I'd be looking for: goretex, leather (more durable), not low top like tennis shoes but not higher than 'normal' hiking boots, and obviously the big one is comfort/fit. Heel slippage is the enemy here.
There are some decent lowa (made in Germany) on sale now at Sierra. The renegade model is not...
I could see it being handy to carry instead of a wind layer (similar size but more warmth) on a longer rock climb or possibly cycling just due to packed size/weight. Not much use for hunting I guess.
Love the xtherm - older model. Complete game changer in terms of both r value and weight/size. Also more comfortable than older style pads. IMHO made every pad made before it obsolete except arguably a huge thick car camping one.
This is a chance to buy made in the USA, if you are going to get a quality pack, if you are into that sort of thing. Otherwise it's nice I think to see/try them in person before you commit. I have an eberlestock frame, which I'm not in love with other than it does well with heavy loads for me.
I honestly don't even understand why sfp exists in rifle scopes. I have heard the arguments in favor, which basically boils down to "the reticle looks the same and they are cheaper." Cheaper I get, and if you can't see the reticle that makes shooting harder. But sfp seems to always leave open...
If it makes any sense, I like to try to find an un cushioned but thicker wool synthetic blend sock. My favorite are a really old pair of fox river socks (not made anymore) that have been used extremely heavily and still going. The smartwool "running" socks are often offered without cushion.
I am in a similar situation right now with only a couple of weeks until hunting elk.
Today I shot through paper a bunch to get more consistent tears. I think my grip and back tension were a bit off. And possibly my draw length is a bit too long (I'm right handed and BH hitting left, getting...
I wouldn't worry about them, though a tag for them is a good idea if possible where you hunt. There are a lot of lions out there these days, and I don't think there's anywhere the elk are that the lions won't also be.
Don't mind all the haters, as we used to call them BITD. Camo is fun. I personally like the valo over the verde, as green doesn't always blend. But in dark timber or PJ forest, verde does a great job. Also it hides you from other hunters! Who are jealous of your camo.
Circulation is key for warm feet, so make sure your lacing is not too tight. Lots of tricks to lace differently if need be. +1 to trying bread bags. I think that VBLs could help for multi day trips in cold temps if you can't dry your boots overnight, but I've have never found the need for them...
Asking $80 shipped to 48. Both pants and jacket are men's L. I wear XL and 36 pants and they are too small for me. Super quiet and has opening for tree stand harness. Great condition with minimal pilling. Prefer PayPal or venmo f&f.
I can see that planning to be out wandering in the woods for 2 weeks is different than 72 hours with a specific route in mind. But the idea of being light and agile and responsive to where the animals are is so appealing...
I suppose when we are talking about only a few thousand or so feet of...
How light do you go? Anyone doing stupid light bivy hunting? No sleeping bag or pad, no shelter system, etc. How far in are we really that we need to carry all this crap? I see people (me) with huge 'expedition' type loads for backpack hunting, and I get why but also wonder if another way is...
Yeah buddy! I'm dreaming of the screaming! Drew a once in a lifetime tag (only 25 tags for the first two weeks of the season), and it's my first archery elk hunt. New to me unit but have been scouting as hard as I can - it's like a 4 hour drive and family obligations don't end just because I...
Interesting topic.
I've done lots of miles in everything from plastic double mountain boots to minimalist trail runners (even experimented with barefoot for a while), with and without a pack. I find durability, stiffness, and traction to be features I like if hiking with a big pack. Stiffness...
I've generally found the FS motor vehicle use map to be accurate. There are a lot of closed roads that are inaccessible, but people tend to keep the authorized ones open in my experience. And you may find some of the roads to be rough, depending on where you are coming from and what you are driving.