Geezer Gear Reviews

M

mightyhunter

Very Active Member
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I am just throwing this out here for input and ideas. If I get no response, I will just drop the idea and move on. I am thinking of writing some gear reviews that are directed towards older hunters and outdoorsman. Hardcore Outdoors and I Review Gear contain great info on all sorts of gear and equipment. There are also lots of reviews on various websites where you can purchase stuff. I don't know how objective those reviews are. Many reviews and gear seem to be directed toward folks with bodies like a greyhound, guys who are thin enough to hide behind an aspen tree and those who spend hours everyday in a gym. Nothing seems to be geared toward people like me (60 and overweight) who still like to spend time in the mountains. That would include guys like me who missed the high tech revolution with apps and handheld devices. They don't always talk about the guy that has connective tissue issues, old athletic injuries or a fat stomach or a grumpy personality disorder.

Over the last few years, I have started to accumulate hunting and hiking gear. Just 20 years ago, my hunting and hiking gear consisted of jeans, an earth colored shirt, some surplus wool, leather boots, and some long underwear. I can best describe my gear evolution through the words of Will Geer in the movie Jeremiah Johnson, "you have come far pilgrim" where Redford responds "it feels far".

I would like to do reviews from MY perspective with input from other geezers and people who fall into the same category as I do. That would include men and women that still want to hang in the mountains but need a little assistance to continue to do so. I am not necessarily interested in discussing ATV's and their use. I would do reviews on boots, insoles, socks, packs, trekking poles, knives, ankle braces, packs, hanging quarters, shirts, pants, outdoor saws, first aid kits, gaiters, chairs, water filtration devices, snacks, recovery drinks, tents, headlamps, pads, sleeping bags, ammo and reloading and just about anything else that might be of assistance to the older "average joe" hunter.

I confess that I have had little success with GPS systems. I am not very high tech. I usually follow the PAS system when hiking and hunting. That is known as the "Pay Attention Stupid" system which involves paying attention to where you start, what direction you are going and how to get back to the truck. That includes studying maps and knowing how to use a compass. I am not a big horse guy. I know how to take care of a horse and prepare it for use. I know about saddles, harness, cinches, buckles, panniers and harnessing. If I could beam up a mule or horse after a kill, I would really be into these animals. Unfortunately, the in between aspects just challenge my patience. I don't use game cameras and get tired of seeing them strapped to trees on public land. I also have little use for tree stands. I won't spend anytime discussing long range shooting systems. You can see those on TV and make your own judgments. I also would offer some perspective on what is cheap and what isn't. You usually get what you pay for in outdoor gear. However, often you can find some real bargains that actually work better than the high price stuff. I don't want to
turn this into an excuse to bash companies or products that I and others don't like. I think discussing customer service experiences from various companies is appropriate. Some gear may only work for one person and not work for another.

Let me know if you are interested and willing to contribute.

just sayin...mh
 
Great topic for us geezers,lol.
I take map & compass as I still don't trust my use of my Oregon 450t w/xmps...big fingers and tech challenged.LOL
I still wear old wool sweaters as mid layers,and a Woolrich Hunt coat. But I have newer Smartwool baselayers that are a dream.

So today I tried some brand new hunting boots as the Meindel Ibex I have used for 15 yrs got a bit cold and I started to get 1st sore spot ever on top of my toes last year,stiff(will soak in Obenhaufs).
I went online and checked reviews,looked at them where I could and talked to a couple real hunters I know who have both the Meindel and Lowa boots I looked at.

My new Lowa Tibets are excellent so far. I got them for $300.
Super light.400grm Primaloft insl. ,a bit warmer than 200 thinsil.
Fit like a padded glove,perfect.Got 1/2 size larger for my thick Merino socks I wear and insoles.I slipped them on with just my regular Merino socks and went out taking pics,check the wind mill and cattle,usual morning walk. Very comfortable,even cinched up tight.Real leather uppers w/no flaws(I hate plastic/nylon/thin leather shoes),made in Germany. Very well made,perfect stitching.
I will give break-in review,tho I think they are one of those that I will be able to just go and never have a problem boots.
Like the Meindels and other Lowa boots I have had over 45 yrs.

Which brings us to your "Get what you pay for " saying.
I totally believe it.
You can get great stuff cheap,but some research will tell if it's just cheap.
And the high quality stuff I do buy has lasted and worked properly for years....lotta years for some. Hank
 
I appreciate the response and the input. Boots are a crucial element and they do not all fit and feel the same. I may start tonight or in the morning. Any equipment in particular someone wants to know about. I was thinking about discussing trekking poles.

mh
 
Looking at those too.I now use a single hiking/shooting stick.
But for packing out meat 2 makes more sense.For us Geezes w/bad ankles anyway,lol.
 
Trekking Poles

I didn't own a pair of these until 5 years ago. I still refer to them as "girly man poles". They will save your hips, knees, ankles and back. They can keep you from getting soaked in a creek crossing. They can really help you up when you are packing meat. You can use them to help yourself up with a heavy pack.

They are easily set to your frame by placing your arms at your sides and than bringing your elbow up to where your arms are at a 90 degree angle to your body. Your arms are parallel to the flat ground and you are set. Kind of in an L pattern. You can adjust them up or down for downhill. If you set them the way I mentioned, you will be fine on flat and uphill hiking. If you are going down a steep grade you can adjust them or just place your palms on top of the grips. I prefer leaving them unadjusted and using my palms on the downhill.

They come in aluminum and carbon. The major brands are Black Diamond and Leki. The shapes vary from round to oval or elliptic in shape. The locking mechanisms vary from twist types to the flick lock variety with a lever that opens and closes to adjust the height. Some come with anti-shock built in. They usually have a replaceable titanium tip. You can put a rubber boot over the tip but I wouldn't bother. If replacement metal tips are not available for the poles you want, don't buy them.

The grips are cork, rubber or some sort of composite rubber and cork. I prefer the cheaper rubber grips. They don't get all grungy like the cork. Some cork grips will actually soak up blood and become stained accordingly.

I have had both the Black Diamond elliptic poles and also some round Leki poles. The Black Diamond had the flick lock mechanism. The tips wore out and no replacements were available. Black Diamond did offer to replace a section of the poles with a newer tip. The cost was about the same as new poles. Usually metal tips are around $ 10.

The strongest poles that Leki makes are round aluminum with the twist lock mechanism. They weigh a little more than the lighter composite and non metal poles.

Usually you get what you pay for with equipment. With trekking poles that may not be true. If a couple of ounces make a difference to you, buy the lighter poles for more money. The anti shock is also more money and I could honestly see it ceasing to function. The cork grips are also more money. I purchased my Leki Kumara trekking poles for very little money. They are strong and will lockdown with the twist lock mechanism. They have rubber grips and hand loops. At $ 60 for the pair they are a steal. It makes no sense as a geezer hunter to pay more.

just sayin...mh
 
Ankle Braces

It is inevitable as an outdoorsman that you will have to deal with ankle sprains. Sometimes it is just a continual reinjuring of an existing sprain. Often it is just a gradual deterioration of the connective tissue in the ankle. I have had my left ankle scoped and cleaned. It helps, but does not resolve the problem of injuring an already weakened joint.

Tape can work for the sprain. That would include plain old athletic tape all the way up to kinesiology tape and kinesiology tape kits. If you are going to use these to brace an ankle sprain, be sure and follow the directions completely. Do not over wrap the joint. I did this many years ago, in an ill advised attempt to continue playing basketball after age 40. The over tightening of the tape resulted in the splitting of the soleus muscle. That injury made me forget my bad ankle immediately.

Air casts have been around for a very long time. They usually involve blowing up the compression chambers within a hard plastic two sided stirrup type shell. They are bulky and cumbersome and generally do not fit well into a hiking boot. These are better off worn with tennis type shoes or low cut boots.

