Gear Guide 2018: Big Game

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posted on September 19, 2018
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We expect our gear to do what it was made to do, to hold up to the beating we give it, time and time again. Here are our big game selections for 2018.

TrueTimber Truesuede Down Jacket & Pant
Hunters go high, practice scent control and demand the camo clothing they wear be as silent as they are in order to find success on cagey whitetails. The Truesuede series sports a soft, brushed-polyester shell that stays quiet as you move. Insulated with duck feather and down, these outer layers are warm without bulk; whether you shoot a rifle or bow, it won’t hang up on excess material. The jacket has a removable insulated hood, as well as insulated chest pockets, perfect for keeping cell phones and other electronics from the power-depleting cold. The pant houses six pockets, including two cargo pockets. Both garments are covered in True Timber’s Kanati camo pattern. MSRP: $129.99 jacket, $99.99 pant; truetimber.com.

Camelbak Trophy TS Pack
The Trophy TS (Tree Stand) pack provides 1,800 cubic inches of storage space and a handy bucket-style lid that forms a sturdy workstation to keep the items you need right now within easy reach. An integrated bow and rifle mount securely straps either to your back until you get to your tree, and the padded panel construction keeps items inside the pack quiet during your walk in. Additional features like a removable “small items” organizer, rain cover and expandable side pocket (perfect for the included 50-ounce water bottle) make this pack a necessity for all-day stand hunters. Available in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country and True Timber Kanati camo patterns. MSRP: $199; camelbak.com.

TenPoint Stealth NXT Crossbow
An ultra-slim width of just 9 inches from cam edge to cam edge when cocked allows for ultimate maneuverability. The XR6 cams, dual limbs, 3.5-pound trigger pull weight and four-cable system provide the speed (up to an advertised 410 fps), balance and accuracy crossbow hunters expect. A CNC-machined aluminum riser, 21.5-inch aluminum barrel and three-piece, carbon-fiber stock are responsible for the Stealth NXT’s light, 7.3-pound weight, and vibration and noise reduction. TrueTimber Viper Western paint job, RangeMaster Pro Scope, string stop, quiver and a three-pack of accuracy-enhancing EVO-X CenterPunch premium carbon arrows are all standard. The Accudraw Pro crank system is optional. MSRP: $1,599.99; tenpointcrossbows.com.

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LEDEVX 4HD 3 12X50 CDS ZL2 SF 185454 A 1
LEDEVX 4HD 3 12X50 CDS ZL2 SF 185454 A 1

New for 2026: Leupold VX-4HD

When a hunt can shift from tight timber at first light to a long look across open country by midmorning, a scope must do more than just magnify. The Leupold VX-4HD is built for exactly that kind of versatility, blending rugged construction, smart engineering and optical performance into a scope that works wherever the hunt takes you.

First Look: Blocker Outdoors Finisher Chest Pack Pro

The Blocker Outdoors Finisher Chest Pack Pro is the kind of gear that takes the basic tenets of turkey hunting into consideration, while attempting to minimize the burden of a cumbersome full-size vest. This makes it a a straightforward alternative to a full-size turkey vest for run-and-gun hunters who want to balance loadout with freedom of movement.

The Value of Post Season Scouting in the Snow

Although for most of the country deer season is over, there are some important aspects of deer hunting to be understood, particularly when it snows during the winter months. In my part of the country, we don’t often get a good blanket of snow until the deer season closes. However, when it does snow, I make a point to get outdoors and visit each of my hunting areas to learn when the learning is best.

Tuo Introduces New Camouflage Pattern: Ryse

Tuo launched its proprietary Verse camo pattern in 2024. While the supplemental light tans and sharp lines render effectiveness in wooded environments as well, Tuo wanted to offer a second exclusive pattern for whitetail hunters. It has done so with Ryse.

New for 2026: SIG Sauer Zulu10 HDX Binoculars

SIG Sauer’s new Zulu10 HDX binoculars are engineered for hunters and shooters who prioritize optical performance and mechanical precision as much as durability.

Renewed Hunting and Fishing Focus on Interior Department-Managed Property

On Jan. 7 U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum issued an order stating, “…public and federally managed lands should be open to hunting and fishing unless a specific, documented, and legally supported exception applies.”

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