Hunting Gear: What You Need for Success

Ensure you have the right hunting gear to tackle whatever challenges you may face. Start with a durable tactical backpack that offers plenty of storage space for your hunting gear, snacks, and water. Look for a bag with padded shoulder straps, sternum strap, and waist belt to evenly distribute weight and maximize comfort.

Hunting Essentials

Many hunters grew up wearing cotton coveralls and long johns, but today’s base layers are built with high-performance fabrics that regulate core body temperature while keeping you comfortable. These base layers are what most people think of when they hear the word “thermals.” Read on Bugle For Elk for more information.

The best hunting layer options are made from Merino wool, which is soft and warm even when wet. It also doesn’t hold onto odors and sheds moisture to keep you dry. Pure merino wool may not be the most durable, however, so most hunting layers are blended with synthetic materials like nylon or polyester for added strength.

In addition to regulating your core body temperature, hunting base layers can protect you from ticks and other insects that can carry disease. A tight-fitting base layer will better wick moisture, destroying bacteria that can lead to a tick bite, and it will prevent ticks from getting near your skin.

Whether you’re on the hunt for a trophy buck or simply looking for some warm, comfy gear to wear while out in the field, you can’t go wrong with a great pair of hunting thermals from SKRE Gear. These are a great option because they offer a wide range of features that make them stand out from other products, including a usable chest zipper pocket, thumb loops and UPF 50+ sun protection.

Mid Layers

Despite the apparent simplicity of a hunter’s wardrobe, choosing the right clothing can have a huge impact on your comfort level and success on any outing. Having a number of thin mid layers provides you with the flexibility to manage your temperature and exertion levels throughout the day.

Your mid layer will provide insulation and trap your body heat whilst being breathable to let moisture move away from the skin. Most of our mid layer garments use a combination of merino wool and high performance synthetic breathable fabrics to deliver the best possible performance.

As a rule of thumb, we recommend having both half and full zip options on your mid layer. A half zip is ideal for keeping the wind out, while a full zip offers a range of venting options.

After several hours of glassing from a high rocky outcrop a deer is spotted moving through the wet thicker understory below him. The hunters exertion levels have increased and he is starting to overheat. Using his layering system the hunter stops to take off his mid layer hoodie, and unzips his jacket front zipper to let some of the heat out. This allows him to continue climbing and gives him the ability to quickly change his layers when necessary.

Outer Layers

Although they may not get as much attention as a heavy winter coat or insulated pants, outer layers are just as important for your success and enjoyment in the field. The right outer layer protects your skin from wind and rain, allowing you to adapt to changing conditions without freezing or overheating.

For a lightweight, durable, and comfortable base layer look no further than Sitka’s Core Merino line. Featuring a wide array of shirts, jackets, bibs, and boxers, the breathable, odor-fighting merino wool wicks moisture away from your body, keeping you cool and dry. With the added protection of fleece and Polartec fabrics, these layering essentials are perfect for regulating temperature throughout a long day of hiking or stalking game in the field.

The most critical piece of hunting gear is an insulated shell, which keeps you warm and protected from the elements when it’s time to hit the woods. Whether it’s a heavy coat and insulated pants for fall Elk or a light bib and jacket for spring turkey, these are the pieces that keep you in the field longer – allowing you to shoot more, catch more, and bring home more meat. And just like the mid-layers, a proper fit and quality materials are vital for your comfort in the field.

Socks

There are thousands of products in the hunting industry that promise dead bucks after a simple credit card swipe, but there are few things more important for hunters to invest in than socks. High quality hiking/hunting socks offer a combination of cushioning, fit, and camouflage that help you blend in with your environment and stay hidden from game.

Socks are particularly critical if you plan to hunt in rubber boots and have certain medical conditions such as bunions or flat feet that require particular support. Look for socks that are designed with these issues in mind and that fit your foot and calf correctly to avoid bunching and blistering.

One of the best options is a Merino wool sock. This material is thinner, lighter and more breathable than standard wool, making it ideal for outdoor hunting activities. Merino wool also naturally regulates temperature, preventing your feet from getting too hot or too cold in different climates. It’s also highly durable and comfortable, so it’s a great choice for high-intensity hunts. However, if you hunt in cold temperatures and remain stationary most of the time, consider going with a heavier weight sock for added warmth.

