Montana Elk Hunting Gear List

Binos

Binoculars are a huge part of my game when it comes to hunting elk. I usually stick to the 10x42's but also like using the 12x50's in some situations. I have used quite a few different brands of binos and have found a couple that I like and recommend.

RAZOR® UHD 10x42-OLD

The cheapest high-quality pair of binos that I have ever used are the Razors. With good glass and a warranty that no one can beat, I highly recommend checking these out! Vortex offers cheaper lines that might be applicable if you don't spend much time in the field, but the quality of the razors holds up for years and years of use. I have used the Razors in 10x42, which is my all-time favorite size, but recently switched them out for the 12x50's and I don't regret it. Their 12x50 Razors aren't too bulky or heavy for the upgraded size and are a great option for open country.

RAZOR® UHD 12x50-OLD

Geovid 10x42 HD - R 2700

Like any pair of Leica binos, these have great glass, but the main reason to own these binoculars is for the rangefinder in them. These are advertised to read out to 2700 yards and I have been able to range that far successfully on multiple occasions. The rangefinder in these will give you EHR (equivalent horizontal range) which is absolutely necessary when hunting in the hills and mountains. Having a rangefinder in your binos makes it easier to range and assess animals quickly when you glass them up. There is a little bulk with these binoculars, but that's a price I am willing to pay for a great glass and rangefinder combo.

Spotting Scopes

A good spotting scope is a great addition to your optics arsenal. I have a Vortex Razor 22-48 x65mm angled spotting scope. This vortex razor is a great piece of glass that won't completely break the bank. This spotter is mid-sized so that you can pack it around, but it is big enough that it really does help pick apart the hills searching for animals.

RAZOR® HD 22-48X65 (ANGLED)

Mid- Soft

BALTORO LITE GTX® RR

These boots have a medium-flex that will suit many people from the foothills to the wilderness of Montana. These Zamberlans boast a great waterproofing liner that is also very breathable. If you want a lighter boot, these are the lightest on my list, but they are still extremely tough and comfortable.

Mid- Firm

Schnee's Beartooth 200G

Both insulated and non-insulated. Made by a Montana company, these boots are an excellent option. Being a little more firm, they do require somewhat of a break-in, but once you have them broken in, they will be extremely comfortable for years and years of hunting.

Crispi Nevada Non-Insulated GTX Boots

These are a hardy boot but a little shorter than the beartooths or the baltoro's. These are a fairly firm boot and require some break-in. The Nevada's have crispi's ankle support system that is part of the chassis of this boot that helps keep your ankles supported on the harsh uneven terrain that you may experience chasing Montana elk.

Firm

MOUNTAIN EXTREME 1000

Both insulated and non-insulated. The Mountain Extremes are a very stiff boot, from the midsole to the leather uppers, these boots are tough! These boots definitely require some time to break them in and once you have got that done, they can feel like you were born in them. Although they are an amazing boot, they might not be for everyone. These are the boots I recommend if you are hunting in very steep country and you prefer a stiff boot.

Socks

No matter the weather conditions, socks are a very important base layer. I like to use the Kenetrek sock system. This system includes a liner sock and a wool sock. This liner sock is an important piece to keeping your feet dryer in hot conditions and cold conditions and it also adds protection from blisters. The wool sock can be manipulated to match the weather and personal preferences. Kenetrek offers multiple weights of wool socks and many other companies offer good options too. If you have a favorite wool sock brand already, stick with it and add some liner socks.

ULTIMATE LINER SOCK

CANYON LIGHTWEIGHT BOOT HEIGHT SOCK

MONTANA MIDWEIGHT BOOT HEIGHT SOCK

GLACIER HEAVYWEIGHT BOOT HEIGHT SOCK

Baselayers

I am a fan of quality wool base layers. I have had good luck with First Lite's array of base layers, but there are many companies that make good quality base layers.

Warm Weather

First Lite Wick base layers are a great lightweight wool option. I have their underwear, short sleeve shirt, and long sleeve quarter zip from this line. These underwear are amazing and a person could wear them all day every day. The short sleeve is great for everyday wear that you can also use on those super hot days in the field. The long sleeve quarter zip is what I use most for an upper body piece when in the field. I prefer the extra concealment vs the short sleeve. The long zipper in the front lets you get extra ventilation when hiking in or out of a spot. Something that is often overlooked is a hood for hot weather. You can get the wick hoody that gives you some extra protection from the sun.

First Lite Men's Wick Game Bag Brief

First Lite Men's Wick Short Sleeve Crew

First Lite Men's Wick Quarter Zip

First Lite Men's Wick Hoody

Moderate Weather

When it comes to the middle ground of moderate weather you have quite a bit of options that you can choose from based on personal preference and activity levels. I have been wearing a Kuiu Pro Merino 200 for a long time as my primary base layer when the weather isn't scorching hot. Although it is a somewhat heavier wool piece, I have found that it has a very large temperature range with its large zipper in the front for dropping body heat. I wear the same light wool underwear for moderate weather, that I do for warm weather.

