What I Use
*Outdoors / Adventures Products
*Outdoors / Adventures Products
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Best and Brightest,
Some of you have requested it and here it is - the camera gear, camping, hunting, fishing, scuba, and other adventure gear I use. It's not exhaustive and it changes occasionally but it's a list of my favorites. This catalog was also created somewhat selfishly because I refer back to it when I'm upgrading or researching my previous choices. I spend a ton of time researching these things because I love this type of technology! Mostly, I hope it helps you in your adventures! Drop me a comment on YouTube if you have found something that is better relating to any category below or if you have success in using some of these items! Ever Upward, Dr. Jay
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My Favorite Camera & Video Gear
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Camcorder = Panasonic AG-UX180
Amazon Link for my specific Camcorder Bundle I probably spent more time researching this camcorder than I spent researching anything on this page! I was torn between the Sony PXW-Z150 (which is used and recommended by "'The Hunting Public" guys), the Sony HRX-NX80 (smaller in size), the Panasonic HC-X1, and the Panasonic AG-UX180. The major features I required were 1" sensor for low light optimization, substantial zoom, excellent image stabilization while walking or moving, dual SD card slots, infrared video, and excellent manual focus. I have a slightly cheaper camcorder that doesn't have excellent manual focus (I shot this 12-point buck bowhunt on that camera) but I quickly learned that deer are often behind sticks and the auto focus will focus on the sticks and blur out the deer, so unless you can swiftly and smoothly switch to manual focus you ruin the opportunity for good video. I also use the infrared (and other features that most people don't need), so this camcorder is definitely specific to my needs but it's amazing! Note: if you're not good with color grading, buy Sony camcorders. They have better color out of the box. |
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Camcorder Zoom Controller = Varizoom Rock Style Zoom, Focus, Iris control Only for HVX200 and DVX100B
Amazon Link for my specific Varizoom If you self-film and/or hunt, this is virtually a necessity. It attaches to the tripod arm and allows you to quickly zoom and focus while hunting without moving your arm. Most importantly, manual focus because sticks are often the subject of autofocus, rather than animals that are through the sticks. Be aware this unit is highly camera-model specific. I tried several Varizoom's and they failed to work on my Panasonic, even though I was told by the company they would work (I tried the Stealth PZFI, for example and it failed). Finally, I'm not even sure they still make this exact Varizoom Rock Style but it's what I use. |
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Wireless Lav Mics = Sennheiser EW 112P G4
Amazon Link for my specific Sennheiser Wireless Lav System I have two different systems here. #1: I like the Sony URX-P03D (dual channel receiver) paired with two Sony wireless mics but Saramonic UwMic9 is literally half the price and extremely similar in comparison. So that's the first system. This is great for warm temps and 2 person interviews but both the Sony and Saramonic setups are terrible in cold weather. They automatically shut off at around 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Unfortunately, I learned this the hard way while hunting. #2: Sennheiser EW112P G4 stays on well below freezing and has amazing audio quality and a great reputation. Obviously, I add dead cat covers to all lav mics. |
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Camcorder Mic = Azden SGM-250CX Professional Compact Shotgun Mic
Amazon Link for my specific Azden Compact These shotgun mics all sound very similar to me so I like the small size, the fact that The Hunting Public guys use this one, and the price isn't insane. Beyond that, I'm probably not the best resource on shotgun mics but this is what I use. Obviously, I add a dead cat cover. |
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Tripod Fluid Head and Base = Manfrotto Fluid Head [MVH500AH] and 290 Xtra Aluminum Base [MT290XTA3US]
Amazon Link for my specific Manfrotto Fluid Head Amazon Link for my specific Manfrotto Tripod Base Manfrotto is the O.G. of tripod heads. I had a cheaper fluid head, at one point, and experienced nothing but issues with it loosening up when I turned it at certain angles. No more. I went to The Hunting Public channel to see what they used and copied them for both the base and the head. Seeing a pattern here? The base I probably could have chosen any number of other brands and been happy but finding an ideal fluid head more of a challenge. This one is excellent and it goes both on a tripod and on my treestand arm. |
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Camcorder Shoulder Mount = CameraRibbon ENG, QR Classic
Link for my specific CameraRibbon Carrying a camcorder for 8 hours is brutally taxing. Trying to get stable footage while carrying that camcorder adds another layer of difficulty. Enter the CameraRibbon Shoulder Mount. I recommend the QR Classic. The QR Premium adds more weight to the counterbalance but it costs $100 more. If you need more weights, buy scuba diving weight-belt weights and duck tape those on. You're welcome. My patreon account is... |
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Treestand Camera Arm = Muddy Outfitter
Amazon Link for my specific Muddy Camera Arm I put camo tape all over this thing because black sticks out too much for my linking in the woods (and the tape silences the metal clinking in my pack) but it's smooth and light and heavy duty. |
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Infrared Light = Lumenshooter A8S (850nm)
Amazon Link for my specific Lumenshooter I've tried a few of these infrared flashlights and found this one to be the best (i.e. the brigthest!). Like most similar IR torches, the cone size is easily adjustable and I often mount this on top of my camcorder (since it detects infrared light) and then adjust the beam to fit my needs. If I used this setup more frequently, I'd probably invest in a Sniper Hog 66LRX infrared light, but I just don't use infrared video that often. Maybe coming soon for coyote hunting or night fishing? |
