What can I skimp on?

[slavenoid]

All this hunting gear is getting expensive. While I love high quality products I am looking for some ways to save money.

Is there a piece of equipment you have no problem skimping on? Is there a lesser product that is as good as a higher priced version. Is there something you would never spend the extra money on?

I would really appreciate your suggestions.

[h20hunter]

I've gotten a little flak for skimping on everyday hunting clothes.  Not boots mind you...pants and shirts.

[bobcat]

Great question. I've gotten by with cheap stuff most of my life. Especially when it comes to clothing, and even boots. Buy used if you have to. You can get great deals on eBay or even Goodwill. You don't need to spend a ton of money on clothes, I never have.

[Scheindogg]

NOT OPTICS


 

[Scheindogg]

Great question. I've gotten by with cheap stuff most of my life. Especially when it comes to clothing, and even boots. Buy used if you have to. You can get great deals on eBay or even Goodwill. You don't need to spend a ton of money on clothes, I never have.

I got my hunting jacket and pants and marshalls on a helluva closeout deal after the season last year! There's always a deal somewhere!

[cbond3318]

I skimp on Just about everything. Don't let those dang marketers make you feel like you can't get it done without their product.

With that said, spend as much as feasible for you  on optics.

[Okanagan]

Wal...  Pants take a beating and my favorite pants for most hunting are high quality wool or wool blend dress pants from a thrift store.  They are cut roomy for ease of movement and leg lifts to step over a log, they shed light rain and dew, are lightweight, quiet for stalking in brush, and if they get torn or dirty-- toss them.  Buy thin dress pants, not heavy wool.

A plaid wool or acrylic shirt is quiet, sheds light rain, and if contrasty is at least as good at camouflage as most camo.  I like acrylic but when my old ones are gone I may not be able to find them any more. 

I own several backpack tents but never carry one backpacking.  A light weight nylon tarp will do if you site it well unless you plan to camp above timberline.  My favorite is homemade from kite/spinnaker cloth bought at Seattle Fabrics, and a slightly heavier one is a rain fly sans tent, purchased at REI sidewalk sale. 

I finally gave up on self inflating Thermarest type of pads for backpacking.  I love them when vehicle camping.  They are relatively heavy and prone to holes.  For backpacking a low cost closed cell foam is lighter weight, puncture proof, and better insulation from cold or frozen ground. I sleep well on them though there is relatively little padding to them.  Your call.  Comfort enough to sleep is critical if you are going to hunt well so test sleep on a closed cell before a serious hunt.  I put a closed cell pad under most other pads even when vehicle camping, for extra insulation and a smidge more padding. 

A moderately priced mosquito net from REI will work anywhere with any tent, tarp etc.  Versatile and lets you skip buying and carrying a bug sealed shelter.  I have the one for a full sized bed and have slept three men under it comfortably when backpacking with a tarp shelter.  Rig it sideways.  That is wide enough for three men to have their heads under it.  One side is tied up under the head end of the tarp high enough for a man to sit up without touching it, with the high part over your head(s).  The rest of the mosquito net drapes down and hits the sleeping bag about your hips and the sides also lay down on the ground sheet.  You have a triangular bug free area inside the mosquito net with room enough to sit up, and room enough to keep the bugs from buzzing near your ears. 

Used to buy fleece gloves from Wal-Mart for $3.95 and still have one pair left, though they quit selling those.  Cut a trigger finger slot inside the index finger joint.  Now I am using Dollar Store fleece gloves.  I pull the lining out of them and like them better that way with one layer.  I call every kind of critter that I hunt and my pale hands need covering on a calling stand and on frosty mornings.  Also have cheap white gloves for snow. 

Several THIN layers are superior to one heavy insulated coat or pant, (unless you are immobile on a sub-zero tree stand.)  If you walk and move, go thin layers, which can be quite low cost.

I use good optics, good rifle and premium bullets hand loaded to my specs.  Functional is the first priority, a higher priority than cost.  That is more true the farther you are from your vehicle and a store to fix or replace faulty gear.  Above all, wool dress pants are functional, closed cell foam is functional...

