The Right Gear for Mountain Bowhunting

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Heading west for a hunt can be an intimidating endeavor. The amount of gear you need to tackle a mountain hunt can be overwhelming; and when you’re on the mountain is the wrong time to discover you don’t have gear that’s up to the task.

For most mountain bowhunters, the equipment kit is an ever-evolving collection of gear and gadgets. A specific pair of boots may work great for one guy but could destroy the feet of another. Some will want a pack capable of holding enough gear for trips of a week or more, while others only need to pack enough for day hunts and the occasional overnight excursion. Finding the right gear is a personal decision, and the mystery of what works can’t be solved by anyone but you.

These days, it’s no secret quality gear can be costly, and that makes piecing this puzzle together even more critical. That said, there is still plenty of good equipment to be had at a decent price. My advice is to prioritize which items are most important and buy the best you can afford. Think affordability with the rest, and then upgrade over time.

Kifaru

Kifaru has long been a go-to for hardcore mountain hunters, and with products such as the ARK Frame ($500), it’s easy to see why. Constructed from carbon fiber, the frame boasts shoulder straps and a waist belt crafted from high-density, nitrogen-enriched foam, providing optimal comfort and support. Designed to strike a balance between comfort and functionality, the ARK Frame excels in carrying both light and heavy loads — a challenging feat to achieve. Moreover, this frame is compatible with most legacy Duplex packs, offering versatility in gear options. Available in 22- or 25-inch sizes, the frame accommodates various torso lengths, ensuring a personalized fit for every user.

KUIU

When adverse weather hits on a western hunt, look no further than the KUIU Guide Pro Jacket ($299) and Guide Pro Pant ($219). Crafted with Toray Primeflex nylon, the jacket and pants feature a microfleece interior, offering exceptional wind resistance, remarkable stretch and durability while remaining lightweight and quiet. The Guide Pro, weighing just 22 ounces for the jacket and 17.5 ounces for the pants, isn’t 100 percent waterproof. However, the K-DWR treatment efficiently sheds water and easily withstands light snow and rain. Other features include well-thought-out pockets for convenient storage, hip and pit vents for enhanced breathability, four-way stretch for unrestricted movement and Makspec odor control for added stealth in the field.

Scent Thief

While remaining scent-free in the mountains is a challenge, that doesn’t mean it’s not important! Scent Thief products feature a patented formula that defeats big-game animals by targeting the area of the nose responsible for smell and eliminating their ability to detect danger. The Scent Thief Trophy Pack ($39.99) bundle features a 24-ounce Scent Thief Field Spray, 16-ounce Scent Thief Body Wash and Shampoo, 32-ounce Scent Thief Laundry Detergent and a Scent Thief Wafer.

onX Maps

The onX Hunt Elite Membership ($99.99/year) is essential for every hunter. It offers a comprehensive mapping system showcasing satellite imagery, topo map options, hybrid views and a wide range of layering options displaying land ownership, wilderness areas, historical wildfire data and much more for all 50 states. New for 2024 with Elite Memberships are the Hunt Research Tools, aiding you in navigating the complexities of obtaining tags in the West by providing draw odds, tag trends and harvest statistics. These Hunt Research Tools also include individual draw statistics and point management based on your state of residency, tailored to your preference points. Additionally, the Elite Membership grants access to pro deals from numerous hunting companies.

Kenetrek

Kenetrek has been producing top-notch boots for the western hunter for years, and the Bridger High ($335) is a testament to their commitment. This 7-inch tall boot, weighing only 2.9 pounds, is rugged enough to tackle serious hunting endeavors. Featuring a lace-to-the-toe design, padded ankle collar and ankle-securing K-straps, they provide both comfort and robust ankle and foot support, suitable for activities ranging from side-hilling to carrying heavy loads. Additionally, they boast a full-length nylon midsole atop the Kenetrek KT-Light outsole, ensuring superior comfort and traction across various terrains and conditions. Furthermore, the Windtex waterproof, breathable membrane keeps your feet dry, while the full rubber rand offers abrasion resistance in rough terrain.

