Keeping Your Hunting Gear in Top Shape for 2024

Did you know that 87% of hunters find their camouflage clothing damaged or lost? This happens at the beginning of the hunting season.¹ It shows how important it is to take care of your gear. Proper maintenance helps your equipment last longer and keeps you safe and cozy during the 2024 hunting season.¹

It's key to take good care of your hunting gear. Avoid using fabric softeners on advanced fabrics.¹ Also, make sure to clean, condition, and waterproof your boots, sleeping bags, and tents often. This care will boost their lifespan.¹ This way, you save money by avoiding early wear and gear damage. Plus, you'll be ready for great hunts in 2024 and after.

Key Takeaways

Avoid fabric softeners that can degrade technical fabrics' performance
Regularly clean, condition, and waterproof gear to extend its lifespan
Proper maintenance saves money by preventing premature damage
Prepare for successful hunts in the 2024 season with well-maintained gear
Utilize scent-eliminating detergents and ozone treatment for hunting clothes

Essential Trekking Poles and Shooting Sticks

The Argali Carbon X Trekking Poles are great for hiking and as shooting sticks. They are light, weighing only 15 oz. The length can be adjusted from 25.5 to 55 inches. They have rubber caps to move quietly when hunting.² You can use them with the Argali QuickShot and X3 adapters to make a solid shooting base for guns or cameras. People who tested them liked how solid yet light they are, the comfy grips, and how easy the adapters are to put on. But, they did find that screwing on the adapters takes some time.

Argali Carbon X Trekking Poles

The Argali QuickShot Adapter ($19) and X3 Trekking Pole Adapter ($20) make the Carbon X poles great for shooting. They twist on tightly, so you get a firm platform for shooting with rifles or taking photos. People found the adapters simple to use. But, they noticed it's slower to screw them on than a snap-in type.

QuickShot Adapter and X3 Trekking Pole Adapter

³ The best trekking pole height for shooting support is between 140 cm to 155 cm. This caters to hunters of different sizes. It's said that a shooting bipod made from trekking poles can help raise your effective shooting distance. This can go from 100-125 yards up to 200-250 yards. However, using trekking poles as shooting sticks comes with some issues. It can be hard to use with gloves, and the shooting position may not be the best.

⁴ Most trekking poles are crafted from carbon fiber or aluminum. Carbon poles are stiff and light, while aluminum ones are affordable and flexible. Trekking poles lessen the strain on your knees, especially when carrying a heavy load. They also offer balance on rough ground and cut down on tiredness during climbs. Seekoutside and Tarptent sell trekking poles that can help with tents or shelters. Seekoutside even makes accessories to turn trekking poles into shooting sticks, bipods, or tripods. You can choose between poles that collapse or telescope. Telescoping poles are popular for being both adjustable and strong.

Must-Have Hunting Knives

Benchmade Raghorn 15600-01 Knife

The Benchmade Raghorn 15600-01 Knife is perfect for handling large game. It's light at 3.56 oz but strong. The 4-inch blade is sharp and won't wear down easily. It's great for cutting through tough animal parts like muscle and bone⁵.

The knife has a carbon fiber handle. It feels good in your hand, even if you use it a lot. There's a special pattern on the handle that helps you hold onto it better. Plus, the blade is bright orange, so you won't lose it easily, even in dim light.

To make your hunting knife last longer, take care of it⁶. In the summer, your sweaty hands can cause the blade to corrode. Make sure to clean your knife after each use. Also, keep the blade well-oiled to prevent rust and make it work better⁶.

If your knife needs serious help, a bladesmith can fix it up for you⁶. Always store your knife in a dry place. This keeps it from getting damaged and stops mold from growing on it⁶.

Top Hunting Backpacks for 2024

Outfitting for the backcountry means you need a hunting backpack that's comfy, tough, and flexible. Kuiu leads with performance hunting gear, and their options stand out. They're great for female hunters and those who prefer to hunt light.

Kuiu Women's Pro 3600 Pack

The Kuiu Women's Pro 3600 Pack is made for female hunters. It's light, at only 4 lbs 8.2 oz, and comes with an adjustable suspension system. This system handles heavy meat loads up to 70 lbs.

It boasts dual-density foam pads in key spots and a moisture-wicking blend. These features reduce fatigue and keep you cool on tough hikes. It takes a bit of time to get it just right, but once set up, it feels great even when fully loaded.

The pack is made tough with 500D Cordura fabric, a carbon frame, and sturdy buckles. This means it's built to endure.⁷

Kuiu Stalker Pro 500

The Kuiu Stalker Pro 500 is a light, day-hunting pack (8.8 oz)⁷. It's ideal for various hunts. Even though it's simple, the Stalker Pro offers a comfy carry all day. This is thanks to its adjustable, breathable shoulder, chest, and waist straps.

