(Photo courtesy of Lindsey Browne Davis)
January 07, 2022
By Chuck Smock
Designed for Females — Mystery Ranch Women's Pack Harnessing Mystery Ranch Women’s Pack Harnessing With female backcountry hunters in mind, Mystery Ranch spent years researching and measuring a wide variety of body types to develop its newest harness system. This women-specific system has shoulder straps that are narrower than those used on men’s packs and are ergonomically shaped to contour around the chest and rest comfortably against a woman’s body. The shoulder straps have more foam than previous years and are wrapped with non-abrasive yet durable aerospace mesh. An adjustable chest strap is designed to alleviate friction, and there is an increased torso-length-adjustment range. These features combine with the Guide Light MT frame and its five-point waist belt with the Redirect system to deliver stable weight distribution and eliminate slippage. The new women’s harness system will be available on the Mystery Ranch Metcalf and POP-UP 28 backpacks. $500 (Metcalf) and $325 (POP-UP 28) | mysteryranch.com
Take A Hike — Kenetrek Bridger Low Hikers Kenetrek Bridger Low Hikers Bridger Low Hikers from Kenetrek are built to handle your offseason fitness routine, from running trails to summer scouting to hours on the treadmill. They weigh in at roughly 2 pounds and feature uppers constructed of breathable, lightweight leather and nylon with a lace-to-toe design for all-day comfort. Kenetrek Supportive Footbeds provide arch support and a pronounced heel pocket locks in a solid fit. Weight-bearing, full-length nylon midsoles deliver stability and support. High-traction Kenetrek KT-light outsoles will handle a variety of terrains. Protective rubber sheaths and heel guards offer abrasion resistance. $250 | kenetrek.com
Climb A Tree — ASIO Tree Stand Bowhunters' Backpack ASIO Tree Stand Bowhunters’ Backpack Constructed of soft, double-layered polyester fabric with durable stretch construction, the ASIO Tree Stand Bowhunters’ Backpack is waterproof and features an antimicrobial treatment for scent control. Asymmetrical side body pockets have auto-locking buckles and additional outside pockets offer access to gear without having to open the main compartment. This pack also features waterproof zippers on all openings. All zip sliders and pulls have been designed to eliminate metal-on-metal rattling. A retractable pull-rope compartment provides easy access to a pull-up rope on either side of the pack. A removable hip belt and an interior shoulder strap allow the pack to be carried like a duffle. The rear compression strap system secures your bow when walking to and from the stand in the dark. Finished in ASIO Raptor Camo. $220 | asiogear.com
Tow & Go! — Trophy Line Platow Pack Trophy Line Platow Pack Mobile bowhunters are always looking for better ways to organize their gear, and the new Platow pack from Trophy Line will help them do just that. The shoulder straps offer quick-detach loops for attaching a portable treestand or saddle platform, while the main storage compartment features a set of quick-detach loops top and bottom for securing climbing sticks, camera gear, extra clothing and more. With 1,200 cubic inches of internal storage and a weight of just 2.6 pounds, the Platow offers all the carrying capacity you need without the bulk of a traditional pack. Foam, air-mesh shoulder straps keep you cool and comfortable, while the main zippered compartment, three smaller organizational pockets, two water-bottle pockets and a magnetic, quick-access front pocket hold all the essentials for your day afield. The Platow pack is finished in Mossy Oak Bottomland camo, is hydration bladder compatible and also features an adjustable waist belt with Molle loops for adding additional accessories. $139.99 | trophyline.com
Advertisement
Professional Grade — Browning Pahvant Pro Jacket Browning Pahvant Pro Jacket Browning’s new Pahvant Pro Soft Shell features two-layer, polyester fleece construction with an outer face that is highly wind resistant and also has a durable, water-repellent treatment to keep you dry in inclement conditions. Meanwhile, SILVADUR technology provides long-lasting odor control to keep your presence hidden from the noses of wary game. Other highlights include a fall-restraint harness opening, chest and hand zip pockets, two internal zipper chest pockets, a three-point adjustable hood, zippered armpit vents and hook-and-loop cuff closures. Available in Browning’s new Ovix camo pattern, as well as Carbon Gray and Major Brown. $179.99 | browning.com
