Now that we have spent the time to find the perfect destination for your next adventure, you want to make sure you have the proper gear.  There is nothing worse than planning your adventure, having to wait months for the time to arrive, and then show up – only to be miserable because you did not bring the proper gear.

This is why I have teamed up with Streiff Sporting Goods to help select the proper gear for my clients.  Just like I consult with my clients to find the perfect destination, Streiff’s will consult with you to make sure you have the proper gear – not to mention, they will have it delivered right to your door step.  Streiff’s has a great selection featuring all the top manufacturers in the outdoor industry and at great prices; but, more importantly, they are avid hunters and anglers themselves and know what it takes to make sure you are comfortable on your next outdoor adventure.

Below are gear list that have been recommended to clients in the past, feel free to check them out.

For your personal gear recommendation give me a call 918 407 2586 or email greg@outdoor-connection.com

Greg Ray

President

Fish and Hunt the World LLC

(An Outdoor Connection Franchise)

Preferred Product List for Archery Elk Hunt

Footwear

The first category that we would like discuss is footwear.  Proper footwear can make or break a hunt.  Cold, wet feet make it uncomfortable to sit and glass.  Sore, blistered feet make it difficult to quietly sneak or quickly get into position for the shot.

Leather Hiking Boots

Kenetrek’s Mountain Extreme boot is a great choice for this hunt.  They are full leather, waterproof boots.  Their 400 grams of insulation will provide enough warmth on the cool mornings but not be too warm for a mid-day stalk.  Through our experience, the Mountain Extreme’s advanced lug design has been a hunt saver when navigating the wet, slippery, uneven terrain you will encounter on this hunt.  This boot will also provide the support you need for the varied conditions you will encounter on any mountain hunt.

Kenetrek Boots:

http://www.kenetrek.com/prodinfo.asp?number=KE-420-400

Retail:  $375.00                              Greg Ray’s Fish and Hunt the World Exclusive Price:  $290.00

Camp Shoes

The Muck SUV hiker is our choice for a quality camp shoe that will keep you warm and dry walking around camp and in and out of your cabins.  These hikers easily slip on and off and are built well enough that you could wear them out in the field.  They are also lightweight and easy to pack.

Muck Website:

http://www.muckboots.com/outdoors.htm

Retail:  $89.99         Greg Ray’s Fish and Hunt the World Exclusive Price:  $71.99  MOBU Camo

Socks

As important as your boots and waders are, your socks are equally important.  The correct socks will help regulate foot temperature and keep your feet warm even when damp.  We strongly recommend a layering system similar to what we recommend for your clothing.  A good next to skin sock that wicks moisture is critical to this system working properly.  For this layer we use and recommend the Danner Pronghorn liner sock.  It is antimicrobial throughout its construction so it will minimize odor development.  Your next layer should be a heavier merino wool sock that will keep you warm even when wet and will not begin to smell after days of heavy use.  A good choice for this layer is the Smartwool Medium Weight Hunting Sock.   Always remember – it never hurts to have an extra pair or two in case you get wet!

Danner Website:

http://www.danner.com/accessories/socks/pronghorntm-liner.html

Danner Pronghorn Liner:

Retail:  $10.99                                 Greg Ray’s Fish and Hunt the World Exclusive price:  $7.99

Smartwool Website:

https://www.smartwool.com/default.cfm#/Mens/Socks/PerformanceSocks/

Retail:  $17.99                                 Greg Ray’s Fish and Hunt the World Exclusive price: $14.99

Clothing

The next product grouping that we’d like to work on is clothing.  Layering is the key to allowing a quality clothing “system” work.  Each layer plays its own part.

The first part of the system is the clothing that you will wear next to your skin.  We have had tremendous success with 100% merino wool long underwear.  It is the ultimate material for moisture wicking, insulation, and scent elimination.  There are a lot of synthetic products on the market, most of which we have tested and been disappointed with.  They are great for a day or two but just don’t remain scent free like wool.  Our recommendation is a product made by Smartwool.

Smartwool Top:  https://www.smartwool.com/default.cfm#/Mens/Apparel/Baselayer/_/2528/

Retail:  $85                                       Greg Ray’s Fish and Hunt the World Exclusive Price:  $69.99

Smartwool Bottom:

https://www.smartwool.com/default.cfm#/Mens/Apparel/Baselayer/_/2529/

Retail:  $75                                       Greg Ray’s Fish and Hunt the World Exclusive Price:  $64.99

Insulation Layer/Outer Layer

Sitka’s Stratus top and 90% bottoms are our choice for this type of hunt.  They are quiet, durable, wick moisture, wind resistant, and will keep you dry if you do encounter light precipitation.  You will wear this layer 90% of the time, whether it is as an outer layer or an insulation layer.  We recommend the Optifade Forest pattern for this hunt.

Sitka Website:

http://www.sitkagear.com/products/forest/jackets-vests/midweight-jackets/stratus-jacket/.

Jacket Retail:  $249.99                 Greg Ray’s Fish and Hunt the World Exclusive Price:  $209.99

Sitka Website:

http://www.sitkagear.com/products/forest/pants/soft-shell-pants/90-percent-pants/

Pant Retail:  $229.99                    Greg Ray’s Fish and Hunt the World Exclusive Price:  $189.99

We also believe in the insulating properties of a vest for the cooler mornings or evenings.  A good vest will provide warmth to the core part of our body while allowing for more mobility in the arms when you need it most.  Our recommendation is the Sitka Kelvin Vest.

Sitka Website:

http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-11130/SITKA-KELVIN-VEST-MOUNTAIN/Detail

Retail:  $149.99                              Greg Ray’s Fish and Hunt the World Exclusive Price:  $119.99

Waterproof, Wind Blocking Layer

This is undoubtedly the key to allowing your clothing system to work when the weather gets bad.  This outer layer should be built to withstand the elements while allowing the next to skin and insulation layer to work.  This does not have to be a heavy layer.  When you are layered properly this should actually be lightweight clothing that will keep the rain and wind off of you.  You will need a garment that is 100% waterproof, including taped seams and waterproof zippers.  There is nothing worse than having to spend a day in the field wet.  We have had the best experiences with the Sitka Stormfront Lite top and bottom.  These garments are not only lightweight and durable but will keep you dry under any condition and block the wind extremely well.

http://www.sitkagear.com/Product.aspx?cat=237

Jacket Retail:  $369.99                 Greg Ray’s Fish and Hunt the World Exclusive Price:  $332.99

Pant Retail:  $269.99                    Greg Ray’s Fish and Hunt the World Exclusive Price:  $242.99

Extreme Cold Weather Layer

Sitka’s new Kelvin Jacket and Pants are our choice for those times when you’ll need just a little extra warmth.  Both are filled with lightweight, ultra warm, primaloft insulation.  This allows them to be easily packed and carried with you so it’s ready when you need it.  It is important to note that this jacket and pant are designed to be worn under your protection layer as an insulating layer only.  After reviewing the historical weather data for your hunt area the chance that you’ll need an insulation layer like this is not high.  However, in the last 5 years there has been some days where a layer like this would have kept you in the field when others would’ve had to pack it in.

Sitka Jacket:

http://www.sitkagear.com/Product.aspx?cat=239

Jacket Retail:  $199.99                 Greg Ray’s Fish and Hunt the World Exclusive Price:  $179.99

Sitka Pant:

http://www.sitkagear.com/products/forest/insulation/kelvin-pant/

Pant Retail:  $169.99                    Greg Ray’s Fish and Hunt the World Exclusive Price:  $149.99

This is how we would plan on layering for your hunt:

1. Next to Skin Layer
2. Insulation Layer(s) with vest
3. Protection Layer
   1. 100% waterproof, wind blocking layer
      1. i.      If the weather is favorable we would start with the waterproof/wind blocking layer in our packs and ready to go should the conditions worsen.

Gloves and Hats

A basic camo ball cap will work well for most of your time in the field.  When it gets cold a stocking hat is handy to keep your head and ears warm.  If you don’t have one of these let us know and we’ll send one of those to you as well.  When it is raining it is best to rely on your rain jacket’s hood to keep dry.

Gloves can be a little tricky.  Big and bulky will keep you warm but make it difficult to make the shot when you need to.  Too thin and your fingers will freeze.  Most hunters still wear one pair of gloves at a time.  We have had a lot of luck layering our gloves like our clothing.  On the cooler days it will be helpful to wear a thin glove inside an insulating glove.  We wear the Under Armour liner glove under either a heavy or light insulating glove.  This liner glove does wonders to wick moisture away from your skin to keep your hands feeling dry and warm no matter what.  This also allows us to quickly “shed” a heavier glove to handle a weapon with ease for the shot of a lifetime.  A great lightly insulated glove is the Manzella Stalker glove.   We see you wearing this glove for warmth over the Under Armour glove on the cool mornings.

Under Armour Website:  http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/mens/sports/hunting/accessories/gloves.

Retail on the Under Armour Camo Liner Glove:  $21.99                                                                            Greg Ray’s Fish and Hunt the World Exclusive Price:  $19.99

Manzella Website:

http://www.manzella.com/productresults.aspx?marketsegment=field&category_code=mens&warmth_rating_code=warmer&glovefinder=false

Retail on the Stalker Glove:  $24.99     Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $22.49

Optics, Pack, and Accessories

Optics

A high quality set of binoculars that we recommend are made by Leupold.  The Golden Ring 10x42HD’s provide a crisp, clear picture in the lowest of light conditions.  They are also built to stand up to everything you will ever throw at them and backed by Leupold’s Lifetime Warranty.  You can view these at http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-shooting/products/binoculars/.

Retail:  $799.99                              Greg Ray’s Fish and Hunt the World Exclusive Price:  $649.99

It is always a good idea to carry your binoculars on a bino system.  If you don’t know what this is you can view it at http://www.crookedhorn.com/cms/shop.html?page=shop.browse&category_id=12&vmcchk=1.

The bino system will keep your binoculars at your chest and ready for whenever you may need them.  They will also eliminate a lot of the weight you would feel while carrying binoculars with a standard neck strap.  The bino system is an inexpensive way to make a huge difference on your hunt.

Retail:  $24.99                                 Greg Ray’s Fish and Hunt the World Exclusive Price:  $22.49

Rangefinder

When the moment of truth arrives a rangefinder will eliminate any doubt as to how far an elk is from you.  A couple of things to think about:  1.  A laser rangefinder will work far better than one that needs a reflective surface to obtain a distance reading – especially at long distances.  2.  A rangefinder with a scan feature will allow you to quickly scan an area or follow a moving animal.  This is especially helpful when trying to give distance readings to a hunting partner.

Our number one recommendation for a rangefinder to take on this trip is the Leupold RX1000.  You can view this rangefinder at http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-shooting/products/rangefinders/rx-1000-compact-rangefinders/rx-1000-compact-digital-laser-rangefinder/.

Retail:  $399.99                              Greg Ray’s Fish and Hunt the World Exclusive Price:  $359.99

Pack

Eberlestock’s packs are at the top of their class in build, fit, and functionality.  The Just One JP9 Blue Widow pack is the pack that we recommend for this hunt.  Starting at 2200 cubic inches, this pack will expand to 4700.  It also has an improved internal aluminum frame system that will support plenty of weight should you ever need to pack anything heavy.  Other important items are a rain fly and hydration bladder.  You can view this pack at http://www.eberlestock.com/JP9%20Blue%20Widow.htm

Pack Retail:  $329.99                    Greg Ray’s Fish and Hunt the World Exclusive Price:  $279.99

Rain Fly Retail:  $26.99                 Greg Ray’s Fish and Hunt the World Exclusive Price:  $24.29

Hydration System Retail:  $19.99  Greg Ray’s Fish and Hunt the World Exclusive Price:  $17.99

Accessories

All too often, it is the little things that make the difference on a hunt like this.  Our goal is to make sure that you are aware of all the accessories, tricks, and tips that we have learned though years of hunting around the world!

Bow Accessories and Setup

If you’ve already been lucky enough to do it you know that taking elk with archery tackle is not an easy task.  If you haven’t, we’re here to help you make that task a little easier.  With a bow that is properly set up and through lots of practice your chances for a harvest can be greatly improved.  There are a few accessories, like a balcom bow sling, that we think are invaluable on a hunt like this.  There is also great reason to make sure that your bow is tuned properly.  Give me a call to walk through your entire setup for free.  If needed, we receive and ship bows for tuning regularly.

Scent Control

As archers, you understand that cleanliness and scent control are important when spending many days out in the field, especially when elk hunting.  Here are a few items that have been useful to us on our elk hunts.

It is a good idea to carry some unscented deodorant.  Robinson Outdoors makes a great product. http://www.scentblocker.com/osc/product_info.php?products_id=79&osCsid=968eae3bc880f8c9eb757b83127d34cf&cPath=22_52.  This will cost you $5.39.

Body Bath Towels are very useful when you don’t have time to clean up or have just finished cleaning a moose.  http://www.scentblocker.com/osc/product_info.php?cPath=22_50&products_id=230&osCsid=968eae3bc880f8c9eb757b83127d34cf.  These are $6.29.

Personally, we carry the Dead Down Wind Scent Prevent Kit http://www.deaddownwind.com/store/product/scentprevent-kit-1020.cfm.  This kit makes it possible to cover everything scent related.  This kit costs $40.49.

Knife

If you are planning on helping your guide prepare an animal should you have success you will need the proper cutlery.  A gutting and skinning knife would be the most useful to you.  Our recommendation is the Browning Micarta Big Game knife.  You can view this knife at http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/knives/detail.asp?value=049G&cat_id=322&type_id=642.

Retail:  $109.99                              Greg Ray’s Fish and Hunt the World Exclusive Price:  $98.99

Multi-Tool

We recommend carrying a muti-tool on your belt for this hunt.  The tool we use and recommend is the Leatherman Wave.  With 17 tools and a lifetime warranty you are sure to get your use out of this over time.  You can view this tool at http://www.leatherman.com/products/product.asp?id=9&f=6&c=1.

Retail:  $79.99                                             Greg Ray’s Fish and Hunt the World Exclusive Price:  $69.99

Light

A good flashlight is a must on any hunt you are doing.  Our recommended brand is Sure Fire.  Their lights stand up to everything and are extremely bright.  The light we would use for this hunt is the 6P black.  It has an all aluminum frame with a bright, 80 lumen, LED lamp for long life.  You can view this light at http://www.surefire.com/6P-Led.  You will not find a brighter, more durable light for the money.

Retail:  $79.99                                             Greg Ray’s Fish and Hunt the World Exclusive Price:  $71.99

Compass/First Aid

No matter what you are doing outdoors it is smart to carry a compass with you.  We use the Brunton compasses http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=92.  Your price on this specific one is $17.99.  It is not only great for navigation but also handy in case of an emergency with the mirror on it.

A simple First Aid Kit can go a long way should you encounter some problems while out in the field.  We always carry waterproof kits so that we can leave it in our pack and know that it will be ready should we need it.  Your price on the one we carry is $14.99 and includes everything you would need.

Calls

If you’re interested in trying some calling on this trip please contact me.  We will discuss your experience level and put together a recommendation based on the knowledge we obtain through our conversation.

It is our hope that you find the information we provided to be useful.  Once you have had a chance to look this over and do some research of your own we would be happy to answer any questions that you may have.  Please remember, there are many choices in the categories we have discussed.  The aforementioned products are our recommendations based on the joint effort of Streiff Sporting Goods and our customers, Greg Ray’s Fish and Hunt the World and clients who have been to this destination, and our supporting manufacturers.

Again, thank you for the opportunity to help you prepare for this exciting hunt!  Feel free to contact me at Streiff Sporting Goods for any of your product needs or questions.  I can be reached at (218)386-2590 or at nickm@streiffs.com.

Nick Marvin

Preferred Product List for Alaska Brown Bear Yacht Based Hunt

October, 2011

Footwear

Leather Hiking Boots

Kenetrek’s Mountain Extreme boot is a great choice for this hunt.  They are full leather, waterproof boots.  Their 400 grams of insulation will provide enough warmth on the cool mornings but not be too warm for any long hikes that you may have to take.  Through our experience, the Mountain Extreme’s advanced lug design has been a hunt saver when navigating wet, slippery, and uneven terrain.  This boot will provide the support you need for the varied conditions you will encounter on this hunt.  You simply will not find a finer mountain boot.

Kenetrek Website for boots: http://www.kenetrek.com/prodinfo.asp?number=KE-420-400.

Retail:  $375.00                           Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $329.99

Socks

As important as your boots are, your socks are equally important.  The correct socks will help regulate foot temperature and keep your feet warm even when damp.  We strongly recommend a layering system similar to what we recommend for your clothing.  A good next to skin sock that wicks moisture is critical to this system working properly.  For this layer we use and recommend the Danner Pronghorn liner sock.  It is antimicrobial throughout its construction so it will minimize odor development.  Your next layer should be a heavier merino wool sock that will keep you warm even when wet and will not begin to smell after days of heavy use.  A good choice for this layer is the Smartwool Medium Weight Hunting Sock.   Always remember – it never hurts to have an extra pair or two in case you get wet!

Danner Website:

http://www.danner.com/accessories/socks/pronghorntm-liner.html

Danner Pronghorn Liner:

Retail:  $10.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive price:  $7.99 

Smartwool Website:

https://www.smartwool.com/default.cfm#/Mens/Socks/PerformanceSocks/

Retail:  $17.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive price: $14.99

Clothing

The next product grouping that we’d like to discuss is clothing.  Layering is the key to allowing a quality clothing “system” work.  Each layer plays its own part.  Average temperatures for your hunting area can swing 30 degrees or more over the course of a day.  Properly layered clothing is the only way you’ll stay comfortable in this environment.

Next to Skin Layer

The first part of the system is the clothing that you will wear next to your skin.  We have had tremendous success with 100% merino wool long underwear.  It is the ultimate material for moisture wicking, insulation, and scent elimination.  There are a lot of synthetic products on the market, most of which we have tested and been disappointed with.  They are great for a day or two but just don’t remain scent free like wool.  Our recommendation is a product made by Smart Wool. 

Smart Wool Website:

https://www.smartwool.com/default.cfm#/Mens/Apparel/Baselayer/_/2512/

¼ Zip Top:

Retail:  $75                                                   Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $59.99 

Bottoms:

Retail:  $65                                                   Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $49.99

Insulation Layer/Outer Layer

Sitka’s Stratus top and 90% bottoms are our choice for this type of hunt.  They are quiet, durable, wick moisture, wind resistant, and will keep you dry if you do encounter light precipitation.  You will wear this layer 90% of the time, whether it is as an outer layer or an insulation layer.  We recommend the Optifade Forest pattern for this hunt.

Sitka Website:

http://www.sitkagear.com/products/forest/jackets-vests/midweight-jackets/stratus-jacket/.

Jacket Retail:  $249.99                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $209.99

Sitka Website: 

http://www.sitkagear.com/products/forest/pants/soft-shell-pants/90-percent-pants/

Pant Retail:  $229.99                    Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $189.99 

Waterproof, Wind Blocking Layer

This is undoubtedly the key to allowing your clothing system to work should the weather gets bad.  This outer layer should be built to withstand the elements while allowing the next to skin and outer layer to work.  This does not have to be a heavy layer.  When you are layered properly this should actually be lightweight clothing that will keep the rain and wind off of you.  You will need a garment that is 100% waterproof, including taped seams and waterproof zippers.  There is nothing worse than having to spend a day in the field wet.  We have had the best experiences with the Sitka Downpour top and bottom set.  These garments are not only lightweight and durable but will keep you dry under any condition and block the wind extremely well. 

http://www.sitkagear.com/products/forest/jackets-vests/waterproof-jackets/downpour-jacket/

Jacket Retail:  $249.99                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $224.99 

Pant Retail:  $199.99                    Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $179.99

This is how we would plan on layering for your hunt:

1.  Next to Skin Layer
2. Outer Layer
3. Protection Layer
   1. 100% waterproof, wind blocking layer

                                                              i.      If the weather is favorable we would start with the waterproof/wind blocking layer in our packs and ready to go should the conditions worsen.

Gloves and Hats

A basic camo ball cap will work well for most of your time in the field.  If it gets cold a stocking hat is handy to keep your head and ears warm.  The other option is a ball cap that has ear flaps.  If you don’t have either of these let us know and we’ll get them sent to you. 

Gloves can be a little tricky.  Big and bulky will keep you warm but make it difficult to make the shot when you need to.  Too thin and your fingers will freeze.  Most hunters still wear one pair of gloves at a time.  We have had a lot of luck layering our gloves like our clothing.  On the cooler days it will be helpful to wear a thin glove inside an insulating glove.  We wear the Under Armour liner glove under either a heavy or light insulating glove.  This liner glove does wonders to wick moisture away from your skin to keep your hands feeling dry and warm no matter what.  This also allows us to quickly “shed” a heavier glove to handle a weapon with ease for the shot of a lifetime.  A great lightly insulated glove is the Manzella Wind Pro glove.  We see you wearing this glove most of the time. 

Under Armour Website:  http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/mens/sports/hunting/accessories/gloves.

Retail on the Under Armour Camo Liner Glove:  $21.99                                                                            Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $19.99

Manzella Website:

http://www.manzella.com/productresults.aspx?marketsegment=field&category_code=mens&warmth_rating_code=warmer&glovefinder=false

Retail on the Stalker Glove:  $24.99     Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $22.49

Optics, Pack, and Accessories

Optics

A high quality set of binoculars that we recommend are made by Swarovski.  The SLC 10x42HD’s provide a crisp, clear picture in the lowest of light conditions.  They are also built to stand up to everything you will ever throw at them and backed by Swarovski’s Lifetime Warranty.  Be prepared to spend a lot of time behind your “glasses” each day as you scan the surrounding terrain for game.  Without quality optics this will become a chore, rather than an exciting part of your hunt.  You can view these at:  

http://www.swarovskioptik.us/en_us/products/binoculars-slc

Retail:  $2099.99                            Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $1899.99

It is always a good idea to carry your binoculars on a bino system.  If you don’t know what this is you can view it at http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-1450/CRO-BINO-SYSTEM-BLACK/Detail

The bino system will keep your binoculars at your chest and ready for whenever you may need them.  They will also eliminate a lot of the weight you would feel while carrying binoculars with a standard neck strap.  The bino system is an inexpensive way to make a huge difference on your hunt.

Retail:  $24.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $22.49                      

Rangefinder

When the moment of truth arrives a rangefinder will eliminate any doubt as to how far a bear is from you.  A couple of things to think about:  1.  A laser rangefinder will work far better than one that needs a reflective surface to obtain a distance reading – especially at long distances.  2.  A rangefinder with a scan feature will allow you to quickly scan an area or follow a moving animal.  This is especially helpful when trying to give distance readings to a hunting partner. 

Our number one recommendation for a rangefinder to take on this trip is the Leupold RX1000.  You can view this rangefinder at http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-shooting/products/rangefinders/rx-1000-compact-rangefinders/rx-1000-compact-digital-laser-rangefinder/.

Retail:  $399.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $359.99

Pack

Eberlestock’s packs are at the top of their class in build, fit, and functionality.  The Just One JP9 Blue Widow pack is the pack that we recommend for this hunt.  Starting at 2200 cubic inches, this pack will expand to 4700.  It also has an improved internal aluminum frame system that will support plenty of weight should you ever need to pack anything heavy.  Other important items are a rain fly and hydration bladder.  You can view this pack at http://www.eberlestock.com/JP9%20Blue%20Widow.htm

Pack Retail:  $329.99                    Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $279.99

Rain Fly Retail:  $26.99                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $24.29          

Hydration System Retail:  $19.99                                                                                                                                                          Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $17.99

Gun Scabbard Retail:  $49.99     Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $39.99

Accessories

All too often, it is the little things that make the difference on a hunt like this.  Our goal is to make sure that you are aware of all the accessories, tricks, and tips that we have learned though years of hunting around the world!

Light

A good flashlight is a must on any hunt you are doing.  Our recommended brand is Sure Fire.  Their lights stand up to everything and are extremely bright.  The light we would use for this hunt is the 6P black.  It has an all aluminum frame with a bright, 80 lumen, LED lamp for long life.  You can view this light at http://www.surefire.com/6P-Led.  You will not find a brighter, more durable light for the money.

