The Ultimate Budget Gear Guide for Hunting | Top Hunting Gear for Beginners

[@pedropistolas8497]

WRANGLER HIKING PANTZ FROM WALMART $25 I've got 4 seasons and literally hundreds of miles out of my first pair (pocket has hole and zipper broke). I have 4 others now and cannot justify buying any other light synthetic pant even with my guide discount. Layered with leggings underneath it gets me through 80% of the hunting I do in WY

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

I am going to have to check those out! Thanks for sharing!

[@strugglinoutdoors]

​@@ELKSHAPEGEAR they are absolutely fantastic pants. I use them chukar hunting. Only problem is seeds and some burrs stick to them. Nothing beats them for the money

[@PoorManGarage]

@@strugglinoutdoors I agree I use these for work too. I’m an ironworker and they tent to stretch before they rip holes which is great. Only downside is they don’t like fire lol 😂

[@gregoriobazan89]

I bought the same for me and then later for my boys. Used for hunting elk in Arizona high country. A little noisey tho. Don't care for the pockets, but great pant.

[@ChadR41]

I wear them all the time. Great pants especially for like a TAC event or things like that.

[@ColoradoStreaming]

The "Amazon Essentials Men's Packable Lightweight Water-Resistant Puffer Jacket" is one of the best value jackets out there right now IMO. When I first got it I almost returned it for being so light and thin but decided to try it out on a cold day and it was way warmer than I thought possible. It packs really small and has held up on 2 elk hunts. The camo pattern is pretty good but it does have kind of a sheen for those concerned about that. For $40 though you cant go wrong.

[@drewolm]

This will be a good series. When it comes to everyday life I try to buy everything on clearance. My hunting gear I’ll usually spare no expense so I’m sure I’ve overlooked some of this stuff. FWIW Black Ovis is now carrying Hanwag boots and those things slay the Crispi’s.

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

Glad you got some value out of it! Boots are an iterating topic...I have a par of Hanwag boots and they are great. I find that the Crispi fit my foot a little better most of the time. I have to go with the "alpine wide" from Hanwag to fit my feet better. When it comes to boots it is all about how they fit and each brand has their own fit that will work for some people and not for others. bottom line when it comes to boots...find ones that fit your feet and go with that.

[@matevans2122]

I like that you guys are testing the gear, I just hope you give an honest critique not swayed by sponsors. I do believe you could go more budget friendly especially for the younger hunters. For example less than 5 minutes I found more budget friendly bino packs (Cabela's and bog) and more budget friendly range finders (bushnell) with arc technology for bow hunters. Not to say these are better products, that would come down to testing... So I will keep watching to hear your reviews. I would personally like to see more emphasis on budget though. And I know opinions are like a**holes, everyone's got one!!! Let's not forget hunters can find slightly used equipment on eBay at fractions of the cost if you don't mind used. But that is always buyer beware of course. Keep the videos coming guys, I critique because I watch!!!

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

For sure! I was thinking about doing a video on all the ways to save and still get the quality gear you want. A lot of the stuff on this list you can occasionally pick up on campfire for even more of a discount but you have to be watching. I will do my bet to do an honest review. I am not sponsored and I like to give prose and cons to all the gear because I don't believe there is a perfect pice of gear just something that is perfect for you. or your particular situation. Yes you can definitely get stuff that doesn't cost as much but I hand picked these items because I believe that they are the best bang for your buck and worth paying the money fore them. It is not just a list of the cheapest items available. I have used the Bushnell rangefinders in the past but there is a reason that they are cheaper and you really get what you pay for with those. I will be comparing the two vortex rangefinder and letting you know what you get when you pay for more. Hopefully that helps and I hope you enjoy the rest of the series.

[@keegan_mcwethy]

Homeschoolers rock! I was homeschooled and we are homeschooling our boys now.

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

👊

[@braydenpresley1437]

Excited for my first full hunting season this year. Thanks for this video guys!

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

We are excited for you! hope the videos help!

[@jameshoward7978]

MTN OPS merino stuff has been awesome for me as well. Go on sale pretty often too. They do pill but wear very little beyond the initial pilling. Been wearing 5 pairs in rotation for 2 years and have no complaints! Also very high merino content…

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

Cool!