A fleece neck gaiter with flaps that extend down the front and back is the single greatest weight-and-space to warmth item you can buy and carry.  Take it off when you walk enough to get warm, put it on when you stop.  It will let you take a light fleece jacket and parka shell down to much colder temps. 

I keep thinking of ways to save money on good gear and adding bits...   

[pd]

Mr. Okanagan, you are worthy of respect.  That is a great post!

[jamesfromseattle]

I agree with the advice you're getting.  Animals can't tell if your clothes were designed for hunting or not.  They also can't tell between a 2016 camo pattern and a 2017 camo pattern. 

[GBoyd]

I agree that clothes are a good area to cut first. The high-dollar hunting clothing is great, but the difference is marginal when you consider the cost.

I also am looking to cut costs on backpacking food this year. I can put something together for about $1 per meal instead of paying $6 per meal on Mountain House. It adds up with lots of days in the field! I've been doing research on backpacking websites and looking for recipes that I can make using game meat from last year and vegetables from the garden.

I'd say you probably don't need a $500 tent either. A tarp made from 1.1 oz silnylon works great. You can buy one already made, or purchase the fabric and sew on the tie-outs yourself. I sewed one and paid about $35 for the tarp. I've also made a 9x9 foot pyramid tent and UL bivy for $120 and $40. That stuff all gets really cheap if you sew.

You probably don't need a $50,000 truck to access your hunting area...

The biggest savings is in gizmos. It seems like there's constantly somebody selling a new device that is just expensive enough to be annoying. You could save a lot of money by not buying it.

[Holg3107]

For me theres a few items I don't skimp on.
1: Boots - if your feet aren't happy neither are you
2: socks - Same as above
3: Underwear - If my boys aren't happy neither am I
4: Base Layers - No need for Camo here which tends to save money but I like to have quality where it counts. I go with Minus 33 merino wool. good price and worth every penny.

Potential cost saving items
1: Pants - For cold weather I like army surplus wool. For warmer weather there are some great hiking pant options from places like Backcountry.com, Steapand cheap.com, or SierraTrading post. Again even during bow season safari green is fine.
2: Tops - If camo is necessary (archery hunting) layers are key. Army surplus stores can have a lot of good options, or wool plaid.
3: Shelter - Warm weather I like to go hammock and tarp as mentioned above. Cold weather an affordable 3 season tent can be found off season at the sites I posted above. If you're patient you can find a great tent for $50.
4: Sleeping pad - Same as above, watch the discount sites like camofire and steap and cheap . You can easily find something for 50% off.
5: Packs - Shop discount but not cheap. I bought my badlands pack on Hunt Wa from a member for a great price. I also use my Gregory backpacking pack for 5+ day trips. Not a hunting pack but its comfortable an can carry the weight I need it to. Spend money here but I don't think that a hunting specific pack is the way to go if your looking for affordability unless you go used or find a closeout on an old model.

Shop off season, be patient, and look at the discount websites daily until you find what you are looking for. No reason quality cant be affordable... animals don't know the difference between the latest greatest camo pattern, or the one that's 10 years old. Control your sent and motion. Also if your rifle hunting, clothing can be a little more flexible.

[Stein]

I can't think of a single item that I couldn't do with (or haven't) done with a budget item.  Clearance sales on store brand stuff has been my best deals.  Great gear is nice and makes it more pleasant.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bobcat]

Another thing you can save money on is optics, although I know others have posted that you cannot. It does somewhat depend on where you hunt and your style of hunting, but you can get a really good binocular for $100, that's better than any binocular I used in my first twenty years of hunting. The binoculars I bought for my kids, Leupold Yosemite 6x30's are unbelievably good, and I got them on sale for about $75. Yes they're made in China, which I don't like, but if you need to get by with a $100 binocular they will get the job done. You can also get a very good rifle scope for $150 or sometimes a little less, if you find a good sale.

[cbond3318]

Mr. Okanagan, you are worthy of respect.  That is a great post!

  

[JimmyHoffa]

I probably wouldn't skimp on the license and tags.   

[Igottanewknee]

Mr. Okanagan, you are worthy of respect.  That is a great post!