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Night Videography Lights = Rigid 18-V Hybrid Folding Panel Light and Raleno LED PLV-S116
Link for my specific Rigid Amazon Link for my specific Raleno The Rigid work light I actually bought for flounder gigging in Mississippi because it has 2,500 lumens and the light disperses widely (unlike headlamps, which I have listed below). It uses the same lithium batteries I have for my Rigid power tools and it can also be plugged into a socked, hence the term "hybrid". It is excellent for setting on the ground, near a subject, and lighting up the entire area. The Raleno LED mounts directly on the camcorder with a hot shoe head and is more portable and convenient. It has variable settings and is an especially great combo when used with the Rigid. |
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Action Camera = GoPro Hero 9
Amazon Link for my specific Hero 9 Kit I have 3 of these and use them all the time. The Hero 8 and 9 are head-and-shoulders above the previous versions, in terms of image stabilization, but choosing between the 8 and 9 is more challenging. I only upgraded to the Hero 9 because it has 5k and the front view screen. I also buy the scuba dive housing, this water dome (don't forget to spray windex on the outer shell before using to prevent droplets all over your image/video!), extra batteries, chargers, and various head and body mounting straps. By far my favorite GoPro mounting device is the gooseneck jaws clamp. When I hunt, I clamp it on my bow or on tree branches. When I dive, I clamp it on rocks on the lake bottom. When I fish, I clamp it on the kayak or boat. Indispensable. I also buy these two-way stickers and windscreen pieces and just leave them on all the time. During rainy weather, they get soggy and ruin the audio but for everything else, they are practically 100% necessary. |
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Wearable GPS & Heart Rate Monitor Watch = Garmin Forerunner 45S
Amazon Link for my specific Garmin GPS Watch I'm adding this to the Camera & Video Gear section because heart rate and GPS coordinates (including speed and elevation) can be added to videos using Garmin Virb Edit software (free) and synced right on the screen. This adds more drama. |
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Underwater Camera = Aqua-Vu HD7i Gen2
Amazon Link to my specific Aqua-Vu I also have the trolling fin and the XD pole adapter for this. I love real-time underwater footage in certain cases, especially while ice fishing, and the Aqua-Vu is the best there is, even though the best they offer is 1080p. Not amazing but good enough. For recording video, you literally need an additional AverMedia "game capture" unit (which is best explained here) so that's a big hurdle. I often don't record video, unfortunately. In fact, I also use my GoPro underwater quite often, especially with my "world's longest selfie stick" which is a 6-24 foot telescopic extension pole that I rigged up with some duck tape and a GoPro screw-on clamp mount. This keeps the GoPro from flopping around in the water and allows you to aim it. I use the GoPro app to "see" what the GoPro sees, in real time, and it works pretty sweet. Basically, just go with that unless you ice fish all the time! |
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Shotgun Camera = ShotKam
Link for my specific ShotKam As lukewarm as I am about my Aqua-Vu, I love my ShotKam! If you want to improve your clay pigeon shooting and film duck hunts, the quality of the video is second-to-none. It also offers 100 frames per second and a crosshair that you sight in using an app on your phone, before you go shoot. My only complaint with this product is it doesn't stay on continuously and you need to tap your gun to turn it on. This takes away valuable time, especially when pheasant hunting and a bird just explodes up and leaves. I wish the camera had an "always on" feature and a removeable battery so I could buy a bunch and keep the thing rolling during upland game bird hunts. |
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Drone = DJI Mavic 2 Pro with the Smart Controller
Amazon Link for my specific DJI Drone Bundle This drone was far and away the best when it first released and I'm still thrilled with it. I'm very interested in the Autel Evo 2 Thermal Drone because it's clearly better with thermal and the daytime video is comparable (not quite as good but certainly good enough!) but I can't justify the extra cost for how much I would probably use the night-vision (which is freaking amazing, fyi). |
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Smart Phone = Samsung Galaxy S10
Link for my specific Samsung S10 I specifically bought this phone because of the video quality, especially when it's set on "pro" mode. It does amazing "portrait" shots, where the background blurred, and this phone is impressive in low light. It also has the 3 separate, built-in, lenses, excellent for zoom clarity. Also, I bought the Moment Anamorphic Lens that attached to a phone case that Moment also sells, specific for the Samsung S10. It's cool for driving "headlight" night shots, when you want cinematic lens flares of the headlights, but it wasn't worth the money for the record. |
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Spotting Scope = Athlon Argos HD 20-60x85 [Straight Angle] and Phone Skope
Amazon Link for my specific Spotting Scope This link may take you to the 45-degree scope. I use the straight version but both are good. I like the straight scope because target acquisition is faster and more intuitive. If I hunted in mountain country constantly, I'd probably prefer 45. Tripods are an important consideration here and I use my Bog Deathgrip (below) or a conventional camcorder tripod. Fluid-head tripods are ideal if you're spending long hours looking for game through this thing, which I recommend doing! For video, the Phone Skope attachment is key (specific to my Samsung Galaxy S10) and I also use the Vortex Optics Car Window Mount. |
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Gimbal Phone Stabilizer = DJI Osmo Mobile 4
Amazon Link for my specific DJI Osmo Smart phones a capable of such amazing video it would be a shame not to fully capitalize on my phone's video. This Osmo Mobile 4 is an amazing tool for walking while phone filming because it removes all the camera shake. |
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4G Trail Camera = Spypoint Link-Dark
