Upland, big game, rifle, bow, or shotgun. Deep in the backcountry mountains, pushing through the popples, or tucked up in a stand along a cedar swamp, if you have a hunter on your holiday list here are 30 gift ideas, at a range of price points, sure to make them smile.
1. Obenauf's Boot Conditioner ($16.75 for 8 oz) Using a beeswax leather conditioner has many benefits, especially when it's kept free of chemicals. Obenauf's leather conditioner does just that, providing just the right amount of natural oil to soften and condition, and beeswax to protect the surface. The beeswax protects by preventing leather from drying, keeping the oils in while keeping the dirt and water out.
2. First Light Zero, Cold Weather Socks ($30) During long sits and brutal cold, the last thing you want to worry about is your feet. The Zero is a high-lofted merino knit sock that provides maximum warmth and protection from the elements. Designed with reinforcements in the toe and heel for durability, compression through the ankle, and arch to lock in fit, this sock that can stand up to the harshest of late-season conditions.
3. Slik Sling Hands-Free Rifle Sling ($32) The days of a traditional rifle sling slipping off your shoulder strap are officially done. Utilizing two separate pieces, the Slik Sling attaches to virtually any pack on the market and allows you to keep both hands free while post-holing, side-hilling, or climbing deadfall.
5. Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle ($36) Leakproof. Sweatproof. Drop-proof. Adventure-proof. The rugged construction and vacuum insulation on this bottle means that it can handle any hunting outing—all while keeping your hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold for a full day. Slim enough for a one-handed hold, it’s even got a twist-and-pour stopper for smoother pouring. The insulated lid also doubles as a cup for drinking. Read Ozzy's review here.
6. Stormy Kromer Wool Cap ($48) A hunting classic, there's a reason this cap is legendary. The wool blend resists the elements and the 100% cotton flannel lining helps keep you warm all winter. The ingenious pull-down earband provides comfort and flexibility. The six-panel construction keeps the cap on your head, where it belongs. No wonder it's lasted more than a century.
7. G5 Megameat Mechanical Broadheads ($60/3) With 3 blades and a massive 2″ cutting diameter, the Megameat Broadhead means short blood trails and happy endings. An easy-to-use snaplock collar keeps the blades secure during flight for field-point accuracy while opening up to deliver a massive 2″ cutting diameter on impact. A chisel tip enhances the Megameat's ability to bust through bone. Use a ballistic match point (included) to get these broadheads sighted in without tearing up the razor-sharp blades.
8. Gerber Downwind DUO Knife Set ($85) This combo set includes the Downwind Drop Point and Downwind Caper hunting knives in exclusive Burnt Orange color. The Downwind Duo is a powerhouse combo you'll want to have on hand for your next hunt. From utility tasks and standard cuts, to cuts that require more precision, this duo gives you the control to handle the breakdown process with ease. The combo made quick work of this season's elk.
8. First Lite Brambler Boot Gators ($85) All-season leg gaiters for hunting that are designed and constructed to last a lifetime. Overbuilt and as burly as your favorite boots, the 37.5 by Cocona Technology gaiter utilizes Hypalon straps, Cordura insteps, and bombproof seams to keep you dry in the roughest hunting country. Field tested in BC and all over the Western US, the Brambler is an ironclad gaiter option.
9. Tamrack Rifleman Vest ($100) Named in honor of frontline Infantry soldiers, the Rifleman vest is durable, weather resistant, and quiet constructed with a unique camo pattern, smart features and quality materials. I've used this vest from winter sits in Michigan swamps, to Mountain hunts in the Montana and Colorado backcountry and love it.
10. RLO No-Drill Rifle Sling ($97) Hate the idea of drilling that beautiful wood stock and front end of your rifle? The RLO No Drill Harness Slings are beautiful, easy to install, extremely secure, and require no drilling. You can select your leather color – rich brown, tan, or black – and choose black, brass, or stainless hardware. All swivels are black powder coated. Or check out the MKC Leather Rifle Sling ($150) This 100% USA made, handcrafted leather gun sling is made of premium leather by Francesca at Teton Leather Company. It features hand-shaped shoulder padding and anti-slip backing. Abrasion tested and 100% hand saddle-stitched in a wax-braided thread.
11. KUIU Pro Bino Harness ($120) Drawing inspiration from the original KUIU Bino Harness the new full-featured PRO Bino Harness is built for full binocular protection and ease of use. With a redesigned fully-enclosed lid, your optics get minimal exposure to rain, snow, dust, and debris. The lid can be quietly opened or closed with one-hand operation, thanks to the fleece-lined fabric and the moldable case opening that forms to the exact profile of your binoculars. The PRO Bino Harness is also Hydration Rig compatible, making it the perfect combo for closing the gap on a stalk or hikes when only binos, hydration, and minimal gear are needed.
12. Kuiu Northstar Gloves ($129) The KUIU Northstar Glove is an outer-layer in the glove layering system, and can be worn alone or layered under to provide additional warmth in extreme conditions. The Toray Primeflex® face fabric is treated with Toray's Kudos® DWR and beads water off the extremely durable yet soft four-way stretch fabric. Pittards® leather on the palm and fingers provide the optimum grip and abrasion resistance even in the wettest conditions. The Primaloft® insulation layer assures warmth even when the temperatures drop. And when the weather turns really nasty and wet, the revolutionary HDry® membrane provides complete waterproof and windproof protection, insuring your hands stay warm and dry.
