Hunting Gear

Turkey hunting essentials of 2019

As turkey seasons are opening across the country, I find myself packing for my second trip of the season. I was lucky enough to be a part of a group trip to Florida to hunt Osceolas and test a bunch of products new to the market. Some were new in 2018, others are probably just hitting the stores as you read this. Here’s a rundown of what’s new and fancy in the turkey woods.

Alps Outdoorz Vantage Bino Harness

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We’re all guilty of over-packing our turkey vests at times or carrying way too much gear on a run-and-gun style hunt. The Vantage Bino Harness solves that problem. Don’t let the name fool you, it’s not just a bino harness. The pack has a removable box call pocket, a back panel that accommodates one slate call and two strikers, two mesh side pockets for mouth calls, and a front accessory pouch that contains a lens cloth for your binoculars. The entire harness is fully adjustable and will fit any body shape or size. The upside of this small pack goes beyond the turkey woods, as you can take the box call accessory off and utilize it year-round as your primary bino harness.

Primos Double Bull Stakeout Blind with SurroundView

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After the wildly popular and highly talked about SurroundView technology dropped last year with the full line of blinds from Primos, they decided to add a compact version. SurroundView technology features a one-way see-through fabric, allowing the hunter to see through it, while the game cannot see in. This eliminates any blind spots previous blinds on the market are known for. The Stake-out Blind is a two-hub, dual panel blind that sets up and collapses in seconds, and packs down small enough to fit in your decoy bag or the back of your turkey vest. It features 3 shooting windows and is very adjustable, depending on your terrain and setup location.

Federal Premium Heavyweight TSS

Handloaders have been using TSS for years, but the word is out, and Federal Premium made it easier for the general public to access TSS loads. TSS stands for tungsten super shot, and it’s 22% denser than tungsten, and 56% denser than lead. What does this mean? It means that you can hit gobblers at much farther distances, with a lot more force than your old turkey loads. It also allows you to use smaller shot size, which increases the amount of pellets you’re sending downrange. Heavyweight TSS is offered in 12 variations in .410, 20 gauge, and 12 gauge. While testing it the last couple of seasons, I’ve been seeing pattern densities of over 80% at 40 yards. If you’re shooting 500 pellets, that means that over 400 of them are seeing a 20” circle. The stuff hits hard, patterns well, and changes the way you’ll look at decoy placement. No more worrying about birds hanging up at 42 yards.

TSS Specific Choke Tubes

With the popularity of TSS, a lot of companies are making choke tubes specifically for TSS loads. Since it’s very dense, and the pellet count is so high, traditional choke tubes may not pattern TSS well. Over-constriction can be a problem. Indian Creek has extended ported tubes that are designed specifically for TSS loads. Primos also makes the Jellyhead TSS. Since Primos is associated with Vista Outdoor, the parent company to Federal, the testing done with Federal’s Heavyweight TSS and the Jellyhead TSS make for a pretty solid team. The Jellyhead TSS extended choke tube has a constriction of .650 in my 12 gauge, and patterns everything from Hevi-Shot, TSS, and standard lead very well.

Gamehide Elimitick Mossy Oak Obsession Bundle

Elimitick clothing has been popular amongst turkey hunters for a while now, but it’s getting to the point where it’s almost imperative that you own and wear it in the spring. Places in the Midwest where deer ticks that carry tick-borne illnesses live in huge numbers are places that you’re going to want to have some extra tick repellent. Soaking clothes in Permethrin can be expensive, dangerous, and time-consuming. Buying a set of Elimitick gear each spring is more than worth its weight in gold. Ticks absolutely hate the fabric, which has a special repellant blend bonded to it. The repellant is long-lasting, and can serve you well for several seasons if taken care of. If you wash the stuff regularly, you can expect about 70 washes out of each piece. The bundle comes with a breathable long-sleeved shirt, pants, gloves, and a facemask. I also recommend a pair of the socks as an add-on. Elimitick repels ticks, chiggers, mosquitoes, flies, and no-see-ums. As turkey hunters, we all encounter most of these annoying insects throughout our season.

Stevens 301 Turkey .410 Shotgun

With the popularity of TSS loads, many states are now allowing the use of .410 shotguns for turkeys. This is a great option for youth or new hunters, as the 301 Turkey from Stevens is a very light and fast handling single-shot .410. It’s low-recoil, but heavy hitting with TSS loads. The 301 features a 26” barrel and an extended turkey choke tube, as well as a removable top rail that is optics-ready. Loaded up with some #9 shot, putting down gobblers out to 50 yards is no problem for this .410; believe it or not. With a price tag of only $199, this little gun is something every parent should consider for their youth, and once they handle it, I can promise that the youth in them will come screaming out.