Link for my specific SpyPoint Camera The picture here is one I took in 2020 with my SpyPoint. It's a giant buck that shows up only at night and literally just a few times per year the last 3 years, always during the peak rut, on my parent's property. This picture is the buck looking at my Dad because I called him on the phone and told him to look out the back window at this buck (my Dad is virtually always awake at 1 A.M.). The trail cam requires a 4G Verizon phone signal and a monthly payment plan, which I cancel after hunting season. Nothing beats real-time text message pictures of deer that are walking to-and-from your hunting spot! Watch some of the SeekOne hunts if you want to see this type of trail camera put into use target-hunting monster bucks. |
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Standard Trail Camera = Browning Recon Force Edge 4k
Amazon Link for my specific Recon Force Edge Browning trail cams always come out on top in reputable trail cam reviews used by hunters. This is their best trail camera, especially for nighttime video, which is my focus (get it?). Besides the excellent specs (4k, 32 MP), this camera has "smart IR" which automatically adjusts the infrared light while taking videos and pictures. This prevents those washed out, overly bright videos where the animal was too close to the infrared lights. It also prevents those dimly lit distant videos. |
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DSLR Camera = Panasonic Lumix G7
Amazon Link for my specific Lumix This is the DSLR that generally stays on my office and I use it to film health-science videos for YouTube / Rumble. At one time, I had a fancier Sony but the video and autofocus on this Panasonic was better and the camera is cheaper so the Sony got donated to Ebay. This DSLR has a small lens but I don't think it's noticeable on the end product. If I was getting a new one today, I'd probably get a newer model, though. One other thing: I really love my Gonine Power Adapter Charger Kit specific to this camera, which allows me to remove the battery, plug in the camera, and keep the camera running indefinitely, without needing to change and charge batteries. I actually used duck tape to permanently attach this power adapter to the tripod dedicated to this DSLR. |
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360 Camera = Insta360 One X
Amazon Link for my specific Insta360 One X This camera is pretty cool and even shoots in 5k but be forewarned: it requires a beast of a computer/video card to handle the editing. Provided you have that capability, the Insta360 provides crazy shot angle opportunities especially with their "disappearing selfie-stick" that you can mount on your motorcycle or whatever. Obviously, I have the scuba case and various other accessories that I rarely use, including the Mavic 2 Pro drone mount (so you can "get above" the drone as see the drone and the view below). |
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Portable Charging Station = Jackery Explorer 240 & 300
Amazon Link for my specific Jackery 240 If you're camping or ice fishing or need power for various video gear charges, this is the solution. None of that car-charging cigarette-lighter nonsense! The larger Jackery units are like regular wall outlets (110v). They have a ton of options but look at the milliwatt hours [mWh] (or watt hours [Wh]) to compare various lithium portable units. All the Jackery units are impressive for price and power! I use the 240 to power my fish finder but also have the 300 and the 160. Don't buy the 160. It does not charge a laptop and it doesn't have a cigarette outlet plug (12v) needed for a depthfinder! |
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My Favorite Scuba Gear
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Dive Computer Watch = Shearwater Teric (with Transmitter)
Amazon Link for my specific Teric This watch computer is excellent. It tells me how much air I have, with the transmitter, and it has freediving mode. |
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Freedive Fins = DiveR Riffe Carbon Fins with the Veloc Foot Pocket
Amazon Link for my specific DiveR Fins Initially, I didn't want to cough up the big money for carbon fins for my freediving adventures. I bought the Cressi Men's Gara 3000 LD fins, which are highly reviewed and are almost an identical length to the carbon fins above, but I was unimpressed. Also, I was curious to simply try carbon fins. The difference between the plastic and carbon fins was massive. I'm a giant fan of the carbon fins. They're amazing. You can fly through the water like nothing else! |
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Wetsuits = Riffe 5mm 2-Piece (Freediving) & Akona 5mm 1-Piece Back Zip (Scuba)
Amazon Link for my specific Riffe Wetsuit Link for my specific Akona Wetsuit For scuba diving, I just buy a cheap Akona closed-cell wetsuit, without a hood (I buy a separate hood, gloves, and booties for cold water). For freediving, I use this tighter, open-cell, high-quality wetsuit. It's probably overkill but I like it. I tried a bunch of different brands for freediving but I felt like I was choking or just didn't like the shape or camo pattern (superficial, I know, but it's my hunting instinct to focus on blending in). If you decide to buy an open-cell wetsuit like the Riffe, be sure to also buy some Slippy Wetsuit Lube so you can get the damn thing on. I also use the Jaws Slosh Wetsuit Shampoo to clean all my wetsuits. |
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Dry Suit = ScubaPro Evertech Breathable Dry Suit & Undergarment Insulated Layer
Amazon Link for my specific Dry Suit Amazon Link for my specific Dry Suit Underlayer I have one each for me and for my camera operator. They are definitely a necessity for super early season walleye spearing or ice diving. Don't underestimate the amount of dive weights it takes to get down with these suits, especially if you are wearing the fully insulated liner undergarments. Wool socks and 5 to 7mm dive hoods are also recommended. |
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Spearfishing Speargun = Pathos Laser, Roller Speargun, 82 cm with Pathos Vertical Reel
Amazon Link for my specific Pathos Speargun Amazon Link for my specific Pathos Vertical Reel I love roller spearguns because they don't violently kick when you shoot yet they are even more powerful throughout the power-stroke of the shot (the rubber doesn't stop moving but carries momentum to the end of the gun). Rollerguns are, however, are a tremendous challenge to load. I had a Rob Allen Tuna Rollergun and it's insanely painful on my chest to load. Most of my friends can't even load it - it's a fun challenge. I tried to return that gun but they wouldn't take it. The Pathos Laser, however, is relatively easy to load because this particular one has different "setting" options. I've also added the vertical reel, which I really appreciate. |
