I’m asked a lot about the gear I use while hunting, not only throughout the West, but around the world. While some of the clothes, boots, trail food, guns, bows, bullets and arrows come down to personal preference, others items simply work efficiently.
It’s these efficient items that save me time and money. With hunting season upon us, here’s a look at some of the bonus gear I use, and why.
Marsupium Backpack I’ve used a lot of packs during my 40 years of big game hunting, and my favorite, all-around pack is made Marsupium, a small company out of Utah. I’m not even sure if these packs are still made, but they can be found floating around online, you just have to do some digging. When 
I heard they were closing their doors, I ordered multiple packs, so have enough to last me for years, or until something I like better comes along. What I love about these packs is that the bag attaches to a small frame. The frame cinches tight to your body, so even if the load shifts, your pack stays stabilized, which allows you to safely carry heavy loads in comfort. The baffles on the frame allow for air circulation, which I love. The many pockets and pouches allow for any and all gear to be carried, and the hydration pouch is great for a large sized bag. I’m picky about my packs, and this is one I’ve taken all over the world with me.
When it comes to a pack frame, the last few years I’ve used Cabela’s Alaska Pack Frame (www.cabelas.com). I love the light, sturdy design of these frames, which I’ve packed several elk, deer, bear and gear on. Attach a couple LoopRopes to the frame, and you’ll be able to secure all the weight you want.
LoopRopes (www.looprope.com): No matter where I hunt, fish, hike, bike, pack, boat or drive, there’s always a use for the LoopRope. These tiedowns on steroids are safe and easy to use compared to other, single-cord securing systems. The multiple loops and specialized LoopClips, allow for multiple options when securing loads, and their extra strong structure allows surprisingly heavy loads to be secured. The LoopClips, themselves, come in handy all the time. My wife carries two LoopRopes in her car to hold loads of groceries in place, and I carry them in the truck to keep various items from sliding forward in my longbed. Use them on boats to hold coolers and gas tanks in place, in camp to hold gear, on packframes and horses to secure loads, on ATVs, and in the tent to hang-dry clothes. I’ve used them as an emergency belt and dog leash, and my wife once used one to fish a dropped cell phone out of a gutter drain in a parking lot. The applications are endless.
Shooting Sticks (www.caldwellshootingsupplies.com): When sighting in rifles at home I rely on the Lead Slead. It holds even the heaviest caliber rifles steady, so sighting in is efficient. When hunting, I take my Bog Pod tripod shooting sticks everywhere I go. The Red Legged Devil is sturdy, easy to adjust and works great as a walking stick. Be sure and practice with the tripod before heading on a hunt. Hike hills and practice adjusting the legs as you’re walking, so it’s the right height when it comes time to shoot. When on an animal, think ahead to the shot and adjust the height, accordingly. If kneeling to shoot, shorten the legs; if on a steep hill, shorten one or two legs to position on the uphill side. These are the sturdiest tripods I’ve shot from, and I highly prefer them over monopods are bipods, as three legs are far more steady to shoot from.