November 06, 2023
By The Editors
Christmas is just around the corner, and our staff of hardcore hunters is here to help you with your holiday shopping. Over the last year, we’ve seen some of the best hunting gear available and put much of it to the test. Here’s a short list of Christmas gifts for hunters that we’d be thrilled to find under the tree.
Streamlight SpeedLocker Stashing a small firearm or other personal effects while traveling is easier with this portable lockbox. No batteries or plug-ins necessary, the durable polymer vault opens quickly with one-hand via a user-selectable push-button code. Changing the combo is easy, and the lockbox also has two holes for adding padlocks for extra security. It even comes with single keyed padlock to get you started. Thick eggcrate foam cradles the contents securely, preventing them from getting damaged in transport. $165; streamlight.com
Browning: Field Pro Auric Vest The Field Pro Vest from Browning features water-resistant and windproof construction to keep the user comfortable in a variety of conditions. Worn as an outer layer, the vest will protect against the wind and light moisture while keeping the core warm and allowing uninhibited movement for your arms. This vest is available in Browning’s new Auric camo that is specifically designed to hide the user from an ariel view. The pattern uses a combination of naturally occurring colors and abstract shapes to keep waterfowl from pinpointing your position. $105; browning.com
Kuiu : Kodiak DuffelGood luggage is hard to come by, especially for those whose travel lands them far off grid in remote locations. Kuiu’s Kodiaks duffels are designed to hold all your essentials while also keep them protected from the harshest of elements. The bags are fully waterproof thanks to the TPU coated waterproof fabric, welded construction and air- and watertight zippers. Size offerrings include a 6600-cubic-inche bag for long expedition-style trips and 3000-cubic-inch bag that can even be used as a carry on. $299-$399; kuiu.com
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Leupold: Performance Eyewear Whether it’s hunting, fishing, hiking or a day on the range, your eyes need good protection from the sun and debris. Leupold’s Performance eyewear offers shatterproof lenses and In-Fused polarization to fight off heavy impacts and nasty glare. The No-Slip bridge keeps the glasses comfortably in place even during strenuous activities. The glasses are offered in a variety of styles from wrap-around shooting frames to stylish modern frames that will be the envy of all your hunting partners. $150-$190; leupold.com
Hornady : Outfitter AmmoThe Hornady CX ammunition is the newest iteration of GMX ammo and loaded in the company’s Outfitter line. The CX (Copper alloy eXpanding) bullets are of solid construction that offer 95% weight retention and are designed to expand reliably in a variety of shot situations. Featuring a Heat Shield Tip and grooves optimized to stabilize the projectile in flight, these bullets offer high BCs, especially for a monometal bullet. Loads have a sealed primer and case mouth along with a waterproofed nickel-plated case for corrosion resistance and to keep your loads performing even in wet conditions. Available in offerings from .243 Win. all the way up to .375 H&H. Prices vary; hornady.com
Moultrie Mobile Edge Pro Cellular Trail Camera Upgrade your wildlife monitoring game with the Moultrie Mobile® EDGE PRO Cellular Trail Camera — the ultimate trail camera experience! Say goodbye to false triggers with their groundbreaking False Trigger Elimination Technology (FTE). With Smart Zones, you can specify specific areas in the camera's field of view where you don't want it to trigger an image. No more bothersome notifications from swaying branches! Accessible plans starting at just $9.99 per month offer unmatched features. $180; moultriefeeders.com
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Aimpoint Acro P-2 The Acro P-2 from Aimpoint is a versatile red dot that can be used in a variety of applications. It features a 3.5 MOA dot and 50,000 hours of operating time on a single battery. The sight features 4 night-vision settings and 6 for daylight. Constructed from 7075-T6 high-strength aluminum, the housing is fully sealed to protect the sight from even the toughest of elements. The lens is a true 1X that keeps the optic operationally parallax free. $599; aimpoint.us