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Spearfishing Pole Spear = Mako Roller Carbon Elite 8-Foot Traveler
Link for my specific Pole Spear This pole spear is the ultimate. It is a roller so the power-stroke is longer than a conventional pole spear. It's lightweight. It comes apart for travel. It has a sweet "resting hook" so you can keep the spear ready to shoot without fatigue at all times. It has a number of different tips, which can be interchanged for different purposes. For example, I have the lionfish 3-prong barbless tip (and the "lionfish dungeon"), the 5-prong paralyzer tip, and the pro double flopper tip for big fish. |
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Spearfishing Line = Riffe 600lb-Test Spectra
Amazon Link for my specific Spear Line Expensive but a one-time purchase. |
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Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) = Cressi R1 with Integrated Weights
Amazon Link for my specific Cressi BCD The price is right and the design, especially with the integrated weights, is excellent. Simple. |
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Scuba Regulator and Yoke = Zeagle Oceanic F8
Amazon Link for my specific Zeagle Regulator This regulator is pro level. I specifically chose this one because I live in Minnesota and ice diving is always on the table. This one is specifically built to handle ice dives but it takes warm water excellent as well. |
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Octopus / Alternate Air Source Regulator = Cressi Octopus XS-Compact
Amazon Link for my specific Cressi Octopus It works. It's reasonably priced. |
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Underwater Metal Detector = Minelab Excalibur II 1000
Amazon Link for my specific Excalibur 2 Like 11 millions others, I enjoy the Dallmyd YouTube channel. That dude, Jake, is a master at underwater metal detecting and he uses the Excalibur 2 1000. It's a sweet system. I also have an extra battery and the knob guard. |
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Pinpointer Underwater Metal Detector = Wedigout Metal Detector
Amazon Link for my specific Wedigout I've tried a few of these and had a positive experience with this one. It takes some getting used to turning on/off (I'd prefer a switch, honestly) but it works. |
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Underwater Dive Flashlight = Windfire Underwater Dive Torch
Amazon Link for my specific Windfire Torch The three features I want here: crazy bright (this one has 1,800 lumens), uses standard AA batteries I can grab at any store, and it's lightweight. This torch has 2 of the 3 - it's heavy. I don't mind when I'm neutrally bouyant underwater. |
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Dive Flag = Omer Float Dry Bag with Flag & Mako Float with Flag
Link for my specific Dive Float/Flag Link for my specific Dive Flag/Float With a cameraman and the potential to shoot a fish with a speargun with the gun attached to a float, I have two: the Omer and the Mako. If I only had one, it would be the Mako. It has a Florida-legal-size dive flag, larger than the Omer flag. I also keep the Mako attached to the speargun, if I'm hunting larger fish, and I use this pre-made Neptonics bungee float line (75-foot, red color). 75-foot is a big long for freshwater so I usually sling it around my should and halve it. |
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Dive Knives = Omer Mini Laser (arm) and SpyderCo Fish Hunter (leg)
Link for my specific Arm Knife Link for my specific Leg Knife I like the way the Omer arm knife wears so if I only have 1 knife on, that's generally the one. It will rust if you dont' rinse it with freshwater and dry it. If I want 2 knives for security, I'll wear the SpyderCo Fish Hunter leg-strap knife. I love the H-1 steel on the Fish Hunter, which literally doesn't rust even if you leave it in saltwater for a week. I hate the SpyderCo Fish Hunter plastic sheath. I want my knife to stay put when I dive, not fall out and disappear. For that reason, I use the Aqua Lung Neoprene Leg Strap and I strap the Fish Hunter sheath into those velcro straps. Fixed! Finally, I used a sanding belt to add a double-bevel edge to my SpyderCo. |
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Scuba Flag Dive Reel = Scuba Choice 150' Reel
Amazon Link for my specific Dive Reel You can't have line freely tangling all around you when you're underwater, especially while videoing, metal detecting, or spearfishing. This is a simple item but important. |
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Uninsulated Sun Protective Diving Hood = Scuba DoRag
Link for my specific Uninsulated Dive Hood I wanted to add this here because these are hard to find! Insulated (neoprene) dive hoods abound. Uninsulated hoods are hard to find but super necessary on a sunny day, especially if you don't want to be constantly using sunscreen. This product took me a long time to discover but I'm glad I did! I have a number of them, in different color patters. So-long, neck burns! |
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Scuba and Freedive Weight Belt = Riffe Rubber Weight Belt with Buckle
Amazon Link for my specific Weight Belt First, quick-release is a non-negotiable. Next, I probably would have gone with silicone here but, when I bought my rubber belt, they didn't have quick-release options in subtle colors. I don't want a red or white or loud color when I spearfish. Black, brown, sand, green, that sort of thing, is what I want. Anyway, one of my role models on YouTube, Daniel Mann, recommends silicone over rubber because it grips the wetsuit better (rather than sliding), so I'd keep checking for those options if you both freedive and scuba. Rubber is decent, though! Honestly, I don't use the weight belt while scuba, however, because I intentionally bought a weight-integrated BCD (listed above) to keep life simple[r]. |
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Scuba Key Holder = Scuba Choice Waterproof Container
Amazon Link for my specific Scuba Container This is only about $10 but super important. Sometimes you scuba dive at or near a busy beach and you want to lock your valuables in the car and take the keys. You can float this on your dive flag and you're all set. |
