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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
AvailabilityCheck Amazon's PriceCheck Cabela's PriceCheck Cabela's PriceCheck Amazon's Price

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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Why Harvesting More Does Is Good For Maine Deer Hunters

Jason Tome
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0
Why Harvesting More Does Is Good For Maine Deer Hunters

Below you’ll find the main reasons why harvesting more does in Maine is good for the deer herd, Maine deer hunters, and Mainers alike. This post addresses the new 2022 laws on increased doe harvests.

As far as I can remember Maine has been trying to restore deer populations back to a healthy level. In the past, hunters would shoot any deer they would see because deer hunting was so difficult. For this reason, numbers were dropping and regulations were in place to protect does so that the population would rebound (antlerless restrictions).

Now Maine has a lot of deer and a lot of does due to these regulations, so it was a success. However, the population has started to grow too much so more does need to be harvested. Additionally, the buck-to-doe ratio is very skewed. There are many benefits to shooting more does in Maine, and I list a few of the most important below:

Reduce Maine Overpopulation of Deer

Better Overall Herd Health

More food/nutrition per individual deer.

Bigger Maine Bucks

Better nutrition per deer means better buck antler development.

Reduce the Spread of Disease

With CWD and other whitetail diseases getting moving towards Maine, it will help slow the spread of diseases.

More Exciting Maine Deer Hunting

Healthy Maine Buck-to-Doe Ratio

Artificially created high doe numbers from hunting regulations (buck-only harvests) have resulted in an increase in overall Maine herd numbers. This was by design to increase the overall population. However, the population in Maine is doing well now and numbers can be restored to a more natural equal ratio by harvesting more does.

Better Maine Rut Hunting

More even buck-to-doe ratios means that bucks will have to compete for does more than in the past. This means bucks will be fighting and running around in search of does more than in the past during the rut phases. This will likely result in more exciting deer hunting.

Final Thoughts

I think the new regulations are great for the deer herd, Mainers, and Maine deer hunters alike. These new laws will have the biggest effect in more populated areas where deer are concentrated. In bigger timber, there is a more natural buck-to-doe ratio already, especially in the northern half of the state (which is why less does tags are issued up there).

Maine Antler Restrictions

To further improve better deer hunting in Maine, antler restrictions could be implemented. There is a lot of controversy on this topic because of the different styles of hunting in Maine, tracking on snow for example, where you don’t have the luxury to count the points on an antler.

However, I think antler restrictions in the southern parts of the state where snow almost never occurs during the season and the woods are small would improve deer hunting. Especially with the increase in hunting pressure in the south. These areas aren’t conducive to tracking anyway.

Antler restrictions in the southern portion of the state would again improve the buck-to-doe ratio, increase buck numbers, create better rut hunting, and increase the average age class of bucks.

That said, I personally enjoy the challenge of trying to find and hunt big bucks when APRs are not in place, but it’s something to ponder.

What are your thoughts?

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Top 5 Most Comfortable Tree Saddles For Saddle Hunting [2025]

Jason Tome
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0
Top 5 Most Comfortable Tree Saddles For Saddle Hunting [2025]

The most comfortable tree saddles for saddle hunting have a lot of easy adjustments so that you can maintain comfort when hunting. If you’re tired of uncomfortable saddles or are new to saddle hunting and want to be sure you’ll get a saddle that you will enjoy yourself in, keep reading.

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!

Single Panel vs Double Panel Saddles For Hunting

Single-panel saddles utilize one piece of fabric to sit on whereas a double-panel saddle has two panels that can be moved independently. I’ve tried a lot of saddles and I haven’t necessarily found that one type is better than the other, it comes down to what feels better for you. I personally think the single panels are more comfortable.

Some saddle hunters believe that two-panel saddles are better because of more adjustability. However, as you’ll see in this post there are some single-panel saddles that have unique features that allow them to be even more comfortable than double-panel saddles.

