So you’re wanting to do a hunt out West…you’re gonna need the right gear. Here is a Western hunter gear list that we’ve put together for a “typical” hunt. If you’re a backcountry diy hunter, this gear list is accompanied by a podcast with Steve Speck of EXO Mountain Gear is must listen if you want to go on a backcountry, backpack hunt.
Apparel
❏ Underwear (1 pair per day)
❏ Base Layer Top and Bottom (2 – 3 pairs per week) *we suggest merino wool
❏ Lightweight Camo Jacket
❏ Windstopper Camo Jacket
❏ Midweight Camo Jacket
❏ Lightweight Camo Vest
❏ Lightweight Camo Shirt (3 – 5 per week) *you can get away with fewer shirts if you wear merino wool.
❏ Lightweight Camo Pants (1-2 pair per week)
❏ Midweight Camo Pants (1 pair per week)
❏ Rain Gear
❏ Blaze Orange (rifle hunts) *check regulations in the state you are hunting
❏ Lightweight Gloves
❏ Midweight Gloves
❏ Camo or Neutral-colored Cap
❏ Camo Stocking Cap or Camo Beanie
❏ Camo Head Net
Footwear
❏ Hunting Boots
❏ Socks (1 pair per day)
❏ Liner Socks (1 pair per day)
❏ Boot Grease
❏ Extra Laces
❏ Camp Shoes
❏ Stalking Shoes
Hunting Accessories
❏ Elk Decoy (if applicable)
❏ Cow Calls (if applicable)
❏ Bugle and Bugle Tube (if applicable)
❏ Ground Blind
❏ Folding Chair
❏ Bow Holder
❏ Day Pack
❏ Water Bottle
❏ Large Backpack
❏ Wind Direction Indicator
❏ Flashlight
❏ Headlamp
❏ Hunting Knife
❏ Multi-Tool
❏ Topo Maps or Mobile Mapping Software
❏ inReach GPS
❏ Scent Elimination Spray
❏ Water Bladder (2L)
❏ Fire Starter Kit
❏ Game Bags
❏ Caping Salt
❏ Dry Bag
Optics
Buy the highest quality optics that you can afford.
❏ Binoculars (Quality 8’s or 10’s)
❏ Spotting Scope
❏ Tripod
❏ Rangefinder
❏ Bino Harness
❏ Phone Skope
❏ Lens Cloth
❏ Defogger
Personal Items
❏ Lip Balm
❏ Towel
❏ Insect Repellant
❏ Sunscreen
❏ Moleskin for blisters
❏ Super Glue
❏ Prescription Medication
❏ WD-40
❏ Duct Tape
❏ Pain Reliever
❏ Extra Glasses and/or Contacts
❏ Quality Polarized Sunglasses
❏ Personal Toiletries
❏ Camera
❏ Video Camera and/or GoPro
❏ Extra Batteries for all Electronics
Rifle Hunts
Use enough gun. We suggest these calibers: .270 Winchester; 7mm Remington Magnum; .30-06 Springfield; .300 WSM; .300 Winchester Magnum; .300 Weatherby Magnum; 30 Nosler; .338 RCM; or .338 Winchester Magnum. Other options might be: 6.5 Creedmoor; .280 Ackley Improved; or 28 Nosler.
❏ Rifle
❏ Shells (at least one box)
❏ Scope (with rain cover)
❏ Sling
❏ Shooting Sticks
❏ Soft Rifle Case
❏ Hard Rifle Case
❏ Gun Cleaning Kit
Archery Hunts
❏ Bow *check regulations in the state you are hunting
❏ Arrows (at least one doz.)
❏ Broadheads *check regulations in the state you are hunting
❏ Release *an extra release is recommended
❏ Soft Bow Case
❏ Hard Bow Case
Thousands of people have trusted Outdoors International to help plan their hunt.
We have a team of hand-selected hunting experts to help you book your next trip. Our job it is to help you in researching, booking and planning a great adventure with one of our amazing outfitter partners around the world.
My hunt was absolutely top notch.
The outfitter is a fantastic man and incredibly hard working and knowledgeable, there is no doubt he will do everything within his power to make peoples hunts successful and enjoyable. I plan to do it again with him next year for sure.
Wade Zuver
Our hunt was excellent.
We saw bucks every day along with all other sorts of wildlife. Mountain goats, bears, and foxes were common sights. Fishing and crabbing was special bonus. The food was excellent, the crew was amazing. Outdoors International did a great job of finding exactly what we were looking for.
Jesse Neveau
What an amazing experience!
The hunting lodge was out of this world!, Rooms, food and the scenery were all A+. Our guide was exceptional and had us on Shiras moose all five days. We saw over 30 total with at least 10 bulls. They had a plan for everything including taxidermy and game processing.
Kayla Redmon