A Christmas Wishlist for Hunters: 10 Must-Have Items

We all have the same thought on our mind currently, “What kind of gift do you give that special someone during this Christmas season?”. If that person happens to be a hunter, I can help you! Here’s a Christmas wishlist full of things that would improve their outdoor experience. These ten must-have items range from cheap to expensive, for all budgets.

1: Therm-a-Rest Z Seat

Often, early mornings on the mountain are accompanied by dew, rain, or a damp creek bottom. In all scenarios, sitting on the wet ground is not a pleasant experience because it soaks through your pants and chills your bones. I sometimes solve this problem by sitting on my pack or a spare jacket, but these solutions get my other equipment wet and/or squish my lunch. A chair is the most comfortable seat when sitting and glassing for prey, but it’s also not feasible to use on steep terrain or long hikes. The Therm-a-Rest Z Seat is a lightweight, waterproof cushion that folds up to be nearly the same size as a water bottle. Weighing only 2 ounces and opening up to a 16×13 inch size, this seat will protect your bottom from any moisture or uneven ground that you find yourself trying to sit on.

• $32.95 MSRP
• 2 oz
• closed cell foam
• 16×13″
• accordion style
• blue/silver, coyote, limon/silver color options

2: Unknown Munition’s Molinator Shooting Bag

A common practice while hunting is using one’s backpack as a shooting rest. Even though this works, sometimes the shot would be made much easier by using a proper rear bag. This is exactly what the Molinator Shooting Bag is. Made by Unknown Munitions and coming in at only 4.5 ounces, the Molinator can be used in many different ways and is possibly one of the most versatile hunting-focused rear bags on the market. Because the Molinator can improve your gun’s stability drastically with a mere 4.5-ounce weight expense, there are basically no negatives to packing this shooting bag on a hunt.

• $99.00 MSRP
• 4.5 ounces
• 8″ x 5″ x 5″
• 1000D Cordura construction
• grayish green/orange, FDE/orange, and black multicam color options are available
• Spexlite fill

3: Stone Glacier SQ2 Alpine Gaiters

Gaiters are one piece of clothing that belongs on every hunter. These incredibly useful items can be used to keep snow, water, and dust out of your boots in extreme environments. They also work as added protection from cactus needles and other thorny undergrowth. The problem with gaiters is finding a quality pair. Many have zippers that break after minimal use, straps that wear down after a single hike or are constructed from a material that falls apart when you are pushing your limits. The best gaiters that I have ever used are the Stone Glacier SQ2 Alpine gaiters. These come in three different sizes in order to accommodate all boot sizes and utilize velcro instead of zippers, taking one large point of failure on gaiters out of the equation entirely. The SQ2 Alpine gaiters also feature a Dyneema rope bootstrap that is extremely cut-resistant while retaining the wear resistance of steel. Every feature on these gaiters is an improvement over those on other models.

• $129.00 MSRP
• 11.5 ounces (pair)
• 17″ height
• replaceable Dyneema bootstrap
• pinless buckle design
• adjustable closure
• 3-Layer Ripstop Hydrashield™ Upper and X-Pac™ Lower
• made in the USA

4: Harbor Freight APACHE 9800 Weatherproof Protective Case

Every hunter/gun enthusiast needs at least one protective hard case for their rifle, and I think the Harbor Freight APACHE 9800 is a good option. Yes, I know… “Harbor Freight?” While I won’t claim to think that the APACHE 9800 case is “as good as” the Pelican 1750 hard case that it is so similar to, I will say that I don’t think the Pelican is 2x as good, which the prices would suggest. In the end, the APACHE 9800 has ample room for almost any guns. I just flew across the United States with a 31″barreled rifle in mine. The case comes with a location for a padlock on each end, allowing the case to be secured properly for airplane travel. Also, the pick-and-pull foam insert can be customized to fit any rifle snugly. An adjustable pressure relief valve allows easy opening when drastically changing elevations, and three color options can fit anybody’s style. This case weighs 22.65 pounds but has wheels on the bottom and handles on all sides so it can be carried or rolled.

• $169.99 MSRP
• black, green, or tan color options
• external dimensions: 53″ x 16″ x 6.125″
• internal dimensions: 50.375″ x 13.625 x 5.125″
• IP65 waterproof
• polypropylene with rubber seals
• pick-apart-foam
• ball bearing wheels

5: Leupold Sentinel Eyewear

A high-quality pair of glasses that are also impact resistant are essential to any hunter’s kit. Because hunters are shooters, and shooters benefit from wearing protective glasses, I find it important that the glasses I wear while hunting are polarized and meet a minimum impact standard test. The Leupold Sentinel Matt Tan/Bronze Mirror eyeglasses are one of only a few options that meet both of these requirements. These meet MIL-PRF-32432A impact standards and feature a swappable shatterproof lens. In the event that something happens to them, send them in for replacement, thanks to Leupold’s Lifetime Guarantee.

• $189.99 MSRP
• bronze mirror polycarbonate lens
• polarized
• ANSI Z87.1+ safety certification
• adjustable no-slip bridge
• MIL-PRF-32432A
• Lifetime Guarantee
• In-Fused Polarization
• shatterproof, interchangeable lenses

6: Two Vets Tripods No Name V2. W/ Leg Stopper

The next two items are related in the same way that if you give a mouse a cookie, you better also get them some milk, so keep this in mind. The No Name V2 Tripod is made by two Vets Tripods and is another must-have for any hunter. This piece of equipment provides anyone with a stable platform for mounting binoculars, spotting scopes, or even rifles, in any terrain. This is my favorite tripod because it is a good combination of light-weight, strength, and affordability. No, this is not a cheap tripod, but it also costs much less than some of its competitors. The No Name V2 is adjustable from 4.75 inches to 65.5 inches in height when set up. While stowed, the tripod is only 23 inches in length and only weighs your pack down by 4 pounds, 12 ounces. Though this tripod is light, it will still support a maximum weight of 100 pounds!