It has 500 cubic inches of space and can hold up to 3 liters of water. There's still enough room for your gear. Testers liked how the back panel and straps kept them cool by increasing airflow and reducing sweat.

But, they did run into a problem with the hydration bladder that comes with it. It tends to leak. So, they suggest using a different hydration system.⁸

Lightweight Fixed Blade Knives

Montana Knife Company The Speedgoat Fixed Blade

The Montana Knife Company Speedgoat knife weighs just 1.7 oz. It's perfect for field dressing big game.

⁹ It's simple but gets the job done. Users found it worked well for tasks like field dressing and deboning a deer. They also liked the paracord-wrapped handle. It made the knife easy to hold. Plus, there's 7 feet of paracord you can use if needed.

Hunting Gear Maintenance

Proper hunting gear maintenance is a must to make your equipment last longer. Avoid using fabric softeners. They can make your items less water-resistant and breezy.¹⁰ You should wash and reproof gear like rain jackets often. This keeps them waterproof. It's also important to clean sleeping bags softly. Then, store them loosely to stay fluffy and warm. Be sure to condition your leather boots to keep water out and prevent early damage. If you take good care of your hunting gear, it will work well for a long time.

Good maintenance means frequently cleaning, waterproofing, and storing your gear. By caring for your equipment this way, it stays in great shape. This makes sure it's ready for your outdoor trips.

Advanced Trail Cameras

The Moultrie Mobile Edge Cellular Trail Camera stands out with its features. It tackles the usual issues of standard trail cams. It has a 33MP image sensor and can shoot 720p videos. This allows it to capture clear photos and videos during day and night.¹¹ Its cell network capability, with a monthly fee, lets you see your photos and videos from anywhere. You can do this through the Moultrie Mobile app. This is great news for hunters with spots that are far from home. People who tested it liked how well it picked up cell signals, its easy setup, and that it manages memory automatically. This means you don't have to worry about replacing full SD cards.

Moultrie Mobile Edge Cellular Trail Camera

Moultrie is known for offering high-quality gear for hunting. This includes trail cameras that outdoor lovers swear by.¹¹ In 2024, Moultrie introduced new wildlife feeder tools and add-ons. Examples are the Lumen Photocell Feeder Kit and Ranch Series® feeder extras. These additions show Moultrie's ongoing dedication to innovation and the hunter's community.¹¹

Ants have a thing for electronics, especially warm ones like trail cameras. This attraction can lead to big problems for your camera. They might mess up the wiring, gnaw on seals, or lay eggs inside.¹¹ Luckily, there are a few tricks you can use to keep ants away. Dryer sheets, duct tape, and even bay leaves can stop them from ruining your gear.¹¹

trail cameras

Laser Rangefinders for Long-Range Shooting

For those aiming at far-off targets, the Vortex Razor HD 4000 GB Laser Rangefinder shines. It offers a 7x zoom for up to 4,000 yards¹². This is perfect for hitting the mark at long distances. Plus, it includes sensors for temperature, pressure, and humidity¹². These help adjust your shot for different weather conditions.

The Vortex Razor HD 4000 GB might take a bit to master, but it's worth it. Testers praise it for fixing distance errors in long shots. Its tough build and scratch-resistant design are perfect for hunting far from the beaten path. This ensures it lasts through tough conditions, keeping its precision.

New Hunting Apparel Highlights

ScentLok introduces the Saddle Hunter Midweight Jacket and Pant for tree saddle hunters.¹³ These clothes serve a special need. The jacket has front pockets reachable when seated, a longer back, and a spot for a tree harness. The pants are designed without back pockets to avoid sitting discomfort, and they feature removable knee pads. Made of soft, soundless polyester and poly fleece, these items offer quiet movement in the forest.

The 2024 season sees ScentLok's new insulated headwear, keeping hunters warm. They are designed to be waterproof and windproof, coming in both the regular ScentLok and the high-end BE:1 series. These hats ensure warmth and breathability, essential on cold days.

ScentLok Saddle Hunter Midweight Jacket and Pant

ScentLok Insulated Hats

For those looking for traditional wool with a modern twist, Blocker Outdoors presents the Wooltex Pro Jacket and Pant.¹³ A wool and polyester fleece outer layer meets a polyester grid fleece inside, with the WindBlocker in between. This design prevents wind without trapping moisture and stays odor-free with S3 technology. The set is made for comfort and performance with features like a flexible hood, adjustable waist, and designed knees for hunting through the season.

