Hunting, both as a practice and a profession, has been around as long as we've existed as a species, and it remains one of the cornerstones of our engagement with the outdoors. It doesn't take much in the way of gear to hunt successfully, but there are a bunch of tools and other products that sure make it a whole lot easier and more comfortable. Here are five of our field favorites.
1. The Spartan Precision SpringBok is unique among tripods, designed to be about as modular as those colorful plastic bricks kids (and many adults) are always building with. Spartan Precision offers multiple adapters to quickly attach the tripod to guns and ensures standard threading on all leg types so you can easily swap one set for another, depending on terrain, gear or bodily needs. This super-lightweight shooting tripod is incredibly easy to deploy and lightning-fast to adjust. Its silicone head simply bends to allow you to put the legs where you need them, but won’t crack or melt from use or environmental conditions. MSRP: $350; javelinbipod.com
2. You need to carry your binoculars and electronics and protect them from weather, but the bag you put them in can do more. If you choose the waterproof KUIU Pro Chest Pack, you’ll get a quiet magnetic closure lid that fits binos up to 8 inches, with a shim system to lift and center smaller ones. A phone compartment sits next to your body, weatherproof zippered pockets are situated at the front and sides and the pack is compatible with many hydration systems. More pockets and attachment points abound inside and out, so you can hang extra gear. Breathable materials and harness adjustability ensure comfort. MSRP: $179; kuiu.com
3. The Buck 663 Alpha Guide Pro knife features a drop-point blade made of S35VN, with a length of 4 3/8 inches and jimping at the top, making it a versatile field workhorse. The handle is textured to ensure a non-slip grip, as one might expect, but the knife and sheath are both surprisingly handsome for a tool built with utility in mind. USA-made with Buck’s “forever” warranty, it’s hard to imagine a better choice for all-around outdoor needs. MSRP: $229.99; buckknives.com
4. Available as a stick or spray, the Wildlife Research Center Calming Scent is getting a lot of attention from outdoorsmen. Created by a team of scientists and hunters, with actual field testing to back up lab findings, it contains urine drippings and other scents found in deer-bedding areas, creating a feeling of safety for other deer that might show up near your stand. Wildlife Research Center’s claims of its effectiveness, weather-resistance and ability to last for extended periods come with a money-back guarantee. MSRP: $18.25 to 22.99; wildlife.com
5. “Zero assembly required” is one heck of a selling point for a tree stand, and that’s what you get with the Novix Helo Hunt Ready hang-on system. Small and lightweight (for a stand that can support a large adult human), this system comes with the easy-to-use tree stand itself, quick straps and four, 32-inch, single-step climbing sticks. The stand is adjustable for both leveling and offset, designed with noise-dampening features, coated to be less reflective and entirely made in the USA. MSRP: $699.99; novixoutdoors.com
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