I have utilized two types of ankle braces with some success. The first is the Malleo ankle support. They work but are a little expensive at $ 100 a pop. You need a different brace for right or left ankle sprains. They come in various sizes. They can be washed and fit right into your hunting boot.

My favorite ankle brace is the Top Shelf Gauntlet Pro brace. They have a lace up system with three over lapping straps to stabilize the joint. They may also have a plastic strip that slides into a pocket for better stability. Used properly, you will not even know you have it on. This has been my go to brace since I stepped into a badger hole a couple of years ago. They are sized and you will need a different brace for each ankle.

All the tape and braces in the world will do you no good if you wear hunting boots or shoes with little ankle support. The flexible boots may be comfortable, but they won't stabilize the joint. I prefer a boot where the stability of the ankle is protected to the extent that you will break your leg before you sprain your ankle.

mh
 
mightyhunter, I am definitely interested in your reviews. Already like the ones you have posted. I'm not quite yet a geezer at 52 but feel like it sometimes.
I would like to share my experience with trekking poles. My buddy who is about 10 years younger than me was using a set of trekking poles and I called him every yuppie name in the book. Then one day I went hunting with an 18 year old kid who was using carbon ski poles as trekking poles. I decided that if this 18 year old kid was using them then there must be something to it. So I got some Black Diamond ski poles. Heavier than trekking poles but indestructible. I will never hike without them again. They have given me another 20 years of hiking. One of my friends bend up a pair of expensive trekking poles every time we hunt together but I've been using my ski poles now for 5 years with no problems. Just another option.
Another game changer and a big help is pants with knee pads. Love them. fatrooster
 
I was wondering about weight bearing capacity those superlight ones have? Hate to have one snap under load of elk.
My skinny legs will break before my weak ankles in the Tibets..lol.
 
Talking about boots and ankle injuries, I see posts of people talking about hunting in six inch hiking boots. I have spent my entire life around hunters, loggers, construction workers and coal miners and have never saw anyone wear a six inch boot. I thought those were for yuppies hiking in city parks. I worked 38 years in the coal mining industry and if you had shown up with a six inch boot they would have told you to go get a proper boot or don't come back.

Your boots are safety equipment. Get a boot that fits properly and lace it up tight to protect your ankles. Of course if you already have an injury then taping it up like a football player would probably be a good thing.

Most importantly don't take chances. Don't try to climb a slick mountain with two foot of snow on it. Back off and live to hunt another day. When you get past 60 these injuries never get totally well. Plantar fasciitis, torn rotator cuffs, sprained ankles, bad knees and hips, they don't get better.
 
Fatrooster,
I think the ski poles you are using are likely not very different than my Leki poles. They may not adjust or fold up, but quite frankly my poles are always in use while hiking or hunting.

Wv Hunter,
I plan on posting a review on hunting and hiking boots. I have used all kinds of boots over the years. If you are a geezer like me, wearing 6" boots doesn't make much sense. I will leave the Keen and Merrill type boots to the younger hunters.

just sayin...mh
 
LAST EDITED ON Jul-01-15 AT 07:16AM (MST)[p]Hunting Boots

As a kid, I bought my first hiking boots. My first were Dunhams and later I had a pair of Vasque boots. They had Vibram type soles but were not particularly stiff with superior ankle support.

The first pair of real boots I ever bought were Ft. Lewis boots made by Danner. I bought them at an Eddie Bauer in Spokane, Washington. The price was about $ 200. They fit great in the store. I went on a hunting trip in Wyoming and disaster struck. Blisters and black and blue toenails happened. I couldn't figure out why these boots that felt so great in the store could become my enemy overnight. I called customer service at Danner. They seemed to know what the problem was almost immediately. The representative actually mentioned that certain parts of the boots used to be stitched but they were now glued. He mentioned that if the boots heated up or were used hard, they could pull apart. He suggested I send them in for repairs. Instead I took them back to Eddie Bauer and got my money back. No more Danners for me ever again.

I next moved on to boots sold by Cabelas. This included Meindl, and a couple of boots marketed under the Cabelas brand. I had a pair of Cabelas Switchback boots. They felt great and were less than $ 160. On a long hike, after a few months of use, the boot sole split lengthwise from the heel to the toe. Back to Cabelas they went. I acquired a pair of Cabela's Outfitter boots with airbob soles. These boots were really tough to get on your feet. They were so narrow around the ankle, it took a lot of work to get them on. Once, I left them out in the cold after a long hunt. The next day I could not get them on before I hiked out. I ended up putting them on in my bare feet and walking for hours before they loosened up enough to put some socks on. Finally, I started wearing Meindl boots. I have had the Denali, Perfekt and other models from Cabelas. They always fit well, broke in easily and gave me the great ankle support I needed. My only complaint about the Meindl boots involved the sole. In cold weather, the Vibram or other soles on these boots got extremely hard. They would slip on steep ground. In some cases, I couldn't stand up.

My next pair of boots was the Kenetrek Hardscrabble Hikers. The soles on these boots were killer. The traction was incredible. They stayed flexible even in cold weather. The ankle support was very good. My first pair was bought at Sportsmans. Slowly the boots resulted in blistered toes and heels. Kenetrek replaced the boots with a larger size. The larger size was fine for a few months until I started experiencing all the same problems that I had with the first pair. I found that the Kenetrek boots have a tendency to be built with a very small toe box and that sizing ran a little small. I also could never seem to get my heel locked down in these boots. My Kenetrek experience cost me a lot of money as I discovered they just didn't fit my feet very well.

I bought another pair of Meindl boots after this. No problems but the slipping of the soles. I contacted Lathrop and Sons to discuss boots. They hooked me up with Hanwag Alaskan GTX boots. They actually fit well and broke in great. The bearings in the lower lacing system worked great to get the perfect fit. The Vibram Fuora soles stayed flexible and I loved the boots. After a year or so, I noticed the rand and toe on the sole was pulling apart. I sent them in for repairs and the guys at Lathrop and Sons sent me a brand new pair. I still have these boots and also a new pair that I am just breaking in. They work well FOR ME.

I have some simple advice for Geezers on hunting boots. First, you get what you pay for. There are no deals in boots. If the boots are cheap, they will fail to work for you. Second, just because you pay a hefty price for a pair of boots, doesn't mean they are going to be the bomb. These suggestions seem to contradict each other. Buy the best boots you can afford and do everything you can to make sure they fit right for you. Don't rely on glowing suggestions from others.

Most of the hunting boots have a rubber rand to protect the boots from tears and rocks. When waxing these boots, try to keep excessive amounts of wax from getting under the rand. Some treatments eat the glue that holds the rand on. Remember, that many of these boots are sized by UK and European sizing. Get the right conversion to fit your U.S. sizing. Make sure the toe box is the right size for your feet. A tight toe box will destroy your feet. Always try the boot on with the sock you will be using when you use them. Make sure the lacing system locks your foot into the boot. I prefer a lacing system where the lower eyelets have bearings that allow you to cinch the boot up with little effort. Go up a steep incline when you try the boots on.

All these boots come with insoles. Throw the insoles from the factory out. The only exception to this would be the cork insoles that come in the Meindl Perfekt boots.

I want others to share their experiences with hunting boots. My only suggestion is remember you are trying to find the right boot for you. What fits one person, may not work for another.

just sayin...mh
 
The Kenetrek Mountain Extreme works well for me. But you are correct when you say what works for one person may not work for another. I have a friend who does not like the Kenetrek but likes the Zamberlain. I've had a pair of Zamberlains and found them to be similar to the Kenetrek but were narrow which made it tougher for me to keep my balance on uneven ground or rough terrain. I went back to the Kenetrek. fatrooster
 
Gaiters

Not that long ago, I did not even know what a gaiter was. Now when I hike and hunt, when I hike with stream crossings, walk through snow, mud and wet grass I have my gaiters on. I have worn a couple of pairs out over the years. I have always had the plain black ones. I have also seen them in camo, gray, red and white.

