Gearing up - Prioritizing a Budget

[Farmingdale's Finest]

Great advice. I am in a similar position. A question about boots for those of us that live in the Midwest, making it difficult to try on good boots. Every where I read people mention how individualized boot choices are. Any advice on how to find a good fitting pair? We have an REI and Cabela’s, but minimal choices are I stock. Do people just order a bunch on the credit card and return those unused?

Thanks
Ryan


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That’s exactly what people are doing ordering and returning what doesn’t work. It sucks because of the cost of shipping and the time delay but unfortunately not a whole lot of choices are available unless you are in Colorado or the other Mountain State’s.





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[gabenzeke]

If you're going in September and are in an area with decent weather I think you can skimp on your sleep system.

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[JohnJohnson]

Boots, backpack, and binos are where I'd spend the most money.

 

[Usi05]

Did this last year....

I went with Boots (lowa caminos new for $250 with coupon) and I easily put 75 miles on them before my hunt. BREAK THEM IN.

For sleep system I budgeted. I went with Kelty Tuck 20 ($78 with coupon) Klymit insulated static V ($40 new on eBay) and sea to summit pillow ($20 here). Bag was heavy but I had a ton of gear to buy! Had I needed a shelter I would have run the mountain shelter LT with Tyvek. That can be had brand new for $90 off amazon.

I will be running exact system above except I switched to a EE Apex Quilt to drop some weight.

You can save cash by buying used merino products new off camofire over summer when it’s cheaper. Wrangler outdoor pants are $20 and held up good for me.


Not changing much in year 2. Spend less time worrying about your other gear and more time running hills!


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[MassNTrash20]

Boots for the win!!!

 

[Indian Summer]

Hanwag boots on Camofire today half off. Worth considering at $179 for someone trying to stay under $200.

 

[williaada]

Ryan, I am from the Midwest as well. You can go to cabelas and try on a variety of different boots to see which one feels the best. Then buy the boots there or on amazon. Wear them for an hour inside your house as you putter around. You should have some idea on wether the boots will work.

Great advice. I am in a similar position. A question about boots for those of us that live in the Midwest, making it difficult to try on good boots. Every where I read people mention how individualized boot choices are. Any advice on how to find a good fitting pair? We have an REI and Cabela’s, but minimal choices are I stock. Do people just order a bunch on the credit card and return those unused?

Thanks
Ryan


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[issacsmith]

When you’re starting out, what equipment should you spend the money on for top quality? And what equipment can you make do with a cheaper option?

I’m looking to gear up for September elk hunts. I already have archery equipment. Most of my other equipment isn’t well-suited for this hunt. Like most, I can’t buy top quality for every piece of equipment. I don’t mind spending the money on some items. But my reality is that some stuff will be budget friendly. I’m looking at camping, backpacking, apparel, optics, etc. Where should I start and what should my priorities be?

Thanks for helping out a rookie. I’m sure there are some good articles on this topic. Please share those links with me as well.

Perfect! I was looking for this thread! Just the info I need too!!!!

 

[Superdoo]

Search cheap stuff that works in the forum!!!!

 

[Ctitus25]

Make sure with the boots that you not only try on an many types as you can, but consider upgrading insoles. Boots are super personal and the milage varies between everyone. A local REI can be a good place to start. Depending on where you live you may have more options. I made the mistake of buying footwear that was great with light loads, but as soon as I but 60 plus pounds on my back my feet got all jacked up. But that's more about my F'd up feet. There are so many pack and boot options out there.

 

[TX_Diver]

I didn't make it through all of this but if you're a beginner (as I still consider myself even after a few years) don't forget about knowledge. Lots of good info is free online, but stuff like Elk101 is a pretty minimal investment compared to figuring all that stuff out yourself the hard way.

 

[tbrenan]

When you’re starting out, what equipment should you spend the money on for top quality? And what equipment can you make do with a cheaper option?

I’m looking to gear up for September elk hunts. I already have archery equipment. Most of my other equipment isn’t well-suited for this hunt. Like most, I can’t buy top quality for every piece of equipment. I don’t mind spending the money on some items. But my reality is that some stuff will be budget friendly. I’m looking at camping, backpacking, apparel, optics, etc. Where should I start and what should my priorities be?

Thanks for helping out a rookie. I’m sure there are some good articles on this topic. Please share those links with me as well.

I would spend the money on the sleep system and pack. Next would be my clothes; go with things that keep you dry and dry out the fastest. You really only need 1 shirt, 1 pant, 2 pairs of wool underwear, 2 pairs of wool socks, 1 Micro puff, and you can go cheap on the rain and carry a cheap poncho. I recommend first lite, but that is just me. You really don’t need the most expensive things and you don’t need all the extras.

If you have any questions feel free to hit me up. I was special operations for 10 years and know my way around the mountains and what is needed to be comfortable and agile.

Here to help. Everyone will have a different opnion and there is never really a right or wrong.