Most Comfortable Hybrid Tree Saddle

JX3 Hybrid by JX3 Outdoors

Say goodbye to hip-pinching and numb legs & feet! Because of the metal frame, there is ZERO pinching at the hips or anywhere else like other saddles. Comfort is where the JX3 Hybrid really outshines conventional saddles. Check out my full review of the JX3 Hybrid.

most comfortable tree saddles for hunting
I had no issues sitting in the JX3 Hybrid tree saddle for 10 hours straight. It’s like a recliner in a tree, making it one of the most comfortable tree saddles for hunting.
JX3 Hybrid Maneuverability Using Lone Wolf Climbing Sticks with Ameristep Screw-In Step Platform
JX3 Hybrid Maneuverability Using Lone Wolf Climbing Sticks with Ameristep Screw-In Step Platform

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Metal Frame

The JX3 Hybrid has a metal frame. This is unlike conventional saddles which are made entirely of fabric and rope. There are some major comfort benefits of the metal frame. One benefit of the metal frame is that even when you’re in awkward leaning trees the JX3 remains comfortable because the metal frame blocks the negative effects of gravity. In conventional tree saddles, gravity places more stress on your knees which makes them uncomfortable faster.

Metal Fork

Another benefit that the metal frame supports is the optional adjustable metal fork that can be attached to the frame which rests against the tree. With this fork, you separate yourself from the tree even further and gain more grip when maneuvering around the tree.

JX3 Hybrid Metal Fork Against Tree
JX3 Hybrid Metal Fork Against Tree

Adjustable Backrest

The backrest is also adjustable, allowing for adjustments to be made easily in the field while being used. If you start getting tired of sitting in a certain way, you can make the adjustments so you recline comfortably again.

JX3 Hybrid Adjustable Backrest And Straps
JX3 Hybrid Adjustable Backrest And Straps

Your body can fully relax in this saddle. If you want to take a nap for a while, it is easy to do so. You can’t nap well in other saddles because you can’t lean back in them for long periods of time. Additionally, when you lean forward your head and neck get kinked on the bridge strap. This is not the case with the JX3 Hybrid. Instead, it’s like being in a recliner in a tree. It’s truly incredibly comfortable and I can’t say enough good things about its comfort.

Dryad Drey Hybrid Hammock Saddle

The Drey is very comfortable and gives the JX3 Hybrid a run for its money. This saddle is much more lightweight and packable than the JX3 Hybrid and is almost as comfortable (although not quite as comfortable). However, you still get 80+% of the comfort, in most cases it is worth the reduced comfort, especially for serious mobile hunters.

Dryad Drey Hammock Saddle
Dryad Drey Hammock Saddle – Using it as a regular saddle
Dryad Drey Hammock Saddle Cocoon
Dryad Drey Hammock Saddle Cocoon

Most Comfortable Single Panel Hunting Saddles

CRUZR XC

The Cruzr XC is another very comfortable tree saddle for hunting because of its upgradeable adjustable bridge (both length and position). Another innovative feature of this single-panel saddle is that it has extra pleats to easily adjust the size of the saddle while you’re in the tree. With these adjustments, there is no hip pinch which single-panel saddles are notorious for. For this reason, the Cruzr XC is one of the most comfortable and best overall hunting saddles on the market.

Cruzr XC Saddle Review
CRUZR XC Saddle

Tethrd Phantom

The Tethrd Phantom needs no introduction. It is one of the most popular saddles on the market and for good reason. The Phantom addresses hip pinch and has reduced the pinch from earlier models. It’s a very comfortable saddle for how packable, lightweight, and mobile it is.

Most Comfortable Double-Panel Hunting Saddles

CRUZR Archon

Cruzr shows up a second time in this review. This time it is a double-panel alternative. Double-panel saddles are generally more comfortable because of their increased adjustability. The Archon is very comfortable for this reason. However, it is surprising how comfortable its single-panel brother is (Cruzr XC).

More Saddle Hunting Resources:

Hopefully, you found this review of the most comfortable tree saddles for hunting helpful. Find the best saddle hunting information easily by navigating to one of my more specific articles:

Saddle Hunting Reviews and Comparisons

Best Brands To Look For When Buying Hunting Saddles

  • Tethrd
  • JX3 Outdoors
  • Cruzr
  • New Tribe Aero Hunter

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7 Best Leupold Scopes For Hunting [2025]

Jason Tome
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7 Best Leupold Scopes For Hunting [2025]

The best Leupold scopes for hunting will fit your specific hunting needs so you get the most value out of your scope. This post has sorted the best short-range scopes, mid-range scopes, and long-range scopes by price. This way you can narrow down the best Leupold scope for you within your budget quickly.