[@Royaljelly007]

There is still a huge amount of things that are subjective... Knives - 1. Outdoor Edge replaceables are 10x better than any scalpel blade system 2. Get the Outdoor Edge Fixed Blade Gut Hook (thank me later) and then one good solid fixed sharp knife and a light weight pull thru sharpener. I've Guided 128 Successful Elk Hunts and thats my knife kit for years. Game Bags - 1. the kits are usually a gimmick unless you get them discounted on off season but I have not used game bags in many many years. 2. I HATE seeing people pollute the woods using Flags/Ribbons - if you use orange flagging, take that crap down when you leave, I'm tired of carrying it out of the woods for knucklehaeds. 3. Contractor Bags... x5 for every trip and about x6, 2gal zip lock bags (you can pack a few 1gal and a couple quart ones too for misc - thank me later)... break your animal down and don't put it in contractor bags until your ready of the load out, let it get air until final load out. The contractor bags keep your packs clean, slip in and out of bags without sticking, and can be back up rain gear in emergency. It will not spoil meat if you let it air out before loading and then get on ice right away or put in your game bags at camp... You didn't mention cordage... you should have a ball or bundle of 550... 100'-200' whatever. I literly used that cordage to hoist packs and me up a cliff on a spring Barbary Sheep Hunt/recovery last year and would not have made it if it wasn't for some cheap cordage Energizer makes a GREAT Red/White Light Head lamp that lasts longer than most other fancy outdoor brands do. Coast makes a really good strong Pen light thats also in my bino case for back up.. I don't use any canister fuel systems.... use a twig stove like maybe Toaks, Solo Stove and plenty of other options. Layers - I can't use Wool. I like Synthetic - Under Armor but buy those long ones in June/July on close out prices! I use a hooded oversized Sun shirt in my preferred camo, then moving into late season layer underneath and still use the sun shirt over the top of every outer layer and bammm you can use high quality layering gear from the Ski industry or whatever and not be stuff with over priced Camo gear. in Real cold I use a puffy 650 Down jacket I got on close out in July... You want to know THE best affordable hiking / Hunting pant on the planet? ready for this... Walmart - Wrangler ATG used to be $21 now they are $26 and I was pissed about that price increase... super light weight, stretch, silence snag free, synthetic and will NOT hold moisture, I use it as a outer layer even on Dec/Jan Hunts and its the cats meow - screw those $200 pants from fad camo brands... usually by the end of the season several other Guides have a few pair too. Now those are some Budget Tips you all!

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

I am going to have to try the wrangler ATG! thanks!

[@Royaljelly007]

@@ELKSHAPEGEAR I'd like to know what you think of them.

[@TheWVgoodguy22]

Excellent overview video. I am on a very tight budget and I am hoping to at least do a pronghorn hunt in Wyoming for my first western big game hunt. Perhaps combined with a mule deer 🦌 or reduced price cow elk if there’s any return tags 🏷️ from the earlier draw.

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

Good luck! I think a pronghorn hunt is a great option for a first rifle hunt.

[@TheWVgoodguy22]

@@ELKSHAPEGEAR thank you 🙏 very much. I think 🤔 so too. Eventually I want to “chase” one with a bow 🏹

[@Psalms73.25]

Awesome video! I have the black ovis gloves and absolutely love them. The. Leather palm makes them durable so I don’t need work gloves and when it’s very cold I have goretex mitts. Also that crossfire rangefinder is awesome I’ve had mine for almost a year now. Love your videos keep up the good work!

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

Good to know! Thanks for sharing!😊👊

[@TheJDMJohny]

I love this series! Can we get a mid price setup and an all out boujie setup?

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

That will take a minute! I will see what we can come up with.

[@redemptionhunting]

Tyler and Dan. Thanks for the info! I hope you found the Outdoor Edge knives favorable.

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

Its definitely a good budget option!

[@jessepicken1662]

I love this!!! I do hunt and have gear but there are things I always feel I’m missing, or the stuff I have is big and heavy

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

Thanks I hope its helpful!

[@mjc_208]

Great video! I agree about the boots and packs not being included here. Not only are those highly personal, but I feel like there is no budget friendly option that is worth the cost savings. I feel that way about several things 😂. Keep up the good work!

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

Totally agree!

[@danwattsmessick]

Great idea for a series, boys. I buy a LOT of gear from Black Ovis/Camofire. I can attest to the quality of their waffle fleece and merino. Probably the best I’ve found for the price.

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

I found out after I filmed this video that the marino that they use for the blackovis product is the same material that is used in other high end clothing brands.

[@willparker7864]

Also the usmc waffle base layers are and amazing value

[@sofasquirrel]

Great vid guys. Good advice, I definitely have some new ideas.

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@toddh6102]

Dan, if you have the opportunity you should try Meindl boots. The Vakuums are a great boot for $300.

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

Tyler has tried them and they didn't fit his feet. but they are well built. This is why I didn't what to include boots on this gear list.

[@danielherring9324]

As far as a cheap base layer goes. Find some military surplus stuff. That'd all I buy now, I work outside year round between my regular job and farming. It holds up pretty good and I've found that I can wear one or two pairs depending on how cold it is. And still have plenty of mobility.

