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10 Best Beginner Compound Bows For Hunting [2025]

Jason Tome
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10 Best Beginner Compound Bows For Hunting [2025]

This post covers the best beginner compound bows for hunting for both youths and adults. These bows are excellent choices for the money and are also high-quality, making them a great value.

There’s no sense in spending a lot of money if you, a youngster, or someone you’re buying for is just getting into bowhunting. A first bow is supposed to be effective but not break the bank. That said, you don’t want to go too cheap or the bow or its parts might end up breaking or make the bow inaccurate, leading to frustration.

Fortunately, there are some great options on the market. I’ve listed some of the best beginner compound bows for hunting below.

This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Of course, you are not obligated to use my links, but it does help fund these posts in hopes of bringing more value to you!

Best Adult Beginner Compound Bows For Hunting

Bear Archery Cruzer G-2 RTH Compound Bow Package

The Bear G-2 has been one of the best-selling bows for beginners in the industry because it’s a ready-to-hunt (RTH) out-of-box budget compound bow package that has a smooth draw cycle, incredible adjustability, and just feels great in the hand. For these reasons, it’s won the hearts of both youth and adult beginner bowhunters.

It has an adjustable draw length of 12-30 inches and an adjustable draw weight of 5 to 70 lbs. This allows new bowhunters to grow with their bow as they progress. Also, Bear Archery is a reputable brand that has been creating bows for a long time.

As I write this post, you can still get the Cruzer G-2 at a very good price, however, Bear seems to be phasing the G-2 out and replacing it with the G-3, so get it while you can!

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Bear Archery Cruzer G-3 RTH Compound Bow Package

The G-3 is the next generation of the G-2.  The G-3 has an adjustable draw length of 14-30 inches and an adjustable draw weight of 10 to 70 lbs making it slightly less adjustable than the G-2. However, the reduction in adjustability has given it improvements in performance. The most obvious is the 75% let-off, a +5% increase, making it easier for beginners to hold the bow back. All of the accessories are Trophy Ridge.

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Bear Archery Resurgence RTH Compound Bow Package

Bear makes another great adult beginner bow called the Resurgence. Like the Cruzer bows, it is read to hunt out of the box. It’s only slightly more expensive than the Cruzer G-3 but you get more for your money. For example, it has a cam system that lets it shoot faster (335 fps), and it has 80% let-off. The draw weights are a little less adjustable than less expensive bows, which is common to get improved performance. Depending on which bow you buy it can be adjusted from 45 to 60 or 55 to 70 lbs. The draw lengths can be adjusted from 25.5-31 inches.

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Bear Fred Legit RTH Package Realtree Edge

This ready-to-hunt bow package was specifically designed to fit bowhunters of all ages. The draw length is adjustable from 14-30 inches and the draw weight is adjustable from 10-70 lbs. Taller hunters may benefit from a max draw length of 31 inches.

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Diamond Archery Edge 320 Compound Bow Package

Diamond is another well-known bow company that makes great bows for beginners. Their Edge 320 is one of the best bows for beginners because of its adjustability. The draw length is adjustable from 15-31 inches, and the draw weight is adjustable from 7-70lbs. You can find this bow at about the same price as the Cruzer G-3.

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Diamond by Bowtech Prism Compound Bow Package

The Diamond Prism is another great bow for youngsters and adults. The draw length is adjustable from 18-30 inches which fits the majority of hunters and the draw weight adjustable from 5-55 lbs. This bow can grow with the hunter and with these specs, it will fit both teenagers and adults.

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Sanlida Archery Dragon X8 RTH Compound Bow Package

This is one of the most popular hunting bows on Amazon because it’s cheap, adjustable, ready to hunt, and it works. It has an adjustable draw length of 18-31″ and an adjustable draw weight of 0-70 lbs.

The adjustability at this price point makes it one of the best hunting bows for the money. The 31″ max draw length is great for individuals with a longer wingspan. Most bows offer up to a 30″ draw length so it’s great to see a budget bow with a longer draw length.

I’m not sure about the build quality long term, I suggest buying from a reputable bow company.

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Best Youth Beginner Compound Bows For Hunting

These bows are not designed for adults, they are for youth bowhunters only. Bows in this category will likely need to be upgraded once the kids get older and outgrow their bows. These bows are perfect for kids who are younger than teenagers but are adjustable enough to last them through all or most of their teenage years.

These bows offer some better benefits than the highly adjustable bows for both you and adults. For example; they are smaller and lighter weight making them more manageable to hold for smaller and younger kids. Also, they’re generally cheaper for these reasons.

Bear Archery Royale RTH Youth Compound Bow

This is one of Bear Archery’s bows designed specifically for youth hunters. It has an adjustable draw length of 12″-27″, adjustable weights of 5-50lbs, only 27″ inches axel-to-axel, and only 2.7 lbs without the accessories, making it one of the best bows for youngsters, especially for the price.

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PSE Archery Mini Burner RTS Compound Bow Package

The PSE Mini Burner is another great option. It’s a small bow with a lot of adjustability for youth hunters. For example, the bow only weighs 2.5 lbs, the draw weight can be adjusted from 5-40 lbs so any young hunter can pull it back, and the draw length is adjustable from 16 – 26.5 inches. This is one of the best sub-300$ bows for youth hunters.

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Diamond by Bowtech Atomic Youth Compound Bow Package

This is Diamond Archery’s bow is the ultimate youth bow for the youngest bowhunters. The draw length is adjustable from 12-24 inches making, so it fits the smallest of youth hunters. The draw weight is adjustable from 6 to 29 lbs, which makes it too light for deer hunting. But it’s a great bow for hunting smaller animals and introducing youngsters to bowhunting. The bow only weighs 1.9 lbs making it the lightest bow on this list. It’s only 24 inches axle to axle, also making it the shortest bow on this list.

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What To Look For In A Compound Bow For Hunting

To get the most for your money there are a few things to consider before purchasing your first bow to ensure you get the most out of it:

Best Compound Bows For Beginners

Adjustability

For a beginner, a highly adjustable bow is recommended because it will allow the bowhunter to grow with the bow and prevent the bowhunter from outgrowing the bow.

Draw Length

Youth bowhunters will want a bow that has a highly adjustable draw length because it will allow them to grow with the bow instead of outgrowing the bow and needing to buy a new bow.

Draw Weight

An adjustable draw weight is important for youth and adult hunters because as you become stronger you’ll want to increase your draw weight so you can shoot arrows faster, flatter, and more accurately. You’ll also want to be able to start at low poundage and work your way up to higher poundages gradually.

Bow Size (Length, Weight, and Width)

Take into consideration the size of the bow you’re buying. For example, if you’re hunting you might want a short, lightweight, and slim bow that is easy to carry through the brush.

Speed (to an extent)

Speed is important to an extent, but do not fixate on this as a new bowhunter and just buy the fastest bow in your price range. It is better to have a bow that feels good to use.

Draw Cycle Smoothness

The draw cycle has a lot to do with how a bow feels. A smooth drawing bow will feel better in the hand so it is important to try as many bows as you can out to see what you like best before buying a bow.

Let-off

Compound bows are great because they have let-off which reduces the lbs you hold back at full draw. This makes it easier to hold a bow back at full draw for longer periods, which is very helpful in hunting situations. Let off is the % of draw weight you are holding at full draw.

So, if you have a 50 lbs draw weight and you have an 80% let-off then you are only holding 10 lbs at full draw. A good let-off is helpful, especially for beginners.

Ready to Hunt Packages

Ready-to-hunt bowhunting packages are great for beginner bowhunters because you don’t have to spend time figuring out all of the accessories for a bow, the bow comes with them. This is a great way to get more for your money too.

As you improve as a bowhunter and learn more you can buy replacement accessories that are of higher quality. This is another great way compound bows grow with you.

Don’t Buy A Used Hunting Compound Bow (Beginners Only)

Many times new bowhunters will buy a used cool-looking bow from someone only to find out that the bow isn’t adjustable enough to fit them. I recommend buying new for your first bow and working with a pro shop to tune the bow and arrows specifically to your body. This way you’ll ensure the bow is shooting the way it is intended to for the most accuracy.

Don’t Buy Soley Based on Bow Specs

It’s important to get your hands on as many compound bows as possible and to try them out in the archery range before spending your money. Each bow will feel different to you. You want the bow that is most comfortable for you.

Print out this list of the best beginner compound bows and bring it with you to the archery shop near you. Try out as many as you can to see what you like best.

Even if you see a better deal online, go into the store and try them out. You’re not obligated to buy a bow after trying them out, so you can go back home and order the one you like best online. This way you’re making a more educated purchase.

