The Gear I’ll Never Use Again

[Walker6]

15 years ago I tried some nice glove/mittens with magnets that hold the finger covers open. Had these on in the dark one morning while hiking in to a new spot. The magnets had my new (to me) garmin gps unit very confused.

No extra magnets in the backcountry for me from then on.

 

[Lionheart]

Insulated boots
Leupold scopes
Magnum calibers
Rifle bi-pods
2nd focal plane scopes
Heavy guns.

 

[UnckleBob]

I’ll absolutely try the Jim Greens. Do they have a wide toe box? What was the second brand you mentioned? “nicks”? I want to wear minimalist boots and I would love something more robust for work boots too. I haven’t been able to find anything yet that fits the bill, so hopefully these do.

I have the African Ranger model boots (not the barefoot version). I love how they fit my wide feet, They are light and easy to walk in.

I plan to use them in arid areas. I would not use them if waterproofing (or even significant water resistance) was an issue.

 

[IdahoJoe29]

Crispi boots
Hoffman boots
Pac boots
Kuiu packs
Vortex

 

[eaglemountainman]

Probably my Dad's and Gramp's old Jon-E handwarmers. I have about 3-4 of em around here somewhere. They worked well enough and were the best technology at the time.
These days, a pair of Hot Hands chem packs in a hand muff last all day. And they dont smell.

 

[freezer003]

I did fall with the bow but not on it or hardly enough to where I feel it should have broke. Maybe cold temps were a factor. It was on a December hunt.

I think the black gold pins are the best on the market and prefer them when shooting a target, but since moving to spott Hogg the durability is not comparable. Ive crashed and burned several times including a minor dirt bike crash with the spott Hogg and its an absolute tank.

I am admittedly hard on gear and the BG warranty was legit, but that doesn’t save the hunt.

I have friends who have had issues with the newer BG’s stripping as well. I think the company has been pursuing weight savings too much.

I've had two black golds strip out, and also had two had the housing screws shake loose and the housing falls off the mount. Ironically, I still shoot them LOL

I've given up on rain jackets. Never had one that would keep me dry. I've gone the way of tarp or poncho.
Can honestly say I've never had issues with battery packs or water bladders like seemingly so many people.

 

[Will_m]

• High-end trekking poles - the Costco ones work just as well for $35
• Polyester (plastic) base layers
• Sawyer filter bags - still use the filter but the bags have failed me for the last time
• Leopold RFs - they had known issues that should’ve constituted a recall but only offered a discount on a replacement
• Cast metal broadheads ( like montecs)
• Tubular frame snowshoes
• Expensive tents - bears and rodents love them and people steal them
• Stabilizers for my hunting bow - thought they helped until I shot without them- no difference

Know I’m raising this from the dead, but you have had people steal a tent? I’ve always feared it; never know it.

 

[HunterGatherer]

Know I’m raising this from the dead, but you have had people steal a tent? I’ve always feared it; never know it.

Yes I have. Bears have gotten more of my tents than humans but just this year my hunting partner had his big Cabelas late season tent stolen. It definitely happens.

 

[txtransplant]

Yes I have. Bears have gotten more of my tents than humans but just this year my hunting partner had his big Cabelas late season tent stolen. It definitely happens.

I’ve always been afraid of theft back at the truck while I’m on the trail. Whenever I talk to a warden about a new unit, I ask them about prevalence of theft at the trail head. So far, they’ve all said “it doesn’t happen,” and I haven’t had it happen to me. I figure it’s just a matter of time though…

 

[hardincobucks]

Mostly companies that have very large marketing presence. I’ve been bit in the ass a few times (hollow fleece vortex and spartan) now I’m very hesitant of any company that blows up my social media or YouTube feeds.

Agree with everyone on the water bladders
Vortex (junk)
Hollow fleece socks (wear out way to fast)
Tricer (copies American companies, makes it in china, then blasts social media and owner says god put him here to make the worlds greatest tripods, their heads suck)
Spartan (so many better bipods on the market right now)
Sleeping bags for early season (quilts are superior)
Irish setter boots (junk)

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

My pack frame!!! I'm 84 now with one back surgery and both shoulders replaced and my body just won't take it any more. Kids & GKs will take it's place!

 

[NEPkaspot]

I've gotten to the point where I hate Camelbak bags. Too many times where some thorn or whatever causes a leak. Still use them in some situations, but almost consider them disposable at this point.

This gave me a laugh because I had one fail and leaked berry-flavored hydrate and recover inside my bag and on my clothes. I was on my first bear hunt and smelled like bait! Hustled back to the pickup that night for sure!

 

[Forkasauras]

Bonded bullets
Leupold scopes
Non-cut on contact broadheads
Remington model 700 or any clones