&#187; Hunting and Fishing Recommended Gear List

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

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:

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.sitkagear.com/products/forest/jackets-vests/all-vests/

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

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:

Next to Skin Layer
Insulation Layer(s) with vest
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.

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

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.

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

Recommended Gear List Fall Black Bear Hunt

admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:22:21 +0000

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

Next to Skin Layer

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.

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

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.

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:

Next to Skin Layer
Outer Layer
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.

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

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

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.

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

Retail: $79.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $71.99

Compass/First Aid

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.

Knife

Retail: $109.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $98.99

Trail Tape

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

To give you some starting points:

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.

Nick Marvin

Alaska Fishing Gear List

admin — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:36:43 +0000

This gear list is geared for a specific salt water Salmon/Halibut fishing trip out of Ketchikan Alaska. If you would like a recommended gear list for your specific hunting or fishing trip please contact me Greg Ray 918 407 2586 or email greg@outdoor-connection.com

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

To give you some starting points:

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.

Colorado Elk Hunt Recommended Gear List

admin — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 23:00:55 +0000

You just spent a some serious coin on a elk hunt, your hunt is just a few short months away, now what? You make sure you have everything you need to make your hunt successful and as comfortable as possible. This is why I have teamed up with Streiff’s Sporting Goods, to ensure you have everything you possibly need and at a great price as well. This Colorado Elk Hunt Gear Listis designed specifically for a November Elk Hunt in the Craig, Colorado area.

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 Boots:

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

Retail: $375.00 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $320.00

Gaiters:

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

Retail: $49.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $44.99

Socks

Danner Website:

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

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.

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

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.

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

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:

Next to Skin Layer
Insulation Layer(s) with vest
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

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

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

Retail: $24.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $22.49

Rangefinder

Retail: $399.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $359.99

Pack

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

Shooting Sticks

Retail: $49.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $44.99

Light

Retail: $79.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $71.99

Compass/First Aid

Scent Control

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.

Knife

Retail: $109.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $98.99

Trail Tape

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

Lens Pen

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

Dry Bags

To give you some starting points:

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

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.

Nick Marvin

Alaskan Dall Sheep Gear List

admin — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:41:07 +0000

Preferred Product List for Hidden Alaska Dall Sheep 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 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:

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:

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

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:

Next to Skin Layer
Insulation Layer(s) with vest
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.

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 10×42HD’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-10×42mm-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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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§ion=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.

Nick Marvin

Alberta Wolf Hunt Recommended Gear List

admin — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:49:46 +0000

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:

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.danner.com/category/accessories/socks.do

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:

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.

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

Retail: $17.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $16.19

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Light

Retail: $79.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $71.99

Dry Bags

To give you some starting points:

Retail: $84.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $76.49

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

Knife

Retail: $109.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $98.99

Trail Tape

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

Lens Pen

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.

Gear List For November Alberta Whitetail Hunt

admin — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:21:54 +0000

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:

Retail: $49.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $44.99

Camp Shoes

Muck Website:

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

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:

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

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

Sitka Website:

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

Retail: $199.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $179.99

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.

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

Retail: $17.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $16.19

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

Retail: $799.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $719.99

Retail: $24.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $22.49

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

Gun Case

Retail: $299.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $269.99

Shooting Sticks

Retail: $49.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $44.99

Scent Control

Light

Retail: $79.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $71.99

Dry Bags

To give you some starting points:

Retail: $84.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $76.49

Retail: $9.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $8.99

Compass/First Aid

Knife

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.

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.

Recommended Gear List for Nebraska Mule Deer Hunt

admin — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:37:25 +0000

Preferred Product List for Nebraska Trophy Bucks and Birds Mule Deer Hunt

The gear listed below is all based on personal experience and gear that either myself or a member of Streiffs Sporting Goods has personally used in the field. Please call me with any questions you might have and I will be happy to help out.

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

Footwear

Leather Hiking Boots

Danner’s Montana 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. Through our experience, the Montana’s advanced lug design has been a hunt saver when navigating wet, slippery, uneven terrain. This boot will also 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 Danner Montana’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!