Browning

After a kill, turn to the Browning Primal Scalpel Kill Kit ($99.99). This kit has everything you need for field dressing and processing your harvest. It includes the Primal Scalpel, a replaceable-blade knife with 10 #60A replacement blades, two pairs of large disposable gloves, three zip ties, 10 feet of paracord, four 37x21-inch game bags and a convenient storage bag. The knife features a blade length of 2.75 inches and an overall length of 7.25 inches, with durable polymer handle scales and a rubber overmold for superior grip. Additionally, it includes a pocket clip and thumb stud for easy opening.

Mystery Ranch

The Mystery Ranch Metcalf 75 ($549-$589) is a pack designed for day hunts as well as multi-day excursions in pursuit of your next buck or bull. This pack weighs a mere 5.3 pounds overall and uses the popular Ultra-Light MT Frame. Still, it can handle heavy loads when required, thanks to its adjustable torso that allows for customization to individual users. The Metcalf features a detachable lid for storing essentials, or you can opt to ditch the lid to reduce weight and streamline your gear. Accessing all your large items is easy with a roll-top closure on the main bag and a full zip on one side. Additionally, multiple compression straps ensure that your meat and gear always stay securely fastened.

Muzzy

To take down large animals of the West, it’s essential to have a reliable broadhead such as the Muzzy Trocar Ti 100 Grain ($44.99). This fixed-blade head features a titanium ferrule and three .039-inch blades that can be flipped to match right- or left-helical setups, offering versatility in arrow configurations. A true center blade retention system ensures the blades stay locked in the correct position and maximizes flight performance. With the addition of the popular Muzzy Trocar tip and a 1.25-inch cutting diameter, this broadhead promises to be a deadly combination.

Badlands

New from Badlands in 2024 is the ATX25 ($249.99). This 2,500-cubic-inch pack weighs 3.5 pounds, offering hunters a lightweight yet spacious solution. The internal T-6 aluminum frame stays provide the pack with the necessary rigidity to handle heavy loads, such as carrying meat after a kill. The built-in, padded waist belt ensures comfort during extended wear and is adjustable to accommodate most users. Additionally, the ATX25 is compatible with the Badlands SWAP System, allowing for custom configurations for different load-outs, and it integrates seamlessly with the Badlands Bino Connect system for carrying binoculars. Featuring water-resistant construction, the ATX25 is available in earth-tone Mud color and Badlands Approach camo.

Leupold

Leupold’s BX-4 Range HD ($1,599.99) 10x42 laser-rangefinding binoculars redefine optical performance for the modern hunter. Featuring cutting-edge HD lens technology, these binoculars guarantee exceptional clarity and detail, even in the harshest lighting conditions encountered during challenging hunts. Engineered with a rugged, waterproof design, they’re built to withstand the toughest outdoor adventures. The ergonomic grip and twist-up eyecups ensure comfortable extended use during long glassing sessions and difficult hunts. Plus, with a built-in rangefinder featuring Leupold’s DNA engine, cutting-edge ballistics software and a high-contrast red OLED display, these binoculars provide precise distance measurements out to 2,600 yards on reflective targets and 1,100 yards on deer-sized game, which is crucial for accurate range estimation when it matters most when planning stalks and taking the shot in the moment of truth. With the BX-4 Range HD binoculars, hunters can rely on unmatched optical excellence and reliability in any environment.

Grakksaw

Grakksaw introduces the Backcountry Boot Dryer ($90), a product that addresses a need many of us had but didn’t know how to remedy. On backcountry hunts, keeping your feet dry is often a significant challenge. Spending several days in a tent can lead to consistently damp feet — until now, thanks to Grakksaw’s ingenious boot dryers. Weighing a mere 6 ounces and boasting a compact design, these dryers can significantly expedite the drying process. Combining them with hot air from a campfire, tipi stove or your truck’s heater works wonders in rapidly drying boots. It’s worth noting you’ll need a battery pack with USB ports to power the unit. However, they consume only 25 percent of the energy required to charge a cell phone, so you should be able to power the unit for several drying sessions without needing to recharge the battery pack.