Retail:  $79.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $71.99

Compass/First Aid

No matter what you are doing outdoors it is smart to carry a compass with you.  We use the Brunton compasses http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=92.  Your price on this specific one is $17.99.  It is not only great for navigation but also handy in case of an emergency with the mirror on it.

A simple First Aid Kit can go a long way should you encounter some problems while out in the field.  We always carry waterproof kits so that we can leave it in our pack and know that it will be ready should we need it.  Your price on the one we carry is $14.99 and includes everything you would need.

Scent Control

Cleanliness and scent control are critically important anytime you’re hunting, especially when bear hunting as their senses are very keen.  Here are a few items that have been useful to us on our hunts.

It is a good idea to carry some unscented deodorant.  Robinson Outdoors makes a great product that can be viewed at the link below.

http://www.robinsonoutdoors.com/shopping/Products/Anti-Perspirant-Underam-Deodorant__DEO2C.aspx

  This will cost you $5.39. 

Body Bath Towels are very useful when you don’t have time to clean up or have just finished cleaning a bear.  http://www.robinsonoutdoors.com/shopping/Products/Body-Bath-Towels__BB4C.aspx     These are $6.29. 

Personally, we carry the Dead Down Wind Scent Prevent Kit http://www.deaddownwind.com/store/product/scentprevent-kit-1020.cfm.  This kit makes it possible to cover everything scent related.  This kit costs $40.49.

Knife

If you are planning on helping your guide prepare an animal should you have success you will need the proper cutlery.  A gutting and skinning knife would be the most useful to you.  Our recommendation is the Browning Micarta Big Game knife.  You can view this knife at http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/knives/detail.asp?value=049G&cat_id=322&type_id=642. 

Retail:  $109.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $98.99 

A knife sharpener is absolutely necessary as you are sure to dull your blades through the gutting and skinning process.  We urge you to use one that has two grits, coarse and fine, so that you can fix a badly damaged edge.  A DMT diamond stone works great for this and will pack lightly and easily.  You can view this sharpener at http://www.dmtsharp.com/products/diafold.htm.  Your price is $26.99.

Gutting gloves are a must have – they will keep you clean and dry through the whole process.  Shoulder length gloves worn underneath and wrist length surgical glove work the best.  A pack with both sets in it is $1.79.  We would carry at least two sets with.

Trail Tape

Orange tracking tape is handy for several reasons.  Most commonly it is used for following a blood trail.  It can also be used to mark certain points for reference.  For instance, if you shoot an animal and begin the process of looking for a trail in thick cover it is often helpful to look back at where you shot from.  With some orange trail tape on a tree there will be no question as to where you started from.  One 150 foot roll will cost you $2.24. 

http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-7696/ALL-TAPE-REFLEC-FLAG/Detail

Lens Pen

Anytime you are hunting it is a great idea to carry a lens pen with you so that you can clean and clear your optics.  Believe me, it is very frustrating when you’re in a situation where you are fully prepared to make the shot of a lifetime and not able to range the distance because your rangefinder is dirty or wet.  A Leupold lens pen will cost you $8.99. 

http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-7151/LEU-LENS-PEN-48807/Detail

Dry Bags

We exclusively use and sell SealLine bags.  They make a variety of bags for many different situations.  We encourage you to take a look at this page http://cascadedesigns.com/SealLine to see what may work for you individual situation. 

To give you some starting points: 

We use the 70L boundary pack when we need to pack large amounts of clothing or other items and keep them 100% dry.  The comfortable backpack straps make this easy to carry around.  This is more of a traveling type of pack.

We use the Storm Sacks for keeping little important items protected from the elements.  Extra pair of socks, extra shirt, extra gloves, matches, camera, and food are all items you would put in this style of sack.  These sacks are better suited to keep the items that cannot get wet absolutely dry when in the field.  They’re light enough and small enough that you will easily carry them in your Eberlestock pack.

Again, these would be the two most useful packs to you based on our experience.  The larger boundary pack is ideal for traveling.  The smaller Storm Sacks are perfect for all those little things that can’t get wet, like your camera.  A couple of these wouldn’t be a bad idea at all.  If you see more that may fit your individual needs they are available as well.

Retail on the Boundary Pack:  $84.99           Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $69.99

Retail on the Storm Sacks:  $9.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $8.99

Shooting Sticks

The first accessory recommendation is something something that we’ve identified as being important on our big game hunts – a set of shooting sticks.  Our recommendation is the Primos Trigger Stick.  This pod extends up to 62”, has a 360 degree rotating head, weighs less than 1.5lbs., and is built to stand up to everything you will put it through.  You can view this pod at http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-12774/PRI-TRIGGER-STICK-TALL/Detail

Retail:  $99.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $74.99          

Weapon

It has been recommended by the outfitter that you bring the largest caliber gun that you can comfortably shoot.  If you need any assistance on selecting a gun, scope, or quality bonded ammunition please let m know so that we can discuss options and build a package to best fit your overall hunting needs.

 It is our hope that you find the information we provided to be useful.  Once you have had a chance to look this over and do some research of your own we would be happy to answer any questions that you may have.  Please remember, there are many choices in the categories we have discussed.  The aforementioned products are our recommendations based on the joint effort of Streiff Sporting Goods and our customers, Outdoor Connection agents and clients who have been to this destination, and our supporting manufacturers. 

Again, thank you for the opportunity to help you prepare for this exciting hunt!  Feel free to contact me at Streiff Sporting Goods for any of your product needs or questions.  I can be reached at (800)817-2590 or at nickm@streiffs.com.

 Nick Marvin

Preferred Product List for South East Kansas Spring Turkey Hunt

Footwear

The first category that we would like discuss is footwear.  Proper footwear can make or break a hunt.  Cold, wet feet make it uncomfortable to sit and glass.  Sore, blistered feet make it difficult to quietly sneak or quickly get into position for the shot.

Leather Hiking Boots

Danner’s Pronghorn 400 boot is a great choice for this hunt.  They are full leather, gore-tex lined waterproof boots.  Their 400 grams of insulation should provide enough warmth on the cool mornings but not be too warm for a mid-day stalk.  This boot will provide the support you need for the varied conditions you will encounter on this hunt. 

Danner Website:  http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-2742/DANNER-PRONGHORN-400GR-CAMO/Detail

Retail:  $179.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $149.99

Socks

As important as your boots are, your socks are equally important.  The correct socks will help regulate foot temperature and keep your feet warm even when damp.  We strongly recommend a layering system similar to what we recommend for your clothing.  A good next to skin sock that wicks moisture is critical to this system working properly.  For this layer we use and recommend the Danner Pronghorn liner sock.  It is antimicrobial throughout its construction so it will minimize odor development.  Your next layer should be a heavier merino wool sock that will keep you warm even when wet and will not begin to smell after days of heavy use.  A good choice for this layer is the Smartwool Medium Weight Hunting Sock.   Always remember – it never hurts to have an extra pair or two in case you get wet!

Danner Website:

http://www.danner.com/accessories/socks/pronghorntm-liner.html

Danner Pronghorn Liner:

Retail:  $10.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive price:  $7.99 

Smartwool Website:

https://www.smartwool.com/default.cfm#/Mens/Socks/PerformanceSocks/

Retail:  $17.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive price: $14.99

Clothing

The next product grouping that we’d like to outline is clothing.  Layering is the key to allowing a quality clothing “system” work.  Each layer plays its own part.   Upon researching the average weather patterns over the last 5 years for your hunt area we feel that, if you follow the guidelines below, you will be prepared for almost anything that comes your way. 

So that you are aware of what you will likely encounter on your hunt:  The 5 year average high is 70 degrees; The 5 year average low is 45; The 5 year average temperature is 60; and you stand only a slight chance of experiencing precipitation.

Next to Skin Layer

The first part of the system is the clothing that you will wear next to your skin.  We have had tremendous success with 100% merino wool long underwear.  It is the ultimate material for moisture wicking, insulation, and scent elimination.  There are a lot of synthetic products on the market, most of which we have tested and been disappointed with.  They are great for a day or two but just don’t perform like wool.  Our recommendation is a mid-weight product made by Smart Wool.

Smart Wool Website:

https://www.smartwool.com/default.cfm#/Mens/Apparel/Baselayer/_/2512/

¼ Zip Top:

Retail:  $75                                                   Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $59.99 

Bottoms:

Retail:  $65                                                   Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $49.99

Outer Layer

Without a doubt, some days will be warm enough that you will not need to wear your merino wool long underwear.  This layer is designed to be worn over your long underwear or alone on the warmer days.

Insulation Layer/Outer Layer

Sitka’s Stratus top and 90% bottoms are our choice for this type of hunt.  They are quiet, durable, wick moisture, wind resistant, and will keep you dry if you do encounter light precipitation.  You will wear this layer 90% of the time, whether it is as an outer layer or an insulation layer.  We recommend the Optifade Forest pattern for this hunt.

Sitka Website:

http://www.sitkagear.com/products/forest/jackets-vests/midweight-jackets/stratus-jacket/.

Jacket Retail:  $249.99                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $209.99

Sitka Website: 

http://www.sitkagear.com/products/forest/pants/soft-shell-pants/90-percent-pants/

Pant Retail:  $229.99                    Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $189.99 

We also believe in the insulating properties of a vest for the cooler mornings.  A good vest will provide warmth to the core part of our body while allowing for more mobility in the arms when you need it most.  Our recommendation is the Sitka Kelvin Vest.

Sitka Website:

http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-11130/SITKA-KELVIN-VEST-MOUNTAIN/Detail

Retail:  $149.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $119.99

We also recommend that you take a pair of 6-pocket camo pants and a cotton button down shirt should you encounter one of the 75 degree days that they occasionally have in early April.

Pants:

http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-9018/MOSSY-OAK-CARGO-PANTS/Detail

Retail:  $59.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $34.99

Shirt:

http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-9026/MOSSY-OAK-OBSESSION-M29/Detail

Retail:  $39.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $29.99

Waterproof, Wind Blocking Layer

This is undoubtedly the key to allowing your clothing system to work should the weather gets bad.  This outer layer should be built to withstand the elements while allowing the next to skin and outer layer to work.  This does not have to be a heavy layer.  When you are layered properly this should actually be lightweight clothing that will keep the rain and wind off of you.  You will need a garment that is 100% waterproof, including taped seams and waterproof zippers.  There is nothing worse than having to spend a day in the field wet.  We have had the best experiences with the Sitka Downpour top and bottom set.  These garments are not only lightweight and durable but will keep you dry under any condition and block the wind extremely well. 

http://www.sitkagear.com/products/forest/jackets-vests/waterproof-jackets/downpour-jacket/

Jacket Retail:  $249.99                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $224.99 

Pant Retail:  $199.99                    Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $179.99

Gloves and Hats

A basic camo ball cap will work well for most of your time in the field.  If you visit with Bryan I bet he will get you a complimentary camo cap!   When it is raining it is best to rely on your rain jacket’s hood to keep dry.

Gloves can be a little tricky.  Big and bulky will keep you warm but make it difficult to make the shot when you need to.  Too thin and your fingers will freeze.  Most hunters still wear one pair of gloves at a time.  We have had a lot of luck layering our gloves like our clothing.  On the cooler days it will be helpful to wear a thin glove inside an insulating glove.  We wear the Under Armour liner glove under either a heavy or light insulating glove.  This liner glove does wonders to wick moisture away from your skin to keep your hands feeling dry and warm no matter what.  This also allows us to quickly “shed” a heavier glove to handle a weapon with ease for the shot of a lifetime.  A great lightly insulated glove is the Manzella Wind Pro glove.   We see you wearing this glove for warmth over the Under Armour glove on the cool mornings.  It is important that you have gloves at all times because of the Turkey’s keen eyesight.

Under Armour Website:  http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/mens/sports/hunting/accessories/gloves.

Retail on the Under Armour Camo Liner Glove:  $21.99                                                                            Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $19.99

Manzella Website:

http://www.manzella.com/productresults.aspx?marketsegment=field&category_code=mens&warmth_rating_code=warmer&glovefinder=false

Retail on the Stalker Glove:  $24.99     Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $22.49

Facemask

It is also important that you are able to cover your face while you are waiting for a strutting Tom to cover the last few yards before he gets to your decoy.  We strongly recommend the Primos Ninja mask because it is easy to wear around your neck until you need it, at which point you can pull it up over your face.  This mask will also breathe well so you don’t get to warm.

Primos Website:  https://shop.primos.com/pc-515-90-ninja-cotton-half-mask-in-mo-new-break-up.aspx

Retail:  $6.99                                               Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $4.99

Weapon

If you’re thinking of a new shotgun, now is the time to buy!  If you’d like to get your Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price on any new firearms for this trip please contact us.  We’re excited to visit with you about your hunting needs so that we can get the appropriate package put together for you.

 Accessories

All too often, it is the little things that make the difference on a hunt like this.  Our goal is to make sure that you are aware of all the accessories, tricks, and tips that we have learned through our years of hunting around the world!

Shooting Sticks

The first accessory recommendation is something something that we’ve identified as being important on our big game hunts – a set of shooting sticks.  Our recommendation is the Primos Trigger Stick.  This pod extends up to 62”, has a 360 degree rotating head, weighs less than 1.5lbs., and is built to stand up to everything you will put it through.  You can view this pod at http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-12774/PRI-TRIGGER-STICK-TALL/Detail

Retail:  $99.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $74.99          

Light

We recommend a headlamp for this hunt.  A headlamp will allow you to keep your hands free to help the guide set up the decoys or climb into the blind.  The light we use is the Browning Nitro Headlamp.

Browning Website: 

http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/flashlights/detail.asp?value=030H&cat_id=371&type_id=8620&content=nitro-1-watt-+-3-led-mossy-oak-new-break-up-flashlights

Retail:  $49.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $39.99

Calls

If you’d like to try your hand at calling Keaton, Kendall and the rest of the guides are more than willing to let you participate.  If you’re interested in a call, or calls, please contact me and we’ll discuss your experience level so that we can make an appropriate recommendation.  You can view some of our turkey calls here:  http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-Calls-cln-Other-Calls/Categories

Ammunition

We use and recommend Federal Ammunition.  If you let us know what shotgun you will be using we will help you find the appropriate load for your gun.

Target

It is important to practice with both your rifle and your shotgun before you head to K&K.  For your shotgun, it is very important to know how many BB’s are going to hit the head/neck of a turkey if you get a shot.  The only way to know how many you’ll get on a given shot is with the Primos turkey target. 

Primos Target:  http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-7319/PRI-SHT-PATTERN-TURK/Detail

Retail:  $2.99                                               Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $1.99

Choke Tube

There is nothing that will affect your shot pattern more than having the proper choke in your gun.  By using a Patternmaster choke tube you can potentially increase your effective range to 50 to 60 yards.  Let us know what gun you are shooting and we will set you up with the appropriate “tube”.

Gun Case

Whether you are driving or flying to any hunting destination it is important that your weapons arrive intact and accurate.  If you travel with your guns in a Pelican Case they will do just that.  This particular case will comfortably hold a rifle and a shotgun.   This case is also lockable, has a pressure release valve, has a watertight o-ring, and is airline approved.

Pelican Gun Case:  http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-10354/PELI-1750-WEAPONS-CASE/Detail

Retail:  $329.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $179.99

 It is our hope that you find the information we provided to be useful.  Once you have had a chance to look this over and do some research of your own we would be happy to answer any questions that you may have.  Please remember, there are many choices in the categories we have discussed.  The aforementioned products are our recommendations based on the joint effort of Streiff Sporting Goods and our customers, Outdoor Connection agents and clients who have been to this destination, and the owners/operators of this destination. 

Again, thank you for the opportunity to help you prepare for this exciting hunt!  Feel free to contact me at Streiff Sporting Goods for any of your product needs or questions.  I can be reached at (800)817-2590 or at nickm@streiffs.com.

 Nick Marvin

Preferred Product List for Argentina Dove Hunt

Spring, 2011

Footwear

Boots

Our footwear recommendation for this hunt is made by Danner.  Their Pronghorn line of footwear is designed for hunts like this:  comfortable, waterproof, and they look good.  The uninsulated Pronghorn boot is the ideal boot for this hunt.  You can view this boot at http://www.danner.com/boots/pronghorn/pronghorntm-gtxr-realtreer-apg-hd-hunting-boots.html.

Regular Retail:  $169.99               Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $152.99

Socks

As important as your boots are, your socks are equally important.  The correct socks will help regulate foot temperature and keep your feet warm even when damp.  We strongly recommend a layering system similar to what we recommend for your clothing.  A good next to skin sock that wicks moisture is critical to this system working properly.  For this layer we use and recommend the Danner Pronghorn liner sock.  It is antimicrobial throughout its construction so it will minimize odor development.  Your next layer should be a merino wool sock that will keep you warm even when wet and will not begin to smell after days of heavy use.  A good choice for this layer is the Danner Merino Wool Pronghorn.   Always remember – it never hurts to have an extra pair or two in case you get wet!

Danner Website:

http://www.danner.com/category/accessories/socks.do

Danner Pronghorn Liner:

Retail:  $8.99                                   Outdoor Connection Exclusive price:  $7.99 

Danner Pronghorn(2 pack):

Retail:  $16.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive price: $14.99

Clothing

Your clothing needs will be minimal for this hunt.  Field pants and cotton shirts will work just fine.   For pants we recommend the Browning Overlay Jean.  You can view this pant here:  http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/clothing/detail.asp?cat_id=302&type_id=121&value=021A&cattype=302121.

Retail:  $49.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $39.99

For your shirt we recommend the Browning Cross Country Upland Shirt in kahki/loden.  This shirt is polyester so it will wick moisture well, move well, and be very comfortable on warmer days.  It also has the Reactar pad pocket so that you can put a Reactar pad on your shoulder for extra comfort while you’re shooting thousands of rounds.  You can view this shirt here:  http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/clothing/detail.asp?cat_id=301&type_id=193&value=038A&cattype=301193#center

Retail:  $49.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $39.99

Reactar shooting pad:  http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/clothing/detail.asp?cat_id=309&type_id=013&value=A024&cattype=309013

Retail:  $24.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $19.99

One additional piece of clothing that you should bring with is a shooting vest.  Our recommendation is a dove vest.  A vest such as this will give you room to store the items you’ll need to take into the field with you;  extra gloves, sunscreen, band aids, extra hearing protection, a few extra rounds of ammo, etc.  Our recommendation on this product is the Browning Dove Vest.  You can view this vest here:  http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/clothing/detail.asp?cat_id=305&type_id=103&value=A023&cattype=305103

Retail:  $19.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $16.99

Finally, it will be important that you have good shooting gloves to protect your hands while enjoying the thrill of shooting thousands of rounds of ammo.  We recommend the Browning Mesh Back Shooting Gloves for this destination.  You can view these gloves at:  http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/clothing/detail.asp?cat_id=307&type_id=011&value=A025&cattype=307011#center

Retail:  $24.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $19.99

It is our hope that you find the information we provided to be useful.  Once you have had a chance to look this over and do some research of your own we would be happy to answer any questions that you may have.  Please remember, there are many choices in the categories we have discussed.  The aforementioned products are our recommendations based on the joint effort of Streiff Sporting Goods and our customers, Outdoor Connection agents and clients who have been to this destination, and our supporting manufacturers. 

Again, thank you for the opportunity to help you prepare for this exciting hunt!  Feel free to contact me at Streiff Sporting Goods for any of your product needs or questions.  I can be reached at (800)817-2590 or at nickm@streiffs.com.

Nick Marvin

greg@outdoor-connection.com

Preferred Product List for Rugged Outfitting Black Bear Hunt

May, 2011

Footwear

Leather Hiking Boots

Kenetrek’s Mountain Extreme boot is a great choice for this hunt.  They are full leather, waterproof boots.  Their 400 grams of insulation will provide enough warmth on the cool mornings but not be too warm for the long hikes you will be taking each day.  Through our experience, the Mountain Extreme’s advanced lug design has been a hunt saver when navigating wet, icy, uneven terrain.  This boot will provide the support you need for the varied conditions you will encounter on this hunt.  You simply will not find a finer mountain boot.

Kenetrek Website for boots: http://www.kenetrek.com/prodinfo.asp?number=KE-420-400.

Retail:  $355.00                           Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $319.99

Socks

As important as your boots are, your socks are equally important.  The correct socks will help regulate foot temperature and keep your feet warm even when damp.  We strongly recommend a layering system similar to what we recommend for your clothing.  A good next to skin sock that wicks moisture is critical to this system working properly.  For this layer we use and recommend the Danner Pronghorn liner sock.  It is antimicrobial throughout its construction so it will minimize odor development.  Your next layer should be a heavier merino wool sock that will keep you warm even when wet and will not begin to smell after days of heavy use.  A good choice for this layer is the Smartwool Medium Weight Hunting Sock.   Always remember – it never hurts to have an extra pair or two in case you get wet!

Danner Website:

http://www.danner.com/accessories/socks/pronghorntm-liner.html

Danner Pronghorn Liner:

Retail:  $10.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive price:  $7.99 

Smartwool Website:

https://www.smartwool.com/default.cfm#/Mens/Socks/PerformanceSocks/

Retail:  $17.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive price: $14.99

Clothing

The next product grouping that we’d like to discuss is clothing.  Layering is the key to allowing a quality clothing “system” work.  Each layer plays its own part.  Average temperatures for your hunting area over the last 3 years range from upper 30’s at night to 70 during the day throughout May.  This means that you’ll need to be prepared to handle 30+ degree temperature swings over the course of a day in the field.  Properly layered clothing is the only way you’ll stay comfortable in this environment.

Next to Skin Layer

The first part of the system is the clothing that you will wear next to your skin.  We have had tremendous success with 100% merino wool long underwear.  It is the ultimate material for moisture wicking, insulation, and scent elimination.  There are a lot of synthetic products on the market, most of which we have tested and been disappointed with.  They are great for a day or two but just don’t remain scent free like wool.  Our recommendation is a product made by Minus 33.  We do not recommend the expedition weight for your hunt.  The conditions are more suitable for the standard weight(230g) garments. 

Minus 33 Website:

http://www.minus33.com/catalog

¼ Zip Top:

Retail:  $60               Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $39.99. 

Bottoms are cut one way.  Again, the standard weight(230g) is what we recommend for your hunt. 

Retail:  $44.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $38.99

Insulation Layer/Outer Layer

Sitka’s 90% top and bottoms are our choice for this type of hunt.  They are quiet, durable, wick moisture, and will keep you dry if you do encounter light precipitation.  This layer is called 90% for a reason: you will wear this 90% of the time, weather it is as an outer layer or an insulation layer.

Sitka Website: http://www.sitkagear.com/Product.aspx?cat=88

Jacket Retail:  $249.99                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $224.99

Pant Retail:  $229.99                    Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $206.99 

Waterproof, Wind Blocking Layer

This is undoubtedly the key to allowing your clothing system to work should the weather gets bad.  This outer layer should be built to withstand the elements while allowing the next to skin and outer layer to work.  This does not have to be a heavy layer.  When you are layered properly this should actually be lightweight clothing that will keep the rain and wind off of you.  You will need a garment that is 100% waterproof, including taped seams and waterproof zippers.  There is nothing worse than having to spend a day in the field wet.  We have had the best experiences with the Sitka Downpour top and bottom set.  These garments are not only lightweight and durable but will keep you dry under any condition and block the wind extremely well. 

http://www.sitkagear.com/products/forest/jackets-vests/waterproof-jackets/downpour-jacket/

Jacket Retail:  $249.99                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $224.99 

Pant Retail:  $199.99                    Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $179.99

This is how we would plan on layering for your hunt:

1.  Next to Skin Layer
2. Outer Layer
3. Protection Layer
   1. 100% waterproof, wind blocking layer

                                                              i.      If the weather is favorable we would start with the waterproof/wind blocking layer in our packs and ready to go should the conditions worsen.

Gloves and Hats

A basic camo ball cap will work well for most of your time in the field.  If it gets cold a stocking hat is handy to keep your head and ears warm.  The other option is a ball cap that has ear flaps.  If you don’t have either of these let us know and we’ll get one sent to you. 