Danner Website:

http://www.danner.com/product/hunting+boots/big+game+hunting/montana+hunter+gtx+400g+hunting+boots.do

Retail: $229.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $206.99

Kenetrek Website:

Retail: $49.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $44.99

Camp Shoes

Muck Website:

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

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 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 recommend that you bring some of each weight to be prepared for the various weather patterns you may encounter. A good choice for the midweight is the Danner Merino Wool Pronghorn. 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 Pronghorn:

Retail: $14.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive price: $11.99

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:

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. Based on the research we have done your average temperatures will range from about 28 degrees to 55 degrees in mid-November. Precipitation is normally light but you should be prepared for a wintry mix of snow or rain just in case. Average wind speeds were actually quite low for this area in November. However, in the open country you will be hunting the outer shell that we describe in this section will eventually prove invaluable as the potential for sharp, biting wind is good.

Next to Skin Layer

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

Bottoms are cut one way. Again, the standard weight(230g) is what we recommend for your hunt. We recommend you start with an XL in both the top and bottom of this set.

http://www.danner.com/product/hunting+boots/big+game+hunting/montana+hunter+gtx+400g+hunting+boots.do

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 is called 90% for a reason: you will wear this 90% of the time, whether it is as an outer layer or an insulation layer.

Sitka Website: http://www.sitkagear.com/Products.aspx?cat=22.

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

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

Another great option for those cooler mornings is the Sitka Celsius layer. This layer provides added insulating properties above and beyond what the 90% will. We see you wearing this layer over your 90% if you have to sit for long periods of time or if the weather is below 40 degrees for the day. Remember, it will still be important to use your wind blocking(the next section) layer if the wind comes up as neither the 90% nor the Celsius are built for this.

Sitka Website: http://www.sitkagear.com/Product.aspx?cat=38

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

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

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/Product.aspx?cat=278

Retail: $149.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $134.99

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 and windproof, including taped seams and waterproof zippers. There is nothing worse than having to spend a day in the field wet and cold. 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

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

Next to Skin Layer
Insulation Layer with vest
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. 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 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. It is pretty warm, though, and would be too much if it is 45 or 50 degrees. We see you using this glove when you’re glassing for Mule Deer on those cool, 30 degree mornings. A good 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

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

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

*I see that they do not list the Wind Pro glove – It is close to the Bow Stalker. Again, we want to make sure you get what works best for you – if you choose to purchase these gloves and would like to try something else we will take them back with no questions asked.

Retail: $24.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $22.49

Optics, Pack, and Accessories

“On each side of the valley is the Nebraska Sandhills, the place trophy mule deer call home. They glass the open hills in the morning and search the cedar filled canyons for bedding mule deer in the afternoons. Their evening hunts take place on alfalfa pivots or other food plots; this is a great chance to harvest your big mule deer buck.”

This except was taken from an Outdoor Connection Report on your outfitter. It is important to know that you could spend considerable time “glassing” for your trophy before you get set up for a shot. With this in mind, high quality optics will not only allow you to see more clearly but will also add to the enjoyment of your trip as you will experience less eye fatigue and be alert and ready when the moment of truth arrives.

Binoculars

Retail: $799.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $719.99

Retail: $24.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $22.49

Spotting Scope

A good spotting scope can make a huge difference when trying to size up a mule deer at long distances. It can also save you a lot of time because it will allow you to zoom in and see fine details more than any binocular will do. We use Swarovski spotting scopes. Quite simply, Swarovski offers the best optics available. You will not find brighter, crisper, clearer, or more durable optics than those made by Swarovski. We recommend the STS-80 scope for this hunt. The straight body will allow you to comfortably sit and “glass” game and the 80mm objective end will ensure that you get plenty of quality light transmission for those low light situations.

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 for not only this hunt but future hunts as well.

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

Your price on the set is $2419.99 Regular Retail is $2869.99

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 an Eberlestock pack(discussed later). 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.

Rangefinder

When the moment of truth arrives a rangefinder will eliminate any doubt as to how far a Mule 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.

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. This pack is the perfect size to carry everything you will need for a day trip – from a set of dry clothes to your spotting scope and tripod. 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

Gun Case

Your Price: $269.99 Regular Retail: $299.99

Shooting Sticks

Another accessory recommendation is something that we’ve identified as being important to us on our open area Midwest 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

Flashlights/Headlights

Your Price: $71.99 Regular Retail: $79.99

We recommended a headlight with for nighttime tracking jobs. We use the Browning Tactical Hunter Nitro. At a possible high output of 135 lumens you will see one hundred yards. You can view this at http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/family.asp?webflag_=030H&catalog_=H.

