General Fall Hunting In Alaska

Binos

Swarovski EL RANGE 10X42

I've been using the EL range's from Swaro for 6 years everywhere from Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, and all over Alaska, and personally don't think there is a better choice. Between reliability, good and easy-to-read LCD readouts, accurate ranges, true color transmission, great light transmission, and in my opinion the best all-around clarity on the market. I truly don't think you can go wrong with them. I like having the range finder in the binos especially when there are multiple animals I'm trying to keep track of or they are moving. There's no delay when a client needs a range it's literally less than a second away there's no swapping from binos to a range finder and then attempting to find the target animal through a tiny objective and or field of view with subpar light-gathering abilities or clarity issues. Not to mention getting an accurate range when you're in a high-stress situation and you are trying to hold your range finder still with one hand... If you've ever tried to range 1 buck antelope in a herd of 30 at 300 plus yards on the move, you know what I'm talking about. I have had many compliments from clients on how proficient I am with having the EL's and always being on the ball with changing ranges.

Alaska Guide Creations Kodiak CUB with MAX Pocket

I use an Alaska guide creations bino harness. I wouldn't recommend putting your cell phone in the top sleeve it might fall out and get lost.... a sore subject but other than that they are fantastic. I put a couple of pen lights on each side a sewing tape for measuring critters with a lighter and usually an open reed call in the side pouches, and keep my guides license and general credentials in the front pouch along with a couple of extra bullets, my Havalon, and extra blades. This allows me to drop my backpack at any point in time and move ahead at a moment's notice and have everything I need to get the job done efficiently and legally without any other prior planning other than putting on my harness.

Spotting Scope

Swarovski Optik HD-STS-80 HD Spotting Scope with 20x60 Eyepiece

For a spotting scope, I run an older model Swaro HD STS 20-60X80mm scope. I like the Swaro spotter for the same reasons I like their binos nothing really to add that I haven't already said. They are simply the best and also have a fantastic warranty.

SIRUI T04S Series Carbon Fiber Tripod with VA-5 Compact Fluid Video Head

I've used a few different tripods but the now I've settled on lately is the Sirui. It's a good combination of stability and weight. It is lightweight so it is going to shake but it's a trade-off, you're going to have to decide for yourself heavier and more stable or lighter and shakier.

Backpacks

For weight and durability and comfortability you can't go wrong with the Stone Glacier packs and their warranty is fantastic as well I've had hounds chew blood-soaked straps off and they fixed it with no problem and did it happily.

STONE GLACIER SKY GUIDE 7900

Most people are going to need the sky guide 7900. I use it because I generally carry some of my clients' gear or more community gear.

STONE GLACIER SKY ARCHER 6400

A great all-around pack for hunters is the SG 5900, 6400, or 6900 depending on hunt location or length of the trip.

Knives

Havalon Piranta-Original

I like the regular old Original Havalon. I've tried Outdoor Edge and just don't think they are sharp enough. I was given an aluminum-handled Havalon by an outfitter that I guided for in Wyoming years ago and have been trying hard to not lose it. I like its grip size better than the plastic grips.

Hydration

Sea to Summit Watercell ST Lightweight Camping Water Storage 6L & 10L

Sea to Summit water cell bags seem to work well. They are pretty tough and have good lids.

Nalgene Sustain Tritan 32 oz.

Lights

Black Diamond Equipment - Revolt 350

I use Black Diamond headlamps mainly because they are sold everywhere and are reasonably priced and work pretty dang well if you don't lose them. They'll last you a few years which in my mind is good enough.

SureFire Titan Plus

The Sure Fire Titan pen lights are awesome, very bright and small. Fit well in my bino harness I don't leave without them. Good back up lights in case you lose, forget, or your main light quits you.

GPS & Safety

I put my own first aid kit together and stuff it in a Nalgene bottle so that way I have an extra place for water if needed too. I'm not going to go into my first aid kit completely because it's not in front of me but I will try to get to it later...