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!

Leupold Scope Model Hierarchy (Least to Most Expensive)

Below I’ve narrowed down the best Vortex scope models for deer hunting. The crossed-out models indicate that better Vortex options are available for the price:

Best Leupold Rifle Scope Models For Hunting

The numbers in the names of the scope models correspond to the zoom ratios, for example:

  • VX-Freedom (Can be any zoom ratio)
  • VX-3HD (3:1 Zoom Ratio)
  • VX-5HD (5:1 Zoom Ratio)
  • VX-6HD (6:1 Zoom Ratio)

The Freedom is the least expensive and the 6HD is the most expensive option. Learn more about these scope models here.

Leupold VX vs Mark Series Scopes – What’s The Difference?

Leupold also has their Mark Series of scopes, for example:

  • Mark 3 HD (3:1 Zoom Ratio)
  • Mark 5 HD (5:1 Zoom Ratio)
  • Mark 6 (6:1 Zoom Ratio)
  • Mark 8 (8:1 Zoom Ratio)

The difference between the Leupold VX and Leupold Mark series scopes is the Mark models are made more suited for the military and long-range competition shooters whereas the VX models are better suited for hunters.

Best Short-Range Leupold Scopes For Hunting

Leupold VX-5HD 1-5×24

Leupold does not currently make a budget 1x magnification scope, you’ll have to jump up to the VX-6HD or VX-5HD for a 1x magnification. Although these scopes are in a higher price tier they are worth the money. This scope is also one of the lightest LPVOs on the market. The illumination works great in medium to low light but is not true daylight bright.

Best Leupold Short Range LPVO Scope For Hunting

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Leupold VX-6HD 1-6×24

The VX-6HD 1-6×24 scope is essentially the same scope as the VX-5HD 1-5×24 but you get 1-6x magnification instead of 1-5x magnification. You’ll have to spend slightly more money but you get a bit more versatility with the 1:6 zoom ratio. So it is up to you to determine how important that extra reach is important for your hunting style.

Best Leupold Short Range LPVO Scope For Hunting

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Best Mid-Range Leupold Scopes For Hunting

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40

Leupold’s VX-Freedom, for the money, is incredibly lightweight, durable, backed with a lifetime warranty, has very clear glass which makes it excellent in low-light hunting scenarios, and offers a generous 4.2-inches of eye relief. You can get illumination, for an additional cost. Anyplace you look this scope is getting just about a 5/5 star rating.

Best Value Leupold VX-Freedom Mid-Range Rifle Scope For Hunting

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 Reticle
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Reticle (More Options Available)

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Leupold VX-5HD 2-10×42

I would recommend the VX-5HD 2-10×42 as the next step up from the VX-Freedom for mid-range distances. The 2-10x magnification range is versatile and can be used pretty effectively at close range and at fairly long ranges. Because the VX-5HD is built around Leupold’s professional-grade optical system, it has excellent glass quality. FireDot Illumination is optional.

Best Mid-Range Leupold Scope For Hunting

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Leupold VX-6HD 3-18×44 CDS-ZL (Mid/Long Range)

If you’re looking for one scope that can do it all, the VX-6HD 3-18×44 is the most versatile scope that Leupold offers. With this large magnification range, you can hunt in both close to long-range environments. This scope pays for itself when it saves you from buying a new gun and scope setup for different ranges.

Best Mid/Long-Range Leupold Scope For Hunting

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Best Long-Range Leupold Scopes For Hunting

Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14×50 CDS-ZL

Leupold’s VX-3HD with CDS (Custom Dial System) is one of the best long-range hunting rifle scopes for the money. What makes this scope unique is the CDS system where you can get a custom top dial for your scope that will allow you to easily and quickly adjust for distance based on your specific rifle ballistics.