What not to buy in gaiters is fairly simple. Don't buy them unless they go from just below your knee to the top of your boot. Also, never buy them where the strap or loop under your boot (in front of the boot heel)is nothing more than a shoestring or an elastic cord. These never work and forever are associated with cheap gaiters. I had a friend hook an elastic strap, on a set of cheap gaiters, on a low limb resulting in a total face plant.

I have had two sets of Kenetrek gaiters and one set of Outdoor Research Crocodile gaiters. They are all closed with a Velcro strip in the front, have strong buckling straps for under your boot, and they all have a metal eyelet to hook on your boot laces. They are all sized and some will fit over your calf tightly and others a little more loosely.

The gaiters will keep water out of your boots for short quick trips across creeks and streams. The one exception is where the creek is deep enough for the water to go over the top of the gaiter. I like to make quick creek crossings using my trekking poles for support and balance.

If you want to insure less leakage through the gaiter, you can use gear ties around the bottom of the gaiter just above your foot. These are neoprene or silicon rubber loops with a wire inside them. You can buy them at the hardware store and most people use them for wrapping hoses and cords. Twist them on and twist them off. They weigh very little. I also think that some outdoor places sell these as an accessory for the gaiters. I think I have seen them on the Kenetrek website.

The Outdoor Research Crocodile gaiters are good and cheap on Amazon at about $ 50 for the pair. The Kenetrek will usually run you another $30 or so. Both are good and should allow you at least 2-3 years of use.

mh
 
Socks and Insoles

I had been hoping to get a little more feedback from other geezers on gear they use.

I have accumulated more hunting and hiking socks than anyone I know. My wife makes derogatory comments about my sock accumulations and the fact I have two drawers full of hiking socks. Bad socks can make hiking and hunting miserable.

Some geezers think that all socks are alike. Trust me they are not. I have never used a two sock system and would welcome any input from geezers that do. When I first started worrying about my socks, I was purchasing the 4 pack of merino wool socks from Costco. They worked well but I was lucky to get a year out of each pair. I realized that I could do better when I started purchasing Smartwool merino wool socks to hunt and hike in. I usually purchased medium cushion socks with a higher warmth level. Yes, the wrapper on the socks actually told you what the cushioning and warmth was for the particular sock you were buying. These socks are not cheap and can be purchased just about anywhere. My only problem with the Smartwool is they seemed to wear out quickly on the bottom and are not usually on sale.

On the recommendation of others, I switched to Bridgedale Trekker socks. They have what I would call medium plus cushioning and warmth. They wear much better than the Smartwools. To save money on these, I buy them through the Sierra Trading Post when available. My last pair was $ 10.00.
That is considerably cheaper than the Smartwool.

When I hike in the Spring and Summer, I also have some Lorpen socks which are made with something called Coolmax. These wear well and have good cushioning. They are cheaper than the Bridgedale but they will last as long.

Insoles

You spend a lot of money on a pair of good boots and discover that the insoles in your $300-$400 boots are one layer of crap and not much better than a piece of cardboard. Trying and buying insoles is a pain. They are usually not packaged for trying on. I encourage you to take your boots to the store where you are going to acquire insoles and try them out. Cabelas is pretty good about this but I can tell you from experience that other retailers are not so nice about it.

I have always wanted to try the Synergy footbeds produced by Lathrop and Sons. At $ 53.00 a crack, they seem a little spendy to me. I guess after spending $ 400 on boots a geezer should think that $ 53 is a minor expense. I have tried Superfeet Green insoles and have thought they were all right but not great. They are not cheap.

Years ago, I liked the factory insoles that came with some Meindl Perfekt boots. I discovered those insoles can also be purchased separately at Cabelas. They work great in my two pairs of Hanwag Alaskan GTX boots. Some people think the cork insoles won't wear well. I haven't had that problem. They run from $ 20.00 to $ 30.00. You need to size them correctly just like your boots.

I would welcome some input from others about insoles for geezers.

just sayin..mh
 
Good read Mighty a few thoughts on some of your post are. I like trekkers that are spring loaded. It helps with elbows and shoulders. I wish they would make a pant gaitor combo. Tabs on the pants to attach? the gaitor to it. With small calves they tend to slide down. Custom footbeds are great, but I fill my socks and feet with talc or baby powder to keep the hots spots down.
 
MIghtyHunter,
Great information on gear! I'm an official geezer member turning 60 two weeks ago, and have been a walking sticks user for over ten years. Saved me many falls and helps the hips and knees considerably. I also have two pairs of Mendals, Lathrop and Sons insoles, and too many socks to count.
Keep the reviews coming ?
Ed
 
Midweight Merino Wool Shirts

These shirts are a real favorite of mine. They keep you warm with a light fit. They absorb sweat and are virtually stink free. I have worn them with nothing else in temperatures as low as 20 degrees. I have also worn them when the temperature was up to 80 degree without dying from the warmth.

About the only thing you need to be careful with in buying these are sizing. Some of these are sized for men with athletic builds (ripped abs, muscular shoulders and tight waists). I don't have that type of physique as a geezer. I wish that some of the companies would make these in long sizes in colors other than black.
I tried the Icebreaker and quickly found they were sized for the
athletic build. I looked silly in this and left it on the discount rack at the Sierra Trading Post in Cody, Wyoming. It was a shame, because the price was right.

My favorite in these shirts is the First Lite Chama 1/4 zip. They come in colors and various types of camo. They have a nice pocket on the sleeve that will hold your tags and driver's license. They have thumb holes for your hands which help keep a portion of your hands warm and keep the sleeves from climbing. They wear well and are light and warm. I love these. The down side is they are often difficult to both find and to purchase cheaply. I bought my last one at Black Ovis with a small discount.

My next favorite is the Minus 33 Chocorua midweight crew neck shirt. These are great shirts and come in numerous colors and I believe one camo version. These are cheaper than the First Lite Chama and do offer a tall size in black. I hike almost exclusively in this shirt and like it very much. Just yesterday on a backcountry hike I ran into a muley doe with two fawns. I swear she could not smell me in this shirt. Her nose was working hard but I was within 20 feet of her.

I would never advocate washing these midweight shirts regularly like you do a tee shirt. You may experience pilling if you do. My wife is amazed at how these shirts don't smell after I wear them for all day adventures. I just hang them back up after I use them.

Let me know what brands you have tried and what you think.

mh
 
Hunting Packs

I am in stores like REI, Scheels, Dicks, Sylvan Peak Outfitters, Sunlight Sports, Sierra Trading Post, etc. all the time. They sell what I refer to as recreational backpacks. They may be a little cheaper than hunting backpacks and often come in Day Glow colors. They usually have a million compartments and a place for everything. Unfortunately, most of them won't have a set up for carrying meat, horns and hides. If you can't afford anything else, these may work for you but I am guessing you will not be happy down the road with such a purchase.

I can't begin to review all the hunting packs that exist out there. I have had two old Cabela's Freighter Packs for many years. Do I wear them when I hunt? No. I only use them when I am asked to pack quarters for someone else or as loaners for friends. They come with an external frame and a huge compartment for quarters, capes and antlers.

My hunting pack is a Just One (J34)from Eberlestock. It is an internal frame pack. I have had it for years. It is in MAX 1 camo. I believe I paid about $300 for it. My two oldest sons also have this pack. Do I think it is the best hunting pack around? NO. Does it work for me? YES. I have never packed meat with any pack that left me feeling comfortable about the experience with the pack. What do I like about the pack? The scabbard for my rifle balances the weight well and leaves my hands free. These guys stand behind what they sell. I had a zipper strip out and they sent me another zipper. They told me how to clean the blood out of the pack. I have never had a seam pop, the material tear out or had any of the chest or waist straps not function. This pack has taken a beating and has not let me down.