Your Price: $42.99 Regular Retail: $49.99

We have found it useful to have a cap light for the evenings. This allows for your hands to be free to do work around camp, read, or whatever you choose. The headlamp previously discussed will be too bright. 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.

The Sure Fire 6P light runs on the same batteries as the Browning Tactical Hunter headlamp so you won’t have to worry about different batteries for different lights – simple is better in this case! Our recommendation is to buy a bulk pack of batteries to carry in your pack at all times. This way you don’t have loose batteries floating around. One dozen batteries come in a small 2” by 2” box that takes up little space, weighs very little, and costs $21. This way you will always have a headlight and a flashlight that has batteries to power them. You can view this bulk pack at http://www.surefire.com/12-Pack-Batteries.

Scent Control

Knife

Your price: $98.99 Regular Retail: $109.99

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.

Compass/First Aid

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, the folks at Nebraska Trophy Bucks and Birds, and our supporting manufacturers.

Nick Marvin

Recommended Gear List for Quebec Caribou Hunt

admin — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 20:07:38 +0000

Preferred Product List for Safari Nordik Caribou Hunt

Footwear

Leather Hiking Boots

Danner’s Montana 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. Through our experience, the Montana’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 Danner Montana’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!

Danner Website:

Retail: $229.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $206.99

Kenetrek Website:

http://www.muckbootcompany.com/products/WMH-MOSG

Retail: $49.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $44.99

Hip Waders

If hip waders are your choice, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more comfortable, rugged pair than the Muck Woody Marsh. We, along with our customers, have worn Muck boots on various hunting trips around the globe and know that they will perform on your hunt. I have personally walked as many as 15 miles in a pair of Muck boots in one day hunting caribou in Quebec with no problems. They really are the most comfortable hip boot you will wear.

Muck Website:

Retail: $179.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $161.99 MOSG camo

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 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.danner.com/category/accessories/socks.do

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 recommend that you bring some of each weight to be prepared for the various weather patterns you may encounter. A good choice for the midweight is the Danner Merino Wool Pronghorn. 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 Pronghorn:

Retail: $14.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive price: $11.99

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:

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

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

Bottoms are cut one way. Again, the standard weight(230g) is what we recommend for your hunt. We recommend you start with an XL in both the top and bottom of this set.

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

Retail: $29.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $26.99

Insulation Layer/Outer Layer

Sitka Website: http://www.sitkagear.com/Products.aspx?cat=22.

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

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

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.

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=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

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

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

Next to Skin Layer
Insulation Layer(s) with vest
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. 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. When it is raining it is best to rely on your rain jacket’s hood to keep dry.

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. It is pretty warm, though, and would be too much if it is 45 or 50 degrees. We see you using this on the cool morning boat trip to you hunting location and that’s about it. A good 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. 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

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

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

Retail: $24.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $22.49

Optics, Pack, and Accessories

Optics

Retail: $799.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $719.99

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 Caribou 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.

Retail: $399.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $359.99

Pack

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. Having all of the right clothing will ensure that you are warm, dry, and comfortable. But then, the black flies begin to bother you to the point of going crazy. 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 our hunts with Safari Nordik – 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

Retail: $79.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $71.99

Bug Control

I’m sure you’re well aware of this by now but the flying bugs(mosquito’s, flies, etc.) can be terrible to deal with in Quebec. Hopefully it will be cool enough at night that they shouldn’t be too much of a problem but one sunny, 50 degree day, and they’ll be all over. Robinson Outdoors makes a non-scented bug spray called no stinkin’ bugs. This is our recommendation for bug spray. It comes in a small, easy to pack canister and works very well on mosquitoes and flies. We have used this in many situations and are very impressed with how well it keeps the bugs off of you as well as how scent free it is – we even use it for bow hunting. http://www.scentblocker.com/osc/product_info.php?products_id=79&osCsid=968eae3bc880f8c9eb757b83127d34cf&cPath=22_52.

Retail: $7.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $7.19

Dry Bags

To give you some starting points:

Retail: $84.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $76.49

Retail: $9.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $8.99

Compass/First Aid

Fishing

Our recommendation for a spinning rod was the St. Croix Premier 2 piece rod. The 7 foot, medium weight, fast action would be the best choice for this trip. You can view this rod at http://www.stcroixrods.com/rods/default2.asp?rodname=36.