In addition, this scope has excellent glass quality and is very lightweight for having a 50mm objective lens. You can get a FireDot illumination reticle for an additional cost. Leupold’s FireDot is one of the best and brightest illuminations. Anyplace you look this scope is getting just about a 5/5 star rating.

Best Long-Range Leupold Hunting Scope For The Money

Leupold VX-3HD Duplex Reticle
Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14×50 Duplex Reticle

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Leupold VX-6HD 4-24×52 CDS-TZL3

The Leupold VX-6HD 4-24×52 is Leupold’s most magnified scope in the VX-6 model series but is still versatile with a 4x minimum magnification. It is a bit heavy (25.5 oz) but that is to be expected with a long-range scope that needs larger glass to bring in more light. The 52mm objective lens and the 34mm tube do a great job of bringing in a lot of light so this scope can function at high magnifications in low-light hunting situations. The Custom Dial System (CDS) makes shooting at long range easier than ever. You can get a strictly long-range VX-5HD 7-35×56 scope but it’s less versatile.

Best VX-6HD Long-Range Leupold Scope For Hunting

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More Hunting Optic Resources:

Find the best hunting optics gear faster by navigating to one of my more specific articles:

Best Hunting Optics

Best Brands To Look For When Buying Hunting Rifle Scopes

Brands To Avoid When Buying Hunting Rifle Scopes

  • Nikon (they stopped producing rifle scopes)
  • Cheap off-brand Amazon scopes (not worth the money)

Best Places To Shop For Hunting Gear

Some great places to find hunting gear include:

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Sources:

Images from Leupold.com

10 Best Vortex Scopes For Deer Hunting [2025]

Jason Tome
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0
10 Best Vortex Scopes For Deer Hunting [2025]

The best Vortex hunting scopes for deer hunting will depend on how you like to deer hunt. By the end of this post, you will know which Vortex scope is best for you.

The best Vortex scopes for deer hunting will be budget-friendly without sacrificing build quality. This post has sorted the best short-range scopes, mid-range scopes, and long-range scopes by price. This way you can find the best scope within your budget quickly.

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!

Vortex’s Scope Hierarchy (Least to Most Expensive)

Below I’ve narrowed down the best Vortex scope models for deer hunting. The crossed-out models indicate that better Vortex options are available for the price:

Vortex Rifle Scope Models

  • Sonora – Get a Crossfire for about the same price
  • Copperhead – Get a Crossfire for about the same price
  • Crossfire
  • Diamondback
  • Venom – Buy a Diamondback Tactical instead
  • Strike Eagle – Either buy the less expensive Diamondback or upgrade to a Viper
  • Viper
  • Golden Eagle – Designed for long-range competition shooting, not deer hunting
  • Razor

Top 6 Vortex Rifle Scopes For Deer Hunting

Vortex Crossfire IIVortex DiamondbackVortex Viper PST Gen II 2.5-10x44Vortex Razor LHTVortex Viper PST Gen IIVortex Diamondback Tactical
Best Vortex Rifle ScopesVortex Crossfire IIVortex DiamondbackVortex Viper HSVortex Razor HD LHTVortex Viper PST Gen IIVortex Diamondback Tactical
AwardBest BudgetBetter Value BudgetBest ValueBest High-EndBest Short-RangeBest Long-Range
Magnification3-9x403-9x402.5-10x443-15x421-6x244-16x44
Price*1342465501300600350
AvailabilityCheck Amazon's Price
Check Optics Planet Price		Check Amazon's Price
Check Optics Planet Price		Check Amazon's Price
Check Optic Planet Price		Check Amazon's Price
Check Optic Planet Price		Check Amazon's Price
Check Optics Planet Price		Check Amazon's Price
Check Optic Planet Price
*Price at the time of this post

 

Best Vortex Crossfire Deer Hunting Rifle Scopes

Vortex Crossfire II 1-4×24 (Short-Range LPVO)

The Vortex Crossfire II is one of the most well-known scopes on the market because of its low price, excellent reviews, and industry-leading warranty. You can buy this scope in different magnification ranges including this low-powered 1-4×24.

This scope is illuminated with a V-Brite reticle and has multiple illumination brightness options. If the battery dies on the Crossfire II it can still be used because the illuminated red dot will be replaced by a black dot.

