Share Your “Gear of the Year” Winners For 2025!

[MT_Wyatt]

As a guy who is in the SG camp but is Exo curious, what do you prefer about the K4 vs the X-Curve system?

Build quality, stay heights to fit my torso, the lumbar/harness padding, fit, waist belt, and how it carries weight for me. The only thing I didn’t initially like with exo was the weight and bags seemed a little “busy” - that’s totally changed as I have used the system more and more. Just look at the website and how detailed they explain every little decision and approach to the packs - there’s a video for everything. It’s all just done so well.

One other thing I prefer: supporting Exo vs what was a grassroots brand, now being ruined by multiple company sales/hand changes. I had an SG pack when they still sold them through Schnees. With their main people gone, so am I.

 

[lightelk]

Hunted in the rain a lot this year and the OR Seattle Rain Hat (formerly Seattle Sombrero) really makes a difference in quality of life during a long rainy day. No need to wear a hood, no rain on your face or neck.

 

[Coopsdaddy]

Which silky blade did you use and for wood/bone or both? I used the extra fine to try and cap a deer just to see and was less than impressed. Teeth broke, blade flimsy and bent. Seemed like bone and meat clogged up the teeth as well.

Curious as well,i bought that handle in a 170 but haven’t got any blades yet.

 

[TreeFarm]

Kuiu Ranger 2200
Stable/ light compressible

 

[BackcountryLR]

Gear I Keep Coming Back to in 2025:

• Wiser Precision Nighthawk
  • Lightweight, compact, smooth panning head that punches above it's weight. I've used this with a BTX 65mm, dual mini Razors, smaller optics, and shot off it without any real complaints.
• Aziak Backcountry Tripod
  • Excellent glassing stability for its weight, and it packs down incredibly small without any wasted space or bulk. I cut down the top to make room for the Wiser panning head. I would like to see how much stability could be added to the fully extended legs by adding length/strength to the joints--I think it would be worth a few more ounce to have stiffer legs in the second, wider deployment.
  • I brought my Sirui ST124 on my deer hunt this year to support a larger spotting scope, but would have been better off with a single mini Razor spotter and my Aziak with substantially less bulk and weight.
• LS Wild Triple S Pillow
  • I almost always pack this thing and have shot off of or been sitting on it for almost every shot at game I’ve taken since purchasing a couple of years ago. Support @hereinaz and get one for yourself.

New Addition Gear of the Year 2025:

• Kramer Designs SnipePod V2 Bipod
  • The jury is still out on the KDC tripod adapter and panning head for the SnipePod--I think it will become a favorite--but I really like the SnipePod as a bipod. Its light weight and small form factor when stowed make it a great accessory for predator calling in rough terrain. It offers greater flexibility in setup and on-the-fly adjustment from a sitting position in comparison to a tripod.
• Durston Gear Kakwa 55
  • If you want to haul your camp and a load of meat out in one go, this isn't your pack. It will probably be too much weight and volume. But if you want an ultralight pack that can handle a smaller deer and some gear in one go, this isn't a bad choice. My UltraX 200 size large Kakwa 55 weighs 30.4oz and I hauled out my bone-in, quartered deer plus some gear--about 64lb--without issue. It wasn't as comfortable as my K4 or similar packs, but with working load lifters, it wasn't uncomfortable, and performed well for a pack advertised with a 45lb comfort limit. I felt like I was floating with it on my back as I went back for my camp gear.
  • The internal volume for the Large is actually 52L. I'm not sure how many or if any rolls in the roll top this accounts for.

Emerging Favorites:

• Sky Rover Banner Cloud 12x50
  • A little heavy compared to the 12x42 NL Pures I previously owned, but huge FOV and really nice image.

