Top 5 best/worst gear purchases

[Aeds151]

@Blacksmith
Are those the Lacrosse Aerohead sports or original? My Lacrosse Aeroheads have been the best for 2 seasons. A lot of steep, rocky, nasty Ozark Mt hikes.


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[Tr33_n1nj@]

Still don’t have my saddle (kite), platform (predator) or sticks (heliums) yet so I’m sure this will change when go fully down that rabbit hole. but for now:

Worst:

Guide Gear Extreme Comfort hang on stand- it sure is comfortable sitting in my garage. I hung it one time. It was such a PITA I left it there for 3 years and had to cut it off the tree. Yeah it has a chain, and weighs about 80 pounds.

Moultrie 150i panoramic game camera- just entirely to large and expensive and the way it stores pictures into folders for each day is not convenient. Maybe on a large field in time lapse mode it’s good, but it eats c-cell batteries before the raccoons can even finish my corn.

Federal ammo - specifically Non Typical, Fusion, and Trophy Bonded Tip - terminal ballistics hell, did I hit it?

Tinks or any other fake dear pee - Dear God

Anything Bone Collector - save yourself the trouble and just send them a check.

Best:
Hand warmers
Rangefinder
Toyota Tacoma / General Grabber AT 2 tires
Burris scopes
Gold tip arrows

 

[five]

3) bypass pruners

Okatsune 101 7-inch Bypass Pruners, Small
These are pretty awesome. Pricy, but they do the trick. (As long as you don’t mistake a chain link fence for a briar...)

 

[83mulligan]

Best:

1) AGC Bino Harness. Until I hunted out west the first time my binos were always in my pack and never got used. Now I enjoy using them and having them so handy.
2) Good clothing. Too many items to list but investing in quality stuff keeps me out there
3) The internet-youtube. Can't put a price on all the info and diy guidance places like this and youtube put right in front of me
4) Good binos. I never knew what I was missing until I invested in mine
5) Jet Sled - game changer for bringing out a deer solo

Worst:
1) Baker climbing tree stand. was a long time ago, but OMG!
2) Gloves - almost all the ones I've ever bought tried
3) Alot of cheap packs, as others have mentioned.
4) All the deer rut lures I used to think may work
5) The deer view mirror! Just kidding, has anybody ever really bought that??

 

[Aeds151]

They are sold out so someone is buying the deer view mirror. Some moron on amazon bought two according to the reviews. What a joke


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[philsanchez76]

Still don’t have my saddle (kite), platform (predator) or sticks (heliums) yet so I’m sure this will change when go fully down that rabbit hole. but for now:

Worst:

Guide Gear Extreme Comfort hang on stand- it sure is comfortable sitting in my garage. I hung it one time. It was such a PITA I left it there for 3 years and had to cut it off the tree. Yeah it has a chain, and weighs about 80 pounds.

Moultrie 150i panoramic game camera- just entirely to large and expensive and the way it stores pictures into folders for each day is not convenient. Maybe on a large field in time lapse mode it’s good, but it eats c-cell batteries before the raccoons can even finish my corn.

Federal ammo - specifically Non Typical, Fusion, and Trophy Bonded Tip - terminal ballistics hell, did I hit it?

Tinks or any other fake dear pee - Dear God

Anything Bone Collector - save yourself the trouble and just send them a check.

Best:
Hand warmers
Rangefinder
Toyota Tacoma / General Grabber AT 2 tires
Burris scopes
Gold tip arrows

x2 on General Grabbers. Had these on my old 4runner for years now and the tread just won't wear down! Great for snow too. Also love Gold tips.

 

[mattsteg]

There's not too much I'd put on the bottom 5. Even stuff used once or twice often gives a valuable lesson (i.e. i have a mantis i don't really use, but it gives me a comparison against the kestrel)

Best
Kestrel
Bolts
Squirrelsteps
Going to animatedknots.com to learn better knots and hitches
Gotta get chemical handwarmer packs in here.
Gaiagps.com

Worst - basically stuff that didn't deliver what I was expecting
Xop stand/sticks
Tethrd ropes
Tenzing combo fannypack/muff

Just about everything else I feel like I at least learned something from. And even moving to be mobile with the stand/sticks put me on the path to saddles.