One thing that I have been doing for years with my Eberlestock is simple. When I hike, scout or hunt I always have it on my back. I use it as my day pack. I want it to feel like an extension of my body. I think many hunters make the mistake of only wearing their hunting packs when they are hunting. I also like the protection this pack gives my vitals in the vent of a grizzly attack.

I want to hear from other geezers about what hunting packs they like and use.

just sayin...mh
 
LAST EDITED ON Jul-14-15 AT 08:58PM (MST)[p]MH, i fit your description to a tee. At 62, my body, especially the mid and lower body, has been put through the ringer and these past couple years, it has just said "enough!".I can hardly get around these days but i still go, suppose i will until it ain't worth being here.

I have gout like attacks quite often from both knees down and the pitted edema from feet up to my knees does not ever go away. Shoes and/or boots need to be easy to secure and at size 15eeee, they're tough to find at any price.

Instead of spending my limited funds on trekking poles, i made a 6' piece of 3/4" copper pipe into a walking staff that also doubles at a handy dandy shooting stick. I wrap several layers of duct tape around and across each end to make it quiet on stone, very sturdy, a nice tool to have along if away from my rig.

I've never been able to buy highest end glass AND go hunting as much as i do each year so i've tried lots of Bino's that were in the $100-$400 range. What i have found for me to be the best glass in that range has been a pair of 50-60 year old Zeiss 8X wide angle's bought on e-bay for about $150. They're fairly compact, looked new in the pic's, and arrived near mint, good as new and crystal clear. I'd go that way again, awesome value.

Hunting pants, i like nothing but polyester sweat pants. They don't have to be "hi-tech" just any ol sweat pant, preferably fleece, that has no cotton, just 100% polyester. Comfy, warm, they shed water, and dry out fast. I wear 4xl, not too hard to find at less than $30. a pair.

Lastly, no more tents to set up n down, bags that are too small or not long enough, or sleeping on the ground for this ol boy. I picked up a use a pop-up cab-over camper for the back of my old 82 Chev 4X4. I'm mobile on those wheels yet not much limited as to where i can go, completely dry and warm in a storm, and i really like that nice comfy upper bunk at night.

Good thread, good topic!

Joey




"It's all about knowing what your firearms practical limitations are and combining that with your own personal limitations!"
 
For packs I used the J-34 Just One Eberlestock for many years and two years ago I retired the J-34 and bought the Eberlestock Dragonfly. But the newer packs are much lighter and this year I'm going with the KUIU 7200 Icon to cut down on weight. I could have gone lighter with the KUIU Ultra but I like the pockets that come with the Icon. The hip belt comes with backwards pull tightening straps that make tightening up the hip belt much easier. Hopefully this pack works out for me. If not I still have the Dragonfly. fatrooster.
 
Thanks for the input. When I get a new pack, I will look at some other options. I am concerned that my J34 Eberlestock may never wear out.

mh
 
I am mistaken, my pack was not a J-34 but a J-104. It treated me great. I always left the spotting scope on the tripod and would slide my tripod down the rifle scabbard. It was my favorite feature of my Eberlestock pack. Whenever me and my hunting partners would see something I would have my spotter out and set up in 30 seconds while it took minutes for them to dig out thier spotters.
I finally broke the shoulder strap down below the shoulder cushion where the strap connects to the bottom of the pack. I took it to a shoe/saddle shop and the old guy who ownes the place fixed her up. I gave the pack to a good friend who is still using it. fatrooster
 
Just ordered some Leki poles.

Have the new Lowa Tibets and wearing them scouting,hiking around my place now.Excellent boot! Extremely well made,in Germany like my old ones. Looking for insoles now.

Gonna put Obernaufs on the old Meindel Ibex for early hunts,see if that soften them up some.Heavy rains last yr and being 15+ yrs old stiffened them.

I still use my J-104 for scouting/hunting/daypack. 12 yrs or so on it,nothing but some mouse chews along zipper/flap edges...and some blood stains.
Guys raze me about how big and heavy it is.They have piles of packs...I say it's extremely comfortable,and carries everything I want/need.
I figure if I can't wear a few pounds on my back comfortably,how am I going to carry an elk out.
 
Hank don't put 40lbs or more in that pack, you'll never walk again. But I do love the lekis that are spring loaded. ps pick of a back up set of tips for the trekkers, they do where out.
 
Hats
Despite living in Wyoming, I never wear a cowboy hat for head protection. I do most of my hiking in a baseball hat. Does that work well when I am hunting? Not really. I have about a half dozen "Elmer Fudd" hats. You know the Stormy Kromer and Crowncap type hats that have the drop down flaps for your ears. These are great if you don't hike very far in them. They make my head sweat when I am covering ground. After they have become sweaty, the hat will make your head cold when you stop. These are best left in your pack and placed on your head after you stop hiking and sweating.

I have a First Lite brimless beanie. It actually breathes and keeps my head warm. My head does not get sweaty when I wear this. I wish they were a little longer to cover my ears. This is about the best hat I have found for hunting and hiking. I have heard that the brim on the brimmed version of this beanie is worthless.

Any help for Geezers on choosing the right hat. I like what I have but I have got to believe there is something better out there.

just sayin...mh
 
Under Armour, Sitka, KUIU and Cabelas all make beanies that will go down far enough to cover your ears. They make both lightweight and heavyweight versions. These are my favorite hats to wear if I don't need to shade sun. When I do, I wear the KUIU boonie hat or a ball cap that is not cotton. fatrooster.
 
Electrolyte Replacement Drinks

I have tried a few of these over the years. I used Gatorade and later started using Propel. I didn't think they did a darn thing for me. They tasted all right. That was because most of these drinks were all sugar.

A few years ago, I started buying Vitalyte through REI and online. It used to have the name "Gookinaid" or something like that. It was supposed to be the first electrolyte replacement mix on the market. The grape tasted all right and it did seem to make a difference. Like an idiot, I expected it to immediately make me feel refreshed after strenuous hiking and exercise. That didn't happen and at 60 I should know better. I also tried some kind of gooey thing in a small package that I would hold my nose on and suck it down.

I have read and seen advertisements for Hammer "Heed", Sqwincher, NUUD and Wilderness Athlete. Some of this stuff is really expensive. I would like to know what other Geezers are using for electrolyte replacement. I suspect that most all of it is just the same with the only difference being natural or artificial sweeteners, whether it tastes bad or how it actually mixes with water. Any help here?

just sayin...mh
 
Bone Saws

I have had a lot of experiences with these saws over the years. You need to find a saw that is lightweight and functional. That isn't all that easy.

I have had a small Wyoming Saw for many years. It had a leather case and some extra blades. It is heavy for a saw you pack in your backpack when hunting. I usually just assemble mine for hunting season and leave the case at home. I use a cheap plastic spine from a small report folder over the blade to prevent it from cutting into my pack. In 2011 I was hunting moose solo in Unit 10 in Wyoming. I took a mature bull and started to butcher it. While I was cutting the skull plate out to remove the antlers, the pin supporting the saw blade broke. I was screwed and ended up butchering the remainder of the moose with just my knife. The folks and Wyoming Saw replaced the defective part free of charge. Unfortunately, that did not help me with the situation I found myself in.

Because of weight, I purchased a Kodi Saw from Outdoor Edge to use instead of my Wyoming Saw. The saw is compact and lightweight and has a plastic sheath. It does an adequate job but it will not last more than one or two animals before it breaks just below the handle. My sons and I have three of these that all broke in the same place. I contacted Outdoor Edge about the problems and received no response. I would never purchase another one.

