My Whitetail Hunting Gear List (2023)

(Chapters listed below) Gear for me is a sliver in time. A "best guess" plan, if you will. It’s really about answering questions. Where are you going? What are you doing? And what’s a really bad day look like there? It’s also about solving problems, trying to find shortcuts, or your way out of a pickle (which is fine provided you can do it the old-fashioned way when the chips are down). Any way you look at it, above all else, gear is most essential. And truly good gear, without all of the fluff, is hard to find. Here is a sort of video "gear list" detailing what I used throughout the fall and winter while bowhunting for whitetails in Illinois. If you have any questions or suggestions, please fire away, I’m all ears.
Follow along:
Instagram: / donnie_vincent
Facebook: / followdonnievincent
Website: www.donnievincent.com/
▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
00:00 - Intro
01:10 - Base Layers
06:42 - Outer Layers
15:15 - Footwear
16:30 - Trailcam
19:23 - Harness & Climbing Gear
21:53 - Facepaint
24:20 - Field Book
25:42 - Knives
27:54 - Optics
30:38 - Treestand
32:13 - Bow Accessories
33:50 - Bow & Arrows
37:05 - Outro

[@bjm146]

Being from Connecticut there are not many things to be proud about, but this man is a fine exception. Thanks Donnie.

[@chrishughes8398]

He’s from CT? Also, I used to feel similarly but over the past few years I’ve relocated and taken up a job that requires travel all over the country. Living and visiting pretty much everywhere you can think of has led me to gain a lot more appreciation for CT. Or maybe it’s New England in general.

[@MDR-hn2yz]

You guys have that stolen valor Senator, Dick Blumenthal. That’s someone to not be proud of. I’m from just over the state line in New York. I often struggle to find things i like about this state also.

[@bjm146]

@@MDR-hn2yz weird thing to say but alright.

[@MDR-hn2yz]

@@bjm146 😆

[@dk4fly565]

Love how humble Donnie is. My favorite outdoorsman

[@acevent5759]

A Donnie Vincent Story: I always dreamed of hunting caribou in Alaska, and a buddy of mine in the military introduced me to Donnie's content on one of our deployments in 2013. I was blown away by Donnie's storytelling and hunting adventures. His work took all the hunters on that deployment to a happy place, even if only for an hour; it was the best hour we had throughout those shitty seven months. Fast forward to 2019: I had just exited the military and started college. One of my friends in the same program as me tells me that his dad has a hunting trip planned to Alaska in September of 2022, and they were down a man, and he asked me if I wanted to go. I told him with glee that I would love to, but I didn't know if I could scrape up the cash. The price was steep for a college student living off the G.I.Bill. So, I decided to commit and gave his dad the down payment at my buddy's wedding (like the God Father). Donnie's films inspired me to make it happen, and I worked my ass off doing summer jobs and side work, and st barely made enough to get the spot. Jump to 2022: I was physically training, accumulating my gear, and prepping in every way I could for this dream hunt when I heard that Alaska had closed millions of acres of federal land to hunting. I thought our hunt was over, and my heart just dropped to my stomach. Luckily, A few weeks later, the outfitter called and said we were good to go, but many other people got F'***d (If you are reading this and you are one of those people, you have my condolences). Ok, last bit! So the day finally comes, and I start the long journey from Virginia to Alaska. I was sitting on the final flight into Anchorage and buckling up, and as I looked up from clicking the buckle, walking up the aisle in blue and orange shoes and blue push pants was Donnie Vincent! I could not believe it!! I won't lie, I wrestled with the idea of going back and saying hey to him for about an hour, but I finally decided to not be a weirdo and watch the new Top Gun. The plane lands, and I am at baggage claim getting my rifle when Donnie and his crew walk up with a shit-ton of gear piled up on carts. Guys, I know they say, "Never meet your heroes," I was hesitant to do it, but I had to meet him and get a photo with him. As I walked up to Donnie, my buddy's story of meeting Steven Rinella and what a jerk he was, was running through my mind; I was nervous. I approached Donnie, introduced myself, and asked for a picture, as he was my inspiration for being there that day, and he was SUPPER COOL and down to earth. He was the nicest guy you could ever meet, and he was happy to take a photo in front of his wall of gear and talk to me for a few. Meeting Donnie was one of the coolest parts of my hunt, second only to taking my first Caribu off the banks of the Kavalina River. I still can't believe it happened. Thanks for being a solid dude, Donnie!!

