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Gear you liked/disliked 2023

Micneador said:
I didn't hunt with much of anything new this year except my flat UP Platform. I think I need to find an angled UP since i sold mine to fund the flat.
Just doesn't seem as comfortable as the angled UP.

My wife bought some clothing storage bags that can be vacuumed down flat for storage last spring. I stole the travel size that will fit two pairs of pants, two shirts, my quarter zip pullover, and my NMG leafy top. Best piece of "gear" I've used this season.
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Cool got a link to the bags
 
Gonna cheat and include the last 2 years since I didn't do this last year and didn't change much this year except my arrows

Like:

EWO Ultimate One Stick. So much nicer than walking in with a platform and 4 sticks
MadRock SafeGuard
All my Sitka clothes
Iron Will single bevels
CVA Optima & Barnes Spit-Fire TMZs
Jetboil
TideWe 270 Hunting Blind for hunting with my kids
Superfeet Insoles

Dislike:

Super Sabre Vanes. Maybe I just got a bad batch but they're extra material on half of them and they're terrible adhering. Hate them
GrizzlyStik Overkill BHs. Either go cheap or spend up. Too soft and easy to get damaged for what you spend
Method 2? Used to love it. This year I've found it hurting more. Might need to make a change
 
bigmike23 said:
Just bought the Aerolight incinerator bibs. 430$ at Eurooptic. After I sell the Fanatic bibs won't be an expensive upgrade at all. Excited to see how much they pack down
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Have you ordered from Eurooptic before?
I don't know if I should thank you for this post or just go to the support thread!
 
gcr0003 said:
I know this a has been a source of conversation before, but are the boot shields very noisy?
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That's the room for improvement I mentioned but, I am anal about noise.

Most will think they aren't bad but, I think they will be too noisy to use at stickbow ranges. When they rub together they do make some noise and they are bulky enough it's hard to move without them rubbing together. I reposition my feet before I shoot so often to try to keep good alignment that I don't think I will be able to use them bowhunting.

I've been thinking of ways to improve them. I think a heavy fleece or wool cover with a built in hand warmer pocket that just covers the front half of the boot and has an elastic strap to go around your heel would be the ticket for bowhunting. It would reduce the bulk while keeping your toes warm and would be silent.
 
GCTerpfan said:
That's the room for improvement I mentioned but, I am anal about noise.

Most will think they aren't bad but, I think they will be too noisy to use at stickbow ranges. When they rub together they do make some noise and they are bulky enough it's hard to move without them rubbing together. I reposition my feet before I shoot so often to try to keep good alignment that I don't think I will be able to use them bowhunting.

I've been thinking of ways to improve them. I think a heavy fleece or wool cover with a built in hand warmer pocket that just covers the front half of the boot and has an elastic strap to go around your heel would be the ticket for bowhunting. It would reduce the bulk while keeping your toes warm and would be silent.
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Others, including myself, are having the same thought

crazy enough to work with a hot hands super warmer on the toe?

https://thefeltstore.com/products/indoor-overshoes?currency=USD&variant=31917799407693&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=17444218240&utm_content=&utm_term=&gadid=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAmNeqBhD4ARIsADsYfTdPxeOIMDfqxY...
saddlehunter.com
 
GCTerpfan said:
That's the room for improvement I mentioned but, I am anal about noise.

Most will think they aren't bad but, I think they will be too noisy to use at stickbow ranges. When they rub together they do make some noise and they are bulky enough it's hard to move without them rubbing together. I reposition my feet before I shoot so often to try to keep good alignment that I don't think I will be able to use them bowhunting.

I've been thinking of ways to improve them. I think a heavy fleece or wool cover with a built in hand warmer pocket that just covers the front half of the boot and has an elastic strap to go around your heel would be the ticket for bowhunting. It would reduce the bulk while keeping your toes warm and would be silent.
Click to expand...
Stealth strip the covers?? Wouldn't help with the hand warmer but would definitely make them quieter
 
GCTerpfan said:
That's the room for improvement I mentioned but, I am anal about noise.

Most will think they aren't bad but, I think they will be too noisy to use at stickbow ranges. When they rub together they do make some noise and they are bulky enough it's hard to move without them rubbing together. I reposition my feet before I shoot so often to try to keep good alignment that I don't think I will be able to use them bowhunting.