This year I purchased a "Dandy Saw". They are made in Cody, Wyoming. They have a nice lightweight and comfortable wood handle and come with a decent blade. They have a Cordura case. They are sturdy and I have sawed some bone and some wood with this saw. I believe the company will sharpen the saw for you if it becomes dull. The price was $ 45 at a local sportsman's show I attended. I hope to cut some skull plates out this year with this saw.

Let me hear what kind of pack saws you use for bone and for those thick skull plates.

just sayin...mh
 
I get a Social Security check so I guess that makes me a geezer.
If you are a geezer you probably have some old gear that you like.

I am pretty critical of my gear but I'm not the person that buys the latest and greatest every year and I don't think that everything that I own is the best.

I have a Leica 1200 rangefinder that is eleven years old. Probably two or three generations behind the current models. It's been in Alaska where it rained every day with fog and mist. It's been in Saskatchewan with it twelve below zero and it's always worked fine and still does. It consistently ranges animals at plus 900 yards. I couldn't get it to range an elk at 1150 yards but it would range the rock beside the elk. This model doesn't do angle compensating but I don't shoot at distances long enough to need that.

I have a set of Swarovski 10 X 42 SLC that are 15 years old. Paid $830 for them new. What more can you say, they are Swarovski. I would like to have a pair of rangefinding binos but that would probably take a couple of SS checks and I don't know if I have enough hunts left in me to justify them.

I am a big fan of merino wool socks also. My wife works in the operating room where they keep the temperature cold and she asked me what "hunting socks" she could get to keep her feet warm. I told her to get merino wool and she said she didn't think she could wear wool because it would irritate her. I told her we would go to Cabela's and get her a high quality pair to try. Now I think she owns more merino wool "hunting socks" than I do.

For saws, I have a sierra saw, these have been around awhile. I like it pretty well, I have sawed a skull plate off a moose with it. You could probably split an elk down the spine with it but I haven't done that. They cost $7.25 on Amazon, when they get dull you just throw them away and get a new one. They only cut when you pull so that makes them a little safer.

Enough for today, I will try to add to this later
 
Just saw on another thread that was talking about knives and nfh said he had a 105 Buck. Well I have a 105 Buck that I've had for 48 years, it's been through a lot. Had to replace the leather sheath after about 30 years. Except for a 20 gauge Sears shotgun it's probably the oldest piece of gear that I have.

I think you need to carry at least two knives. And there certainly isn't any issue with carrying four or five. You need one strong fixed blade knife like the Buck although the 105 isn't a big knife, 5 1/2 inch blade I think and a Havalon or Outdoor Edge with replaceable blades.

I have the Outdoor Edge which I like but the blade release is right where the thumb of a right handed person is placed and you have to be careful to not accidentally release the blade while you are using the knife.
 
Currently, I carry a Havalon Piranta and also a Knives of Alaska sheath knife. I like the Havalon but when you get into some tougher spots, I lack the finesse not to break the blades. I remember breaking 4 or 5 blades butchering a moose with it in 2011. If you have a Havalon, invest in a light weight set of forceps to change the blades with. It will save your fingers when the knife gets slick. A few years ago my Knives of Alaska knife broke near the back of the gut hook. They replaced it free of charge, but I might note that Knives of Alaska might really be the Knives of Texas as they are situated in Denison, Texas.

When I used to guide a little, I was always given lots of knives by clients. I used to have a drawer full of them. My favorite knife way back in the day was a cheap Schrade Sharpfinger with a carbon steel blade. I think the blade was 3 1/2" long. I could get it wicked sharp and I have the scarred fingers to prove it. It is also the official knife of the Hells Angels. I quit using them when they went over to stainless steel blades. They just were not the same. I gave my last carbon steel bladed Sharpfinger to my nephew when he took his first deer.

I was always constantly losing knives over the years. I am not the only one, as I can recall finding many knives out in the backcountry when hiking and hunting. I soon discovered that I never lost the sheath. I started tying the knife to the sheath and discovered that I never lost another knife. It is a little awkward, but it stopped the loss problem. Another thing I like is a blaze orange handle. Both knives that I carry have this. If you can't find a blaze orange knife on the ground, you may have had too much to drink the night before.

jut sayin...mh
 
Don't All Chime in at once

TENTS

This may be a long post. I am not going to be talking about canvas wall tents that sleep twenty with a stove. Although very comfortable, they are not practical unless you have horses to carry them. I am talking basic lightweight shelter.

My first tent was a small canvas "lean to" type tent. I remember saving my money to buy it when I was about 14. It lasted a long time and worked great as long as you didn't touch the roof when it was wet. For backpacking, I graduated to a cheap tube type tent made of vinyl. You strung a rope through the top and tied each end off on a tree. This was likely the precursor to a bivy sack. The condensation in one of these, after a night of sleep, was incredible. These were lightweight and serviceable in mild weather. They were essentially disposable.

For many years, I would sleep out under the stars and pray for no rain or snow while early season hunting. I did this until I discovered a mouse one night licking my lips for salt. That was when I started my quest for the perfect tent to carry when backpack hunting in the backcountry.

I acquired a Eureka Backcountry 1 man tent. It was lightweight and fairly stable for a narrow bodied tent. It was a three season tent with a mesh body and a rainfly. There was not much room to move but it was serviceable and cheap. It had the lightweight DAC aluminum poles. I used the tent for years in Wyoming until some fool stole the mesh body, pegs and poles out of my truck. The idiot failed to get the rainfly and I still use it. I would recommend this type of tent.

My son and I jointly purchased a 3 person Big Agnes tent with footprint. It was purchased at REI in Colorado Springs. It wasn't cheap. The tent was small and lightweight but still cumbersome to carry. Although a 3 man tent, it would be difficult for 3 people to actually sleep in it. Think sardines in a can. This three season tent saved our bacon a few years ago when a freak snow storm blew into the Wyoming backcountry with high winds and 2 ft. of snow. We spent two miserable nights in that tent without incident. We did get a decent muley buck right before dark on the second night.

I purchased a Kelty Grand Mesa 2 man tent real cheap a few years ago. I think it weighs less than 5 lbs. It is well built and I would recommend it to anyone. I still use it and loan it out. It is a good tent but cumbersome to pack. I still wanted something different. I don't enjoy sharing a tent with others who snore or move around a lot.

I began looking for a tent that would hold a single person that was lightweight and tough. I wanted something I could carry in the spotting scope compartment of my Eberlestock when hiking and hunting that took up little space and weighed nothing. I wanted something I could pitch fast in case of an emergency overnight adventure. This is when I discovered the world of ultra light single wall tents. Most of the manufacturers of these tents cater to the wolf hippie crowd and not necessarily to geezer hunters. I now have a Protrail one man tent from the Tarptent Company. They are made in the USA and are incredible little tents. Mine is comfortable for one and could hold two in a pinch. It weighs 25 ounces with the 24" one ounce rear pole that I ordered. It has 4 stakes and uses your trekking pole to stake out the front. They have a bathtub type floor that is 42" wide. They are made in a gray color. It packs down to a whopping 4"x12". You can use a Tyvek footprint if you want. I just use the old rainfly from my Eureka Backcountry 1 person tent. The whole thing with the makeshift footprint does not weigh two pounds. I have taken to carrying it when I day hike and scout just in case of an emergency. The people at Terptent have all kinds of models and sizes. They are a direct order company so they are the only source. I would encourage my fellow geezers to look into one of these tents.

I wanted to say something about lightweight tent camping for backcountry hunting. It would also apply to any type of backcountry hunting camp. DON'T camp on top of the animals you are hunting. Stay at least a half mile away and walk in to hunt your deer or elk. Too many people miss this memo when backcountry hunting. It drives me crazy. It is especially annoying when the tent they pitch is some day glo color.

I pitch my tent in odd locations because of the situation here in NW Wyoming with grizzly bears. I don't put up an electric wire for protection. I pitch my tent in deadfall patches where I have cleared a spot. It allows me to hear anything that comes in. If I can't find this, I will pitch my tent with one side wall up against a downed tree. Always pitch your tent at least 15-20 ft. from any fire area (duh).