13. GOHUNT Insider ($150/yr) Mapping, strategy, and hunt planning all in one. The advanced filtering and search tools in GOHUNT Insider will help you find the state, species, season, and more for your best hunt. With GOHUNT Insider we were able to find an opportunity to elk hunt this year, narrow in on a unit that could hold opportunity, and key in on a few key locations we thought might go overlooked. Ultimately we were able to harvest a bull on our second day hunting in a state, unit, and drainage we had never set foot in, all because of the GOHUNT tools and information.
14. First Lite Sawbuck Brush Pants ($160) Durable, comfortable, and built to move, the brush-busting Sawbuck pant is the perfect upland pant. First Lite combined their proven Corrugate Guide Pant, 4-way stretch nylon and articulated construction with double-panel nylon brush panels, and triple-needle reinforced stitching to create a brush pant that fits and moves like a climbing pant. With both belt and suspender loops and a DWR finish to shed moisture, the Sawbuck brush pants have created a much-needed solution for hunters navigating through the roughest environments.
15. Zoleo Satellite Communicator ($200) The ZOLEO satellite communicator is extremely affordable, and perfect for anyone who wants to stay connected and secure when traveling beyond mobile coverage zones. Iridium® based and designed to withstand harsh conditions, the compact ZOLEO device connects via Bluetooth® with a free companion app on your own smartphone/tablet. The app offers a familiar interface for seamless global messaging to/from any SMS number, email address or another ZOLEO app user, and also supports two-way global SOS alerting, easy check-in, on-demand weather forecasts, location sharing and more.
16. Sitka Mountain Pants ($209) The Mountain Pant is hands down the Swiss knife of big game pants. Designed to deliver the highest performance in the widest range of conditions, from chasing September bugles to the last day of the rifle season. As the name implies, the Mountain Pant will be your go-to across multiple seasons and pursuits. Read Ozzy's review here.
17. Tom Beckbe Strap Vest ($215) Drawing on years of experience in the field, Tom Beckbe developed this thoughtfully crafted, durable bird hunting vest to carry all your field essentials. Built from the same durable waxed shelter cloth as their famous Tensaw Jacket, the fully-lined front pouches and rear game bag are supported with adjustable shoulder straps made from no-stretch, 100% cotton webbing treated to dry quickly and prevent mildew. The open-back design offers breathability and makes cleaning the game pouch a breeze. The rear gamebag has a center drain eyelet and two side pouches for water bottles. The front pouches have a single, gusseted front pocket, and secure reverse snap pocket.
18. Pelican Double Rifle Case ($230) Built for hard use, high impact, and supreme weather resistance, the Vault series gun cases are the most rugged and secure in their class. Equipped with a host of premium protective features at a price more hunters and shooters can afford, as only the 42-year veteran of hard knocks could deliver.
19. Latitude Carbon Climbing Sticks ($239/3 pack) The Carbon SS Climbing sticks are a single, continuous piece of carbon fiber composite. No moving parts, no hardware, and nothing to come loose no matter how hard you run the sticks. The material is extremely rigid, so bent stand offs are no longer possible. Having a small profile provides many advantages in the woods. The stack-ability of the new Carbon SS Climbing Sticks keeps your gear within your frame, making access through the thickest of woods a breeze. The new attachment method prioritizes speed and strength. Replacing the versa button, the new attachment wings allow the sticks to stack flat, making them compact for saddle and tree stand hunters. Stronger than many steels and 40% lighter than aluminum. The new Carbon SS Climbing Sticks maintain strength in brittle cold or extreme heat, ensuring reliability during the harshest of hunts.
20. Spartan Precision Equipment Javelin Pro Bipod ($320) Ultimate versatility for any terrain. Quick and secure attachment with the patented MagnaSwitch™ system. Spring-assisted legs for one-handed adjustment, ensuring a stable platform on any terrain. Crafted with reliable materials for backcountry use. Your superior hunting companion.
21. Mission Mercantile Waxed Canvas Guide Bag ($325) How much stuff do we need to go afield? If you're like most outdoorsmen, it's whatever your pack will hold. The Mission Guide Bag is large enough to carry the necessities: binoculars, flashlight, calls, compass, extra cartridges or shells, dad's old lucky knife, maybe even a can of potted meat, some crackers, and bottled water. Built of tough waxed canvas, 100 percent full-grain leather and #10 YKK solid brass zippers, the Guide Bag is as rugged as an elk guide and as handsome as a palomino packhorse.
22. Tricer BC Tripod ($340) The Tricer-BC is a ultralight backcountry hunters dream. If you are someone who wants to save weight, have maximum stability, and only sits when you glass then the BC is for you. Utilizing an inverted leg design the 27oz BC is the the strongest tripod in its class. Long gone are the days of using a photography tripod with pencil thin legs on the ground. The inverted BC has 3 section legs with the largest 1 1/8” leg on the ground, a 1” in the middle, and the thinnest 7/8” leg at the head. This revolutionary backcountry tripod will easily handle any optic or rifle you put on it. The BC proves you can go ultralight without sacrificing stability. I added the Tricer-LP pan head to mine and love it ($189). Read my review here.
