Updated Hunting Gear List for 2026 | Field-Tested Choices
This is my updated base gear list heading into the 2026 hunting season. In this video, I go through everything I’m running—packs, shelters, optics, insulation, boots, rifles, water filtration, and more. This isn’t sponsored hype—just real-world gear that works.
🎁 GEAR GIVEAWAY + OUTFITTING DISCOUNT
👉 Join https://www.mindful-reviews.com and you will be automatically entered to win a Sig Sauer Oscar6 Spotting Scope.
For the month of December all Mindful Hunter Outfitting bear and deer hunts are discounted by $500 and an additional $250 if two people book together. Email [email protected] for more info.
📥 Download my full 2026 gear spreadsheet at: https://www.mindfulreviews.com
🎯 Everything here has been tested across multiple seasons. I also cover what’s getting replaced, what gear disappointed, and what I’m still evaluating. If you want the raw truth about what’s worth your money, this video is for you.
👇 CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro & Spotting Scope Giveaway
00:13 - Backpacks (XO K4, Initial Ascent, Kifaru)
00:58 - Rain Covers & Pack Rain Strategy
01:30 - Shelter Options (X-Dome, TP, Zpacks)
02:23 - Sleeping Pads (Big Agnes Zoom vs Therm-a-Rest Xlite NXT)
03:45 - Sleeping Bags & Quilts (EE Enigma, Outdoor Vitals)
05:02 - Ground Sheets, Pillow, Base Layers
06:20 - Hunting Pants Overview (Stone Glacier, Outdoor Vitals)
08:13 - Boots (Hanwag, Meindl, Scarpa)
09:21 - Hat, Socks (new project announcement)
10:01 - Trekking Poles, Gaiters, Watch (Bridger Rec)
11:01 - Knife (Benchmade Mini TaggedOut)
11:16 - Active & Static Insulation (Outdoor Vitals, Stone Glacier)
12:31 - Rain Gear (Sitka Dew Point)
12:55 - Puffy Pants, Gloves, Beanie
14:35 - Crocs
14:44 - Spotting Scopes (Kowa TSN-88A, Maven S.1.2)
15:36 - Binoculars & Harness (SIG Zulu, Maven B.5, Stone Glacier Sentinel)
17:13 - Rangefinders (SIG Kilo, Gen 2 pending)
17:24 - Tripods & Pan Heads (Asiack, Wiser Nighthawk)
18:11 - Digiscoping (Mountain Mag vs All-In)
18:40 - Rifle System (Tikka 6.5 PRC + Upcoming Core Ax Rifle)
20:04 - Sling, Shooting Bags, Tracer Bipod
21:00 - Water Purification Systems (BeFree, SteriPen, Pump Filters)
22:11 - One-Offs: Glassing Pads, Knives, Game Bags, Messenger, Batteries
24:52 - Cooking Stove Update (Rough Ridge)
27:04 - Headlamps (Fenix, Petzl, Peaks)
27:51 - Final Thoughts + How to Win the SIG Oscar6
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Jay Nichol
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