Gloves can be a little tricky.  Big and bulky will keep you warm but make it difficult to make the shot when you need to.  Too thin and your fingers will freeze.  Most hunters still wear one pair of gloves at a time.  We have had a lot of luck layering our gloves like our clothing.  On the cooler mornings and days it will be helpful to wear a thin glove inside an insulating glove.  We wear the Under Armour liner glove under either a heavy or light insulating glove.  This liner glove does wonders to wick moisture away from your skin to keep your hands feeling dry and warm no matter what.  This also allows us to quickly “shed” a heavier glove to handle a weapon with ease for the shot of a lifetime.  A great lightly insulated glove is the Manzella Wind Pro glove.  We see you wearing this glove most of the time. 

Under Armour Website:  http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/mens/sports/hunting/accessories/gloves.

Retail on the Under Armour Camo Liner Glove:  $21.99                Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $19.99

Manzella Website:

http://www.manzella.com/productresults.aspx?marketsegment=field&category_code=mens&warmth_rating_code=warmer&glovefinder=false

Retail on the Stalker Glove:  $24.99     Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $22.49

Optics, Pack, and Accessories

Optics

A high quality set of binoculars that we recommend are made by Leupold.  The Golden Ring 10x42HD’s provide a crisp, clear picture in the lowest of light conditions.  They are also built to stand up to everything you will ever throw at them and backed by Leupold’s Lifetime Warranty.  You can view these at http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-shooting/products/binoculars/. 

Retail:  $799.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $699.99

It is always a good idea to carry your binoculars on a bino system.  If you don’t know what this is you can view it at http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-1450/CRO-BINO-SYSTEM-BLACK/Detail

The bino system will keep your binoculars at your chest and ready for whenever you may need them.  They will also eliminate a lot of the weight you would feel while carrying binoculars with a standard neck strap.  The bino system is an inexpensive way to make a huge difference on your hunt.

Retail:  $24.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $22.49                      

Rangefinder

When the moment of truth arrives a rangefinder will eliminate any doubt as to how far a bear is from you.  A couple of things to think about:  1.  A laser rangefinder will work far better than one that needs a reflective surface to obtain a distance reading – especially at long distances.  2.  A rangefinder with a scan feature will allow you to quickly scan an area or follow a moving animal.  This is especially helpful when trying to give distance readings to a hunting partner. 

Our number one recommendation for a rangefinder to take on this trip is the Leupold RX1000.  You can view this rangefinder at http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-shooting/products/rangefinders/rx-1000-compact-rangefinders/rx-1000-compact-digital-laser-rangefinder/.

Retail:  $399.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $359.99

Pack

Eberlestock’s packs are at the top of their class in build, fit, and functionality.  The Just One J34 pack is the new, improved version of the pack that Greg uses – the Original Just One.  Starting at 2300 cubic inches, this pack will expand to 4600.  The J34 weighs just 6.14 pounds so it is something you will carry with ease.  It also has an improved internal aluminum frame system that will support plenty of weight should you ever need to pack anything heavy.  Other important items are a rain fly and hydration bladder.  You can view this pack at http://www.eberlestock.com/J34%20Just%20One.htm

Pack Retail:  $249.99                    Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $224.99

Rain Fly Retail:  $26.99                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $24.29          

Hydration System Retail:  $19.99         Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $17.99

Accessories

All too often, it is the little things that make the difference on a hunt like this.  Our goal is to make sure that you are aware of all the accessories, tricks, and tips that we have learned though years of hunting around the world!

Therma Cell

There are a few products that are a must have on this hunt.  A Therma Cell is one of them.  This is a great way to keep the mosquito population at bay while you’re in your stand.  This product is a scent free alternative to bug sprays and works remarkably well.  You’ll get 12 hours of run time from one butane cartridge and each mosquito repellant matt is effective for approximately 4 hours.  Each unit comes with enough butane and matt cartridges to run for 12 hours.  Each refill package contains enough of both to run for 12 hours.

Therma Cell Website:  http://www.mosquitorepellent.com/woodlands-camo-appliance.asp

Appliance Retail:  $29.99                         Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $21.99

Refill Retail:  $24.99                                  Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $19.99

Light

A good flashlight is a must on any hunt you are doing.  Our recommended brand is Sure Fire.  Their lights stand up to everything and are extremely bright.  The light we would use for this hunt is the 6P black.  It has an all aluminum frame with a bright, 80 lumen, LED lamp for long life.  You can view this light at http://www.surefire.com/6P-Led.  You will not find a brighter, more durable light for the money.

Retail:  $79.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $71.99

Compass/First Aid

No matter what you are doing outdoors it is smart to carry a compass with you.  We use the Brunton compasses http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=92.  Your price on this specific one is $17.99.  It is not only great for navigation but also handy in case of an emergency with the mirror on it.

A simple First Aid Kit can go a long way should you encounter some problems while out in the field.  We always carry waterproof kits so that we can leave it in our pack and know that it will be ready should we need it.  Your price on the one we carry is $14.99 and includes everything you would need.

Scent Control

Cleanliness and scent control are critically important anytime you’re hunting, especially when bear hunting as their senses are very keen.  Here are a few items that have been useful to us on our hunts.

It is a good idea to carry some unscented deodorant.  Robinson Outdoors makes a great product that can be viewed at the link below.

http://www.robinsonoutdoors.com/shopping/Products/Anti-Perspirant-Underam-Deodorant__DEO2C.aspx

  This will cost you $5.39. 

Body Bath Towels are very useful when you don’t have time to clean up or have just finished cleaning a bear.  http://www.robinsonoutdoors.com/shopping/Products/Body-Bath-Towels__BB4C.aspx     These are $6.29. 

Personally, we carry the Dead Down Wind Scent Prevent Kit http://www.deaddownwind.com/store/product/scentprevent-kit-1020.cfm.  This kit makes it possible to cover everything scent related.  This kit costs $40.49.

Knife

If you are planning on helping your guide prepare an animal should you have success you will need the proper cutlery.  A gutting and skinning knife would be the most useful to you.  Our recommendation is the Browning Micarta Big Game knife.  You can view this knife at http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/knives/detail.asp?value=049G&cat_id=322&type_id=642. 

Retail:  $109.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $98.99 

A knife sharpener is absolutely necessary as you are sure to dull your blades through the gutting and skinning process.  We urge you to use one that has two grits, coarse and fine, so that you can fix a badly damaged edge.  A DMT diamond stone works great for this and will pack lightly and easily.  You can view this sharpener at http://www.dmtsharp.com/products/diafold.htm.  Your price is $26.99.

Gutting gloves are a must have – they will keep you clean and dry through the whole process.  Shoulder length gloves worn underneath and wrist length surgical glove work the best.  A pack with both sets in it is $1.79.  We would carry at least two sets with.

Trail Tape

Orange tracking tape is handy for several reasons.  Most commonly it is used for following a blood trail.  It can also be used to mark certain points for reference.  For instance, if you shoot an animal and begin the process of looking for a trail in thick cover it is often helpful to look back at where you shot from.  With some orange trail tape on a tree there will be no question as to where you started from.  One 150 foot roll will cost you $2.24. 

http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-7696/ALL-TAPE-REFLEC-FLAG/Detail

Lens Pen

Anytime you are hunting it is a great idea to carry a lens pen with you so that you can clean and clear your optics.  Believe me, it is very frustrating when you’re in a situation where you are fully prepared to make the shot of a lifetime and not able to range the distance because your rangefinder is dirty or wet.  A Leupold lens pen will cost you $8.99. 

http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-7151/LEU-LENS-PEN-48807/Detail

Dry Bags

We exclusively use and sell SealLine bags.  They make a variety of bags for many different situations.  We encourage you to take a look at this page http://cascadedesigns.com/SealLine to see what may work for you individual situation. 

To give you some starting points: 

We use the 70L boundary pack when we need to pack large amounts of clothing or other items and keep them 100% dry.  The comfortable backpack straps make this easy to carry around.  This is more of a traveling type of pack.

We use the Storm Sacks for keeping little important items protected from the elements.  Extra pair of socks, extra shirt, extra gloves, matches, camera, and food are all items you would put in this style of sack.  These sacks are better suited to keep the items that cannot get wet absolutely dry when in the field.  They’re light enough and small enough that you will easily carry them in your Eberlestock packs.

Again, these would be the two most useful packs to you based on our experience.  The larger boundary pack is ideal for traveling.  The smaller Storm Sacks are perfect for all those little things that can’t get wet, like your camera.  A couple of these wouldn’t be a bad idea at all.  If you see more that may fit your individual needs they are available as well.

Retail on the Boundary Pack:  $84.99              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $69.99

Retail on the Storm Sacks:  $9.99Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $8.99

Bug Jacket/Headnet

If you’re using the Therma Cell a head net that protects you from the mosquitoes is all that you will need.  We sell the Coghlan’s head nets and your price on one is $4.99.

http://www.coghlans.com/catalogue/productList.php?catID=11

We recommend model 9360 as it does the best job of keeping the net away from your head and neck.

Pepper Spray

Pepper Spray is always a good item to have handy when bear hunting.  Chances are that you won’t need to use it but it is cheap insurance should a situation arise when you’ll need more than your weapon for an aggressive bear.  We use and sell a small but powerful product from Sabre.

Website:  http://www.sabrered.com/servlet/the-SABRE-Advanced-3-dsh-in-dsh-1-Defense-Sprays-cln-Home-Self-dsh-Defense-Sprays/Categories

Regular Retail:  $9.99                                Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $7.99

Shooting Sticks

The first accessory recommendation is something something that we’ve identified as being important on our western Mule Deer hunts – a set of shooting sticks.  Our recommendation is the Vanguard B-62 bi-pod.  This pod extends up to 62”, has a 360 degree rotating head, weighs less than 1.5lbs., and is built to stand up to everything you will put it through.  In addition, it has removable rubber tips that expose a carbide tip so you can use it as a walking stick or to set up for a shot on slick ground.  You can view this pod at http://www.vanguardworld.com/gfa/product3.php?sort3=177.

Retail:  $49.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $39.99          

It is our hope that you find the information we provided to be useful.  Once you have had a chance to look this over and do some research of your own we would be happy to answer any questions that you may have.  Please remember, there are many choices in the categories we have discussed.  The aforementioned products are our recommendations based on the joint effort of Streiff Sporting Goods and our customers, Outdoor Connection agents and clients who have been to this destination, and our supporting manufacturers. 

Again, thank you for the opportunity to help you prepare for this exciting hunt!  Feel free to contact me at Streiff Sporting Goods for any of your product needs or questions.  I can be reached at (800)817-2590 or at nickm@streiffs.com.

Nick Marvin

Preferred Product List for Flying B Ranch Black Bear Hunt

May, 2011

Boots

Our footwear recommendation for this hunt is made by Robinson Outdoors.  Their Scentblocker line of footwear is designed for hunts like this:  comfortable, waterproof, just warm enough for an evening sit on stand, and they control scent.  The Dream Season boot is the ideal boot for this hunt.  You can view this boot at http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-3706/ROBINSON-DREAM-SEASON-PRO/Detail.

Regular Retail:  $179.99               Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $129.99

Socks

As important as your boots are, your socks are equally important.  The correct socks will help regulate foot temperature and keep your feet warm even when damp.  We strongly recommend a layering system similar to what we recommend for your clothing.  A good next to skin sock that wicks moisture is critical to this system working properly.  For this layer we use and recommend the Danner Pronghorn liner sock.  It is antimicrobial throughout its construction so it will minimize odor development.  Your next layer should be a heavier merino wool sock that will keep you warm even when wet and will not begin to smell after days of heavy use.  A good choice for this layer is the Smartwool Medium Weight Hunting Sock.   Always remember – it never hurts to have an extra pair or two in case you get wet!

Danner Website:

http://www.danner.com/accessories/socks/pronghorntm-liner.html

Danner Pronghorn Liner:

Retail:  $10.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive price:  $7.99 

Smartwool Website:

https://www.smartwool.com/default.cfm#/Mens/Socks/PerformanceSocks/

Retail:  $17.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive price: $14.99

Clothing

The next product grouping that we’d like to discuss is clothing.  Layering is the key to allowing a quality clothing “system” work.  Each layer plays its own part.  Average temperatures for your hunting area over the last 3 years range from upper 30’s at night to 70 during the day throughout May.  This means that you’ll need to be prepared to handle 30+ degree temperature swings over the course of a day in the field.  Properly layered clothing is the only way you’ll stay comfortable in this environment.

Next to Skin Layer

The first part of the system is the clothing that you will wear next to your skin.  We have had tremendous success with 100% merino wool long underwear.  It is the ultimate material for moisture wicking, insulation, and scent elimination.  There are a lot of synthetic products on the market, most of which we have tested and been disappointed with.  They are great for a day or two but just don’t remain scent free like wool.  Our recommendation is a product made by Minus 33.  We do not recommend the expedition weight for your hunt.  The conditions are more suitable for the standard weight(230g) garments. 

Minus 33 Website:

http://www.minus33.com/catalog

¼ Zip Top:

Retail:  $60               Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $39.99. 

Bottoms are cut one way.  Again, the standard weight(230g) is what we recommend for your hunt. 

Retail:  $44.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $38.99

Outer Layer

Robinson Outdoor Scent Blocker line of clothing is designed for this type of hunt.  They are comfortable, quiet, control scent very well, and are designed for a hunter.  We recommend the Dream Season Silent Shell series garments for your outer layer.  This layer is light enough for the warmer afternoons in the tree but the jacket has room enough for a vest for the cooler days.  From the quick draw quick cinch system to each and every pocket you will find these garments to be among the most useful you’ve ever worn. 

Jacket:   http://robinsonoutdoors.com/shopping/Products/Dream-Season-Silent-Shell-Jacket__DSSJ.aspx

Regular Retail:  $259.99               Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $219.99

Pant:  http://robinsonoutdoors.com/shopping/Products/Dream-Season-Silent-Shell-Pant__DSSP.aspx

Regular Retail:  $219.99               Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $189.99

Waterproof, Wind Blocking Layer

This is undoubtedly the key to allowing your clothing system to work should the weather gets bad.  This outer layer should be built to withstand the elements while allowing the next to skin and outer layer to work.  This does not have to be a heavy layer.  When you are layered properly this should actually be lightweight clothing that will keep the rain and wind off of you.  You will need a garment that is 100% waterproof, including taped seams and waterproof zippers.  There is nothing worse than having to spend a day in the field wet.  We have had the best experiences with the Sitka Downpour top and bottom set.  These garments are not only lightweight and durable but will keep you dry under any condition and block the wind extremely well. 

http://www.sitkagear.com/products/forest/jackets-vests/waterproof-jackets/downpour-jacket/

Jacket Retail:  $249.99                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $224.99 

Pant Retail:  $199.99                    Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $179.99

This is how we would plan on layering for your hunt:

1.  Next to Skin Layer
2. Outer Layer
3. Protection Layer
   1. 100% waterproof, wind blocking layer

                                                              i.      If the weather is favorable we would start with the waterproof/wind blocking layer in our packs and ready to go should the conditions worsen.

Gloves and Hats

A basic camo ball cap will work well for most of your time in the field.  If it gets cold a stocking hat is handy to keep your head and ears warm.  The other option is a ball cap that has ear flaps.  If you don’t have either of these let us know and we’ll get one sent to you. 

Gloves can be a little tricky.  Big and bulky will keep you warm but make it difficult to make the shot when you need to.  Too thin and your fingers will freeze.  Most hunters still wear one pair of gloves at a time.  We have had a lot of luck layering our gloves like our clothing.  On the cooler mornings and days it will be helpful to wear a thin glove inside an insulating glove.  We wear the Under Armour liner glove under either a heavy or light insulating glove.  This liner glove does wonders to wick moisture away from your skin to keep your hands feeling dry and warm no matter what.  This also allows us to quickly “shed” a heavier glove to handle a weapon with ease for the shot of a lifetime.  A great lightly insulated glove is the Manzella Wind Pro glove.  We see you wearing this glove most of the time. 

Under Armour Website:  http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/mens/sports/hunting/accessories/gloves.

Retail on the Under Armour Camo Liner Glove:  $21.99              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $19.99

Manzella Website:

http://www.manzella.com/productresults.aspx?marketsegment=field&category_code=mens&warmth_rating_code=warmer&glovefinder=false

Retail on the Stalker Glove:  $24.99     Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $22.49

Optics, Pack, and Accessories

Optics

A high quality set of binoculars that we recommend are made by Leupold.  The Golden Ring 10x42HD’s provide a crisp, clear picture in the lowest of light conditions.  They are also built to stand up to everything you will ever throw at them and backed by Leupold’s Lifetime Warranty.  You can view these at http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-shooting/products/binoculars/. 

Retail:  $799.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $699.99

It is always a good idea to carry your binoculars on a bino system.  If you don’t know what this is you can view it at http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-1450/CRO-BINO-SYSTEM-BLACK/Detail

The bino system will keep your binoculars at your chest and ready for whenever you may need them.  They will also eliminate a lot of the weight you would feel while carrying binoculars with a standard neck strap.  The bino system is an inexpensive way to make a huge difference on your hunt.

Retail:  $24.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $22.49                      

Rangefinder

When the moment of truth arrives a rangefinder will eliminate any doubt as to how far a bear is from you.  A couple of things to think about:  1.  A laser rangefinder will work far better than one that needs a reflective surface to obtain a distance reading – especially at long distances.  2.  A rangefinder with a scan feature will allow you to quickly scan an area or follow a moving animal.  This is especially helpful when trying to give distance readings to a hunting partner. 

Our number one recommendation for a rangefinder to take on this trip is the Leupold RX1000.  You can view this rangefinder at http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-shooting/products/rangefinders/rx-1000-compact-rangefinders/rx-1000-compact-digital-laser-rangefinder/.

Retail:  $399.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $359.99

Pack

Eberlestock’s packs are at the top of their class in build, fit, and functionality.  The Just One J34 pack is the new, improved version of the pack that Greg uses – the Original Just One.  Starting at 2300 cubic inches, this pack will expand to 4600.  The J34 weighs just 6.14 pounds so it is something you will carry with ease.  It also has an improved internal aluminum frame system that will support plenty of weight should you ever need to pack anything heavy.  Other important items are a rain fly and hydration bladder.  You can view this pack at http://www.eberlestock.com/J34%20Just%20One.htm

Pack Retail:  $249.99                    Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $224.99

Rain Fly Retail:  $26.99                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $24.29          

Hydration System Retail:  $19.99                Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $17.99

Accessories

All too often, it is the little things that make the difference on a hunt like this.  Our goal is to make sure that you are aware of all the accessories, tricks, and tips that we have learned though years of hunting around the world!

Therma Cell

There are a few products that are a must have on this hunt.  A Therma Cell is one of them.  This is a great way to keep the mosquito population at bay while you’re in your stand.  This product is a scent free alternative to bug sprays and works remarkably well.  You’ll get 12 hours of run time from one butane cartridge and each mosquito repellant matt is effective for approximately 4 hours.  Each unit comes with enough butane and matt cartridges to run for 12 hours.  Each refill package contains enough of both to run for 12 hours.

Therma Cell Website:  http://www.mosquitorepellent.com/woodlands-camo-appliance.asp

Appliance Retail:  $29.99                         Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $21.99

Refill Retail:  $24.99                                  Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $19.99

Light

A good flashlight is a must on any hunt you are doing.  Our recommended brand is Sure Fire.  Their lights stand up to everything and are extremely bright.  The light we would use for this hunt is the 6P black.  It has an all aluminum frame with a bright, 80 lumen, LED lamp for long life.  You can view this light at http://www.surefire.com/6P-Led.  You will not find a brighter, more durable light for the money.

Retail:  $79.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $71.99

Compass/First Aid

No matter what you are doing outdoors it is smart to carry a compass with you.  We use the Brunton compasses http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=92.  Your price on this specific one is $17.99.  It is not only great for navigation but also handy in case of an emergency with the mirror on it.

A simple First Aid Kit can go a long way should you encounter some problems while out in the field.  We always carry waterproof kits so that we can leave it in our pack and know that it will be ready should we need it.  Your price on the one we carry is $14.99 and includes everything you would need.

Scent Control

Cleanliness and scent control are critically important anytime you’re archery hunting, especially when bear hunting as their senses are very keen.  Here are a few items that have been useful to us on our hunts.

It is a good idea to carry some unscented deodorant.  Robinson Outdoors makes a great product that can be viewed at the link below.

http://www.robinsonoutdoors.com/shopping/Products/Anti-Perspirant-Underam-Deodorant__DEO2C.aspx

  This will cost you $5.39. 

Body Bath Towels are very useful when you don’t have time to clean up or have just finished cleaning an elk.  http://www.robinsonoutdoors.com/shopping/Products/Body-Bath-Towels__BB4C.aspx     These are $6.29. 

Personally, we carry the Dead Down Wind Scent Prevent Kit http://www.deaddownwind.com/store/product/scentprevent-kit-1020.cfm.  This kit makes it possible to cover everything scent related.  This kit costs $40.49.

Knife

If you are planning on helping your guide prepare an animal should you have success you will need the proper cutlery.  A gutting and skinning knife would be the most useful to you.  Our recommendation is the Browning Micarta Big Game knife.  You can view this knife at http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/knives/detail.asp?value=049G&cat_id=322&type_id=642. 

Retail:  $109.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $98.99 

A knife sharpener is absolutely necessary as you are sure to dull your blades through the gutting and skinning process.  We urge you to use one that has two grits, coarse and fine, so that you can fix a badly damaged edge.  A DMT diamond stone works great for this and will pack lightly and easily.  You can view this sharpener at http://www.dmtsharp.com/products/diafold.htm.  Your price is $26.99.

Gutting gloves are a must have – they will keep you clean and dry through the whole process.  Shoulder length gloves worn underneath and wrist length surgical glove work the best.  A pack with both sets in it is $1.79.  We would carry at least two sets with.

Trail Tape

Orange tracking tape is handy for several reasons.  Most commonly it is used for following a blood trail.  It can also be used to mark certain points for reference.  For instance, if you shoot an animal and begin the process of looking for a trail in thick cover it is often helpful to look back at where you shot from.  With some orange trail tape on a tree there will be no question as to where you started from.  One 150 foot roll will cost you $2.24. 

http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-7696/ALL-TAPE-REFLEC-FLAG/Detail

Lens Pen

Anytime you are hunting it is a great idea to carry a lens pen with you so that you can clean and clear your optics.  Believe me, it is very frustrating when you’re in a situation where you are fully prepared to make the shot of a lifetime and not able to range the distance because your rangefinder is dirty or wet.  A Leupold lens pen will cost you $8.99. 

http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-7151/LEU-LENS-PEN-48807/Detail

Dry Bags

We exclusively use and sell SealLine bags.  They make a variety of bags for many different situations.  We encourage you to take a look at this page http://cascadedesigns.com/SealLine to see what may work for you individual situation. 

To give you some starting points: 

We use the 70L boundary pack when we need to pack large amounts of clothing or other items and keep them 100% dry.  The comfortable backpack straps make this easy to carry around.  This is more of a traveling type of pack.

We use the Storm Sacks for keeping little important items protected from the elements.  Extra pair of socks, extra shirt, extra gloves, matches, camera, and food are all items you would put in this style of sack.  These sacks are better suited to keep the items that cannot get wet absolutely dry when in the field.  They’re light enough and small enough that you will easily carry them in your Eberlestock packs.

Again, these would be the two most useful packs to you based on our experience.  The larger boundary pack is ideal for traveling.  The smaller Storm Sacks are perfect for all those little things that can’t get wet, like your camera.  A couple of these wouldn’t be a bad idea at all.  If you see more that may fit your individual needs they are available as well.

Retail on the Boundary Pack:  $84.99           Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $69.99

Retail on the Storm Sacks: $9.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $8.99

Bug Jacket/Headnet

If you’re using the Therma Cell a head net that protects you from the mosquitoes is all that you will need.  We sell the Coghlan’s head nets and your price on one is $4.99.

http://www.coghlans.com/catalogue/productList.php?catID=11

We recommend model 9360 as it does the best job of keeping the net away from your head and neck.

Pepper Spray

Pepper Spray is always a good item to have handy when bear hunting.  Chances are that you won’t need to use it but it is cheap insurance should a situation arise when you’ll need more than your archery tackle for an aggressive bear.  We use and sell a small but powerful product from Sabre.