More Bowhunting Resources For Beginners:

Reputable Hunting Bow Brands

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The Best Wool Hunting Jackets: Durable, Warm, and Built for the Outdoors

Jason Tome
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The Best Wool Hunting Jackets: Durable, Warm, and Built for the Outdoors

When it comes to hunting in cold, wet, and unpredictable conditions, few materials perform as well as wool. For centuries, hunters, outdoorsmen, and military personnel have relied on wool for its unmatched insulation, breathability, and quietness in the field. Unlike synthetic materials, wool remains warm even when wet, wicks moisture naturally, and is incredibly durable—making it one of the best fabrics for serious hunters.

But with so many wool hunting jackets on the market, how do you choose the right one? In this guide, I’ve handpicked the best wool jackets for hunting, from lighter-weight jackets to heavy-weight insulated parkas. These jackets offer the warmth, stealth, and durability you need.

This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Of course, you are not obligated to use my links, but it does help fund these posts in hopes of bringing more value to you!

Why Trust My Recommendations?

I’m a Maine hunting guide, and Maine guides and outdoorsmen have relied on wool in the cold winter months for generations. I know firsthand what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to staying warm, dry, and undetected in the field.

8 Amazing Properties of Wool For Hunters

  • Water-resistant
  • Great moisture-wicking abilities (dries fast)
  • Odor-resistant (antimicrobial-resistant)
  • Temperature Regulation (warm when it is wet, breathable & cool when it’s hot)
  • Incredibly Quiet Fabric
  • Very Breathable
  • Excellent Insulator
  • Strong
Wool Hunting Jacket Fibers - Raw Virgin Wool
Wool is one of Mother Nature’s greatest natural materials for hunting clothing

Best Wool Jackets For Hunting

FirstLight Sawtooth Hybrid

This jacket is made out of merino wool. It’s lightweight and great for early-season hunts or as a layering garment for cold weather. This jacket is body-mapped, which means it has synthetic insulation in key areas to preserve warmth at your core and no insulation in areas that are important for breathability. It comes in many different colors and camo patterns.

FirstLight Sawtooth Hybrid Merino Wool Jacket

Silent Predator Timber Wolf Uninsulated Jacket

Silent Predator is a company based in Canada and they make camouflage wool hunting jackets. You can order custom sizing for their wool clothes, having perfectly fitting clothes is a great perk when hunting.

The timber wolf jacket is uninsulated which I prefer because you get the full benefits of the wool. These jackets are made of tightly knitted 90% virgin wool which helps them be more water-repellent.

Silent Predator Timber Wolf Uninsulated Wool Hunting Jacket
Photo From Silent Predator Website

Silent Predator Insulated Wool Tree Stand Hoodie Jacket

Another great product by Silent Predator is their Tree Stand Hoodie. This hoodie has all the benefits of a wool jacket but with a hood. I like a hood for keeping the elements off my neck. These hoodies are insulated with wool, so they are excellent for all weather conditions. These hoodies are also made of tightly knitted 90% virgin wool.

Silent Predator Insulated Wool Tree Stand Hoodie Jacket
Photo From Silent Predator Website

Silent Predator Insulated Whitetail Parka

For really cold weather Silent Predator also makes an insulated Whitetail Parka. The high collar and hood greatly reduce the elements from making you cold. This jacket is insulated with wool poly, so they are excellent for all weather conditions. There is a waterproof membrane that covers the shoulder area. This jacket is made of tightly knitted 90% virgin wool.

Silent Predator Insulated Whitetail Parka
Photo From Silent Predator Website

L.L. Bean Maine Guide Wool Jacket (Uninsulated)

Because of their 100% satisfaction guarantee L.L. Bean makes excellent quality clothing. The Maine guide wool jacket is a favorite among Mainers and Maine hunting guides because of the versatility of wool for all weather conditions. This jacket is made of 85% wool and 15% nylon. The added nylon makes it more durable.

L.L. Bean Maine Guide Wool Jacket (Uninsulated)

L.L. Bean Maine Guide Wool Jacket (Uninsulated)

L.L. Bean Maine Guide Insulated Wool Jacket

This is the same jacket as above but this one has PrimaLoft Silver Lining insulation. Primaloft is one of the best insulation, even better than wool. The only downside is that it does not perform as well when it gets wet. That said, the PrimaLoft adds a layer of windproofing which will keep you much warmer on cold windy days since wool is not windproof by itself. This jacket is 85% wool and 15% nylon.

L.L. Bean Maine Guide Insulated Wool Jacket

Wool Jacket For Hunting

L.L. Bean Insulated Wool Parka Jacket

This is a heavy-weight wool hunting jacket with Primaloft insulation. Primaloft is one of the best insulation types on the market, even better than wool. It also adds a layer of windproofing which will keep you much warmer on cold windy days. Wool is not windproof on its own so the added Primaloft will help a lot for warmth. Primaloft is also lighter than wool. However, the only downside is that the primaloft does not perform as well when it gets wet.

L.L. Bean Insulated Wool Parka Jacket

Johnson’s Woolen Mills 100% Wool Hunting Coat

Johnson’s Woolen Mills is a reputable brand that has been around for a long time. The exterior of this jacket is 100% wool and the interior is insulated with tricot lining. This is one of the best heavyweight wool jackets for hunting.

Johnson's 100% Wool Hunting Coat

Johnson’s Woolen Mills Wool Mackinaw Jacket

This is an even heavier-duty wool hunting jacket by Johnson’s Woolen Mills. This jacket is insulated and comes with a detachable hood and reinforced collar for extra warmth. This is an excellent wool hunting jacket for mostly stationary hunting, like treestand hunting.

Johnson's Woolen Mills Wool Mackinaw Jacket

Stormy Kromer Mackinaw Wool Hunting Jacket

Stormer Kromer makes a nice wool jacket as well. This Mackinaw is made of 26oz 100% virgin wool and is uninsulated. The biggest difference with this jacket compared to the other uninsulated models is that there are 6 pockets. This jacket has excellent reviews everywhere you look.

 

Stormy Kromer Mackinaw Wool Hunting Jacket

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Filson Mackinaw Cruiser Wool Hunting Jacket

The Filson Mackinaw is made out of 100% virgin wool and comes in a few different colors. This jacket was designed and patented for foresters and timber cruisers in the wet and rainy state of Oregon. Because of the effectiveness of this jacket in a variety of weather conditions, it quickly became a staple for the U.S. Forest Service. Since then hunters and outdoorsmen have adopted this jacket because of the benefits of wool in wet and cold conditions.

Best Filson Mackinaw Cruiser Wool Hunting Jacket

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Legendary Whitetails Outdoorsman Recycled Wool Jacket

This wool hunting jacket does not have the same % wool as the other jackets on this list but it is worth mentioning. The outer shell is made of 60% recycled wool and 40% acrylic polyester nylon viscose. The inner part of the jacket is polyester sherpa. The performance of this jacket would not be as good as the other jackets. Especially in wet conditions. However, it is still a great budget wool jacket option and is better than a jacket with no wool.

Legendary Whitetails Outdoorsman Recycled Wool Jacket

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Is Merino Wool Better Than Raw Virgin Wool?

In my experience, raw virgin wool seems to be the superior choice for wool hunting jackets. Raw wool is coarser, more durable, and seems to have more loft than merino wool. This keeps snow and rain beaded up at the surface of the jacket, which can be brushed off for a while until it eventually saturates during periods of long exposure in wet conditions.

Merino wool is great for undergarments like socks, glove liners, and thermal layers because they are softer and less durable. This makes merino wool perfect for layering.

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How To Keep Feet Warm While Hunting In Winter & Cold Weather

Jason Tome
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How To Keep Feet Warm While Hunting In Winter & Cold Weather

This is everything you need to know about how to keep your feet warm while hunting in winter and cold weather. The right gear, footwear, and preparations are essential for foot warmth when temperatures drop. Some of the very best products for keeping your feet warm in these conditions are provided below.

Keeping your feet warm while hunting is also an art. You can have all of the best gear in the world, but if you’re not preparing correctly you could be setting the stage for cold feet. This post will give you tips to greatly increase your foot warmth while hunting.

This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Of course, you are not obligated to use my links, but it does help fund these posts in hopes of bringing more value to you!

If you’re struggling to keep your feet warm while hunting, this post is for you:

10 Quick Tips For Keeping Your Feet Warm While Hunting

  1. Sweat and water are your enemies, bring an extra pair of socks if your feet get sweaty.
  2. Wear and insulate feet using wool products.
  3. Use Hand/Toe/Body Warmers
  4. Buy The Warmest Hunting Boots You Can Afford
  5. Use an outer boot insulator
  6. Keep your wool plush and fluff it if it gets compressed. This increases insulation effectiveness.
  7. Eating high-calorie foods such as high carbs and high fats before or during a hunt will help keep you warm. Think pasta with fats like butter, pesto, oil…etc.
  8. Stay hydrated by drinking hot water.
  9. Keep the rest of your body warm, this will help keep your hands and feet warmer.
  10. Separate your feet from your treestand platform or ground with an insulating pad.

