Western Hunting Gear Priorities

[Daz]

Must be a slow week for me, because i've been thinking...

When it comes to $$ spent on hunting gear for those of us who hunt out west, i'm curious as to the priority ratings we give specific items of gear, in terms of quality expected/amount spent and overall importance to hunting experience.

Now i'll be honest, i love beautiful bows, but at the end of the day, it is pretty far down on my list of "important" when it comes to $$ paid to necessity.

Bear in mind that first aid/survival/navigation is a no-brainer and goes with the pack.

For me here it goes:
1. Boots
2. Pack
3. Baselayers
4. optics
5. Tent
6. outer layers
7.sleeping bag/pad
8. arrows/broadheads
9. Bow
10. Miscellaneous gear

Where do others rate their priorities?

[Whip]

That's a pretty good priority list.  I sure agree with putting boots right at the top.  High quality socks go right along with them.  If you don't take care of your feet none of the rest will matter - you won't be going far.

[Ragnarok Forge]

Boots and clothing at the top of the list.  Westen hunting can be tough on the unprepared.

[Zbearclaw]

Physical conditioning and woodsmanship top my list.  After that I'd say you are spot on.

I have yet to kill a critter I couldn't get to, and each year I strive to make sure there is no critter I can't get to.

Also it is easy to get homesick or make excuses on the last 1/3 of a long hunt when you are physically exhausted.  

Good stuff guys!

[House]

I agree with Whip that socks go hand in hand or as it is "foot in foot" with boots.  Other than that I would put optics number 3 and arrows broadheads number 4 (if that included well tuned) for the country I hunt...other than that I would say you are spot on for the type of hunting and the country that I roam.

Excellent thread!

Travis

[krink]

This is a personal opinion but I think that optics shoudl be lower on your list.  You can get buy with half a**ed optics but If you are caught in bad weather you need the best boots, clothes, and shelter you can get your hands on.  Also you can skimp on optics these days because they are getting better and lower in price.

[Lost Arra]

+1 with krink

Boot/socks, good rain gear and shelter.

if your feet are blistered and you and all your gear is soaked, it's hard to stay enthusiastic.

[LONGSTYKES]

I agree with Whip, If you take good care of your feet they will take care of You. You have a very good list and prioritized well. Get yourself in the best shape, you can for you, both physical and mental. All hunts should be fun. Being prepared goes a long way toward that goal.

Don

[Bernie B.]

I think food should be added to the mix somewhere.  If your body is under fueled, you're going to get in trouble.  I would probably put that as #4 and move everything else down a notch.

Bernie Bjorklund

NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin

[steadman]

I would agree with the boots and socks. But it also depends on what animal you are hunting. For elk the optics go down the list (for me) but for mulies, sheep, spot and stalk antelope, you need a good pair of glasses. But good doesn't always mean expensive. IMO

[jhg]

I've had a lifetime being hammered by the sun. I enjoy my time outdoors in the big West a lot more wearing a good hat with a decent brim. I rate that item right up top with boots and socks. A good hat does you a lot of favors- cools, warms, blocks direct sun in the eyes, sheds rain, instant water bowl or wash basin, balances the checkbook...

That and a good water sterilizer.

Joshua

[Daz]

Josh!
My Whitewater guru...good to hear from you. So what are you wearing for a block-topper these days?
Some kinda high-tech goretex/schoeller/M3 composite ultralite superhat? Please tell me it isn't mesh-backed with a trucker girl on the front...   :p

[beachbowhunter]

Make sure your pack has hydration bladder!  This is thirsty country.

[RookieBwhunter]

Boots/socks are definitely a priority but water is just as high up that list. Here in the desert you wont need good boots if you are to sick to hike. Along with those a good hat is a must out here. Good optics for coues deer are a much more needed than elk so my list would vary a bit depending on the game and location. Always keep a camera and a note pad as well for recording my adventures. Your list is pretty decent though!

[traditional beagle]

Maps/Gps/compass  If you don't know the area you better know how to get back.

[jhg]

Filson. Big Brim.

 I save the mesh back  cap with the truck on front for fancy dinners and formal occasions.

J-