 

[MathewsShooter7]

Best:

1) AGC Bino Harness. Until I hunted out west the first time my binos were always in my pack and never got used. Now I enjoy using them and having them so handy.
2) Good clothing. Too many items to list but investing in quality stuff keeps me out there
3) The internet-youtube. Can't put a price on all the info and diy guidance places like this and youtube put right in front of me
4) Good binos. I never knew what I was missing until I invested in mine
5) Jet Sled - game changer for bringing out a deer solo

Worst:
1) Baker climbing tree stand. was a long time ago, but OMG!
2) Gloves - almost all the ones I've ever bought tried
3) Alot of cheap packs, as others have mentioned.
4) All the deer rut lures I used to think may work
5) The deer view mirror! Just kidding, has anybody ever really bought that??

eww the old Bakers were death traps, I cut my teeth and lot more on one of those. Looking back I cant even believe I used to hunt on that thing...the original loggy climber i graduated to next was not much better! Bloody forearms and chest just came with the territory inch worming your way up and down the tree not wearing a harness of any kind. Man I was stupid then haha

 

[MathewsShooter7]

Best:
#1 Good clothing-Making the switch years ago to Merino Wool from stinky poly. I really like my First Lite System. I just do not think about being cold or uncomfortable anymore. I would lump good boots in with this as well.
#2 My Tethered Saddle and Predator Platform- This is my first year in the saddle and after approximately 20 sits i do not have an ounce of regret. I love this system.
#3 Silkey 16 ft extendable pole saw and Silkey Hand saw...Pricey but they cut like butter!
#4 Good optics- Range finder and Bino's
#5 Spot Hogg Wise Guy Boa Release- I just love everything about this release. I've shot some Scott's and some Carters over the years and this is my favorite.

Worst:
#1 Any pole saw or hand saw I purchased before the Silkey
#2 Any deer scent other than Evercalm...it is the only scent I will use today.
#3 Loggy Bayou climber ( the baker i had before that was a hand me down from my dad, good looking out pops!). I cant tell you how many times ive caught that stupid metal band on something only to hear bbbboooooiiiinnnnggg!
#4 Montana deer decoy...Had it work once on a rutted up 9 pt. but way more deer would blow and run off from that thing as soon as come to it. I enjoy decoying and the rinehart i have now has worked really well! I have not taking one off of it yet but the deer have responded way more favorably.
#5 Rocky hunting boots...Rocky was the boot when i was coming up and any pair i ever had fell apart and or leaked somewhere.

 

[Woofron]

eww the old Bakers were death traps, I cut my teeth and lot more on one of those. Looking back I cant even believe I used to hunt on that thing...the original loggy climber i graduated to next was not much better! Bloody forearms and chest just came with the territory inch worming your way up and down the tree not wearing a harness of any kind. Man I was stupid then haha

I had a Baker too! God, I wouldn't risk my hide like that anymore! I rapidly descended a few icy trees. I upgraded eventually to a Summit. My brother used the Baker with the same experiences I did and eventually left it in a public hunting area. We came back years later and the frame was still around the tree; the plywood was long gone.

 

[MathewsShooter7]

I had a Baker too! God, I wouldn't risk my hide like that anymore! I rapidly descended a few icy trees. I upgraded eventually to a Summit. My brother used the Baker with the same experiences I did and eventually left it in a public hunting area. We came back years later and the frame was still around the tree; the plywood was long gone.

I do wish i still had mine just for the nostalgia of it though. i did see one in good shape on ebay or somewhere a while back. I had a few rapid descents for sure and can remember a few times it dropped out on me several feet and i must have looked like a monkey humping a football on the way down. I was like 11 or 12 using that darn thing!

 

[ThebigD]

Best
OnX maps- no explanation needed.
Power pack backup charger- can charge my head lamp and cell phone while in the woods.
Carter wise choice release.- love that release.
Electric boot dryer- i have dry boots the next day after walking through creeks or or heavy rain.
hat/beenie with built in light- someone gifted them to me and ill have to say, having a light built in to your hat is kinda nice.

Worst
Cheap bow sight- kinda like eating with a plastic spork...will it work? Yes. Is it fun? No.
hawk mini bow hanger- I know alot of guys like them but i dont trust that shollow hook and flimsy joint.
Primo can calls- One piece of pocket lint or dirt and the call goes from sounding like a deer to the sound my wife makes when i tell her i missed a deer...disappointed.
Facemask- I wear glasses and every one ive tried just fogs me out.
synthetic deer piss- After CWD become main stream Va outlawed real deer pee and made us switch to synthetic. I just have zero confidence and have not found one that i trust putting out.

 

[83mulligan]

I do wish i still had mine just for the nostalgia of it though. i did see one in good shape on ebay or somewhere a while back. I had a few rapid descents for sure and can remember a few times it dropped out on me several feet and i must have looked like a monkey humping a football on the way down. I was like 11 or 12 using that darn thing!

I actually built a second one. My first bowhunting DIY. Did it so I could leave one up at the cabin. I also used mine as a lock on and woud climb white pines on the branches and hang them up there. That was the '80s. I've since become much safer with linemans belt, harness, tether gear.

