Best Gear of the year Rokslide staff edition 2025. If you hunt in the East or the West, Archery, Muzzleloader, or Rifle season—these guys have you covered. With a staggering amount of time in the field, it’s always exciting to hear what gear rose up as a favorite in 2025. Regardless of whether you’re just starting out or are a certified gear junky, you’ll find something new to add to your own gear pile.
First up is Robby Denning’s pick
The 6UM on a Tikka action and Rokstok was built by Unknown Munitions. With the reduced recoil and improved ballistic coefficient, the 6UM proved its worth during a windy late-season hunt last year. Robby paired the new rifle with a Swarovski Z5 hash mark scope to add simplicity to an already efficient rifle system. Listen to every detail in Robby’s Rokcast – Goodbye 270 WSM, Hello 6 UM
Sam Weaver-
Finding ways to clean up and maximize the work bench space, Sam stumbled into Howards Total Vise System. Simply using a receiver mounted on the bench allows for unlimited number of accessories to be quickly installed, used, removed and returned to storage until needed again. Check it out here. Howards Total Vise also has many archery specific tools including a bow vise and bow press. Read Sam’s review here.
Another standout comes from SKRE Gear. Sam has been using SKRE Gear since 2016 and continues to be amazed at their commitment to responsibly priced technical clothing. The Torrid hoodie is prefect early season outer layer, vents well and dries exceptionally fast while offering integrated hood and facemask. When the weather hits and temperatures drop Sam breaks out the Sawtooth jacket. Designed to be deadly silent but still offer extreme warmth. The sawtooth gets the nod every time while tree stand hunting the rut.
Ryan Avery-
Not something that gets enough attention: Underwear! Specifically, the forged in the backcountry boxers. The Forged Base Boxers wick sweat, resist odor, and stretch with every move, adding a soft, second skin feel that won’t chafe or bind which is essential when riding mules in the back country. The redesigned crotch adds to the comfort and convenience of use day after day.
Staying with a theme of mules, they have truly changed how Ryan uses the backcountry, but their one drawback is they need water every day. Ryan worked hard to enhance his online scouting to identify available water sources. His next favorite is a tie between OnX and Base maps as each has features that the other system lacks. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses helps identify when to use each.
Tanya Avery-
Tanya has been known to get cold easily and so it comes as no surprise that she tested a new Puffy jacket made with an incredible 14 ounces of down. This prototype jacket allowed Tanya to use less layers so fewer hoods and collars to get in the way while shooting. Being warmer and more comfortable helped extend her time hunting during those crucial times when animals move the most.
Once again, the Rokstok made Tanya’s favorites list. The negative rifle stock come makes finding the eye box lightening quick and helps maintain sight picture on target allowing the shooter to spot their bullet impacts. The shorter trigger pull makes for a more relaxed grip and more consistent shots.
Tony Trietch-
A 6.5 PRC rifle built by snowy mountain rifles. Tony needed an ultra-lite rifle and Snowy Mountains Rifles delivered with their made in house new titanium action and 20” carbon barrel. Snowy Mountain Rifles paired with a Trigger Tech and XLR folding chassis made for an amazingly portable and high-performance rifle ready for any back country hunt. The reduced recoil and improved ballistic coefficient made this the rifle a joy to shoot but Tony went ahead and added Snowy Mountains new suppressor. This rifle made it in Tony’s pack every day all rifle season long. Comment on Tony’s thread here.
For archery season it was Hoyt’s newest carbon bow RX-10. While Hoyts have always been great shooters, this newest cam system is amazing for the tunibility and adjustment for this year. Hoyts incremental improvements to the feel and holding of a super solid back wall maximizes the performance and execution of the shot. After shooting aluminum risers for the past couple seasons Tony was impressed with weight and feel of the carbon riser on the RX-10.
Les Welch-
My favorite of the year is the Grakksaw E-boiler. Prefect for home or travel for cleaning skulls to comply with CWD restrictions or making prefect European mounts. It’s so simple to use basically skin the skull drop into the E-Boiler, set to 175 and leave overnight. Spray off in the morning. If you do more than one European mount a year, this will pay for itself in no time. Check it out here.
Once again, Matthews has outdone themselves building an amazing product. The new ARC bow is the best one yet. I’m still hunting and reviewing it but the improvements to noise reduction and shootablity are well worth the upgrade. Read Les review here.