Website:  http://www.sabrered.com/servlet/the-SABRE-Advanced-3-dsh-in-dsh-1-Defense-Sprays-cln-Home-Self-dsh-Defense-Sprays/Categories

Regular Retail:  $9.99                                Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $7.99

Safety Harness

While your outfitters stands are built to be secure and safe we still recommend a safety harness for each hunter.  Hunter Safety Systems makes a lightweight vest that is designed to be worn under your Scent Blocker clothing.  You can view this vest at http://www.huntersafetysystem.com/store/hss-ultra-lite.html

Regular Retail:  $99.99                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $79.99

Ozonics

A neat, relatively new, product that could greatly enhance your opportunities for a bear is an Ozonics Scent elimination device.  This device silently turns oxygen into ozone, which in turn eliminates all odors it comes in contact with.  This product is amazing to use.  Used car dealers and hotels have long used this technology to fully eliminate any odor.  You can learn more about this product at http://www.ozonicshunting.com/Products.html.

Regular Retail on the HR-200:  $399.99         Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $329.99

Regular Retail on the HR-150:  $249.9     Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $219.99

 It is our hope that you find the information we provided to be useful.  Once you have had a chance to look this over and do some research of your own we would be happy to answer any questions that you may have.  Please remember, there are many choices in the categories we have discussed.  The aforementioned products are our recommendations based on the joint effort of Streiff Sporting Goods and our customers, Greg Ray and his clients who have been to this destination, and our supporting manufacturers. 

Again, thank you for the opportunity to help you prepare for this exciting hunt!  Feel free to contact me at Streiff Sporting Goods for any of your product needs or questions.  I can be reached at (800)817-2590 or at nickm@streiffs.com.

Nick Marvin

Feel free to contact me or Nick with Streiff’s if you have any questions. Greg Ray 918 407 2586 or email greg@outdoor-connection.com

Preferred Product List for Mt. Lion Hunt

Footwear

The first category that we would like discuss is footwear.  Proper footwear can make or break a hunt.  Cold, wet feet make it uncomfortable to stay in the field all day.  Sore, blistered feet make it difficult to climb a mountain or quickly get into position for the shot.

Kenetrek’s Mountain Extreme boot is a great choice for this hunt.  They are full leather, waterproof boots.  Their 1000 grams of insulation will provide enough warmth on the cool mornings but not be too warm for the long hikes you will be taking each day.  Through our experience, the Mountain Extreme’s advanced lug design has been a hunt saver when navigating wet, icy, uneven terrain.  This boot will provide the support you need for the varied conditions you will encounter on this hunt. 

Now, an item that can make a world of difference when wearing leather boots is a good gaiter system.  We use and recommend the Kenetrek gaiters.  Even though the Mountain Extreme’s have a rock guard and are built with high quality components, a pair of gaiters will save on wear and tear on both your boots and your clothing!

Kenetrek Website for boots: http://www.kenetrek.com/prodinfo.asp?number=KE-420-400

Retail:  $395.00                           Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $349.99

Kenetrek Website for gaiters:

http://www.kenetrek.com/products.asp?dept=13

Retail:  $49.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $44.99

Socks

As important as your boots are, your socks are equally important.  The right socks will help regulate foot temperature and keep your feet warm even when damp.  We strongly recommend a layering system similar to what we will recommend for your clothing.  A good next to skin sock that wicks moisture is critical to this system working properly.  For this layer we use and recommend the Danner Thermolite sock.  It is antimicrobial throughout its construction so it will minimize odor development.  Your next layer should be a midweight merino wool sock.  Merino wool will keep you warm even when wet and will not begin to smell after days of heavy use.  A good choice for the midweight is the Danner Merino Wool Pronghorn.  Always remember – it never hurts to have an extra pair or two in case you get wet!  We’ll discuss how to pack extra socks in your daypack farther down this list.

Danner Thermolite:

Retail:  $9.99                                   Outdoor Connection Exclusive price:  $7.99 

Danner Pronghorn:

Retail:  $14.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive price: $11.99

Clothing

The next product grouping that we’d like to work on is clothing.  Layering is the key to allowing a quality clothing “system” work.  Each layer plays its own part.

Next to Skin Layer

The first part of the system is the clothing that you will wear next to your skin.  We have had tremendous success with 100% merino wool long underwear.  It is the ultimate material for moisture wicking, insulation, and scent elimination.  There are a lot of synthetic products on the market, most of which we have tested and been disappointed with.  Our recommendation is a product made by Minus 33.  Your outfitter recommends two weights:  a lightweight and a midweight set.  You can view both weights on the following webpage.  They make the tops in crew neck http://minus33.com/minus33ls.htm, turtle neck http://minus33.com/minus33tneck.htm, or in ¼ zip http://minus33.com/minus33ziptops.htm. 

Retail:  $44.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $34.99.

Bottoms are cut one way. 

http://www.minus33.com/minus33bottoms.htm

Retail:  $39.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $32.99

We also believe in the insulating properties of a vest.  A good vest will provide warmth to the core part of our body while allowing for more mobility in the arms when you need it most. 

Our recommendation is:  The Sitka Celsius Vest http://www.sitkagear.com/Product.aspx?cat=60. 

Retail:  $149.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $134.

The final piece of the insulation layer as recommended by your outfitter is a fleece Jacket and Pant.  For this layer we recommend the Browning 4x Microfleece Jacket and Pant.  This fleece will provide warmth and aid in blocking the wind when you need it most.  These are also designed to be packable and ready should the conditions worsen and you need a little “extra”.  You can view the 4X Microfleece at http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/clothing/detail.asp?value=029A&cat_id=304&type_id=790

Jacket Retail:  $99.99                    Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $89.99

Pant Retail:  $79.99                       Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $69.99

Waterproof, Wind Blocking Outer Layer

This is undoubtedly the key to allowing your clothing system to work when the weather gets bad.  This outer layer should be built to withstand the elements while allowing the next to skin and insulation layer to work.  This does not have to be a heavy layer.  When you are layered properly this should actually be lightweight clothing that will keep the rain, snow, and wind off of you.  You will need a garment that is 100% waterproof, including taped seams and waterproof zippers.  There is nothing worse than having to spend a day in the field wet.  We have had the best experiences with the Sitka Stormfront Lite top and bottom.  These garments are not only lightweight and durable but will keep you dry under any condition and block the wind extremely well. 

http://www.sitkagear.com/Product.aspx?cat=236. 

Jacket Retail:  $369.99                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $332.99 

Pant Retail:  $269.99                    Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $242.99

Extreme Cold Weather Layer

Sitka’s new Kelvin Jacket is our choice for those times when you’ll need just a little extra warmth.  This Jacket is filled with lightweight, ultra warm, primaloft insulation.  This allows this jacket to be easily packed and carried with you so it’s ready when you need it.  It is important to note that this jacket is designed to be worn under your protection layer as an insulating layer only. 

http://www.sitkagear.com/Product.aspx?cat=239

Jacket Retail:  $199.99                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $179.99

This is how we would plan on layering for your hunt:

1.  Next to Skin Layer
2. Insulation Layer(s) with vest
3. Protection Layer

Gloves and Hats

When it gets cold a stocking hat is handy to keep your head and ears warm.  If you don’t have one of these let us know and we’ll send one of those to you.  We also recommend a balaclava type of head covering to protect from wind and weather.  We use the Avery Yukon hood.  This is a hood that is meant to be worn over a hat.  This is extremely useful because you will not have to take anything off to put in on and it can be pulled down and worn around the neck if not needed on the head.  Using it this way will no doubt maximize your “hunting” time! 

Avery Website:  http://averyoutdoors.com/apparel.html.

Retail:  $17.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $16.19

Gloves can be a little tricky.  Big and bulky will keep you warm but make it difficult to make the shot when you need to.  Too thin and your fingers will freeze.  Most hunters still wear one pair of gloves at a time.  We have had a lot of luck layering our gloves like our clothing.  On the cooler mornings and days it will be helpful to wear a thin glove inside a heavier insulating glove.  We wear the Under Armour liner glove under either a heavy or light insulating glove.  This liner glove does wonders to wick moisture away from your skin to keep your hands feeling dry and warm no matter what.  This also allows us to quickly “shed” a heavier glove to handle a weapon with ease for the shot of a lifetime.  A good heavyweight glove is the Under Armour Coldgear Glove – this glove performs as well as any water resistant glove we have seen.

Under Armour Website:  http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/mens/sports/hunting/accessories/gloves.

Retail on the Under Armour Camo Liner Glove:  $21.99                                                                            Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $19.99

Retail on the Under Armour Coldgear Glove:  $59.99                                            Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $53.99

Optics, Pack, and Accessories

Optics

A high quality set of binoculars that we recommend are made by Leupold.  The Golden Ring 10x42HD’s provide a crisp, clear picture in the lowest of light conditions.  They are also built to stand up to everything you will ever throw at them and backed by Leupold’s Lifetime Warranty.  You can view these at http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-shooting/products/binoculars/. 

Retail:  $799.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $719.99

It is always a good idea to carry your binoculars on a bino system.  If you don’t know what this is you can view it at http://www.crookedhorn.com/cms/shop.html?page=shop.browse&category_id=12&vmcchk=1. 

The bino system will keep your binoculars at your chest and ready for whenever you may need them.  They will also eliminate a lot of the weight you would feel while carrying binoculars with a standard neck strap.  The bino system is an inexpensive way to make a huge difference on your hunt.

Retail:  $24.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $22.49                      

Pack

Eberlestock’s packs are at the top of their class in build, fit, and functionality. Starting at 2300 cubic inches, this pack will expand to 4600.  The J34 weighs just 6.14 pounds so it is something you will carry with ease when you need to head off on foot after a big Tom.  It also has an improved internal aluminum frame system that will support plenty of weight should you ever need to pack anything heavy.  Other important items are a rain fly and hydration bladder.  You can view this pack at http://www.eberlestock.com/J34%20Just%20One.htm. 

Pack Retail:  $279.99                    Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $249.99

Rain Fly Retail:  $26.99                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $24.29          

Hydration System Retail:  $19.99                                                                                                                                                          Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price  $17.99

Accessories

All too often, it is the little things that make the difference on a hunt like this.  A good shooting gun will have you in the field with a ton of confidence.  However, when it is windy, cold, and you are out of breath, a bipod will help to steady you as you prepare to make the shot of a lifetime.  Our goal is to make sure that you are aware of all the accessories, tricks, and tips that we have learned though years of hunting around the world!

Shooting Sticks

The first accessory recommendation is something something that we’ve identified as being important on many of our hunts – a set of shooting sticks.  Our recommendation is the Vanguard B-62 bi-pod.  This pod extends up to 62”, has a 360 degree rotating head, weighs less than 1.5lbs., and is built to stand up to everything you will put it through.  In addition, it has removable rubber tips that expose a carbide tip so you can use it as a walking stick or to set up for a shot on slick ground.  You can view this pod at http://www.vanguardworld.com/gfa/product3.php?sort3=177.

Retail:  $49.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $44.99          

Light

A good flashlight is a must on any hunt you are doing.  Our recommended brand is Sure Fire.  Their lights stand up to everything and are extremely bright.  The light we would use for this hunt is the 6P black.  It has an all aluminum frame with a bright, 80 lumen, LED lamp for long life.  You can view this light at http://www.surefire.com/6P-Led.  You will not find a brighter, more durable light for the money.

Retail:  $79.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $71.99

Compass/First Aid

No matter what you are doing outdoors it is smart to carry a compass with you.  We use the Brunton compasses http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=92.  Your price on this specific one is $17.99.  It is not only great for navigation but also handy in case of an emergency with the mirror on it.

A simple First Aid Kit can go a long way should you encounter some problems while out in the field.  We always carry waterproof kits so that we can leave it in our pack and know that it will be ready should we need it.  Your price on the one we carry is $14.99 and includes everything you would need.

Lens Pen

Anytime you are hunting it is a great idea to carry a lens pen with you so that you can clean and clear your optics.  Believe me, it is very frustrating when you’re in a situation where you are fully prepared to make the shot of a lifetime and not able to get the animal in your scope because it is dirty or foggy.  A Leupold lens pen will cost you $8.99. 

http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-7151/LEU-LENS-PEN-48807/Detail

It is our hope that you find the information we provided to be useful.  Once you have had a chance to look this over and do some research of your own we would be happy to answer any questions that you may have.  Please remember, there are many choices in the categories we have discussed.  The aforementioned products are our recommendations based on the joint effort of Streiff Sporting Goods and our customers, Outdoor Connection agents and clients who have been to this destination, and our supporting manufacturers. 

Again, thank you for the opportunity to help you prepare for this exciting hunt!  Feel free to contact me at Streiff Sporting Goods for any of your product needs or questions.  I can be reached at (800)817-2590 or at nickm@streiffs.com.

Nick Marvin

Preferred Product List for New Mexico Elk Hunt

November, 2010

 Leather Hiking Boots

Kenetrek’s Mountain Extreme boot is a great choice for this hunt.  They are full leather, waterproof boots.  Their 400 grams of insulation will provide enough warmth on the cool mornings but not be too warm for a mid-day stalk.  Through our experience, the Mountain Extreme’s advanced lug design has been a hunt saver when navigating wet, slippery, uneven terrain.  This boot will provide the support you need for the varied conditions you will encounter on this hunt. 

Now, an item that can make a world of difference when wearing leather boots is a good gaiter system.  We use and recommend the Kenetrek gaiters.  Even though their boots have a rock guard and are built with high quality components, a pair of gaiters will save on wear and tear on both your boots and your clothing!

Kenetrek Boots:

http://www.kenetrek.com/prodinfo.asp?number=KE-420-400

Retail:  $375.00                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $320.00

Gaiters:

http://www.kenetrek.com/products.asp?dept=13

Retail:  $49.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $44.99

Socks

As important as your boots are, your socks are equally important.  The right socks will help regulate foot temperature and keep your feet warm even when damp.  We strongly recommend a layering system similar to what we recommend for your clothing.  A good next to skin sock that wicks moisture is critical to this system working properly.  For this layer we use and recommend the Danner Pronghorn liner sock.  It is antimicrobial throughout its construction so it will minimize odor development.  Your next layer should be a heavier merino wool sock that will keep you warm even when wet and will not begin to smell after days of heavy use.  A good choice for this layer is the Danner Merino Wool Pronghorn.   Always remember – it never hurts to have an extra pair or two in case you get wet!

Danner Website:

http://www.danner.com/category/accessories/socks.do

Danner Pronghorn Liner:

Retail:  $8.99                                   Outdoor Connection Exclusive price:  $7.99 

Danner Pronghorn(2 pack):

Retail:  $16.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive price: $14.99

Clothing

The next product grouping that we’d like to discuss is clothing.  Layering is the key to allowing a quality clothing “system” work.  Each layer plays its own part.  Average temperatures for your hunting area over the last 3 years range from low 30’s at night to 70 during the day in early-November.  This means that you’ll need to be prepared to handle 30+ degree temperature swings over the course of a day in the field.  Properly layered clothing is the only way you’ll stay comfortable in this environment.

Next to Skin Layer

The first part of the system is the clothing that you will wear next to your skin.  We have had tremendous success with 100% merino wool long underwear.  It is the ultimate material for moisture wicking, insulation, and scent elimination.  There are a lot of synthetic products on the market, most of which we have tested and been disappointed with.  They are great for a day or two but just don’t remain scent free like wool.  Our recommendation is a product made by Minus 33.  We do not recommend the expedition weight for your hunt.  The conditions are more suitable for the standard weight(230g) garments.  They make the tops in crew neck http://minus33.com/minus33ls.htm, turtle neck http://minus33.com/minus33tneck.htm, or in ¼ zip http://minus33.com/minus33ziptops.htm. 

Retail:  $39.99                     Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $32.99. 

Bottoms are cut one way.  Again, the standard weight(230g) is what we recommend for your hunt. 

http://www.minus33.com/minus33bottoms.htm

Retail:  $29.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $26.99

Insulation Layer/Outer Layer

Sitka’s 90% top and bottoms are our choice for this type of hunt.  They are quiet, durable, wick moisture, and will keep you dry if you do encounter light precipitation.  This layer will be worn a majority of the time you are in the field, weather it is as an outer layer or an insulation layer.

Sitka Website:  http://www.sitkagear.com/products/forest/jackets-vests/midweight-jackets/90-percent-jacket/

Jacket Retail:  $229.99                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $209.99

Pant Retail:  $229.99                    Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $209.99

We also believe in the insulating properties of a vest.  A good vest will provide warmth to the core part of our body while allowing for more mobility in the arms when you need it most. 

Our recommendation is:  The Sitka Kelvin Vest

http://www.sitkagear.com/products/forest/jackets-vests/all-vests/

Retail:  $149.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $134.

Waterproof, Wind Blocking Layer

This is undoubtedly the key to allowing your clothing system to work when the weather gets bad.  This outer layer should be built to withstand the elements while allowing the next to skin and insulation layer to work.  This does not have to be a heavy layer.  When you are layered properly this should actually be lightweight clothing that will keep the rain(or snow) and wind off of you.  You will need a garment that is 100% waterproof, including taped seams and waterproof zippers.  There is nothing worse than having to spend a day in the field wet.  We have had the best experiences with the Sitka Downpour top and bottom set.  These garments are not only lightweight and durable but will keep you dry under any condition and block the wind extremely well. 

http://www.sitkagear.com/products/forest/jackets-vests/waterproof-jackets/downpour-jacket/

Jacket Retail:  $249.99                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $224.99 

Pant Retail:  $199.99                    Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $179.99

This is how we would plan on layering for your hunt:

1.  Next to Skin Layer
2. Insulation Layer(s) with vest
3. Protection Layer
   1. 100% waterproof, wind blocking layer

                                                              i.      If the weather is favorable we would start with the waterproof/wind blocking layer in our packs and ready to go should the conditions worsen.

Gloves and Hats

A basic camo ball cap will work well for most of your time in the field.  When it gets cold a stocking hat is handy to keep your head and ears warm.  The other option is a ball cap that has ear flaps.  If you don’t have either of these let us know and we’ll get one sent to you.  When it is raining, snowing, or somewhere in between, it is best to rely on your rain jacket’s hood to keep dry.

Gloves can be a little tricky.  Big and bulky will keep you warm but make it difficult to make the shot when you need to.  Too thin and your fingers will freeze.  Most hunters still wear one pair of gloves at a time.  We have had a lot of luck layering our gloves like our clothing.  On the cooler mornings and days it will be helpful to wear a thin glove inside an insulating glove.  We wear the Under Armour liner glove under either a heavy or light insulating glove.  This liner glove does wonders to wick moisture away from your skin to keep your hands feeling dry and warm no matter what.  This also allows us to quickly “shed” a heavier glove to handle a weapon with ease for the shot of a lifetime.  A great lightly insulated glove is the Manzella Wind Pro glove – this glove will provide some protection from water but will not be 100% waterproof.  We see you wearing this glove most of the time. 

Under Armour Website:  http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/mens/sports/hunting/accessories/gloves.

Retail on the Under Armour Camo Liner Glove:  $21.99                                                                            Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $19.99

Manzella Website:

http://www.manzella.com/productresults.aspx?marketsegment=field&category_code=mens&warmth_rating_code=warmer&glovefinder=false

Retail on the Stalker Glove:  $24.99     Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $22.49

Optics, Pack, and Accessories

Optics

A high quality set of binoculars that we recommend are made by Leupold.  The Golden Ring 10x42HD’s provide a crisp, clear picture in the lowest of light conditions.  They are also built to stand up to everything you will ever throw at them and backed by Leupold’s Lifetime Warranty.  You can view these at http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-shooting/products/binoculars/. 

Retail:  $799.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $699.99

It is always a good idea to carry your binoculars on a bino system.  If you don’t know what this is you can view it at http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-1450/CRO-BINO-SYSTEM-BLACK/Detail

The bino system will keep your binoculars at your chest and ready for whenever you may need them.  They will also eliminate a lot of the weight you would feel while carrying binoculars with a standard neck strap.  The bino system is an inexpensive way to make a huge difference on your hunt.

Retail:  $24.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $22.49                      

Rangefinder

When the moment of truth arrives a rangefinder will eliminate any doubt as to how far an elk is from you.  A couple of things to think about:  1.  A laser rangefinder will work far better than one that needs a reflective surface to obtain a distance reading – especially at long distances.  2.  A rangefinder with a scan feature will allow you to quickly scan an area or follow a moving animal.  This is especially helpful when trying to give distance readings to a hunting partner. 

Our number one recommendation for a rangefinder to take on this trip is the Leupold RX1000.  You can view this rangefinder at http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-shooting/products/rangefinders/rx-1000-compact-rangefinders/rx-1000-compact-digital-laser-rangefinder/.

Retail:  $399.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $359.99

Pack

Eberlestock’s packs are at the top of their class in build, fit, and functionality.  The Just One J34 pack is the new, improved version of the pack that Greg uses – the Original Just One.  Starting at 2300 cubic inches, this pack will expand to 4600.  The J34 weighs just 6.14 pounds so it is something you will carry with ease all day.  It also has an improved internal aluminum frame system that will support plenty of weight should you ever need to pack anything heavy.  Other important items are a rain fly and hydration bladder.  You can view this pack at http://www.eberlestock.com/J34%20Just%20One.htm

Pack Retail:  $249.99                    Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $224.99

Rain Fly Retail:  $26.99                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $24.29          

Hydration System Retail:  $19.99                                                                                                                                                          Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $17.99

Accessories

All too often, it is the little things that make the difference on a hunt like this.  A good shooting gun will have you in the field with a ton of confidence.  However, when it is windy, cold, and you are out of breath, a bipod will help to steady you as you prepare to make the shot of a lifetime.  Our goal is to make sure that you are aware of all the accessories, tricks, and tips that we have learned though years of hunting around the world!

Shooting Sticks

The first accessory recommendation is something that we’ve identified as being important on our elk hunts – a set of shooting sticks.  Our recommendation is the Vanguard B-62 bi-pod.  This pod extends up to 62”, has a 360 degree rotating head, weighs less than 1.5lbs., and is built to stand up to everything you will put it through.  In addition, it has removable rubber tips that expose a carbide tip so you can use it as a walking stick or to set up for a shot on slick ground.  You can view this pod at http://www.vanguardworld.com/index.php/en/os/products/hunting-outdoor/detail-2-12-86-372.html

Retail:  $49.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $44.99          

Light

A good flashlight is a must on any hunt you are doing.  Our recommended brand is Sure Fire.  Their lights stand up to everything and are extremely bright.  The light we would use for this hunt is the 6P black.  It has an all aluminum frame with a bright, 80 lumen, LED lamp for long life.  You can view this light at http://www.surefire.com/6P-Led.  You will not find a brighter, more durable light for the money.

Retail:  $79.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $71.99

Compass/First Aid

No matter what you are doing outdoors it is smart to carry a compass with you.  We use the Brunton compasses http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=92.  Your price on this specific one is $17.99.  It is not only great for navigation but also handy in case of an emergency with the mirror on it.

A simple First Aid Kit can go a long way should you encounter some problems while out in the field.  We always carry waterproof kits so that we can leave it in our pack and know that it will be ready should we need it.  Your price on the one we carry is $14.99 and includes everything you would need.

Scent Control

Cleanliness and scent control are important when spending many days out in the field, especially when deer hunting as their senses are very keen.  Here are a few items that have been useful to us on our hunts.

It is a good idea to carry some unscented deodorant.  Robinson Outdoors makes a great product that can be viewed at the link below.

http://www.robinsonoutdoors.com/shopping/Products/Anti-Perspirant-Underam-Deodorant__DEO2C.aspx

  This will cost you $5.39. 

Body Bath Towels are very useful when you don’t have time to clean up or have just finished cleaning an elk.  http://www.robinsonoutdoors.com/shopping/Products/Body-Bath-Towels__BB4C.aspx     These are $6.29. 

Personally, we carry the Dead Down Wind Scent Prevent Kit http://www.deaddownwind.com/store/product/scentprevent-kit-1020.cfm.  This kit makes it possible to cover everything scent related.  This kit costs $40.49.

