Essential Gear: December 2014

by
posted on December 15, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Banshee IWB Leather Holster
A slim pancake-style holster set up for carrying inside the waistband, the Banshee IWB Leather Holster from Wright Leather Works has an extremely low profile for easy concealment. The holster comes with high-ride leather belt straps for carrying medium- to full-size pistols, or deep-concealment clips that position the holster lower in the pants for carrying small-frame pistols while allowing the rig to be tuckable.
MSRP: $98.

Gun Storage Solutions Rifle Rods
Gun Storage Solutions Rifle Rods individually stabilize each long gun upright, rather than leaning, allowing you to store more guns in your safe. Remove the standard notched racks in your safe and replace them with Rifle Rods. American-made and designed for rifles with scopes, shotguns and tactical long guns. Customers report storing an average of 50 percent more guns with Rifle Rods.
Kits from $39.95.

Yeti Coolers Hopper 30
The new Hopper 30 from Yeti Coolers is as versatile as it is indestructible. Calling this cooler soft is like calling the company's namesake fluffy. Its Dryhide interior and shell are made from the same material as high-performance whitewater rafts, and seams are RF welded. Hydrolock zipper is leak-proof and airtight, allowing the cooler to double as a comfortable seat, and Coldcell insulation keeps ice for days.
MSRP: $299.99.

Rocky Cornstalker
The Rocky Cornstalker has been a legend in the hunting industry since it was introduced more than 30 years ago. Known for its aggressive, lightweight outsole, the Cornstalker also features a Goodyear welt for increased durability. Inside is 3M Thinsulate insulation for warmth without bulk and a durable, waterproof Gore-Tex membrane.
MSRP: $164.99.

Silver Stag Knives
While these beauties may scream "display only," rest assured Silver Stag knives are made to be used. All Silver Stag knives are built by hand with high-carbon tool steel, utilizing shed deer, elk or moose antler in the design, so no two knives are alike. Ten different series of knives are available, from beautiful Damascus-pattern models to pocket knives. From the Slab series, the Gut Slab is 7 inches long overall with a 2.75-inch full-tang blade, while the Point Series includes the Small Gamer with a 3-inch blade. Made in America with a lifetime warranty.
MSRP: $115 (Gut Slab), $75 (Small Gamer).

Mr. Heater Hunting Buddy
Portable, quiet and there when you need it most, the Hunting Buddy propane heater from Mr. Heater is one luxury you can afford. Keep Jack Frost at bay by putting out 6,000 to 12,000 BTUs, enough to heat a 300-square-foot space, and wait comfortably for your quarry to arrive. Features like an oxygen depletion sensor and tip-over shut-off provide a safe heating system for enclosed areas.
MSRP: $139.99.

SlumberJack Thermal Cloak
While you're not going to win any fashion awards, the Thermal Cloak from SlumberJack will keep you in the game when the weather wants you out. This roomy shell is windproof, waterproof and warm with 160 grams of insulation. Magnetic arm closures keep heat in while allowing you to quietly draw a bow or raise a rifle when the time comes. An open bottom won't diminish balance in elevated stands, and the Thermal Cloak is compatible with treeestand safety harnesses.
MSRP: $199.95.

SafTLok Instant Access Magazine Lock
The SafTLok Instant Access Magazine Lock is a fully functioning ammunition magazine with the SafTLok Instant Access Gun Lock built in. It is a completely mechanical, casehardened carbon steel magazine in a heat- and chemical-resistant Xenoy plastic housing. Components are nickel plated with stainless steel springs and levers. The lock requires no keys or batteries, and access can be obtained by feel—even in the dark. MSRP: $69.95.

Latest

Lead Photo
Lead Photo

The 8mm Mauser Family

The 8x57mm, also known as the 8x57 JS, the 7.92x57mm Mauser or the 8mm Mauser, has been with us since 1888, and has directly—or indirectly—brought us a wide array of cartridges which we hold dear. Let's take a closer look at that array.

2026 Federal Duck Stamp Winner Announced: A Synergy of Art and Conservation

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced in late September that Robert Hautman of Delano, Minn., won the 2026 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest with an acrylic painting of a long-tailed duck pair (seen above at the official ceremony).

5 Keys To Make This Your Best Upland Season Ever

Tired of walking long distances and coming home empty-handed? Here are five keys to help boost your bag of birds this year.

C&H Precision and MERUS Adventure Launch Guided Hunt Giveaway

Free entry runs through Nov. 13, 2026, and one winner and a guest will be heading to the Texas Panhandle for a fully guided hunt at MERUS Adventure—a private hunting and off-road park near Claude, Texas, outside Amarillo. The trip includes a fully guided hunt, range time with top-tier optics and gear, on-site lodging for the length of the stay and off-road driving across the property.

Things I’ve Learned About Public-Land Elk

Every generation has a story starting with, “I remember the good old days.” Elk hunters have a similar dialogue and although elk numbers are at some of their highest in modern history, public-land hunting still represents a sea of challenges. With decades of elk hunting in my rearview and an ongoing education, a few lessons I’ve learned from elk hunting may aid you in your public-land elk pursuits.

Colorado Ballot Battle Heats Up

The required number of valid signatures to put a “Right to Hunt and Fish Amendment” on Colorado’s Nov. 3 ballot was reached on Sept. 4. If approved by voters—according to Ballotpedia’s summary—it would add the “…right to hunt, fish, and take fish and wildlife through traditional methods” to the state constitution.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.