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My Favorite Hunting Gear
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Bow = PSE Carbon Air Stealth Mach 1
Link for my specific Mach 1 Matthews transformed the archery industry with parallel limb technology and PSE further transformed it with carbon risers. If Matthews made carbon bows, I'd probably have one but I have no complaints about PSE! Hoyt, meanwhile, got left in the dust after being the industry leader for over a decade. I was a Hoyt guy for the past 20 years so it was hard to swtich! Yet Hoyt pays a licensing fee to PSE for their carbon bows, since PSE has the patent, so they are much more expensive and, honestly, not even lightweight. This bow is 3.5 pounds and shoots with virtually no kick. I keep the silly stabilizer off (senseless with such a smooth, quiet bow plus it groups the same!) and I chose the First Light Fusion Camo. |
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Bow Sight = Black Gold Custom Build Ascent Verdict Assault
Link for my specific Black Gold Custom Build Sight I like this sight more than it's main competitor, Spot Hogg. They both have 3 axis adjustability but I like the straight pins for hunting (Spot Hogg has angled pins) because when I move left to right on a moving animal, it's easier to line up straight pins. I also like the Black Gold yardage indicator location placement. For the custom build, I chose 3 pins (each different colors) and, most importantly, the 6-inch dovetail mount (which has no knobs sticking out, allowing space for a quiver). This allows me to slide out the sight pins for practice / target shooting and then slide it closer to the bow for hunting. Finally, I also have the lens kit (4x zoom lens) for target shooting and, most importantly, the blind man's light kit for low-light hunting. |
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Bow Release(s) = Carter Insatiable 2 (Thumb) and Scott Little Goose (Index)
Amazon Link for my specific Carter Insatiable 2 Amazon Link for my specific Scott Little Goose I use two different releases. The thumb release helps me with "trigger panic", if I start punching the trigger when I get the sight pin over the center of the target during target shooting. For hunting season, I like the index release with that light trigger pull, which the Little Goose has, and I'm always tuning hunting arrows specific to the release I hunt with. I've also used the Scott Shark 2 release, in the past, but the trigger pull is a touch heavier. I like a more "dual caliper" style because (1) I like to clip it on the string while hunting as soon as I see an animal and (2) I like the string coming off in the center, rather than one side or other as you get with the hook-style release. Watch an arrow coming off the string is super slow-motion and compare the hook release with a dual caliper and you'll see why I like equal pressure dual calipers. |
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Quiver = Tight Spot 5-Arrow Quiver
Link for my specific Tightspot Quiver I like how lightweight and adjustable this quiver is. Most importantly, for the thin diameter arrows I use, I like how you can tighten down the arrow gripper so the arrows never accidentally fall out. Finally, I like the secondary gripper (sold separately) because I use fixed blade broadheads and I don't want them clunking around in the quiver hood, getting dull. |
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Arrow Nocks = Nockturnal
Link for my specific Nockturnal Nocks I'm forever grateful to the Price brother's for inventing Lumenock but I literally wake up sweating at night thinking about how hard it is to turn those damn things off. Nockturnal's are easy to turn off, they have cool color options, and they shoot excellent in my experience. Before I shot a D-Loop (I was clipping the release on the string directly), at last light I once had my nock light-up as I drew on an 8-point buck. I was ground hunting on public land and it was 10 degrees warm. The buck saw the light and bolted. I switched to D-Loops later that week. Never had a problem since. True story. Be sure to decide on your adult arrows before you buy the nocks - they need to fit your specific arrow diameter. Ask me how I know. |
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Arrow Rest = QAD HDX UltraRest
Link for my specific HDX Rest I love the dropaway concept, especially one like the QAD that truly quietly contains the arrow when the bow is bouncing around, but perfectionist target shooters tell me they actually want the arrow in contact with the rest as long as possible for greater arrow stabilization. One solution could be whisker biscuit rests but archery pro shops tell me those are much worse in terms of arrow tuning, not better. Probably because the fletching blasts through those plastic bristles. The newer solution are the limb-driven dropaway rests. I don't like these, however, because they have an extra string hanging all the way down the bow that catches on sticks and weeds when you crawl. The QAD HDX is a cable-drive dropaway. QAD sells a "Hunter" version but it has less camo pattern options (!) and less micro-adjustability (more problematic) when you tune arrows. And hunters need to arrow tune more than anybody because broadheads shot on a windy day are extremely unforgiving. |
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Bowfishing Reel = AMS Bowfishing Reel
Amazon Link for my specific Bowfishing Reel You're going to want this, if you do even a moderate amount of bowfishing. Winding bowfishing lines by hand it is featured in Dante's Inferno somewhere and it wastes all your time as you watch carp (or whatever fish or alligator) swim away. Add this reel and you made bowfishing great again! |
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Backpack = ALPS Outdoorz Pursuit
Amazon Link for my specific backpack I love all the features on this backpack and, most importantly, it's large enough for my gear. It's not a "bring the entire camp" backpack but it's excellent for my needs. |
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Binocular Harness = Badlands Bino Basics
Link for my specific Harness Watching The Hunting Public, I realized I needed a quick-access bino strap. And, sure enough, I love this thing! It's far more comfortable on the shoulders than a simple strap bino harness. And it's camo. No brainer. I also usually attach my rangefinder to the shoulder attachment strap (I cut the rangefinder string to shorten in) and I'm really ready to stalk. |