Knife

If you are planning on helping your guide prepare an animal should you have success you will need the proper cutlery.  A gutting and skinning knife would be the most useful to you.  Our recommendation is the Browning Micarta Big Game knife.  You can view this knife at http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/knives/detail.asp?value=049G&cat_id=322&type_id=642. 

Retail:  $109.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $98.99 

A knife sharpener is absolutely necessary as you are sure to dull your blades through the gutting and skinning process.  We urge you to use one that has two grits, coarse and fine, so that you can fix a badly damaged edge.  A DMT diamond stone works great for this and will pack lightly and easily.  You can view this sharpener at http://www.dmtsharp.com/products/diafold.htm.  Your price is $26.99.

Gutting gloves are a must have – they will keep you clean and dry through the whole process.  Shoulder length gloves worn underneath and wrist length surgical glove work the best.  A pack with both sets in it is $1.79.  We would carry at least two sets with.

Trail Tape

Orange tracking tape is handy for several reasons.  Most commonly it is used for following a blood trail.  It can also be used to mark certain points for reference.  For instance, if you shoot an animal and begin the process of looking for a trail in thick cover it is often helpful to look back at where you shot from.  With some orange trail tape on a tree there will be no question as to where you started from.  One 150 foot roll will cost you $2.24. 

http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-7696/ALL-TAPE-REFLEC-FLAG/Detail

Lens Pen

Anytime you are hunting it is a great idea to carry a lens pen with you so that you can clean and clear your optics.  Believe me, it is very frustrating when you’re in a situation where you are fully prepared to make the shot of a lifetime and not able to get the animal in your scope because it is dirty or foggy.  A Leupold lens pen will cost you $8.99. 

http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-7151/LEU-LENS-PEN-48807/Detail

Dry Bags

We exclusively use and sell SealLine bags.  They make a variety of bags for many different situations.  We encourage you to take a look at this page http://cascadedesigns.com/SealLine to see what may work for you individual situation. 

To give you some starting points: 

We use the 70L boundary pack when we need to pack large amounts of clothing or other items and keep them 100% dry.  The comfortable backpack straps make this easy to carry around.  This is more of a traveling type of pack.

We use the Storm Sacks for keeping little important items protected from the elements.  Extra pair of socks, extra shirt, extra gloves, matches, and food are all items you would put in this style of sack.  These sacks are better suited to keep the items that cannot get wet absolutely dry when in the field.  They’re light enough and small enough that you will easily carry them in your Eberlestock packs.

Again, these would be the two most useful packs to you based on our experience.  The larger boundary pack is ideal for traveling.  The smaller Storm Sacks are perfect for all those little things that can’t get wet.  A couple of these wouldn’t be a bad idea at all.  If you see more that may fit your individual needs they are available as well.

Retail on the Boundary Pack:  $84.99                                                                                                                                                  Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $69.99

Retail on the Storm Sacks:  $9.99

                                                            Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $8.99

Gun Case

A good hard gun case is a must for anyone traveling.  We recommend the Pelican 1750 Weapons case.  We use Pelican cases for protecting a variety of goods; cameras, gps devices, spotting scopes, licenses.  They are waterproof, crushproof, have pressure release valves, are airline approved, and come in a variety of sizes and colors. 

Pelican Case:  http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-10354/PELI-1750-WEAPONS-CASE/Detail

Retail:  $329.99                                       Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $169.99

It is our hope that you find the information we provided to be useful.  Once you have had a chance to look this over and do some research of your own we would be happy to answer any questions that you may have.  Please remember, there are many choices in the categories we have discussed.  The aforementioned products are our recommendations based on the joint effort of Streiff Sporting Goods and our customers, Greg Ray (Fish and Hunt the World)and his clients who have been to this destination, and our supporting manufacturers. 

Again, thank you for the opportunity to help you prepare for this exciting hunt!  Feel free to contact me at Streiff Sporting Goods for any of your product needs or questions.  I can be reached at (800)817-2590 or at nickm@streiffs.com.

Nick Marvin

This recommended gear list is designed specifically for a fall black bear hunt in New Brunswick, if you have a hunt booked with us and would like your own personalized gear list please give me a call.  All gear recommended on my site comes from Strieff’s Sporting Goods at a very generous discount to all of my customers and also inlcudes free shipping!  For more details feel free to give me a call Greg Ray 918 407 2586 or email

greg@outdoor-connection.com

Preferred Product List for PR Guides Black Bear Hunt

September, 2010

Boots

Our footwear recommendation for this hunt is made by Robinson Outdoors.  Their Scentblocker line of footwear is designed for hunts like this:  comfortable, waterproof, and they control scent.  The Dream Season boot is the ideal boot for this hunt.  You can view this boot at http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-3424/ROBINSON-SCENT-BLOCKER-DREAM/Detail.

Regular Retail:  $159.99               Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $144.99

Socks

As important as your boots are, your socks are equally important.  The correct socks will help regulate foot temperature and keep your feet warm even when damp.  We strongly recommend a layering system similar to what we recommend for your clothing.  A good next to skin sock that wicks moisture is critical to this system working properly.  For this layer we use and recommend the Danner Pronghorn liner sock.  It is antimicrobial throughout its construction so it will minimize odor development.  Your next layer should be a heavier merino wool sock that will keep you warm even when wet and will not begin to smell after days of heavy use.  A good choice for this layer is the Danner Merino Wool Pronghorn.   Always remember – it never hurts to have an extra pair or two in case you get wet!

Danner Website:

http://www.danner.com/category/accessories/socks.do

Danner Pronghorn Liner:

Retail:  $8.99                                   Outdoor Connection Exclusive price:  $7.99 

Danner Pronghorn(2 pack):

Retail:  $16.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive price: $14.99

Clothing

The next product grouping that we’d like to discuss is clothing.  Layering is the key to allowing a quality clothing “system” work.  Each layer plays its own part.  Average temperatures for your hunting area over the last 3 years range from low 30’s at night to 70 during the day in early-November.  This means that you’ll need to be prepared to handle 30+ degree temperature swings over the course of a day in the field.  Properly layered clothing is the only way you’ll stay comfortable in this environment.

 Next to Skin Layer

The first part of the system is the clothing that you will wear next to your skin.  We have had tremendous success with 100% merino wool long underwear.  It is the ultimate material for moisture wicking, insulation, and scent elimination.  There are a lot of synthetic products on the market, most of which we have tested and been disappointed with.  They are great for a day or two but just don’t remain scent free like wool.  Our recommendation is a product made by Minus 33.  We do not recommend the expedition weight for your hunt.  The conditions are more suitable for the standard weight(230g) garments.  They make the tops in crew neck http://minus33.com/minus33ls.htm, turtle neck http://minus33.com/minus33tneck.htm, or in ¼ zip http://minus33.com/minus33ziptops.htm. 

Retail:  $39.99                     Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $32.99. 

Bottoms are cut one way.  Again, the standard weight(230g) is what we recommend for your hunt. 

http://www.minus33.com/minus33bottoms.htm

Retail:  $29.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $26.99

Outer Layer

Robinson Outdoor Scent Blocker line of clothing is designed for this type of hunt.  They are comfortable, quiet, control scent very well, and a designed for a bowhunter.  We recommend the Bone Collector series for your outer layer.  This layer is light enough for the warmer afternoons in the tree but the jacket also accepts a fleece vest for the cooler days.  Everything on the jacket and pants has been strategically designed for bowhunters.  From the quick draw quick cinch system to each and every pocket you will find these garments to be among the most useful you’ve ever worn. 

Jacket:  http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-9958/ROBINSON-SCENTBLOCK-FREAK-NASTY/Detail

Regular Retail:  $179.99               Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $139.99

Pant:  http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-9959/ROBINSON-SCENTBLOCK–FREAK/Detail

Regular Retail:  $169.99               Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $129.99

Vest:  http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-9960/ROBINSON-SCENTBLOCK-FREAK-NASTY/Detail

Regular Retail:  $59.99                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $39.99

Waterproof, Wind Blocking Layer

This is undoubtedly the key to allowing your clothing system to work when the weather gets bad.  This outer layer should be built to withstand the elements while allowing the next to skin and outer layer to work.  This does not have to be a heavy layer.  When you are layered properly this should actually be lightweight clothing that will keep the rain and wind off of you.  You will need a garment that is 100% waterproof, including taped seams and waterproof zippers.  There is nothing worse than having to spend a day in the field wet.  We have had the best experiences with the Sitka Downpour top and bottom set.  These garments are not only lightweight and durable but will keep you dry under any condition and block the wind extremely well. 

http://www.sitkagear.com/products/forest/jackets-vests/waterproof-jackets/downpour-jacket/

Jacket Retail:  $249.99                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $224.99 

Pant Retail:  $199.99                    Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $179.99

This is how we would plan on layering for your hunt:

1.  Next to Skin Layer
2. Outer Layer
3. Protection Layer
   1. 100% waterproof, wind blocking layer

                                                              i.      If the weather is favorable we would start with the waterproof/wind blocking layer in our packs and ready to go should the conditions worsen.

Gloves and Hats

A basic camo ball cap will work well for most of your time in the field.  If it gets cold a stocking hat is handy to keep your head and ears warm.  The other option is a ball cap that has ear flaps.  If you don’t have either of these let us know and we’ll get one sent to you.  When it is raining, snowing, or somewhere in between, it is best to rely on your rain jacket’s hood to keep dry.

Gloves can be a little tricky.  Big and bulky will keep you warm but make it difficult to make the shot when you need to.  Too thin and your fingers will freeze.  Most hunters still wear one pair of gloves at a time.  We have had a lot of luck layering our gloves like our clothing.  On the cooler mornings and days it will be helpful to wear a thin glove inside an insulating glove.  We wear the Under Armour liner glove under either a heavy or light insulating glove.  This liner glove does wonders to wick moisture away from your skin to keep your hands feeling dry and warm no matter what.  This also allows us to quickly “shed” a heavier glove to handle a weapon with ease for the shot of a lifetime.  A great lightly insulated glove is the Manzella Wind Pro glove – this glove will provide some protection from water but will not be 100% waterproof.  We see you wearing this glove most of the time. 

Under Armour Website:  http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/mens/sports/hunting/accessories/gloves.

Retail on the Under Armour Camo Liner Glove:  $21.99                                                                            Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $19.99

Manzella Website:

http://www.manzella.com/productresults.aspx?marketsegment=field&category_code=mens&warmth_rating_code=warmer&glovefinder=false

Retail on the Stalker Glove:  $24.99     Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $22.49

Orange Vest

Your outfitter requires an orange vest for traveling to and from your stand site.  A simple mesh blaze vest with satisfy this requirement.  Your price on one is $4.99.

 Optics, Pack, and Accessories

Optics

A high quality set of binoculars that we recommend are made by Leupold.  The Golden Ring 10x42HD’s provide a crisp, clear picture in the lowest of light conditions.  They are also built to stand up to everything you will ever throw at them and backed by Leupold’s Lifetime Warranty.  You can view these at http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-shooting/products/binoculars/. 

Retail:  $799.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $699.99

It is always a good idea to carry your binoculars on a bino system.  If you don’t know what this is you can view it at http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-1450/CRO-BINO-SYSTEM-BLACK/Detail

The bino system will keep your binoculars at your chest and ready for whenever you may need them.  They will also eliminate a lot of the weight you would feel while carrying binoculars with a standard neck strap.  The bino system is an inexpensive way to make a huge difference on your hunt.

Retail:  $24.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $22.49                      

Rangefinder

When the moment of truth arrives a rangefinder will eliminate any doubt as to how far a bear is from you.  A couple of things to think about:  1.  A laser rangefinder will work far better than one that needs a reflective surface to obtain a distance reading – especially at long distances.  2.  A rangefinder with a scan feature will allow you to quickly scan an area or follow a moving animal.  This is especially helpful when trying to give distance readings to a hunting partner. 

Our number one recommendation for a rangefinder to take on this trip is the Leupold RX1000.  You can view this rangefinder at http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-shooting/products/rangefinders/rx-1000-compact-rangefinders/rx-1000-compact-digital-laser-rangefinder/.

Retail:  $399.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $359.99

Pack

Eberlestock’s packs are at the top of their class in build, fit, and functionality.  The Just One J34 pack is the new, improved version of the pack that Greg uses – the Original Just One.  Starting at 2300 cubic inches, this pack will expand to 4600.  The J34 weighs just 6.14 pounds so it is something you will carry with ease.  It also has an improved internal aluminum frame system that will support plenty of weight should you ever need to pack anything heavy.  Other important items are a rain fly and hydration bladder.  You can view this pack at http://www.eberlestock.com/J34%20Just%20One.htm

Pack Retail:  $249.99                    Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $224.99

Rain Fly Retail:  $26.99                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $24.29          

Hydration System Retail:  $19.99                                                                                                                                                          Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $17.99

Accessories

All too often, it is the little things that make the difference on a hunt like this.  Our goal is to make sure that you are aware of all the accessories, tricks, and tips that we have learned though years of hunting around the world!

Therma Cell

There are a few products that are a must have on this hunt.  A Therma Cell is one of them.  This is a great way to keep the mosquito population at bay while you’re in your stand.  This product is a scent free alternative to bug sprays and works remarkably well.  You’ll get 12 hours of run time from one butane cartridge and each mosquito repellant matt is effective for approximately 4 hours.  Each unit comes with enough butane and matt cartridges to run for 12 hours.  Each refill package contains enough of both to run for 12 hours.

Therma Cell Website:  http://www.mosquitorepellent.com/woodlands-camo-appliance.asp

Appliance Retail:  $29.99                         Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $21.99

Refill Retail:  $24.99                                  Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $19.99

Light

A good flashlight is a must on any hunt you are doing.  Our recommended brand is Sure Fire.  Their lights stand up to everything and are extremely bright.  The light we would use for this hunt is the 6P black.  It has an all aluminum frame with a bright, 80 lumen, LED lamp for long life.  You can view this light at http://www.surefire.com/6P-Led.  You will not find a brighter, more durable light for the money.

Retail:  $79.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $71.99

Compass/First Aid

No matter what you are doing outdoors it is smart to carry a compass with you.  We use the Brunton compasses http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=92.  Your price on this specific one is $17.99.  It is not only great for navigation but also handy in case of an emergency with the mirror on it.

A simple First Aid Kit can go a long way should you encounter some problems while out in the field.  We always carry waterproof kits so that we can leave it in our pack and know that it will be ready should we need it.  Your price on the one we carry is $14.99 and includes everything you would need.

Scent Control

Cleanliness and scent control are critically important anytime you’re archery hunting, especially when bear hunting as their senses are very keen.  Here are a few items that have been useful to us on our hunts.

It is a good idea to carry some unscented deodorant.  Robinson Outdoors makes a great product that can be viewed at the link below.

http://www.robinsonoutdoors.com/shopping/Products/Anti-Perspirant-Underam-Deodorant__DEO2C.aspx

  This will cost you $5.39. 

Body Bath Towels are very useful when you don’t have time to clean up or have just finished cleaning an elk.  http://www.robinsonoutdoors.com/shopping/Products/Body-Bath-Towels__BB4C.aspx     These are $6.29. 

Personally, we carry the Dead Down Wind Scent Prevent Kit http://www.deaddownwind.com/store/product/scentprevent-kit-1020.cfm.  This kit makes it possible to cover everything scent related.  This kit costs $40.49.

Knife

If you are planning on helping your guide prepare an animal should you have success you will need the proper cutlery.  A gutting and skinning knife would be the most useful to you.  Our recommendation is the Browning Micarta Big Game knife.  You can view this knife at http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/knives/detail.asp?value=049G&cat_id=322&type_id=642. 

Retail:  $109.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $98.99 

A knife sharpener is absolutely necessary as you are sure to dull your blades through the gutting and skinning process.  We urge you to use one that has two grits, coarse and fine, so that you can fix a badly damaged edge.  A DMT diamond stone works great for this and will pack lightly and easily.  You can view this sharpener at http://www.dmtsharp.com/products/diafold.htm.  Your price is $26.99.

Gutting gloves are a must have – they will keep you clean and dry through the whole process.  Shoulder length gloves worn underneath and wrist length surgical glove work the best.  A pack with both sets in it is $1.79.  We would carry at least two sets with.

Trail Tape

Orange tracking tape is handy for several reasons.  Most commonly it is used for following a blood trail.  It can also be used to mark certain points for reference.  For instance, if you shoot an animal and begin the process of looking for a trail in thick cover it is often helpful to look back at where you shot from.  With some orange trail tape on a tree there will be no question as to where you started from.  One 150 foot roll will cost you $2.24. 

http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-7696/ALL-TAPE-REFLEC-FLAG/Detail

Lens Pen

Anytime you are hunting it is a great idea to carry a lens pen with you so that you can clean and clear your optics.  Believe me, it is very frustrating when you’re in a situation where you are fully prepared to make the shot of a lifetime and not able to range the distance because your rangefinder is dirty or wet.  A Leupold lens pen will cost you $8.99. 

http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-7151/LEU-LENS-PEN-48807/Detail

Dry Bags

We exclusively use and sell SealLine bags.  They make a variety of bags for many different situations.  We encourage you to take a look at this page http://cascadedesigns.com/SealLine to see what may work for you individual situation. 

To give you some starting points: 

We use the 70L boundary pack when we need to pack large amounts of clothing or other items and keep them 100% dry.  The comfortable backpack straps make this easy to carry around.  This is more of a traveling type of pack.

We use the Storm Sacks for keeping little important items protected from the elements.  Extra pair of socks, extra shirt, extra gloves, matches, camera, and food are all items you would put in this style of sack.  These sacks are better suited to keep the items that cannot get wet absolutely dry when in the field.  They’re light enough and small enough that you will easily carry them in your Eberlestock packs.

Again, these would be the two most useful packs to you based on our experience.  The larger boundary pack is ideal for traveling.  The smaller Storm Sacks are perfect for all those little things that can’t get wet, like your camera.  A couple of these wouldn’t be a bad idea at all.  If you see more that may fit your individual needs they are available as well.

Retail on the Boundary Pack:  $84.99                                                                                                                                                  Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $69.99

Retail on the Storm Sacks:  $9.99

                                                Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $8.99

Bug Jacket/Headnet

If you’re using the Therma Cell a head net that protects you from the mosquitoes is all that you will need.  We sell the Coghlan’s head nets and your price on one is $4.99.

http://www.coghlans.com/catalogue/productList.php?catID=11

We recommend model 9360 as it does the best job of keeping the net away from your head and neck.

Pepper Spray

Pepper Spray is always a good item to have handy when bear hunting.  Chances are that you won’t need to use it but it is cheap insurance should a situation arise when you’ll need more than your archery tackle for an aggressive bear.  We use and sell a small but powerful product from Sabre.

Website:  http://www.sabrered.com/servlet/the-SABRE-Advanced-3-dsh-in-dsh-1-Defense-Sprays-cln-Home-Self-dsh-Defense-Sprays/Categories

Regular Retail:  $9.99                                Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $7.99

Safety Harness

While your outfitters stands are built to be secure and safe we still recommend a safety harness for each hunter.  Hunter Safety Systems makes a lightweight vest that is designed to be worn under your Scent Blocker clothing.  You can view this vest at http://www.huntersafetysystem.com/store/hss-ultra-lite.html

Regular Retail:  $99.99                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $79.99

Ozonics

A neat, relatively new, product that could greatly enhance your opportunities for a bear is an Ozonics Scent elimination device.  This device silently turns oxygen into ozone, which in turn eliminates all odors it comes in contact with.  This product is amazing to use.  Used car dealers and hotels have long used this technology to fully eliminate any odor.  You can learn more about this product at http://www.ozonicshunting.com/Products.html.

Regular Retail on the HR-200:  $399.99         

                                                            Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $329.99

Regular Retail on the HR-150:  $249.99

                                                            Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $219.99

It is our hope that you find the information we provided to be useful.  Once you have had a chance to look this over and do some research of your own we would be happy to answer any questions that you may have.  Please remember, there are many choices in the categories we have discussed.  The aforementioned products are our recommendations based on the joint effort of Streiff Sporting Goods and our customers, Outdoor Connection agents and clients who have been to this destination, and our supporting manufacturers. 

Again, thank you for the opportunity to help you prepare for this exciting hunt!  Feel free to contact me at Streiff Sporting Goods for any of your product needs or questions.  I can be reached at (800)817-2590 or at nickm@streiffs.com.

Nick Marvin

Preferred Product List for Alaska Wilderness Fishing

Congratulations on booking your August, 2010 fishing trip to Alaska Wilderness Guides and Charters!  As the gear provider for Outdoor Connection and its clients we are excited to offer you this exciting shopping opportunity. 

Our goal is to help you better understand the trip you are preparing for while also helping you make equipment decisions to suit your needs.  Please remember that the recommended gear list is not all inclusive but, rather, contains items that we have identified as important to your trip.

It is our hope that you find the information we provide to be useful.  Once you have had a chance to look this document over and do some research of your own we would be happy to answer any questions that you may have. 

Again, thank you for the opportunity to help you prepare for this exciting trip!  Feel free to contact me at Streiff Sporting Goods for any of your product needs or questions.  I can be reached at (800)817-2590 or at nickm@streiffs.com.

 Clothing

High quality, durable rain gear is a must have for any outdoor activity in Alaska.  Garments that are fully waterproof, included taped seams and waterproof zippers are a must.  For this trip we recommend the Sitka Stormfront line of raingear.  This raingear was developed for Alaskan guides so you know that it will stand up to any weather that you encounter. 

Top:  http://www.sitkagear.com/products/solids/jackets-vests/waterproof-jackets/stormfront-jacket/

Regular Retail:  $479.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $399.99

Bottom:  http://www.sitkagear.com/products/solids/pants/waterproof-pants/stormfront-pant/

Regular Retail:  $399.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $349.99

*If you would like to discuss other options for rain gear please do not hesitate to contact me.  Our recommendation is based on what we use and believe will perform at the highest level for your trip.  There are, however, many options that I’d be happy to share with you.

Under your rain gear we recommend jeans(or similar) on the bottom and a insulating layer on the top.  We recommend The North Face Glacier ¼ zip pullover for great insulation and moisture wicking without the bulk of a heavier garment.

You can view this top at:  http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-13053/THE-NORTH-FACE-MEN%27S/Detail

Regular Retail:  $50                                        Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $34.99

As added insurance on the top we recommend that you bring an insulating jacket.  For this layer we recommend the Carhartt waterproof breathable jacket.  This jacket will offer added protection from the elements and be durable enough to wear as an outer layer if you so choose. 

You can view this jacket at:  http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-12634/CARHARTT-MEN%26%23146-scln-S-WATERPROOF-BREATHABLE/Detail

Regular Retail:  $119.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $89.99

If it is really raining it is a good idea to have a neoprene pair of gloves with you to keep your hands warm for when the big one bites.  Neoprene will keep you dry and, maybe more importantly, keep you warm when you get wet.

You can view the Neoprene Glove at:  http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-10147/MAD-DOG-GEAR-/Detail.

Regular Retail:  $16.99                                   Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $15.29

Footwear

Footwear that will keep you dry and comfortable on the boat is a must have.  We recommend the Muck Edgewater boot for this trip.  It is fully waterproof and very comfortable.  They are also uninsulated and roll down to an ankle height so that you will not get too hot when wearing them.  You can view this boot at http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-5213/MUCK-EDGEWATER-BOOT-HIGH/Detail

Regular Retail:  $84.99                                   Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $69.99

Dry Bags

We exclusively use and sell SealLine bags.  They make a variety of bags for many different situations.  We encourage you to take a look at this page http://cascadedesigns.com/SealLine to see what may work for you individual situation. 

To give you some starting points: 

We use the 70L boundary pack when we need to pack large amounts of clothing or other items and keep them 100% dry.  The comfortable backpack straps make this easy to carry around.  This is more of a traveling type of pack.

Regular Retail:  $84.99                                   Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $76.49

We use the Storm Sacks for keeping little important items protected from the elements.  Extra pair of socks, extra shirt, extra gloves, are all items you would put in this style of sack.  These sacks are better suited to keep the items that cannot get wet absolutely dry when on the water. 