• $605.00 MSRP
• 4 pounds, 12 ounces
• 4 section legs w/ 3 twist locks
• 38mm main tube diameter
• 23 inch collapsed height
• ratcheting ear leg adjustment tabs
• 1/4 turn twist locks
• integrated spikes in feet
• ballhead compatible
• 100 pound max weight rating

7: 55MM Dual Tension Ballhead W/ Area 419 ARCALOCK CLAMP

Naturally, if you buy a tripod like the No Name V2, you will also need a ballhead for mounting optics and such. The perfect ballhead for this tripod is also made by Two Vets, called the 55MM Dual Tension Ballhead W/ Area 419 Arcalock Clamp. This ballhead performs as well as the name is long, which is… really long. Again, a respectable balance of strength and weight, this ballhead is 1 pound, 11 ounces, and is rated for a max load of 65 pounds. There are a number of ballheads that are similar in design to this one, featuring a 55mm ball and dual tension coarse/fine adjustment, but this one beats out all the rest as it comes with a high-quality Area 419 Arcalock Clamp.

• $235.00 MSRP
• 1.69 pounds
• Area 419 Arcalock Clamp
• 55mm dual tension ballhead
• 65 pound max weight

8: MDT CKYE-POD Lightweight Double Pull Bipod

It took me years to pull the trigger and purchase an MDT CKYE-POD, but I promise that the expense is worth it. To this day, there isn’t a more stable and versatile bipod available on the market than the CKYE-POD. Luckily, MDT has a lightweight double-pull model that is perfect for hunting. Able to adjust between 4.5″ and 18.5″ in height adjustment on the rifle, this bipod is perfect for long-range shooters who like to shoot prone, but need to get above sagebrush or other vegetation for a shot while hunting. This CKYE-POD Lightweight Double Pull Bipod has legs that adjust between 9 to 18.5″ in length utilizing the double pull system, but they also lock forward in a stowed, 45-degree, or 90-degree position as well as swing out to three different widths for nearly endless height options. This bipod also pans 360 degrees and tilts 170 degrees with separate tension adjustments for the pan and cant features. Though expensive, this bipod is sure to take your shooting skills to the next level.

• $899.95 MSRP
• BTC Mount (ARCA and Picatinny compatible)
• Single-handed adjustment
• Slim main body (barricade stop removed)
• Titanium fasteners for weight reduction
• Quick adjust RRS BTC mount. Picatinny & ARCA compatible
• Provides ultimate traction with spiked feet
• Crafted from hard anodized aluminum
• 170 degrees of cant
• 360 degrees of pan
• Separate tension adjustments for pan and cant features
• Tumble deburred for a smooth tactile feel
• Skeletonized legs, wing hub, and mount
• Leg length approx. 9″ collapsed, 18.5″ extended
• Weight: starting from 20 oz.

9: AB Suppressor Raptor

If you care about your loved-one’s hearing, hand them a check and send them to the store to purchase a rifle suppressor for themselves. Proven to be more effective than in-ear protection, suppressors are the best option for saving your hearing while out on a hunt. AB Suppressor makes my favorite lightweight, titanium rifle can that they call the Raptor. This suppressor is unique in that it is made 100% of titanium and features an optional reflex section that extends backward from the muzzle, over the barrel of the gun. This section increases the volume of the can and increases the suppressor’s effectiveness without adding length to the rifle system. There are several different models of the Raptor that vary from 3.9 inches long and 4.5 ounces in weight to 7.2 inches long and 9.5 ounces in weight, with a handful of in-betweens. These options allow the shooter to pick the combination of length and weight that they are looking to pair with their rifle for the most effective sound suppression on their system. To learn more about these suppressors, check out their YouTube videos that go into in-depth details about their construction and performance. Or read my full review on the AB Suppressor Raptor here.

• $1099.00 MSRP
• 5.56/7.62/.338 or .375 caliber options
• 4.45 – 9.5 ounces
• 3.9 – 7.2 inches long
• 1.625 inch diameter
• direct thread
• 100% grade 5 titanium construction
• Black Cerakote finish
• flush mount/reflex included

10: SIG Sauer Kilo8K-ABS

As everyone is discovering that their rifles are capable of shooting beyond 100-200 yards, the need for ballistics and rangefinders grows. I suggest combining the two by carrying a ballistic rangefinder, and the best one that I have used is the SIG Sauer KILO8K-ABS. This electronic optic gives incredibly fast and accurate ranges out to distances of 8000 yards on reflective targets, accompanied by equally fast ballistic solutions based on your rifle’s data and current atmospheric conditions. Though it is the most expensive item on this list, I can promise you that it is an almost indispensable piece of gear for the long-range hunters out there. Read my full review on this amazing item here.

• MSRP: $1,979.99
• +/- 0.5 yard accuracy out to 500 yards
• +/- 1 yard accuracy from 500 – 1000 yards
• +/- 2 yard accuracy beyond 1000 yards
• 7x magnification
• 25mm objective lens
• 6.78 degree field of view
• 16mm eye relief
• 4.4 in overall length
• 3 in height
• 1.3 in overall width
• 7.5 oz weight
• 1.2×0.25 MRAD laser divergence
• IPX-4 waterproofing
• CR2 battery
• 4000 ranges of run time
• +/- 3 diopter adjustment range
• reticle options: circle, duplex, box, and optional milling grid
• 304×256 active matrix OLED display
• range on deer: up to 2000 yards
• range on trees: up to 2500 yards
• max reflective range: 8000 yards

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