Retail: $109.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $89.99

We would combo this up with a Shimano Saros 3000 spinning reel and 10 pound test monofilament line and you’d have a real nice setup. This reel is sturdy enough to handle the fight of anything you’ll hook into up there and has the spool capacity to go with it. You can view this reel at http://fish.shimano.com/publish/content/global_fish/en/us/index/products/reels/spinning/Saros_F.html.

Retail: $116.99 Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price: $99.99

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, Safari Nordik, and our supporting manufacturers.

Alberta Moose Hunt Gear List

admin — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:27:00 +0000

Preferred Product List for High Ridge Outfitters Moose Hunt

Greg Ray – October 5, 2009

The first category that we would like to discuss is clothing. As you know, proper clothing will allow you to withstand the elements you may face while in on your hunt. As we had discussed on the phone, layering is the key to making the clothing “system” work. Each layer plays a part in making the whole system work. There is a lot that goes into clothing. The main focus for you on this segment will be the base layer, or the next to skin layer.

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. The conditions that Greg and I discussed are most suitable for the standard weight(230g) garments. Minus 33 makes 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.

Exclusive OC client pricing on all three is: $29.99. Regular retail: $39.99

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

Exclusive OC client pricing is: $26.99 Regular Retail: $29.99

Insulation Layer

You will not need a heavy insulating layer for this hunt. After speaking with Greg and researching average temperatures for your area at the time of your hunt we have found that you will encounter some “cool” temperatures in the mornings and evenings but daytime temperatures could potentially be in the 50’s. There are a lot of good options for this layer. The key is to this layer is a garment that is lightweight, will provide the right amount of insulation, will wick moisture away from the next to skin layer, and will inhibit scent development. Above all else – remember to stay away from cotton.

Our recommendation for this layer is the Sitka Traverse top and bottom. These garments will do everything just discussed.

You can view these products at http://www.sitkagear.com/main.html.

Exclusive OC client pricing on the Sitka Traverse Top: $89.99 Regular Retail: $99.99

Exclusive OC client pricing on the Sitka Traverse Bottom: $71.99 Regular Retail: $79.99

Another Recommendation is the Browning 4X Microfleece top and bottom. They will also perform well in any conditions you face while in Alaska.

You can view these products at http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/family.asp?webflag_=026A&catalog_=A.

Exclusive OC client pricing on the Browning 4X Top: $80.99 Regular Retail: $89.99

Exclusive OC client pricing on the Browning 4X Bottom: $62.99 Regular Retail: $69.99

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.

Two recommendations here: The Sitka Celsius Vest http://www.sitkagear.com/main.html. And the Browning 4X Vest http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/family.asp?webflag_=026A&catalog_=A.

Exclusive OC client pricing on the Sitka Celsius Vest: $134.99 Regular Retail: $149.99

Exclusive OC client pricing on the Browning 4X Vest: $62.99 Regular Retail: $69.99

Protection Layer

This is undoubtedly the key to allowing your clothing system to work. 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.

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.

Sitka Website: http://www.sitkagear.com/main.html.

Exclusive OC client pricing on the Sitka 90% Jacket: $224.99 Regular Retail: $249.99

Exclusive OC client pricing on the Sitka 90% Pant: $206.99 Regular Retail: $229.99

Another recommendation is the Browning Hell’s Canyon top and bottom. These garments will also give you everything you need from this layer.

Browning Website: http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/family.asp?webflag_=027A&catalog_=A.

Exclusive OC client pricing on the Browning Hell’s Canyon Jacket: $89.99 Regular Retail: $99.99

Exclusive OC client pricing on the Browning Hell’s Canyon Bottom: $98.99 Regular Retail: $109.99

Waterproof, Wind Blocking Layer

Another consideration that must be made for this hunt is what you are going to wear for a protection layer when it rains. 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 Nimbus 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.

Sitka Website: http://www.sitkagear.com/main.html.

Exclusive OC client pricing on the Sitka Nimbus Jacket: $314.99 Regular Retail: $349.99

Exclusive OC client pricing on the Sitka Nimbus Pant: $224.99 Regular Retail: $249.99

Another fine choice would be the Browning Zero Gravity Top and Bottom.

Browning Website: http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/family.asp?webflag_=027A&catalog_=A.

Exclusive OC client pricing on the Browning Zero Gravity Top: $152.99 Regular Retail: $169.99

Exclusive OC client pricing on the Browning Zero Gravity Bottom: $116.99

Regular Retail: $129.99

*Our experience has shown that the Sitka Nimbus is extremely durable rainwear – among the best we have ever worn. This is critical for your hunt as you will encounter some very tough, thick terrain.