Regular Retail:  $11.99                                   Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $10.79

Extras

Sunscreen is always a great thing to have when you’re fishing.  We can supply you with a 16oz container of sunscreen for $10.  Burts Bees limb balm is also a “must have” for the environment you’ll be in while in Alaska.  One tube of this will cost you $3.  Also, make sure you bring good sunglasses.  We use and sell Maui Jim eyewear.  If you want to look at what they have to offer please visit their website at http://www.mauijim.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/LanguageSelectionForm_10001_11601.  We will be sure to get you the “Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price” on your favorite pair.

Be sure and notice the discounts offered specifically to my customers, plus you get free shipping as well!  If you have any questions feel free to give me a call. Greg Ray 918 407 2586 or email greg@outdoor-connection.com

Here is a link to one of our Colorado Elk Hunts that we caught on film a couple of seasons ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dSwNLO9GYY 

Preferred Product List for Whispering Pine Elk Hunt

November, 2010

Leather Hiking Boots

Kenetrek’s Mountain Extreme boot is a great choice for this hunt.  They are full leather, waterproof boots.  Their 400 grams of insulation will provide enough warmth on the cool mornings but not be too warm for a mid-day stalk.  Through our experience, the Mountain Extreme’s advanced lug design has been a hunt saver when navigating wet, slippery, uneven terrain.  This boot will provide the support you need for the varied conditions you will encounter on this hunt. 

Now, an item that can make a world of difference when wearing leather boots is a good gaiter system.  We use and recommend the Kenetrek gaiters.  Even though their boots have a rock guard and are built with high quality components, a pair of gaiters will save on wear and tear on both your boots and your clothing!

Kenetrek Boots:

http://www.kenetrek.com/prodinfo.asp?number=KE-420-400

Retail:  $375.00                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $320.00

Gaiters:

http://www.kenetrek.com/products.asp?dept=13

Retail:  $49.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $44.99

Socks

As important as your boots are, your socks are equally important.  The right socks will help regulate foot temperature and keep your feet warm even when damp.  We strongly recommend a layering system similar to what we recommend for your clothing.  A good next to skin sock that wicks moisture is critical to this system working properly.  For this layer we use and recommend the Danner Pronghorn liner sock.  It is antimicrobial throughout its construction so it will minimize odor development.  Your next layer should be a heavier merino wool sock that will keep you warm even when wet and will not begin to smell after days of heavy use.  A good choice for this layer is the Danner Merino Wool Pronghorn.   Always remember – it never hurts to have an extra pair or two in case you get wet!

Danner Website:

http://www.danner.com/category/accessories/socks.do

Danner Pronghorn Liner:

Retail:  $8.99                                   Outdoor Connection Exclusive price:  $7.99 

Danner Pronghorn(2 pack):

Retail:  $16.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive price: $14.99

Clothing

The next product grouping that we’d like to discuss is clothing.  Layering is the key to allowing a quality clothing “system” work.  Each layer plays its own part.  Average temperatures for your hunting area over the last 3 years range from high teens/low 20’s at night to 45 during the day in mid-November.  This means that you’ll need to be prepared to handle 20 to 30 degree temperature swings over the course of a day in the field.  Properly layered clothing is the only way you’ll stay comfortable in this environment.

Next to Skin Layer

The first part of the system is the clothing that you will wear next to your skin.  We have had tremendous success with 100% merino wool long underwear.  It is the ultimate material for moisture wicking, insulation, and scent elimination.  There are a lot of synthetic products on the market, most of which we have tested and been disappointed with.  They are great for a day or two but just don’t remain scent free like wool.  Our recommendation is a product made by Minus 33.  We do not recommend the expedition weight for your hunt.  The conditions are more suitable for the standard weight(230g) garments.  They make the tops in crew neck http://minus33.com/minus33ls.htm, turtle neck http://minus33.com/minus33tneck.htm, or in ¼ zip http://minus33.com/minus33ziptops.htm. 

Retail:  $39.99                     Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $32.99. 

Bottoms are cut one way.  Again, the standard weight(230g) is what we recommend for your hunt. 

http://www.minus33.com/minus33bottoms.htm

Retail:  $29.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $26.99

Insulation Layer/Outer Layer

Browning’s Hell’s Canyon top and bottoms are our choice for this type of hunt.  They are quiet, durable, wick moisture, and will keep you dry if you do encounter light precipitation.  This layer will be worn a majority of the time you are in the field, weather it is as an outer layer or an insulation layer.

Browning Website:  http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/clothing/detail.asp?value=A006&cat_id=303&type_id=813&content=hell’s-canyon-parka-outdoor-hunting-and-shooting-clothing

Jacket Retail:  $119.99                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $99.99

Pant Retail:  $119.99                    Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $99.99

We also believe in the insulating properties of a vest.  A good vest will provide warmth to the core part of our body while allowing for more mobility in the arms when you need it most. 

Our recommendation is:  The Sitka Kelvin Vest

http://www.sitkagear.com/products/forest/jackets-vests/all-vests/

Retail:  $149.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $134.

Waterproof, Wind Blocking Layer

This is undoubtedly the key to allowing your clothing system to work when the weather gets bad.  This outer layer should be built to withstand the elements while allowing the next to skin and insulation layer to work.  This does not have to be a heavy layer.  When you are layered properly this should actually be lightweight clothing that will keep the rain(or snow) and wind off of you.  You will need a garment that is 100% waterproof, including taped seams and waterproof zippers.  There is nothing worse than having to spend a day in the field wet.  We have had the best experiences with the Sitka Downpour top and bottom set.  These garments are not only lightweight and durable but will keep you dry under any condition and block the wind extremely well. 

http://www.sitkagear.com/products/forest/jackets-vests/waterproof-jackets/downpour-jacket/

Jacket Retail:  $249.99                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $224.99 

Pant Retail:  $199.99                    Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $179.99

Extreme Cold Weather Layer

Sitka’s new Kelvin Jacket is our choice for those times when you’ll need just a little extra warmth.  This Jacket is filled with lightweight, ultra warm, primaloft insulation.  This allows this jacket to be easily packed and carried with you so it’s ready when you need it.  It is important to note that this jacket is designed to be worn under your protection layer as an insulating layer only. 

http://www.sitkagear.com/products/forest/jackets-vests/insulated-jackets/kelvin-jacket/

Jacket Retail:  $199.99                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $179.99

This is how we would plan on layering for your hunt:

1.  Next to Skin Layer
2. Insulation Layer(s) with vest
3. Protection Layer
   1. 100% waterproof, wind blocking layer

                                                              i.      If the weather is favorable we would start with the waterproof/wind blocking layer in our packs and ready to go should the conditions worsen.

Gloves and Hats

A basic camo ball cap will work well for most of your time in the field.  When it gets cold a stocking hat is handy to keep your head and ears warm.  The other option is a ball cap that has ear flaps.  If you don’t have either of these let us know and we’ll get one sent to you.  When it is raining, snowing, or somewhere in between, it is best to rely on your rain jacket’s hood to keep dry.

We also recommend a balaclava type of head covering to protect from wind and weather.  We use the Avery Yukon hood.  This is a hood that is meant to be worn over a hat.  This is extremely useful because you will not have to take anything off to put in on and it can be pulled down and worn around the neck if not needed on the head.  Using it this way will no doubt maximize your “hunting” time! 

Avery Website:  http://averyoutdoors.com/apparel.html.

Retail:  $17.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $16.19

Gloves can be a little tricky.  Big and bulky will keep you warm but make it difficult to make the shot when you need to.  Too thin and your fingers will freeze.  Most hunters still wear one pair of gloves at a time.  We have had a lot of luck layering our gloves like our clothing.  On the cooler mornings and days it will be helpful to wear a thin glove inside a heavier insulating glove.  We wear the Under Armour liner glove under either a heavy or light insulating glove.  This liner glove does wonders to wick moisture away from your skin to keep your hands feeling dry and warm no matter what.  This also allows us to quickly “shed” a heavier glove to handle a weapon with ease for the shot of a lifetime.  A good heavyweight glove is the Manzella Grizzly Glove – this glove performs as well as any water/wind resistant glove we have seen.  It is pretty warm, though, and would be too much if it is 45 or 50 degrees.  A great lightly insulated glove is the Manzella Wind Pro glove – this glove will provide some protection from water but will not be 100% waterproof.  We see you wearing this glove most of the time. 

Under Armour Website:  http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/mens/sports/hunting/accessories/gloves.

Retail on the Under Armour Camo Liner Glove:  $21.99                                                                            Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $19.99

Manzella Website: 

http://www.manzella.com/productresults.aspx?marketsegment=field&category_code=mens&warmth_rating_code=warmest&glovefinder=false

Retail on the Grizzly Glove:  $34.99     Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $31.99

Manzella Website:

http://www.manzella.com/productresults.aspx?marketsegment=field&category_code=mens&warmth_rating_code=warmer&glovefinder=false

Retail on the Stalker Glove:  $24.99                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $22.49

Optics, Pack, and Accessories

Optics

A high quality set of binoculars that we recommend are made by Leupold.  The Golden Ring 10x42HD’s provide a crisp, clear picture in the lowest of light conditions.  They are also built to stand up to everything you will ever throw at them and backed by Leupold’s Lifetime Warranty.  You can view these at http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-shooting/products/binoculars/. 

Retail:  $799.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $699.99

It is always a good idea to carry your binoculars on a bino system.  If you don’t know what this is you can view it at http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-1450/CRO-BINO-SYSTEM-BLACK/Detail

The bino system will keep your binoculars at your chest and ready for whenever you may need them.  They will also eliminate a lot of the weight you would feel while carrying binoculars with a standard neck strap.  The bino system is an inexpensive way to make a huge difference on your hunt.

Retail:  $24.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $22.49                      

Rangefinder

When the moment of truth arrives a rangefinder will eliminate any doubt as to how far an elk is from you.  A couple of things to think about:  1.  A laser rangefinder will work far better than one that needs a reflective surface to obtain a distance reading – especially at long distances.  2.  A rangefinder with a scan feature will allow you to quickly scan an area or follow a moving animal.  This is especially helpful when trying to give distance readings to a hunting partner. 

Our number one recommendation for a rangefinder to take on this trip is the Leupold RX1000.  You can view this rangefinder at http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-shooting/products/rangefinders/rx-1000-compact-rangefinders/rx-1000-compact-digital-laser-rangefinder/.

Retail:  $399.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $359.99

Pack

Eberlestock’s packs are at the top of their class in build, fit, and functionality.  The Just One J34 pack is the new, improved version of the pack that Greg uses – the Original Just One.  Starting at 2300 cubic inches, this pack will expand to 4600.  The J34 weighs just 6.14 pounds so it is something you will carry with ease all day.  It also has an improved internal aluminum frame system that will support plenty of weight should you ever need to pack anything heavy.  Other important items are a rain fly and hydration bladder.  You can view this pack at http://www.eberlestock.com/J34%20Just%20One.htm

Pack Retail:  $249.99                    Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $224.99

Rain Fly Retail:  $26.99                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $24.29          

Hydration System Retail:  $19.99                                                                                                                                                          Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price  $17.99

Accessories

All too often, it is the little things that make the difference on a hunt like this.  A good shooting gun will have you in the field with a ton of confidence.  However, when it is windy, cold, and you are out of breath, a bipod will help to steady you as you prepare to make the shot of a lifetime.  Our goal is to make sure that you are aware of all the accessories, tricks, and tips that we have learned though years of hunting around the world!

Shooting Sticks

The first accessory recommendation is something that we’ve identified as being important on our elk hunts – a set of shooting sticks.  Our recommendation is the Vanguard B-62 bi-pod.  This pod extends up to 62”, has a 360 degree rotating head, weighs less than 1.5lbs., and is built to stand up to everything you will put it through.  In addition, it has removable rubber tips that expose a carbide tip so you can use it as a walking stick or to set up for a shot on slick ground.  You can view this pod at http://www.vanguardworld.com/index.php/en/os/products/hunting-outdoor/detail-2-12-86-372.html

Retail:  $49.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $44.99          

Light

A good flashlight is a must on any hunt you are doing.  Our recommended brand is Sure Fire.  Their lights stand up to everything and are extremely bright.  The light we would use for this hunt is the 6P black.  It has an all aluminum frame with a bright, 80 lumen, LED lamp for long life.  You can view this light at http://www.surefire.com/6P-Led.  You will not find a brighter, more durable light for the money.

Retail:  $79.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $71.99

Compass/First Aid

No matter what you are doing outdoors it is smart to carry a compass with you.  We use the Brunton compasses http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=92.  Your price on this specific one is $17.99.  It is not only great for navigation but also handy in case of an emergency with the mirror on it.

A simple First Aid Kit can go a long way should you encounter some problems while out in the field.  We always carry waterproof kits so that we can leave it in our pack and know that it will be ready should we need it.  Your price on the one we carry is $14.99 and includes everything you would need.

Scent Control

Cleanliness and scent control are important when spending many days out in the field, especially when deer hunting as their senses are very keen.  Here are a few items that have been useful to us on our hunts.

It is a good idea to carry some unscented deodorant.  Robinson Outdoors makes a great product that can be viewed at the link below.

http://www.robinsonoutdoors.com/shopping/Products/Anti-Perspirant-Underam-Deodorant__DEO2C.aspx

  This will cost you $5.39. 

Body Bath Towels are very useful when you don’t have time to clean up or have just finished cleaning an elk.  http://www.robinsonoutdoors.com/shopping/Products/Body-Bath-Towels__BB4C.aspx     These are $6.29. 

Personally, we carry the Dead Down Wind Scent Prevent Kit http://www.deaddownwind.com/store/product/scentprevent-kit-1020.cfm.  This kit makes it possible to cover everything scent related.  This kit costs $40.49.

Knife

If you are planning on helping your guide prepare an animal should you have success you will need the proper cutlery.  A gutting and skinning knife would be the most useful to you.  Our recommendation is the Browning Micarta Big Game knife.  You can view this knife at http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/knives/detail.asp?value=049G&cat_id=322&type_id=642. 

Retail:  $109.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $98.99 

A knife sharpener is absolutely necessary as you are sure to dull your blades through the gutting and skinning process.  We urge you to use one that has two grits, coarse and fine, so that you can fix a badly damaged edge.  A DMT diamond stone works great for this and will pack lightly and easily.  You can view this sharpener at http://www.dmtsharp.com/products/diafold.htm.  Your price is $26.99.

Gutting gloves are a must have – they will keep you clean and dry through the whole process.  Shoulder length gloves worn underneath and wrist length surgical glove work the best.  A pack with both sets in it is $1.79.  We would carry at least two sets with.

Trail Tape

Orange tracking tape is handy for several reasons.  Most commonly it is used for following a blood trail.  It can also be used to mark certain points for reference.  For instance, if you shoot an animal and begin the process of looking for a trail in thick cover it is often helpful to look back at where you shot from.  With some orange trail tape on a tree there will be no question as to where you started from.  One 150 foot roll will cost you $2.24. 

http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-7696/ALL-TAPE-REFLEC-FLAG/Detail

Lens Pen

Anytime you are hunting it is a great idea to carry a lens pen with you so that you can clean and clear your optics.  Believe me, it is very frustrating when you’re in a situation where you are fully prepared to make the shot of a lifetime and not able to get the animal in your scope because it is dirty or foggy.  A Leupold lens pen will cost you $8.99. 

http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-7151/LEU-LENS-PEN-48807/Detail

Dry Bags

We exclusively use and sell SealLine bags.  They make a variety of bags for many different situations.  We encourage you to take a look at this page http://cascadedesigns.com/SealLine to see what may work for you individual situation. 

To give you some starting points: 

We use the 70L boundary pack when we need to pack large amounts of clothing or other items and keep them 100% dry.  The comfortable backpack straps make this easy to carry around.  This is more of a traveling type of pack.

We use the Storm Sacks for keeping little important items protected from the elements.  Extra pair of socks, extra shirt, extra gloves, matches, and food are all items you would put in this style of sack.  These sacks are better suited to keep the items that cannot get wet absolutely dry when in the field.  They’re light enough and small enough that you will easily carry them in your Eberlestock packs.

Again, these would be the two most useful packs to you based on our experience.  The larger boundary pack is ideal for traveling.  The smaller Storm Sacks are perfect for all those little things that can’t get wet.  A couple of these wouldn’t be a bad idea at all.  If you see more that may fit your individual needs they are available as well.

Retail on the Boundary Pack:  $84.99                                                                                                                                                  Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $69.99

Retail on the Storm Sacks:  $9.99

                                                            Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $8.99

Gun Case

A good hard gun case is a must for anyone traveling.  We recommend the Pelican 1750 Weapons case.  We use Pelican cases for protecting a variety of goods; cameras, gps devices, spotting scopes, licenses.  They are waterproof, crushproof, have pressure release valves, are airline approved, and come in a variety of sizes and colors. 

Pelican Case:  http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-10354/PELI-1750-WEAPONS-CASE/Detail

Retail:  $329.99                                       Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $169.99

It is our hope that you find the information we provided to be useful.  Once you have had a chance to look this over and do some research of your own we would be happy to answer any questions that you may have.  Please remember, there are many choices in the categories we have discussed.  The aforementioned products are our recommendations based on the joint effort of Streiff Sporting Goods and our customers, Outdoor Connection agents and clients who have been to this destination, and our supporting manufacturers. 

Again, thank you for the opportunity to help you prepare for this exciting hunt!  Feel free to contact me at Streiff Sporting Goods for any of your product needs or questions.  I can be reached at (800)817-2590 or at nickm@streiffs.com.

Nick Marvin

Preferred Product List for Hidden Alaska Dall Sheep Hunt

If you have not booked your Dall Sheep hunt yet give me a call I have some of the best outfitters in Alaska with very high success rates.

Greg Ray 918 407 2586 or email greg@fishandhunttheworld.com

Footwear

The first category that we would like discuss is footwear.  Proper footwear can make or break a hunt.  Cold, wet feet make it uncomfortable to sit and glass.  Sore, blistered feet make it difficult to quietly sneak or quickly get into position for the shot.

Leather Hiking Boots

Kenetrek’s Mountain Extreme boot is a great choice for this hunt.  They are full leather, waterproof boots.  Their 400 grams of insulation will provide enough warmth on the cool mornings but not be too warm for the long hikes you will be taking each day.  Through our experience, the Mountain Extreme’s advanced lug design has been a hunt saver when navigating wet, icy, uneven terrain.  This boot will provide the support you need for the varied conditions you will encounter on this hunt.  We have used this exact boot on Dall Sheep hunts in Alaska, Goat and Moose hunts in BC, and a Tahr and Chamois hunt in New Zealand.  You simply will not find a finer mountain boot.

Now, an item that can make a world of difference when wearing leather boots is a good gaiter system.  We use and recommend the Kenetrek gaiters.  Even though the Mountain Extreme’s have a rock guard and are built with high quality components, a pair of gaiters will save on wear and tear on both your boots and your clothing!

Kenetrek Website for boots: http://www.kenetrek.com/prodinfo.asp?number=KE-420-400

Retail:  $355.00                           Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $319.99

Kenetrek Website for gaiters:

http://www.kenetrek.com/products.asp?dept=13

Retail:  $49.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $44.99

For the many stream crossings that you will have to perform on this hunt you will need something fully waterproof and packable.  For this we recommend Wiggy Waders.  These are the waders we use on hunts like the one you’ll be on and they work wonderfully.  Too many times we have had to leave them with our guides because they liked them so much.  They are lightweight(under a pound), packable, and easy to slip over your boots and clothing.  You can view these waders at http://wiggys.com/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=5.

Retail:  $59.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $54.99

Mike, at Hidden Alaska, recommends Koflach plastic boots with waterproof socks.  If you would rather choose this product group please follow the recommendations from his website.  We have not had quality experiences with that type of product on our Alaska sheep hunts and simply aren’t comfortable making a recommendation that will be useful on this hunt only.

Camp Shoes

The Muck SUV hiker is our choice for the quality camp shoe that Mike recommends.  They will keep you warm and dry walking around camp and in and out of your tents.  These hikers easily slip on and off and are built well enough that you could wear them out in the field.  They are also lightweight and easy to pack.

Muck Website:

http://www.muckbootcompany.com/products/SHS-MOBU

Retail:  $79.99         Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $71.99  MOBU Camo

Socks

As important as your boots are, your socks are equally important.  The right socks will help regulate foot temperature and keep your feet warm even when damp.  We strongly recommend a layering system similar to what we will recommend for your clothing.  A good next to skin sock that wicks moisture is critical to this system working properly.  For this layer we use and recommend the Danner Thermolite sock.  It is antimicrobial throughout its construction so it will minimize odor development.  Your next layer should be a midweight merino wool sock.  Merino wool will keep you warm even when wet and will not begin to smell after days of heavy use.  A good choice for the midweight is the Danner Merino Wool Pronghorn.  Always remember – it never hurts to have an extra pair or two in case you get wet!  We’ll discuss how to pack extra socks in your daypack farther down this list.

Danner Thermolite:

Retail:  $9.99                                   Outdoor Connection Exclusive price:  $7.99

Danner Pronghorn:

Retail:  $14.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive price: $11.99

Clothing

The next product grouping that we’d like to work on is clothing.  Layering is the key to allowing a quality clothing “system” work.  Each layer plays its own part.

Next to Skin Layer

The first part of the system is the clothing that you will wear next to your skin.  We have had tremendous success with 100% merino wool long underwear.  It is the ultimate material for moisture wicking, insulation, and scent elimination.  There are a lot of synthetic products on the market, most of which we have tested and been disappointed with.  They are great for a day or two but just don’t remain scent free like wool.  Our recommendation is a product made by Minus 33.  Your outfitter recommends two weights:  a lightweight and a midweight set.  You can view both weights on the following webpage.  They make the tops in crew neck http://minus33.com/minus33ls.htm, turtle neck http://minus33.com/minus33tneck.htm, or in ¼ zip http://minus33.com/minus33ziptops.htm.

Retail:  $39.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $29.99.

Bottoms are cut one way.

http://www.minus33.com/minus33bottoms.htm

Retail:  $29.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $26.99

*Your price is the same for both midweight and lightweight layers.

Insulation Layer

We believe in the insulating properties of a vest.  A good vest will provide warmth to the core part of our body while allowing for more mobility in the arms when you need it most.

Our recommendation is:  The Sitka Celsius Vest http://www.sitkagear.com/Product.aspx?cat=60.

Retail:  $149.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $134.

Mike also recommends a good wool shirt to use as an extra insulation layer for this hunt.  We recommend the new Browning 100% wool sweater with windcutter technology for this layer.  We all know the properties of wool are difficult to beat on a hunt like this.  When you combine this with the windcutter technology this sweater is a must-have garment.  We are extremely excited about the potential of this sweater and will be wearing it ourselves this fall.  You can view this sweater at http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/clothing/detail.asp?value=020A&cat_id=300&type_id=144

Retail:  $109.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $94.99

The final piece of the insulation layer as recommended by your outfitter is a fleece Jacket and Pant to use on the really cool days.  For this layer we recommend the Browning 4x Microfleece Jacket and Pant.  This fleece will provide warmth and aid in blocking the wind when you need it most.  We don’t recommend that you wear these garments each day.  They are designed to be packable and ready should the conditions worsen and you need a little “extra”.  You can view the 4X Microfleece at http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/clothing/detail.asp?value=029A&cat_id=304&type_id=790

Jacket Retail:  $99.99                    Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $89.99

Pant Retail:  $79.99                       Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $69.99

Insulation Layer/Outer Layer

Sitka’s 90% top and bottoms are our choice for this type of hunt.  They are quiet, durable, wick moisture, and will keep you dry if you do encounter light precipitation.  This layer is called 90% for a reason: you will wear this 90% of the time, weather it is as an outer layer or an insulation layer.

Sitka Website: http://www.sitkagear.com/Product.aspx?cat=88.

Jacket Retail:  $249.99                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $224.99

Pant Retail:  $229.99                    Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $206.99

Waterproof, Wind Blocking Layer

This is undoubtedly the key to allowing your clothing system to work when the weather gets bad.  This outer layer should be built to withstand the elements while allowing the next to skin and insulation layer to work.  This does not have to be a heavy layer.  When you are layered properly this should actually be lightweight clothing that will keep the rain and wind off of you.  You will need a garment that is 100% waterproof, including taped seams and waterproof zippers.  There is nothing worse than having to spend a day in the field wet.  We have had the best experiences with the Sitka Stormfront Lite top and bottom.  These garments are not only lightweight and durable but will keep you dry under any condition and block the wind extremely well.

http://www.sitkagear.com/Product.aspx?cat=237.