I've been thinking of ways to improve them. I think a heavy fleece or wool cover with a built in hand warmer pocket that just covers the front half of the boot and has an elastic strap to go around your heel would be the ticket for bowhunting. It would reduce the bulk while keeping your toes warm and would be silent.
Click to expand...
I have the Artic Shield boot covers and put stealth strips on them so they won't make noise if I rub them together
 
Artic shields are superbly warm but the wear on the bottom was quick with standing on a platform. I put SSs on there to cover the whole but it started to chew through again within 2 hunts
 
GCTerpfan said:
That's the room for improvement I mentioned but, I am anal about noise.

Most will think they aren't bad but, I think they will be too noisy to use at stickbow ranges. When they rub together they do make some noise and they are bulky enough it's hard to move without them rubbing together. I reposition my feet before I shoot so often to try to keep good alignment that I don't think I will be able to use them bowhunting.

I've been thinking of ways to improve them. I think a heavy fleece or wool cover with a built in hand warmer pocket that just covers the front half of the boot and has an elastic strap to go around your heel would be the ticket for bowhunting. It would reduce the bulk while keeping your toes warm and would be silent.
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1701295648191.png

'tis the season...
 
bigmike23 said:
I asked last year and I'll ask again. What worked, what didn't, what do you need or want to change next year?

Liked:
1. My ebike I got this year is the greatest thing I ever bought for hunting. Full stop. It used to be a 1.5-2.5 hr walk in/out. I got burnt out extremely fast cause of that nonsense. Now it's an hr in and out from even my most remote locations. I cant emphasize how much more enjoyable hunting is because of it.

2. Bought the predator platform. I love the little thing. It's rock solid for me. Cams great. No wobble. Wish it was a tad bigger but it worked for lots of all day sits.

3. Fas pack. I got it for half of what it costs from my cousin. I love the thing. It carried everything I wanted including my heavy winter clothes with no problem. I didn't miss a waist belt.

4. IW single bevels 200gr buff head. First time trying SBs. They're 2 for 2. Not a lot to learn from just two kills, but they worked and resharpened right up and spun great. I love how easy the heads are to sharpen. I like the replacement blades because I use a dull head to sight in, then replace it with a sharp one and go hunting.

5. Tx5 gear minimalist tether. I freaking love this thing. So light and small.

6. One sticks. This was the first season of hard use. I love them. Had 1 stick get a loose step which tethrd replaced. I used the beast sticks twice and couldnt believe how bulky they were by comparison.

7. My 257 Roy I bought in January had its maiden kill the other day. Deer went 4 feet. Heart was completely vaporized. Me likely.

Disliked:

1. Tried the Proximity jacket again twice this year. Absolutely froze both times in just mid 30 degree weather. This thing blows. I don't care what anyone tells me. Wind comes through the sleeves and shoulders. The tight cuffs suck for layering. And it's the second jacket that tore on me in the same spot. Instead of them sending me another they gave me full store credit. Good riddance.

2. Fanatic bibs. They are extremely warm, and comfy. But they are just too bulky for my kind of hunting. No matter how cold it got this year I stuck it out in the Stratus bibs and made out okay. I'm gunna sell them and maybe pick up the Incinerator bibs that pack down so much better.

3. Tuff head SB 200 gr. I think these were pure garbage. I loved the idea of a Bishop like solid machined SB in s7. The machining on these heads was god AWFUL. Every head had a different bevel angel. For my kme sharpener I had to use both the normal and high bevel angle block because they varied so much. Then the ferrule on one was so fat that the diamond stone couldn't hit the bevel and just hit the ferrule.