Have a Great Season

This list could go on forever, but a few choices had to be made on some of the essential gear for 2019. While there are a ton of new things on the market, the aforementioned were things that I have been absolutely impressed with. Be sure to check out some of them, and good luck this season. May your calls be raspy, and your tags be filled…

Author – Matthew Breuer

The 5.11 Tactical Rush 24 backpack

5.11 Tactical is one of the leading and most recognizable manufacturers of tactical gear. One of their fan favorites is their Rush series of backpacks. 5.11 currently offers their Rush backpacks in three different sizes: Rush 12, Rush 24, and Rush 72. While I don’t have any hands-on experience with the 12 or 72, I have owned the Rush 24 for a few years now and can speak to its quality. I have used this pack for a myriad of outings at the range, out in the field, and for personal excursions. The countless amount of times I have used this bag is a testament to its proven performance.

Specifications

Hydration pocket
Durable1050D nylon (MultiCam®: 1000D nylon)
Stuff-it pocket with integrated drawcord
Reinforced grab-and-go handle
Wrap-around MOLLE/5.11 SlickStick® web platform
Three mesh admin compartments
Zippered fleece-lined eyewear pocket
Zippered side water bottle pocket
Hook and loop nametape and flag patches
Water-repellent coating
20″ H x 12.5″ L x 8″ D main compartment
12.5” x 11” x 2” front pocket
18” x 12.5” 2-liter hydration pocket
2275 cubic inch / 37-liter total capacity
Adjustable height sternum strap
Two external compression straps
Contoured yoke shoulder strap system
Twin drainage grommets
Self-repairing YKK® zippers
Glove-friendly pull tabs
Imported

Courtesy of 5.11 Tactical

My thoughts and review

The Rush 24 is true to its name. The bag is bigger than what the average person would need for a daypack, but probably too small to pack out for more than a couple days. This pack and its 37-liter capacity is an ideal size for overnight use. I would frequently see these bags being carried by soldiers while I was in the military; matter of fact, I still see fellow veterans on campus with the Rush 24.

Comfort

The Rush 24 is a comfortable backpack for long days and long distances. I have used this pack plenty of times in the field and even used it for hiking instead of my more technical daypacks. What makes this backpack so comfortable is the combination of well-designed features: a padded back panel with a plastic frame sheet, contoured shoulder straps, and a height-adjustable sternum strap. My only gripe about the pack is that it does not have a hip belt. A hip belt goes a long way when you have to carry a lot of gear, and it’s odd that 5.11 doesn’t include one despite having loops stitched on to accommodate one.

Versatility

I have a variety of different bags to pick and choose from depending on the situation. I don’t particularly like this bag when I commute because of how much attention it draws, but it does offer great versatility. The backpack is covered with MOLLE and so can be configured in countless ways by adding pouches and accessories. That isn’t always necessary though because there are more compartments and pockets than I can keep track of; I count 24 at the moment. Having so many different compartments can be a good and bad thing. Most of the pockets are all within two main compartments, so it helps me organize all my gear for the most part without having to fumble around. The Rush 24 also features a hydration bladder sleeve which is convenient for easy access to water when you’re traveling long distances.

The Rush 24 offers plenty of ways to organize your gear.

Quality construction

My Rush 24 is still going strong after several years. Granted I may not use it every single day, but when I do use it, it holds up to serious abuse. The 1050D fabric isn’t going to rip or get worn easily. The Rush 24 has also been treated with a water-repellant coating to protect contents from rain or snow, although you should always waterproof anything in your pack that you don’t want to get wet. I have used it in pouring rain and heavy snowfall, so I can testify that this pack is definitely weather-resistant.

Easy to access

The Rush 24 was designed to be easily accessible. The larger compartments all have wide openings, and the main compartment itself opens completely flat for convenient access to all of your gear. Contrast this to top-loading packs where you would have to dig deep to reach something at the bottom of the pack or take out additional items that are on top of it. I’m also a big fan of the zippered mesh compartments on the flap of the pack. The mesh compartments help you to smaller like-items together like your fire-starting gear, cables, etc. Although I do think it’s a little redundant for these small mesh compartments to have both top and bottom openings, it doesn’t make them make any less convenient. The Rush 24 also features side compartments on both sides of the bag.

