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

Ledemule Deer Foundation Delivers
Ledemule Deer Foundation Delivers

MDF Invested $48.3 Million for Conservation in 2025

The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) mobilized a total of $48.3 million for mule deer and black-tailed deer in 2025, its second-best year on record. Across 153 projects in 17 states, MDF helped restore more than 537,000 acres of critical wildlife habitat, benefitted 129 deer herds and eliminated or converted 149 miles of hazardous fence to restore safe movement corridors for wildlife.

Behind the Bullet: .17 Mach 2

Ever heard of the .17 Mach 2? Go behind the scenes on this hot little rimfire round with resident ammo guru Phil Massaro.

Tuo Curates Specialized Turkey Hunting Collection

For the 2026 spring season, Tuo has architected a technical system specifically curated to meet the demands of turkey hunters. While engineered for maximum versatility, the Tuo ecosystem has developed a particular following in regions where the early season isn't defined by green leaves and lilac blooms, but by the high-contrast skeletal timber and grey-scale of the early spring woods.

New for 2026: Savage Model 110 Rimfire

Savage Arms has expanded its Model 110 family of rifles into the rimfire world. Long loved by generations of hunters, the classic Model 110 will now include a number of full size, .22 Long Rifle offerings, making up the new Model 110 RF line.

Snow Goose Science: Hunting Tips from the Pros

Want to drop more snow geese during conservation season? Check out these tips, straight from the pro guides at Central Missouri Wildlife.

New for 2026: Apex Ammunition 28-Gauge SmallTown Hunting TSS Turkey Blend

Apex Ammunition is now offering a 28-gauge load in its SmallTown Hunting Blend line of turkey ammunition.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.