The Crossfire II does have poorer sharpness and a pickier eye box compared to more expensive models. However, for the price, you can’t beat it.

Best Vortex Short Range LPVO Hunting Rifle Scopes For The Money

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Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 (Mid-Range)

The Crossfire II 3-9×40 version, like the 1-4×24, is one of the best hunting rifle scopes for the money. This version of the Crossfire II comes with multiple reticle options. One of which is an illuminated V-Brite reticle, just like the 1-4×24 but it is nice to have the option to choose whether you want an illuminated scope or not. This is one of the best mid-range illuminated scopes at this price.

Best Budget Vortex Crossfire II Hunting Rifle Scope

Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 Reticle
Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 Reticle (more available)

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Best Vortex Diamondback Deer Hunting Rifle Scopes

Vortex Diamondback 3-9×40 (Mid-Range)

The Vortex Diamondback doesn’t need much of an introduction, it is one of the best mid-range scopes for the money because it is a durable scope with an industry-leading lifetime warranty. This scope is time-tested (over 10 years) and has excellent reviews (5 out of 5) just about everywhere you look. This scope does not include illumination which helps keep the price low.

Best Vortex Diamondback Scope For The Money

Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40 Reticle
Vortex Diamondback 3-9×40 Reticle

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Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44 FFP (Long-Range)

The Vortex Diamondback Tactical is a recent addition to the Diamondback line (in 2019). With this new addition comes one of the best long-range scopes for the money. It’s a First focal plane (FFP) scope with a Christmas tree style reticle and parallax adjustments for easier long-range shooting.

Additionally, it comes with tall exposed turrets for making quick in-field adjustments, it’s the only long-range scope in this review with a 30mm tube (bringing in more light), and it comes with that Vortex industry-leading lifetime warranty. This newcomer has excellent reviews (5 out of 5) just about everywhere you look.

Best Vortex FFP Hunting Rifle Scope For The Money

Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16x44 Reticle
Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44 Reticle

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Best Vortex Viper Deer Hunting Rifle Scopes

Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6X24 (Short-Range LPVO)

The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6×24 is arguably the best of the best LPVO scope on the market for the money, it’s well worth the money because of how much value you get.

For example, it has a true 1x magnification, industry-leading warranty, crisp and clear glass, true daylight bright illumination, and excellent reviews it earns its spot as one of the best short-range LPVO hunting rifle scopes for the money.

This scope is so good it is often said to undermine Vortex’s Razor Series 1-6×24 LPVO scope (which are +/- 1500$). The Vortex Viper is much better than the Vortex Strike Eagle, so if you can save your money, buy on sale, or buy used, it is definitely worth it.

Best Short Range LPVO Hunting Rifle Scope For The Money (Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6X24)

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Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10×44 (Mid-Range)

The Vortex Viper 2.5-10×44 is an excellent deer hunting scope for the price. This scope offers slightly more magnification versatility than your average 3-9×40. Also, the low-light abilities of the Viper are excellent. For example, it has a larger 44mm objective lens compared to your standard 40mm. Additionally, it also has a 30mm tube. For this reason, this scope does excellent in low light compared to Diamondback or Crossfire II.

 

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Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×50 FFP (Mid/Long-Range)

One of Vortex’s best scopes for deer hunting is the 3-15×44 FFP. It’s a perfect scope for someone who wants a long-range rifle scope but also wants to have the ability to use it in closer-quarter situations. The 3-15x is a versatile magnification range and the 44mm is a nice balance between weight and low-light performance. Just about everywhere you look this scope gets 5/5 star reviews.

 

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Best Vortex Razor Deer Hunting Rifle Scopes

Vortex Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6×24 (Short-Range)

This low-powered LPVO hunting scope is one of the best for close-range deer hunting. This scope was built for speed having one of the truest and most accurate 1x magnifications you will find on the market. Additionally, the glass clarity and overall build quality are superb. There are really no cons with this scope except the price tag.

