Upgrading Gear

[amedsker]

I’ve been hunting out west for a few years now and have learned a lot about my gear. I started with my generic backpacking gear and have been upgrading what I think is important over the last few years. I’m curious what everyone thinks is the most important piece/pieces of gear? After year one, the first thing I did when I got home was buy a new pack and new boots. After year two I upgraded my sleeping bag. Now I’m trying to figure out where to save weight as I slowly upgrade other items. What do you guys think are the most important items to spend money on and get right away and why?

 

[Cyril]

I think you made good decisions so far. Things that help me decide are one, don't skimp on things that go between you and the ground, boots, sleeping bag, sleeping pad and tent. Two, make a gear list with items and weights. Create a column with upgrades and there weights, prioritize items that maximize ounces per $ or total ounces cut.

Take your time and do it right, buy once cry once but also know that, the newest or best may not significantly upgrade your experience or result in any additional increase in success. Time in the field is more valuable than cutting 2lbs.

 

[il_cop]

Easier to answer if I knew where your starting point is and what season/s you're hunting.

Getting lighter is mostly about removing things as opposed buying new and/or expensive ones, (single taskers, tents with floors, first aid kits, bags with backs vs quilts, food packaging, toiletries, extra clothes, 10lb rifles, just in case items, etc)

My most expensive items, relative to what's available in the market are :

Boots
Socks
Sleeping pad
Base layers

Every other piece of gear in the system is either middle of the road or relatively cheap pricewise but very intentionally selected.

 

[grizz19]

Like your first two choices so far. Boots are first on my list. If your feet are tore up there’s no need for other gear because you’ll be at the truck. I agree with above. Buy once cry once. I’d have saved a lot of money buying and reselling gear over the years if I’d had done that to begin with. If you have a reliable weapon and clothing that’ll get your through, I’d start looking at upgrading glass.

 

[Aperventure]

Everything you’ve done so far is on the right path.

Depending upon your hunting type and season ditching a tent for a bivy will save you 2lbs + for $100

 

[Aperventure]

pair that with a new sleeping pad & pillow for $300 and better sleep = better everything else

 

[amedsker]

A new tent is likely my next big purchase. I’ve been using a backpacking 2 person tent but I’m planning on upgrading to a 3-4 person hot tent. I go with the same person every year and it’s probably just going to stay the 2 of us for the foreseeable future.