 

[tbrenan]

I would spend the money on the sleep system and pack. Next would be my clothes; go with things that keep you dry and dry out the fastest. You really only need 1 shirt, 1 pant, 2 pairs of wool underwear, 2 pairs of wool socks, 1 Micro puff, and you can go cheap on the rain and carry a cheap poncho. I recommend first lite, but that is just me. You really don’t need the most expensive things and you don’t need all the extras.

If you have any questions feel free to hit me up. I was special operations for 10 years and know my way around the mountains and what is needed to be comfortable and agile.

Here to help. Everyone will have a different opnion and there is never really a right or wrong.

Also,one of the most important.. is boots and feet care. This is THE most important thing

 

[EASTEXASARCHER]

I am in the same boat as the OP. I see boots and packs are at the top of the list for most. What type of boot though? Assuming I pack camp 60lbs for a few miles and carry 20 lbs daily should I shoot for something super stiff like the La Sportiva Trango or something with a little flex like the Hanwag Makra?

 

[CamoPirate]

Boot is going to be pretty specific to the person, especially stiff vs flexible. I like Lowa's, not too stiff, but it's not a trail shoe.

I bought a pair of Lowa Renegades, wore em right out of the box no break in and went hunting with my buddy, about 12 mi a day in Idaho, never got so much as a hot spot or a blister.

On the other hand, I bought some Rocky's, and I'm gonna have scarring from the blisters/hotspots.

Bought a pair of Lowa GTXs on clearance, and we'll see how they go. Hoping they'll be like my Renegades.

TLDR: It'll take time to find a boot for your foot, and when you do, just buy those over and over.

Lowa, Crispi, Kenetrek, Zambian, all good brands. Expensive but they'll last you many seasons if you take care of em.

Pack wise, I've heard good things about Kuiu. I myself run a Stone Glacier; can't go wrong with Exo, Kifaru, Stone Glacier packs.

 

[TX_Diver]

I partially disagree with some of the comments about sleep systems above for a beginner who's truck camping.

I fully agree a good nights sleep is critical and you need to be comfortable with your gear, but if you're not worried about weight there is a lot of money to be saved. There are some cheap tents available that will do just fine for keeping you dry at the truck. Plus you could pick up a 3 or 4 person tent and get a lot of extra space.

You could also have a much heavier/cheaper sleeping bag as an option there. REI has 6 bags that are rated from 15 to 29 degrees and are under $100 right now on their website. I didn't check tents but I assume it's similar. Those thermarest roll up pads are cheap (and bulky) but that's not a concern if you're truck camping.

I have no experience with this bag but for the sake of argument:

Sleeping Bag - $99

REI Co-op Trailbreak 20 Sleeping Bag - Men's | REI Co-op

The men's REI Co-op Trailbreak 20 sleeping bag gives the right balance of warmth, packability and weight for those breaking into backpacking and everything that comes with it.

www.rei.com

Pad - $30

Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest SOLite Sleeping Pad | REI Co-op

A counterpart to the RidgeRest Solar, the Therm-a-Rest SOLite sleeping pad is lighter yet also features an aluminized surface to reflect body heat for a boost in warmth and comfort.

www.rei.com

Tent - $130

Mountainsmith Upland 4P Tent | REI Co-op

Equally at home on the trail or in the campground, the 4-person, 3-season Mountainsmith Upland 4P tent provides for sweet summer camping in a lightweight, intuitive package.

www.rei.com

I don't have experience with that particular bag or tent, but the point being that in 10 minutes you can find a sleep system for under $250 which is less than most will spend on a tent OR a bag. Look around a bit more and start stacking discounts like activejunky, backcountry & moosejaw (often have a discount code for first purchase), the classified section on here, etc. and you could probably get under $200 and save a pound or 2.

 

[SCLawyer]

Definitely boots and insoles. Pack next, sleep system after. I am mid range budget guy but did splurge on my Exo pack. Mid range glass for me as well. You'll find lighter generally means more expensive. You also do not need top of the line anything. But you do need gear that will perform when needed.

Any personal recommendations on a good pair of boots that would work? I'm an east coast (mostly whitetail) hunter and could use a good pair of boots that I could use out here and out west.

 

[sneaky]

Boots are always number 1. Can't give recommendations on boots because everyone's feet are different. You just have to try on as many as you can and see which ones feel the best. Rarely will you find someone who got the perfect fit with the first pair they tried.

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[Rob5589]

Any personal recommendations on a good pair of boots that would work? I'm an east coast (mostly whitetail) hunter and could use a good pair of boots that I could use out here and out west.

Try as many as you can. Everyone's foot likes something different.

 

[P Y Buck]

What style hunting are you doing?
Are you hunting from a base camp or is it a total pack back style hunt, will you be on your own or with a partner, etc.?
Boots are always a top priority regardless of the hunt style, but depending on the style of hunt you are planning the gear can vary significantly.
My experience has been that the total pack back style of hunting gear is more expensive due to weight elimination.
Personally I would not skimp on an any part of the gear regardless of hunt style. Good quality gear is a lifetime investment and should not be taken lightly, purchase inexpensive gear and you will just end up disappointed and will be replacing it with the gear you should have purchased initially.