Best Vortex Short-Range Scope For Deer Hunting

 

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Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15×42 (Mid/Long-Range)

The Vortex Razor LHT is one of the top-of-the-line deer hunting scopes. It’s very lightweight (19.1 oz) which is by far the lightest long-range scope in this review which is very impressive given it has a 42mm objective lens and a 30mm tube (meaning it has a lot of glass). The larger objective lens, tube size, and glass quality allows more light-gathering capabilities, making it great for deer hunting low-light.

Best Vortex Mid/Long-Range Scope For Deer Hunting

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Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27×56 (Long-Range)

The Razor HD Gen II is perhaps the best Vortex long-range deer hunting scope if you need something with a higher magnification than 15x. It’s heavy because of the large 56mm objective lens and the large 34mm tube size. However, these are important for gathering light at those longer magnification ranges. The glass quality on this scope is superb.

 

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Best Vortex Deer Hunting Rifle Scopes Specs

Best Vortex Scopes For Deer Hunting Spec Sheet
Specs of the scopes mentioned in this review. Prices are based on when this post was published. *W,F,S = Waterproof, Fogproof, Shockproof.

More Hunting Optic Resources:

Find the best hunting gear faster by navigating to one of my more specific articles:

Best Hunting Optics

Best Brands To Look For When Buying Deer Hunting Rifle Scopes

Brands To Avoid When Buying Deer Hunting Rifle Scopes

  • Nikon (they stopped producing rifle scopes)
  • Cheap off-brand Amazon scopes (not worth the money)

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Optics and Sights For Tracking Bucks on Snow (Field-Tested)

Jason Tome
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0
Optics and Sights For Tracking Bucks on Snow (Field-Tested)

Over the last 8 years of hunting big woods bucks in snow in Maine, I’ve tested most of the sights and scopes to figure out what would be the best option in different tracking scenarios. In this article, I give a few of the options I’ve tried, their pros and cons, and what I’ve currently landed on as my top choice.

I’ve used peep sights, red dots, and rifle scopes to track bucks on snow. In this article, I share my experiences with these different sights and scopes, their pros and cons, and what I think is best for different situations.

The best sights and scopes for tracking big woods bucks on snow will be able to handle cold, wet, icy, and snowy weather so that when the opportunity finally presents itself, they are up to the challenge. It is also important for scopes and sights to have fast target acquisition because you often only get a split second to shoot when tracking.

This article contains no affiliate links. I do not earn any affiliate income, nor am I partnered with any of these brands, ensuring a non-biased article.

William’s Peep Sights

Pros

Peep sights are one of the best sights for tracking big woods bucks on snow. They can handle snowy conditions, especially in thick brush. Although you can get good with any sight, other open sights seem to have more room for error. Peep sights are also great because there is no magnification, so you can keep both eyes open for quick shooting. When the peephole gets filled with snow, you can blow it out or use a stick to scrape it out. This is faster and easier than trying to keep a scope clean, but honestly, not by much.

Cons

Although William’s peep sights will get the job done and are a great option, they do have some downsides. The biggest is that they are difficult to sight in because they move around a lot when you tighten the sight on the ramp, the harder you tighten the sight down it will want to move up on the ramp, so you have to plan for that forward movement. The screw that holds the sight in place also digs into and scars the ramp. Once you get it sighted in, it is helpful to mark the ramp so you can always reset the sight if it gets bumped. Although plenty of hunters like these sights for tracking, I do not recommend this sight anymore.

Remington 7600 with William's Peep Sight
Remington 7600 with William’s Peep Sight
Williams-Peep-Sight-on-Benelli-R1
Benelli R1 with William’s Peep Sight

Best Peep Sights For Tracking Bucks on Snow

Skinner Peep Sights

Skinner sights are newer to the market than William’s peep sights, and I have not had an opportunity yet to try these out, but it seems like the consensus among the tracking community that these sights are more durable, reliable, and built more functionally than the William’s peep sights, with adjustability that won’t make it hard to sight in and ruin the metal on the sight.

Skinner Peep Sights
Skinner Peep Sights – Image from here.