The Importance of Wool For Warm Feet

Wool is one of mother nature’s greatest natural materials. Wool is water-resistant, moisture-wicking, odor resistant, stays warm when wet, breathable and cool when hot, silent, has excellent insulating properties, and is durable.

For this reason, wool is one of the best materials for keeping your feet warm while hunting in cold weather.

Wool Socks and Wool Boot Liners For Keeping Feet Warm While Hunting

Accessories For Keeping Your Feet Warm When Hunting

Heavyweight Wool Socks (Above Calf)

The first thing to address is the type of sock you’re wearing. If you’re wearing cotton you can basically forget having warm feet.

If you’re serious about having warm feet wool socks are a crucial first link in the chain towards having warm feet while hunting. A long heavyweight sock that covers your calf will help bring the most warmth to your feet.

Heavyweight Merino Wool Tall Calf Socks For Keeping Your Feet Warm While Hunting

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High Wool Content Insoles For Hunting Boots

One of the best tips for keeping your feet warm while hunting is to use wool insoles. If you’re using regular insoles that came with your boots, you’re likely leaving a lot of feet warmth on the table. A wool insole separates your feet further from the ground and outside elements. You also get all of the benefits of wool.

When you pair your wool socks with wool insoles you have a nice cushion of wool material surrounding your foot and separating you from the elements. This traps heat and prevents cold from getting to your feet as quickly. Not to mention they’re much comfier than insoles that come with boots.

Wool Boot Insoles For Keeping Your Feet Warm While Hunting

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Extra Thick 100% Wool Hunting Boot Insoles

These are extra thick (13mm) 100% wool insoles. The extra thickness makes them even better for keeping your feet warm in winter and cold weather hunting conditions than the insoles above. They’re made of 80% virgin wool and 20% recycled wool.

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High Wool Content Boot Liners

Another one of the best ways to keep your feet warm while hunting is by using boot liners. If you already have boot liners that came with your boots make sure they have a high content of wool. If they don’t, it would greatly help your foot warmth by purchasing boot liners that are made primarily of wool like the ones below.

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Warmest Hunting Boots

Now that you have wool socks and wool insoles we can start talking about boots. The warmest hunting boots for cold weather are going to be heavily insulated and waterproof. One of the absolute warmest boots for hunters is Baffin’s Titan boot.

The Baffin Titan rubber boots are comfort-rated to -148ºF (-100ºC). They are perfect for hardcore hunters who hunt stationary for long periods of time (like in a treestand) in the cold winter weather months. Also, they are waterproof, breathable, scent-free, and have thick removable liners for extra insulation and warmth. They’re waterproof too so you can be sure your feet stay dry, which is essential for hunting in cold weather. For how warm they are, they are not that heavy.

Baffin Titan Warmest Insulated Rubber Boot For Keeping Feet Warm While Hunting

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Baffin Titan Warmest Insulated Rubber Boot For Hunting

ArcticShield Outer Boot Insulator

If your feet are still cold another option is an outer boot insulator. These insulators trap and retain heat and deflect the cold. This extra layer of insulation can really help keep your feet warm in frigid weather.

ArcticShield Outer Boot Insulator For Keeping Your Feet Warm While Hunting

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Toe Warmers

Toe warmers are another one of my go-to options for keeping my feet warm while hunting on cold days. They’re so easy to pop in a boot and they’ll work all day long. Toe warmers burn hotter than hand warmers because they have larger pores to accept more oxygen.

Toe Warmers

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Hand Warmers (For Your Feet)

I often use hand warmers in my boots. They are not as warm as toe warmers but they are warm enough for me in most instances. Hand warmers let less oxygen into them so they don’t burn as hot because they are designed to be worn in an oxygen-rich environment, unlike toe warmers which need more oxygen because there is less available oxygen down in the bottom of a boot.

Hand Warmers

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Body Warmers Adhesives

Another trick you can try is placing body warmers on your legs around your calves. This will warm blood so when it reaches your toes it will be warmer.

Body Warmers Adhesives

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Thermous With Hot Water

I’ll often bring a hot beverage with me. Something hydrating is key because being dehydrated can cause poor circulation and cold feet. For this reason, I’ll drink hot water. Hot water is also relatively scent-free. It does a great job of taking the edge off on those coldest days while hunting.

Yeti Thermous For Cold-Weather Hunting

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Insulate Your Feet From the Ground or Treestand Platform

Separate your feet from your treestand platform or ground with an insulating pad, this will slow down the cold transfer speed to your feet. Even a small amount of material can go a long way, especially if your feet are directly in snow or on metal.

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Lacrosse Burly Air Grip Rubber Boots

If you watched my YouTube video and are wondering what the exact rubber boots I use are, here they are.

 

LaCrosse Men's 18" Burly Air Grip Hunting Boot

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More Hunting Footwear Resources:

Best Stores To Shop For Warm Footwear Gear

Some great places to find warm footwear gear include:

  • Amazon – Free Two-Day Shipping For Prime Members
  • Cabela’s – Free Shipping on Orders Over 50$
  • L.L. Bean – Free Shipping on Orders Over 50$

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8 Best Headlamps For Hunting [2025]

Jason Tome
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8 Best Headlamps For Hunting [2025]

The best headlamps for hunting make a hunter’s life easier and more efficient by keeping hands free, enabling you to focus on the task at hand. Not all headlamps are created equal for hunters. Some headlamps will make your life easier, and others won’t.

The type of hunting you do will determine the best headlamp features for you. This post covers the best headlamps for a variety of different types of hunting and hunting situations so you can make the most educated purchase for you.

This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Of course, you are not obligated to use my links, but it does help fund these posts in hopes of bringing more value to you!

List of Best Headlamp Features Covered In This Review:

  • Durability
  • Waterproofing
  • Battery type
  • Battery life
  • Light color
  • Brightness
  • Weight
  • Bulk
  • Memory
  • Direct access to colored lights
  • Battery lockout
  • Low-battery indicator

Best Hunting Headlamp Features To Look For

A headlamp is easily one of the most useful tools for hunters. However, if you choose the wrong headlamp you might find yourself more frustrated than not. This post will help ensure you choose the right headlamp with the best features for the types of hunting you do.

Durable

Don’t skimp on a cheap headlamp if you rely on headlamps to get you out of the woods. Cheaper headlamps aren’t durable and are more likely to malfunction. They also don’t have features that make them easy to use for hunters. The best headlamps for hunting will be able to withstand some light to moderate abuse and have features that make them easy to use.

Waterproof

Hunters shouldn’t even consider buying a non-waterproof headlamp. A waterproof is a necessity for hunters because the weather can change unexpectedly. Also, it’s common to hunt in bad weather and the last thing you want to have to happen is to break your headlamp in a rainstorm and you have to find your way back in the dark.

Battery Type (Rechargeable vs Non-rechargeable)

Non-rechargeable headlamps are generally better than rechargeable headlamps for hunting. This is because a headlamp that uses batteries, like AAA, can be replaced if you carry extra batteries with you. When you use a rechargeable headlamp you’re out of luck unless you bring a power bank and a charging cord. This can be dangerous if you’re trying to get out of remote areas.

Light Color Toggle (Blue, Red, Green)

Although red and green headlamp colors help to avoid detection, they are not invisible to animals. Animals can see these lights, just not as well as white light. A bright red light is still quite obvious to animals. That said, red lights on headlamps usually have fewer lumens, so they are less bright than white lights, making them great for sneaking into your hunting spots undetected.

The main purpose of green and red lights is to preserve your night vision. This way you can still see in the dark in your peripherals outside of the red beam. A red light will also stop you from ruining the night vision of other hunters you’re hunting with and talking to. 

Best Headlamps For Hunting

Adjustable Brightness/ Lumens

When you’re hunting it’s important not to spook game even if it’s before or after legal shooting light. A bright light bouncing around on your noggin will let every animal in the vicinity know where you are or at least reduce your odds of a successful hunt. For this reason, an adjustable brightness is important, even for nighttime modes like red and green color.

Weight/Bulk

Bulk and weight are important factors to consider when choosing a headlamp for hunting. You don’t want a big and bulky headlamp that will get caught up in branches on your walk into your hunting area. And a heavy headlamp will bob up and down more on your head which can be annoying.

Additionally, hunters generally use headlamps for a small portion of the time when hunting. It’s basically for getting to and from hunting spots after legal shooting light. For this reason, a headlamp is an essential piece of gear but it is only used a small portion of the time. When not in use it is nice to have a small compact headlamp that you can put in your pocket or into a backpack easily.

