Oldies but goodies

[JakeD]

Lately I have found myself drawn to vintage hunting/camping items.  I'm tired of seeing all the space age technology and disposable items that have crept into the hunting industry, just like they have every other facet of life.  With that said, I just wondered if anybody would post up some items that they love to hunt or camp with that are considered "old school", but work just as well now as when you bought them.  Even if some of these things aren't made anymore, feel free to include them.  The simpler the better, especially if it stands the test of time.

[Jon Stewart]

Wife and I are tent poor, BUT, the one I use the most is an old canvas tent. Easy to put up and lot of room. It is a real old K-Mart, SS Kresge canvas tent.  I hang it up in the garage after every use for two days to make sure it is dry before I put it away.

[Orion]

My drinking cup is a steel one I bought about 30-40 years ago.  Been on a lot of hunts with me, as has my nesting steel knife/fork spoon, which I found on a portage in the Boundary Waters about 30 years ago. A Swiss Army knife has been a permanent fixture in my pocket for as long as I can remember.  

Had a wall tent made about 30-40 years ago as well.  Hasn't seen much use in the last 10-15 years though.  I've been doing more packing in and being packed in the past several years and use a light, synthetic tent for that.  I expect I'll begin using it again as I hunt closer to the trailhead. I still like and use a candle lantern when bivouacing

Still shoot wood arrows and Zwickey 4-blade Deltas, though I now also shoot some skinny carbons.

All of the old(er) bows I've had, I had to trade or sell for lighter versions.  Used to shoot 60-65 even 70# when I was in my 20s through early 60s, but am down to 45-50# now that I'm in my early 70s. Have gravitated toward older bows though.  An '82 Bear Green Stripe TD is one of my favorites, and I have a couple of Hills in my stable.

I have always worn wool, as a base layer, Bean and Woolrich plaid shirts and as outer layers.  Will continue to do so, but I've also added some synthetic outer layer clothing to block the wind.  

Iv'e been building, restoring and paddling wood and canvas canoes for more than 40 years.  Canoe camping is one of my favorite ways to go.

I could go on, but you get the picture.

[Stumpkiller]

Some of my "old school" day hike/hunt gear.

   

   

The bow I used this past season was made in 1967 (a Red Wing Hunter).  The broadhead (a Mowoc Dot) was made in 1960.

I use Douglas fir arrows - but those are from recently cut trees . . . I think(?)

[JakeD]

I really like the idea of the canoe camping.  Something about paddling in and getting away from everybody.  I'll be making my first trip to Boundary Waters this coming July.  Can't wait.

[frank bullitt]

Great post!

[M60gunner]

I use one of those 10 cup aluminum coffee pots from the old days. Actually it was my Mother’s backup in case the glass one broke. Used one of my C Rat openers from 1967 for years as well. I did have a mess kit that found it’s way home from USMC but when I left being an adult Scout leader I gave it to one of the boys.

[JakeD]

Orion.....sounds like you have a lot of experience with canoes.  Any advice on buying one?  I've never owned one, but I do have some experience with them.  Just not certain what to look for when buying.

[ronp]

My canvas tent might be considered "old school".   It's a Whelen type canvas lean-to.  Works for early season archery in the Adirondack mts., where it got down below freezing a couple nights back in September.

 

[ronp]

I hunt a little bit out of my old school cedar canoe. I gotta do it more often!

   

[ron w]

Nice ........I use a old military alcohol stove now and then. Great for a cup of tea, or some hot soup. Always have my Dad's Camillus knife with me when I hunt.

[Homey88]

RonP that is an awesome wheelen set up!

[JakeD]

Very nice canoe! If you don't mind my asking, what kind of sweater is that in the front of it?

[Stumpkiller]

Looks like a Bob Fratzke Winona

One of my favorite camp patterns . . . of the past.  :-(


Though it may be available once again(?)    https://theknittree.com/fratzke_winona_camo.html  

   

[JakeD]

Thanks stumpkiller. Ive seen those shirts in several old issues of traditional bowhunter magazine and always wondered what they were. I really like the looks of them.

[ron w]

I have one of those sweaters.......they are great!!

[Stumpkiller]

Years ago I was bowhunting behind my house when I lived in a more urban area.  As I sat there with my back to a tree on a trunk laying on the ground I had a family of five walk past on a trail and pass within 25 feet of me.  They never noticed me sitting there.  

I had the Winona knit pants, sweater and forage cap (and grease face-paint).

It is great for breaking up your outline.  I just wish I had also bought the snow-camo version.

They also made a fleece lined belt pouch (same outer knit pattern) that I couldn't hunt without.  I keep my hand in that with my tab on and am ready to draw without needing a glove or mitt in the coldest weather.

[ronp]

I think it's a Winona copy, but I'm not sure.  It's awesome, though, and very warm.