Hunters differ on many aspects of hunting, such as their favorite game to hunt, trophies vs. meat, stalking, or stand hunting. But one thing we can all agree on is that hunting can be expensive!
Camo, guns, ammo, licenses, packs, knives, scopes, binoculars, boots, dogs, gas, duck stamps, guides – it all adds up quickly. However, we're all happy to have paid the price when we're successful in the end.
We all want to get value for our hunting expenditures. "Cheap" and "expensive" are relative terms, depending on how helpful your purchase was and how much you love and use it effectively. So, as long as you get what you were expecting, you're happy.
We asked some of our friends and followers to tell us about the hunting gear that has given them a lot of value. That's not to say they're cheap – some are inexpensive – but rather that you'll get more than your money's worth from these products. Keep reading for some of our best gear insights!
Hunting Gear Recommended by Hunter-Ed and Friends
We want you to have the best gear in the field, but there's often no need to overspend on quality. However, sometimes spending a little more gives you a better-quality resource that helps you get that elusive buck and lasts through many, many seasons.
Here's what a few of our friends recommend.
Tim Wagner: Federal Fusion Ammo
We talked to Tim Wagner about some of his annual hunting traditions. Here's what he has to say about ammo.
"I began using Federal Fusion ammunition soon after it came out in 2005. I had always used Remington Core-Lokt ammo, but I had a couple of instances when I didn't like its performance on deer.
The Federal Fusion marketing caught my attention. The lead core is bonded to the copper jacket, and it is affordable. Plus, the performance proved it wasn't just marketing.
Most of my shots on deer passed completely through, and I was using just a .243 at the time. When I did manage to dig one out of a deer, it was perfectly mushroomed and intact.
The performance was so good that rather than spend a lot of money on more expensive ammo for a safari to South Africa, I took Federal Fusion for my .30-06. I could afford to practice with it at the range beforehand, too. It performed flawlessly.
The skinners brought me bullets from a close-in gemsbok shot and a 220-yard blesbok shot – both, again, had mushroomed perfectly and retained almost all their original weight. Like most PHs, my professional hunter advocated for the Swift A-frame bullet. However, that was the first time he had seen the Fusions, and he said he was impressed.
I'm still impressed, and that's why I use the 120-grain Federal Fusions in my .25-06 for whitetails. Most common cartridges sell at retailers for between $20-$35 for a 20-round box."
Mia Anstine: Leatherman Wave Multi-Tool
Our friend Mia Anstine loves her Leatherman Wave multi-tool. She says:
"With advances in technology and production, prices have dropped for many hunting items. With reduced prices, some products have also diminished the quality of their items. However, one item I've always found to be of excellent quality and come in handy is my multi-tool.
I carry the Leatherman® Wave®. It has a screwdriver, pliers, wire cutters, saw, and knives. It's my all-around "MacGyver" tool.
I've used it to wire broken fences closed so horses can't escape. It's come in handy for replacing light bulbs in a pinch. I even use it to skin, cape, and field dress elk. It's a tool that is definitely worth the price."
Other Top Gear Recommendations
From scent control to apparel, quality gear can make a big difference in a successful hunt vs. coming home empty-handed.
Ozonics Scent Eliminator
The products from Ozonics are great options to help you hunt without animals smelling you in the area.
Their devices transform oxygen molecules into ozone molecules. Then, with a silent fan that can sit with you in your blind or stand, the device projects the ozone molecules downwind and over your scent zone. The unstable molecules bond with your scent molecules, making them unrecognizable to deer and other game with the ability to smell you wherever you are in the field.
So, if you're looking for something quiet and reliable to keep your scent to yourself, check out the products from Ozonics.
Garmin GPS Products
Don't get lost in the field!
For many years, hunters have defaulted to using cell phones and simple maps to scout and record locations but switching to a high-quality GPS can improve your hunting success. With the right tool, you can quickly mark and pinpoint areas while scouting. On backpacking hunts, you can easily see where you've been and make sure you don't slip onto private property.
Garmin handhelds come preloaded with all U.S. topographic maps, and adding additional information like property lines and waypoints is easy. Plus, they're rugged enough to take a beating, power up quickly, and find your location in no time.
However, if you prefer to travel later and use your phone for scouting, land boundaries, marking locations and animal activity, and viewing topographical maps, an app like HuntWise could be the tool you need.
RedHead Hunting Apparel
The RedHead® brand from Bass Pro Shops is high-quality gear for a very reasonable price. You can often find camo, jackets, gloves, hats, etc., for well less than brand-name prices, and the performance is as good (or better) than the more expensive stuff.
You'll like RedHead gear if your main goal is maximizing your dollar without sacrificing performance. You work hard for my money and want to make sure the gear you buy works just as hard for me in the field. With RedHead, you can be confident you're getting quality, dependable gear that won't disappoint you.
It might not be the flashiest gear you can find out there, but it gets the job done, is dependable, and is priced fairly.
Here are a few key items to consider for your hunting apparel collection:
RedHead WINDSHEAR Elite Pants for Men:These pants block the wind and help keep you warm and dry during your hunt.
RedHead Mesh Bug Jacket with Integrated Face Mask: Keep the bugs out of your face and clothing with this jacket! An integrated face mask and elastic sleeve cuffs keep the bugs where they're supposed to be: outside of your gear.
RedHead Blaze Vest and Hat Combo: Responsible hunters know the importance of wearing the right amount of blaze orange and the field, and this combo helps you stay visible to other hunters.
RedHead Midweight Gloves for Men: Keep your hands warm and agile when placing decoys with these gloves!
Remember: Do your research! When using any product mentioned here (or elsewhere), always review and follow the manufacturer's guidelines and safety recommendations.
Use the Right Gear and Get Safety Certified for Successful Hunts
Success in the field requires research, knowledge, skill, and the right gear. We hope these recommendations and insights help you start your gear kit or enhance what you currently use! While we've highlighted some reliable products, there are lots of hunting gear options out there. Use what works best to keep you safe and help you bring home the game you're after.
Along with the right gear, make sure you have a hunter education card! It's another piece of "gear" you need with you in the field, but it's more than just a tool – it's the education hunters need to operate safely while hunting.
Through a Hunter-Ed course, you'll learn about things like the amount of blaze orange you need in the field (and how it keeps you safe), how to transport your firearms safely, how to determine your safe zone of fire, and more safety essentials.
So, as you collect your gear for your next hunt, make sure your safety certification is part of your kit! Find the course for your state and start learning.
Originally published December 12, 2014. Most recent content update June 3, 2024.