Blocker Outdoors Wooltex Pro Jacket and Pant

Some of the new 2024 hunting apparel includes the SITKA Ambient Hoodie, providing warmth with Primaloft Evolve, making it breathable. The Chene Gear Sixty Series ½ Zip tech hoodie, the Stone Glacier Helio Pullover, and the Grumman Goose Down Jacket offer core warmth and are easy to pack. Additionally, the SKRE Gear Hardscrabble Jacket/Pant and Kodiak Pant outfits use quiet and wind-resistant materials with smart venting.

SITKA Ambient Hoodie, Chene Gear Sixty Series ½ Zip, Stone Glacier Helio Pullover and Grumman Goose Down Jacket, SKRE Gear Hardscrabble Jacket/Pant and Kodiak Pant

hunting apparel

Conclusion

Keeping your hunting gear in top shape is key. You should clean, condition, and store it right.¹⁴ Avoid fabric softeners. Wash sleeping bags carefully. And don't forget to waterproof your boots. These steps really help your gear last longer and work better. By looking after your gear well, you'll save money over time. Plus, you'll be more ready for successful hunts in the 2024 season.¹⁴

Research shows a clear link between well-kept gear and successful hunting trips. Make sure to check, clean, oil, and replace breaks in your gear. This can stop many problems before they start and ensure your gear is ready for the next season.¹⁴

Putting effort into your hunting gear's care is a smart move. It helps your gear perform better, last longer. And it improves your hunting success. With the right maintenance, you'll take on the 2024 hunting season with more confidence. And your gear will be there with you, reliable and ready.

FAQ

Why is proper hunting gear maintenance important?

Keeping hunting gear in top shape is vital. It ensures everything lasts longer and works better. This is crucial for staying both safe and comfy while hunting. By taking care of your gear, you save money over time.

How can I extend the lifespan of my hunting boots and other technical fabrics?

To make your gear last longer, avoid fabric softeners. They can harm the water-repelling and breathable abilities of your gear. Regular cleanings, conditionings, and waterproofings keep your items ready for action.

What features make the Argali Carbon X Trekking Poles a versatile hunting tool?

The Argali Carbon X Trekking Poles are excellent for more than just walking. They're light and strong. With the QuickShot and X3 adapters, they become a steady support for shooting, taking photos, or aiming with a scope.

What makes the Benchmade Raghorn 15600-01 Knife a good choice for field dressing big game?

The Benchmade Raghorn 15600-01 Knife stands out for its cutting power. Its 4-inch blade is made from top quality steel. This means it keeps an edge well, slicing through animal parts like a hot knife through butter. Plus, its carbon fiber handle is light and fits your hand well.

What features make the Kuiu Women's Pro 3600 Pack well-suited for backcountry big game hunting?

The Kuiu Women's Pro 3600 Pack is built for tough missions. It can carry up to 70 lbs of meat. Plus, it won't wear you out because it's adjustable and feels good on your back. The padding and mesh mean less sweat and more comfort.

What are the key features of the ultralight Montana Knife Company Speedgoat Fixed Blade knife?

The Montana Knife Company Speedgoat Fixed Blade knife is super light at just 1.7 oz. It's easy to hold, thanks to the handle wrapped with paracord. This knife is perfect for all the cutting and cleaning jobs thanks to its sharp, durable blade.

How can I maintain the water-repellency and breathability of my hunting clothing and gear?

To keep your gear in top waterproof and breathable condition, skip the fabric softeners. Wash and reproof your gear often. Also, take care to properly store and condition items like sleeping bags and leather boots. This ensures they stay good as new.

What advanced features make the Moultrie Mobile Edge Cellular Trail Camera a top choice?

The Moultrie Mobile Edge Cellular Trail Camera is packed with top-notch tech. It snaps clear 33MP pictures and records in 720p. Plus, it connects to the internet, letting you check it from afar through the Moultrie Mobile app.

What makes the Vortex Razor HD 4000 GB Laser Rangefinder well-suited for long-range hunting?

The Vortex Razor HD 4000 GB is made for spotting far-off targets, up to 4,000 yards. It even tells you about the weather so you can shoot accurately. It's tough and resistant to scratches, which is perfect for the rugged outdoors.

What new hunting apparel options are available for 2024 that address specific needs?

For 2024, there are cool new choices in hunting wear. Check out the ScentLok Saddle Hunter Midweight Jacket and Pant, perfect for those who hunt from trees. There are also fresh insulated hats from ScentLok and the Blocker Outdoors Wooltex Pro Jacket and Pant, combining classic wool with high-tech features.