Must-Have Backcountry Hunting Gear for 2020

by
posted on October 10, 2020
** 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. **
must-have-backcountry-hunting-gear-2020_lead.jpg

Be it the backcountry or the back 40, this collection of gear is hike-in ready.

Pnuma 3L Rain Jacket and Pants in Caza camo pattern

1. Pnuma 3L Rain Jacket and Pant
A new camo pattern from Pnuma Outdoors, Caza provides shape-eliminating concealment in dense whitetail woods or rugged and wild elk country. The company’s 3L Rain Jacket and Pant feature a quiet and breathable outer layer, a windproof mid-layer and a comfortable liner in a 100 percent waterproof package. The jacket sports an attached hood and underarm zips. Lightweight and packable with waterproof zippers and anti-abrasion overlays on high-wear areas. MSRP: $300 Jacket, $280 Pant; pnumaoutdoors.com.

Sitka Mountain Optics Binocular Harness

2. Sitka Mountain Optics Harness
Sitka’s Mountain Optics bino harness was built to carry a lot more than just your binocular. In addition to a bino compartment with a silent, magnetic flip-top and a quick-detach tether system, this chest harness sports two more removable compartments on either side (perfect for a rangefinder, gloves, GPS unit, cell phone and extra ammo) plus stash pockets and a built-in lens cloth. Brushed polyester shell is quiet and durable. MSRP: $149; sitkagear.com.

Danner Recurve Boots

3. Danner Recurve Boots 
Sporting a fit more akin to a hiking boot, and the full-leather upper and ankle support of a classic hunting boot, the 7-inch Danner Recurve is one of the most comfortable boots we’ve ever tested. Waterproof with an OrthoLite footbed and Vibram outsole. Available non-insulated or with 400-gram Thinsulate insulation in brown (shown) and Mossy Oak Original Bottomland. MSRP: $200-$220; danner.com.

Mystery Ranch Pop Up 38 Pack

4. Mystery Ranch Pop Up 38 Pack
New from Mystery Ranch, the Pop Up 38 is a mid-size day pack that's great for all-day excursions. Its telescoping adjustable frame and expanding Overload load sling are ready to haul up to 80 pounds of meat and gear back to camp. Features include side pockets for your rifle, tripod or spotting scope, plenty of compression straps, an adjustable yoke and a large main compartment with access via a full-length zipper or top-loading shroud. MSRP: $350; mysteryranch.com.

Benchmade Saddle Mountain Skinner Knife

5. Benchmade Saddle Mountain Skinner
At more than 8 inches long equipped with a 4.2-inch drop-point with a big, skinner-friendly belly, the new Saddle Mountain Skinner from Benchmade is just one from a new line of premium "Hunt" class knives featuring Benchmade's new "Select Edge" sharpening process that delivers an incredibly sharp and lasting edge. Ideal for both skinning and pushing through meat, the Saddle Mountain features S09V steel, a Richlite handle and a black/orange Boltaron hard sheath. MSRP: $250; benchmade.com.

Latest

Ledegolden And Big Boy Dead Eye Revolvers
Ledegolden And Big Boy Dead Eye Revolvers

Henry Introduces New Deadeye Revolvers

Henry Repeating Arms has announced the addition of two new revolver variants, the H16 Golden Boy Deadeye Revolver and the H17 Big Boy Deadeye Revolver, created in direct response to feedback from Henry owners and enthusiasts.

Range Review: Hi-Point HP-15 M81 .300 BLK Pistol

This recently added pistol from Hi-Point sports a new finish and upgraded features.

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.

Federal Ammunition Launches Henry Cattleman Special Edition

Federal Ammunition has launched a limited-edition, commemorative, collectible packaging to pair with Henry's American Cattleman Tribute Edition Rifle. The new 150-grain, .30-30 Win. offering features a bonded soft-point bullet, and the nickel-plated case's unique geometry promotes smooth, reliable feeding through the rifle.

A Rabbit Hunting How-To

Rabbit hunting can be a wonderful social affair that the entire family can enjoy. If you know anyone with a few rabbit beagles do yourself a favor and ask to be part of a hunt!

First Look: Millennium Treestands Antler Shak Ground Blind

Millennium Treestands has launched its new Antler Shak Series, headlined by the Antler Shak 7 Mag and Antler Shak 30/30 ground blinds. Built with a 600D brushed shell in Mossy Oak Country Roots, each blind is designed to disappear into the landscape while providing a spacious, tactically superior shelter for the modern hunter.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.