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

Military surplus stuff can be a good cheap option. I have used a lot of that in the past, but if you have the money I prefer this stuff to the Military surplus stuff!

[@scottsiebert6653]

I didn’t hear you mention the warranty on Black Ovis Branded garments. I have personally used that warranty and Black Ovis did not hesitate to replace the garments. Can’t ask for more than that.

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

Awesome! I will Keep that in mind for future videos!

[@ArseniosHarrington]

Thank you guys! I love hunting, my wallet does not sometimes lol, thank you for the video! Keep Hamering y'all!

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

Glad you liked it! I hope it helps your wallet! 😊👊

[@jonroberts1552]

How did you attach the two Buck knives together, the links go to separate knives and I didn't see a combo on Buck's website?

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

Buck will be coming out with this combo sometime soon. When it hits the web sight I will update the link.

[@jonroberts1552]

Thanks for the info. I emailed Buck Knives about it too. They indicated they don’t currently sell just the device to attach two sheathes together, but they might in the future.

[@Jadegoodman15]

What did you think of the grid hoodie from black ovis.i just got one and sized up. So i have to send it back in to get the right size. I need a large and ordered an xl. Fit is ok but the thi g is way long in the torso the pockets were blow my waste. So hope the large is not so long

[@STIHLFIRE437]

Absolutely amazing video guys!! Keep up the great work!

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

Thanks so much!

[@craigrobertson6082]

Thoroughly enjoying your video analysis of gear. New sub, greetings from Canada.

[@carllee31]

What backpack is recommended I dont see it in the video

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

I don't currently have a recommended budget backpack. We talked about why we didn't put one in this video and we also talked about boots. We have other videos on those topics if you want to check them out.

[@thecoldrensfurfishandfeathersl]

Awesome video, I love the phrase buy tags not gear!

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

💯 you can't kill anything if you are sitting at home admiring you pile of gear and don't have a tag to fill.

[@ultragunnervb]

Curious why first aid kit wasn’t mentioned, maybe in another video. I know you guys mentioned multiple videos so might be coming up (or it might be already out 😅)

[@jonheatlie3809]

I really enjoyed this gear list. It made me walk through my gear and surprisingly I have most! One question I have is what do you Recommend for cleaning your clothes? I have been using a sent free soap. Do you recommend one in particular or leave gear outside?? Thoughts??

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

a mild soap with no UV brighteners, and non-scented.

[@awilliamz907]

I have a hard time buying lower end gear. The environment here in SE AK eats cheap gear alive. Ask me how I know 😂My approach was to buy 2-3 high quality pieces a year. Then Knock out some side jobs for bonus gear. With that said, just wait for a sale from a good company. Kuiu has sales every week it seems like, sitka has a lot also. I do order off camofire, but I would rather get a Kuiu/sitka anything on sale compared to the cheaper gear

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

Great point! You definite need to match your gear to the environment that you are hunting. This is meant for people that are hunting the west lower 48. However this will work for most people in most environments. This is a budget list but also the gear is still quality just not the best!

[@Bunsenburner101]

Ya it’s all the same shit besides the goretex stuff it all comes from the same sweat shop just different logos and camo design

[@dylandedman1353]

Which first aid kit do recommend?

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

My medic sidekick mymedic.com/collections/first-aid-kits/products/sidekick-ifak-pouch

[@Jase-E]

Just a heads up. The boxers run a size large.

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

Thanks

[@derekwwharvey4]

Let see a review on the Fire Maple Stove!!

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

That dose look like an interesting stove...maybe at some point I will be able to get one.

[@BriderLV]

Great content

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

🙏🙏🙏

[@perryknetter8577]

Thank you Tyler and Dan God's Blessings

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

Thanks! 😊

[@chuckwilds1020]

You should mention that the reason the Buck Pak-lite knife with the micarta handle is so much more expensive then the other models is because it uses a different steel for the blade. S35VN vs 420HC

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

Good point...I will try and mention that the next time I do a video on the buck knives.

[@ColoradoStreaming]

@@ELKSHAPEGEAR Despite being made in China the Buck Selkirk Knife looks pretty solid. The 658 Small Pursuit Knife is a really good knife as well. I have the Large Pro version and really like it.

[@thatkoakid]

as a merino junkie, i gotta say, the black ovis stuff - especially for the price - is pretty damn good.

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

There marino material is high end for sure!

[@ColoradoStreaming]

A really good tip is when you wash your merino make sure its on the coldest setting then pour some vinegar in with the load. Let it hand dry then put it in a stuff sack then in your freezer overnight. Freezing the wool constricts the fibers and makes it really soft and not itchy.