Brown noser...... not really,  I think it's a great post also....

[j_h_nimrod]

Another thing you can save money on is optics, although I know others have posted that you cannot. It does somewhat depend on where you hunt and your style of hunting, but you can get a really good binocular for $100, that's better than any binocular I used in my first twenty years of hunting. The binoculars I bought for my kids, Leupold Yosemite 6x30's are unbelievably good, and I got them on sale for about $75. Yes they're made in China, which I don't like, but if you need to get by with a $100 binocular they will get the job done. You can also get a very good rifle scope for $150 or sometimes a little less, if you find a good sale.

  I agree with this, optics today can be ridiculously expensive for a very minute gain in resolution or features and only a slightly less quality model can save massive $$$. Another place is in the rifle, caliber, and specific ammo. Few people can take advantage of the minute differences in a $2500+ gun over a basic Savage, Remington, or Ruger with a decent scope. Rifles and optics now are typically far superior to all but the most premium setups of even a few decades ago. Most people don't need the newest, most expensive caliber with the most premium ammo either.  A 30-06 with Federal Classic ammo is bad medicine in all but a few situations in the Lower 48.

Depending on most people's hunting practices there is little gain in most of the high tech gear available.  In reality you can spend all the money in the world but if you don't know how to hunt your success will not be any better.

[slavenoid]

You guys are going to help me extend my marriage.

I agree with the camo. Two weeks ago I had an encounter with some elk as they walked 7 yards in front of me. They sure didn't seem to care I wasn't even wearing camo. Not saying I wont wear camo but it doesn't feel quite as important.

[nwwanderer]

Spread all costs over many years, do not replace it, fix it, tune it and rebuild it

[Seahawk12]

If you can sew then consider making your own clothes.
I picked up several yards of real tree and mossy oak along with several design/clothing patterns from micheals and have made a bunch of my own.
I also made balaclavas for my kids which they loved.
I don't have a sewing machine and so had to do it all by hand, but they are on their 5th or so year and work great.
Money should be spent on your weapon, projectile, and safety gear.
NWWanderer is right about spreading out cost. It's like a respectable tool collection. Young guys have a hammer and toolbag. The old timers have shops crammed full of so many power tools that theres no room to build anything.

[Bullkllr]

You guys are going to help me extend my marriage.

I agree with the camo. Two weeks ago I had an encounter with some elk as they walked 7 yards in front of me. They sure didn't seem to care I wasn't even wearing camo. Not saying I wont wear camo but it doesn't feel quite as important.

How many animals have been taken by stinky dudes not wearing camo? How many millions of animals? I'm talking before internet and commercialized hunting shows.

I'm all for an advantage, and time afield is valuable, but a lot of the stuff out today is just hype.

The German surplus wool pants- the ones with the leg pockets and reinforced seat and knees used to be the best deal ever in colder weather hunting gear. Awesome pants. They are getting harder to find-and more expensive- in normal human (notice I did not say 'fat guy') sizes. If they made them that way today they'd charge an arm and a leg

These:

[X-Force]

Basically everything. Get out and have experience and piece in gear when you can. Quality boots, insoles and socks plus being in shape will do better than gear.

But if I had to pick items
Save on:
Rifle used tikka, savage, ruger
Backpack lots of good used packs out there with functional load lifting ability
Camo buy used or only buy select pieces and fill with solid colors

Don't skimp on
Binoculars get a tripod too
Onx maps
Boots with good insoles

[bracer40]

You guys are going to help me extend my marriage.

I agree with the camo. Two weeks ago I had an encounter with some elk as they walked 7 yards in front of me. They sure didn't seem to care I wasn't even wearing camo. Not saying I wont wear camo but it doesn't feel quite as important.

How many animals have been taken by stinky dudes not wearing camo? How many millions of animals? I'm talking before internet and commercialized hunting shows.

I'm all for an advantage, and time afield is valuable, but a lot of the stuff out today is just hype.

