Gear Guide 2018: Big Game

by
posted on September 19, 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. **
biggamegear2018_lead.jpg

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.

Latest

Buck With Slug
Buck With Slug

Shotgun Slug 101: What to Look For

Don’t overlook shotgun slugs. When hand-picked, they will deliver outstanding accuracy and big game-bagging performance. Here’s a primer.

Leupold Announces Limited-Edition 'Mark 250' Riflescope Package

Commissioned to commemorate the United States Semiquincentennial, the Mark 250 package is built for the patriots that demand performance.

Ruger Celebrates 250 Years of American Liberty with Limited-Production Firearms

Ruger has expanded its 250th Anniversary Series of firearms, further commemorating the United States Semiquincentennial while celebrating the Company's longstanding tradition of American manufacturing. Each limited production model in this special collection is distinctly marked with the inscription, "Made in the 250th Year of American Liberty."

Hunting with Air: Getting Started

Looking into ways to expand your hunting opportunities? Ever think about air gun hunting? Follow along as Tim Hovey gives a great primer for beginners just getting into the discipline.

New for 2026: Hush-Point Cigar .22 Suppressor

Orion Wholesale has announced a collaboration with Hi-Point Firearms and Taylor Customs—the Hush Point Cigar 22 Suppressor. This unique monocore suppressor is designed to resemble, well, you guessed it, a cigar. 

#SundayGunday: Dead Air RXD30Ti

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the RXD30Ti, a collaboration between Dead Air Silencers and Ruger Firearms, resulting in one quiet, lightweight, backcountry suppressor. Designed specifically to complement Ruger firearms, the RXD line is a workhorse in it’s own right, providing excellent sound mitigation and recoil reduction. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.