Memory

Memory is a headlamp’s ability to remember the last setting it was on when it is turned on again from being off. This is helpful when there are different light colors and you don’t want to toggle through all of the colors to find the one you are looking for.

Direct Access to Colored Lights

Direct access to a colored light means that instead of toggling through all of the light colors to get to the color you want, there is a dedicated button that allows you to immediately access the light you want.

For example, having direct access to a red light will make it so you don’t shine a bright white light every time you want to use your red light. This helps prevent spooking animals.

Battery Lockout

Battery lockout is a helpful feature because it prevents your headlamp from accidentally turning on in your bag or pocket. This can be an important feature for those who rely heavily on their headlamps for getting out of the woods. 

Low Light Indicator

Having a low light indicator is an important feature for a hunting headlamp because knowing when your headlamp is going to die allows you to plan ahead and get the batteries replaced so your headlamp doesn’t die when you need it most.

Best Headlamps For Hunting

Black Diamond Spot 350 Lumen Best Value Hunting Headlamp

Black Diamond makes some of the best headlamps for the money. For under 40$ you get just about everything someone would be looking for in a headlamp. This headlamp has 3 lights, a bright main light, a flood light, and a red light. All of these lights are dimmable. Also, it has memory so it will remember the settings you used last.

The Spot uses 3 AAA batteries. There is a battery lock option so it doesn’t accidentally turn on. The easy-to-read battery life indicator is excellent. The battery life is also great and will last 3.75 hours at max brightness and up to 200 hours at low brightness. The touch panel on the side conveniently toggles max brightness for all three lights.

It’s waterproof down to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes and weighs 2.93 oz.

 

Black Diamond Spot 350 Lumen Best Value Hunting Headlamp

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Black Diamond Storm 400 Lumen Hunting Headlamp

The Black Diamond Storm headlamp is similar to the Black Diamond Spot headlamp in function, but with a few additional features. It has red, green, and blue light settings, and takes four replaceable AAA batteries. This allows the storm to run longer with high brightness settings. The video below does a great job explaining the features:

Black Diamond Storm 400 Lumen Hunting Headlamp

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Petzl Tactikka 300 Lumen Hunting Headlamp

Petzl is a well-known company that makes excellent headlamps. The Tikka 300 is 2.89 oz and has 3 white light modes, low (6 lumens, 160 hours), medium (100 lumens, 12 hours), and high (300) lumens. One button is used to toggle through these brightness levels. To access the red light you press and hold the button. A cool feature of Petzl is you can use 3 AAA batteries or you can buy a rechargeable battery pack.

 

Petzl Tactikka 300 Lumen Hunting Headlamp

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Petzl Tactikka + RBG 350 Lumen Hunting Headlamp

The Tactikka + 350 has all of the same features as the Tactikka 300, plus a few more. The differences include 50 extra lumens for added brightness and more light color options. For example, you get red, green, and blue lights. To access these lights you just hold down a single button as the headlamp it toggles through the different colors.

 

Petzl Tactikka + RBG 350 Lumen Hunting Headlamp

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L.L. Bean Trailblazer Sportsman 420 Lumen Headlamp

L.L. Bean has an excellent 100% satisfaction guarantee for up to 1 year which is an excellent indicator of how much they believe in the quality of their products. This headlamp does not have a red light but does have a green light for night vision. The green light comes on first before the white light so you preserve your night vision. This makes it one of the best hunting headlamps with green light.

The Trailblazer’s brightness settings are very adjustable. The 420 spotlight setting is dimmable to 25 lumens. The 50-lumen white flood light setting is dimmable to 10 lumens. This is not a rechargeable headlamp, it uses 3 AAA batteries which are included, and will last up to 110 hours. It is waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

L.L. Bean Trailblazer Sportsman 420 Lumen Headlamp

L.L. Bean Headlamps For Hunting

Biolite 200 Lumen Lightest Weight Headlamp

This is a minimal and simple one-button headlamp that just about does it all. It has an articulating light, 12-hour last-setting memory, and dimmable red and white brightness.

The battery is rechargeable only and lasts 3 hours at max brightness but will last 40 hours at low brightness. It has a low battery indicator and the battery has a lock mode so it won’t accidentally get turned on when you don’t want it to.

This is one of the lightest and most portable headlamps on the market at 1.76 oz, the tradeoff is the IPX4 waterproof rating which means it can only withstand light rain.

Biolite 200 Lumen Lightest Weight Headlamp

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Brightest Headlamps For Hunting

Fenix HM50R V.2 700 Lumens

Fenix headlamps are great for hunters because they offer a lot of lumens in a small lightweight 2.75 oz package. With this Fenix HM50R, you get 700 lumens, direct access to the red light, and a battery lockout feature. It’s easy to operate with a one-button operation.

The CR123A battery life is quite good, you get 65 hours on 5 lumens red light, 42 hours at 30 lumens, 8 hours on 130 lumens, 3 hours at 400 lumens, and one hour at 700 lumens. The battery is rechargeable only but can fully charge in 1.5 hours. You can check the battery life too so you know when the headlamp is running low.

 

Fenix HM50R V.2 700 Lumens Bright Hunting Headlamp

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Fenix HM70R 1600 Lumens

The Fenix HM70R 1600 is one of the brightest headlamps for hunting and has the best battery life. This is one of the best headlamps for hunters who don’t care as much about weight and stealthiness and are more interested in brightness. This could be a good option for waterfowl hunters for navigating in a boat at night. You don’t have to run this headlamp at max brightness either and it will work great at lower lumens.

It will last 2 hours at the highest setting of 1600 lumens, up to 100 hours at the lowest 30 lumens white light, and all the way to 400 hours at the lowest red light setting of 5 lumens using a 21700 battery.

Fenix HM70R Brightest Hunting Headlamp

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How Many Lumens Is Best For Hunting Headlamps?

Brighter does not mean better when it comes to hunting headlamps. A 200-lumen headlamp is plenty. To navigate in the dark you don’t need many lumens, 50 lumens is comfortable for most people in the woods and will allow you to see +/- 20 yards easily. Most headlamps have adjustable brightness settings so you can use your headlamp at lower lumens but still have the option to crank up the brightness to much higher lumens when needed.

Are Bright Headlamps Good For Hunting?

Brighter headlamps are not necessarily better for hunting. Brighter headlamps will reduce the battery life greatly or you will need a bigger heavier and bulkier headlamp with a bigger battery to sustain higher brightness levels for longer periods. So there are trade-offs with getting a brighter headlamp.

Are Cheap Headlamps Worth The Money?

Don’t skimp on a good headlamp because cheap ones will break or not work properly when you need it most. Many hunters rely on headlamps to get them out of the woods after shooting hours. A dependable headlamp is worth the money for your safety.

There are budget headlamps made by reputable manufacturers that would be okay to purchase, some of them are listed in this post. However, I would not buy cheap off-brand headlamps because their quality will be questionable.

More Headlamp Resources:

Best Brands When Buying Hunting Headlamps

  • Black Diamond
  • Petzl
  • L.L. Bean
  • Cabela’s
  • Biolite
  • Fenix

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6 Best Upland Hunting Boots For Bird Hunters [2025]

Jason Tome
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6 Best Upland Hunting Boots For Bird Hunters [2025]

Let’s talk about some of the best upland hunting boots for bird hunters. There are different types of upland birds and different boots will cater to different needs. Some hunters will do best with rubber boots, some with tall leather boots, and others with mountain-style boots for those mountain birds.

First, we’ll dive into what to look for when buying upland hunting boots and then we’ll jump right into the boots themselves, so lets get started.

This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Of course, you are not obligated to use my links, but it does help fund these posts in hopes of bringing more value to you!

What To Look For When Buying Upland Hunting Boots

Waterproof/Water-resistant

Since you’re hunting upland birds you might not need the most waterproof boots on the market. A water-resistant boot might be all you need.

That being said, at least where I hunt, I’m always glad I’m wearing a waterproof boot when I’m hunting because I inevitably find some water I have to walk through. Also, dew in tall grass can be very wet and will soak through boots that are not waterproof or resistant.

Cover Ankles

Boots that cover your ankles are going to help protect your angles from prickly bushes, thick vegetation, and grasses. It will also keep debris and water from vegetation from getting down your boot as easily.

Lightweight

Upland bird hunting requires a lot of walking. A lightweight boot will help keep your legs from getting tired so you can hunt more comfortably for long hours.

Durability

Upland bird hunters beat the crap out of their boots because of the thick vegetation and the miles they put on their boots when hunting. A durable boot is essential for getting the most for your money.

Insulation

Upland bird hunters are generally on the move at a medium-paced walk all day. With this amount of movement, upland bird hunters really don’t need any insulation in their boots. If it’s above 40º there is no need for insulation. Once temps drop into the 30ºs  you might want a 400g insulated boot if you don’t move much. Once temps are in the 20ºs a 400g boot is a good option. Depending on your activity an 800g boot might be better, especially if there’s snow. There is a trade-off between warmth and weight. The more insulation you have the heavier your boots will be and the faster you’ll get tired, so keep that in mind.