Dark Energy

Speaking of portable power, Dark Energy introduces the new Spectre Solar Panel ($229.99), ensuring you always have power on your hunts. The Spectre is an ultralight, 15-watt panel weighing only 11.7 ounces. Additionally, this panel features photo-skin, a uniquely designed system of cells that allows for flexibility and durability. Its lightweight and flexible design makes it perfect for on-the-go charging, whether hiking through dense forests or traversing rugged terrain. Available in two colors, dark gray and Hi-Vis orange, it can be clipped to the outside of your pack, allowing you to charge your devices while on the move.

Vortex

If you’re heading to the high country and need a great spotter without adding excessive weight to your pack, look no further than the Vortex Razor HD 13-39x56 Spotting Scope ($1,449.99). Weighing a mere 29.5 ounces and measuring only 11.1 inches long, this spotting scope is exceptionally lightweight and compact, allowing you to effortlessly toss it into your pack until needed. You can count on the same optical clarity that characterizes all Vortex Razor optics. Featuring rubber armor coating and center body focus, this small spotter is durable and provides ergonomic glassing. Additionally, it can be mounted to any tripod, and the scope is Arca-Swiss compatible.

Initial Ascent

Although a relative newcomer, Initial Ascent has made significant strides in the mountain hunting market over the past several years; one new-for-2024 standout is the IA3K Pack System ($644.95). The IA3K builds upon the success of the previous IA2K model but has been streamlined for enhanced functionality and includes the IA lid. With the lid, the pack features a 3,475-cubic-inch capacity, making it ideal for serious daypack use and capable of handling multi-day hunts with ease. Initial Ascent packs are constructed on the Integrous carbon frame, which offers extreme adjustability to fit all torso lengths. The main compartment features a horseshoe-style zipper, providing full access to the pack’s interior. There’s also a 19-inch side pocket large enough to accommodate spotting scopes, while the other side boasts a 7-inch pocket suitable for carrying tripods or other essentials. Lastly, the pack offers the flexibility to separate the bag from the frame, allowing you to carry meat or larger loads in between to expand the carrying capacity even further.

Argali Outdoors

If you are hunting with a few buddies or want a spacious sleeping setup, check out the Argali Outdoors Absorka 4P Tent ($398). The Absorka is a true four-season tent with sewn-in line-loc adjusters on all guy-out points for quick and easy setup. You can pitch the tent with a single center pole or two trekking poles, offering versatility in different camping scenarios. With multiple people, the dual doors are perfect for easy entry and exit. At the same time, the included ARC removable stove jack makes implementing a hot tent setup effortless when the mercury drops. Each tent is sewn with silicone-coated thread and double lap-felled seams, ensuring high water resistance. Additionally, the tents need to be seam sealed by the buyer (seam sealer is included in each purchase), or the company can seal them before shipping for a small fee. The Absorka 4P and eight stakes weigh just 32.4 ounces in lightweight mode and 34.4 ounces with stove jack attached. The tent stands 74 inches tall at the peak and measures 130 inches long by 114 inches wide. It packs down to a size of just 9x7 inches.

Kestrel Glassing Systems

Glassing in the West is often a long-range affair. Even when using your binoculars, it’s essential to have a stable platform. The Kestrel Long Frame ($119-$139) offers an interesting alternative to a full tripod setup. This system is extremely lightweight, weighing only 6 ounces, and can be set up in seconds. The monopod features a simple design, with your binoculars mounted to a bracket that securely holds them in place. With the quick turn of a dial, you can easily adjust the height of your binoculars along the monopod. A tension cord ensures smooth and fluid movement. This simple piece of gear significantly enhances the efficiency of glassing without adding significant bulk and weight to your pack.

Peax Equipment

Trekking poles can be a godsend and a literal lifesaver when traversing steep slopes with heavy packs. Peax Equipment (peaxequipment.com) offers great options such as the Sissy Stix Backcountry Elite ($160). These trekking poles are crafted from carbon fiber and aluminum, ensuring durability on rugged terrain. With micro-adjust quick locks, they remain sturdy under heavy loads without collapsing. Additionally, screw-on rubber feet help reduce noise, minimizing the risk of alarming game during your trek.

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