Help me pick out some new hunting gear

[Ajj828]

So I want to start getting ready for next season so I am starting to keep my eyes open for any hunting deals I can find during the off season. The main items I am looking for are....

Pack frame. I’m thinking about the f1 mainframe because the price doesn’t seem too high. I have a cabelas back pack that I could strap onto the frame for storage. I’ve been thinking of just taking a hit and buying a kuiu icon bag with a frame but I’m not sure if it’s worth it. I have college tuition to pay lol.

Boots. These are 100% must for me to buy. I’m looking at danner pronghorns. I’ve heard about the cabelas meindl too. I’m willing to spend a decent amount of money on boots because I’ve gotten shin splints 2 seasons in a row wearing cheap Georgia boots.

Pants. Currently I have cabelas rain suede paints which I ripped really bad on my bike while hunting last season. I made them work for the season but I didn’t really like them that much. I prefer a tapered fit toward my ankles not a bootcut. I’d love a pair of Sitka but are there any other pants out there that are tapered at the ankle for a cheaper price?  Waterproof is a must for me.
 
These are the main things I need for next season so if anybody has any suggestions on these items or other alternatives I’d appreciate it a lot.

[fish vacuum]

What season and conditions? It seems trendy to bash on Danner now but I still wear em with no complaints. The Grouse and Acadia models have done me well for many years of west side hunting.

[vandeman17]

What season and conditions? It seems trendy to bash on Danner now but I still wear em with no complaints. The Grouse and Acadia models have done me well for many years of west side hunting.

I have had danner's with no issue. I currently run Irish Setters and like them as an all around early to mid season boot.

[KFhunter]

I wear Rocky S2V for mild weather, stupid grippy on rocks, snow, ice and stuff, but they feel like a running shoe.  If I'm putting on miles on easy to moderate terrain I'll put those on.  They are disposable boots good for 1-2 seasons at most.  I wear them out quickly, but new ones are fun.

Hot weather I'm using Under armor speed freaks, I don't recommend, I hate UA cooperate and I don't much like these hiking/hunting boots either.  My toes tend to slide forward in the shoe and bunch up at the end making them hurt on long descents.



What I need is a stiffer boot for the rocks with lateral ankle support, when I'm on the rocky ridge lines looking for muley's or cats my ankles can get trashed.  I also trashed my ankles bad chasing birds in the Pomeroy WA area.  Ouch! I was going up and down those rocky cracks along the river and just trashed my feet/ankles constantly rolling them over in the nasty.

[jackelope]

I wouldn't spend a nickel on a pair of Danner Pronghorns. Too many stories of leaks. I'm not interested in taking that kind of risk.

What I need is a stiffer boot for the rocks with lateral ankle support, when I'm on the rocky ridge lines looking for muley's or cats my ankles can get trashed.  I also trashed my ankles bad chasing birds in the Pomeroy WA area.  Ouch! I was going up and down those rocky cracks along the river and just trashed my feet/ankles constantly rolling them over in the nasty.

You should be looking at the mountain hunting boots. Kenetreks, Crispi, Lowa, some of the Meindl's. I'm sure there are more. I've spent a bunch of time in the hills around Pomeroy. Boots/feet/ankles were never an issue in good boots. I've been wearing the same pair of Meindl Perfect Hunters for 5+ years and I think they're worn out but they're not horrible. I'd keep wearing them this year if I have to. Currently sort of in the market for a new pair.

[NRA4LIFE]

Another fan of Meindl's.  I've had a pair for 4 years and they are still solid as a rock.  I had a pair of Danner Proghorns for 1 year and they were trashed.  Also, try on any Kennetreks before you buy them.  They are not as wide as they advertise.  If you have wide feet, you'll be sorry.  Check Camofire.com for pack frames.  I check that site daily.  Great deals.

[northwesthunter84]

For boots like jackelope said. Had two pairs of Danner work boots fail at less than 6 months and I’m not the only one.  If you don’t want to spend a ton look at the Lowa Renegades or watch Sierra Trading post. They have great deals on boots around the 150- 250 range. Buddy has the Meindls and they fit his feet good. My feet did not like them at all. If you want less support check out Salomon 4d or other hiking boots. And try gaiter they make a difference in my opinion.