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Binoculars = Nikon Prostaff 7s
Amazon Link for my specific Prostaff 7s I prefer camo for my binos and I hate black binos. I used to have a pair (weird word for a single unit, by the way) of black binos and I never wore them because I felt like they stuck out during a close-range stalk. Close-range is how I want to end all my stalks, because I virtually always bowhunt, so now I use Nikon Prostaff 7s. I've had friends try them and say "wow, those binos are amazing!". The zoom dial is a touch hard to scroll with one hand but I'm being picky. |
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Laser Rangefinder = Nikon Prostaff 1,000i
Link for my specific Prostaff 1000i Again, camo. I wouldn't buy a rangefinder that wasn't camo. And apparently, I'm just now realizing, I'm a Nikon Prostaff guy. This one has incline/decline compensation, which I like from treestands or in mountains. It ranges to 1,000 yards, which is fun for target shooting with a rifle. Plus, it has a 6-20x zoom, which I rarely use. But if I clamp it into the BOG Deathgrip (below), it is excellent. |
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Winter Boot Cover = Icebreaker Boot Blanket
Amazon Link for my specific Boot Blanket I do a lot of sitting in frigid cold weather, often directly on the ground. I've literally shot deer in -20 degree weather! Frozen toes have ruined many hunts. The handwarmer shake-packets are excellent for hands (especially if your hands are inside an insulated hand muff like Hot Shot Textpac) but the shake-packets don't work on toes because toes don't get enough oxygen for longer sits. I have electric-heated socks but they're expensive and less valuable to me compared to the boot blankets. I pack them in using a cheap laundry-style duffle bag and put them over my boots right away. |
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Camo Face Paint = CarboMask
Amazon Link for my specific CarboMask I wear glasses and facemasks fog my glasses. If you're a camo face painter, you'll want this one! It's activated charcoal, so it literally masks your scent, and it's amazingly easy to wipe off with a damp paper towel. |
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Warm Weather Boots = Salomon Outline Mid Gore-Tex
Amazon Link for my specific Salomon Outlines I basically want ultralight waterproof running shoes when I hunt. I literally sprint around hills to cut off deer. I also want brown or green color (which are more camo than black), nothing leather because leather smells (La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX has leather, for example), gore-tex waterproofing, and 8" high-tops. These Salomon boots have all the features excepting the 8" high-top upper. If a company comes out with a higher top but still retains the super lightweight and other features described here, I'd be all over it. Danner's Tachyon (1.6 pounds) is near perfect but it's leather and not waterproof. Trust me, when you are walking through wet grass and accidentally step into an ankle deep puddle, you want waterproof hunting "boots". And after a long day, you don't want them to be heavy nor hot - that's what winter boots and/or wool socks are for and those are easy to find. |
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Treestand = Lone Wolf Assault Hang-On System
Amazon Link for my specific Treestand System I like everything about this treestand! The foot platform design has a natural break-up look, rather than linear and unnatural. There is no black on it (black is rarely found in the forest, most colors are greys, browns, and tans). And I need the stap-on sticks (rather than screw-in steps) because I mainly hunt public land. They're more expensive, but if I had it over to do again I'd probably get the Tethrd climbing sticks (rather than the Lone Wolf sticks) because of their insanely light weight! |
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Camo Mesh = CamoSystems Netting
Amazon Link for my specific CamoSystems Net For ground hunting with a camera, you'll basically need this to cover up the tripod and camera operator. It's quiet, durable, non-toxic, and scent-free. I also use it to cover my kayak while duck hunting. |
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Arrows = Sirius Archery "Ranch Fairy Test Kit"
Link for my specific Test Kit Here is The Hunting Public Podcast episode that convinced me (and it took some serious work convincing me) to change my arrow and broadhead setup. You need to find what flies optimally with your own setup. Everyone is different. I can't recommend enough to bare shaft test. Bare shaft testing is done by cutting the fletching off an arrow and shooting it from 10 yards away. This test kit of arrows, inserts, and heavy tips, allows you to go as heavy as possible with dart-straight arrow impact. Any impact wobble drains your momentum, when you actually hit an animal, so you can't skip that step. This is especially imperative if you bowhunt for wild hogs. In short, you 100% need to watch the Ranch Fairy videos on +20% F.O.C. (Front of Center [weighted]) arrows, arrow tuning, and "adult arrows". Even for deer, you should probably go with at least 500-grains and emphatically not full-metal jacket arrows (since the broadhead often pushes back into the arrow shaft, splitting it into pieces). Since deer are always moving, you want to be able to blow through that humerus or scap and ethically recover all your hit animals. The other thing is fletching: watch this "Inside Out Precision" video and be sure to helical fletch your arrows, most likely left helical. You'll want that extra stability, assuming you're using a drop-away arrow rest and adult broadheads (rather than flappers - just watch Ranch Fairy!). |
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Broadhead = Cutthroat 2-Blade Screw-In, Single Bevel
