Lightweight Gear for the Mountain Man

by
posted on February 21, 2012
** 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. **
201222114383-lightweight_gear_mountain_hunting_home.jpg

Want to hunt up high where the sheep, goats and early-season elk live? Along with a little summer exercise, this lightweight clothing and gear will help get you there.

1. We found Sitka Gear’s Stormfront Lite Jacket and Pant offer a much better range of motion and comfort compared to the rigidity of other raingear. They’re very packable, feature welded zippers and together weigh less than 2 pounds.

2. Cabela’s Polartec Power Dry base layers are moisture-wicking and coated in an anti-microbial treatment so you don’t arrive at the summit with that “not so fresh” feeling.

3. At 5 pounds, 1 ounce, Schnee’s Hunter II boots lack the heft of traditional pac boots. An aggressive sole prevents slipping down the mountain and a removable felt/wool quilted liner warms the toes at altitude.

4. Leica says its 18.9-ounce, 8x32 Ultravid not only sports great glass but is the lightest 8x32 binocular on the market.

5. The Buck Commander BlackTimber pack boasts 2,557 cubic inches of cargo space efficiently arranged in an assortment of pockets. An adjustable waist strap adds load-bearing support and MOLLE-compatible webbing allows for the attachment of accessories.

Latest

SUPPORT Finisher Chest Pack Pro
SUPPORT Finisher Chest Pack Pro

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.”

#SundayGunday: Benelli Lupo HPR

This week on #SundayGunday, we test-fire the Lupo HPR, a bolt-action rifle from Benelli with a host of proprietary, high-performance features that drop it in the gap between long-range competition rig and custom hunting rig. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.