[@Burnitifugotit]

Awesome share, thanks

[@JeremyMiner-camo_archer]

Appreciate the gear update, Donnie. Always enjoy hearing the reasons why you use these products & how they work for you. Great perspective & guidance. Thanks!

[@earnestbass4043]

I’m very happy for you that you’ve “gone trad” and are finding the incredible joy of it! Our whole family follows and enjoys your work

[@chrisbittman5634]

Awesome gear review ! Love seeing what a guy of your caliber wears day in day out in the wilderness or deer woods , I learn so much from all your content . Keep it up !

[@dboots1421]

Outstanding detail. Inspiration to fine tune everything taken on each hunt. Thank you

[@PNWild]

We always love watching gear breakdowns, Thanks!

[@EthanPageHunter]

This is incredible! Love your mindset on gear Donnie!

[@biggun5460]

You sir, are what my opinion of a true woodsman should aspire to be. Well done, Very well done...

[@Cookies205]

Love this kind of video Donnie! Thank you for sharing your gear and experience! On the note of wool clothing, I have had multiple pairs of Ibex, Smart Wool, and Icebreaker base layers and I definitely find that of the big wool brands Icebreaker seems to perform best in the durability department

[@singlestringstruggler1988]

Looks like an awesome bow. Look forward to seeing you take something with it.

[@briansachson]

Thanks for this brother, already got me excited for next season

[@zacheryroller7217]

Donnie all of your work is just absolutely wicked. From your documentaries to your simple gear lists such as this, you and your crew are extremely talented at capturing the side of hunting that many outdoorsman have tried to show. Being a CT boy myself who recently moved the the White Mountains of NH to chase my own mountain adventures I wanted to say thank you. You have been an inspiration of mine and showed me anything is possible if you want it enough. I know a comment on KZbin is a strange place to put this but I don’t have social media so here it is haha. Also being a now local New Hampshirite, I take pride in using gear and clothing based out New England, especially out of NH. I was happy to see you have some Minus 33 in your arsenal and if you are looking for a boxer brief to try, minus 33 makes some good pairs for sure. Good luck in all your adventure and I highly recommend you come back to New England to track down some corkas in the big woods. If you don’t know that last phrase ask Altman he should get it. Be safe out there.

[@jeffreyswayze3989]

Always good to hear about a CT boy who moved to the Whites. I grew up in CT and moved to the White Mountains of NH myself. I love to fish and hunt, and appreciate reading comments from like-minded backcountry adventurers. Cheers.

[@aarongoeppner413]

Very informative video!!!! Love to hear more about them boots!

[@SamkoTradBow]

Fantastic gear list! For the lineman belt you want to use a 10mm or 11mm rope. The rooeman one is designed for 10-13. The 8.4mm rope is what I use to tie into the tree. I put a figure 8 to the harness center point and the have about 8 feet of the line loose and once I'm up in the tree I tie in to the tree with a bowline on that 8.4 witch is tied I to the harness with a figure 8 on the other end already.

[@destindieterich9754]

Sweet shout out Jason.

[@jousiammuntakanava]

Amazing video dude🤙 you explained every gear choice well and i really like how you kinda mix and match your gear and use a lot of traditional stuff. I started using sitka rain gear and their laminated windstoppers, but i still like to use a lot of wool mids and bottoms here in finland. A lot of times i invest in some traditional well made finnish or swedish cold weather clothes and i have found out that those last you anywhere from 5 years to a decade.

[@eblackshaw]

Always enjoy your stories, Donnie ... gear, hunting ... I haven't come across any of your cooking stories yet ... are there any out there? I've always enjoyed your archery journey and was really excited when you started down the traditional path. Thanks for sharing your gear here with us.

