15 to 16, what gear are you changing?!

[209hunter]

I gave the floorless shelter a shot last year and I'm going back to a freestanding 3 season tent. So I think I'm going to pick up a Big Agnes CS UL2. I'm also kicking around the idea of trying out a Nikon Prostaff 5 16-48x60, seems like a good compromise between the weight of a 65mm and the narrow fov of the 50mm.

 

[Salix]

Got new Mavens for Christmas. On the list of gear to get for 2016 is trekking poles and a sleeping bag upgrade. Considering switching to a quilt.

 

[bearstalker]

A bivy bag of some sort is something I plan on getting this year. Also plan on trying a Stone Glacier pack, just need to decide on which one. Other than that I'm sitting pretty good.

 

[gmajor]

Moving from my old beat up zlite to an xtherm. I actually do think better sleep will help me. Also getting a delorme so i can check in with the wife.

 

[5MilesBack]

That might be true with optics and boots but I can't think of anything else.

Actually there are a lot of gear items that can make or break your success. If you can't sleep at night because you are wet or cold, a new sleep system can keep you in the game. Same for clothes.......you're just not going to be at your best if you can't stay warm or dry. And if you choose the wrong bullets or broadheads you may be in for a LONG tracking job with no or very little blood to follow. Or, you pick up a Havalon and break all your blades and have no backup. So ya, gear can definitely make or break you in a lot of situations.

 

[Rucker61]

Just replaced my Carbon Knight with a Quest Amp. I like the draw cycle much better. Needs for this year are Sitka Mountain pants, Timberline jacket and their lightweight neck gaiter. I also need to replenish the Mountain House food stash that the dogs got into.

And yeah, that whole fitness and bow accuracy thing.

 

[BroodBuster]

I need all new camo. I also need to switch out the hip belts on my Exo 3500 and T1 from large to medium.

35#'s down with another 25-30 to go .

 

[cody6510]

Got schnee's beartooths for Christmas, used Irish setters in 2015. Plan to upgrade to swaro binos in the next few weeks once I get rid of some other unused gear. I'm also giving some thought to trying the new Kifaru frame (currently using the bikini).

 

[bbrown]

The new duplex frame on order and already added a SO Cimarron should be about it.

Famous last words....

 

[MTguy0341]

Upgrading my 13 year old wind river binos to a vortex HD also with AGC harness. Looking to try the new FL gear once it hits the market.

 

[bates]

2 new pairs of lowas from Lathrop


Going to drop some coin and get a nice bag. Probably wm badger.

 

[twall13]

Optics are the big ones on the list for me this year. I plan on getting some Maven B2's along with the new Sig Kilo 2000 rangefinder to upgrade from my Nikon monarchs and Nikon rangefinder. I'd also like to upgrade my tripod system, probably a Promaster carbon fiber tripod with an Outdoorsmans head and bino adapter. Other than that, I'll likely pick up the new First Lite Vapor Stormlight jacket at some point as well but since I don't really "need" a new rain jacket at the moment hopefully I can hold myself off till I find a deal on one.

 

[couesbitten]

I'm pretty set, but I am looking to switch to an EE Revelation and an Accomplice. Looking to get a larger tipi for 3-5 people. Might also get myself a new pair of boots.

 

[elkyinzer]

Gear…not too much planned but that sometimes changes

Of course, I bought my first fancy backpack, the old MR NICE frame in its final year. It’s a really great pack setup but heavy as noted by many. I also like the look and design of the new Kifaru frames. If I can try one out and make my existing bags work and not lose my ass selling the MR I may just switch over.

A recent post in the archery forum turned me onto the noise that the vanes on arrows make, so I am testing and working through some theories and objectively reexamining my whole arrow and broadhead configuration to ensure that any miscues are operator error and not equipment failure. Also practicing a lot of shooting, dialing in my routine for a quicker release while maintaining form, and also improving my accuracy from 40-60 yards.

Couple improvements to my boring old whitetail gear. Searching for a lighter climbing treestand and some lower powered optics than my 10x Diamondbacks for dense woods.


I'll go beyond gear and get reflective about my goals to improve skills and knowledge in 2016…..in my mind this is more vital to success than any piece of gear could ever be

First order of business is cutting 10-15 pounds...from myself…of post-season food and beer weight. Was maintaining for a couple months but in the last week I've found a good routine again.

Unless I draw o.i.l. Utah tag, 99% sure I am not going to hunt elk or go out West this year because my wife and I are expecting a future hunting buddy in July and I intend to still be married come October. Nothing cooler than that and I'll be back chasing bugles in '17. Surely she'd understand a San Juan tag though......

Moving this spring to State College, PA, where I spent my college years. Spent the last 7 years living the city life for work between D.C. and Pittsburgh and I am thoroughly done with it. Have a really cool opportunity to get out of that grind and back to a quieter place. I'll have much better access to the big chunks of public land where I've hunted mountain whitetails, and access to much better training trails.

Another goal I set for 2016 is to involve myself more in the conservation aspect of hunting besides simply writing checks to RMEF and BHA. There have never been so many threats to the hunting lifestyle we all live and breathe, and for whatever reason I’ve become really inspired over the past year to do my part to help out and give back. I see role models and selfless ambassadors like Rinella and Newburg and others fighting so hard for our causes and it makes me want to use my skills and passion to help.

 

[luke moffat]

I did pick up a new style duplex hunting frame late last year. Its not even here yet. Will be using that for most of my hunting trips, but likely Kuiu Ultra or Paradox Revo for my summer backpacking and scouting......everything else is roughly the same as last year.

 

[Nick Muche]

This post is super boring lol. Nobody said gear makes you successful but it sure is fun to talk about new stuff. And yes it does help you be more successful.

If you weren't successful with lesser gear, you won't be with better gear. Either you got "it" or you don't and if you don't, only being out there and learning as much as you can will help you, not gear.

 

[rileybassman]

I'm feeling fairly set up after the last year or two.. picked up a sitka stratus set for half off in the bargain cave the other day...
eventually want to pick up a HD5 or similar scope, but don't think that is in the cards for this year

 

[justin davis]

Same stuff. But maybe changing vanes on my current arrows.

 

[dunner543]

Last year was my first year of "Western" hunting so ill be changing a lot of stuff, in fact, I changed quite a few things between archery and rifle seasons. This site has been a huge help just learning from you guys, but you still have to learn some things the hard way. I changed packs every hunt ending up with a Kuiu pack attached to a g2 duplex. Now I have an Argali on that frame awaiting its new UL duplex to arrive. I think the big thing ill be adding that I didn't have last year is a spotting scope and/or possibly some 15s. Right now I'm leaning towards the spotter but we'll see.

 

[aclawrence]

If you weren't successful with lesser gear, you won't be with better gear. Either you got "it" or you don't and if you don't, only being out there and learning as much as you can will help you, not gear.

Well said, I agree with this. If you are a good hunter I think having better gear can definitely benefit you.