Sitka Gear Kelvin Light Down Hoodie
Brand new for 2020 from Sitka, this garment is the ultimate mid-weight, mid to late season, packable down jacket. It weighs 17 ounces and packs down into its own zippered pocket to stow nicely when not in use. It’s made with a combo of real down and synthetic down from Primaloft. The combination of both insulations creates a layer of loft that will hold its insulating properties even when wet yet still have the lightweight characteristics of natural down. It’s a must have in the pack from mid-September on. The cold mornings glassing in the shade won’t stand a chance with this latest piece from Sitka.
Retail price: $349.00
Swarovski NL Pure Binocular
The industry-leading Austrian optic company is dropping a new binocular for 2020 that I was lucky enough to get an early look at in July. Every bino I’ve ever seen from Swarovski has been wonderful, but these are truly the most amazing optics I’ve ever had the chance to look through. Ergonomically they’re
completely natural and perfect in the hand, almost effortless to hold. Optically they have the widest field of view ever for a handheld binocular with almost zero distortion at the edges. They’re available in 8×42, 10×42 and 12×42 ‑- all in the same body so weight is virtually identical in the three different magnification sizes at 29.5 ounces. They pack the most powerful, useful, huge field of view in the easiest to handle, smallest package. These are binos you can look through for hours on end with minimal effort physically.
MSRP starts at $3,299
Mathews Archery VXR 31.5 bow
Mathews’ new VXR is its flagship bow for 2020. It’s available in two lengths axle to axle, 28 and 31.5 inches. Personally, for western big game, I think the 31.5 is the ticket and that’s the bow I’ll have with me in the field this fall. The 6-inch brace height is just right for speed and forgiveability in the shot process. As the summer has gone on and the bow’s been broken in, it’s been the most enjoyable Mathews I’ve ever owned. Dead in hand shot, virtually zero shock at the shot, set up with the QAD integrated rest system, it’s simple to dial in and the bow has performed flawlessly. I’m really looking forward to seeing how its qualities play out this fall.
MSRP: $1,199
Stealth Cam DS4K Trail Camera
I had heard about this model camera’s legendary performance and this summer I had the opportunity to start running a few. Wow, normal superlatives don’t do them justice. This truly delivers the best performing, clearest, stunning photography and videography. The photos and videos almost make you feel like you are sitting there live. They are the first trail camera offered in 4k resolution and ultra HD video. Dual image sensors perform in low light and daytime use, and feature ultra fast trigger speed at 0.4 seconds.
MSRP: $299