How about some input. Just sayin...mh
 
My big Truck camp tent finally broke a pole,etc.
GanderMtn Dome 20+ yrs. Now looking for replacement,might even go the cot route...lol

Packing I have a Kelty Gunnison 2.0 2 man 2 vestabules ,fly.
Great tent.
I also have a OR Bivy and a flytarp for light/over night set up.
 
These are great reviews mightyhunter. I think it would be easier for people to comment if each review had its own thread. The topics are so great I think it would be great to copy and paste the reviews into their own thread. I think a lot more comments and discussion will come in when the thread topic is specific.

Examples of possible thread titles:

Geezer Gear Reviews - Tents
Geezer Gear Reviews - Hunting Boots
Geezer Gear Reviews - Electrolyte Replacement Drinks
Geezer Gear Reviews - Bone Saws
Etc.
Etc.
 
Heartshot,

Remember, I am a Geezer and very low tech. I can't operate a GPS. Your suggestion makes sense, but I am guessing it is too late to do it that way. I just ordered another electrolyte replacement drink mix. Updates, after I drain it in my pie hole.

just sayin...mh
 
LAST EDITED ON Aug-22-15 AT 08:24AM (MST)[p]For the last several years I've been using the Hilleberg Akto 2 man tent which weighs 3 pounds 5 ounces. Very good tent and is a 4 season tent. This year I'm going with the Kuiu one man tent that weighs 17 ounces or 18.9 ounces with thier trekking pole which is used to set up the tent. I did not get thier trekking pole since I already have a pair. Its called the Ultra Star and cost $250.00. I've tried it out in the yard and it seems like its going to work out great. If you want more than a bivvy sack but less weight of a 2 man tent and many bivvy sacks and something you can sit up in to get dressed then look into this tent.
 
Fatrooster,

That sounds like a nice one man tent from Kuiu. Had I seen it, I might have considered one. It was about the same price as my Protrail from Tarptent. I am thinking of carrying my one man in my pack at all times. Sometimes in my wanderings while scouting and hunting, I have been caught out in the dark many miles from my camp. I can see popping one of these tents out to get out of the weather. I have a 20 degree down bag that I could climb into. I am eager to see how my tent works in a storm or a windy area.

just sayin..mh
 
LAST EDITED ON Sep-03-15 AT 01:37PM (MST)[p]Update on Tent and Water Purifier
I just returned from a 20 mile adventure in the Beartooth backcountry. I spent a night in my Protrail Tarptent. I received a 2 hour rain and no leaks. The condensation was decent. I am impressed. I propped the front up with my Leki Kumara trekking pole.


Water Purifiers

I have only used a couple. I had a Katadyn Pro with the filter. It worked great for a trip or two until the filter plugged up. The replacement cost for the filter was almost the same price as the total package. I doubt I got 10 gallons through it. My next choice is what I use now. I have a Steripen Traveler kit. It uses Ultraviolet Light to sterilize the water. Once you master the technique, it only takes a minute or two to purify 32 ounces of water. The directions are not crystal clear. You drop a Nalgene bottle with a pre filter screwed on into the water. After the bottle is filled, you remove the filter. You punch a button on the steripen and get a flashing green light. You stick the pointed steripen in a friction fit into the top and shake the bottle. With the proper agitation, the ultraviolet light comes on and stays on until the water is purified.

just sayin...mh
 
Hey guys
If ANYONE wants to submit reviews we will get them posted on ireviewgear. I will also put you in for draws, and winners will get great gear.
I love the old geezer idea, and could even include an old geezer section:
What do ya think?

Mike
 
Hunting Vests

Over the years I have had and still have a lot of vests. I usually carry a Cabela's down vest in my pack. They compress well but aren't wind proof or waterproof. I also have a zippered boiled wool vest that a lady made for me years ago. It is warm but again it is not waterproof but instead absorbs water. It is also a little heavy and bulky.

Right now I have been using the First Lite Uncompahgre Vest in Dry Earth. I got it for less than $ 100 from Midway. They are windproof and water resistant. They can be rolled up to almost nothing and they weigh very little. They breathe very well. The tail is very long and they may be a little large for the size designated. I think they might be a little noisy because of the shell material they are made with. Mine has been good down to 25 degrees. When I put it over a mid weight Merino shirt like the First Lite Chama or a Minus 33 mid weight you have a great combination. I will be using it next week in some even colder weather. I would give this vest a big thumbs up.

just sayin...mh
 
Hunting Vests,
I put the First Lite Vest through the paces last week when I took my oldest hunting mule deer in the Cody backcountry. The weather was cold and the ridges were windy. The 6th of November was especially brutal. The vest was windproof. Wearing my First Lite mid weight quarter zip under this vest was a perfect combo. I covered over 10 miles on foot for four consecutive days. The vest did not make me sweat and left me comfortable whenever I stopped to glass or rest. The pockets of this vest held my gloves and also some hand warmers. I can recommend this vest to everyone.

mh
 
Deerlove,

The vest is designed to be worn on the outside. I usually have a mid weight merino wool shirt(Minus33 or First Lite)base layer. My next layer is a Cabela's long sleeve shirt. The vest goes over this. When I wear my old bib wools overalls the vest goes on over that. The vest is cut well and not tight. The tails are fairly long so you don't have to pull it down constantly. Hope that helps. My vest is in Dry Earth color.

mh
 
Any reviews of sleeping surfaces? I use cots in my wall tent, but what is most comfortable/packable for sleeping on the ground? Thanks in advance.
 
Unfortunately, it is my opinion that comfort and packable usually contradict each other. I sleep out when it is cold in a 20 degree rectangular down bag. For many years, I slept in this bag without a pad. About 12 years ago, I purchased a lightweight Therm-a-Rest pad. It is not full length and goes down to about my knees. It is very compact, packable and is easily inflated. It gives off some warmth and provides some degree of comfort. I wish my sleeping bag had a pocket to insert the pad in while sleeping on it. This would reduce sliding off the pad. Most of the newer down bags have these pockets for a sleeping pad. A word to the wise is you never want to leave a pad exposed around an open fire.

For sleeping in the truck I have an old gym mat that is two inches thick and provides comfort for the entire length of your body. Obviously, it cannot be packed or carried any great distance. There are other pads out there that simply won't be reduced to a manageable size for hiking and packing.

just sayin...mh
 
Thanks for the reply, maybe others will chime in. They make low cots, 3" high, that disassemble for packing. Seen those?
 
Geezer Gear Tent Review

I shopped a lot and decided on MSR Fast Stash. A single wall hybrid between tent and tarp, like the BA Scout above. Being all about the bargain, when STP put it on clearance I surfed for a coupon. STP retail store in CO Springs had some, cost a C note. BTW, very nice store, helpful folks.
8615img0573small.jpg

Compared to freestanding tents this thing is huge, 4 feet tall. 2 plus a big dog can easily sit inside w elbow room, in case of monsoon. Weight is 3# if you opt for trekking poles. I'm impresses so far.
 
RE: Geezer Gear Tent Review

Nice tent. I would have gone for something like that if I hadn't bought the Tarptent in 2015. I have been seeking input on another thread for a replacement down bag that isn't a mummy.
 
RE: Geezer Gear Tent Review

SOCKS?

No longer do any packing in but still do a lot of day hikes/hunts and night camps at a trail head,

I've just discovered this very worthwhile thread and appreciated the excellent comments and first hand field experience.

I have a nasty problem and wonder if others have found a solution.

I'm a old fat guy, with short legs and even when I weighed 160 lbs I had huge calves. I mean they are abnormally large and even worse now that I'm 69 years old. I can not find socks, of any kind, that expand enough to accommodate my calves. Ever sock, even those made for "large calves" cut off the circulation and cause serious swelling.

