skyleralan
FNG
OK, so I am about to get serious in terms of shifting to backcountry hunting. Specifically mule deer in either archery or muzzleloader seasons so late Aug.-Mid. Sept. This alone saves me on method of take since I have a Knight .45 muzzy and have always bow hunted. Clothing wise, I'm not concerned I will buy pieces on and off all the time (Kuiu, Sitka, FL, etc.). On my research for packs, I think this will be the first place where I really commit and buy a Stone Glacier. I think this will be a vital piece of equipment that will be the backbone of getting into and out of the backcountry. Boots, I haven't committed one way or another I definitely want something waterproof, but still light and agile with good ankle support. Thoughts?
Optics wise, I have a rangefinder with angle compensation out to 500yds. Not the fanciest of units, but since I will be trying to get within a 100yds and in, it should work fine. Binos, I am thinking of going with the Vortex Vultures (15x56) with Suiri T-025x tripod. I think I can get this combo put together for $550-$600 if I buy used. Robby seems to think you can get away with this quality for awhile until I upgrade, but this will get me in the game. Spotting scope wise, I haven't decided but thinking of setting my budget around 1K.
Tent haven't really looked much yet, suggestions would be great. I have done some research on sleeping bags and sleeping mats. I think I will get a quality air mat (thinking a large Therm-A-Rest NeoAir) Will throw in an egg crate mat to put under it along with using sections of it when glassing. Bag wise, want to get something around "0" degree, but with a good price point. Synthetic is totally fine with me, I figure it may not be as warm as the top quality (Western Mountaineering), but a quality mat seems to go along ways with your sleeping bag choice. Rather be too warm than freezing especially if buying a sleeping bag "on a budget".
As you guys can hopefully tell from my post, I have been putting in lots of time with research (I enjoy the process). I want to be a long time member and prove to many of the members here that I am not just a guy who joins asks for "unit help" and then disappears. I want to build some relationships here and get to know the senior members here.
I know I didn't touch on every piece of gear, but the larger purchases is what I am concerned about now ($200+). Thanks-Skyler
Optics wise, I have a rangefinder with angle compensation out to 500yds. Not the fanciest of units, but since I will be trying to get within a 100yds and in, it should work fine. Binos, I am thinking of going with the Vortex Vultures (15x56) with Suiri T-025x tripod. I think I can get this combo put together for $550-$600 if I buy used. Robby seems to think you can get away with this quality for awhile until I upgrade, but this will get me in the game. Spotting scope wise, I haven't decided but thinking of setting my budget around 1K.
Tent haven't really looked much yet, suggestions would be great. I have done some research on sleeping bags and sleeping mats. I think I will get a quality air mat (thinking a large Therm-A-Rest NeoAir) Will throw in an egg crate mat to put under it along with using sections of it when glassing. Bag wise, want to get something around "0" degree, but with a good price point. Synthetic is totally fine with me, I figure it may not be as warm as the top quality (Western Mountaineering), but a quality mat seems to go along ways with your sleeping bag choice. Rather be too warm than freezing especially if buying a sleeping bag "on a budget".
As you guys can hopefully tell from my post, I have been putting in lots of time with research (I enjoy the process). I want to be a long time member and prove to many of the members here that I am not just a guy who joins asks for "unit help" and then disappears. I want to build some relationships here and get to know the senior members here.
I know I didn't touch on every piece of gear, but the larger purchases is what I am concerned about now ($200+). Thanks-Skyler