Jacket Retail:  $369.99                       Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $332.99

Pant Retail:  $269.99                          Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $242.99

This is how we would plan on layering for your hunt:

1. Next to Skin Layer
2. Insulation Layer(s) with vest
3. Protection Layer
   1. 100% waterproof, wind blocking layer

i.      If the weather is favorable we would start with the waterproof/wind blocking layer in our packs and ready to go should the conditions worsen.

Gloves and Hats

A basic camo ball cap will work well for most of your time in the field.  We’re sure you have plenty of these but will be sending one down for you free of charge.  When it gets cold a stocking hat is handy to keep your head and ears warm.  If you don’t have one of these let us know and we’ll send one of those to you as well.  If it is raining it is best to rely on your rain jacket’s hood to keep dry.

We also recommend a balaclava type of head covering to protect from wind and weather.  We use the Avery Yukon hood.  This is a hood that is meant to be worn over a hat.  This is extremely useful because you will not have to take anything off to put in on and it can be pulled down and worn around the neck if not needed on the head.  Using it this way will no doubt maximize your “hunting” time!

Avery Website:  http://averyoutdoors.com/apparel.html.

Retail:  $17.99                                            Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $16.19

Gloves can be a little tricky.  Big and bulky will keep you warm but make it difficult to make the shot when you need to.  Too thin and your fingers will freeze.  Most hunters still wear one pair of gloves at a time.  We have had a lot of luck layering our gloves like our clothing.  On the cooler mornings and days it will be helpful to wear a thin glove inside a heavier insulating glove.  We wear the Under Armour liner glove under either a heavy or light insulating glove.  This liner glove does wonders to wick moisture away from your skin to keep your hands feeling dry and warm no matter what.  This also allows us to quickly “shed” a heavier glove to handle a weapon with ease for the shot of a lifetime.  A good heavyweight glove is the Manzella Kodiak Glove – this glove performs as well as any water resistant glove we have seen.  It is pretty warm, though, and would be too much during the mid-day hours on warmer days.  We see you using this in the cool mornings or if you stop for a few hours to “glass”.  A good lightly insulated glove is the Manzella Stalker Glove – this glove will provide some protection from water but will not be 100% waterproof.  It will be extremely quiet and windproof.  We see you wearing this glove most of the time.  When it is really raining it is not only a good idea to have a couple pair of gloves but to also have a neoprene pair.  Neoprene will keep you dry and, maybe more importantly, keep you warm should you get wet.  A good neoprene glove is made by Stearns:  http://www.stearnsflotation.com/dyn_prodlist.php?k=78028.

Retail: $16.99                                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $15.29

Manzella Kodiak Glove: http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-8496/MANZELLA-KODIAK-GLOVES/Detail

Retail:  $34.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $29.99

Manzella Stalker Glove: http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-8499/MANZELLA-STALKER-GLOVE/Detail

Retal:  $24.99                                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $21.99

Under Armour Website:  http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/mens/sports/hunting/accessories/gloves.

Retail on the Under Armour Camo Liner Glove:  $21.99                                                                            Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $19.99

Mike also recommends a pair of leather gloves for this hunt.  Leather is highly durable and will hold up to the wear and tear you may put on them during a stalk in rough terrain or climbing steep rock ridges.  We recommend Carhartt gloves http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-10434/CARHARTT-FENCER-GLOVE-A117BRN/Detail.

Retail:  $10.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $8.99

Optics, Pack, and Accessories

Binoculars

A high quality set of binoculars that we recommend are made by Leupold.  The Golden Ring 10x42HD’s provide a crisp, clear picture in the lowest of light conditions.  They are also built to stand up to everything you will ever throw at them and backed by Leupold’s Lifetime Warranty.  Quality optics will reduce eye fatigue and nearly eliminate your chances of a headache after long hours of glassing for game.  It is imperative that you bring a high quality set of binoculars, at a minimum, on this trip.  You can view these at http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-shooting/products/binoculars/golden-ring-series/golden-ring-10x42mm-hd/.

Retail:  $799.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $719.99

It is always a good idea to carry your binoculars on a bino system.  If you don’t know what this is you can view it at http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-1450/CRO-BINO-SYSTEM-BLACK/Detail

The bino system will keep your binoculars at your chest and ready for whenever you may need them.  They will also eliminate a lot of the weight you would feel while carrying binoculars with a standard neck strap.  The bino system is an inexpensive way to make a huge difference on your hunt.

Retail:  $24.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $22.49

Rangefinder

When the moment of truth arrives a rangefinder will eliminate any doubt as to how far your game is from you.  A couple of things to think about:  1.  A laser rangefinder will work far better than one that needs a reflective surface to obtain a distance reading – especially at long distances.  2.  A rangefinder with a scan feature will allow you to quickly scan an area or follow a moving animal.  This is especially helpful when trying to give distance readings to a hunting partner.

Our number one recommendation for a rangefinder to take on this trip is the Leupold RX1000.  You can view this rangefinder at http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-shooting/products/rangefinders/rx-1000-compact-rangefinders/rx-1000-compact-digital-laser-rangefinder/.

Retail:  $399.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $359.99

Spotting Scope

A spotting scope is not something that has been identified as necessary for this hunt but is an item that we have carried with us while hunting Dall sheep in Alaska.  Not only will you be able to glass objects at farther distances but you will also be able to differentiate between a “good” animal and a “great” animal with the increased power that a spotting scope provides, not to mention they’re a ton of fun!  Quite simply, Swarovski offers the best spotting scopes available.  You will not find a brighter, crisper, clearer, or more durable spotting scope than that made by Swarovski.  We recommend the angled ATS model, which will work well for this hunt and many other applications.  We recommend a scope with an 80mm objective lens for optimum light transmission.  We also recommend the 20x-60x eyepiece for this spotting scope.  This eyepiece will allow you the flexibility to utilize the spotting scope in a variety of situations.

You can view these products at http://www.swarovskioptik.us/en_us/products/48

Retail on the set is $2869.99             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $2159.99

Please spend a little time on Swarovski’s website – you may also be interested in things such as camera adapters or a soft case to protect your investment.  If you are interested in any of these items just let me know and I’ll get you your Outdoor Connection exclusive price.

We recommend a Vanguard Tripod for your use on this trip.  The one that we use is adjustable from 11 to 19 inches and weighs only 29 ounces so it is easily packed in your daypacks.  It has a bubble level and a 3 way pan head for precision.  You price on this tripod is $44.99.  Regular retail is $49.99.  As you will see on their website, Swarovski makes great tripods for their scopes.  They do not, however, make one that is as compact as the Vanguard, which is critical for your hunt.

When dealing with some of the weather and terrain you will be faced with in Alaska it is a great idea to carry a lens pen with you so that you can clean and clear your optics.  There is nothing worse than being fully prepared to make the shot of a lifetime and not able to get the animal in your scope because it is dirty.  A Leupold lens pen will cost you $8.99 and is a must have.

Pack

Eberlestock’s packs are at the top of their class in build, fit, and functionality.  The Just One J34 pack is our recommendation for this hunt.  Starting at 2300 cubic inches, this pack will expand to 4600.  The J34 weighs just 6.14 pounds so it is something you will carry with ease all day.  It also has an improved internal aluminum frame system that will support plenty of weight should you ever need to pack anything heavy.  Other important items are a rain fly and hydration bladder.  You can view this pack at http://www.eberlestock.com/J34%20Just%20One.htm.

Pack Retail:  $279.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $249.99

Rain Fly Retail:  $26.99                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $24.29

Hydration System Retail:  $19.99          Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $17.99

Accessories

All too often, it is the little things that make the difference on a hunt like this. Our goal is to make sure that you are aware of all the accessories, tricks, and tips that we have learned though years of hunting around the world!

Shooting Sticks

The first accessory recommendation is something something that we’ve identified as being very important on our hunts for Dall Sheep and other species in Alaska – a set of shooting sticks.  Our recommendation is the Vanguard B-62 bi-pod.  This pod extends up to 62”, has a 360 degree rotating head, weighs less than 1.5lbs., and is built to stand up to everything you will put it through.  In addition, it has removable rubber tips that expose a carbide tip so you can use it as a walking stick or to set up for a shot on slick ground.  You can view this pod at http://www.vanguardworld.com/index.php/en/products/hunting-outdoor/detail-2-12-83-352.html

Retail:  $49.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $44.99

Flashlight

A good flashlight is a must on any hunt you are on.  Our recommended brand is Sure Fire.  Their lights stand up to everything and are extremely bright.  The light we would use for this hunt is the 6P black.  It has an all aluminum frame with a bright, 80 lumen, LED lamp for long life.  You can view this light at http://www.surefire.com/6PDL  You will not find a brighter, more durable light for the money.

Retail:  $112.99                                          Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $89.99

Extra batteries are important to have of this trip.  We recommend a bulk pack of surefire batteries.  A bulk pack of the batteries you will need for the 6P surefire includes 12 batteries and costs $19.99.

Cap Light

We have found it useful to have a cap light for the evenings or pre-dawn mornings.  This allows for your hands to be free to do work around camp, read, or whatever you choose.  The light we recommend is a simple Browning Cap Light that clips on the brim of your hat.  Your price on one of these is $8.09.

Dry Bags

We exclusively use and sell SealLine bags.  They make a variety of bags for many different situations.  We encourage you to take a look at this page http://cascadedesigns.com/SealLine to see what may work for your individual situation.

To give you some starting points:

We use the 70L boundary pack http://cascadedesigns.com/sealline/packs-and-duffles/boundary-pack/product when we need to pack large amounts of clothing or other items and keep them 100% dry.  The comfortable backpack straps make this easy to carry around.  This is more of a traveling type of pack.

Retail:  $84.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $76.49

We use the Storm Sacks http://cascadedesigns.com/sealline/dry-bags/storm-sack/product for keeping little important items protected from the elements.  Extra pair of socks, extra shirt, extra gloves, matches, and food are all items you would put in this style of sack.  These sacks are better suited to keep the items that cannot get wet absolutely dry when in the field.  They’re light enough and small enough that you will easily carry them in your packs.

Retail:  $9.99                                               Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $8.99

Again, these would be the two most useful packs to you based on our experience.  The larger boundary pack is ideal for traveling or when you have to move large amount of gear and keep them dry.  The smaller Storm Sacks are perfect for all those little things that can’t get wet.  A couple of these wouldn’t be a bad idea at all.  If you see more that may fit your individual needs they are available as well.

Compass/First Aid

No matter what you are doing outdoors it is smart to carry a compass with you.  We use the Brunton compasses http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=92.  Your price on this specific one is $17.99.  It is not only great for navigation but also handy in case of an emergency with the mirror on it.

A simple First Aid Kit can go a long way should you encounter some problems while out in the field.  We always carry waterproof kits so that we can leave it in our pack and know that it will be ready should we need it.  Your price on the one we carry is $14.99 and includes nearly everything you will ever need.  The only thing not included in this kit is superglue, another item recommended by your outfitter.  You will use this to fix cuts, tears, or anything else that breaks on your hunt.  We can send you a 9oz. tube of this for $8.99.

Knife

If you are planning on helping your guide prepare an animal should you have success you will need the proper cutlery.  A gutting and skinning knife would be the most useful to you.  Our recommendation is the Browning Micarta Big Game knife.  You can view this knife at http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/knives/detail.asp?value=049G&cat_id=322&type_id=642.

Retail:  $109.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $98.99

A knife sharpener is absolutely necessary as you are sure to dull your blades through the gutting, skinning, and caping process.  We urge you to use one that has two grits, coarse and fine, so that you can fix a damaged edge.  A DMT diamond stone works great for this and will pack lightly and easily.  You can view this sharpener at http://www.dmtsharp.com/products/diafold.htm.  Your price is $26.99.

Multi-Tool

Mike recommends carrying a muti-tool for this hunt.  The tool we use and recommend is the Leatherman Wave.  With 17 tools and a lifetime warranty you are sure to get your use out of this over time.  You can view this tool at http://www.leatherman.com/products/product.asp?id=9&f=6&c=1.

Retail:  $79.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $69.99

Scent Control/Cleanliness

Cleanliness and scent control are important when spending many days out in the field.  Here are a few items that have been useful to us on our hunts.

It is a good idea to carry some unscented deodorant.  Robinson Outdoors makes a great product. http://www.robinsonoutdoors.com/shopping/Products/Anti-Perspirant-Underam-Deodorant__DEO2C.aspx.  This will cost you $5.39.

Body Bath Towels are very useful when you don’t have time to clean up. http://www.robinsonoutdoors.com/shopping/Products/Body-Bath-Towels__BB.aspx.  These are $6.29 each.

Personally, we carry the Dead Down Wind Scent Prevent Kit http://www.deaddownwind.com/store/product/scentprevent-kit-1020.cfm.  This kit makes it possible to cover everything scent related.  This kit costs $40.49.

Gun Case

The first accessory recommendation from your outfitter was a soft gun case for transportation once you arrive in Alaska – please don’t forget it!  If you are in need of a soft gun case let me know and we can discuss some options.  More importantly, to us, is a good hard gun case for airline travel.  We recommend the Pelican 1750 Weapons case.  We use Pelican cases for protecting a variety of goods; cameras, gps devices, spotting scopes, licenses.  They are waterproof, crushproof, have pressure release valves, are airline approved, and come in a variety of sizes and colors.  This also happens to be the case that Greg will be using.  You can view this case at http://www.pelican.com/cases_detail.php?Case=1750.

Regular Retail:  $299.99               Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $269.99

GPS

A GPS can prove to be an invaluable tool for hunters.  We use them to mark points, save trails, mark camp, mark a down animal, check which direction you are heading, navigate, view terrain contours, and so much more.  The handheld GPS that we use and recommend is the Delorme PN-40.  The big benefit for you on this hunt is the topographical mapping system that can be downloaded with a simple map library subscription.  This subscription is $29.99 and allows for unlimited downloads for one year.  With this system you will be able to see where you are in relation to other land or water points.   This will allow you to see “what is over the next ridge”.  The other big benefit is safety related.  The electronic compass and altimeter will give you direction even if a satellite signal is lost.  We have used Delorme handheld’s for years and can honestly say that we have put them through some of the most difficult situations possible and know that they will hold up.

You can view this GPS at http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeCCtdItemDetail.jsp?item=29387&section=10560

Retail:  $389.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $359.99

A great way to protect your handheld is with a Pelican Case.  The 1040 case is the one that will fit this unit.  http://www.pelican.com/cases_detail.php?Case=1040.  Pelican products were new to us four years ago and our GPS’s could have used them long ago!

Regular Retail:  $22.99                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $20.69

Sleeping Bag/Pad

We use and recommend the ALPS Desert Pine Sleeping Bag.  You can view this bag at http://www.alpsmountaineering.com/ALPSMountaineeringDesertPine.htm.  This page will also help determine which size bag you need.  A mummy bag is recommended because it is more packable and will keep you warmer.  Mike recommends a bag rated to -20.  Regular retail on this bag is $109.99.  Your Outdoor Connection Exclusive price is $89.99.  We will send this bag with a compression sack as you will want to keep it as compact as possible for traveling.

The key to a good nights sleep lies in the pad you use under your bag.   Again, we recommend the Alps Pad.  The lightweight pad will be most packable and is therefore recommended.  You can view this pad at http://www.alpsmountaineering.com/ALPSMountaineeringLightweightAirPad.htm.  Please advise as to what size you’ll need as that will dictate price.  Rest assured, you’ll be receiving you OC exclusive price on this item as well!

We also recommend a camp pillow for your comfort.  The small pillow that is made by Alps will work well for this hunt.  You can view this item at http://www.alpsmountaineering.com/ALPSMountaineeringAccessories.htm.

Regular Retail is $8.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $6.99

Extras

Gutting gloves are pretty handy to have once you make a kill – they will keep you clean and dry through the whole process.  Shoulder length gloves worn underneath and wrist length surgical glove work the best.  A pack with both sets in it is $1.79.  We would carry at least two sets with.

Orange tracking tape is handy for several reasons.  Most commonly it is used for following a blood trail.  It can also be used to mark certain points for reference.  For instance, if you shoot an animal and begin the process of looking for a trail in cover it is often helpful to look back at where you shot from.  With some orange trail tape on a rock or bush there will be no question as to where you started from.  One 150 foot roll will cost you $2.24.

Your outfitter recommends a cleaning kit for your weapon.  We recommend Remington gun wipes as they are lighter and more packable.  You can view these at http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-7933/REM-OIL-WIPES-18471/Detail.  Your price is 34 cents per package – there is one wipe per package.

Chap Stick is recommended for this hunt.  We have something you’ll like better:  Burt’s Bees.  One stick of this will last your entire trip and your skin will thank you.  You can view this product at http://www.burtsbees.com/natural-products/lips-lip-care/.  Your price is $2.99.

It is our hope that you find the information we provided to be useful.  Once you have had a chance to look this over and do some research of your own we would be happy to answer any questions that you may have.  Please remember, there are many choices in the categories we have discussed.  The aforementioned products are our recommendations based on the joint effort of Streiff Sporting Goods and our customers, Outdoor Connection agents and clients who have been to this destination, Mike at Hidden Alaska, and our supporting manufacturers.

Again, thank you for the opportunity to help you prepare for this exciting hunt!  Feel free to contact me at Streiff Sporting Goods for any of your product needs or questions.  I can be reached at (800)817-2590 or at nickm@streiffs.com.

Nick Marvin

Preferred Product List for High Ridge Outfitters Wolf Hunt

Footwear

The first category that we would like discuss is footwear.  Proper footwear can make or break a hunt.  Cold, wet feet make it uncomfortable to sit all day. 

Pac Boots

Our recommendation for pack boots is the LaCrosse Alpha Iceman Pac Boot.  This boot is built to withstand any rugged terrain you will encounter, is built well enough to walk comfortably in, and will keep your feet warm in the coldest of temperatures.  Rated to 120 degrees below zero, this boot is the answer to the temperatures you will encounter on this hunt.

Lacrosse Website:

http://www.lacrossefootwear.com/product/cold+weather+boots/pac+boots%26nbsp-+-120%26deg-+f/alpha+iceman+brown+pac+boots.do

Retail:  $119.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $107.99

Camp Shoes

The Muck SUV hiker is our choice for a quality camp shoe that will keep you warm and dry walking around camp.  These hikers easily slip on and off and are built well enough that you could wear them out in the field.  They are also lightweight and easy to pack.

Muck Website:

http://www.muckbootcompany.com/products/SHS-MOBU

Retail:  $79.99         Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $71.99  MOBU Camo

Socks

As important as your boots are, your socks are equally important.  The right socks will help regulate foot temperature and keep your feet warm even when damp.  We strongly recommend a layering system similar to what we recommend for your clothing.  A good next to skin sock that wicks moisture is critical to this system working properly.  For this layer we use and recommend the Danner Thermolite sock.  It is antimicrobial throughout its construction so it will minimize odor development.  Your next layer should be one of two socks:  A midweight merino wool sock or a heavyweight merino wool sock.  Merino wool will keep you warm even when wet and will not begin to smell after days of heavy use.  We have two recommendations on a heavyweight sock.  One is the Danner Merino Wool Frontier Extreme.  The other is the Filson Heavyweight Merino Wool Sock.  Always remember – it never hurts to have an extra pair or two in case you get wet!

Danner Thermolite:

Retail:  $9.99           Outdoor Connection Exclusive price:  $7.99 

Danner Frontier Extreme:

Retail:  $18.99         Outdoor Connection Exclusive price:  $14.99

Filson Heavyweight:

Retail:  $24.99         Outdoor Connection Exclusive price:  $22.99

Danner Website:

http://www.danner.com/category/accessories/socks.do

Filson Website:

http://www.filson.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2092582&cp=2069836.2065000.2075119

 Clothing

The next product grouping that we’d like to work on is clothing.  Layering is the key to allowing a quality clothing “system” work.  Each layer plays its own part.

Next to Skin Layer

The first part of the system is the clothing that you will wear next to your skin.  We have had tremendous success with 100% merino wool long underwear.  It is the ultimate material for moisture wicking, insulation, and scent elimination.  There are a lot of synthetic products on the market, most of which we have tested and been disappointed with.  They are great for a day or two but just don’t remain scent free like wool.  Our recommendation is a product made by Minus 33.  We recommend the expedition weight for your hunt.  They make the tops in crew neck http://minus33.com/minus33ls.htm, turtle neck http://minus33.com/minus33tneck.htm, or in ¼ zip http://minus33.com/minus33ziptops.htm. 

Retail:  $49.99                     Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $44.99. 

Bottoms are cut one way.  Again, the expedition weight is what we recommend for your hunt.  http://www.minus33.com/minus33bottoms.htm

Retail:  $49.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $44.99

It would not be a bad idea to have an extra pair of Minus 33 so you can double up if it is cold!

Insulation Layer

The insulation layer is meant to be worn over the next to skin layer and under and outer layer.  The sole purpose of this layer is to provide thermal insulation for your body.  Remember, it is very important to keep the core of your body warm.  This is what will allow you to withstand long sits on cold days.  For the core insulation layer we recommend either the Sitka Kelvin vest or the Browning AddHeat vest.  The Sitka vest is filled with a primaloft, a lightweight, packable insulating material.  The nice thing about primaloft is that even if it gets wet it will continue to insulate – something that down will not do.  The Browning AddHeat vest contains a battery powered heat pack that runs with a remote control that you keep in your pocket.  The technology in this vest is amazing as you don’t even know you have a heat pack in it when you are wearing it. 

Sitka Website:

http://www.sitkagear.com/Product.aspx?cat=278

Retail:  $149.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $134.99

Browning Website:

http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/clothing/detail.asp?value=024A&cat_id=305&type_id=769

Retail:  $79.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $71.99

Battery Pack and Remote Control:

Retail:  $79.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $71.99

The next part of your insulation layer should be an insulated jacket.  For this layer we use and recommend Sitka Kelvin Jacket.  This jacket has the same properties as the vest and will be a great insulating layer to use on this hunt.

Sitka Website:

http://www.sitkagear.com/Product.aspx?cat=239

Retail:  $199.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $179.99

The next layer could be an outer layer on warmer days or will work great as an additional insulating layer on very cold days.  The product we recommend for this is Browning Hi-Lands Wool bib and parka with windcutter technology. 

Browning Website:

http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/clothing/detail.asp?value=022A&cat_id=306&type_id=279

Bib Retail:  $134.99                       Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $121.49

Parka Retail:  $149.99                  Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $134.99

Outer Layer

This is undoubtedly the key to allowing your clothing system to work when the weather gets bad.  This outer layer should be built to withstand the elements while allowing the next to skin and insulation layer to work.  For this layer we recommend the Heater Body Suit.  You can view this product at http://www.heaterbodysuit.com/.  This layer wouldn’t be worn until you get to your stand or blind.  Once you are inside this suit you should be able to withstand 30 to 40 degrees below zero for a full 10 to 12 hours.

Retail:  $324.95                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $292.45 

Gloves and Hats

When it gets cold a stocking hat is handy to keep your head and ears warm.  If you don’t have one of these let us know and we’ll send one of those to you as well. 

We also recommend a balaclava type of head covering to protect from wind and weather.  We use the Avery Yukon hood.  This is a hood that is meant to be worn over a hat.  This is extremely useful because you will not have to take anything off to put in on and it can be pulled down and worn around the neck if not needed on the head.  Using it this way will no doubt maximize your “hunting” time! 

Avery Website:  http://averyoutdoors.com/apparel.html.

Retail:  $17.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $16.19

Gloves can be a little tricky.  Big and bulky will keep you warm but make it difficult to make the shot when you need to.  Too thin and your fingers will freeze.  Most hunters still wear one pair of gloves at a time.  We have had a lot of luck layering our gloves like our clothing.  On the cooler mornings and days it will be helpful to wear a thin glove inside a heavier insulating glove.  We wear the Under Armour liner glove under a heavy insulating glove.  This liner glove does wonders to wick moisture away from your skin to keep your hands feeling dry and warm no matter what.  This also allows us to quickly “shed” a heavier glove to handle a weapon with ease for the shot of a lifetime.  A good heavyweight glove is the Under Armour Coldgear Glove – this glove performs as well as any water resistant glove we have seen. 