Please note that alone the Sitka 90% will not cut the wind well enough when it is windy and cool. Browning’s Hell’s Canyon top and bottom will do a better job here. We wear Sitka’s entire system for all of our hunts and turn to the Nimbus top and bottom as a layer on top of the 90% when it is windy. While hunting caribou, sheep, bear, and moose across Canada and Alaska we always have this layer ready to cut the wind or stop the rain. It is easy to pack and will not take up much room. Basically, it goes everywhere with us. The Zero Gravity set will provide similar protection to the wind and rain.

We also want to make sure you understand that the Nimbus or the Zero Gravity top and bottom will not provide enough insulation to be worn alone with a next to skin and insulation layer.

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

Next to Skin Layer
Insulation Layer with vest
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.

*Remember that you will have to wear your waders over layers 1 and 2, at a minimum, on the bottom. You should plan on wearing them over three layers on the bottom on the cold days. The protection layer(3) can be worn over your waders on the top.

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 each of 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. When it is raining it is best to rely on your rain jacket’s hood to keep dry.

Tim recommends a balaclava type of head covering to protect from wind and weather. Our recommendation here is the Avery Yukon hood. This is a balaclava type of 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.

Exclusive OC client pricing on the Yukon Hood: $16.19 Regular Retail: $17.99

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 is also as good of a water resistant glove we have seen. It is pretty warm, though, and would be too much if it is 45 or 50 degrees. A good lightly insulated glove is the Manzella Wind Pro glove – this glove will provide some protection from water but will not be 100% waterproof. 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.

Exclusive OC client pricing on a pair is $15.29. Regular Retail: $16.99.

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

Exclusive OC client pricing on the Under Armour Camo Liner Glove: $19.99 Regular Retail: $21.99

Exclusive OC client pricing on the Under Armour Coldgear Glove: $53.99 Regular Retail: $59.99

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

Exclusive OC client pricing on the Wind Pro Glove: $22.49 Regular Retail: $24.99

It is our hope that you find the information we have 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.

It is important to know that we have planned this clothing recommendation while keeping in mind that you will need to pack lightly to remain within weight limits. Also, all of the products we have noted should allow you to wear your waders over them. It will be important to try your system on to make sure that it will all work together.

Alaska Moose Hunt Gear List (Clothing)

admin — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:10:40 +0000

Preferred Product List for Alaska Moose Hunt

The second category that we would like to discuss is clothing. As you know, proper clothing will allow you to withstand the elements you may face while in Alaska. As we had discussed on the phone, layering is the key to making the clothing “system” work. Each layer plays a part in making the whole system work. There is a lot that goes into clothing. Included you will find a lot of information. Please remember that if you have questions at any time you can contact us for help.

Next to Skin Layer

Outdoor Connection Exclusive price on all three is: $29.99. Regular retail: $39.99

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

http://www.danner.com/product/hunting+boots/big+game+hunting/montana+hunter+gtx+400g+hunting+boots.do

Outdoor Connection Exclusive price is: $26.99 Regular Retail: $29.99

Insulation Layer

You will not need a heavy insulating layer for this hunt. After speaking with Tim and researching average temperatures for your area at the time of your hunt we have found that you will encounter some “cool” temperatures in the mornings and evenings but daytime temperatures could potentially be in the 50’s. There are a lot of good options for this layer. The key is to this layer is a garment that is lightweight, will provide the right amount of insulation, will wick moisture away from the next to skin layer, and will inhibit scent development. Above all else – remember to stay away from cotton.

Our recommendation for this layer is the Sitka Traverse top and bottom. These garments will do everything just discussed.

You can view these products at http://www.sitkagear.com/main.html.

Outdoor Connection Exclusive price on the Sitka Traverse Top: $89.99 Regular Retail: $99.99

Outdoor Connection Exclusive price on the Sitka Traverse Bottom: $71.99 Regular Retail: $79.99

Another Recommendation is the Browning 4X Microfleece top and bottom. They will also perform well in any conditions you face while in Alaska.

You can view these products at http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/family.asp?webflag_=026A&catalog_=A.

Outdoor Connection Exclusive Price on the Browning 4X Top: $80.99 Regular Retail: $89.99

Outdoor Connection Exclusive price on the Browning 4X Bottom: $62.99 Regular Retail: $69.99

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.