Puck Outdoors is new to the market, but this convenient little call holder is worth looking in to. 3D printed with the highest craftsmanship these ZYN can shaped holders keep my top mouth reeds at the ready.
Justin Crossley-
Nightforce NX8 4-32 rifle scope in mils easily made for Justin’s top pick. The NX8 is mounted on all his hunting and competition rifles, allowing familiarity and consistency no matter what the target. Nightforce’s scopes’ proven durability and repeatability when dialing the turret for shooting long ranges give Justin confidence that every trigger pull will hit its mark.
In a close second is the XLR Element 4.0 magnesium chassis. The lightweight chassis is customizable to fit every situation. Adding carbon grips and butt stocks reduces the weight even further. Justin finds having the perfect fit enhances muscle memory but being able to adjust the chassis for his wife and kids adds to the versatility of the system.
Josh Boyd-
Josh named the Argali Yukon 8 person tent his favorite pick of the year. With over 200’ square feet and weighing in at 8 pounds 13 ounces the Yukon makes for the perfect base camp setup. Featuring a twin pole design that opens up more useable interior space than more traditional single pole options. Yukon will easily accommodate 4 people and all their gear plus a stove. Read Josh’s review here.
Adding a stove to the above setup allows Josh to be comfortable any time the season is open. The Kni-co stove company is a more traditional sheep herder stove style that allows for quick and easy setup. Its cost may be more attractive than backpacking options while still collapsing into a reasonable size for storage. Kni-co has many sizes available, using a larger size maybe overkill for heat in the Yukon but adds the convenience of a larger fuel box and increased burn times. Check them out here.
Matt Cashell-
Swarovski AT Balance might be the greatest thing to come out of 2025. The addition of stabilization to the amazing Swarovski glass increases its usability in the field. You can leave that heavy tripod behind without hindering the image at all distances, you can even use it to digiscope handheld. Simply amazing read Matt’s review here.
A great pair of boots can make every step more enjoyable and happy feet will extend your season. Zamberlan Adak boots are that sweet spot for Matt for fit and function. “The Traction of Adak thread pattern has impressed me no matter the footing conditions.”
One often overlooked component is socks. Matt tried many different styles and settled on the fit from Point 6 socks. Made in the United States with a lifetime warranty these socks never disappoint. Find a pair here.
Jared Bloomgren-
Switching from a traditional dome tent to a Peak Equipment Solitude 6 floorless shelter gave Jared his Top pick. Solitude 6 is super versatile, allowing the user to pack separate shelter pieces (shelter, floor, nest) to fit any conditions of the trip. The durability of the fabric and fast set up times making reaching for the Peak Equipment Solitude 6 every time a no brainer. Read Jared review here.
The newest PSE Sicario bow is another piece of tried-and-true gear that Jared used extensively during 2025. Sicario’s new cam design made for a smooth draw that also added speed for some additional cushion when judging distances in the wide-open western landscape. Check out PSE Bows here.
Jordan Budd-
Nothing stands out like the SIG Kilo 8K rangefinder. The Kilo 8K uses top of the line ballistic software to quickly and accurately give a shooting solution. The 8K’s internal atmospheric sensors automatically adjust so need for any user input keeping the entire system stupid simple. Jordans personal rangefinder is five seasons old proving the durability and functionality of the SIG 8K. Check it out here.
Sleeping well in the backcountry is one of the most aspects of a great trip. Jordan found that Argali Alpine sleeping bag has been an upgrade for 2025. The Alpine 20* bag is true temperature rated and the body mapped design keeps down where a sleeper needs it most. The simple features like a button-in pillow and cell phone pocket show Argali’s attention to detail. Read the review here.
Howard Mee-
Howard focuses on what gear he used the most in 2025 and came away with the Born Primitive half zip quiver hoodie and Frontier pants. Both pieces are suitable for daily wear but have also seen insane amounts of field use. The Quiver Hoodie is a staple from early archery season though out late season. The grid fleece is warm and dries quickly, the cut of the hood makes it comfortable and doesn’t get in the way.
With side-zip ventilation the Frontier pants have a wide range of use and adding an insulating layer beneath will extend their use into anything but extreme weather conditions. Born Primitive is redesigning both pieces this year, and Howard intends to compare both model’s next season. Check out the review here.