23. Schnees Hunter Boots ($360) The original Montana Pac boot. This boot is where it all began, 30 years ago, in Bozeman, Montana. Schnee’s Hunter II pac boot is legendary in the hunting community, and for good reason. Rigorously tested, season after season, by generations of serious outdoorsmen. It is designed and built to Schnee's exacting standards to exceed the expectations of the world’s most demanding hunters. Constructed with the world's finest hand-laid vulcanized bottoms for unsurpassed strength, durability, and comfort.
24. Kuiu Superdown Pro Hooded Jacket ($400) The Super Down PRO Hooded Jacket is purpose built for low-level activity when temperatures plunge. It's sized to fit over your base and mid-layers and is insulated with 5 oz of 850+FP Quixdown. Kuiu's down is treated with TORAY's DWR, so each individual down cluster is impervious to water and keeps its insulating loft even when wet. The outer 30D Stunner Stretch fabric is heat-treated to keep the down from migrating through the fabric and K-DWR treated to repel light rain and snow. Features include pit-zips to help regulate body heat, two-way adjustable hood for comfort and improved visibility, and an adjustable waist cinch cord is inside the hand pockets. The jacket self-stows inside the left-hand pocket for compact storage.
25. Tom Beckbe Tensaw Jacket ($495) Proven in the field around the world, the Tensaw Jacket stands at the head of the legion of waxed canvas jackets. Equally at home in the field and in town, the Tensaw Jacket blends rugged functionality with smart styling.
The jacket's durable 8 oz waxed shelter cloth shell develops a rich patina over time. Set-in sleeves provide flattering structure through the shoulders, while gusseted underarms, a bi-swing back, and classic fit through the midsection allow for a full-range of motion. A cotton liner inspired by Alabama red clay adds a touch of color to the interior, and a collar lined with Bedford corduroy provides welcome protection from the cold. Two chest hand warmer pockets are perfect for cold days, while large front bellow pockets provide ample storage and conceal two additional lower hand warmer pockets. A hidden Napoleon pocket keeps cellphones and other valuables dry and provides easy access without releasing heat.
26. GunnerD1 Dog Kennel ($700) The idea for GUNNER Kennels was inspired by the owner's best friend, Gunner. Rugged, super tough, easy to clean and offering a number of accessories, the Gunner Kennel is the best way to keep your dogs safe and comfortable in the field. Read the review from Ozzy here.
27. Exo Mountain Gear K4 Pack System ($700) The K4 5000 offers the space you need to pack for a weeklong backcountry trip, yet can still compress down to a streamlined profile when only carrying the essentials. This pack carried all I needed for my Colorado spike camp, day hunts, and pack outs.
28. Maven CS.1A - 15-45X65 Spotting Scope ($800) The CS.1 is built using the same glass as Maven's award-winning C Series Binoculars and is the perfect companion for those who need to see detail at extended distances. Because of it’s lightweight magnesium / aluminum frame, this compact scope gets the job done without taking up much space in your pack. A perfect mid-range spotting scope for hunters who require extra magnification in a minimal unit. Dependable, solid, and powerful for a fraction of comparable spotting scope costs – this is the hallmark of the C Series.
29. Prime Bows Revex 4 ($1,300) The 2023 Prime REVEX™ is the most stable and accurate platform on the market. With Prime's exclusive center-gripped riser, REVEX bows have stability built in. Available in 32, 34, and 36-inch configurations, the REVEX is both compact and forgiving. The all new CORE™ cam system features draw length specific mods that allows the REVEX to reach maximum efficiency at every draw length. The new Core cam still features the exclusive cam balancing technology that brings the strings and cables inline with each other, making it perfectly balanced throughout the draw cycle. The Revex includes the Prime Nanogrip, which uses NASA-developed materials to shield your hand from freezing conditions Read my article abut Prime Bows In MIchigan Out of Doors here.
30. Montana Rifle Company Highline Rifle ($2,895 currently available in 6.5 Creedmore or .308 Winchester) Known for their hand-lapped, button-pulled, ultra-accurate barrels – built in-house using the same equipment and methods as the original MRC – the all-new MRC 2022 receiver is a continuation of the original MRC 1999 which was conceived from the pre-64 Model 70. This controlled- feed receiver is one of a very few on the market that is 100% fully machined from a 416 stainless steel blank, providing the ultimate in precision and reliability. Set in a McMillan carbon fiber game hunter stock, this rifle is suited for any wilds you set out to explore. Featuring a patent-pending licensed M-Lok interface with traditional sling stud and QD socket made from high-thickness anondized aircraft aluminum, this rail offers easy integration of M-Lok style bipods, tripods, and other attachments. Inspired by the pre-64 Model 70 trigger geometry, the MRC trigger is simple to adjust and operate and factory set at 3.5 lbs, with the capability to adjust down to 2 lbs.
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