Upgrades , what are you changing out in your pack for next year ?

[aron]

Justin , what 6.5 is he going with. I've been lusting to build a 6.5 saum but there is always more pressing needs.

The ballistics for the 6.5 saum look outstanding. Makes me want to change out the 260 or just get one built with a lightweight manners stock.

 

[hflier]

Changing from a Pocket Rocket stop to an MSR Reactor.

Going to a bigger spotter.

Sold my T1 and built a EMR Frame with HighCamp 4800 bag. Love those 26" stays on my 5'6" body. My back seems to like the rigidity of the Duplex Frame.

Other than that I feel pretty good about my gear - finally.

 

[Shrek]

Hflier , which spotter do you have your eye on ?

 

[Ozz08]

Upgrading my tripod. Thinking of going with a slik 624(not sure on the head yet)

I will be getting new binos as well. I've been in cabelas 2-3 days a week for the last month trying to decide between the cabelas euro hd, vortex razor hd or pony up for my dream binos(swaro slc hd) I've always wanted swaros but no matter how hard I try I cannot find where the slc's are double the price better than the euro hd's.

I'm switching out my original jetboil flash for a jetboil sol or sol ti. Just to cut a few ounces.

 

[Shrek]

aron , I think the 6.5 saum fits a sweet spot in the 6.5 world. About the right velocity to take advantage of the best bullets without blowing them up or burning the barrel out in load development. Will fit in a short action and the brass isn't hard to form from other saum's. High quality brass available with Norma. There is a lot to like.

 

[hflier]

Hflier , which spotter do you have your eye on ?

I am going with the Vortex 65mm HD. Was going to go with the Razor 85mm. Just couldn't swing it right now. I like Vortex stuff. Maybe next year on the 85mm.

 

[Brock A]

I am going with the Vortex 65mm HD. Was going to go with the Razor 85mm. Just couldn't swing it right now. I like Vortex stuff. Maybe next year on the 85mm.

Shop around for a used one, I picked up my 85mm for the price of the 65mm

 

[bbrown]

Wasn't really planning on much other than trying to build a stove for my Oware but just ordered a quilt from EE. Figured that since he was running a deal it was finally time to find out what the quilt thing is all about.
Might try to upgrade my rangefinder at some point before next fall.

 

[fair-chase]

BOOTS! I currently do not own a dedicated mountain hunting boot. Been using my White's Smokejumpers for the last few seasons. They get the job done, but are neither comfortable, warm, or waterproof.

 

[KMT]

Nothing. My last upgrade was a couple of seasons ago when I switched to a kifaru pack from a badlands. Everything else I have is functional. I'm not much of a gear junkie, and I'm a firm believer that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." There is no binocular, tripod, bow, jacket, or stove that will get my elk, deer, or anything else for me.

 

[Darren Best]

I need to get back on the search for boots also, I did not like my Meindl Denali's like I hoped I would, the shank is way too stiff for me.

The Vasque Breeze 2.0 have been horrible, the toe box is too narrow. I am literally ready to set fire to these things, I hate them that much. I haven't worn a boot this bad since Danner's went to pot.

Going to try the Hanwag Cheyenne GTX next.

Does anyone know if any of the other Hanwag boots are bendy? I think I saw Lowa has some boots with a tapered shank, I will have to look into those if I don't find any Hanwag's that I like.

The bad deal is you can't really test a pair of boots without taking them up into the mountains, flat ground just doesn't tell the whole story. But once you do that, you can't send them back.

Other upgrades will be a Mega tarp, the new Enigma quilt from Enlightened Equipment, also a Vortex scope and binos.

I think that list will keep me busy this year.

 

[fillthefreezer]

I need to get back on the search for boots also, I did not like my Meindl Denali's like I hoped I would, the shank is way too stiff for me.

The Vasque Breeze 2.0 have been horrible, the toe box is too narrow. I am literally ready to set fire to these things, I hate them that much. I haven't worn a boot this bad since Danner's went to pot.

Going to try the Hanwag Cheyenne GTX next.

Does anyone know if any of the other Hanwag boots are bendy? I think I saw Lowa has some boots with a tapered shank, I will have to look into those if I don't find any Hanwag's that I like.

The bad deal is you can't really test a pair of boots without taking them up into the mountains, flat ground just doesn't tell the whole story. But once you do that, you can't send them back.

Other upgrades will be a Mega tarp, the new Enigma quilt from Enlightened Equipment, also a Vortex scope and binos.

I think that list will keep me busy this year.

ive found breaking in boots in the snow sometimes keeps them in returnable condition. "i wore them on the treadmill for like 10 miles"

 

[Darren Best]

Treadmill is a excellent idea, thanks for that.

 

[marc]

This is why I buy all of my boots from REI now. I can do not work out I return them.

I picked up a Kifaru pack to replace a KUIU Icon and a jet boil to replace a pocket rocket. I am also switching from lefty to righty due to a shoulder injury so I will probably add 4 or 5 new right handed recurves this year!!!

 

[Justin Crossley]

Justin , what 6.5 is he going with. I've been lusting to build a 6.5 saum but there is always more pressing needs.

I'm not sure yet what he is going to decide.
The main options right now are
6.5 wsm
6.5 saum
6.5 SS
6.5-06 AI

Also waiting to see the new Nosler 26


The only advantage to the short mags imo is the ability to use a short action rifle but then you usually have to mod the mag box. I would go with the 6.5-06 AI again if I was building another rifle right now.

 

[Akshphntr]

My prediction, next years thread shrek is shopping for a dentist after shivering all season in a slick bag. (Cracked his teeth) I want a havilon, bombproof lighter base camp tent, lighter spotting scope.

 

[Stid2677]

My prediction, next years thread shrek is shopping for a dentist after shivering all season in a slick bag. (Cracked his teeth) I want a havilon, bombproof lighter base camp tent, lighter spotting scope.

That is a funny first post..

 

[Shrek]

My prediction, next years thread shrek is shopping for a dentist after shivering all season in a slick bag. (Cracked his teeth) I want a havilon, bombproof lighter base camp tent, lighter spotting scope.

I would make sure you have tried the havilon knife out before you need it. I broke 5 blades on the first little deer I cut up. It has its pluses but it also has some real drawbacks. A couple of the blades broke for no apparent reason and I struggled with it because I like to lay my finger on top of my blade while I cut to guide the blade. Not really safe with the super thin blade than snaps in half a lot. My more sturdy drop point is back in my kit and I don't even know where I put the havilon and don't care. I'm probably going to find it and put it back in my kit for delicate work as it is really sharp for a little bit.
I won't freeze either way with whatever bag I have because I'll just crank the kifaruvision up and feed it all night if need be.

 

[Akshphntr]

Thanks stid. Couldn't resist. The main theory of the slick bag seems to be you will be warmer with less insulation.......I tried this theory when I used a snugpak and froze my ass off. Trust me less insulation equals cold. Seems obvious. (Sollybug)

 

[Akshphntr]

Shriek, I tried a disposable scalpel blade knife from Fred Meyer on a caribou and it was awesome. I can see you have to use less pressure though. Good luck on the sleeping bag. Selection. I tend to sleep colder now that I am older.......