[@thistledewoutdoors3331]

Walmart camo pants & shirts made of Nylon or polyester & 5% or more Spandex - You cant beat them for $20 !!! After having $140+ pair of name brand pants & $65 shirt - There is no difference except for the shape of the cut sewn together & camo pattern.... I bought 5 pairs of pants and 7 shirts - I'm set for awhile

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

I have done the Walmart stuff and I think that you will be much happier with spending just a little more and getting some stuff that is a little higher quality.

[@tomcosta721]

How does that sleeping bag fit people 6'2" tall?

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

I got the long version and it fit me well. It is a mummy style so it fits like a mummy...

[@1rolmos]

Was that beanie made for Andre the Giant?

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

😂

[@armadilloeggs231]

You can go way cheaper on waffle tops for the exact same performance. Otherwise pretty good picks.

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

Thanks. What waffle tops are you referring to?

[@victor.randolph]

That title sucked me in to watch this video 😂 well done

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

😊👊

[@barrydismukes7601]

This is definitely not a ultimate budget video. Don’t mean to knock y’all but I’m from Mississippi and go to Colorado to elk hunt and you can buy sufficient clothes from Walmart that work and you can catch camp on sale in the summer or online and a lot of our cooking equipment we make homemade and bring most of our food precooked from home. Jerky , deer meat , chili spaghetti etc.

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

If you watched the final review video I explain this. I was not trying to compile a list of the cheapest stuff out there but of a quality that would be worth the money. Yes, there is cheaper stuff out there but this is what I feel is a better value for your dollar. Yes, you can get better deals on used gear just like anything else out there if you buy used you will get it cheaper.

[@JoshCrawford]

Tyler you and I are kindred sprits when it comes to fiscal responsibility!

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

Thanks man! That means a lot!😊👊

[@bigz5262]

What I want to know is how do you fit it all into your pack

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

I will do a video on this in the future! Thanks for the question!😊

[@bigz5262]

@@ELKSHAPEGEAR thank you!

[@josephlau8476]

I like hunting very much.

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

Me too!

[@danielbornhorst6243]

Mavin optics has the same warranty

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

Good to know. Maybe I will be able to to a comparison someday.

[@cowboyarcher1]

Almost every item you listed is more middle of the road rather than budget. There are cheaper options at walmart, amazon and through outdoors brands rather than hunting brands.

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

Yes, but I feel that the quality is better on the stuff I recommend. You can find some outdoor brands that are cheaper if you look for clearance items. but also check out campfire.com and you can get deals there on the stuff you actually want!

[@MrChiumiento]

This feels like a budget production compared to your others.😂

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

Probably because it is 😂👊

[@coltonbaker4694]

Pnuma isn’t cheap… can get Sitka for the same price

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

The Pnuma L3 jacket is $260, and the Sitka Dew point is $349...

[@Terpedup925]

I highly recommend Kuiu zip off leggings. Don’t need to take your boots off to take the leggings off when you get warm.

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

Black Ovis also makes a pare of zip offs if your interested!

[@Terpedup925]

@@ELKSHAPEGEAR really. Didn’t know that. Good to know. Thanks

[@zentnium3801]

Athlon has way better price per performance than vortex and the same warranty

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

Have you used there warranty?

[@zentnium3801]

@ELKSHAPEGEAR no I have not so can't vouge for them there. I've never heard good or bad about it so I really don't know 🤷🏻

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

@@zentnium3801 I can vouch for the Vortex warranty repair process. It's super easy and fast. Nobody wants to use a warranty but when you need it, you will have to use it on something eventually. You don't want it to be a hassle.

[@B-rad303]

Imo I believe the #1 most important piece of gear that needs to be top notch is BOOTS, if your feet get F'n up you don't wanna do shit lol just my 2 cents.

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

I agree! I will pay more for a good pare of boots and save money somewhere else. That's why I can't recommend a budget boot!

[@jtlyon8065]

Pack about to weigh 60 pounds no rifle

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

I was testing this stuff. No I am not packing all of it on my back!

[@hwisharehuntingoptics]

I'm reaching out to you on behalf of Hwishare, a provider of premium rifle scopes and optics. We're excited about the possibility of collaborating with you to offer an exclusive discount to your audience.

[@jimp9241]

Budget? Really?

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

Budget is relative. If you coming out west to hunt you probably what to buy some stuff that you know will work for you!

[@dirtyfishpit]

Was interested....made it 3 minutes 45 seconds. Turned it off....lay off the splicing/ editing. Is pretty annoying.....

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

Thanks for the input! I will work on it!

[@brucemose4079]

"Budget" is very suggestive? So if you can say - your yearly income is "XXXX.XX" than this would work for you. And etc? If someone makes "15K" per year, this is still expense.

[@j.johnson8360]

Enthusiastic bunch we got here. 🥱

[@ELKSHAPEGEAR]

🤷‍♂️😊