The verdict

The good
-Comfortable for long distances
-Plenty of MOLLE for additional gear
-Multiple compartments for better organization

The bad
-Hip belt is not included

The Rush 24 has a lot of perks and no real downside, but that also depends on how you choose to look at it. While it’s great to have so many pockets for organization-sake, it may be hard to keep track of where you placed something. This pack is one of the most comfortable ones I own which is why I have used it as much as I have both in the military and for personal use. The Rush 24 currently has an MSRP of $129.99 which I think it’s a fair price for the quality of this backpack. If you’re looking for other bags to compare and consider, check out our previous review of EDC bags, here.

We enjoy hearing from our readers. If you have any experience with 5.11 Tactical gear, let us know what you think in the comments below!

Photo of the day: Bowhunting in Washington state

Bowhunting with a Bear Domain bow, and Carbon Express Mayhem arrows (Montac G5 100g arrowhead). This was taken September 2017 in Western Washington while I was out deer hunting. Although I didn’t get a deer this trip, I still have late archery season which starts November in Washington.

*Photo courtesy of Robert McCartney

Helle Wabakimi: Designed with Les Stroud

Wabakimi… Just say that a couple times in your head. Wabakimi is such a cool name. “Hey Bro, what knife is that?” “Oh man that’s the Wabakimi“. Helle makes extravagant blades, but not so extravagant that they lose the quality of the blade for appearance. It’s a compromise on each – beauty and blade.

The definition of how this beautiful blade was crafted on the Helle website states: “The third in a series of Helle knives designed with Les Stroud, the Wabakimi combines Helle’s 85 years crafting traditional Scandinavian knives with Stroud’s mastery of primitive skills. The latest addition is a medium-sized, well-balanced knife small enough for hip carry, yet amply sized to make precise cutting and long carving sessions comfortable and efficient.”

First things first, The handle, who doesn’t love curly birch? It’s a beautiful light wood with hints of darker grain. Although the handle is a bit on the larger side, it’s not overly large. I have smaller hands and with that being said it is hard to find a good quality handle on a knife, at first I was scared that the Wabakimi would be too big and uncomfortable, but the width of the handle is actually ideal for bushcrafting, carving, and everyday outdoor life. I’ve even taken it on deployments and it has lived up to the saltwater challenge.

The Blade is made out of triple laminated stainless steel and it is truly remarkable how beautiful that blade stays even after using the hell out of it. At times when I would’ve thought I would’ve scratched the blade, it came out unmarked. The blade is 3mm thick so it’s not going to be flimsy and shakey. It is durable for even the toughest of jobs. The weight of the blade may seem like a lot at first (135g) but in my opinion, it makes an ideal weight ad this is one of those situations where I’m okay with a little more weight. I try to stay as light as possible in all aspects without compromising my gear, but I’m only with carrying a little extra weight in this knife. The blade is incredibly sharp and after about a month of using it daily and constantly, I never have had to sharpen it. That’s a huge plus in my book, as I don’t want a knife that won’t keep it’s edge.

All in all the Wabakimi satisfied my need for that hunting knife/deployment knife duo. It’s incredibly beautiful and you can see the craftsmanship throughout the whole entire handle and blade. The “sharp things” experts are the Scandinavians and it is really fitting that they created a badass blade called the Wabakimi.

Available on Amazon

Light My Fire Black Pearl CampKit: Give your campfire skills an edge

Give your campfire skills an edge. With the new Black Pearl CampKit, there should be no reason at all for not being able to get a fire started. Light My Fire has created one of the best all in one kit available for getting a sustainable fire started, no matter the weather condition. We’re going into the cold weather season soon and having the ability to quickly and easily get a fire started could be the difference between life and death out in the woods.

Included in the kit:

Swedish Fire Knife

Tinder on a rope

Spork original

Swedish FireKnife

Flexible and sturdy profile-grounded blade.
Sheath with clip.
High-friction rubber handle.
Includes an original Swedish FireSteel® firestarter.
Lights campfires, gas-stoves, gas-barbecues.
Works equally well when wet.
Predictable performance at all altitudes.
Produces a 2,980°C (5,400°F) spark.

Tinder-on-a-Rope

Easy to light even when wet.
All natural & environmentally-friendly.
Up to 80% resin content.
It is the resin (oil) that burns not the wood.
Burns with a hot flame compared to paper and paraffin.
No “dangerous goods” shipping restrictions.
150x22x22 mm, 50-70 g.

Spork original

Dishwasher safe.
Extremely durable.
Lightweight.
Safe for non stick cookware
Heat-resistant.

