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