Coming from MI I was in a similar boat three years ago. I would suggest you look for things that crossover into your home (whitetail?) hunting as well as higher end used gear. I use my exo pack to haul my mobile setup and extra layers whitetail hunting (climbing sticks and hang on or saddle). I also use my western layering system whitetail hunting and have found it lighter and more comfortable.
Step one would be to make a list of gear you think you need and what your overall budget is. After that, I would check the classifieds for a pack from one of the major brands with a load shelf. For clothing I would keep an eye on camofire as well as all the holiday deals that are beginning to show up. If you are willing to mix and match brands/camo patterns you will end up saving. A LOT. Another thing to consider is where you like hoods. I like a base layer with a hood and then a puffy hood, my friend likes a single hood on his mid layer. Make a layering system plan and then watch for deals on gear that fills each slot.
Depending on your planned hunt location I would consider either renting a wall tent setup or staying at a local hotel/motel. This would help lower your startup costs since you won't have to purchase a shelter and associated gear. We bought a wall tent that we also use at our MI deer camp. It all depends on your budget, but I would prioritize your hunt gear ahead of shelter.
Clothing you should be looking at whether you already have or need:
Base Layer Shirt: Merino or synthetic. I'm a merino baselayer believer. in that regard; Black Ovis brand on Camofire best deal. High end brands seem to be more comfortable.
Base Layer Pants: TBD based on personal prefrence (I don't typically wear baselayer pants. Otherwise same as above.
Socks: Buy wool socks there are tons of good brands out there. I like having at least three pairs. Two get cycled during the hunt and the third stays in my pack in case my feet get wet.
Pants: Tons of options here at various price points. If you'll be hunting in snow or regularly do at home I take a hard look at the sitka timberline and kuiu talus pant. Waterproof knees and seat are amazing. Not having to worry when sitting down or crawling in for a shot make them worth it for me. If sitka added hip vents on the timberline they would be the perfect mid-late season pant. Earlier in the year I like the prana zion pants (can be found ~$50) and kuiu attack pants (double the cost for camo and hip vents)
Mid Layer: Warm fleece/Softshell. I like the fleece layer as it allows me more breathability my friend likes the softshell as he has to break out his raingear less. I have a FL halstead and my friend has the kuiu teton.
Puffy Layer: Down vs Synthetic. I like the less worry and typically lower cost associated with synthetic. This comes at the cost of weight and bulk. I have the FL uncomphagre
Outer Shell / Rain Gear: Features, Durability, and Lightweight. The more of these you want the higher the price. This layer is also used as wind stopper when glassing. I have the older FL raingear and my friend has the kuiu nx rain gear. His is lighter and more compact mine is more durable.
Gaiters: These are mandatory for deep snow. They keep your pant legs and socks dry. Additionally, they will provide short term submersion protection. On a stalk in MT this year I broke thru the ice and sank almost to my knee. I quickly pulled my foot back out and only had a small portion of my pants get wet. If I had not been wearing gaiters my pant leg would have been soaked and with temps in the single digits I would have been building a fire or packing out to the truck. I have the kuiu youkon gaiters and love them.
Boots: Go try on as many boots as you can. In MI we don’t have a lot of places to try boots but I’ve been able to try and few of the major brands and from reading reviews see which boots have a similar fit. Find what fit and then keep an eye out. From my experience most boots go on sale between 15 and 30 percent at some point each year. I currently use Schnees Beartooths that I got around 25% off.
Gloves: I’m still on the search for the unicorn glove this provides dexterity and warmth but have resigned myself to the fact that they don’t exist. I do the randy newburg and use chopper mitts and have multiple pairs of wool liners. I take at least two pairs with me each day.
Hat/Facemask: I like having these separate (can be mixed and matched). I have a fleece hat and a merino neck gaiter. I’m looking at going to a synthetic neck gaiter for quicker dry times as the merino didn’t seem to do so well in lower temps.
Gear that you should be looking at or whether you already have:
Trekking poles: Awesome for hiking in the dark, packing out, and can be used a standing shooting sticks. I have the older black diamond cork handled ones. My friend has gone thru two sets of Costco sticks YMMV.
Game bags: Allen Synthetic are probably the most economical. We have a variety of allen, kuiu, tag, and black ovis. TAG are the lightest and seem like they will be the least durable but have yet to fail any of the bags we have. I would buy the allen bags and even if you upgrade down the road you will still find a use for them.
Knives: I’m sure you already have one but replaceable blades sure are nice when you need to quarter an animal especially on a big animal. We’ve used the big three and like the havalon the best. The gerber seems to break blades more easily and the outdoor edge while more forgiving when prying isn’t a fixed blade and is much heavier that the other two. I’m looking at the tyto for the easier clean up as the havalon gets pretty gummed up in the folding portion, but $70 seems steep.
Fire Starting: Tons of options here. I have weatherproof matches (secondary), a few bic mini lighters, and fire cubes.
Glassing seat: Also used for a dry place to stand while removing layers, a kneepad when dressing an animal, and maybe one less thing than duct tape. I use a thermarest pad.
Gear Repair / Medical Kit: Do some research on what other people bring. You will likely bring more that you need and slowly whittle down over the years. I have.
Water system: Some like a bladder some like a Nalgene. I use a Nalgene and would recommend it late season to reduce freezing risk.
That’s all I can think of offhand that I take on a day hunt but I’m sure there are things I’ve missed