Purchase your CampKit today!

Slumberjack Deadfall 65 Liter Pack: Optimized for Hunting

Optimized for Hunting: The Slumberjack Deadfall 65 Liter Pack

The Slumberjack Deadfall 65 Pack is designed for multi-day hunting trips and packing meat out. The 65-liter capacity is split between a large main compartment and three external pockets. An external multi-weapon carry system lets you securely carry a rifle or hunting bow. The adjustable trophy carry system accommodates various sized game to allow you to carry out large loads of meat comfortably.

Slumberjack is famous for their sleeping bags. When I heard that Slumberjack was making packs, I expected high quality and great design and I was not disappointed. The workmanship is sturdy and the design is incredibly innovative.

I have carried loads up to 75 pounds in this ruck in comfort. It will carry a lot more. The straps and suspension have padding and support in all the right places. An adjustable back suspension system provides a custom fit with two external aluminum stays and a HDPE frame sheet providing support. The load carrying system allows for a dizzying variety of alternatives.

I put the biggest gun and scope combination into the Deadfall that I had, a 24-inch barrel CMMG Mk3 rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor with a Nikon BLACK FX1000 6-24×50SF Long Range Rifle Scope. It fit with no problem and by placing my stove and fuel on the opposite side, it even balanced well. You can use different combinations of retaining straps for quick access or high security, depending on your situation.

The Deadfall is a sturdy pack that can haul out a serious load yet remain compressible enough for those minimal load days spent hiking ridge lines or exploring new territory. Side compression straps can be routed over or under the side pockets on the pack to allow for access and provide compression of loads. The external pockets range to accommodate a wide variety of gear. Pockets keep gear accessible while various sizes provide space and organization.

The DST Deadfall pack is the culmination of Slumberjacks’ serious approach to product design, field research and good old fashion gear abuse. The wings can accommodate your optics, scopes etc and that the front load flaps were versatile enough to securely hold awkwardly shaped items, while still being streamlined. Incorporating dual aluminum stay frame and adjustable torso suspension, you are sure to get the perfect fit – no matter the load.

The Deadfall 65 Pack comes in both Highlander and Perception DST (Disruptive Shadow Technology) camouflage patterns. Perception DST was designed by Vince Mares, a former paratrooper in the Army’s 82nd Airborne, it is inspired by natural foliage shadows and negative spaces. Slumberjack’s Disruptive Shadow Technology blends sharp outlines with blurred, shadow-like shapes effectively disrupting the human form at long range or up close. Creating an illusion through a depth of field and color adaptation, it blends with varied terrain.

DETAILS

Adjustable trophy carry system accoSlumberjack is famous for their sleeping bags. When I heard that Slumberjack was making packs, I expected high quality and great design and I was not disappointed. The workmanship is sturdy and the design is incredibly innovative. mandates various sized game
Stowable and versatile multi-weapon carry system easily transports your bow or rifle
Dual aluminum stay suspension with HDPE frame sheet easily handles heavy loads
Right HDPE reinforced hip belt: PALS system provides attachment point for accessory pouches
Forward pull waist belt buckle improves stability and ease of ease
Load lifters located to top cross bar provide enhanced fit and function
Side compression straps can be routed under or over side pockets providing improved access & compression options
Friction panel on lower lumbar improves contact with wet outerwear
Main side compression straps can cross over and mate together for additional compression options
Left side pocket easily accommodates large optics or field gear
Two side pockets on right side provide additional organization options
Top-loading design with adjustable lid and zippered pocket
Front Fabric shelf provides attachment options for bow carry & provides additional load support with or without the packbag
Hydration compatible
YKK zippers

SPECS

Torso: 17.5″ – 21″
Volume: 3950 cubic inches
Weight: 4 lbs 15 oz

Slumberjack’s Deadfall 65 Pack is perfect for multi-day hunting trips and packing meat out. Whether you are carrying heavy loads of meat or minimal gear scouting, the Deadfall is a sturdy pack that does it all. The 65-liter capacity, three external pockets, external weapon and adjustable trophy carry system makes this pack the ultimate shooting and hunting set up. I may never buy another pack.

You can get your very own Deadfall 65 in DST HERE MSRP $229.95

About Slumberjack

For over 50 years Slumberjack has led the outdoor industry, innovating newer and better ways to provide outdoor enthusiasts and sportsman with a great night’s sleep in the outdoors. Their broad assortment of tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp furniture and accessories provide a range of solutions designed to keep you comfortable while sleeping under the stars.