Best Rubber Boots For Upland Bird Hunting

GumLeaf Field Welly Boot (High Rubber Content)

The GumLeaf Field Wellys are handcrafted boots in Europe and are made of 85% real rubber which prevents cracking. I’ve used these boots for over a year now and the rubber is holding up well against cracking. However, the softer and more supple rubber is less durable than boots with higher clay/plastic content. They are still more durable than neoprene though.

That said, they are one of the most comfortable full-rubber boots that I’ve worn, their Vibram sole is very cushioning for long days on your feet. For me, the extra comfort is worth the reduction in durability.

I conducted a review of the GumLeaf Field Welly’s where you can find more information on these boots.

GumLeaf Field Welly Vibram Outsole
GumLeaf Field Welly Vibram Outsole

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Lacrosse Grange Lightweight Rubber Hunting Boot

It’s tough to beat the Lacrosse Grange boots for a rubber boot. No other companies have been able to develop an 18-inch tall boot this thin, durable, and low-profile. They’re so lightweight that you barely even notice them coming in at 4.5 lbs per pair.

Another huge benefit of this boot is that they have an ankle-tight fit so that your heel does not slip up and down in the heel pocket (which causes blisters in other boots).

Their only downside is that they lack traction and although quite comfortable for all-day hunting/exploring, they have some foot fatigue due to the lack of traction and arch support. This is where the Gumleaf Field Welly’s shine over the Grange’s.

Additionally, they are very low profile so it’s much harder to roll your ankle in these rubber boots than most other rubber boots that have taller traction. For these reasons, the Grange boot is by far one of the best rubber boots if you’re going to be putting a lot of miles on your feet.

 

Best Rubber Hunting Boots
The Lacrosse Grange rubber boots are the best for lots of walking and being mobile.

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Lacrosse Burly Air Grip Foam Insulated

Another excellent rubber hunting boot is the Lacrosse Burly Boot with Air Grips. These boots are foam-insulated and provide a little more warmth at the cost of weight than the Grange boots.  They are great boots for someone hunting once temps start to dip and make a great step up from the Grange boots or Field Welly’s once temps drop.

They also make great winter hunting boots because the air grips offer good snow traction. The Burleys have many similar characteristics to the Grange boots such as durability, tight ankle fit, 18 inches tall, and a low-profile outsole. You can feel the environment underfoot with the air grips quite well.

Lacrosse Burly Air Grips Foam Insulated Rubber Hunting Boots

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Best Leather Upland Bird Hunting Boots

Original L.L. Bean Hunting Boot Gift

These boots have a flexible outsole design that allows hunters to feel the environment underfoot to be as quiet as possible. Tightening the lacing forms the leather to your leg ensuring a snug fit and preventing blisters. They are one of the best boots for dry environments.

It will keep dew from tall grasses from soaking the legs on early morning hunts. However, this boot is best in dry environments. Although marketed as waterproof, they are not. They are water-resistant at best.

As a born and raised Mainer, I know a lot of people with these boots and everyone says how poor they work in the water. If you’re going to be using them in wet environments I highly suggest coating them with some type of waterproofing to help repel water. It seems like they usually leak at the stitching just above the rubber bottoms.

best L.L. Bean boot gifts for hunters
Original L.L. Bean Boot. 16-inches in height.

Danner Sharptail

Danner is a well-known boot company because they’ve been making quality boots since 1912. One of their best upland hunting boots is the Sharptail model. This boot is made from leather and sturdy nylon to handle rough country and is 100% waterproof with a Gore-Tex liner. Its sleek design is great for long-distance walking and only weighs 3.19 lbs which is one of the lightest boots in this review.

 

Danner Sharptail Leather/Nylon Light Upland Hunting Boot

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Irish Setter Wingshooter

The Wingshooter model has been around since the 1950s and is one of the all-time favorites for upland bird hunters. Technology has come a long way and yet these boots still remain in the top ranks as one the best upland hunting boots. Their UltraDry technology in addition to being fully leather helps them stay waterproof. These boots weigh in at 3.56 lbs.

Irish Setter Wingshooter Upland Hunting Boot

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Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry Boots

The Oboz Bridger boots are not specifically designed for hunting. The main benefit of these boots for upland bird hunting is their weight, or lack thereof, coming in at 2.39 lbs per pair. This makes them the lightest boots in this review. They are also waterproof, very comfortable, and supportive making them a great option for upland bird hunting. They are only slightly shorter than the other boots in this comparison. When buying these make sure that a lower-cut boot makes sense for the type of hunting you do. If you can get away with a lower-cut boot you’ll enjoy how light they are.

Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry Boots Hiking Boot For Upland Hunting

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Tips For Upland Hunting Boots

Wear Gaiters

Gaiters are a lightweight way to keep sticks, snow, and other debris out of your boot and keep bushes and thorns from chewing up your boots and pants. They can be especially helpful if you’re wearing a lower-cut boot but want dew/water protection up to your knees. Gaiters aren’t right for everyone but they are worth considering.

Leather Conditioner

Leather boots will lose their ability to be waterproof over time if not properly maintained. It is suggested to keep leather boots treated often with leather conditioner. This keeps leather hydrated so that the leather does not start to crack, keeping them waterproof for longer.

Leather boots will start to crack if not treated. Treating your leather boots will save you a lot of money in the long run, especially if you’re buying expensive hunting boots.

Final Thoughts

Thanks for reading, hopefully this helped you narrow down your choices on what upland rubber boots will be best for you. If you have more questions you can reach me on social media:

11 Warmest Insulated Hunting Boots For Cold Winter Weather

Jason Tome
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11 Warmest Insulated Hunting Boots For Cold Winter Weather

These are the warmest hunting boots on the market for winter and cold weather hunting. The boots in this post are designed with tree stand hunters or relatively stationary hunters in mind.

As a Maine hunter, I know how important it is to keep your feet warm in the cold for enjoyable hunts. You’ll find the best hunting boots for cold weather and winter hunting below:

This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Of course, you are not obligated to use my links, but it does help fund these posts in hopes of bringing more value to you!

The 4 Top Picks

Baffin Titan - Warmest Rubber Hunting Pac BootCabela's Saskatchewan Cold Weather Hunting BootCabela's Zoned Comfort Trac 2,000-Gram Insulated Rubber Hunting BootsKamik Nationplus Budget Warm Winter Boot
Warmest Hunting BootsBaffin Titan
Cabela's SaskatchewanCabela's Zoned Comfort TracKamik Nationplus
AwardWarmest Rubber BootWarmest Winter BootWarm Budget Rubber BootWarm Budget Winter Boot
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Warmest Rubber Boots For Hunting

Baffin Titan Rubber Pac Boots

These Baffin Titan rubber boots are comfort-rated to -148ºF (-100ºC). They are perfect for hardcore hunters who hunt stationary for long periods of time (like in a treestand) in the cold winter weather months. Also, they are waterproof, scent-free, and have removable liners for extra insulation and warmth. Since they’re waterproof, you can be sure your feet stay dry, which is essential for hunting in cold weather. For how warm they are, they are not that heavy.

Baffin Titan Warmest Insulated Hunting Rubber Boot

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Baffin Titan Warmest Insulated Rubber Boot For Hunting

Cabela’s Zoned Comfort Trac 2000g Insulated Boots

These rubber boots made by Cabela’s are one of the warmest rubber hunting boots on the market. They have 2000g of insulation in the toe area, 1600g in the arches, and 1200g in the heel. This design is for maximum warmth in the areas that need it but also to keep them mobile enough for walking. Also, you can find these boots for a very affordable price compared to the other warm rubber boots on this list, making them a great budget option. These boots will fall apart if used for a lot of walking. They are best for hunters who don’t move around a lot.

Cabela's Zoned Comfort Trac 2,000-Gram Insulated Rubber Hunting Boots

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Cabela's Zoned Comfort Trac 1200g Insulated Hunting Boots. Similar to 2000g model.
These are the 1200g Zoned Comfort Boots, but same idea as the 2000g.

Lacrosse Alpha Burley 1600g Insulated Boots

The Lacrosse Alpha Burleys are one of the warmest full-sized (18″) rubber boots on the market with 1600g of insulation to keep your feet warm in the coldest weather during hunting season. Also, another benefit is that they are waterproof so your feet don’t get wet which will further keep them warm if you hunt in wet environments.

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Thorogood Infinity FD 1600g Insulated Boots With Solarcore

Another one of the warmest hunting rubber boots is the Thorogood Infinity with 1600g of insulation. These boots are similar to the Lacrosse Alpha Burleys but they use Solarcore insulation (which NASA uses) to keep boots as insulated as possible and retain heat better than normal boots.