Two recommendations here: The Sitka Celsius Vest http://www.sitkagear.com/main.html. And the Browning 4X Vest http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/family.asp?webflag_=026A&catalog_=A.

Outdoor Connection Exclusive price on the Sitka Celsius Vest: $134.99 Regular Retail: $149.99

Outdoor Connection Exclusive price on the Browning 4X Vest: $62.99 Regular Retail: $69.99

Protection 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.

Sitka Website: http://www.sitkagear.com/main.html.

Outdoor Connection Exclusive price on the Sitka 90% Jacket: $224.99 Regular Retail: $249.99

Outdoor Connection Exclusive price on the Sitka 90% Pant: $206.99 Regular Retail: $229.99

Another recommendation is the Browning Hell’s Canyon top and bottom. These garments will also give you everything you need from this layer.

Browning Website: http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/family.asp?webflag_=027A&catalog_=A.

Outdoor Connection Exclusive price on the Browning Hell’s Canyon Jacket: $89.99 Regular Retail: $99.99

Your price on the Browning Hell’s Canyon Bottom: $98.99 Regular Retail: $109.99

Waterproof, Wind Blocking Layer

Sitka Website: http://www.sitkagear.com/main.html.

Outdoor Connection Exclusive price on the Sitka Nimbus Jacket: $314.99 Regular Retail: $349.99

Outdoor Connection Exclusive price on the Sitka Nimbus Pant: $224.99 Regular Retail: $249.99

Another fine choice would be the Browning Zero Gravity Top and Bottom.

Browning Website: http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/family.asp?webflag_=027A&catalog_=A.

Your price on the Browning Zero Gravity Top: $152.99 Regular Retail: $169.99

Your price on the Browning Zero Gravity Bottom: $116.99

Outdoor Connection Exclusive Retail: $129.99

We also want to make sure you understand that the Nimbus or the Zero Gravity top and bottom will not provide enough insulation to be worn alone with a next to skin and insulation layer.

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

Next to Skin Layer
Insulation Layer with vest
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

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

Outdoor Connection Exclusive price on the Yukon Hood: $16.19 Regular Retail: $17.99

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 is also as good of a water resistant glove we have seen. It is pretty warm, though, and would be too much if it is 45 or 50 degrees. A good lightly insulated glove is the Manzella Wind Pro glove – this glove will provide some protection from water but will not be 100% waterproof. 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.

Outdoor Connection Exclusive price on a pair is $15.29. Regular Retail: $16.99.

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

Your price on the Under Armour Camo Liner Glove: $19.99 Regular Retail: $21.99

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

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

Outdoor Connection Exclusive price on the Wind Pro Glove: $22.49 Regular Retail: $24.99

Again, thank you for the opportunity to help you prepare for this exciting hunt! Feel free to contact us 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.

Alaska Moose Hunt Gear List (Foot Wear)

admin — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:23:49 +0000

Preferred Product List for Alaskan Moose Hunt

The first category that we would like discuss is footwear. As you know from your elk hunts, 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. You have both worn quality boots in the past so we understand that you know what we are talking about.

Leather Hiking Boots

Danner’s Montana 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. Through our experience, the Montana’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, 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 Danner Montana’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!

Danner Website:

Retail: $229.99 Exclusive OC client pricing: $206.99

Kenetrek Website:

http://www.simmsfishing.com/site/g4_guide_boot.html

Retail: $49.99 Exclusive OC client pricing: $44.99

Hip Waders/Chest Waders

When we talked on the phone we were questioning the chest wader recommendation a little bit. Since that time we have done more research and are sending another client to the same location on a bear hunt next week. When we combine this knowledge and Greg’s knowledge from speaking with Tim we feel that it is in your best interest to be prepared to wear chest waders on this hunt. Based on information we have gathered from Tim and two of our customers who guide in Alaska, Simms products are the serious hunters choice when they want to do it right. Their G4 wading boot has a rubber sole and is comfortable enough to wear all day. The G3 waders are sufficient enough for the hunting you will be doing. They are light weight, easy to move in, extremely abrasion and puncture resistant, and dry!

Simms Website:

Retail: $219.99 Exclusive OC client pricing: $197.99 Boots

Retail: $399.99 Exclusive OC client pricing: $359.99 G3 stockingfoot waders

Muck Website:

http://www.muckbootcompany.com/products/WMH-MOSG

Retail: $179.99 Exclusive OC client pricing: $161.99 MOSG camo

Camp Shoes

Muck Website: