First big gear purchase?

[GreenBoot]

What was your first big gear/apparel purchase for backcountry hunting? Boots, tent, bag, pack, weapon? You can spend a fortune on this stuff.

 

[Bull_n_heat]

I grew up hunting, and then got into backpacking. Naturally the two came together. To me, the backpacking part of a backpack hunt is much more important than the hunting part. Things you "need" in no particular order are: Backpack, tent, sleeping bag, binoculars. Boots are critical in my opinion, but lots of them work. I think you need a rifle to hunt, but likely already have one.

Any and all of these I would buy used if I was just getting into it. Should be able to save a pile going that route.

 

[Grassymike]

For me it was a used BSA 30/06. You can hunt without all kinds of stuff but you need a weapon of some sort.

 

[Grassymike]

Check out the "cheap stuff that works thread" here on Rokslide.

 

[GreenBoot]

Check out the "cheap stuff that works thread" here on Rokslide.

Oh yea, saw that! already spent a ton on cheap stuff lol

 

[willfrye027]

Solid glass is probably the biggest one. Can’t hunt them if you can’t find them

 

[hereinaz]

Solid glass is probably the biggest one. Can’t hunt them if you can’t find them

My first expensive purchase was a pair of 12x binos, because you can't kill what you can't see. Since then, I have gotten by with lots of budget things, and I still do, but glass is the one thing I had to spend money on to really be useful.

My cheap tent worked, but just weighed more. I set up my first long range Savage with a fixed SWFA and shot factory ammo. My boots didn't last as long, but being young I could run cheap ones. I used the same $100 pack I bought as a scout leader. Even today, my base layer for clothes are still Wranglers and cheap synthetic hoodies and zips.

You just can't go cheap on the glass, cause light don't play...

 

[ArcherAnthony]

my first big purchase when going out west was boots, tent, and pack. And packable rain suit

 

[twall13]

My first big purchase was quality boots that fit my foot, followed shortly thereafter by a good pack. At the time, I was more heavily focused on elk hunting and got by with lesser optics. A few years later I started upgrading optics. I would say quality optics on a tripod made more of an impact on success, but all three have made a big difference in contributing positively to the overall experience for me.

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[Honyock]

#1 Quality mountain hunting boots that fit your feet. If your feet are trashed from boots that don't fit right, you're hunt is ruined. Second, the best glass you can afford. As stated above, you can't kill what you can't see and wondering around hoping to bump something is usually not the best option. Good glass will save you a lot of walking.

 

[coyote_out]

I think I spent $400 on a pair of kenetreks. I had a Kelty cache hauler, Leupold Mojave binos, vx3 scope, and a tarp tent moment. Not sure what would be a “biggest purchase” but the boots felt like the biggest jump since they are essentially a sunk cost. 3 pairs later I don’t run kenetreks anymore, good boots, just not for me. I could have spend that money elsewhere.

 

[Knuckles_Malone]

My absolute first big purchase was a set of Lowa boots, then I got an external frame backpack, and a set of quality 10x binoculars. If I had to do it again I would have bought the binoculars first with a good bino harness, then boots.

 

[ccoffey]

I think my first big purchase was really good boots. My feet used to take a beating! But by far my biggest purchase or investment to date is in my rifle. That is followed closely by optics

 

[Carrot Farmer]

1) boots
2) backpack
3)… everything else will only have weight penalty. But there are cheap alternatives that are options


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[thinhorn_AK]

Kimber rifle, western mountaineering bag, hilleberg tent.

 

[Gseith]

Boots! You will feel miserable if you have a heavy uncomfortable pack. You can also adjust and hunt from your truck so your not packing everything in to far.
Uncomfortable boots can keep you from wanting to day hike in to far. If blisters get to bad it can ruin your trip and make a heavy pack out even worse.

 

[sierracharlie338]

Glass should be a big consideration for most people as mentioned previously. Beyond that, a solid tent, sleep system and boots (in that order for me).

 

[sndmn11]

I'm in board with optics! I think that is the best example of $ = quality in the hunting realm. It's also the longest lasting "investment", highest ROI in the field and resale, and is very very straight forward in selection ---> if you ask what's the best for X budget there's a very good chance others will give you one to two options and you won't get stuck with analysis paralysis second guessing.

Boots don't have to be expensive, they just have to be comfortable. My favorite pair is around $100, sometimes less.

A comfortable backpack FRAME is invaluable, but all the best can be had for under $500. I think the "big purchase" there should be buying two (one from mfg A one from B) and then trying them til you find a Goldilocks fit. Then buy whatever bag you want or use something you already have. If you are day hunting from the truck there's a good chance you have a bag that will work already that you can strap on the frame...

A quality sleep system is also invaluable. I've been over the moon with my western mountaineering quilt and use it all the time. I even used it last weekend.

Clothing can be bought on sale and is expendable. Rain gear is very important.

Ammunition, arrows, range fees, and fuel should all be priorities.

 

[GreenBoot]

I think I spent $400 on a pair of kenetreks. I had a Kelty cache hauler, Leupold Mojave binos, vx3 scope, and a tarp tent moment. Not sure what would be a “biggest purchase” but the boots felt like the biggest jump since they are essentially a sunk cost. 3 pairs later I don’t run kenetreks anymore, good boots, just not for me. I could have spend that money elsewhere.

What boots you running now? I have some Danner non-insulated boots I wear for upland hunting. Was thinking I could get by with those my first time out.

 

[Fatcamp]

Decent boots, Keen Targhee, and a set of Cabelas windproof, waterproof, breathable out layers.

To be able to cover miles and cover up when the weather turns is critical.