Elite Hunt Membership

onX has seemed to work pretty well for me for the most part I have a few issues with it from time to time but overall a good app. And to be honest I try to not use any form of GPS if, at all possible, I feel like I learn the country better without it if I'm in a new area.

Garmin inReach Explorer+

I've been using the inReach, I've had one long enough that it was Delorme, not Garmin who owned it. When I got my first one they work pretty dang good but are not foolproof and everyone in a while will glitch out but hands down the best form of communication when in the backcountry. I've seen many other options fail 100% of the time when the Garmin inReach is working just fine.

Game Bags

We've been using KUIU game bags of all sizes and had pretty good luck as long as the bones aren't sharp they'll last you a long time if you wash them afterward.

KUIU Boned-Out Game Bag

KUIU Quarter Game Bag

Accessories

I always have two lights and a Fero and magnesium rod along with pyro putty. I used to carry vaseline and cotton balls but just got lazy and didn't want to keep building them fresh. Pyro putty seems to work really well. I also have some black beard firestarter that works well too but seems to burn a touch too fast.

Hyper LIP, Single w/Converter Elk Call

I carry the open reed call for the incidental time I might have to stop an animal or need to call in a wolf or a bear.

GEAR AID Tenacious Tape

Tenacious tape for patching tents of puffy clothes while in the field.

Pyro Putty Single Use Foils

I use the Winter Blue fire starter.

Wapodeai 3PCS Electrical Tape

Electric tape for taping rifle barrels to keep them clear of debris while hiking and stalking.

The Original Duck Tape

I wrap duct tape around my trekking poles to aid in taking care of blisters rather than moleskin.

Tents

KUIU Mountain Star 2 Person Tent

Kuiu Mtn star Pre 2022 models only after 2021 they suck I'll just leave it at that.

MSR Hubba Hubba 2-Person Backpacking Tent

I've always had really good luck with the MSR. Lots of clients commented on their stay in there and had mostly good things to say, dry and sturdy can't ask for much else considering Alaska weather.

SEEK OUTSIDE Cimarron Pyramid Tent

I love the seek shelters but they require a little more footprint room to set up and it sucks if you have to move camp in a big storm rain or snow.

AIR FRAMES ARCTIC OVEN TENTS

We also use Arctic Ovens during moose season. Far too heavy to carry on your back but are great and insulated if you have an extra horse, room in the plane or are in a 4 wheeler or boat accessible location.

Sleeping Bag

I've used a ton of sleeping bags from Kelty to Big Agnes, to Kuiu to Stone glacier. In that order I've liked them all and don't think there's a bad bag in the bunch.

COSMIC DOWN 0

COSMIC DOWN 20

Big Agnes Anvil Horn 15°

KUIU Super Down Sleeping Bag 15°

STONE GLACIER CHILKOOT 15°

I like the stone glacier the best for weight, warmth and packability.

Sleeping Pad

I use the Sea to Summit Pads they get better when the price goes up as with anything. Don't skimp on getting a good night's sleep buy the absolute best you can afford you won't regret it. They are tough and come with an inflation sack and that's pretty dang nice after hiking all day.

Sea to Summit Ultralight Self-Inflating Foam

Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Self-Inflating Foam

Other

Black Diamond Equipment Moji and Moji+ Lantern

Black Diamond Moji lantern all the way. Been using the one I have for many years and it's awesome. It runs off of 3 AAA batteries and on long nights in the tent in moose season you can get a few days out of it and it's very bright and small.

Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles

I use Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles because they're lightweight, quiet, and reasonably priced.

Jetboil Flash Stove Cooking System

Been using a Jet Boil for over 10 years and it's just hard to get away from it there might be something better but I'm in the belief of if it's not broken don't fix it.

Power Banks

I use Anker power banks and Dark Energy tech battery packs for charging my gear and they both work great. The Dark Energy tech is somewhat waterproof and the Anker is not but doesn't charge quite as many times as the Anker.