I not sure what I want or need for next year. Pretty happy with everything. If the Vader platform doesn't kill anybody I may try it next year. I also need to start researching frame packs for packing out meat. I killed my buck on top of a remote Mtn, and my cart didn't work at all due to the sheep laurel. It was a nightmare getting him out. Packing out 100% moving forward.
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If I remember right you’re the expensive sock guy? If not either way, I’d recommend Mystery Ranch. Mainly when they’re on sale. I have 500$ in a frame and two bags. If not I’d only have mid 300$. I’m usually not afraid to spend money on stuff but I personally don’t see the point in a some of these crazy expensive packs. Unless you would use it every hunt and not just for packing out. If money wasn’t an option I’d look hard at Exo Mountain gear. Even then I love my mystery ranch packs.
bigmike23 said:
And they messed the order up... Sent wrong sizeView attachment 95998View attachment 95999
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let me know how u end up liking them. I’ve heard some people say they arnt as warm as the first series but idk how true that is. I’d definitely like something to pack down better than my fanatic series. They look sweet!
 
Bowtie747 said:
If I remember right you’re the expensive sock guy? If not either way, I’d recommend Mystery Ranch. Mainly when they’re on sale. I have 500$ in a frame and two bags. If not I’d only have mid 300$. I’m usually not afraid to spend money on stuff but I personally don’t see the point in a some of these crazy expensive packs. Unless you would use it every hunt and not just for packing out. If money wasn’t an option I’d look hard at Exo Mountain gear. Even then I love my mystery ranch packs.

let me know how u end up liking them. I’ve heard some people say they arnt as warm as the first series but idk how true that is. I’d definitely like something to pack down better than my fanatic series. They look sweet!
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They definitely seem on the thin side. Like surprisingly thin. I can't see them being warmer than the fanatic set. But if they're even 40% warmer than the Stratus bibs they'll work for me. Fanatic is just awful for the distances and steep hills I climb
 
bigmike23 said:
They definitely seem on the thin side. Like surprisingly thin. I can't see them being warmer than the fanatic set. But if they're even 40% warmer than the Stratus bibs they'll work for me. Fanatic is just awful for the distances and steep hills I climb
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Yea I’m always trying to find ways to extend my Stratus set. Added the First lite Source and Sitka equinox midis. Haven’t used the Source yet but I’m hoping it helps me. Seems thin haha Equinox midis are sweet
 
bigmike23 said:
They definitely seem on the thin side. Like surprisingly thin. I can't see them being warmer than the fanatic set. But if they're even 40% warmer than the Stratus bibs they'll work for me. Fanatic is just awful for the distances and steep hills I climb
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Aerolite jacket came last week and it’s shockingly thin. Haven’t tried it yet. doesn’t fit great, I guess it’s for the very late season on top of a lot of layers
 
Bowtie747 said:
Yea I’m always trying to find ways to extend my Stratus set. Added the First lite Source and Sitka equinox midis. Haven’t used the Source yet but I’m hoping it helps me. Seems thin haha Equinox midis are sweet
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I did not like the equinox midis at all. I don't like that tapered fit on midlayers. The best mid 40s outer piece and best mid layer when colder I've ever used is the FL uncompagre puffy pants. They aren't listed at windproof but I huffed and puffed to try and push air through with no avail. They're amazing
 
elk yinzer said:
I started bringing a kindle on all day sits. Never really read before. I found the end of the internet a few times, I'm very much over that. Zen is good but brain doesn't always want to go there. Reading worked out, time goes much faster with a good book. I only use it when the leaves are crunchy.

Actually regressed back to my old Helium(s) from my Tthrd ONE. That's pretty much a tossup for me I love how light the titanium is, but man I really do just love the Helium design. Always have. The folding steps and flat beam just pack nicer and climb better. Very ergonomic stick, a shame the quality took a dump as is reputed.

I keep resisting the ebike. I don't have a lot of urge to get one, but it would save me some massive hikes. Maybe even open up some spots I may not have the option to hunt otherwise if I need to hurry back to town for dad duties. I need to sell myself on that one I think to cross into the darkside. I think my barrier is logistics, just another thing to charge, maintain, pack, unpack, worry about getting stolen is a big one. And I couldn't use it half the places I hunt. And I don't really want to be associated with the huntbro crowd that I see using them primarily.
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I am toting a Kindle too, and love it. Makes reading on the stand a lot easier and can quickly hide the Kindle in case an animal approaches. I drilled a ~3mm hole in the top right corner of the kindle and strung about 24"of D loop cord through it, enabling me to tie it off to something so I can dump it fast when a deer comes in. (voids warranty, I know).

E-bike: Adds an entirely new fun "boost" to your hunts. I am hooked.
 
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