2018's Top Youth Hunting Gear

by
posted on May 30, 2018
** 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. **
2018youthhuntinggear_lead.jpg

Nomad Harvester Jacket and Pant
Great for mid-season, this silent softshell setup has all the top-end features even grown-ups demand from their hunting clothing. Both jacket and pant are made from moisture-wicking, breathable, anti-microbial scent-control fabrics with a high-pile lining for comfort and warmth. The pant sports tough, double layering on the knee and seat, a gusseted crotch for mobility and cuff-to-knee zippers. Available in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country. MSRP: $99 jacket, $99 pant; nomadoutdoor.com.

TrueTimber Youth TrueSuede Jacket and Pant
Here’s a lightweight yet warm cold-weather system for hunts that push the limits of comfort. Both pieces are stuffed with 70 percent Allied duck feather and 30 percent down insulation. Exterior TrueSuede brushed polyester fabric is super quiet. Jacket sports two hand-warmer and two chest pockets. Zip-off hood and Lycra cuffs keep heat in and moisture out. Six-pocket pant has side zippers. Clad in TrueTimber Kanati camo. MSRP: $129.99 jacket, $99.99 pant; truetimber.com.

Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam Rifle and Scope Combo
Designed for smaller frames, this rifle package weighs in at 7.5 pounds, and sports a 20-inch barrel and a compact overall length of 38.5 inches. Sought-after features like an adjustable, reduced length of pull of 12 or 13 inches (accomplished via included spacers), fluted barrel and recessed crown, LBA adjustable trigger from 2-7 pounds, spiral-fluted bolt and knurled bolt handle are all included. This combo also comes with scope bases, rings and a 3X-9X-40mm optic. Chamberings include .243 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08 Rem. and .308 Win., all with a matte black synthetic stock. The .243 Win. version is also available with Muddy Girl Serenity camo on its synthetic stock. MSRP: $435; mossberg.com.

Cabela’s Youth Rush Creek Boots
These 6-inch early- and mid-season boots will keep little toes warm and dry on those all-day hunts with 400-gram Thinsulate Ultra insulation and waterproof 4Most Dry-Plus breathable membranes. Moisture-wicking lining keeps dampness down when it’s time to put on some distance. Rugged rubber outsoles provide stable traction on mixed terrain. Cushioned insoles provide all-day comfort. Available in Cabela’s 02 Octane camo. MSRP: $79.99; cabelas.com.

Alps OutdoorZ Ranger Pack
While your kid won’t be hauling out a quarter, with the Ranger’s 1,450 cubic inches of interior space he’ll have no problem packing his own gear to and from the field. Front pocket is perfect for a rangefinder, binocular, small essentials and snacks. Webbing provides excellent tie points for anything that won’t fit in the main compartment. Padded shoulder straps are adjustable. Available in Realtree Edge (shown) and Mossy Oak Break-Up Country. MSRP: $39.99; alpsoutdoorz.com.

Latest

Colorado Flag
Colorado Flag

Colorado Voters Reject Right to Hunt and Fish Measure

On November 3, Colorado voters rejected Amendment 83, a proposed constitutional amendment that would have designated hunting and fishing as the preferred means of managing the state’s fish and wildlife populations. To pass, the amendment needed 55 percent of the vote or more. It fell about 10 percentage points short of that minimum.

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.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.