Anker Portable Charger, 313 Power Bank

DARK ENERGY POSEIDON PRO

Supplements

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

Snacks/ Bars

Gluten Free Cinnamon Waffles 16ct Box

Tillamook Country Smoker Real Hardwood Smoked Beef Jerky

Freeze-Dried Mango - 6 Pack

PERFORMANCE BARS - 10 Pc-Peanut Butter Bliss

Original Trail Mix 12 Pack

Rio Mare Tuna

Mission Foods Carb Balance Flour Tortillas

Freeze Dried Meals

Mountain House Breakfast Skillet

Peak Refuel Mountain Berry Granola

Mountain House Chicken Fried Rice

Peak Refuel Beef Stroganoff

Other

Cholula Original Hot Sauce Packets

Tapatio Hot Sauce

Famous Dave's Devil's Spit Seasoning

Fix Sriracha Sauce

Kraft Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese Pouches

Add the cream cheese to any white sauced freeze-dried meal or add it to your tuna with hot sauce in a tortilla for lunch. #guidehack.

Coffees

Depending on the type of hunt and availability of water will dictate what kind of coffee I bring. You can figure that more water = better coffee prospects... One must be properly caffeinated to hunt well!

BRCC Instant Coffee

Kuju Coffee Premium Single-Serve Pour Over Coffee

Folgers Coffee Singles

Baselayers

Kryptek Theos Merino LS

Kryptek Theos Merino Bottom

Insulation/ Midlayers

Kryptek Men's Cronos Technical Camo Hoodie

Kryptek Men's Arma Fleece Half Zip

Kryptek Men's Sonora Hooded, Lightweight Shirt

Outerwear/ Jackets

Kryptek Lykos II Jacket

Kryptek Attila II Jacket

Kryptek Ares Jacket

Pants

Kryptek Men's Sonora

Kryptek Men's Valhalla

Rain Gear

Kryptek Takur Jacket

Kryptek Takur Pant

Footwear

Everyone's feet are different. Shop around for what fits YOU and only you. Don't take any boots to Alaska unless you know they're going to work for you and your specific needs on that hunt. Call your outfitter and get a list of recommended boots for them and then find one of those that works for you!!!

MOUNTAIN EXTREME 400

CRISPI Briksdal SF GTX

I choose crisps Briksdal SF boots because I need a lot of support and they provide that for me.

Darn Tough Hunter Over The Calf Extra Cushion Sock

Darn tough socks are as advertised, darn tough and awesome wear them almost every single day.

STONE GLACIER SQ2 ALPINE GAITERS

Accessories

SEALSKINZ Unisex Waterproof Extreme Cold Weather Glove

Sealskinz gloves are awesome best all around glove I've used in quite a while.

Richardson 112 Trucker Cap

Rifle Equipment

There are so many choices in rifles these days with our technology that it's impossible to talk about unless one were to take days, weeks, or months. The simple fact is shot placement..... there have been moose and brown bears killed with 243's...... Is it ideal? No, but it will work.

Rifles

As a general rule I like to see my clients with at the bare minimum a 270. The 6.5's are super popular too and work fine obviously but 7mm and up to .300 is better. Don't go too big or sometimes people do more harm to themselves than good with either the concussion from the gun or the recoil. Shoot what you shoot the best!!!

Remington 700 ADL Bolt-Action Rifle

Weatherby Vanguard MultiCam

Winchester Model 70

Ammunition

Federal Premium Berger Centerfire Rifle Ammo

Barnes Match Burner Match Rifle Bullets

Nosler Trophy Grade Rifle Ammo

Rifle Scope/ Bipod

The Leupold VX 5's and 6's are fantastic for the price and hard to beat. They come with one free custom turret with your purchase triple check your data with a good shooting rifle and you can shoot out to some distance with some practice.

Leupold VX-5HD 4-20x52mm

Leupold VX-6HD 4-24x52mm

Harris Engineering S-BR Hinged Base 6 - 9-Inch BiPod