The Will to Hunt

I always like to help folks out around Christmas time especially because hunters can be hard to shop for. So I’ll make it easy for the hunter and the person buying. Hunters simply forward this post to those wanting to get you something and you’re good to go! This year I’ve put together a wide range of products that is sure to address every hunter and budget with quality gear that I have used and field tested myself. I’ll start on the low end and work my way up by price.

To start off for under $20 you can have one of the best and most portable knife sharpeners available from RediEdge. I absolutely love these sharpeners and through working with RediEdge I’ve given a few a way and each person has been very happy with it’s performance. I highly recommend them!

Next up, what hunter doesn’t love knives? They always make great gifts for new and old hunters. The two that I highly recommend are the Woodline Fixed Blade from SOG and the Revelation AMP 3-in-1 from Real Avid. Both are amazing knives for various reasons. You can see my review of the SOG here and my review of the Revelation will be up in the near future. The balance and feel of the Woodline is great and the convenience of the lights, gut hook and saw make the Revelation a great knife as well

Now, is just about everything else that Real Avid makes. They have an awesome line up products that are simply great products that do the job. They are designed and engineered for the convenience of the hunter. From the their bow tool and gun tool to the turkey tool and others. All are great gadgets that any hunter will use and love, and at fair prices.

For the pint sized hunter, check out Button Buck. They make THE coolest outdoor themed kids clothing on the market. It’s basically all my kids wear and they love it. They not only look cool, they are soft, comfortable, durable and have a printed tag. All of which make my kids happy and will do the same for your kids, nieces and nephews.

If you’re a bowhunter, the Bloodsport ZVT from Muddy should be on your list. After using a standard string stop this makes a big difference in sound and vibration dampening and it’s only $39.99. I’ve also used their Step Sledge and Micro Camera Mount and both make great gifts as well.

Another gift that most any hunter can use is the String Stalker Kill Bag. It’s great for new hunters as well as veteran hunters because it keeps all the necessary equipment for taking care of your kill in one convenient pouch. I keep my permission slips and licenses in it so if necessary I can leave my pack and just take the bag either tracking or just out for a quick hunt and have everything I need. It retails for $39.99.

Magazines are always a welcome Christmas and if you or a the hunter on your list already hunts the west or they dream about it check out Elk Hunter or Western Hunter magazine. Both are top notch publications. If they’re whitetail fanatics give them a membership to the Quality Deer Management Association and they’ll receive the awesome Quality Whitetails Magazine and various other benefits. There are also organizations for every hunting interest. Consider giving a membership to Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation or the Mule Deer Foundation. All of these organizations are great resources with a great magazine and most importantly they do amazing things in conservation.

Next up is one of my favorite things, the Wicked Tree Gear Saw. It is quite simply THE BEST tree saw on the market and if you already have one you can get the Tree Pack that holds it open or closed. They also recently released info on their Pole Saw and while I haven’t gotten my hands on it yet I trust Todd to bring only the best to market. The pole saw will be out this spring. What’s nice is I’ve probably used my Wicked Tree Gear Saw just as much in landscaping around the house as I have for hunting. It retails for $39 for the saw or $57 for the saw and Tree Pack Holster. 

Every hunter needs to stay warm well those that hunt colder climates and I have two suggestions here. If you live in an area where the temperatures are mild or require a lot of hiking check out PolarMax. They make amazing base layers that have performed amazingly for me. If you live in an area where you don’t have to walk over a mile and you sit all day in temperature under 40 degrees check out Carol Davis Sportswear. I’ve been using their Type 3 body sock and it’s made a huge difference in the cold. Plus both are made right here in the USA! PolarMax prices vary per garment and the body sock from Carol Davis runs around $100 and worth every penny.

Next, is my favorite new garments, the KUIU Guide DCS Jacket and Guide Pants. KUIU has built and immense reputation for quality and value. I’m happy to say it’s not all hype the stuff is amazing. The fabrics, fit and construction quality are off the charts. I’ve used, tried on and messed with just about every clothing out there and have been most impressed by KUIU. While I liked their Vias camo pattern the new Verde camo works amazingly well in most any environment. While not the cheapest ont he market KUIU’s direct only model keeps prices low. The Guide DCS Jacket is $229.99 and the Guide Pants are $199.99. While that seems expensive there is a mountaineering company that uses the same PrimeFlex Fabric from Toray and it retails at over $1,200 for just the jacket. The direct only model allows KUIU founder Jason Hairston incorporate amazing technology quickly and affordably. Speaking of amazing technology check out the new QuixDown, a high quality down that has been coated with a durable water repellent. KUIU also offers a full like of outerwear and merino base layers as well as the Icon pack system. If you don’t order anything right away be sure to subscribe to the Blog. Jason makes frequent announcements about new products, product development and pretty frequently special discounts for blog subscribers! Oh and don’t forget to check the KUIU Outlet for some great deals.

That last item and they are pricey, the YETI Cooler. I finally got a Tundra65 not too long ago. While the price is high I put 40lbs of ice in mine with the threat of Hurricane Sandy heading our way and three weeks later I still had ice! Temps varied up to a good 80+ on some days a lot of which is spent sitting in my car in the sucn. They’re definitely an investment but it will be the last cooler you have to buy.



Alright, there you have it. If you can’t find something you want on this list or for the hunter on your list then you’re simply too picky! But seriously, all of these products are good products made by strong companies that stand by their customers and their products. You won’t be disappointed, I promise!