[@edwardhovitz1753]

I dig how he pulls the knives out of the sheathes so fast. Great breakdown of gear.

[@rTrax]

I have the sage green Fjallraven Keb gators and LOVE them!!! They support hunting and provide hunting products. For rifle hunting in brush or the 100s of miles I put on tracking with my hounds, they’re by far my favorite pant

[@hellcatoutdoors]

Love the gear update, it will be a sad day for outdoorsmen when Donnie stops sharing his adventures/knowledge/passion with the world as I’m sure if you are watching this video you have nothing but adoration for this man and his outlook into the great outdoors

[@andrewleonard4490]

I really appreciate your gear videos because they don't seem as show and tell as others. I don't feel like you're in my pocket and I feel like a lot of your choices are practical. I work outside in all weather conditions and all hours of the day/night. I always value the best ways to keep comfortable in uncomfortable weather. I love a good Pendleton wool shirt for comfort and quiet.

[@pidge6837]

Nothing but thanks. Podcast are great but love it when the new vids come out!

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Im a fulltime firefighter and I only use Darn Tough socks on duty and off. These things are just so good. We get free socks but I pay out of pocket for mine. Ask any Army guy, socks will make or break you especially backcountry.

[@kennycoye3907]

The end was the best! Life is to short!! Love all the gear. I trust every word! I can't wait for more vids. I miss seeing them man!

[@joneshat11]

Awesome video and yes that harness Jason designed is money. I used the Petzel ones he has in his videos now for four years and its just the only way to go.

[@mikefeaster8827]

Enjoyed the video, will be checking out a few of the items you mentioned.

[@jimlahey3919]

I like your style. I’m also a traditionalist. I’ve been hunting with the same longbow for over 20 years. Handmade by Howard Hill. It’s my grandfathers old bow that I’ll hunt with until it breaks.

[@zacchurch502]

Donnie, thank you for the video and information. A lot of hunters look up to you including myself, and I hope to gain a fraction of the Woodsman knowledge you have. You mentioned looking for a new wool flannel, I cannot attest to it personally but Cody D'Aquisto worked with UOMO Outdoors and created a pretty good looking wool flannel. I plan to get myself one eventually, it might fill the spot you want. I know a lot of people would like to see some content about it since it is a newer piece as well.

[@elidewey8592]

Donnie! I hope this message finds its way to you. I have a gear recommendation.. try the Prana Zion pants. Built in belt, high stretch, and really quiet after a wash or two. Also very durable. Cheers and thanks for the great content!

[@MateoEnFuego]

Not to give a man flowers, but you’re a gosh darn stud. I love your nature Sir! Your mindset is missing today. Keep getting it. Thanks

[@cosmogervasi4496]

Awesome Rundown of all your gear, I've saved your video for future reference ... 🏹😎🐗

[@colecollins757]

I go to school 5 minutes from the Darn Tough factory in Vermont. The owners and all of the people who work there are amazing! Highest quality socks out there hands down!

[@newenglandoutdoors3759]

Great stuff!

[@jadonschu]

We’d love more of these videos

[@holyroller2445]

Painting face makes sense, thank you for sharing

[@reasonwarrior]

Nice to see someone else hunting with more native footwear. I bow hunt in moccasins, and lots of fellow hunters think I'm a little crazy. Could be true, but they can't hear me coming.

[@rTrax]

Gotta love Mavin optics😜 I have a couple of their spotting scopes and Binos, haven’t tried their rifle scopes yet

[@underdogoutdoors]

Thanks for this, good clothing pays dividends.

[@SteaminPile]

Thank you!!

[@matthewdennis1739]

The Woolpower Ulfrotte is great stuff. In addition to that I love alpaca sweaters and hoodies Have you tried fishnet baselayers? If not, you really should give them a try. I love the Aclima Woolnets. All the advantages of wool but dry quicker and don't feel as clammy.

[@TJackSurvival]

The SF issued me Darn Tough socks and they have lasted almost a decade. Amazing especially given that they’re wool. Wool with lanolin is anti microbial and anti bacterial. That’s why they’re so amazing with not stinking. Wool for the win.

