What type of gear has been the most difficult or frustrating to get dialed in for you?

[TSimons9]

Footwear for sure. Boots that were great for me a few years ago are hurting my feet now. Ended up hunting in my running shoes last year because of it. Going to try a more flexible lighter boot this year and hope it solves the problem.

 

[huntnful]

Definitely footwear for me. Our feet change as we age and I have a hard to find size.

Footwear for me also. A lot of variables that make it harder to dial in consistently for me.

 

[patagonialuke]

Sleep system. I just never seem to sleep well outdoors unless I've got an ultra-cushy, heavy Paco-style pad. Might have to try the Thermarest NeoLoft this year.

Close second are footwear and weapon, but the latter seems like the problems usually stem from me, rather than the gear itself.

 

[Sundodger]

Looks like I am not the only one struggling with boots...

Here are the biggest things that have helped me:

-Custom insoles, and I am not talking superfeet or sheepfeet. Real custom insoles, with poron cushion and a metarsal pad (met pad prob not needed for most people) to reduce nerve pain.

-Fitted boots, and not just shimming the insole, punching out parts of the boots that give hot spots. Have had a professional do it before, bought some tools to try my hand at boot punching this year.

 

[accountantsanonymous]

Clothing. Full closet and a sucker for thinking there is always something better to make bad weather more comfortable.

I’m guilty of this. I “pack my fears” because I hate being cold.

 

[yeti14]

All.of.it.
Everytime I think I have something figured out, and it does indeed work fantastic.....I get on this stupid site and find the latest and greatest that could be just that much better....lol

 

[goathunter]

I'm always tinkering with the perfect rangefinder system. I have a pretty good setup for archery, but not rifle. Also always messing with bino harness and pistol carry. Sleep system is not 100%. Bag and shelter to be honest. Most everything else is dialed.

 

[Huntndog]

Boots. I have some Lathrop and Sons on the way which I hope solves the problem.

 

[sndmn11]

Food

 

[COJoe]

Food, every year my taste buds seem to change and this year I completely changed my diet for the much better so I have a lot to figure out in a couple months. Everything else I can deal with for the most part, but my bino harness is an issue that hurts my neck so that will need my attention this year too or I just won't use it.

 

[MuleyFever]

Nothing frustrating but the most difficult to get where I feel its dialed in has been with clothing. This is simply because there are so many options and while its not hard to throw on some layers and go hunting I always feel like there is a better combo I just havent found yet. I actually feel the same way with tents.

 

[Tradchef]

Mine has been the pack. Being smaller framed I’ve had issues with belts fitting right or always being in-between sizes, having lumbar slipping down with heavy weight, having my harness fall off mid pack out on my bull last season, having the ranger green bleed out of my pack bag when doing the same cold water and plant based Costco soap I’ve done for years, having my stays In a brand new frame break within three weeks. These have all been great companies. I guess I just get lemons more than the average person. I have a k4 ready to roll for spring bear and so far so good. Maybe this is one…/ . Everything else on the voting list came pretty easy so I guess we all have that one

 

[180ls1]

In 2025, nothing. We are spoiled by info/data.

When I started as a self taught guy 20+ years ago, everything.

 

[Smokey Bear]

In 2025, nothing. We are spoiled by info/data.

When I started as a self taught guy 20+ years ago, everything.

I agree completely. I can nit pick at a couple things, but no comparison to 20+ years ago. I can now only complain about the amount of hunters I see when I thought I was “away” far enough.

 

[PredatorSlayer]

Definitely footwear for me. Its so hard to find a good boot. I have tried most of the big name companies and my feet always hurt. I tried some cheaper options and they ended up more comfortable but at the sacrifice of durability.

 

[Beagle1]

I haven't, mostly because I don't want to add yet another battery/batteries to either charge or have to carry spares. I haven't completely written them off but I have decided I'm going to try some down booties first. I also haven't researched heated socks enough to know whether cheaper options are viable or if it is worth it just to jump straight into a $400 pair of Lenz.

I have used the Lenz socks for many years for deer stand hunting and winter steelhead fishing. Maybe the best money I have ever spent on hunting and fishing gear.

 

[Running on empty]

Footwear until I got a pair of crispi briksdals. Something about that heelcup works really well for me.

 

[brancher147]

6’2” 160 lbs….finding clothing that fits is real tough

 

[Boarmaster]

Premium Clothing. No other reason than I am way too short for my weight…..my hats , gloves , socks and boots fit great everything else is a gone umuck…

 

[Zdub02]

I'm in the footwear category. I have odd shaped feet and have the hardest time finding a proper fit.