Thorogood Infinity FD 1600g Warmest Insulated Rubber Hunting Boots

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Warmest Winter Boots For Cold-Weather Hunting

Cabela’s Saskatchewan Cold Weather Hunting Boot

Cabela’s Saskatchewan boots are the warmest boots for hunting from a treestand because it has 3 inches of insulation between your foot and the ground surface. This means it will be very difficult for a cold metal treestand platform to make your feet cold. They’re also great for hunting from the ground on cold, icy, and snowy days for this reason. They have a removable liner which gives them even more insulation.

Cabela's Saskatchewan Warmest Hunting Boots For Winter and Cold Weather Huntingw with Insulation

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Cabela's Saskatchewan Cold Weather Insulated Hunting Boot

Cabela's Saskatchewan Cold Weather Hunting Boot Size Comparison
Cabela’s Saskatchewan Boot Size Comparison

Lacrosse Cold Snap 2000g Insulated Boots

Lacrosse is known for their rubber boots, but they also make excellent leather hunting boots. The Lacrosse Cold Snap hunting boots are designed for cold weather hunting with 2000g of insulation. They’re also not very tall boots so they have increased mobility.

Lacrosse Hunt Pac Extreme 2000g Insulated Boots

Lacrosse makes another winter boot called the Hunt Pac Extreme. These boots are what you want if you’re looking for the warmest boots for hunting that Lacrosse makes. They are bigger and bulkier winter boots with 2000g of insulation. These boots can keep your feet warm during the coldest temperatures of the year.

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Cabela’s Inferno 2000g Insulated Boots

Another one of the warmest hunting boots on the market is the Cabela’s Inferno 2000g insulated boot. These boots are big and bulky but they will keep your feet warm in just about any weather condition you throw at them. They’re waterproof which is essential for keeping your feet warm in nasty winter weather.

Cabela's Warmest Hunting Boot - Inferno Insulated Waterproof Hunting Boots for Men

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Guide Gear 1400g Insulated Boots

These guide gear boots are a bit more of a hybrid boot. They are very warm because they offer 1400g of insulation and have a comfort rating of -58°F. They are still agile enough to be worn and walked in for longer periods of time than some of the 2000g insulated models in this review. These boots are tall and waterproof which is important for keeping water and snow from getting down these boots.

 

Guide Gear Giant Timber II Men’s Waterproof Hunting Boots Insulated, Lace Up Hiking Shoes, 1400 Gram

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Baffin Snow Monster

The Baffin Snow Monsters are comfort rated to -94°F and are another top winter boot for hunting. Additionally, they are waterproof and have a removable felt liner. The big and bulky winter boot offers a lot of insulation to separate your feet from the cold and retain foot heat. Baffin is a Canadian company they are well-known for their quality warm winter boots.

Baffin Snow Monster Insulated Winter Hunting Boot

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Kamik Nationplus Budget Warm Winter Boot

If you’re looking for some of the warmest hunting boots for the money, these budget winter boots are great for winter and cold-weather hunting. Also, they are comfort-rated down to -40°F.

Kamik Nationplus Insulated Winter Hunting Boot

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Tips For Buying Cold-Weather & Winter Boots For Hunting

What Does Boot Comfort Rating Mean?

A comfort rating for boots will tell you the effective temperature that a pair of boots are designed to keep you comfortable with light usage.

This is important to know because there is a big difference between being stationary in a treestand and light usage.

For this reason, you will want a pair of hunting boots that are comfort rated much warmer than the temperatures you plan to hunt to ensure your feet stay warm in cold weather.

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Lone Wolf Custom Gear (LWCG) Double Step Sticks Review

Jason Tome
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Lone Wolf Custom Gear (LWCG) Double Step Sticks Review

This is a hands-on Lone Wolf Custom Gear (LWCG) D’Acquisto Series Double Step climbing sticks review. There is a lot to love about these tree climbing sticks, especially for hardcore mobile deer hunters looking to get the absolute most out of their climbing sticks.

I bought and received the Double Step sticks about mid-way through the hunting season. So I have a few hunts under my belt with them and have been able to determine the pros and cons of these sticks.

What Makes The Double Step Sticks So Great?

Extremely Mobile

The stackability of these sticks is incredible and one of the best features of these sticks. These sticks are designed to stack flush against one another. This means the Double Step sticks are the most packable and mobile hunting tree climbing sticks on the market. This is a unique design that is not found on any other sticks.

Three 17″ sticks have a staking height of 4.5″ (including the tree brackets). Their overall staking length of three 17″ sticks is about 19.25 inches which is very impressive when compared to any other climbing sticks on the market.

Lone Wolf Custom Gear Double Step Length

Lone Wolf Custom Gear Double Step Width.png

Double Step Design

Another unique and one of my favorite aspects of these sticks is, as their name mentions, the “Double Step” design. Both the top and the bottom steps have a place for both of your feet.

This makes the climbing process so much easier because you don’t strain your legs when climbing because they can both rest at equal levels comfortably. This allows for stress-free and comfortable climbing when compared to other one-step climbing sticks.

Additionally, it allows you to set up your platform or treestands so much easier because you have a lot of foot room on the top step (10.5″) for both feet even with large boots. You can take your time and comfortably get these things situated.

How Much Do The LWCG Double Step Sticks Weigh?

No mobile climbing stick review is complete without talking about weight. At the end of the day if the mobile climbing sticks aren’t lightweight they’re no good.

Luckily, LWCG was able to dramatically shave weight with these sticks using their one-piece aluminum design. Individual sticks weigh 1 lb 11oz for the 17″ model (which I have) with no add-ons. My sticks weigh 11 lbs 14 oz with bed liner coatings (DIY mod to quiet them) and cable aiders.

The one-piece design allows the Double Sticks to be lightweight while maintaining their structural integrity under heavy weight. In fact, they have a weight rating of 250 lbs which is pretty incredible for the lightweight design.

Lone Wolf Custom Gear Double Step Stick Weight

Double Step Sticks Climbing Height

Double Step Cable Aider Attachments

The Double Step sticks are 17″ but I bought 17″ cable aiders that give me about an extra 15 inches of length to my sticks, for a total of 32″. This equates to the length of a full-length stick but with improved portability and weight, I highly recommend cable aiders. Plus they’re way cheaper than buying a 4th stick.

Lone Wolf Custom Gear Double Step Climbing Sticks with Cable Aiders

Must Know Before Buying The Double Step Sticks

How Well Do The LWCG Double Step Sticks Grab The Tree?

I was hesitant to buy these sticks because I was unsure how well they would grab the tree with their non-rotating pivoting tree bracket. The tree bracket needed to be non-rotating for the design to work.

I’m glad I went with my gut and bought them because the double step sticks have been able to handle every tree I’ve been in thus far without a hint of kick-outs.

Other reviews mention that the bottom of the stick has a tendency to kick out in certain scraggly trees. I have not seen this in my experience thus far but it would make sense due to the high versa button placement and the lack of a rotating tree bracket.

I plan to hunt scraggly trees so time will tell but my experience is telling me that I will be able to get the sticks to work on just about any tree with a little ingenuity.

Lone Wolf Custom Gear Double Step Climbing Sticks Bolt Bracket

The Double Step Sticks Are Noisy

Out of the box the Double Step sticks are ungodly noisy, but it’s okay! I actually like that Lone Wolf does not try to make them quiet because this allows hunters to add their own method of silencing the sticks. There are a few options such as the Lone Wolf Silent Touch Tape, Stealth Strips, or my method of using urethane spray-on truck bed liner.

I used a truck bed liner because I think it’s more scent-free once you let the sticks air out for a while. It’s also easier to put on and extremely durable. If you’re interested I did a YouTube video tutorial on how to do this:

Price

The last thing we are going to cover in this Lone Wolf Double Step review is the price.

These sticks are expensive but they’re worth every penny, especially if you’re a mobile hunter like me. You get what you pay for and in my opinion, you get a lot of value for your money with these sticks.

To save money, I highly suggest buying cable aiders. This will at least save you from buying one extra climbing stick.

LWCG Double Step Final Thoughts

In my opinion, these are the best climbing sticks on the market. No other climbing sticks have the same combination of comfort, portability, and convenience in a lightweight package.

If you’re in the market for a new set of climbing sticks for hunting, I highly recommend giving the Lone Wolf Double Step Sticks a try.

I hope you found this Lone Wolf Double Step sticks review helpful. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions you can…

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7 Best Low-Light Hunting Rifle Scopes [2025] (Insanely Bright)

Jason Tome
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7 Best Low-Light Hunting Rifle Scopes [2025] (Insanely Bright)

The best low-light hunting rifle scopes will gather lots of light and use it efficiently. There are some criteria that make some scopes better than others in low-light situations, you’ll learn about these criteria and why the scopes in this post are the best low-light hunting scopes on the market. The scopes below are sorted by price for your convenience.

