Gear Upgrades?

[trophyhill]

So it took me a few years to accumulate everything I needed for Backcountry hunts. I started buying stuff here and there in 2009 and attempted it before I had what I really needed a time or 2, only to find out I didn't have what I needed. It did however teach me by trial and error what I really needed and by 2015 I was really ready this time and haven't looked back.

Funny how you get everything you need, and then it's time to upgrade. So last year I upgraded my tent. Retired the used wore out Mountain Hardware UL2 for a Copper Spur 2 person. This year I upgraded my pad from an ExPed Insulated pad (Synmat 7) the orange one, to the Ether Light, and switched from a Marmot 15* bag, to, a Nemo mummy bag. The bag and the tent easily dropped 5# or more of weight.

What are some of the things you all have upgraded lately?

 

[camelcluch]

I went from Zeiss Conquest to Swarovski SLC. I am trying out an Exo pack but have and love a Kifaru. Went to four fletch and tried elk river footers. The footers didn’t make the cut.

 

[idelkoholic]

While in college I was doing a lot of shed hunting but then I would just sell off the sheds and used gear to slowly upgrade. 10+ years later and I'm still always looking for refining my choices

BACKPACKS - dakine -> camelbak -> eberlestock -> exo mtn gear
BINOS - pentax crappy somethings -> vortex diamondbacks -> vortex viper HD -> ???? (getting that itch)
BOW - high country archery bow that I bought used off ebay in high school that I finally swapped out when it was 20 years old -> PSE decree

 

[5MilesBack]

For years I tweaked my gear and setups, but the last several I've been pretty well set and happy with everything I use. I can't think of anything I've changed out in the last few years.

 

[Btaylor]

Upgraded tarp and bow this year. Went from a 9x9 tarp to a 10x12 that is a touch lighter. Parking the compound this year for a new ILF longbow.

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

I got my biggest weight savings by upgrading my pad/sleeping bag (NEMO Argali and tensor to thermarest uberlite and FF swallow) , pack (Sitka to a SG), stove (jetboil to pocket rocket 2), and downsizing my midsection (260 to 195).
I will say the biggest “upgrade” that makes the most difference cost no money, just had to stop eating maybe even saved some money!

 

[Dos Perros]

Bye bye little Vortex Razor. Hello Kowa 553.

 

[Jcros]

Went with tent and tarp set up. 2lbs total with half the cost. Next will be dyneema tarp or tent, but is expensive but light and tough.

 

[TheCougar]

Lots of little tweaks. Went from tent to tarp and bivy - saved 2.5lbs. Katadyn hiker to Sawyer squeeze - saved 6-7oz. Went from BD revolt to Zebralight +1.5oz, ditched the beanie saved 1.5oz. Actually planned my food this time based on caloric requirements and desired protein/carb/fat ratios. Heavier arrows (+60gr per arrow x5). Went from Kuiu to Marsupial harness. Trying bendable bugle tube holder. Meindl to Crispi boots. I’ll be interested to see how all these little tweaks work out.


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[Seth00]

Need to get a good backpacking stove. My 2-burner Coleman works great for carcamping, but I need something for dayhunts.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I did a lot of things.

Ordered a new Kuiu Pro ultralight carbon fiber pack frame/suspension with Ultra 4000 cu in bag and a bunch of accessories. Total weight of pack, frame, and suspension alone is about 4 lbs

Upgraded to Kuiu ultralight hunting clothes.

Built a custom 300 Norma Mag Improved rifle with Kelby Atlas action, all carbon fiber AG Composites stock, carbon fiber Proof Research barrel, and titanium muzzle break. The CF and titanium rifle components save a lot of weight.

Sold my Swarovski ATX 95mm spotter and went back to a Meopta S2 HD that I owned prior to the Swaro. Nearly identical quality glass, great in low light, but not nearly as heavy. Then finished it off with a carbon fiber Manfrotto tripod.

Probably some other things I'm forgetting, but it will be a significant change to my 'weight on the hoof' this year. I'm sure my back and knees will appreciate it

 

[GunsAreFun]

I’m still new to the game, but did some backpacking and a crap ton of research before I made my purchases.

My two most recent upgrades were a lighter tent and going from a Marmot Trestles Elite 20 bag to a Cedar Ridge 20 quilt. Those two changes saved me 35 ounces. I also went from a cheap insulated pad to a Nemo Tensor Field (2 ounce weight gain).

My last big weight savings improvement will be to upgrade from my ILBE. I have been patiently stalking the classifieds waiting for the new K3 owners to dump a K2 3500 or 5500 at a good price. Not in a big rush so waiting for a good deal. That will shave another 2-3lbs.

When that is all done, my pack weight with food and 1 liter of water (no optics or weapon) will be under 25lbs. I can’t do any better than that without buying crazy expensive stuff, and that is just not my style.

 

[Sundance]

Went from a synthetic sleeping bag to a down quilt. Bought a Nemo Siren quilt and hated it, sold it within a week. Bought a Hammock Gear Economy Burrow and love it. Better price, lighter, packs well and great buying experience. Dropped 18oz with the switch and half of the pack size.

Also dropped the Steripen and went back to a Sawyer bag. The Steripen is heavier, relies on batteries and only sterilizes the water, doesn't filter it. The Sawyer filters and gets out all the bad bacteria etc. plus its 3oz lighter.

 

[FLAK]

Bought 2 lightweight quilts rated around 40'. These 2 quilts are half the weight of
my 20' Big Agnes Bag and much more versatile. 2 quilts if I'm cold, 1 if I'm too hot..
Now for a thicker lightweight pad. My Thermarest Pro sucks for side sleeping.

 

[JG358]

I haven't upgraded much of anything the past several years.... about the time I stopped looking at the latest and greatest trendy gear. I'm sure I can improve on something or cut a couple ounces here and there but my set up works just fine for me and if it aint broke, I'm not gonna "fix it".