Optics and Boot changes

[bheck]

Writing this in the blacktail section because I’d like some feedback from those that also enjoy being soaked to the bone and hunting timber so thick it’s like dusk all day.

First - I’m looking to consolidate my current optics down to maybe just a pair of binoculars.

Second - Which boots actually stay dry in this country? Ideally a mountaineering style boot, not mucks. And any recommendations on rain pants that are packable for bush-wacking through ferns and blackberries.
*normally I just suffer and stay wet all day, and change back at the truck into dry shoes and pants*

My current gear
Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5
Maven 12x50 B3
Kowa 883 25-60x TE11 eyepiece

Lowa Tibet with gaiters


I originally purchased the Mavens and Kowa spotter with the intention of hunting more open country and amateur phonescope photography but life happened and have had to hunt close to home here in Western Washington and had less time to go take photos. So I’m looking to change both of these out to a more suitable better optic for still hunting the timber that has good low light clarity and for the occasional clearcut opening.

I should also note my rangefinder LED are giving out on me and are not warrantied so I’ve considered a rangefinding binocular as a one size fits all. Looking into 8x42 size in the big 3 brand but am open to everyone’s suggestions.

Here’s a nice little blacktail for attention

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[Ron.C]

I live on Vancouver Island and hunt blacktails in some pretty wet country as well as hunting BC's east kootenays for elk and goat in some pretty wet country for days on end.

I wear hanwag alaska GTX. I treat them with Obenauf's lether. Had these boots for 12 years (several resoles) before the boot itself gave up and started leaking. Bought 2 more pair when they were on sale and I wear them on all hunts in very wet conditions.

Rain Gear - If it's truely a deluge or sopping wet bush, I wear my HH Impertechs with the lighest merino base layers and least amount of clothing underneath that I can get away with.

My "packable" rain gear is from a company in Vancouver BC called Taiga Works. They make very good 3L raingear (in non hunting patterns) but its awesome. Very well vented and it holds up very well in sopping wet conditions.

I use OR gaiters. Work as well as any other and still wear them under the rain pant. as the cover a big chunk of the top of the boot.

As far as bino's, I think it's pretty tough to beat something in the 10x range for all around work. Anything higher sucks in thick timber. I'd also look for the largest Objective lens I could get for its light gathering capability. Buy whatever brand you favour