Factors That Influence Scope Low-Light Capabilities:

  • Objective Lens Size
  • Magnification
  • Exit Pupil Size
  • Glass-Quality
  • Lens Coatings
  • Max Human Eye Dilation 

We will be diving more into each of these below…

This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Of course, you are not obligated to use my links, but it does help fund these posts in hopes of bringing more value to you!

What Makes A Low-Light Hunting Scope Good?

The biggest factors that determine if a scope is going to be good in low-light situations are listed below:

Objective Lens Size

Important Low-Light Rifle Scope Diagram Parts

The objective lens size is how big the lens is (in mm) opposite the eyepiece. The bigger the objective lens is, the more light a scope is able to gather. So for low-light situations, you’ll want to get a big objective lens. You’ll find most of the scopes in this review have an objective lens between 44-56mm. Large objective lenses like these will easily allow you to see in twilight and even in the dark fairly well with good moonlight.

Magnification

Magnification also determines how much light will enter your scope. At 2.5x a scope will be able to let more light in than at 10x because as you zoom in less light is able to enter the scope. Exit pupil size uses both objective lens size and magnification to give you a good idea of how much light can enter the scope (more on exit pupil size below).

 

Important Low-Light Rifle Scope Diagram Parts magnification

Exit Pupil Size

Both the magnification and objective lens size play a role in how much light a rifle scope is able to gather. As magnification increases, light gathering decreases. Also, as objective lens size increase so does the scope’s light-gathering capabilities. It is easier to just use exit pupil size, which is the ratio of objective lens size to magnification.

For example, if you have a 2.5-10×56 rifle scope you would divide the objective lens size (56mm) by the magnification (2.5-10). For example, at 2.5 magnification you would do 56÷2.5=22.4mm which is a lot of light.

When you zoom in 10x you would do 56÷10=5.6. As you can see the more you zoom in the less light the scope is able to gather.

For example, if you compared a 2.5-10×56 to a more common 3-9×40 you would see a clear difference:

Rifle Scope Specifications 3-9x40 2.5-10x56
Lowest Magnification 40÷3= 13.33mm 56÷2.5= 22.4mm
Max Magnification 40÷9=4.44mm 56÷10= 5.6mm

Glass-Quality

You can have a big objective lens and tube size but without good glass quality, the light transmission through the glass will suffer. For this reason, it is important to buy scopes from reputable rifle scope brands that offer quality light transmission. Sometimes brands will state the % light transmission of a rifle scope.

Lens Coatings

Lens coatings increase light transmission by reducing the amount of light reflection. Reducing light reflection allows light that would otherwise bounce off the glass to enter the scope, increasing light transmission. So lens coatings help greatly in both low-light and intense-light situations.

Considerations For Low-Light Scopes

The Human Eye’s Ability To Dilate

However, the human eye can only dilate to about 8mm at best so there is no point in an exit pupil size larger than this. So a larger objective lens is primarily to help bring maximum light at the mid-to-higher magnification ranges, not so much at the lower zoom ranges.

Scope Tube Size

Scope tube size does not make a difference in the light-gathering capabilities of rifle scopes. It is easier to make this mistake because you would think that a bigger tube size allows more light into the scope, however, this is not the case. The reason for a larger tube size is simply to have more room in the internals of a rifle scope for windage and elevation adjustments.

The Best Scopes For Low-Light

Vortex Crossfire II 3-12X56 AO

This is the most affordable low-light scope on this list. This scope has a 56mm objective lens that will give you max brightness (8mm exit pupil size) until 7x magnification. It also still has a 4.7mm exit pupil at full 12x magnification, making it one of the best budget hunting rifle scopes for low-light situations. The biggest consideration of this scope is that it is very heavy (27.9oz) compared to the other scopes below.

Best Vortex Low-Light Hunting Rifle Scope

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Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X50 Illum. FireDot Twilight Hunter

The VX-Freedom 3-9×50 is one of the best value scopes for low-light hunting. It’s very lightweight (17oz) even though it has a large 50mm objective lens. For most hunters, a 50mm lens is plenty and will give you maximum brightness (8mm exit pupil size) until 6.25x magnification while being significantly less bulky and heavy. It also has a whopping 5.6mm exit pupil at full magnification, making it one of the best low-light hunting rifle scopes for the money. You might like my review of the Best Leupold Scopes For Hunting.

Best Leupold Low-Light Hunting Rifle Scope

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Burris Fullfield IV 3-12x56mm

The 56mm objective lens will give you max brightness (8mm exit pupil size) until 7x magnification.  It also still has a 4.7mm exit pupil at full 12x magnification which is top-class, especially for the price. This is an excellent scope, although one thing to consider is the weight (24oz).

Best Burris Low-Light Hunting Rifle Scope

Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10X44

The Vortex Viper is another excellent low-light hunting scope. It is the lightest weight scope in this review (16.5oz) in largely because it has the smallest objective lens in this review. The large variable magnification range (2.5-10x) makes it a versatile scope, and for most hunters, a 44mm lens is plenty and will give you maximum brightness (8mm exit pupil size) until 5.5x magnification while being significantly less bulky and heavy. It also has an excellent 4.4mm exit pupil at full magnification. Its versatility gives it a spot as one of the best low-light hunting rifle scopes. You might like my review on the Best Vortex Scopes For Deer Hunting.

Best Vortex Low-Light Hunting Rifle Scope

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Trijicon AccuPoint 2.5-10X56

Trijicon has an excellent reputation for high-quality hunting rifle scopes. This scope is awesome because it has an illuminated reticle but does not require batteries. Instead, it uses AccuPoint which is fiber optics, and tritium for reticle illumination. The 56mm objective lens will give you max brightness (8mm exit pupil size) until 7x magnification. It also still has a whopping 5.6mm exit pupil at full magnification, making it one of the best scopes you can buy for low-light hunting situations.

Best Trijicon Low-Light Hunting Rifle Scope

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Trijicon Credo HX 2.5-10X56

The Trijicon Credo is very similar to the Trijicon Accupoint, and they cost just about the same amount of money. The difference is that the Credo uses an LED to illuminate the reticle, so a battery is needed. The 56mm objective lens will give you max brightness (8mm exit pupil size) until 7x magnification. It also still has a whopping 5.6mm exit pupil at full magnification, making it one of the best scopes made for low-light situations.

Best Trijicon Low-Light Hunting Rifle Scope 1

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Leupold VX-5HD 3-15X56 FireDot

The Leupold VX-5HD is for hunters that need extra magnification to shoot longer distances while being able to bring in as much light as possible with a big objective lens. The 56mm objective lens will give you max brightness (8mm exit pupil size) until 7x magnification. It also still has an impressive 3.7mm exit pupil at full magnification (15x), making it one of the best long-range scopes for low-light hunting on the market.

Best Leupold Low-Light Hunting Rifle Scope

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Low Light Hunting Rifle Scope Comparison Chart

Best Low Light Hunting Rifle Scope Comparison Chart

Final Thoughts

I hope you found this article helpful, the spreadsheet that I made comparing these scopes should help you narrow down your options to what is the best scope for you.

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TideWe MAX5 Waterfowl Chest Wader Review (800g, 3.5mm)

Jason Tome
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TideWe MAX5 Waterfowl Chest Wader Review (800g, 3.5mm)

This TideWe MAX5 Waterfowl Wader review consists of my first impressions and actual use of the waders in real hunting scenarios. TideWe makes affordable chest waders that get excellent reviews (4.6 out of 5) pretty much everywhere you look. Keep reading to find out if these waders are worth the money…

This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Of course, you are not obligated to use my links, but it does help fund these posts in hopes of bringing more value to you!

TideWe Realtree MAX5 Waterfowl Wader Review

Specs

Product Name: Realtree MAX5 Waterfowl Waders
Size: US 11
Style Name: 600g and 800g Insulation
TideWe Hunting Wader 800 Gram Insulation, 3.5mm Neoprene Chest Wader
TideWe Hunting Wader 800 Gram Insulation, 3.5mm Neoprene Chest Wader

The Best Aspects of The MAX5 Chest Waders

Shoulder Straps

One of my favorite aspects of these waders was that they have buckling shoulder straps. If you’re looking for new waders, do yourself a favor, and DO NOT buy shoulder straps that use velcro. They are noisy and do not stick well over time. Additionally, if they get wet and freeze they’re basically useless.

Buckling shoulder straps on the other hand work no matter the weather conditions and keep your boots on your feet when you need to pull them out of a mud sinkhole.

