My early-season gear list

If you're like me watching the days quickly getting crossed out on the ol’ calendar, then you, too, are seeing those early season fall hunts fast approaching. August brings some great opportunities to get out and start chasing antelope as well as deer and elk in a few western states. Heck, for bear hunting nuts like myself there are even opportunities in August to chase big old berry eating bears in the high country during this time. Then, of course, the month of September comes along, offering more archery mule deer opportunities as well as the oh-so-coveted archery elk season.

It just so happens that my early season calendar this year will have me up in some high alpine areas chasing both bears as well as some high country mule deer. Typically, these late summer trips bring about much warmer conditions than the often fickle weather month of October. I use October as the month when my early season gear kit will start to see a makeover; usually the shelter and clothing systems see the lion’s share of the changes.

When it comes to the gear I use, weight is definitely a consideration. Relative comfort and safety is also of huge importance when choosing what gear will be taking up that precious space in my backpack. Durability, reliability and functionality are things I also weigh carefully when it comes to deciding on the gear I take. Compromises are made not just with weight, but with comfort as well. My approach is to shave weight where possible, but still maintain a system that’ll get me through almost every possible weather scenario Mother Nature might throw at me.

Here’s my personal gear list, which covers everything I'll be taking along during my upcoming early season trips.