculars available to gain a significant advantage in the field.
Caleb shows a pair of Athlon binoculars as an example of an affordable and versatile option.
Rangefinding Binoculars
Rangefinding binoculars combine two useful hunting tools into a single package.
The Halo Optics model shown includes an integrated rangefinder. It can provide range information along with other data that can be useful when working with a ballistic calculator.
Combining binoculars and a rangefinder also means one less separate device to carry.
For hunters trying to keep their equipment organized and reduce unnecessary gear, that can be a significant advantage.
Laser Rangefinders for Hunting
A dedicated laser rangefinder is another useful tool.
Caleb carries his rangefinder attached to his hunting rig so he can access it quickly and let it hang when he needs to transition to something else.
The example shown is a Burris Signature 2000.
Knowing the actual distance becomes increasingly useful when hunting at longer ranges or using cartridges with more pronounced trajectories.
Caleb specifically mentions straight-wall cartridges as an example where knowing your range and ballistic information can be valuable.
Setting Up a Hunting Chest Rig
Caleb uses a Spiritus Systems 34A Split Rig for both precision rifle shooting and hunting.
The advantage is consistency. Instead of moving equipment between different cases and carrying systems, he can arrange the pouches where he wants them and keep the layout familiar.
For hunting, he removes equipment he doesn't need and uses the available space for items such as a rangefinder and water bottle.
A chest rig certainly isn't mandatory hunting equipment, but for Caleb it provides a convenient and consistent way to organize gear.
Using a Kestrel While Hunting
Caleb also keeps a Kestrel weather meter attached to his rig.
For many hunts, a Kestrel is unnecessary. However, it becomes more useful when distances increase or when conditions make wind information particularly important.
A mountain hunt with substantial distance between the hunter and game is one example where a rangefinder and Kestrel could become valuable tools.
Because Caleb already has his Kestrel attached to the rig and it adds little weight, he often carries it anyway.
Shooting Tripods for Hunting
Stability can make a major difference in the field.
Caleb shows the carbon fiber BOG tripod his son used when taking his first deer with a .350 Legend.
The tripod provides a stable shooting platform while remaining light enough to attach to the outside of a backpack.
Once positioned in an area, the hunter can set up the tripod and have a stable platform ready without excessive movement when an opportunity appears.
It can also be particularly useful when hunting from a blind.
Armageddon Gear Shooting Bag
A shooting bag is another simple way to improve stability.
Caleb uses an Armageddon Gear bag with an ultralight fill. Because it weighs very little, he can attach it directly to his rig with a carabiner.
The bag can provide support from a variety of improvised positions.
It can be placed on a solid surface, used in a hunting blind, or positioned between the rifle and another support.
For Caleb, it's a relatively inexpensive accessory that can make a substantial difference in the field.
Field Tools for Hunters
A compact tool kit can also be worth having nearby.
Caleb's range and field kit contains tools from Fix It Sticks, Brownells, Bondhus, and others.
It isn't something he necessarily carries on his body for a short hunt because the kit adds weight. Instead, it may stay in the truck unless he's camping or spending an extended amount of time away from easy access to tools.
The exact kit should depend on the firearm and equipment being used.
Muzzleloader hunters, for example, may carry a different selection of specialized tools.
Electronic Hearing Protection
Hearing protection shouldn't be overlooked when putting together hunting equipment.
Caleb shows a set of Sordin Supreme Pro-X electronic hearing protection.
In addition to reducing damaging sound levels, electronic hearing protection can amplify surrounding sounds. That can be useful in a hunting environment where hearing movement in brush and identifying the direction of sounds matters.
Caleb points out that directional audio quality can vary considerably between electronic hearing protection products.
Quality hearing protection can provide both sound awareness and protection from firearm noise.
Choosing a Hunting Backpack
The last major piece of equipment is one of the simplest: a good backpack.
The amount of gear you need depends heavily on the hunt. A short trip close to a vehicle requires a very different loadout from spending a day hiking through mountainous terrain.
Caleb uses his backpack to carry supplies and can attach his tripod to the outside.
What to Carry in a Hunting Backpack
Water is an obvious priority. Food, extra ammunition, tools, and other supplies can also go into the pack depending on the hunt.
Caleb also recommends carrying a basic first aid kit.
You never know what can happen outdoors, and having basic emergency equipment available is a sensible precaution even if you never need to use it.
Caleb's normal setup includes a North American Rescue first aid kit.
Eberlestock Hunting Backpack
The backpack shown in the video is an Eberlestock model with an internal metal frame.
Caleb has used it while hiking mountainous terrain and likes the support and comfort it provides.
The pack also gives him enough room to carry the equipment needed for the particular hunt without having to load everything onto his chest rig.
A backpack can even serve as an improvised support or seat when necessary.
Building Your Hunting Gear Setup
You don't need every hunting accessory Steve and Caleb discuss.
A hunter heading to a nearby blind for a few hours may need very little equipment. Someone hunting mountainous terrain at longer distances could benefit from binoculars, a rangefinder, Kestrel, tripod, shooting bag, backpack, and other supporting gear.
Start with the essentials and build your hunting setup around the environment and the way you actually hunt.
Binoculars help with observation. A rangefinder provides distance information. A tripod or shooting bag improves stability. Electronic hearing protection protects your hearing while maintaining awareness. A backpack gives you a convenient place for water, first aid supplies, tools, and other essentials.
And, as Steve points out, don't forget a good insulated coffee cup.
If you have a hunting accessory you never head into the woods without, let us know in the comments. If you need help with your hunting setup, give the Brownells Tech Line a call. We'll be happy to help.
