Must-Have Backcountry Hunting Gear for 2020

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.