Kyle Virgin-
A standout this season was the First Lite Chamberlin down jacket. The Chamberlin has an extremely high warmth-to-weight ratio, even with its more robust and durable outer fabric. Kyle was so impressed with the Chamberlin that he purchased one for all his children.
Guiding in Alaska will have Kyle in the field for extended amounts of time; one of the ways to keep body funk at a minimum is by using merino wool. Kyle is a huge fan of First Lite’s Furnace hoody. While 95% merino and 5% spandex, the Furnace hoody maintains its shape and still dries quickly, giving it a top spot when conditions turn wet and cold.
Two other mentions are Really Right Stuff tripods, made in America, quality that matters when you’re on that once-in-a-lifetime hunt and equipment failure isn’t an option. Kyle uses a bunch of tents throughout Alaska’s guiding season, but nothing beats the Big Anges Expedition tent in cost-to-use value.
Zach Herold-
Zach was an early adopter of the Stone Glacier clothing lineup. Praxis pants are exceptionally quite making it perfect for stalking animals during archery season. Simply adding an insulation layer will push the Praxis pants well into Montana’s rifle season. See his review here.
Zach did a huge bow comparison here. But found for him that the Matthews Lift X33 was smooth and steady throughout the shot cycle and performed the best for him.
Zach also used the new SIG Sauer Oscar 6 spotting scope with image stabilization. So small, yet it can use it on the highest power, even handheld, without a tripod. This is a spotting scope I always bring along now. Check it out here.
Mike Moore-
Mike’s pick this year is gear that has withstood the test of time. After seven years of use, Sitka’s Ascent pants are still going strong. These pants are lightweight, breathable, and suitable for multiple uses. Read Mike’s review here.
Along those same lines is Seek Outside’s pack system. Mike has used Seek Outside for years. Simply changing the bag size enables the pack to be used from day hunting to 10 days or more of backpacking. This pack system is used year-round and is comfortable in all temperature ranges. Seek Outside also has a unique strap system for easy customization and secure load carrying. Check it out here.
Brock Akers-
First Lite hit a home run with the Navigator Hoodie. Brock wore the Navigator as a standalone piece in warmer weather and as a layering piece when colder conditions set in. The active fleece insulation and 30D outer fabric make a hoodie that breathes well during excursion but is still durable. Brock used the Navigator for archery elk season and fit was exceptional leaving no worries of string slap or excessive noise. Read Brock’s review here.
Jaden Bales-
Jaden tested the Argali prototype Vesper pants and found they pushed their way to his number one pick. The Vesper pants are a lightweight option, but Jaden found himself reaching for them all year long. The fit and quietness simply made these Vesper pants the best I’ve ever worn. Read the thread here.
Another standout product is the Kapture Gear digiscoping system. Kapture uses magnets inside an OEM eyepiece of your spotting scope to make lining up your cellphone quick and precise every time. Jaden’s number one priority was reliability when it comes to getting quality pictures. Check out Kapture here.
Ross Russell-
Top pick is the Rocky Mountain Champ 2.0 elk call. Nothing compares to calling mature bull elk and for Ross that means experimenting with several different calls every year. Each call has certain characteristics, but repeatability is the feature that Ross prizes most. The Champ 2.0 is easy to use, comfortable call that makes the same sound with same pressure time after time. Find them here.
Ross also found the Duckworth Powder Hoodie made the packing list every trip. The Powder Hoodie is 300-gram merino wool and perfect for an outer layer on those cool archery mornings or as an insulating layer as temperatures drop in those later seasons. Check it out here.
Dave Cameron-
Dave made some incredible comparisons between titanium suppressors in 2025 and you can read the thread here. It makes a lot of sense that his favorite gear of 2025 would be a suppressor made by Airlock Industries. Dubbed the “7mm” for the size of its bore opening, this titanium suppressor weighs in at 6.6 ounces. Combine that with 5 ½ overall length and a 1 ¾ diameter, and you end up with a small and effective hunting suppressor. Read Dave’s suppressor review here.
With a passion for building AR platforms, Dave found the Total Vise system. Total Vise offers both a lower support station and an upper vise block support. Both tools drop into the base mount and can be quickly removed and stored if workspace is needed for other projects before the build is completed. The vast array of base and tool combinations is staggering, making the Total Vise System truly versatile in any workshop.