The German surplus wool pants- the ones with the leg pockets and reinforced seat and knees used to be the best deal ever in colder weather hunting gear. Awesome pants. They are getting harder to find-and more expensive- in normal human (notice I did not say 'fat guy') sizes. If they made them that way today they'd charge an arm and a leg

These:

Had this same pair for over 20 years. Along with several pairs of lighter dress wool surplus pants, I'm covered for just about everything. ( I do appreciate my filson double tin pants for bird hunting thick cover. Worn out several pairs of chaps, including filsons). As for camo, definitely not necessary. Have had numerous close encounters w elk back when I wore hunter orange.

[Bullkllr]

I'd add packs to the list. You can get a sturdy, comfortable, 'non-hunting' frame for a very reasonable price. It won't have all the hunting pack doo-dads, but it'll carry some weight.

[WapitiTalk1]

I agree with much of what's been said but have a bit of a different opinion on some gear... deep breath, here's my meager thoughts.
Some of it depends on your type of hunting (and there are many variations when it comes to how you normally hunt).  Pack - get the best all in one pack you can squeeze into the budget; there's nothing wrong with buying used!  A ton of hunters have to have the latest and greatest version so will sell their one to few year old packs a huge discount to get a new one (Exo Mountain Gear, Kuiu, Kifaru, etc... etc...).  They are worth the coin and will last a lifetime.  Game bags can be anything from cut/sewn cotton sheets to some of the newer synthetic bags (I'm not a fan of cotton personally as the weave doesn't keep out the egg laying critters in hot weather).  Knives?  These are really, IMO, a lifetime piece of gear... A good fixed blade knife and perhaps an accompanying replaceable blade knife work wonders.  Quality headlamps can be found for cheap... I use one of the Extreme Beam headlamps (cheap) for ingress/regress but also carry a Zebra Lite (AA powered version, flood).. not so cheap, which works great for around camp and for nighttime field dressing critters. Tents?  For base camping, an inexpensive tent with a venting system works just fine (you may want to take a light mil piece of plastic to throw over it if the rains are a coming for insurance).  An inexpensive screened gazebo works well for a cook shack/war room.  Again, if rains are a coming, some inexpensive black plastic taped on the inside (or a big ol tarp over the top) can keep you dry and comfy on those multiple days of rain... A 5 GAL tank topped with a heat can help with the clothes drying process in your war tent.  For backcountry adventures, weight is always an issue, and, light costs so they are a bit pricey "but" can be found for not much over a couple of hundred bones if you look.  Sleeping bag?  For base camping, something with a soft flannel inside works just fine and can be found pretty inexpensive.  Backcountry bag?  Again, light costs but you can find one for under a hundred bones if you shop.  Weapons?  Well, I've never really skimped on weapons (primarily a bow hunter) but you do not have to pay 1500 bones for a bow!  Rifles or ML?  Heck, there are some killer deals offered on this site that will work just fine for the job at hand. 
Now I come to clothing.  I'm an older salt and have been down the road.... many times, with old school wool pants, cotton hoodies, T shirts, etc.  I will never wear some of the old stuff I still own for many reasons.  Its hot, cold, doesn't wick moisture, and takes a coon's age to dry out!  I do like the newer synthetic weaves and some of the merino wool products.  Again, a person just has to shop and watch for sales.  Optics?  Unless you're predominately a rifle hunter and like to sit and glass at long distances, there are many options out there that do not cost as much as a good running 90's pickup .  Being primarily a "go to the vocal" elk guy, I usually but not always carry a small pair of 10X Vortex on my neck...They do just fine to pick out an antler tip or suspected movement while having a snack and watching a potential bedding area.  I do have a VX lightweight spotter if I want to head in to the backcountry and feel I need a spotter.  Boots?  Yikes, I've been down the road on these as well and have settled on the fact that you cannot find a true waterproof, great ankle support, waterproof (did I mention waterproof boot) on the cheap.. just my thoughts on boots.  Socks?  Any merino wool blend works great, particularly when put on over silk sock liners. Whew...long winded for sure.  Happy shopping!  RJ   

[dscubame]

Cracking  me up.

 

It is more of a hobby for some than it is for others.
It's not that deep.