Link for my specific Broadheads Speaking of the Ranch Fairy, he convinced me to (1) spin my arrows and (2) tune my bow using arrows without fletchings ("bare shaft tuning") and (3) shoot the vastly superior single-bevel broadhead. If you hit bone, the single bevel heads are the bomb (literally). For grains, you should match your field tip weight (or go slightly less with your broadhead since they often fly slightly "heavy"). To determine right versus left bevel, simply mark your arrow and shoot it from 5 to 10 yards without fletching. See which way it spins. It's nearly always LEFT and you'll want the broadhead edge to be left AND you'll want your arrow fletchings to offset (or helical spin) left. Unfortunately, archery shops nearly always fletch with a RIGHT spin unless you tell them to go with a left directional fletch. You don't want to fight you arrow's natural flight and bowstring-twist spin direction. Whatever bevel direction you need, the new Cutthroat broadheads will have a rough edge (burr) that you'll need to sharpen. Plus, you'll eventually want to sharpen them for re-use. For sharpening, I use the KME "Self- Aligning Broadhead and Replacement Blade Sharper". Next, I use one full sheet per broadhead of 3M wet dry 600 grit sandpaper to initialize the edge (use a marker and remove all the marker via the sharpener). After that, I go with 800 grit, 1000 grit, 1500 grit, and finish on 2000 grit. Startup cost is a bit high for all of this but, especially using the Nockturnal nocks, you rarely lose arrows and you can keep shooting the same arrows and broadheads. Plus, it's more humane learning this process correctly so worth it. |
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Deer Butchering Gambrel = HS Super Mag Lift System
Amazon Link for my specific HS Gambrel If you butcher your own deer like I do, you'll try this once and never go back to manually climbing ladders and trying to hoist deer! The Super Mag is a bit overkill - it has an extra pulley so it can handle elk - but I like overkill so I can pull aggressively. Plus, my kids can literally hoist a deer by themselves! |
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Headlamp = Odear Super Bright [Tight Beam] and Outerdo 8 (Wide Beam) and MsForce (Medium Beam)
1. Amazon Link for my specific Odear 2. Amazon Link for my specific Outerdo 8 3. Amazon Link for my specific MsForce My philosophy is you can never have too many headlamps. Here, I showcase my current favorite trio. These LED lights are all superbright. Odear is a fairly tight beam with about 5,000 lumens. It's a bit heavy but I love how long the battery lasts on a single charge - usually about 8 hours on max brightness, for me. It also has a "less insanely bright" setting. Next, I have a couple of Outderdo 8 headlamps. The Outderdo 8 has too many brightness settings (8 "modes"), which is confusing as hell at night and you end up clicking through a bunch of buttons trying to find what you want, but it is respectably bright (about 1,200 lumens) and it casts a wide spread of light. The battery only lasts a couple of hours and the light starts to dim, so that's a con. Finally, the MsForce light is another 1,200 lumen light that has a medium beam - not super tight and not super spread out. The battery is much better than the Outderdo 8 and the click settings are simple. This one is probably the most versatile, if you plan to just get one headlamp to rule them all. |
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Thermal Night Vision Scope = Pulsar Trail X2, XP50, LRF
Link for my specific Night Vision Scope This could have gone in the video section but it's on my AR Grendel 6.5 so it's here. This thermal scope is an expensive purchase but it's unbelievable to see it work at night. At night, you can pick animals out of the woods better than you can in the daytime, because they light up white (or orange or whatever color you choose) because they give off that heat signature. The quality of the video with this scope is also insane - rivaled only by N-Vision Optics, perhaps. |
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Night Vision Gun Tripod = Bog Deathgrip Clamp Tripod
Amazon Link for my specific Bog Tripod Brandon Scott introduced me to this amazing concept during our Arkansas Hog Hunt and this is a Game Changer (not the vegan documentary...). You can clamp in the gun stock and it stays steady. It's tall enough to stand and look through, which is usually good during night hunts. Best of all, I can clamp in my spotting scope and use this tripod dual purpose. |
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Crossbow = Ravin R10 with the Stock Illuminated-Reticle Scope or ATN X-Sight, 3-14x
Amazon Link for my specific Ravin R10 This sucker is compact! It's about 8" wide when cocked! It basically looks like a gun. It's a bit heavy but I have the strap on it and I bought the dark grey color (rather than camo) because I use it out of a hunting blind more often than not. It shoots aroudn 400 fps and, most importantly, has a sweet cocking tool that can also de-cock the bow (so you don't need to shoot the bolt at a target every time you get back to the truck after a long hunt!). Finally, I currently use the ATN X-Sight HD, 3-14x, digital scope on it, since that has video capacity. Unfortunately, the video function randomly stopped working so I don't recommend this unit. Plus, it's a battery hog so I needed to buy ATN's external battery "power kit" so I can keep it turned on at all times and it loads up fairly slow so you almost need to keep it turned on. At one time, I tested the 5-20x zoom equivalent scope from ATN but it was way too much zoom for a crossbow. |
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My Favorite Fishing Gear
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Kayak = Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14 with 360 Drive
Link for my specific Hobie Kayak This kayak exceeded my expectations except it's super heavy and I broke the 360 drive belt but they fixed it free (and this is apparently a very rare occurrence). Using foot-pedals keeps my hands free for fishing. It's super stable. I even fished with two people in this single-person kayak! I bought my first one in 2009 in Boston and I would take it out on the ocean and marvel at how easily it managed the ocean currents and serious waves. Plus, legs are stronger than arms so it wasn't tiring to literally fish all night long. I now have 2 (one for the videographer) and I predominantly use the 360 drive for precise boat control. |
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Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) = Hobie Mirage Eclipse Dura Series 12.0 PedalBoard
Link for my specific Hobie PedalBoard I like to sight-fish and this is the bomb! It's super stable, super fast. I used a rope to attach an anchor zigzag cleat to the front and I use a bait cooler as a seat and dry box. This unit is also surprisingly light and I can carry it under my arm for a quarter mile, if necessary. The only drawback is the bottom is extremely fragile to denting and scratching. I use pink foam board (used for insulating basements) when I pack this into my trailer. It still has some dents. |