Trijicon TR24 AccuPoint 1-4×24

The Trijicon TR24 is one of the best scopes for tracking bucks on snow. It has been around for a long time and is a popular Low-Power Variable Optic (LPVO) scope. It’s been out for over 10 years and is still going strong, and has been a favorite among trackers. I haven’t personally used this one, but I figured I’d mention it here for you to take into consideration. I’ve researched this scope a good bit, and here are some of the key points below:

True 1x Magnification

Cheaper 1x scopes don’t have a true 1x magnification, and others have a fish-eye effect at the edges of the scope, making it difficult to shoot with both eyes open. The Trijicon is a very true 1x power scope made to shoot with both eyes open, making it one of the best fast-acquisition scopes for tracking deer in the snow.

AccuPoint Fiber Optic True Daylight Bright Illumination

One of the most unique features of this rifle scope is that it uses AccuPoint fiber optics to illuminate the reticle, this means it does not need batteries to function. This is a great feature for trackers because technology does not always work the best in wet, snowy, cold conditions when tracking deer.

During the daytime, it’s illuminated very brightly by fiber optics, during low-light conditions tritium illuminates the reticle. The reflection from the snow also helps to keep this fiber optic reticle bright under the canopy.

The large triangle post-reticle has been a favorite among trackers for fast close-quarter shooting, but other reticles are available.

Best Scope For Tracking Big Woods Bucks

Trijicon TR24 Close-Range LPVO Reticles and Crosshairs

Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6X24

I have tested the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6×24 for tracking on snow and it is no doubt a great scope. This scope is so good it is often said to undermine Vortex’s Razor Series 1-6×24 LPVO scope (which are +/- 2000$). The Vortex Viper is much better than the Vortex Strike Eagle, so if you can save your money or buy this scope used, it is worth it.

I liked this scope very much when I used it, except for one aspect: the weight. It is a heavy scope, and by putting a scope on your tracking rifle it makes it slightly more awkward to carry in the woods. So the awkwardness and weight combination left more to be desired for me.

Best Scope For Tracking Big Woods Bucks on Snow

Holosun AEMS Reflex Sight

After trying both the William’s Peep Sight and the Vortex Viper PST Gen II, I’ve currently landed on the Holosun AEMS. I’ve used it for one hunting season now and like it a lot. The benefit of the red dot is that you don’t need to align the front and rear sight. As soon as the dot is on the target pull the trigger, no matter where it is in the housing, that’s where the bullet will go. This fast-aquision is a big selling point for me.

Additionally, the AEMS has flat glass that covers the optics so that snow easily can be cleaned off the optic vs scopes and peep sights which can be a pain to keep clean. I also like that the AEMS sits kind of awkwardly high on the gun. It looks a little goofy and the check weld isn’t the best, but you’ll get used to it. The benefit of having it higher is that when snow falls on your gun, it doesn’t immediately fill up the optic, like it does when you’re using a peep sight. The AEMS also uses a closed emitter, so the light that emits the red dot is protected from the elements. The red dot can last for 5 years on one battery! You can read my in-depth Holosun AMES review here.

The new Holosun AEMS X2’s also just came out, which are the same footprint basically as the original AEMS with beneficial improvements, especially to the glass (basically it’s their 2nd iteration with AEMS to improve upon the original.)

Holosun AEMS Mounted on Rifle
Holosun AEMS Mounted on Remington 7600 Carbine

Scope Considerations For Tracking Bucks on Snow

Magnification & Short-Range LPVOs

If you’re hunting in dense cover, a magnified scope is not a good idea when tracking, as you will not be able to pick up the deer as fast. If you’re tracking in open ridges, you can get away with a 3-9×40, but even then, you’re never going to use a magnification over 6x, so a 1-6×24 LPVO is a better and lighter choice.

Snow In The Scope

Snow will fall into scopes which can make them more annoying than a peep sights for this reason. Be aware of this and bring materials and/or scope covers with you to keep your scope clean if you choose the scope route.

Scope Electronics

Cold, wet, icy, and snowy weather are the worst conditions for electronics. Be careful when buying any scope with electronics, and make sure it can still be used even if the battery dies.

Brands To Avoid When Buying Hunting Rifle Scopes

  • Nikon (they stopped producing rifle scopes)
  • Cheap off-brand Amazon scopes (not worth the money)

More Big Woods Deer Hunting Articles:

You might also like my other tracking articles if you enjoyed this article.

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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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