Preferred Product List for Alaskan Moose Hunt
The next products that we would like to discuss are optics and a pack for your hunt.
Quality optics are a must on a hunt like this. You can plan on spending many hours each day “glassing” for moose. Having the right optics will reduce eye fatigue and allow you to be more alert when it counts. They will also allow you to see clearly at the critical dawn and dusk hours.
A good pack is almost like having the right footwear. It needs to be built well enough to withstand the elements. It needs to fit well enough that you are comfortable wearing it all day. It needs to be versatile enough to pack the little things you need while accommodating a load of meat going back to camp.
Optics
As was previously stated, optics can make a world of difference on a hunt like this. With the understanding that you will be spending hours each day looking through them, optics are not an area one should leave to chance.
Binoculars
You both have binoculars that may be adequate for this hunt. Randy, with your Zeiss 10×42’s, and Kelly, with the set of 10×42’s that you have. You also already have the size and power that we recommend for your hunt – 10×42. Therefore, the most important aspects to consider are durability and light transmission. The biggest difference you may find between what we recommend and what you have is light transmission – we say may here because we don’t know what Kelly has. Light transmission is a factor of the material that the manufacturer uses to coat the various lenses inside anything optical. High quality coatings will give you a bright, clear picture in the lowest of light and the finest, crispest picture under any condition. The binoculars that we recommend are made by Swarovski. They provide the brightest, clearest, and most crisp picture we have ever seen. They are also durable enough to handle the abuse they are sure to get on this hunt and many hunts down the road. We use these nearly every day and they are with us on every hunt we go on. Eye fatigue, headaches, and dark pictures are not words that you will ever hear in the same sentence with Swarovski.
We are not proponents of buying optics unless you have the ability to try them out. If you have had, or do have, the opportunity to look through a set of Swarovski SLC’s or EL’s under any hunting condition you will know what we mean. If you haven’t had the opportunity, please let us know and we will work something out – you really have to try them to understand them. We can ship you a set for a “test” drive.
You can view Swarovski binoculars at http://www.swarovskioptik.us/en_us/products/2. The difference between the SLC’s and the EL’s is body construction, with the EL’s being lighter. Both are extremely durable and, of course, backed by a lifetime warranty.
Exclusive OC client pricing on the SLC 10×42’s: $1,439.99 Regular Retail: $1,599.99
Exclusive OC client pricing on the EL 10×42’s: $1,769.99 Regular Retail: $1,969.99
Another high quality set of binoculars that we recommend are made by Leupold. The Golden Ring 10×42HD’s provide a quality picture and are built to stand up to everything you will ever through at them. You can view these at http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-shooting/products/binoculars/.
Exclusive OC client pricing on the Golden Ring 10×42HD’s: $719.99 Regular Retail: $799.99
It is always a good idea to carry your binoculars on a bino system. If you don’t know what this is you can view it at http://www.crookedhorn.com/cms/shop.html?page=shop.browse&category_id=12&vmcchk=1.
The bino system will keep your binoculars at your chest and ready for whenever you may need them. They will also eliminate a lot of the weight you would feel while carrying binoculars with a standard neck strap. The bino system is an inexpensive way to make a huge difference on your hunt.
Exclusive OC client pricing on the bino system: $22.49 Regular Retail: $24.99
Rangefinder
Per our original phone conversation, you both felt fairly comfortable with your rangefinders. 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 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/.
Exclusive OC client pricing on the Leupold RX1000: $359.99 Regular Retail: $399.99
Rifle Scope
Per our phone conversation, we believe you are both comfortable with the riflescopes you have on your guns. Brands that we know will perform the way you expect them to are Swarovski, Leupold, and Nikon. If you would like to discuss in more detail please let us know.
Again, there is a lot that goes into understand and using optics properly. There are also a lot of options on the market. We have tried to keep this as simple and straightforward as possible while outlining the features and benefits that are most important to you. If you would like to discuss any of this in more detail let us know and we would be happy to do so.
Pack
We discussed this on the phone in our first conversation. At that time our recommendation was the Eberlestock Just One pack. This is still our recommendation for your hunt. Kelly has the Eberlestock Dragonfly so we know you understand why Eberlestock’s packs are at the top of their class in build, fit, and functionality. The Just One pack is very similar to the Dragonfly. In fact, it allows for the same amount of storage space: 2,900 to 7,900 c.i. One big difference is the overall weight of the pack. The Just One weighs 6.8lbs – almost 2 pounds lighter than the Dragonfly. It also has an improved internal aluminum frame system that will support plenty of weight. Hopefully this will come in very handy! The one thing that the Dragonfly has that the Just One doesn’t is an adjustable torso. As you may know, this is quite important to a proper fit. However, the Just One is built specifically for people of your size so we feel comfortable in making it our number one recommendation. Other important items are a rain fly and hydration bladder. The hydration bladder is also recommended by Tim. You can view these packs at http://eberlestock.com/hunting.htm.
Exclusive OC client pricing on the Just One pack: $179.99 Regular Retail: $199.99
Exclusive OC client pricing on the Rain Fly: $24.29 Regular Retail: $26.99
Exclusive OC client pricing on the 2L Hydration System: $17.99 Regular Retail: $19.99
It is our hope that you find the information we provided to be useful. Once you have had a chance to look this over and do some research of your own we would be happy to answer any questions that you may have. Please remember, there are many choices in the other than the products that we have discussed.