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Fish Finder = Garmin GPSMAP 8610xsv 10" plus the Panoptix LiveScope System plus the GT54UHD-TM Transducer
Link for my specific 8610 Link for my specific Panoptix LiveScope Link for my specific Transducer This system is 10-times more expensive than 99.9% of people need. I bought the GPSMAP system because it can pair with the Active Captain app and, using Helm, I can directly record video from the screen. I can also jump the LiveScope unit from my kayak to a boat to an ice fishing hole, using the Summit Fishing 24"-60" adjustable transducer pole (which requires annoying extra purchases for the boat mount etc. just fyi). Finally, I love some of the ideas in the G4 Outdoors build here where they make the entire unit portable within a Magellan Dry Box. Southern Reels Fishing also has some excellent kayak and boat mounting build ideas to customize the Livescope set-up and save money. |
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Fish Finder Kayak Mount = YakAttack LockNLoad plus the YakAttack H-Rail Mighty Mount
Link for my specific LockNLoad Mount Link for my specific H-Rail Mount I deliberated between Ram Mounting on a 1.5" ball and this YakAttack LockNLoad. My 10" fish finder (GPSMAP 8610xsv) is such a beast, I was worried a Ram Mount won't be able to handle such a heavy load, especially in waves and rough water. Ashley Rae ("She Loves To Fish" channel on YouTube) has a large fish finder and basically convinced me to go with this setup. |
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Kayak GoPro Camera Mounting System = Ram Tough Pole
Link for my specific 31" RamMount Pole Link for my specific RamMount 48" Pole Link for my specific RamMount 7" Tough Track Kristine Fischer (appropriate last name, I'm just realizing) was the inspiration for my updated GoPro kayak setup. Running two GoPros for two camera angles is key. In early videos, I used a gooseneck clamp and a headmounted GoPro. It was ok but not ideal. Now I use the 48" Ram Tough Pole for the rear of my kayak. Since this is a long pole, I like the dual track base but that requires an additional piece; the Ram Tough Track. For that, I chose the 7" track. They offer longer options but I didn't want the track using up too much of my Hobie kayak H-Rail. For the front camera, I have a shorter 31" Ram Tough Pole that had the track-ball base included. |
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Kayak Fishing Net = YakAttack 20" x 21" Foldable Net with Foam Extension
Amazon Link for my specific YakAttack Net Some people use magnetic attachments on their kayak nets, which is cool. This is better. Folding a net down while still having it safely tucked into a rod holder out of the way is amazing. |
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Waders = Rogers "Slim Fit" 2-in-1 Insulated Waders
Link for my specific Waders These are breathable and they have a sweet zip-in insulation lining that can be removed when it is warm. Since you always want warm fee, the boots are always insulated. They are shockingly light, especially because they come in "slim fit". For me, normal waders are like an oompa-loompa suit and all that extra weight is silly. Love. these. I chose the Realtree Max 5 camo since it looks like grass and I obviously use them for hunting and fishing. |
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Fillet Knife = Rapala Lithium Ion Electric Fillet Knife
Amazon Link for my specific Cordless Fillet Knife Once you get used to electric, it's a true breeze to fillet fish. It's especially important when you have a lot of fish and most importantly, panfish like crappie. I used to have a cord-driven fillet knife but it's annoying to try to find a plug. Not only is this more convenient, I was shocked to find this electric knife was more powerful than the plug-in one. |
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Portable Outdoor Shower = Lightspeed Outdoors Privacy Tent & Camplux Pro 6L Propane Water Heater
Amazon Link for my specific Privacy Tent Amazon Link for my specific Camplux Water Heater Link for my specific Water Pump I'm a shower guy. I feel incomplete without my occasional hot shower. This is a sweet system! Unfortunately, setting up this portable shower system requires some calculus. I recommend checking out Revere Overland's blog, if you plan to put one of these together. All the little pieces and even the bolts he used are listed there and I simply copied him. If you don't need this, don't buy it. I recommend using RV Parks for showers (they are usually like $2) or use a Planet Fitness Gym membership, which have locations around the country. I get the "Black" membership and use the hydro massage chairs/beds the offset long drives. |
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Big-Game Fly Fishing Reel = Cheeky Limitless 475 Saltwater Fly Reel
Amazon Link for my specific Cheeky 475 Reel This fly reel can handle giants. It has a built-in, fully sealed, gasket drag. I like saltwater reels, even in freshwater, because they don't corrode. The 475 model is for line weights of 10-12 and I have a 10 weight rod for big-game fly fishing. |
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Toy Hauler / Ice Fish Shack Trailer = Core Ice 16' 6515AT
Link for my specific Trailer Don't underestimate this beast. It can handle long drives. It has hydraulic jacks that can drop the trailer onto the ice on a frozen lake. Of course, it has several holes in the floor for ice fishing and pedestal seats. It comes standard with a Truma furnace, a stove, a TV, a microwave, various outlets, and lights. I also had a spearfishing hole/hatch added to the floor, I added an AC unit, and a rear bunk bed/dinette. The ultimate hunting, fishing, scuba, camping, traveling base camp, if you enjoy a bit of ice fishing on the side. |
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Disclosure: Some of the links above are Amazon.com affiliate links, meaning, at no added cost to you, I earn a commission if you click these links and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This is a new feature and it helps keep the AJ Consulting Company train moving down the tracks. I continue to have no corporate sponsors so I'm unbiased in regards to specific companies above. I'm just trying to find the intersection between the best and the cheapest. Thanks! -DRJ