 

[Dave_Collins]

Best (in reverse order)
Honorable Mention: Madrock Safeguard. I love this little ascender/descender. Its almost like it was custom built with saddle hunting in mind. Also, I really, really enjoy rappelling from the tree at the end of the hunt - woohoo.
5. Modified Hawk Helium. Shortened so it fits vertical in the pouch of turkey vest (my pack), it offers no issue with carrying. Add the cam cleat and rope and it becomes an invaluable one stick for climbing almost any tree I want.
4. Turkey vest. This thing has gone with me in the woods on virtually every big game hunt (turkey/deer) I've been on for the last 15 years. Separate pockets on the front keep my gear accessible and sorted. Pouch on the back works for larger items like layers, stick and platform. Hangs and wraps around the tree so everything is still accessible without creating a large bulge on the tree. Bonus is that the padding in the back that is intended as air flow standoffs doubles as great kneepads.
3. Ropeman 1. Love the ease of adjustment provided. Never really liked the "set back" associated with prussics and there is virtually none when using the ropeman. Pull the tag end to where you want it and it stays there.
2. Predator. Bought this as an after thought. I had already placed my Mantis order a month earlier and then went back and placed an order for the Predator figuring I could always unload it if it wasn't for me. Wow, with an amsteel daisy chain mod this thing is the berries. Light, compact, quiet and quick to set up. This turned out to be my number one purchase of 2018. So much so I bought a second one as a backup.
1. Kestrel. Although not my primary "go to" saddle these days, I'm not sure I would still be saddle hunting if I hadn't purchased the Kestrel. First saddle I truly was able to find comfort with. Purchasing and using this for season changed my hunting experience.

Worst (also in reverse order)
I have to qualify this list though. It's not that I don't like most things on this list, its more that they have just not proven to be useful for me in my hunting setups.
5. Climbrite Spurs. Bought these after watching @flinginairos demonstration video. I do love how easy they are to climb with. Only issue I have is that I hunt about 95% public and they're just not practical for that.
4. SRT Climbing Tools. Starting out I thought SRT was going to be the ticket to getting into the tree for me. I love the ease of climbing (easiest way to climb a tree in my opinion) and it worked great in the backyard. That ease did not translate well into the woods. For me the throw line tangles and grabs underbrush even in the daylight. To be effective I need to preset trees and I find now that I'm not repeat hunting trees very often so its just not practical. I still enjoy going out and using them for sport though.
3. Madrock Lifeguard. Funny, as much as I like the Safeguard, I didn't like the Lifeguard. The cam return spring was too strong and I was always nervous it was going to uncam and not recam on me in the tree if I unweighted my tether at all. Ended up selling it to an ice climbing buddy for use as a belay device. Its what it was designed for and he loves it for that application.
2. Aero Evolution. My first saddle. As a new saddle hunter I could never get it dialed in to where I was comfortable in it. I think a large part of that was the fact that it had so many adjustments available and as novice saddlehunter I didn't have enough experience to know what I needed to do to find the sweet spot. In fairness, I broke this out for a buddy to play with earlier this year and before I gave it to him I sat in it for a bit. Knowing what I now know I was able to dial the comfort in perfectly in minutes. This may move up on the list for all day sits. It just didn't work for me starting out.
1. 5 Step Aider. Wow, I want this to work in the worst way. I have practiced a bunch with it but I just can't get comfortable with long aiders. The kick out factor is just to great for me.

I'm very curious about the Madrock Safeguard. Since I read about the possibility of the Ropeman 1 and other tooth using devices severing a line in a catastrophic fall, I'm very careful about using mine, I only use it on my Lineman's belt now during the climb, and use a good old fashioned Prussic as my method of attaching to the tether when I'm at hunting height. Just curious about when/where you use the Safeguard as you also mention using the Ropeman, I like my Ropeman a lot too, but reading that report really gave me pause. Thanks

 

[boyne bowhunter]

I'm very curious about the Madrock Safeguard. Since I read about the possibility of the Ropeman 1 and other tooth using devices severing a line in a catastrophic fall, I'm very careful about using mine, I only use it on my Lineman's belt now during the climb, and use a good old fashioned Prussic as my method of attaching to the tether when I'm at hunting height. Just curious about when/where you use the Safeguard as you also mention using the Ropeman, I like my Ropeman a lot too, but reading that report really gave me pause. Thanks

Last year I hung off the Safeguard quite a bit if I climbed using my rappel rope. It worked well but I always backed it up with a slip knot tied just underneath it once at height. This year I have only been using it for rappelling as I have been using a short tether while climbing and sitting in the tree.

The Safeguard/Lifeguard is designed for use as a belay device so it is inherently a fall restraint device. No worries about it severing your tether. The cam is smooth, not toothed like the Ropeman. I still use a Ropeman on my lineman's belt/adjustable bridge as I'm not concerned about the low forces generated in an essentially static swing against the tree which would occur once I'm at height and the tether is tensioned. I did however replace the Ropeman I was using on my short tether with a Distel hitch because I one stick and that results in a slack tether and potential dynamic fall each time I climb the stick.