Light And Loaded — ALPS OutdoorZ Ultralight Elite Packs ALPS OutdoorZ Ultralight Elite Packs Comfortably and securely carry everything you need for an extended hunt with an ALPS OutdoorZ Elite Series Pack. Constructed with 500D nylon Cordura fabric that is polyurethane-coated and highly water resistant, the pack bags attach to the frames with a series of compression straps. A full-access, main-compartment zipper reveals a spacious interior with five mesh organization pockets. They also have a top zippered pocket, drop-down pocket to carry your bow, side and top compression straps, three compression pockets and are hydration bladder compatible. A new, re-engineered frame boasts 30 percent less weight with 30 percent more strength than previous models. It has a contoured lumbar design for support and comfort; quiet, breathable 3D air mesh suspension with an anti-slip lumbar pad; and an integrated, highly adjustable lashing system. Packs are available in 1,800- and 3,800-cubic-inch models. Price Unavailable | alpsoutdoorz.com
Down With Brown — LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro Brown LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro Brown LaCrosse has added a solid brown option to its popular Alphaburly Pro family. Combining high-quality rubber with neoprene insulation, the Alphaburly Pro stands ready to tackle harsh terrain and biting cold. Hand-laid, premium rubber over a 3.5mm neoprene core combine for flexible, waterproof, scent-free comfort. Embossed liners increase air circulation inside the boot, wick moisture and dry quickly. Active Fit design, with adjustable neoprene gussets for easy on/off, produce a secure fit. Multilayer rubber on the toe and heel adds durability. Available with 1,600-gram Thinsulate Ultra Insulation or uninsulated. $160 (uninsulated); $190 (insulated) | lacrossefootwear.com
Advertisement
Method, Not Madness — FORLOH Method Pack System FORLOH Method Pack System The FORLOH Method Pack System was designed for the specialized and rigorous demands of backcountry hunters who need the versatility and durability to haul heavy loads of meat and gear. It features a lightweight and durable carbon-fiber frame and 2,000- and 3,000-cubic-inch dry bags that can be used separately or together (shown). Bags are made from military-grade, lightweight 210D high-tenacity, ripstop nylon, and the fabric is TPU armor-coated for waterproofing, abrasion resistance and noise reduction. The Method CXLite Frame offers fully adjustable suspension, made with carbon fiber that keeps the frame flat against the back to alleviate side-to-side movement, and it has fully adjustable padded suspension shoulder straps, a game shelf that tucks away flat and a hip belt with multiple storage pockets and holster loops on either side. Method 3000 packs have six easy-access compartments, two smaller top-load lid compartments and four others that are larger, as well as a tuck-away rifle/bow front carrier. The Method 2000 Dry Bag attaches directly to the Method CXLite Frame, and can be used between the frame and the Method 3000 Pack, or alone as a traditional dry bag. FORLOH has equipped the pack with RECCO search-and-rescue technology for an added barrier of safety. Made in the USA. Prices Unavailable | forloh.com
Boost The Heat — Huntworth Saskatoon Jacket and Pants Huntworth Saskatoon Jacket and Pants Huntworth’s new Saskatoon softshell cold-weather clothing series features the company’s new Heat Boost Graphene Technology Sherpa lining. Built for the cold, the Heat Boost Sherpa provides 30 percent more warmth than other insulations without the excessive bulk associated with insulated clothing. The jacket and pants are made with a quiet, four-way stretch shell with a water-resistant finish and a windproof membrane over the Heat Boost Graphene Sherpa interior, delivering lightweight, flexible garments that offer a high heat-to-weight ratio. $200 (each) | huntworthgear.com
Hunt In Comfort — Rocky Boots Lynx Collection Rocky Boots Lynx Collection The new Rocky Lynx collection delivers flexibility, performance and protection. Loaded with features to enhance comfort and durability, the Lynx is the perfect footwear for mid- and late-season pursuits. These boots have waterproof, full-grain leather uppers with durable Cordura accents, aggressive all-terrain Lynx outsoles, Rocky Vapor Pass waterproof and breathable membranes and Terra Suspension footbeds for another layer of comfort. A durable fiberglass shank and a cushioned EVA midsole provide added padding with every step. Lynx boots are 8 inches tall and are available in two camo patterns, each with a different insulation level: the Realtree Excape style has 400-gram 3M Thinsulate Ultra; Mossy Oak Country DNA style has 800-gram Thinsulate Ultra. $180-$185 | rockyboots.com