• DIY Removable Frame Lumbar Pack
  • Tooting my horn on this one, but this thing has been great so far on day hunts. I haven't been able to pack any animals out with it yet, but hopefully sometim

Gear I Keep Coming Back to in 2025:

• Wiser Precision Nighthawk
  • Lightweight, compact, smooth panning head that punches above it's weight. I've used this with a BTX 65mm, dual mini Razors, smaller optics, and shot off it without any real complaints.
• Aziak Backcountry Tripod
  • Excellent glassing stability for its weight, and it packs down incredibly small without any wasted space or bulk. I cut down the top to make room for the Wiser panning head. I would like to see how much stability could be added to the fully extended legs by adding length/strength to the joints--I think it would be worth a few more ounce to have stiffer legs in the second, wider deployment.
  • I brought my Sirui ST124 on my deer hunt this year to support a larger spotting scope, but would have been better off with a single mini Razor spotter and my Aziak with substantially less bulk and weight.
• LS Wild Triple S Pillow
  • I almost always pack this thing and have shot off of or been sitting on it for almost every shot at game I’ve taken since purchasing a couple of years ago. Support @hereinaz and get one for yourself.

New Addition Gear of the Year 2025:

• Kramer Designs SnipePod V2 Bipod
  • The jury is still out on the KDC tripod adapter and panning head for the SnipePod--I think it will become a favorite--but I really like the SnipePod as a bipod. Its light weight and small form factor when stowed make it a great accessory for predator calling in rough terrain. It offers greater flexibility in setup and on-the-fly adjustment from a sitting position in comparison to a tripod.
• Durston Gear Kakwa 55
  • If you want to haul your camp and a load of meat out in one go, this isn't your pack. It will probably be too much weight and volume. But if you want an ultralight pack that can handle a smaller deer and some gear in one go, this isn't a bad choice. My UltraX 200 size large Kakwa 55 weighs 30.4oz and I hauled out my bone-in, quartered deer plus some gear--about 64lb--without issue. It wasn't as comfortable as my K4 or similar packs, but with working load lifters, it wasn't uncomfortable, and performed well for a pack advertised with a 45lb comfort limit. I felt like I was floating with it on my back as I went back for my camp gear.
  • The internal volume for the Large is actually 52L. I'm not sure how many or if any rolls in the roll top this accounts for.

Emerging Favorites:

• Sky Rover Banner Cloud 12x50
  • A little heavy compared to the 12x42 NL Pures I previously owned, but huge FOV and really nice image.

• DIY Removable Frame Lumbar Pack
  • Tooting my horn on this one, but this thing has been great so far on day hunts. I haven't been able to pack any animals out with it yet, but hopefully sometime this winter or spring.

The sky rovers are a major sleeper in the hunting world! Love them

 

[4090Sharps]

The sky rovers are a major sleeper in the hunting world! Love them

Truly. There is a thread on them here and I'm sure your experience with them would be a welcome addition: https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/sky-rover-banner-cloud-10x42-binocular-review.392296/

 

[Shraggs]

Which silky blade did you use and for wood/bone or both? I used the extra fine to try and cap a deer just to see and was less than impressed. Teeth broke, blade flimsy and bent. Seemed like bone and meat clogged up the teeth as well.

Not muley

I would look at the fine, not extra fine. Good on bone and hardwood.

Medium for softwood but it’s ok on bone.

170 size with the light weight handle I have both when hunting.

Edit: apologies if you know but it’s a pull only saw. Pushing thru your cut results in bent blades.

 

[bigsky_hunter]

Not muley

I would look at the fine, not extra fine. Good on bone and hardwood.

Medium for softwood but it’s ok on bone.

170 size with the light weight handle I have both when hunting.

Edit: apologies if you know but it’s a pull only saw. Pushing thru your cut results in bent blades.

Thanks maybe I’ll give it another go with a different blade. Ya was putting pressure on pull. I read extra fine blade is thinner than others, so I probably bit off more than it was capable of. I’m also a bit rammy with gear.

 

[Shraggs]

Thanks maybe I’ll give it another go with a different blade. Ya was putting pressure on pull. I read extra fine blade is thinner than others, so I probably bit off more than it was capable of. I’m also a bit rammy with gear.

Again not assuming but pull saws are different. No pressure slight up in push and light fast pull. Once you got it is faster than a push and pull saw.

The extra fine silky i looked at was made for wood trim work worthy of carpentry and it seems to be the same blade on the folding saws. But the fine works fine.

 

[TN_Rose]

Heated socks !

 

[kcm2]

Underdog Sunglasses. Clip to the bill of your hat and fold down, no contact with your face, no nosepiece.