It makes me crazy that something as uninteresting as the top half of a pair of socks has been such a constant issue for the last 50 years.

Has anyone ever heard of anyone that makes "custom socks"? It's sounds like such a stupid and embarrassing question but it is certainly a delema for me and I'd sure appreciate anyone's suggestion as to a solution, odd as at sounds.

Thank you for the many reviews, they have all been very informative and worthwhile.

DC
 
RE: Geezer Gear Tent Review

I didn't see your post until today. I am kind of a sock hoarder. I love Lorpen and Bridgedale merino socks for all my outdoor adventures. I like the medium cushion the best. As to your particular problem, you might contact Lathrop and Sons and see if they have any ideas about custom socks. I was also thinking about the socks you can get to aid with circulation problems in your legs. The kind they give you after heart surgery etc. Those might help but I am just guessing here.

just saying...mh
 
RE: Geezer Gear Tent Review

I just made a serious change in my optics. Because I only have sight in one eye, I was using a Swarovski 8x30 LRF Monocular for the last 8-9 years. I have a decent Fujinon Spotting Scope but do not always lug it around. Last year, I had some difficulty field judging a couple of muley bucks that were between 200-300 yards away. My son has a pair of Kahles 10x42 binoculars that he loves. However, he was always relying on me to range everything he glassed up.

A few weeks ago, I started shopping for a LRF binocular that was 10x42. There are lots of these out there for purchase. I was concentrating my efforts on German optics. I did look at the Maven binoculars at a recent show with the idea that I would keep my range finder. I ultimately decided I just didn't want to be looking through both in a back and forth manner.

I finally decided on a fairly newly released LRF binocular from Leica. I don't shoot at particularly long range and did want to pay a ridiculous sum for what I wanted. I narrowed it down to a Leica Geovid HD-R in yards that was 10x42. After making the decision, I started to shop around. I saw where they could be had at various online dealers for around $ 1,699.00 with free shipping. I noticed that a couple dealers offered trade in allowances for your used optics. I sent out some feelers and struck up a deal with euroOptic in Pennsylvania. We reached a deal with my trade in. They attempted to change the deal down the road with some BS claims about the 8x30 Swarovski that I had offered to trade in. They found out quickly that the "games" were not going to work with me. They ended up agreeing to the original proposal that had started the process.

I received the Leica LRF binoculars early this week. I was eager to try them out. To say I am impressed with my new binos, would be an understatement. I had to insert the battery provided and they were ready to go. I successfully able to range out to 1,350. The clarity and brightness were super. They worked great with glasses on.

just sayin...mh
 
Mighty, I use a number of Hammer products and really like Heed for endurance mountain biking events. I also highly recommend Hammer Recoverite after a hard day of using your legs. It helps reduce lactic acid buildup and you will feel better the next day.
 
This is a follow up to my posts on trekking poles. After using them for 15 months, the Leki Kumara poles I had purchased to replace my Black Diamond poles failed. Specifically, the titanium tip on one of the poles backed into the plastic sleeve that surrounded it. The other pole and it's tip were fine. I contacted the place where I bought them, and they informed me that the poles were just out of one year warranty period.

I did a little research online and found that this particular problem was not the first time it had happened for a consumer. I contacted Leki direct to discuss the matter. They gave me the usual B.S. about the warranty and that tips wear out. I explained to them that the tip was not worn out but that the product design to hold the tip was poor. After some back and forth, they agreed to ship me some new tips free of charge. Changing the tips was easy and I am now back into business.

When I had previously had a problem with the tips on my first set of Black Diamond poles, they basically told me to "pound sand" because they didn't make replacement tips for the pole I purchased. Poor customer service from Black Diamond and from Backcountry.com made it easy for me to never go that way again.

If given a choice over the Black Diamond brand or the Leki brand, there is no question that I would go with the Leki.

just sayin...mh
 
Mighty I put on a rubber bumper on mine when I get into places that I'm trying to be quiet, seemed to work fine but you Can't dig in and climb with them.
 
LAST EDITED ON Aug-04-17 AT 08:44PM (MST)[p]It has been awhile for another review. I have purchased some new gear for my upcoming sheep hunt, and I will report later on some of that I have not used yet.

I purchased some new gaiters from First Lite. Prior to that I had two pair of Kenetrek gaiters. The first pair crapped out and Kenetrek replaced them with another pair. They did not hold up and have been discarded. When I replaced them, I bought some Outdoor Research Crocs. I was able to get about two years out of that pair. Unfortunately, the calf buckles broke on both of them. They are plastic, so no surprise there. Also the heel straps were just about worn through.

I have ben on about 3 scouting trips with the new Brambler gaiters from First Lite. I purchased them in the Dry Earth color. I like the fact that they have snaps on the ankle and on the calf. They also have a strap for the calf cinch. The buckles are actually metal. The buckles are wider than those on the Crocs. The boot straps on the boot seem to be stronger than those on my previous gaiters.

Sizing on these gaiters may be a little small. The sizing chart suggested that I order a Medium. Instead, I ordered a Large. The fit is snug but can be snapped easily. The Medium would not have worked.

I have crossed streams and crawled through blow down since getting them. They did well and I am hoping they will hold up. They are easy to clean. They do not seem to be particularly heavy or noisy.

My only complaint is simple. First Lite gear can be extremely expensive. I recently was shopping for a new rain jacket and was looking at the Stormlight Vapor light and packable rain jacket. They wanted $ 275 for the jacket I was looking at. I did a comparison of that jacket with another from a different manufacturer that cost around $ 150.00. I could see little if any difference and opted to save $ 125. I will let you know how the new jacket holds up this hiking and hunting season. The jacket was purchased from Black Ovis and the gaiters directly from first Lite. Another problem with First Lite, is trying to order something at different times of the year. Frequently, they have nothing in stock and you have to wait. I almost bought another pair of Outdoor Research crocs because I got tired of waiting for someone to stock and sell me the Bramblers in Dry Earth.

just sayin...mh
 
This is a follow up to my First Lite Gaiters in Dry Earth. They lasted about two months before they started to fail during my last sheep hunt. Two of the female snaps started to separate. The straps under the boot started to tear and wear out and one would have frayed all the way through had I continued to use them. The Dry Earth cloth that covers a portion of each gaiter started to fray and tear down low on one gaiter above my boots. I returned them to First Lite under warranty and they replaced them. I will let you know how the second set works out. I like most First Lite products so I will give them the benefit of the doubt for now.

