November 06, 2018
By Taylor Pardue
’Tis the season! Give the bowhunter in your life the gifts that keep on giving — gear to make a successful hunt. These items will prove invaluable in the coming months, and many of them can pull double duty when the recipient leaves the woods. You may want to go ahead and buy two of each, actually. One for them, one for you.
onX Hunt App Knowing where you and the animals you’re pursuing are in relation to property lines is crucial when hunting a new state, or even the back 40. With the onX Hunt app, you’re always able to pinpoint where you are on the landscape via your smartphone’s built-in GPS capabilities — even when you’re deep in the backcountry and far from cell service. This year, onX has updated the app by adding a map layer with recent wildfire data. Head for the new growth that the flames have created to find bucks, bulls and bears aplenty. MSRP: $29.99-$99.99 per year | onxmaps.com
Sitka Gear Grange Vest Now you can enjoy Sitka Gear performance while on the job or around town. The Grange Vest, part of Sitka’s new Workwear line of everyday clothing, features 80-gram PrimaLoft Silver insulation between durable, water-repellent polyester fabric. A Gore Windstopper membrane further protects you from the elements, and the vest is lightweight and packable to boot. There’s even a concealed chest pocket for your phone or other small items. The Grange Vest is available in Sitka Black or Olive Brown in S-XXXL. MSRP: $189 | sitkagear.com
Tru-Fire Smoke Max Release The Smoke Max features a swept-back, pull-to-open trigger with adjustable travel. There’s 5/8-inch of length adjustment, which can be locked in with a set screw, and the trigger head can rotate 360 degrees. Like other Tru-Fire releases, the Smoke Max can be folded back out of your way while climbing into your stand or reaching for that next handhold on a steep hike. It also sports Tru-Fire’s iconic Trap Tab for one-handed, pull-through tightening. The Smoke Max is available in camo, and the youth version – the Spark Max – comes in black. MSRP: $59.99 | trufire.com
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Dead Down Wind ScentPrevent Bar Soap Start the hunting day off right with a scent-free shower. Dead Down Wind’s bar soap works to eliminate a wide range of chemical and organic odors, helping bowhunters get close enough for a shot. Better still, it doubles as a shaving lather for those wanting to be clean-shaven for their trophy photos. The 4.5-ounce bar works to moisturize the user’s skin and pairs well with Dead Down Wind’s other products, creating a true scent-prevention system. MSRP: $4.99 (Bar Soap), $5.99 (Bar Soap and Travel Case) | deaddownwind.com
Outdoor Edge SlideWinder Knife The SlideWinder puts a new spin on the traditional utility blade. Using standard replaceable blades that can be swapped out with the push of a button, this multitool also features a Phillips-head screwdriver, flat-head screwdriver, bottle opener and pocket clip. The SlideWinder is available in three colors — orange, blue and black — and is constructed from glass/nylon and stainless steel. Weighing in at 1.5 ounces with an overall length of 3.5 inches and a thickness of 5/16-inch, it easily fits into a pants pocket, backpack or tool box. Or a stocking above the fireplace. MSRP: $14.50 | outdooredge.com
G5 DeadMeat Broadheads One of the top performers in our 2018 mechanical broadhead test , DeadMeat broadheads are constructed entirely from steel, making them more than 300 percent stronger than similar aluminum broadheads. In addition, the steel stem is flexible, leading to fewer breaks. DeadMeat blades are .044-inch thick and held in place during flight by a SnapLock collar — you can literally hear a snap as you lock the blades in place. The two blades then rear-deploy upon impact to create a 1.5-inch cutting diameter. DeadMeat broadheads are available in 100 and 125 grains, and a Ballistically Matched Point is available for practice. MSRP: $54.95 per 3 | g5outdoors.com
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Huntworth Men’s Stealth Heavy Weight Hunting Gloves Stealth Hunting gloves provide hunters with enough dexterity to hold a bow and use a release without sacrificing protection from the elements. A combination of long- and low-pile fleece provides plenty of warmth and softness; a waterproof, breathable Hydra Shield insert keeps hands dry; and a water-repellent exterior finish helps shed light moisture. The palms and fingers feature Grip-Tex patches, while the fingertips have silicon prints for additional grip. The index fingers and thumbs also feature conductive tips for smartphone use. Stealth Hunting Gloves are covered in Huntworth’s exclusive Hidd’n camo, and there’s an antimicrobial Microban treatment on the fleece to provide scent reduction.MSRP: $19.99 | huntworthgear.com
Utica Cutlery Co. UTKN2 Knife The new UTKN2 survival knife features a redesigned, full tang with black Micarta handles and bolsters. Its 3.125-inch blade is handcrafted from high-carbon 1095 steel and heat-treated to a Rockwell hardness of 58-59. The blade is also covered with a powder-coated finish to further allow for harsh use in the field. The UTKN2 comes with a molded Kydex sheath that can be worn around the neck via a lanyard, making it indispensable when you need a knife but don’t have time to scramble through your pack for a folder. The sheath also has a belt clip for when you don’t want the knife swinging around your bowstring as you draw. Best of all, the UTKN2 is manufactured in the USA. MSRP: $69.99 | kutmaster.com
TruGlo Carbon XS Xtreme Bow Sight For those looking to accessorize a beginner’s bow, the Carbon XS Xtreme is a product the new archer can use for years to come. It sports many of the features found on more expensive sights, such as a longer mounting bracket and removable push-button light, as well as extra-long fibers for greater pin brightness. A glow-in-the-dark ring around the sight housing aids hunters in aligning their peep sights during lowlight shooting scenarios. The Carbon XS Xtreme is also adjustable for left- or right-handed shooters. Best of all, its next-generation carbon composite construction keeps its weight under 4.2 ounces. MSRP: $47 (black), $60 (Realtree Xtra or Realtree APC) | truglo.com