So, you can use them with your bow, and when you don't need them, they just fold up under the bill of a baseball cap. Shooting without the nosepiece getting in the way is a gamechanger for many of us.

 

[BlaserF3]

1. First lite chamberlain, bought used in Canada in a local gun website. Almost sold it. Took it moose hunting in northern Ontario when it was an average of -18 Celsius and the thing was a life saver. We arrived at our camp spot jn the middle of the night in the blowing cold. Threw that thing on and instant warmth.

2. Outdoor research croc gortex gaiters, also a life saver in the same crappy conditions.

 

[Whitefox82]

Chief Upland vest.
I went modular with my packs. The belt on this vest will accept any molle accessories just like my K4. Now I can swap accessories between my K4 hunting pack with this bird vest/pack, as well as my FHF FOB. The FOB is also a new addition and a real step up from my old Badlands harness.
I also picked up a Recon chest rig. Word is still out on that, picked it up after season.

 

[Skunkworks]

Kuiu proximity balaclava. Finally my face is warm - although it’s a bit tight on the nose.

 

[medvedyt]

Speaking of cots & sleep systems; if anyone is looking for base camp or car camping recommendations, I cannot speak highly enough if these 2 items. I've been using them for 3 years now & I sleep as well on them as I do in my own bed.

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

is the cot hard to set up or getting easier with more times doing it ...

 

[robtattoo]

is the cot hard to set up or getting easier with more times doing it ...

It's super easy to setup. Much easier than a normal, narrow bed.
The end bars, being longer than usual, are very easy to drop onto the little pegs. No chance of trapping your finger meat like a regular size cot!
It's one of those rare items that if I ever break, lose or wear it out, I'd replace it with the exact same thing no question. I really have nothing negative to say about it.

 

[TitsMcGee]

My favorite piece of gear would have to be one of the most simple. A naked Alpha Direct hoody from Farpointe in 60 GSM weight, the lightest offered.

It’s almost magic how it keeps you warm, even when worn on its own, all while breathing extremely well. You can feel cold wind coming right though, but you’re still warm. Throw a light wind shell over the top and it becomes the perfect active layer for even temps in the 20’s.

To top it off, it’s amazing to sleep in as well.

You sir just cost me $165. Checked their site and saw that just yesterday they released a new hybrid wool/fleece version of the Alpha Direct line, it's called the Technowool. Snagged the 60gsm and a pair of their camp socks to try out.

 

[benconfused]

My favorite piece of gear would have to be one of the most simple. A naked Alpha Direct hoody from Farpointe in 60 GSM weight, the lightest offered.

It’s almost magic how it keeps you warm, even when worn on its own, all while breathing extremely well. You can feel cold wind coming right though, but you’re still warm. Throw a light wind shell over the top and it becomes the perfect active layer for even temps in the 20’s.

To top it off, it’s amazing to sleep in as well.

Sub $100

I find myself using these pieces more than an alpha direct lined shell like the Dynafit that I’ve recommended before or even the new Outdoor Vitals hybrid alpha pullover, which is also very good, but too warm for me on anything but late season/winter.


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@B_Reynolds_AK - Is the new version of this the Alpha Cruiser, or the Technowool cruiser?

 

[TitsMcGee]

@B_Reynolds_AK - Is the new version of this the Alpha Cruiser, or the Technowool cruiser?

Alpha cruiser is likely the one he was using, Technowool was just released yesterday per their email, that's the one that I just purchased. I would have waited for the Alpha cruiser to be BIS since it's known to be good, but I'm waiting on enough things to come back in stock that I didn't want to add another item to that list.

 

[TitsMcGee]

Maybe im just getting tired of it but I dread drinking it. That being said I think its one of the better protein powders all around. I use the double rich chocolate I think its called.

Check out Transparent Labs. Hands down the best Whey protein you can get. independent 3rd party tested and mixes very well. Their Chocolate Sea salt Caramel, and the Ryse/Skippy peanut butter whey protein have become the only 2 flavors I buy, and I haven't gotten sick of them yet. Ryse doesnt mix quite as well though, probably more on par with ON. Transparent Labs Maple Blueberry Pancake whey flavor is an interesting mix-up to toss in every now and then. Very sweet though.