Hunting Gear Guide

The Christensen Arms Mesa LRH is an ideal companion for a day in the field, striking the perfect balance between lightweight design and long-range accuracy. It features Remington 700 pattern bases, a #4 contour barrel threaded 5/8x24, a TriggerTech trigger, and a durable carbon stock.

Weighing just 7.9 lbs, the Sig Cross HXT is designed from the ground up for western hunting and long-range shooting. With a folding stock, integrated Arca rail, AR-style ergonomics, and a 24” barrel, this rifle delivers top-tier performance straight out of the box. It comes in the popular “Sniper Gray” finish (Why do we call it sniper gray? Show me something in nature that’s gray, what does it blend into?).

The Sauer 100 is an outstanding rifle, and at $399.99 for the 6.5, it’s an easy choice. Check out my full review of this rifle here. The Sauer 100 Classic: A True Rifleman’s Tool - EuroOptic

The Swarovski Z5 is a lightweight, no-fuss hunting scope built on legendary Swaro glass. It’s currently 23% off at EuroOptic and pairs perfectly with the Christensen Arms Mesa LRH. Mount it with Talley ring and base combos, SKU 940700 — no you don't need highs. Zero at 100 yards and go take game. Easy to use: my dad was hitting targets out to 500 yards on his first range trip.

The Leupold VX5 is a classic hunting scope with excellent glass, clean illumination, and intuitive turrets. It comes with a voucher for a free CDS turret calibrated to your rifle and load. This scope pairs perfectly with the Sig Cross HXT or any rifle you plan to shoot game with out to 500 yards. And yes, that iconic gold ring signals your Leupold status, just don’t blame us if it sparks a little envy in camp.

The Swarovski Z6i 1.7-10 is an excellent scope for woods hunting, offering an impressive field of view at 1.7x for lightning-fast, crystal-clear target acquisition. It pairs perfectly with the Sauer 100 or any quality German rifle. With a great price right now, you can enjoy top-tier glass without breaking the bank and still impress your hunting buddies.

The Vortex Viper is an excellent value for hunters seeking a durable spotting scope without spending a fortune. Built with a bombproof design and scratch-resistant Armortek finish, it’s made to last. Its angled design makes it comfortable to glass mountains or check groupings downrange without straining your neck.



Be sure to check your state’s official shooting light regulations when using these binoculars, as they feature some of the brightest glass available. The 14x magnification is ideal for box blind hunting with engagement distances up to 800 yards, yet they remain surprisingly ergonomic and manageable, weighing just 36 ounces.

The Kilo10K has earned trust from hunters, competition shooters, and the military for good reason. It is lightweight, compact, and loaded with features that matter when you are shooting at extended distances. Built-in Applied Ballistics lets you enter your load data and get an instant firing solution for the distance you just ranged, making it an essential tool for long-range work.

Yes, you need a bipod. No, it does not need to stay on your rifle all the time. The Tricer RP is my top pick. It is light, highly adjustable, and priced to beat the competition. It transitions from kneeling to full prone with ease and offers multiple attachment options in the box, including a sling stud fit so it can even mount on Uncle Daryl’s old .30-06. It also features a quick detach for fast on and off. Practical, versatile, and worth it.

You need a chronograph. Plain and simple. If you don’t already have one, get the Garmin model — it starts with three buttons and eliminates the hassle of shooting through a finicky rig or hanging gear off your barrel. A chronograph gives the precise velocity data you need for ballistics software and custom rifle scope turrets.

Quality optics aren’t cheap, and I hate getting calls about damaged scopes. Protect yours with this scope guard. While it has the Swaro name, it works with other brands too and might even earn you a few style points in camp. Just remember, you can’t see through it—take it off once you hit the woods.

Everyone can use a better rifle sling. Finding one that actually works shouldn’t be this hard, but it is. The Armageddon Gear Hunter’s Sling is a solid pick — simple, durable, and reminds me of the good old shop-bought slings. It uses Grovetech fasteners that fit standard sling studs and there’s a model for QD cups too. Two colors, two attachment options, no fuss here. Buy one.

The Grumman not only looks great (if you’re into the Westie flat brim style) but also keeps you warm. It’s incredibly lightweight and packs down small enough to stash under your backseat as a spare layer. Over-engineered, super warm, and currently priced at just $199.99, it’s a no-brainer.

Cold feet are a thing of the past with Crispi Guide Boots. Unlike bulky muck boots, you can still walk naturally while staying warm and comfortable. Rigid, supportive, and packed with traction, these are my go-to hunting boots. Forget all the “hunting boots, hunting rifles, hunting coats” labels — for a true outdoorsman, it’s just quality gear you use every day. I promise, these boots are worth it.

Last but not least, one of my go-to picks for looking sharp. The Leupold Bridgers are lightweight, clear, and mirrored so no one at the cash register sees the defeat in your eyes after a missed buck. I like to think they’re named after Jim Bridger, the legendary mountain man and coolest guy in any 1800s saloon, though it’s probably just for the nose bridge. Either way, Jim Bridger was cool, and you will be too. Buy them.