Definitely gear. Especially handy for crossing creeks/rivers for finding footing etc. Come in especially handy when hiking steep downhill/shale faces with a heavy pack on.
Had issues with cramping and soreness a couple years back. I picked up a bunch of "Biosteel" Hydration single serve packets. I rationed a couple per day last season and I think they helped a lot with muscle soreness/recovery. I have only tried the mixed berry and watermelon flavors and they are...
My sheep hunting partner killed his first ram with a 25-06. It works well. I always lean to a lower recoiling cartridge that I can shoot effectively. My pick would be something in a short action 260, 7-08, etc but that 25-06 is a beauty. I run a 6.5x47L.
I run a kimber mountain ascent re-barreled to 6.5x47L that weighs 6lb 6oz with a 3-9x40 leupold and 4 shells. Was lucky enough to down my bighorn last season at 298yds, running a 129 accubond lr. My advice is run a caliber you are comfortable to shoot, and learn to shoot it well. My rem700ti...
I didn't run a bipod on my rifle last season and wish I had. I'll be running the Spartan Javelin on my rig for my next mountain hunt. Got to handle a friends kimber 280ai with the spartan and it is a nice piece. Well worth the $
VAhunter01, what did you end up getting for velocity with the 180s? I'm having my smith put together a 7saum with very similar specs to yours, wondered what a guy can expect "realistically" for velocity?