Making a memory and adding a little personalization even if it just a simple engraving with his initials adds a lot salt and pepper to whatever gun you decide on. It is the main reason I like handling and cleaning my guns as I replay some of the memories and feelings that are far more valuable...
My experience with vented has been the longer the shot and the more on alert the animal was the worse they reacted to the whistling. Finally just went with unvented and animals still have plenty of reaction but may be slightly less. Killed plenty with both.
I will throw in the Civivi knives like the Elementum in the original flipper or the button lock design. They use D2 or similar steel that in my experience is easy to sharpen but holds a good edge and I am using a knife daily and so far have been very pleased. Not nearly as expensive as Benchmade...
I have a nova that is mainly a camp gun but it gets used alot for turkeys and waterfowl. It is a bit ugly to look at but it is tough and solid. Easy to break all the way down to the trigger mechanism but will function day after day and for the price it would be hard to beat.
I also have a bamboo hoody that works well in warmer weather and has been durable so far and my brother has a barnburner merino hoody that he loves as a mid layer and as I am from AR anything that comes in a color called Pinoak is winner in my book.
I am a big fan of the high-e voormi hoody too and especially love how tough it is for a wool layer. They have several lighter pieces that use the same surface hardened wool tech that I am looking to add to my collection but as another person posted Unkillable!