[@kirkcox3745]

Try the Henley sweater and wool Mackinaw cruiser from Filson. Works well in the winter here in Canada.

[@Fluxxcapacitor52]

For a newbie like myself I really value 5hese videos from pros like yourself. Thank you for the insight. What pack are you hauling all this in ?

[@austinseymour1769]

The best thing I’ve ever picked up was wool upper garment. Not great in briers but incredibly warm.

[@jayonez137]

I switched from Smatwool socks to Darn tough merino wool socks years ago. They are literally the best socks made. And they’re made in the USA with a lifetime warranty. It’s a no-brainer for me

[@earnestbass4043]

Id love to see you do a sit down chat with the Wensel Brothers

[@phillowe3355]

Agree with your Darn tough sock endorsement!..

[@devonblaine]

So much info here! What do you wash everything in to maintain scent control?

[@deathharpproductions3094]

Great video! Most of your gear is FAR outside my price range. In my 24yrs in the field, I choose gear that is functional and solid and rarely eat tags. But, you're a good guy though! Respect from Wyoming!

[@jeremewright6962]

Would love to see DV’s newest gear list for 23/24.

[@FlyFishingChronicles]

@Donnie Vincent You should try RYMHART Troyer pullovers. 100% made in Germany, 100% sheep wool in different weights and an awesome service.

[@kristine58]

@Donnie Vincent Love Woolrich, and yes, they are making clothing. Uncertain if it's like the flannel you own though.

[@darrellraser6732]

Woolrich is a shadow of its former self mostly made overseas and not made for the sportsman at all. Filson is still making some amazing wool products for outdoorsman.

[@paulpillow7641]

This guy gets it. Great gear list! Nothing compares with wool. Smells just naturally disappear, warm even when wet, it's perfectly sustainable, nit petrol based . . . as long as the assholes don't kill sheep farming along with everything else.

[@Gokywildcats11]

Like to see a budget friendly hunting gear list. Some people don't have 500 for cabealas and this exspensive gear

[@jvs9467]

Fjällräven 🤘🏼💪🏼👍🏼❤️

[@benjaminbunny99]

I really want to know more about your opinion on cell cameras. Is there somewhere where you talked about that that I can look up?

[@Penny_Pincher_Outdoors]

Darn Tough! I have hiking, running and even casual socks from them and they are the best. There are brands that are close but imo the Darn Tough is just a bit better.

[@matthewdennis1739]

Darn Tough is definitely the best value and most durable, but not the most comfortable IMO, though they aren't bad.

[@bergendahlsinmontana2882]

TRY WOOL POWER AND SWEDISH COMPANY! Great stuff!

[@TopoftheLineTraining]

Hey Don what model Steger are those? Appreciate it thanks!!!

[@JonWitzman-ng3lr]

Duckworth has some amazing wool apparel and it’s all made in the USA. Might be a good replacement for woolrich 8:31

[@ericamundson3322]

I was going to suggest Duckworth as well but you beat me to it. Very happy with their wool products.

[@hollywoodhefner2]

Cell cams definitely have there place. I live 2 hours from where I hunt, have 3 daughters that are in various activities etc. I don't have time to go back n forth to check cards. Time is the only thing cell cams save over non cell cams. You're still taking pics of what's in the woods with a non cell cam.

[@mcapo2276]

Seeing that you incorporated wool alot have you looked into weatherwool?

[@seboviz]

Hey man. Great video. Im from Europe and over here we hear alot about Sitka Gear. How come you dont prioritize that in your gearlist? Is it too expensive or you just dont like it? All the best.

[@hunterbates9539]

Anyone have any recommendations on affordable well insulated coveralls for extreme weather and what’s everyone’s go to base later brand?

[@shaunlittlewood]

Cheers for the gear list - great information. Quick question the blue henley you are wearing in the video looks great for just rocking around in or doing errands in the yard, what brand is it?

[@gagebrown8560]

Fjallraven judging by the little leather logo on the sleeve

[@jesse4r5]

You should try out some Weatherwool 100% USA made and sourced!