Price

Another great thing about these waders is that they are affordable. These waders come in at about 150$ if you’re around a size 11. The price will do down if you’re smaller than an 11 and go up if you’re bigger than an 11, but the is on average 150$. At the time of this posting, some sales are occurring and you can find them for 116.99 on the TideWe Website. Based on my first impressions these waders feel like they are a great value because you get great quality for a good price (see next paragraphs).

Heat Welded Seams, Tough Exterior Cross-Hatch Finish, Extra Knee Padding

These waders have welded seams around the boot which means the area where the rubber boot and neoprene rubber are attached is stronger than stitched seams because more of the material is fused together. Stitched waders are more susceptible to leaks.

TideWe MAX5 Wader Heat Welded Seams

They also have a tough exterior cross-hatch finish which is great for being more durable. That said, because of the hatched pattern the neoprene is slightly noisy when the fabric rubs together when walking. They are not much louder than waders with a smooth finish but it’s something to consider for deer hunters. For waterfowl hunters, it’s a non-issue.

TideWe Realtree MAX5 Waterfowl Wader Neoprene Fabric
TideWe Realtree MAX5 Waterfowl Wader Neoprene Fabric Cross-Hatching

Another great aspect of these waders is the generous knee padding. The padding is located several inches above my knee down to just below the top of the boot. This is where waders are most likely to be punctured and having the extra material on the knee/shin gives me a lot more confidence they’ll last longer and prevent holes when breaking through the ice and busting through swamp vegetation.

TideWe MAX5 Wader Extra Knee Padding
TideWe MAX5 Wader Extra Knee/Shin Padding

Extras

In the box with the waders, you also get an adjustable waist strap with an ammo belt, waterproof cell phone storage, a wader hanger, and a repair kit.

TideWe MAX5 Wader Extras
TideWe MAX5 Wader Extras
TideWe MAX5 Wader Internal Zipper Pocket
TideWe MAX5 Wader Internal Zipper Pocket

How Do They Fit?

I am 6’3” and they fit great height and width-wise. Normally, I’m between a size 10 – 11 when buying boots. I opted to get the 11s and they fit pretty well but I think a size 10 would fit even better. They still fit but they are on the bigger side, since they are on the bigger side, the shoulder straps really help to keep my feet down in the boots when walking and in sticky mud. I don’t mind having chest waders on the slightly bigger side for adding big wool socks during cold-weather hunting.

TideWe MAX5 Wader Hand Warmer Pocket

TideWe MAX5 Wader Boot Grip

TideWe MAX5 Wader Boots

Is 3.5mm a Good Wader Thickness?

3.5mm is a great wader thickness because it keeps them lightweight. It’s also nice because it does not provide too much insulation during the earlier parts of the hunting season. You can always add your own layers underneath these waders to adapt to the cold.

TideWe MAX5 Wader 3.5mm Thickness
TideWe MAX5 Wader 3.5mm Thickness

I also own 5mm waders and I do like them for busting through woody swamp bushes like winterberries and alders because I’ve found that sticks/ice are unlikely to puncture through the thicker 5mm neoprene but they are heavier and hotter. I’m hoping the stronger cross-hatching of these TideWe waders will help prevent holes caused by bushes while also being thinner.

If you’re someone who wants thicker waders, TideWe also has 5mm options which are great for late-season hunting because of their extra boot insulation and thicker neoprene for warmth.

Conclusion

My first impression of the TideWe MAX5 waders while hunting is that they are excellent budget waders. For the price, they are tough to beat because they are designed with durability in mind to prevent punctures and leaks.

The only consideration is that they are slightly noisy because of their finish, which is a consideration for deer hunters but not for waterfowl hunters or other applications when stealthiness is not important. On the flip side – the finish (although a bit noisy) increases their durability.

The MAX5 waders also get excellent reviews on Amazon and on the TideWe website (4.6 out of 5) which gives me confidence they will perform well over time. Overall I am impressed with these waders at their price point and they will be my go-to waders for hunting. 

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you found this review helpful! Find more gear reviews easily by navigating to one of my more specific articles:

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Top 3 Fanny Packs For Deer Hunting [2025]

Jason Tome
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Top 3 Fanny Packs For Deer Hunting [2025]

If you’re on the hunt for the best fanny packs for deer hunting, this post has you covered with reviews of the top 3 options. Unfortunately, the market lacks quality choices tailored for hunters, but the three featured here are exceptional.

In this article, I’ll provide a brief summary of the pros and cons of each fanny pack, helping you make an informed choice based on your personal preferences. For more detailed information on any specific fanny pack, you can find my hands-on field-tested reviews linked within the text.

I have firsthand experience with the Badlands Monster and the Sitka Toolbelt. Additionally, I own an older discontinued Fieldline fleece fanny pack that’s quite similar to the fleece pack I recommend in this post, which is why I endorse it. My extensive testing and use of various fanny packs for deer hunting led me to conclude that these three are the best options available.

This post includes Amazon and other affiliate links, allowing me to earn a commission when you buy through them, without any additional cost to you. Using these links helps support the creation of valuable content for you.

Badlands Monster Hunting Fanny Pack

The Badlands Monster is one of the best fanny packs for deer hunting for many reasons. The first is that it is water-resistant, the material that the pack is made of is highly resistant to water (C6 DWR) to the point where you need a really good soaking for it to start seeping through. It also has extremely strong and durable stitching. And to top things off it has an unconditional lifetime warranty, so if you’re unsatisfied in any way you can just return it. It’s big but comfortable and holds a lot of gear. The one downside is that the fabric although isn’t too noisy, is noisy. See my Badlands Monster Hands-on Review for more detailed information.

Badlands Monster Fanny Pack Best Fanny Pack For Deer Hunting

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Badlands Monster Top Deer Hunting Fanny Pack
Badlands Monster is an excellent fanny pack for mobile/saddle hunters

Fleece Deer Hunting Fanny Pack

The eBay store known as ‘House of Whispering Firs,’ or the eBay seller ‘Muddylas’ (formerly Kathy Kelly Designs), offers fleece fanny packs tailored for hunters. These fanny packs excel in providing stealthiness and waterproofing, making them ideal for hunters who value silence and protection from the elements. Manufactured in the USA, these fanny packs are synonymous with quality, equipped with exterior ‘D’ rings, interior pockets, and zippered pouches. You can enhance your pack with optional features such as a waterproof lining and padded hip belts.

Compact and lightweight, these fanny packs are a practical choice for hunters who carry minimal gear and prefer an alternative to bulkier backpacks. If you require more storage, ‘House of Whispering Firs’ and ‘Muddylas’ also offer a fleece backpack. Explore these functional hunting gear options at your convenience.”

Kathy Kelly Fleece Fanny Pack For Hunting

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Sitka Toolbelt Deer Hunting Fanny Pack

The Sitka toolbelt is probably the most well-thought-out fanny pack for deer hunters. It is built with the deer hunter in mind and has specific pockets for deer hunting tools. This toolbelt is excellent for wearing in the front or in the back and offers a lot of room for storage while also being sleek. Inside the large pocket, you’ll find smaller pockets where you can place your gear in a more organized way. It offers the perfect amount of storage for deer hunting essentials. I did a hands-on field-tested review of the Sitka Toolbelt if you’re looking for more in-depth information on it.

Hunting Gear That Fits Into Sitka Tool Belt

Sitka Gear Tool Belt Front Access To Main Pocket

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Summary

If you’re in search of the best fanny packs for deer hunting, this post has highlighted three outstanding options to consider. While the market may not offer a wide array of choices, these three fanny packs stand out as excellent choices, with each catering to different preferences and needs.

The Badlands Monster Hunting Fanny Pack earns praise for its water-resistant properties, durable stitching, and the added benefit of an unconditional lifetime warranty. It’s spacious and comfortable, although it may have some noise concerns.

On the other hand, the Fleece Deer Hunting Fanny Pack, available through ‘House of Whispering Firs’ offers stealthiness and waterproofing, ideal for those who prioritize silence and weather protection. It’s compact and lightweight, perfect for hunters who prefer a minimalist approach.

Lastly, the Sitka Toolbelt Deer Hunting Fanny Pack is a well-thought-out option designed with deer hunters in mind, featuring specific pockets for hunting tools and organized storage. It strikes a balance between ample storage and an efficient design.

Ultimately, the choice among these fanny packs depends on your personal preferences and hunting style. Each of these options excels in its own way, ensuring that you have reliable gear by your side during your deer hunting adventures.

Questions & Community

Hopefully, you found this review helpful. If you have more questions about these fanny packs or have questions in general you can ask them on my  Forum and Facebook Group. If you have questions for me please put them in these places and I will get back to you. The community can also help answer your questions.

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Welcome to Jason Tome Outdoors. I am a Professional Ecologist, Registered Maine Hunting Guide who writes and films helpful and authentic outdoor lifestyle content for those interested in the outdoors.

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