Winchester SXP Hybrid The SXP from Winchester is built for reliability and speed, taking all the punishment you can dish out. The SXP Hybrid is equally at home behind a bird dog flushing quail, in a goose blind or at a skeet range. It comes finished with a Perma-Cote gray finish on the receiver and barrel, a chrome plated chamber and bore, a durable composite stock and a TRUGLO fiber-optic front sight. Available in both 12- and 20-gauge. $400; winchesterguns.com
Benchmade Mini Bugout Designed to be the perfect everyday-carry knife, this Bugout is so light you’ll forget it’s in your pocket. With a blade length just over 2 ¾ inches, the drop-point blade is made out of Benchmade’s CPM-S30V Premium Stainless Steel. This is a knife that your loved one will be raving about for years to come. $170; benchmade.com
ALPS Commander Want to help your beloved outdoorsman “carry the load” next season? Check out the ALPS Commander frame. It’s sure to haul meat back to camp. With the padded waist belt and shoulder straps and unique lashing system, this aluminum pack frame makes the hard work a breeze. It will have them thankful you decided to get this for them after their next successful hunt. $150; alpsoutdoorz.com
Cellcore 20 Solar Cellular Trail Camera The CelluCORE™ 20 Solar Combines the reliability and image quality of the CelluCORE 20 with an integrated solar panel to dramatically increase battery life. The Dual-SIM configuration of the CelluCORE™ 20 Solar allows it to automatically connect to AT&T or Verizon−whichever offers the strongest cellular network. $150;bushnell.com
Outdoor Edge RazorBone 5-Inch Boning Knife This compact, lightweight folder gives you big-blade performance that makes breaking down game in the field fast and easy. It comes equipped with three different blade styles so you can field dress, skin, debone and prep your venison all with one tool. Included are three 3 ½-inch drop-point blades, two 5-inch boning blades and Outdoor Edge’s new gut hook. This is the ultimate package to take your game from field to freezer. $50; outdooredge.com
Chêne Gear PrimaLoft Synthetic Down Jacket All new for 2023, the Chêne Gear PrimaLoft Synthetic Down Jacket is a high-performance outer layer that delivers enhanced warmth without extra weight and bulk, even in wet conditions. Built for up and down each of the flyways, the inside of the coat is constructed with Primaloft’s 100% synthetic Silver ThermoPlume insulation with CrossCore Technology, which provides superior insulation, body temperature regulation and comfort, while the water-and-wind resistant outer layer delivers rugged durability. $400; chenegear.com
HEVI-Metal Xtreme With their Pattern Density Technology, HEVI-Shot’s new Xtreme is sure to hit like a freight train. With the 12 Density tungsten layered over precision steel, this shotshell is flat out devastating on waterfowl. Available in both 12- and 20-gauge loads, get a box of these to enjoy some late-season time in the blind. Prices vary; hevishot.com
Fiocchi: Nock Down Featuring a unique tri-petal bullet expansion mechanism in an all-copper polymer-tipped projectile, Fiocchi’s Knock Down ammo is nontoxic and suitable for use on big, heavy-boned game. Cartridges are loaded with proprietary gunpowder, which is touted to provide excellent consistency and high velocity. The projectiles have high (for monometal) BCs and are grooved around the shank to minimize copper fouling in the barrel. Available in popular cartridges from .243 Win. to .300 Win. Mag. $31-$44; fiocchiusa.com
Meindl Boots: EuroLight Hunter Looking for a new boot for your next adventure? Meindl’s EuroLight Hunters are designed for every-hunt use and feature a 9-inch nubuck leather upper with reinforced toe caps to stand up to years of abuse. Flex-Zone Venting allows the boot to breath and flex naturally with your foot for sustained all-day comfort, and the Meindl DUO-DUR III Sole features heavy-duty multi-directional lugs for improved traction on even the roughest of terrain. Gore-Tex equipped for 100% waterproof protection. $295; Meindlusa.com
Vortex: Trail Call Tech Flannel Lounging around basecamp or even headed up the mountain, a good flannel should be comfortable and versatile. The Trail Call Tech Flannel from Vortex offers a fitted design that moves with you without bunching up allowing for unrestricted movement while getting work done. It is heavy enough to keep the chill off but won’t leave you sweating when the sun warms up fall afternoons. Rubber snaps that are impact and scratch resitant make for easy off and on while the zippered chest pocket will keep valuables secure. $70; Vortexoptics.com
