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

Choice 300Gr XTP 460 SW
Choice 300Gr XTP 460 SW

Behind the Bullet: The .460 Smith & Wesson Magnum

If ever a handgun cartridge deserved the title “magnum”, the .460 Smith & Wesson Magnum is it. In the cartridge world, magnum is defined as a cartridge which provides a performance level exceeding the norm, and that is a perfect way to describe S&W’s big .460: it is at the top of the heap in the .45-caliber handgun cartridge family.

Nosler Expands Whitetail Country .30 Caliber Line

Nosler has expanded it's Whitetail Country ammunition line with two new 180-grain .30 caliber offerings. There are: .30-06 Springfield 180-grain Solid Base, and .300 Winchester Magnum 180-grain Solid Base.

Savage Model 99—The Jeep of the Gun World

Savage 99 represents a full circle of rifle design. Join Andi Bogard on a whimsical exploration of both the technical brilliance and timeless effectiveness of this iconic design. 

First Look: Arcus Hunting Defend by Tink's

Arcus Hunting has released Defend by Tink's, focused on creating the impression that coyotes are present, keeping unwanted wildlife away from homes and properties, and providing a strong, authentic urine sourced from real coyotes for real effectiveness.

Black Bear in Saskatchewan: Fortune Favors the Foolish

They pressed north through wildfire to their destination, a lakeside bear camp in Saskatchewan. Days later, they wondered whether their decision-making was bold or reckless.

First Look: Henry 1860 SUV Eagle

Pre orders for the Henry 1860 SUV Eagle are ongoing, a custom-engraved edition of its H11 New Original Henry Rifle developed in collaboration with the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War ("SUVCW"). A portion of the proceeds from every sale will support SUVCW's mission to preserve the history and legacy of America's Civil War veterans. Pre-orders are available exclusively at HenryUSA.com.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.