[@BVaccaro88]

Ullfrote/Woolpower make the absolute best wool base layers! IMO

[@BVaccaro88]

I’ve had my King of the Mountain for over 10 years. Very warm and quiet. Amazing quality.

[@anonymousgaming6800]

Was wondering why you don’t use dedicated technical hunting clothes brands like first lite or Sitka that have great systems?

[@BrandonShepherd_777]

What exact model of boots are those?

[@ragebowhunter93]

I love my Meriwool long boxer briefs

[@stanleybuck4195]

I appreciate your work and gear recommendations. Are you selecting items that are made in the USA? And for sure not made in communist China?

[@calhiser8265]

Most people are not aware of how much lite is reflected off of their hands and face. The things that move the most. Static climbing rope is less expensive than dynamic and imo suitable for tether and linemens as well as rappel. I had to start climbing safely when i started my kids doing it. Not sorry but now, if i get wind that someone in camp is hunting an elevated stand without fall protection

[@danielfunk7769]

Have smart wool and woolly clothing like both

[@danielcarrillo4385]

what about the backpack?

[@MrChiumiento]

Checkout Camptown gear please. He guarantees his stuff for life. If this channel would review his stuff would be awesome I know you would love it.

[@Eric_Feigl]

Where in Illinois were you?

[@TagScoutHunt]

Why do you think cell cameras shoukd be illegal??

[@isaacschelthelm]

Woolrich indeed does still make clothing by the way.

[@brittonm.9462]

wouldnt static rope be better?

[@Stykbow]

Finally someone who thinks cell cams are a total joke. Thank you. I’ll never buy them. I too shoot a recurve. You’re the man!

[@kevinstrickland6401]

He said he has 30 cell cameras and he buys 10 every year.

[@Stykbow]

@@kevinstrickland6401 those aren’t cell he said. They are lone wolf custom gear cams

[@cbman2184]

You think cell cams should be illegal but still use a trail cam. 😂 why run it at all then?

[@TheArchangel410]

This was my exact thought when he got into cameras, too. If you're going to be against trail cams, be consistent and be against all of them. At least with cell cameras you're making less of an impact by not having to go into the woods regularly to check the SD card.

[@gold_3]

😎

[@antr7493]

Post your movies on youtube with commercials Donnie.

[@shanebarret-ko8si]

30 days in the same undies that’s an extreme hunter right there

[@rodneysmith2442]

fjallraven and ullfrotte are swedish!! ullfrotte changed there name to wool power

[@matthewdennis1739]

Woolpower is great stuff. I wear mine all the time. Vest and full-zip jacket. Also love Aclima woolnets...but they're Norwegian :P

[@TJackSurvival]

Did he skip past that Ghilli?

[@andrewriehl8757]

I highly recommend the exofficio underwear. It's amazing for durability and wicking moisture

[@danmartin9850]

Curious what happened to all the Sitka and Kuiu gear you used to own? Seems like a downgrade to go to all this hipster gear instead 🤔😁

[@matthewdennis1739]

As someone who moved away from a lot of their Sitka I don't think it's a downgrade, and it's a hell of a lot more environmentally friendly. Gore-Tex is terrible for the environment.

[@DB.KOOPER]

There's no such thing as "a pant" they're PANTS. Gotta love how the gear-hipster language spreads among you folks.

[@iamtoxic1]

Mu solution to the space pen, easier and cheaper. Use a pencil

[@petron1611]

Woolrich has fallen away from their old traditions. They are tied to the Sierra Club and some other anti hunting organizations via donors

[@MrDrMeow]

2 sticks with aiders 15 foot…….lmfao are you hunting in make believe land?

[@shanefickes8714]

Love the video! Can we get a list of the items written? I couldn’t find the woolrich? Sweater. Links would be amazing too!

[@jmajor5262]

Born and raised in northwest montucky. Fyi most hunters i know wear camo to hide from other hunters. 😉 nice gear man.

[@Stykbow]

Roark flannels the nordsman. its wool poly blend.