just sayin...mh
 
>Ankle Braces
>
>It is inevitable as an outdoorsman
>that you will have to
>deal with ankle sprains. Sometimes
>it is just a continual
>reinjuring of an existing sprain.
>Often it is just a
>gradual deterioration of the connective
>tissue in the ankle. I
>have had my left ankle
>scoped and cleaned. It helps,
>but does not resolve the
>problem of injuring an already
>weakened joint.
>
>Tape can work for the sprain.
>That would include plain old
>athletic tape all the way
>up to kinesiology tape and
>kinesiology tape kits. If you
>are going to use these
>to brace an ankle
>sprain, be sure and follow
>the directions completely. Do not
>over wrap the joint. I
>did this many years ago,
>in an ill advised attempt
>to continue playing basketball after
>age 40. The over tightening
> of the tape resulted
>in the splitting of the
>soleus muscle. That injury made
>me forget my bad ankle
>immediately.
>
>Air casts have been around for
>a very long time. They
>usually involve blowing up the
>compression chambers within a hard
>plastic two sided stirrup type
>shell. They are bulky and
>cumbersome and generally do not
>fit well into a hiking
>boot. These are better off
>worn with tennis type shoes
>or low cut boots.
>
>I have utilized two types of
>ankle braces with some success.
>The first is the Malleo
>ankle support. They work but
>are a little expensive at
>$ 100 a pop. You
>need a different brace for
>right or left ankle sprains.
>They come in various sizes.
>They can be washed and
>fit right into your hunting
>boot.
>
>My favorite ankle brace is the
>Top Shelf Gauntlet Pro brace.
>They have a lace up
>system with three over lapping
>straps to stabilize the joint.
>They may also have a
>plastic strip that slides into
>a pocket for better stability.
>Used properly, you will not
>even know you have it
>on. This has been my
>go to brace since I
>stepped into a badger hole
>a couple of years ago.
>They are sized and you
>will need a different brace
>for each ankle.
>
>All the tape and braces in
>the world will do you
>no good if you wear
>hunting boots or shoes with
>little ankle support. The flexible
>boots may be comfortable, but
>they won't stabilize the joint.
>I prefer a boot where
>the stability of the ankle
>is protected to the extent
>that you will break your
>leg before you sprain your
>ankle.
>
>mh
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I would never use ankle tape to provide relief from an ankle sprain...unless...it is applied by someone who is a certified athletic trainer. Tape applied (pulled) in the wrong direction can further damage an ankle and make it more likely to be injured because of the misapplied tape. There are specific taping methods for specific ankle sprains. Single piece wraps are a bit safer. Air braces may be the hunters best bet, if he/she has ankle stability problems. I would never recommend one of my athletes to wear an ace bandage as a sprain preventative. Additionally, the tape would have to be removed and reapplied daily if it is to be most effective.

me: ATC (Certified Athletic Trainer), CSCS (certified strength and conditioning specialist) and ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine).
 
Got a replacement set of the First Lite gaiters under warranty after the first pair crapped out within two months. The second set did better. No fraying, tearing and no snap separation. The fit is a little tight but I prefer that in a set of gaiters. I liked these so much, I bought a pair for my son for Christmas. I would rate these well above the Kenetreks. I would rate them equal to the Outdoor Research Crocodiles that I have used in the past. The OR warranty (lifetime) is hard to beat. Other than trekking poles, I would say a good set of gaiters is almost as important for hunting in the West.

just sayin...mh
 
This year I decided to buy some Lathrop and Sons insoles. I was talking about this at least two years ago. I bought two sets to put in my Hanwag Alaskan GTX hunting boots. I can honestly say that these are the best insoles I have ever used. They fit perfectly right out of the package. I bought both sets at Cabelas. I was able to get a slight discount through some coupons I had acquired from Cabelas. The price is better with the Cabelas' discounts. Also you can usually get free shipping in most cases. The sizing is different when purchased through Lathrop and Sons but it is the same product. When I bought them at Cabelas, they were not even displayed on the shelves. I had to ask for them.

A follow up is in order for my Leki Kamara trekking poles. They are still holding up. Because I put more pressure on my right leg as the result of a bad left wheel, my right pole has developed a slight curvature from having my fat butt leaning heavier on that pole. They are also getting a little harder to adjust. I don't even know if Leki makes this model anymore.

just sayin...mh
 
I had an interesting customer service experience with Leki. Because the Leki Kumara had developed a bend in one of the poles, I contacted customer service at Leki to find out what poles had replaced the Kumara in their line. I wanted poles that were as strong as the Kumara that had rubber handles as opposed to the cork. My only interest was strength. I don't really care about lightness or shock absorbers.

Leki got back to me within a few days. The representative asked me a couple of questions about my age and stature. After she got my information she told me that the Kumara was perfect for what I was using them for. She offered to replace the tip sections on both poles and also the middle sections. The replacements were free of charge. The tip sections also included brand new tips. I put the whole thing back together and I have what amounts to a new set of poles. If I need new poles down the road, I will only buy Leki.

just sayin...mh
 
I just wanted to follow-up with an item I have written about previously. That is my First Lite Gaiters. I have had the replacement pair that was given to me by First Lite after the first pair failed in just a few weeks. These are now about 10 months old.


I have already worn a hole through the outside material on the right gaiter. In addition to this, I have some difficulty getting the lower snaps over the boot to easily snap. To alleviate this, I usually spin the snap around until it will snap closed. This is a pain to do. The lower straps under the boots are starting to fray. Would I buy another pair of these down the road? Probably not. Are these gaiters functional? Yes. Are they really tough? No. I am going back to the OR Crocodile gaiters that I used for years. Although most First Lite products are top notch, these are overpriced for the way the wear.

Another review that I have involves a supplement for Energy and Focus. This is something I take before I hit the trails and hunting woods to get me going. As a full on geezer, this is important. For a couple of years, I was using something called Prepare. It worked but was very expensive and tasted nasty.

Last year, I started using Ignite from Mtn Ops. This stuff does work and gives your body a charge for about a whole day. I tried the Pink Lemonade and thought it was nasty sweet. The Grape flavor was a little better but still not great. I tried the Blood Orange at the Hunting Expo and was not impressed. I have now found that the Green Apple is the best tasting for me. You can get the stuff at Cabelas or Black Ovis or direct from the manufacturer. It really does work and does not have a crash. A few weeks ago, I went into my sheep camp on foot. I ended up hiking for around 13 straight hours. On the way out, I kind of crashed. I had done too much without having my conditioning being what it needed to be. I drank a Mtn Ops Blaze in Pineapple flavor. It did the trick almost immediately and got me out of the woods. I will keep a small bottle in my pack henceforth for any emergency.


just sayin...mh
 
I haven't commented on this post I started for quite awhile. First, I have been cutting back on the gear I have purchased in recent years. Most of the items you purchase fit only if you are a young guy living in a gym. At almost 65 years of age, that is not me.

I bought a pair of SKRE gloves about a year ago. I think they are called deadfall. The price was decent. I liked my pair enough to buy a hunting buddy a pair for his birthday in 2019. My pair is all right. His pair has seams popping and developed numerous holes. He has hardly worn them. He has contacted SKRE and I hope that has a positive outcome.

I bought a KLYMIT camo glassing pad to sit on while hunting. I think I bought it from Camofire or Black Ovis. It won't hold air now but it doesn't seem to have a hole in it. I assume it was the valve. I contacted Klymit and they sent me replacement pad that is smaller than the one I purchased and it is black. Oh Well.

I purchased a Mystery Ranch Metcalf pack at the Utah Hunt Expo in 2017.I also bought the additional two pouch zippered attachment for the pack and the Quick Draw Rifle Sling. A couple of observations from me, the sling is worthless. My rifle will not stay in place and is falling off my shoulder. I purchased a screw on stud to help keep the rifle on my shoulder. It helped but did not fix the problem. Mystery Ranch said they would refund my money on the sling and take it back. They never sent a follow up return for the sling. This Fall, I made the mistake of loaning the pack out to a young man (short and thin) to assist him in packing out a goat for a buddy. It took me hours after he returned the pack to me, to reconfigure the strap system to make it fit me again. Everything was screwed up. Unless you loan such a pack out to someone the same size as you, be prepared for a big hassle. This pack with all its attachments will be going on the Monster Muleys classifieds as soon I am done hunting this year. It just isn't worth fooling with. I will be going back to the old Eberlestock pack that worked for many years. I don't care if it is a little heavier or not "as good" for packing meat. It worked without fail or hassle.

My Leki poles are still going strong. My First Lite merino tops are mostly still working but they generate a lot of holes. My First Lite Uncompaghre vest has given me nothing but problems. The material tears easily and the zipper no longer works very well. Sometimes it won't go up and many times it separates. I won't buy from First Lite anymore. I can say my First Lite watchman's cap has served me well. It was the cheapest thing I ever bought from First Lite.

I still like my Hanwag Alaskan GTX boots. The Lathrop and Sons insoles are fantastic. I am still partial to medium cushion Bridgedale merino wool socks. Similar Lorpen socks are not bad.

just sayin...mh
 

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