IMO, at about $90 the Safeguard would be a pricey addition to your kit if all you intend to do is hang from it. If you're planning on rappelling after the hunt it is well worth it.

 

[Dave_Collins]

Last year I hung off the Safeguard quite a bit if I climbed using my rappel rope. It worked well but I always backed it up with a slip knot tied just underneath it once at height. This year I have only been using it for rappelling as I have been using a short tether while climbing and sitting in the tree.

The Safeguard/Lifeguard is designed for use as a belay device so it is inherently a fall restraint device. No worries about it severing your tether. The cam is smooth, not toothed like the Ropeman. I still use a Ropeman on my lineman's belt/adjustable bridge as I'm not concerned about the low forces generated in an essentially static swing against the tree which would occur once I'm at height and the tether is tensioned. I did however replace the Ropeman I was using on my short tether with a Distel hitch because I one stick and that results in a slack tether and potential dynamic fall each time I climb the stick.

IMO, at about $90 the Safeguard would be a pricey addition to your kit if all you intend to do is hang from it. If you're planning on rappelling after the hunt it is well worth it.

Awesome, thanks very much!!!

 

[mtsrunner]

Best: no particular order:

1:NiteIze gear ties. I use them for so many things.

2: lightweight merino wool buff: this 1.7 oz marvel can regulate my comfort level through about a 20* range depending on how/if it’s deployed.

3: Hot Hands Mega chemical handwarmer packs. The Mega (18 hours) are the only way to go for me. The regular ones just don’t make enough difference to fool with.

4: Treehopper mini folding drill and carbon bolts. Any tree, any time. I live in NC, so they are even legal on public land as long as they are removed after each hunt.

5: Replaceable blade knives. I have hundreds (maybe thousands) of dollars of regular knives and various sharpening implements laying around. I suck at using all of them. My father-in-law can take a stone he found in the garden and a plastic spork and have it shaving sharp in 5 minutes. Makes me sick. Anyway, I finally gave up and got a Havalon Piranta and it changed my life. Just ordered a Tyto Ti because I wanted a non-folding version.

Worst:
Too many to list. I have a garage full of crap.
I may come back and edit this part as I think of stuff.

 

[raisins]

Best
1. hawk helium sticks
2. hot hands adhesive body warmers (total game changer for me in the cold)
3. arctic shield boot covers
4. high loft down mid layer jacket
5. onx hunt phone app

Worst
1. a bunch of socks that were just larges and not XL (too tight)
2. sitka downpour jacket (a post on its own and on list because it was $$$ and I had to mod it to work right)
3. various muck and lacrosse rubber neoprene boots (too heavy and uncomfortable to walk very far, only wear now when walking short distances or somewhere where ground scent is big deal)....I agree with another poster that the Muck Pursuit Shadows (lace up neoprene) are awesome and light, but the soles on mine started to come off first season
4. heavy, loud accessory holder with metal hooks (only bought due to extreme durability)
5. Lone Wolf Alphatech treestand (made in china, discontinued quickly, every bolt was surface rusted completely in 1 season and I never left in a tree overnight nor stored in a wet environment)

 

[raisins]

Best
OnX maps- no explanation needed.
Power pack backup charger- can charge my head lamp and cell phone while in the woods.
Carter wise choice release.- love that release.
Electric boot dryer- i have dry boots the next day after walking through creeks or or heavy rain.
hat/beenie with built in light- someone gifted them to me and ill have to say, having a light built in to your hat is kinda nice.

Worst
Cheap bow sight- kinda like eating with a plastic spork...will it work? Yes. Is it fun? No.
hawk mini bow hanger- I know alot of guys like them but i dont trust that shollow hook and flimsy joint.
Primo can calls- One piece of pocket lint or dirt and the call goes from sounding like a deer to the sound my wife makes when i tell her i missed a deer...disappointed.
Facemask- I wear glasses and every one ive tried just fogs me out.
synthetic deer piss- After CWD become main stream Va outlawed real deer pee and made us switch to synthetic. I just have zero confidence and have not found one that i trust putting out.

boot dryers are awesome....I use mine every time out (even no rain) to dry the sweat out of the boot....makes a big difference in stink-atude over time

agree with the glasses and face mask combo....I can get away with a fleece (somewhat breathable) gaiter just to my top lip and then breath in a controlled way, still fogs up sometimes

 

[raisins]

@Lawson_vt
I gave up on gloves as it changed my anchor point. I bought a hand muff on midwayusa.com for $19.99. It is much warmer and I have hands free when its time.


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I have the same warmer, and it is the bomb. I should've put "almost any clothing made by midwayusa" on my best list. The quality to price ratio is great, especially when they run their sales.