 

[Eric M]

A lot of military surplus gear is heavy but cheaper and functional.  I used a pair of 10x42 redfield binos for a long time before upgrading and for about 130 dollars they are pretty easy on the eyes. I spend more on socks and underwear nowadays. Darn tough socks are 20 dollars but lifetime warranty. Buy something quality every year and learn what works that isn't a fortune. My gear is kind of mismatched but so what. Its not a beauty pageant. A marine corps pack is running about 200 or a little less new on amazon. Probably find a used one cheaper at a surplus place. Pretty decent pack for the money. Leupold vx1 3-9x40 scope for under 200. Lots of animals killed using lesser glass than that. Use what you have. Your skill as a hunter and shooting practice matters more than your gear. How many deer have been killed by guys wearing red flannel shirts? Enjoy your season.

[Okanagan]

Mr. Okanagan, you are worthy of respect.  That is a great post!

Aw shucks.  Thank you and to the others.

My post is evidence of living long enough to make lots of mistakes. 

I.e. I bought a cheap pair of vinyl chest waders to use in wading a river twice on a far wilderness backpack hunt.  Drove them 1000 miles north, took them 140 miles in a float plane, backpacked them 14 miles and sneered at my hunting partner who had stripped to his skin to cross.  My waders split out the entire leg seam in one burst when the icy glacier melt got well above my waist.

On skimping that works, here's anothern:  for base camp on the wet side, rig a huge cheap plastic tarp and live under it.  Pitch your cheap tent under it with top vents open and no need for a rain fly.  Cook under it, store gear under it, etc.  A 20'x40' is a beautiful thing in November rain.

[SkookumHntr]

I have all the fancy hunting clothing, Sitka kuiu, and about everything cabelas ever made and my old torn military camo pants are my favorite!

[pianoman9701]

I've gotten a little flak for skimping on everyday hunting clothes.  Not boots mind you...pants and shirts.

 , depending of course on the season you're hunting. You do need high quality raingear and coat. Also, if you're hunting archery, you don't need the top of the line, long-distance range finder. $100 should get you what you need. Although, like Bobcat, I used cheap binos for many moons, using great glass now means I spend more time looking through them without eye strain and seeing more clearly what I'm looking at. You can do with cheap but you'll use them more and more effectively if you're comfortable looking through them.

Havalon or Razor Edge knives are cheap instead of a custom-made or really expensive knife. I like the Razor's Edge because it's stiff and the blade locks better.

You can spend hundreds on the best pack for hauling out meat, but until you can afford that, a solid packboard can be had for $75-100.

Spend on boots, glass, and your archery set-up - good arrows and broadheads, best string, and the right sighting system. The rest comes after.

If you're going to forego a GPS, make sure you have compass and map skills (you shouldn't go out into the woods without these anyway), and never leave camp without both.

[slavenoid]

Mr. Okanagan, you are worthy of respect.  That is a great post!

Aw shucks.  Thank you and to the others.

My post is evidence of living long enough to make lots of mistakes. 

I.e. I bought a cheap pair of vinyl chest waders to use in wading a river twice on a far wilderness backpack hunt.  Drove them 1000 miles north, took them 140 miles in a float plane, backpacked them 14 miles and sneered at my hunting partner who had stripped to his skin to cross.  My waders split out the entire leg seam in one burst when the icy glacier melt got well above my waist.

On skimping that works, here's anothern:  for base camp on the wet side, rig a huge cheap plastic tarp and live under it.  Pitch your cheap tent under it with top vents open and no need for a rain fly.  Cook under it, store gear under it, etc.  A 20'x40' is a beautiful thing in November rain.

Until now I overlooked this option. I forgot I camped in a setup like this year's ago and it worked great. This will be my setup this year for sure.

I was caught up in buying a really expensive tent or man up and just use a tarp. I already have a cheap tent so this is practically free and will keep me plenty dry and comfortable.

[skeeter 20i]

A lot of good information here 

[Lemoore-on]

This one I learned from my wife,  "sales"  especially end of season sales, new gear coming out next year, new camo patterns,  Most companies want to dump merchandise after the season so watch for the big sales during the off season.  You can save anywhere from 10% to 60% even 75%

[follow maggie]

I'll spend whatever I need to for my feet & staying dry. Everything else is scrimpable.