Oftentimes, getting the edge as a hunter is all about what gear you choose to bring. Gear is an important part of any hunter's expenses. 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife reports that of the almost $90 billion Americans spent on outdoor activities, more than $33 billion was spent on hunting pursuits. If you are trying to be a better hunter it's essential that your pack has the right gear, and here are some of the best new pieces of gear for your 2014 hunting kit.
Carhartt Thermal-Line Camo Active
Outdoor industry giants Carhartt and Realtree have joined forces to produce a line of apparel for hunters that can't be beat, and the Carhartt Thermal-Line Camo Active is one of their finest products. Utilizing Realtree's Xtra camouflage pattern, the Thermal Line Camo Active is a lightweight, thermal lined hoodie with internal and external pockets that provides outdoor enthusiasts with both form and function. Sewn with reliable triple stitched seams, the Camo Active can be worn comfortably at home or in the field by layering a pair of camouflage overalls, and there you have it—a functional and affordable American-made hunting suit built by two of the biggest names in outdoor apparel.
Oakley Jawbone Sunglasses
Oakley's Jawbone Sunglasses may have originally been designed for cycling, but they are well suited for use by hunters as well. The patented Switchlock technology allows you to quickly swap out lenses dependent on your needs. If light conditions change or the weather shifts, it takes just a moment to pop-in Hydrophobic water resistant lenses that won't bead up in the rain. If the lens is damaged, it is easy to take out the damaged optics and replace each lens by simply flipping up the Switchlock nose guard and swap in the new lens. Be sure that your replacement optics offer 100 percent UV protection and polarization to keep your eyes shielded from the outdoor elements.
Rancho Safari Shaggie Bowhunter Suit
Bowhunters often need to spend long periods of time concealed from prey before making their move. The Rancho Safari Shaggie system is an advanced camouflage system that is lightweight and easily worn over your normal clothing regardless of the season. The Shaggie System uses a ghillie suit style design of layered fabric to emulate the look of foliage and comes in a variety of colors ranging from forest to desert appropriate. By breaking up your outline, the Shaggie makes you nearly invisible to prey such as deer. While suits of this type have been used by hunters for years, the Shaggie's modular design allows hunters to design a custom camouflage suit based on their climate, terrain, and prey.
ALPS OutdoorZ Quickdraw Pack
New for 2014, the ALPS OutdoorZ Quickdraw Pack is a hunter's pack that can be worn on either the left or right shoulder for quick and easy access. Southpaw bowhunters know that most hunter's packs are designed for right-handed bowmen and are awkward and difficult for left-handed marksmen to use, but the ALPS OutdoorZ Quickdraw Pack can easily by slung to accommodate their needs. The Quickdraw even comes with a place to secure a quiver so that both of your hands can be free while trekking through backwoods seeking your prize. Designed to suspend from a deer stand from a d-ring hanger, the ALPS OutdoorZ Quickdraw comes standard with an internal water bladder, making it one of the most useful tools for bowhunting enthusiasts looking to buy a new pack.