As far as pack, get what you can afford/want. You will find out there is no perfect pack, but there are some that excell in different areas. Try and grab one used as this will save some cash. The kuiu, mystery ranch, stone glacier, exo mountain gear, kifaru, wilderness, and bullpack will all git it done. So will cheaper ones but you have to decide what creature comforts you want.

As far as pants gaiters will help the damage to the lower legs. I personally run kuiu alpine pants year round with layers underneath. As far as waterproof goes, those kind of pants are going to be heavy and a lot hotter. Cabela’s would be my choice on a budget but if you want waterproof and light weight you are going to have to spend more because of material cost. Not sure of the hunting you want to do but sound is also a give and take game. Waterproof pants are usually more loud due to the layers and materials so keep that in mind.

[Ajj828]

What season and conditions? It seems trendy to bash on Danner now but I still wear em with no complaints. The Grouse and Acadia models have done me well for many years of west side hunting.

Well the problem is I’m going to attend wsu pullman so I will have to hunt on the east side this year. Normally I hunt in the cascades and it’s raining every single day of hunting season. I’m not familiar with east side weather. After college I’m not sure where I will be living so that is why I’m thinking of just getting waterproof gear to be safe.

[KFhunter]

dry, rocky and hilly. 

It's tough country if you're hunting the breaks around the rivers and getting into the rocks, it's fun though.   I caught monster trout out of a stream that you could step across but was 6-8 feet deep.  Was weird fishing in such a narrow cut.

[follow maggie]

Another vote for Meindle boots, I love mine. Whatever you go with be sure to try them on. People have different feet so what’s comfortable for me might not be for you.

[kselkhunter]

Give Zamberlan's a look for boots as well.  Mine have lasted well for years.   REI carries their 996 Vioz GTX models, and those work well for all conditions.  If nothing else it's a good option to try it on in person if you plan on ordering one of the hunting models online.  The taller hunting specific models are available on their website.   Some decent sales discounts right now on the website for the 1006 RR Backcountry hunter boot and a few others, depending on your size.

[baker5150]

I’ve had both good and bad experience with Danner.  Im on pair 2of the pronghorns with no issues. First pair was replaced due to my buddies dog takin a liking to them.  I’ve worn their work boots for years and love the fit and feel but they just don’t last.
As said, check campfire for deals on just about everything.  Great site for good deals.  Dvor and “hunt of the day” are good ones too.

[Crunchy]

As much as I hate the stores full of Libs REI has a good boot selection.

[JakeLand]

Danner pronghorn = crap
Danner grouse hunters are by far my favorite mountain boot
I wear gators everyday in the woods they save your pants and boot tops
Pants = pnuma best hunting coats and pants out there and lifetime guaranteed 100%

[ctwiggs1]

There are good Danners and bad Danners.  They sent a lot of their manufacturing offshore, but they still have some Made in USA boots.  I know the Rainforest is still domestic.

I've got a pair of Meindls and they've been great for 3 years now.  I figure I have another 2-3 seasons left in them.  I've heard great things about Kennetrek and Lowa as well.  I would recommend you go to a store and try on as many different boots as you have time for.  It will give you an idea of what you like and don't like. 

For pack, Kuiu's are decent.  I just bought an Exo last year that I love.  It seems like most of the back country folks will basically put Kifaru, Exo, Stone Glacier around the top of the pack.  I have tried Kifaru and Exo and I definitely agree they're awesome.  Next down would be Kuiu, Outdoorsmans, and Mystery Ranch.  From there it's kind of a tossup.  There are used packs for sale on here and Rokslide all the time.  TONS of guys buy packs, use them for a season, then sell them and find something else.  I was in the same boat you were a few years ago and I was super tempted to buy a pack frame to strap my daypack to.  So glad I held out for something better.

For clothing.... Fathers Day is coming up.  Save up some $$$ and plan to buy it around then.  All of the big box stores will have sales and usually Kuiu and a few others will as well. 

The reality is that you can hunt with wet feet and a sore back, but it sucks.  If you have the dough, pony up and buy good gear.  You'll never regret it.  If you don't, get what is necessary to still get in the woods this year.  I hunted with my ruck sack that I brought home from the Army for years.  Good luck this season!