I didn't think I had made too many changes for 2018 until I started thinking about it...
Added a (used) Super Tarp w/ annex a few months ago, just spent the 1st night in it last night. Looking forward to having this with me for solo Spike Camping in September. I currently run a cylinder stove, but I've been thinking about going with the Lite Outdoors stove this Fall.
Great choice ..... I have been running the LO 18" for a few years now
Weapons
Added a new rifle in January, 1st one I've bought in nearly 30 years! CA Ridgeline in 300WSM, Nightforce NXS 5.5x22. For kicks I Grabbed a Javelin Bipod for it (thanks Rokslide!). Will be picking up a suppressor for it pretty soon, narrowed down to two. I also Added a 480 Ruger Alaskan with Kenai chest holster, 1st hunt in Grizzly country coming up in about 2 months.
Thought I would upgrade from my 2016 Halon to the Triax this year, but I haven't had time to even look at one yet. I am absolutely Going to make some changes with my arrow set up. Ran the GT Pierce last season. Great shooting but super frustrating. Undecided on next arrow but maybe the new FMJ or some Black Eagle...?
I switched to BE arrows about 3 years ago. I run the X Impacts- love them - super consistent and touch
Also thinking about getting away from a wrist rocket style release. I don't know a damn thing about what "type" I want (back tension, hinge, thumb?). the only thing I know for sure is that - after I have clipped my release into my D-loop, I want to still be able to use my right hand to operate my rangefinder without unclipping and then having to reattach.
I have a Carter Honey 2 I have played with- it will clip and hang
It is a hinge style, with decent adjustability
I also just ordered the Carter Evolution
Optics:
Probably no changes this year. I upgraded my bino's last year from Vortex to (used) swaro EL 8x32. I want to upgrade my spotter along the same lines but I can't justify it since I never carry the damn thing hunting elk in the timber. I think I will look at the SLC 15's or the EL 12's in the next year or two, I just need to draw the right tag to properly incentivise me. I'm not a huge fan of my Silk Tripod either, so I would upgrade that at the same time.
I switched a couple years ago to a Promaster and a Manfrotto- both decent set ups for 65 size up to 90's
I've got the sig2200 RF and I like it pretty good, just wish it had a little tighter reticle/beam. I could pick up one of those nikon RF's that everyone is talking about if I can get my hands on one to play with.
Other:
Added the Zebralight Headlamp, man that thing is awesome. replaced my spot.
Dropping the Sawyer Squeeze and going to the SteriPEN this year. I've been resistant, but I finally broke down. I couldn't remember to put the damn Sawyer in my bag at night and it froze on me about a half dozen times in WY. I also found the bags they include with it are damn near impossible to fill up in the field and that was a pain. Haven't used the PEN yet, but with the included nalgene filter cap to get the solids out, I'm starting to get on board now. Looks super fast and very convenient.
Went back to my AGC Bino Harness after running the Muley Freak for a season. Didn't hate it, but I put on the AGC again a month or so ago and it just felt right.
Haha I tried a few different ones and kept coming back to my AGC too
Clothing is pretty dialed in, but I just ordered a pair of Pnuma Tenacity Pants to try out. I make a few hunts in WTX each year and the cactus out there just destroys my sitka/Eddie Bauer/Prana pants. Hoping these will do the trick.
I think that's about it. If I could just stay off this website I might stay satisfied with what I already have!