Under Armour Website:  http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/mens/sports/hunting/accessories/gloves.

Retail on the Under Armour Camo Liner Glove:  $21.99                                                                            Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $19.99

Retail on the Under Armour Coldgear Glove:  $59.99                                            Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $53.99

Optics, Pack, and Accessories

Optics

A high quality set of binoculars that we recommend are made by Leupold.  The Golden Ring 10x42HD’s provide a crisp, clear picture in the lowest of light conditions.  They are also built to stand up to everything you will ever throw at them and backed by Leupold’s Lifetime Warranty.  You can view these at http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-shooting/products/binoculars/. 

Retail:  $799.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $719.99

It is always a good idea to carry your binoculars on a bino system.  If you don’t know what this is you can view it at http://www.crookedhorn.com/cms/shop.html?page=shop.browse&category_id=12&vmcchk=1. 

The bino system will keep your binoculars at your chest and ready for whenever you may need them.  They will also eliminate a lot of the weight you would feel while carrying binoculars with a standard neck strap.  The bino system is an inexpensive way to make a huge difference on your hunt.

Retail:  $24.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $22.49                      

Rangefinder

When the moment of truth arrives a rangefinder will eliminate any doubt as to how far that deer is from you.  A couple of things to think about:  1.  A laser rangefinder will work far better than one that needs a reflective surface to obtain a distance reading – especially at long distances.  2.  A rangefinder with a scan feature will allow you to quickly scan an area or follow a moving animal.  This is especially helpful when trying to give distance readings to a hunting partner. 

Our number one recommendation for a rangefinder to take on this trip is the Leupold RX1000.  You can view this rangefinder at http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-shooting/products/rangefinders/rx-1000-compact-rangefinders/rx-1000-compact-digital-laser-rangefinder/.

Retail:  $399.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $359.99

Pack

Eberlestock’s packs are at the top of their class in build, fit, and functionality.  A day pack will be adequate for this hunt.  The J34 made by Eberlestock is our recommendation.  You will be able to carry everything you need for an all day sit in this pack while not being too bulky or heavy. 

Eberlestock Website:

http://www.eberlestock.com/J34%20Just%20One.htm

Retail:  $249.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $179.99

Accessories

All too often, it is the little things that make the difference on a hunt like this.  Our goal is to make sure that you are aware of all the accessories, tricks, and tips that we have learned though years of hunting around the world!

Gun Case

It is important that your weapon arrives at your destination in the same condition it was when you took your last few shots at the range.  There is nothing worse than being on a hunt like this and questioning whether or not you gun is still sighted in.  We recommend the Pelican 1750 Weapons case.  We use Pelican cases for protecting a variety of goods; cameras, gps devices, spotting scopes, licenses.  They are waterproof, crushproof, have pressure release valves, are airline approved, and come in a variety of sizes and colors.  You can view this case at http://www.pelican.com/cases_detail.php?Case=1750. 

Retail:  $299.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $269.99

Shooting Sticks

The first accessory recommendation is something something that we’ve identified as being important on our whitetail hunts throughout Canada – a set of shooting sticks.  Our recommendation is the Vanguard B-62 bi-pod.  This pod extends up to 62”, has a 360 degree rotating head, weighs less than 1.5lbs., and is built to stand up to everything you will put it through.  In addition, it has removable rubber tips that expose a carbide tip so you can use it as a walking stick or to set up for a shot on slick ground.  You can view this pod at http://www.vanguardworld.com/gfa/product3.php?sort3=177.

Retail:  $49.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $44.99          

Scent Control

Cleanliness and scent control are important when spending many days out in the field, especially when deer hunting as their senses are very keen.  Here are a few items that have been useful to us on our hunts.

It is a good idea to carry some unscented deodorant.  Robinson Outdoors makes a great product. http://www.scentblocker.com/osc/product_info.php?products_id=79&osCsid=968eae3bc880f8c9eb757b83127d34cf&cPath=22_52.  This will cost you $5.39. 

Body Bath Towels are very useful when you don’t have time to clean up or have just finished cleaning a moose.  http://www.scentblocker.com/osc/product_info.php?cPath=22_50&products_id=230&osCsid=968eae3bc880f8c9eb757b83127d34cf.  These are $6.29. 

Personally, we carry the Dead Down Wind Scent Prevent Kit http://www.deaddownwind.com/store/product/scentprevent-kit-1020.cfm.  This kit makes it possible to cover everything scent related.  This kit costs $40.49.

Light

A good flashlight is a must on any hunt you are doing.  Our recommended brand is Sure Fire.  Their lights stand up to everything and are extremely bright.  The light we would use for this hunt is the 6P black.  It has an all aluminum frame with a bright, 80 lumen, LED lamp for long life.  You can view this light at http://www.surefire.com/6P-Led.  You will not find a brighter, more durable light for the money.

Retail:  $79.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $71.99

Dry Bags

We exclusively use and sell SealLine bags.  They make a variety of bags for many different situations.  We encourage you to take a look at this page http://cascadedesigns.com/SealLine to see what may work for you individual situation.  

To give you some starting points: 

We use the 70L boundary pack http://cascadedesigns.com/sealline/packs-and-duffles/boundary-pack/product when we need to pack large amounts of clothing or other items and keep them 100% dry.  The comfortable backpack straps make this easy to carry around.  This is more of a traveling type of pack.

Retail:  $84.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $76.49          

We use the Storm Sacks http://cascadedesigns.com/sealline/dry-bags/storm-sack/product for keeping little important items protected from the elements.  Extra pair of socks, extra shirt, extra gloves, matches, and food are all items you would put in this style of sack.  These sacks are better suited to keep the items that cannot get wet absolutely dry when in the field.  They’re light enough and small enough that you will easily carry them in your Eberlestock packs.

Retail:  $9.99                                               Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $8.99 

Again, these would be the two most useful packs to you based on our experience.  The larger boundary pack is ideal for traveling in boats, small planes, or anything where your gear could be exposed to the elements.  The smaller Storm Sacks are perfect for all those little things that can’t get wet.  A couple of these wouldn’t be a bad idea at all.  If you see more that may fit your individual needs they are available as well.

Compass/First Aid

No matter what you are doing outdoors it is smart to carry a compass with you.  We use the Brunton compasses http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=92.  Your price on this specific one is $17.99.  It is not only great for navigation but also handy in case of an emergency with the mirror on it.

Knife

If you are planning on helping your guide prepare an animal should you have success you will need the proper cutlery.  A gutting and skinning knife would be the most useful to you.  Our recommendation is the Browning Micarta Big Game knife.  You can view this knife at http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/knives/detail.asp?value=049G&cat_id=322&type_id=642. 

Retail:  $109.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $98.99 

A knife sharpener is absolutely necessary as you are sure to dull your blades through the gutting and skinning process.  We urge you to use one that has two grits, coarse and fine, so that you can fix a badly damaged edge.  A DMT diamond stone works great for this and will pack lightly and easily.  You can view this sharpener at http://www.dmtsharp.com/products/diafold.htm.  Your price is $26.99.

Gutting gloves are a must have – they will keep you clean and dry through the whole process.  Shoulder length gloves worn underneath and wrist length surgical glove work the best.  A pack with both sets in it is $1.79.  We would carry at least two sets with.

Trail Tape

Orange tracking tape is handy for several reasons.  Most commonly it is used for following a blood trail.  It can also be used to mark certain points for reference.  For instance, if you shoot an animal and begin the process of looking for a trail in thick cover it is often helpful to look back at where you shot from.  With some orange trail tape on a tree there will be no question as to where you started from.  One 150 foot roll will cost you $2.24. 

http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-7697/ALL-TAPE-FLUOR-FLAG/Detail

Lens Pen

Anytime you are hunting it is a great idea to carry a lens pen with you so that you can clean and clear your optics.  Believe me, it is very frustrating when you’re in a situation where you are fully prepared to make the shot of a lifetime and not able to get the animal in your scope because it is dirty or foggy.  A Leupold lens pen will cost you $8.99. 

http://www.streiffsstore.com/servlet/-strse-7151/LEU-LENS-PEN-48807/Detail

Hand Warmers

Hand warmers are almost a must have on this hunt.  We recommend the Heat Factory hand warmers.  You can view these at http://www.heatfactory.com/english/.   Your price on a ten pack of hand warmers is $6.29.  We recommend bringing at least a couple of packs as you could be using them in your boots as well as your gloves.

It is our hope that you find the information we provided to be useful.  Once you have had a chance to look this over and do some research of your own we would be happy to answer any questions that you may have.  Please remember, there are many choices in the categories we have discussed.  The aforementioned products are our recommendations based on the joint effort of Streiff Sporting Goods and our customers, Outdoor Connection agents and clients who have been to this destination, and our supporting manufacturers. 

Preferred Product List for High Ridge Outfitters Whitetail Hunt

If you have any questions about any of our gear recommendations please give me a call Greg Ray

918 407 2586 or email greg@outdoor-connection.com

Footwear

The first category that we would like discuss is footwear.  Proper footwear can make or break a hunt.  Cold, wet feet make it uncomfortable to sit all day.  Sore, blistered feet make it difficult to quietly sneak or quickly get into position for the shot.

Pac Boots

Our recommendation for pack boots is the Kenetrek Northern Pac Boot.  This boot is built to withstand any rugged terrain you will encounter, is built well enough to walk comfortably in, and will keep your feet warm in the coldest of temperatures.  Now, an item that can make a world of difference when wearing leather boots is a good gaiter system.  We use and recommend the Kenetrek gaiters. 

Kentrek Website:

http://www.kenetrek.com/prodinfo.asp?number=KE-0428-6K

Retail:  $190.00                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $171.00

Kenetrek Website:

http://www.kenetrek.com/products.asp?dept=13

Retail:  $49.99         Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $44.99

Camp Shoes

The Muck SUV hiker is our choice for a quality camp shoe that will keep you warm and dry walking around camp.  These hikers easily slip on and off and are built well enough that you could wear them out in the field.  They are also lightweight and easy to pack.

Muck Website:

http://www.muckbootcompany.com/products/SHS-MOBU

Retail:  $79.99         Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $71.99  MOBU Camo

Socks

As important as your boots are, your socks are equally important.  The right socks will help regulate foot temperature and keep your feet warm even when damp.  We strongly recommend a layering system similar to what we recommend for your clothing.  A good next to skin sock that wicks moisture is critical to this system working properly.  For this layer we use and recommend the Danner Thermolite sock.  It is antimicrobial throughout its construction so it will minimize odor development.  Your next layer should be one of two socks:  A midweight merino wool sock or a heavyweight merino wool sock.  Merino wool will keep you warm even when wet and will not begin to smell after days of heavy use.  We have two recommendations on a heavyweight sock.  One is the Danner Merino Wool Frontier Extreme.  The other is the Filson Heavyweight Merino Wool Sock.  Always remember – it never hurts to have an extra pair or two in case you get wet!

Danner Thermolite:

Retail:  $9.99           Outdoor Connection Exclusive price:  $7.99 

Danner Frontier Extreme:

Retail:  $18.99         Outdoor Connection Exclusive price:  $14.99

Filson Heavyweight:

Retail:  $24.99         Outdoor Connection Exclusive price:  $22.99

Danner Website:

http://www.danner.com/category/accessories/socks.do

Filson Website:

http://www.filson.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2092582&cp=2069836.2065000.2075119

Clothing

The next product grouping that we’d like to work on is clothing.  Layering is the key to allowing a quality clothing “system” work.  Each layer plays its own part.

Next to Skin Layer

The first part of the system is the clothing that you will wear next to your skin.  We have had tremendous success with 100% merino wool long underwear.  It is the ultimate material for moisture wicking, insulation, and scent elimination.  There are a lot of synthetic products on the market, most of which we have tested and been disappointed with.  They are great for a day or two but just don’t remain scent free like wool.  Our recommendation is a product made by Minus 33.  We recommend the expedition weight for your hunt.  They make the tops in crew neck http://minus33.com/minus33ls.htm, turtle neck http://minus33.com/minus33tneck.htm, or in ¼ zip http://minus33.com/minus33ziptops.htm. 

Retail:  $49.99                     Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $44.99. 

Bottoms are cut one way.  Again, the expedition weight is what we recommend for your hunt.  http://www.minus33.com/minus33bottoms.htm

Retail:  $49.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $44.99

It would not be a bad idea to have an extra pair of Minus 33 so you can double up if it is cold!

Insulation Layer

The insulation layer is meant to be worn over the next to skin layer and under and outer layer.  The sole purpose of this layer is to provide thermal insulation for your body.  Remember, it is very important to keep the core of your body warm.  This is what will allow you to withstand long sits on cold days.  For the core insulation layer we recommend either the Sitka Kelvin vest or the Browning AddHeat vest.  The Sitka vest is filled with a primaloft, a lightweight, packable insulating material.  The nice thing about primaloft is that even if it gets wet it will continue to insulate – something that down will not do.  The Browning AddHeat vest contains a battery powered heat pack that runs with a remote control that you keep in your pocket.  The technology in this vest is amazing as you don’t even know you have a heat pack in it when you are wearing it. 

Sitka Website:

http://www.sitkagear.com/Product.aspx?cat=278

Retail:  $149.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $134.99

Browning Website:

http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/clothing/detail.asp?value=024A&cat_id=305&type_id=769

Retail:  $79.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $71.99

Battery Pack and Remote Control:

Retail:  $79.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $71.99

The next part of your insulation layer should be an insulated jacket.  For this layer we use and recommend Sitka Kelvin Jacket.  This jacket has the same properties as the vest and will be a great insulating layer to use on this hunt.

Sitka Website:

http://www.sitkagear.com/Product.aspx?cat=239

Retail:  $199.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $179.99

The next layer could be an outer layer on warmer days or will work great as an additional insulating layer on very cold days.  The product we recommend for this is Browning Hi-Lands Wool bib and parka with windcutter technology. 

Browning Website:

http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/clothing/detail.asp?value=022A&cat_id=306&type_id=279

Bib Retail:  $134.99                       Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $121.49

Parka Retail:  $149.99                  Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $134.99

Outer Layer

This is undoubtedly the key to allowing your clothing system to work when the weather gets bad.  This outer layer should be built to withstand the elements while allowing the next to skin and insulation layer to work.  For this layer we recommend the Heater Body Suit.  You can view this product at http://www.heaterbodysuit.com/.  This layer wouldn’t be worn until you get to your stand or blind.  Once you are inside this suit you should be able to withstand 30 to 40 degrees below zero for a full 10 to 12 hours.

Retail:  $324.95                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $292.45 

Gloves and Hats

When it gets cold a stocking hat is handy to keep your head and ears warm.  If you don’t have one of these let us know and we’ll send one of those to you as well. 

We also recommend a balaclava type of head covering to protect from wind and weather.  We use the Avery Yukon hood.  This is a hood that is meant to be worn over a hat.  This is extremely useful because you will not have to take anything off to put in on and it can be pulled down and worn around the neck if not needed on the head.  Using it this way will no doubt maximize your “hunting” time! 

Avery Website:  http://averyoutdoors.com/apparel.html.

Retail:  $17.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $16.19

Gloves can be a little tricky.  Big and bulky will keep you warm but make it difficult to make the shot when you need to.  Too thin and your fingers will freeze.  Most hunters still wear one pair of gloves at a time.  We have had a lot of luck layering our gloves like our clothing.  On the cooler mornings and days it will be helpful to wear a thin glove inside a heavier insulating glove.  We wear the Under Armour liner glove under a heavy insulating glove.  This liner glove does wonders to wick moisture away from your skin to keep your hands feeling dry and warm no matter what.  This also allows us to quickly “shed” a heavier glove to handle a weapon with ease for the shot of a lifetime.  A good heavyweight glove is the Under Armour Coldgear Glove – this glove performs as well as any water resistant glove we have seen. 

Under Armour Website:  http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/mens/sports/hunting/accessories/gloves.

Retail on the Under Armour Camo Liner Glove:  $21.99                                                                            Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $19.99

Retail on the Under Armour Coldgear Glove:  $59.99                                            Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $53.99

Optics, Pack, and Accessories

Optics

A high quality set of binoculars that we recommend are made by Leupold.  The Golden Ring 10x42HD’s provide a crisp, clear picture in the lowest of light conditions.  They are also built to stand up to everything you will ever throw at them and backed by Leupold’s Lifetime Warranty.  You can view these at http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-shooting/products/binoculars/. 

Retail:  $799.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $719.99

It is always a good idea to carry your binoculars on a bino system.  If you don’t know what this is you can view it at http://www.crookedhorn.com/cms/shop.html?page=shop.browse&category_id=12&vmcchk=1. 

The bino system will keep your binoculars at your chest and ready for whenever you may need them.  They will also eliminate a lot of the weight you would feel while carrying binoculars with a standard neck strap.  The bino system is an inexpensive way to make a huge difference on your hunt.

Retail:  $24.99                                 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $22.49                      

Rangefinder

When the moment of truth arrives a rangefinder will eliminate any doubt as to how far that deer is from you.  A couple of things to think about:  1.  A laser rangefinder will work far better than one that needs a reflective surface to obtain a distance reading – especially at long distances.  2.  A rangefinder with a scan feature will allow you to quickly scan an area or follow a moving animal.  This is especially helpful when trying to give distance readings to a hunting partner. 

Our number one recommendation for a rangefinder to take on this trip is the Leupold RX1000.  You can view this rangefinder at http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-shooting/products/rangefinders/rx-1000-compact-rangefinders/rx-1000-compact-digital-laser-rangefinder/.

Retail:  $399.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $359.99

Pack

Eberlestock’s packs are at the top of their class in build, fit, and functionality.  A day pack will be adequate for this hunt.  The X1 made by Eberlestock is our recommendation.  You will be able to carry everything you need for an all day sit in this pack while not being too bulky or heavy.  A hydration system is never a bad idea for those all day sits.

Eberlestock Website: http://www.eberlestock.com/introducing_the_x__project.htm

Retail:  $169.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $152.99

Hydration System Retail:  $19.99                                                                                                                                                          Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price  $17.99

Accessories

All too often, it is the little things that make the difference on a hunt like this.  Our goal is to make sure that you are aware of all the accessories, tricks, and tips that we have learned though years of hunting around the world!

Gun Case

It is important that your weapon arrives at your destination in the same condition it was when you took your last few shots at the range.  There is nothing worse than being on a hunt like this and questioning whether or not you gun is still sighted in.  We recommend the Pelican 1750 Weapons case.  We use Pelican cases for protecting a variety of goods; cameras, gps devices, spotting scopes, licenses.  They are waterproof, crushproof, have pressure release valves, are airline approved, and come in a variety of sizes and colors.  You can view this case at http://www.pelican.com/cases_detail.php?Case=1750. 

Retail:  $299.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $269.99

Shooting Sticks

The first accessory recommendation is something something that we’ve identified as being important on our whitetail hunts throughout Canada – a set of shooting sticks.  Our recommendation is the Vanguard B-62 bi-pod.  This pod extends up to 62”, has a 360 degree rotating head, weighs less than 1.5lbs., and is built to stand up to everything you will put it through.  In addition, it has removable rubber tips that expose a carbide tip so you can use it as a walking stick or to set up for a shot on slick ground.  You can view this pod at http://www.vanguardworld.com/gfa/product3.php?sort3=177.

Retail:  $49.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $44.99          

Scent Control

Cleanliness and scent control are important when spending many days out in the field, especially when deer hunting as their senses are very keen.  Here are a few items that have been useful to us on our hunts.

It is a good idea to carry some unscented deodorant.  Robinson Outdoors makes a great product. http://www.scentblocker.com/osc/product_info.php?products_id=79&osCsid=968eae3bc880f8c9eb757b83127d34cf&cPath=22_52.  This will cost you $5.39. 

Body Bath Towels are very useful when you don’t have time to clean up or have just finished cleaning a moose.  http://www.scentblocker.com/osc/product_info.php?cPath=22_50&products_id=230&osCsid=968eae3bc880f8c9eb757b83127d34cf.  These are $6.29. 

Personally, we carry the Dead Down Wind Scent Prevent Kit http://www.deaddownwind.com/store/product/scentprevent-kit-1020.cfm.  This kit makes it possible to cover everything scent related.  This kit costs $40.49.

Light

A good flashlight is a must on any hunt you are doing.  Our recommended brand is Sure Fire.  Their lights stand up to everything and are extremely bright.  The light we would use for this hunt is the 6P black.  It has an all aluminum frame with a bright, 80 lumen, LED lamp for long life.  You can view this light at http://www.surefire.com/6P-Led.  You will not find a brighter, more durable light for the money.

Retail:  $79.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $71.99

Dry Bags

We exclusively use and sell SealLine bags.  They make a variety of bags for many different situations.  We encourage you to take a look at this page http://cascadedesigns.com/SealLine to see what may work for you individual situation. 

To give you some starting points: 

We use the 70L boundary pack http://cascadedesigns.com/sealline/packs-and-duffles/boundary-pack/product when we need to pack large amounts of clothing or other items and keep them 100% dry.  The comfortable backpack straps make this easy to carry around.  This is more of a traveling type of pack.

Retail:  $84.99                                             Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $76.49          

We use the Storm Sacks http://cascadedesigns.com/sealline/dry-bags/storm-sack/product for keeping little important items protected from the elements.  Extra pair of socks, extra shirt, extra gloves, matches, and food are all items you would put in this style of sack.  These sacks are better suited to keep the items that cannot get wet absolutely dry when in the field.  They’re light enough and small enough that you will easily carry them in your Eberlestock packs.

Retail:  $9.99                                               Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $8.99 

Again, these would be the two most useful packs to you based on our experience.  The larger boundary pack is ideal for traveling in boats, small planes, or anything where your gear could be exposed to the elements.  The smaller Storm Sacks are perfect for all those little things that can’t get wet.  A couple of these wouldn’t be a bad idea at all.  If you see more that may fit your individual needs they are available as well.

Compass/First Aid

No matter what you are doing outdoors it is smart to carry a compass with you.  We use the Brunton compasses http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=92.  Your price on this specific one is $17.99.  It is not only great for navigation but also handy in case of an emergency with the mirror on it.

Knife

If you are planning on helping your guide prepare an animal should you have success you will need the proper cutlery.  A gutting and skinning knife would be the most useful to you.  Our recommendation is the Browning Micarta Big Game knife.  You can view this knife at http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/knives/detail.asp?value=049G&cat_id=322&type_id=642. 

Retail:  $109.99                              Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price:  $98.99 

A knife sharpener is absolutely necessary as you are sure to dull your blades through the gutting, skinning, and caping process.  We urge you to use one that has two grits, coarse and fine, so that you can fix a badly damaged edge.  A DMT diamond stone works great for this and will pack lightly and easily.  You can view this sharpener at http://www.dmtsharp.com/products/diafold.htm.  Your price is $26.99.

Gutting gloves are a must have – they will keep you clean and dry through the whole process.  Shoulder length gloves worn underneath and wrist length surgical glove work the best.  A pack with both sets in it is $1.79.  We would carry at least two sets with.

Orange tracking tape is handy for several reasons.  Most commonly it is used for following a blood trail.  It can also be used to mark certain points for reference.  For instance, if you shoot an animal and begin the process of looking for a trail in thick cover it is often helpful to look back at where you shot from.  With some orange trail tape on a tree there will be no question as to where you started from.  One 150 foot roll will cost you $2.24. 

Anytime you are hunting it is a great idea to carry a lens pen with you so that you can clean and clear your optics.  This is never more true than on a hunt like this as you will rely heavily on your optics to spot Mule Deer.  Believe me, it is very frustrating when you’re in a situation where you are fully prepared to make the shot of a lifetime and not able to get the animal in your scope because it is dirty or foggy.  A Leupold lens pen will cost you $8.99. 

It is our hope that you find the information we provided to be useful.  Once you have had a chance to look this over and do some research of your own we would be happy to answer any questions that you may have.  Please remember, there are many choices in the categories we have discussed.  The aforementioned products are our recommendations based on the joint effort of Streiff Sporting Goods and our customers, Outdoor Connection agents and clients who have been to this destination, and our supporting manufacturers.