KUIU Pro Merino 200 Zip-T Hoodie

Cold Weather

Cold weather is when the base layers can make or break you. This is when a person learns to love a good wool layer. First Lite's Kiln line is what I turn to when the weather turns cold. In this line I have underwear, long johns, and a quarter zip long sleeve. The kiln line is a 250 weight wool that feels almost like fleece on the inside. It is very warm and cozy.

First Lite Men's Kiln Long John

First Lite Men's Kiln Quarter Zip

First Lite Men's Kiln Hoody

Insulation/ Midlayers

There are a number of great insulation layer options out there. These insulation layers can be put on as an outside layer or they could be placed under a softshell. I personally run my insulation layers under a softshell. This means I am running mostly vests or midweight insulation layers. The reason I like to have a softshell for my outside layer is to help combat the wind. Where I hunt in Montana it is windy most of the hunting season, so having the option to keep that outer layer consistent and just add layers underneath with dropping temperatures is helpful.

Vests

Vests are definitely my favorite insulation layer. They allow you to give yourself extra warmth while still allowing you some breathability.

First Lite Uncompahgre Vest

The Uncompahgre Vest is a synthetic insulation puffy vest. I wear this vest very regularly for both hunting and everyday wear. It offers excellent warmth while not making you overheat. It helps cut the wind on those cold windy days but lets you breathe while hiking in it.

KUIU Super Down Ultra Vest

This vest is warm! If you are going out in some very cold weather and want another layer to help hold that body heat, this is your piece. This extreme warmth does come at the price of breathability while hiking. If you go on a somewhat strenuous hike with this vest on, it will cook you out. If you are going out in the extreme cold, this vest is a great go-to!

Shirts/ Hoodies

KUIU Base Camp Insulated Snap Shirt

I have had two of these snap shirts for a number of years and man are they nice! They are nice and warm for being extremely lightweight. Strenuous hikes will make you heat up some in these, especially in the arms, but if you watch your output these are a great insulation layer.

SITKA Kelvin Active/ Ambient Jacket

This zip-up shirt is specifically designed to help insulate you while you are active. This shirt is extremely light, just like the snap shirt, but also very warm too. If you are looking for a full upper body insulation layer while you are out and moving around, this shirt is a great option.

Outerwear/ Jackets/ Pants

KUIU Guide DCS Jacket

Kuiu's Guide series pants and jacket are both good, go-to pieces. The guide series is a DWR (durable water repellent) treated outer layer that has some good wind-stopping power and holds a good amount of warmth with its fleece lining. The jacket and pants both have vents to dump heat when you are on a strenuous trek or if the weather warms up, which is a must.

SITKA Gear Jetstream Jacket

The Jetstream jacket is very comparable to the guide jacket, but there are some subtle differences. The Jetstream has a "Gore Windstopper" windproof liner inside of it, that is supposed to block winds better than any other jacket in its class. This jacket also feels a little lighter and less bulky. Although it feels lighter, the Jetstream still has a nice fleece liner to help hold in warmth. Some features that are similar to the guide jacket, are the inclusion of DWR and pit zips.

SITKA Gear Men's Timberline Pant

The Timberline pants feel very light and thin when you first get them in the mail, but they are a workhorse. The Timberline pants include areas on the knees and butt that have a waterproof panel. These panels protect you from getting wet when kneeling or sitting in damp conditions. Another unique part of these pants is that they include knee pads. The knee pads can be removed when not needed. When left in, they provide protection for crawling during stocks or kneeling for long standoffs with elk. The Timberline pants have some wind protection but are not completely windproof. I use the pants in weather ranging from the upper 40s to low teens, just depending on the base layers.

Quiver

If you are looking to cut some weight off of your bow-hunting rig, do not cut your quiver. I have watched clients come out with a tube of arrows on their backs and try to hunt elk with them. They move around a lot and things don't always go as planned, so that ends up being one more moving part that you have to worry about as a shooter. I use a Tight Spot 5 Arrow Quiver. It is extremely lightweight and simple to use. This quiver has a few places you can adjust mounting and arrow fitment while still remaining simple and easy to use.

TightSpot 5 Arrow Bow Quiver

Sight

A five-pin fixed sight is definitely the way to go when hitting the mountains to hunt elk. You can't always know exactly where the elk will stand when they come in, so having to decide one distance to have your sight set can be detrimental to your success. I use the Black Golf Ascent Pro 5 Pin. You will look at this sight and think "this isn't a fixed pin sight" but it acts as one. You will sight this in with your five pins ranging from 20-60 yds (or there about) and you can slide it to shoot those further distances. This sight has all the bells and whistles while still offering simple operation and zero hassle.

Black Gold Ascent Pro 5 Pin Sight

Rest

Quality Archery Products Ultra HDX Arrow Rest

Release

Max Hardcore Buckle Foldback

Lighted Nocks

Nockturnal-S (3 pack)

They offer a number of sizes to fit your arrow perfectly.