Rain Jackets/Pants

Rain gear is an essential layer of protection for every hunt, particularly if you will be spending a significant amount of time sitting or moving in the rain. When selecting rain gear, look for a pair of pants and jacket that have an ANSI Class 3 rating when worn together to ensure visibility in poor conditions.

Most of the top-rated options for breathable rain gear utilize Gore-TEX or other membranes. These garments typically have waterproof ratings of 10,000 mm to 15,000 mm. These ratings measure how much water the fabric can withstand under pressure and how much sweat vapor it allows to escape. The more physically demanding your hunting adventure is, the more important breathability becomes, as you may be sweating profusely while climbing mountains or carrying a heavy backpack.

The most durable options for rain gear are typically 3-layer pieces that incorporate an outer fabric, a membrane, and an inner fabric. These fabrics are then bonded together to create one unit that feels like a single piece of clothing. This construction reduces weight and bulk while increasing durability. If you do choose to go with a 3-layer option, make sure it is treated with Durable Water Repellency (DWR) to keep it repelling moisture effectively. You should also wash your rain gear after every use to prevent dirt buildup and maintain its performance.

Gloves

Hands are a vital part of every hunting operation and it is important to protect them from the cold. There are many different gloves and mittens available for hunters in a variety of materials, brands, and designs, so selecting the right pair is dependent upon several factors, including how, where, and when you hunt.

Some features to consider include waterproofing, a warm and comfortable fit, and the ability to operate touchscreen devices. The time of year will also influence glove selection, as temperatures can quickly swing from warm to moderate to cold. A good pair of gloves will regulate this temperature, be breathable, and provide dexterity.

Heated gloves are another option that are great for cold weather hunting. These gloves contain insulated padding on the interior that generates and retains heat, keeping hands warm in extreme conditions. They can also be battery-operated and are an excellent choice for hunters that spend a lot of time in a tree stand or ground blind.

Another factor to consider is the length of the cuff. Some gloves come with a short cuff, while others have a long cuff for extra coverage and warmth. It is best to select a mitten with a longer cuff, as it will provide better protection from the elements while still providing the dexterity needed to manipulate triggers and other equipment.

Cap

The hunting industry leans pretty heavily on products that promise dead bucks and a quick hunt. But the truth is, a lot of those products don’t work as promised. The ones that do make the cut are those that contribute to safety, comfort, and success.

A good, insulated cap keeps the sun off your head to prevent painful sunburn and helps you concentrate — both key factors for hunters who want to be successful. You can find a variety of caps that will suit your style and hunting needs, from baseball hats to visors to Legionnaires styles.

Other items that are critical to any hunting trip include odorless bug spray, personal hygiene items like toilet paper and a portable shower, a first aid kit, and communication devices. A comfortable tent, sleeping bag, and cot are also a must, as is a backpack that’s large enough to hold all your gear. You’ll also want to pack food, water, and any necessary medications and hunting licenses. Also, don’t forget a walkie-talkie and a flashlight or two to help you stay in touch with your crew and navigate through the wilderness. Finally, a small camera and a bluetooth camera trigger are great for capturing the memories of your hunting expedition.

Different Types of Foundation Repair

Foundation problems are not only an annoyance, but they can lead to expensive home repairs and even more serious issues. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix these issues.

Foundation Repair

The most common way to repair a foundation is to install steel piers. This solution is very effective, works in any upper soil condition and is considered permanent. Click Here to learn more.

Over time, the soil under a home can change. It can become less able to support the weight of the foundation or shift in consistency, leaving it at risk of sinking or other problems. Underpinning, or underpinning a house, is designed to address these issues by transferring the load of the foundation to more competent soil. There are a variety of different ways this can be accomplished, depending on the circumstances.

One of the most common signs that a foundation needs underpinning is the appearance of cracks in walls and floors. These can appear in horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or stair-step patterns, and they may get wider over time. While all foundations crack over time, these kinds of patterns are usually a sign that the foundation isn’t getting enough consistent support from the soil beneath it.

Underpinning can also be used when a building is being expanded or added onto. This could be an addition to the house or a new floor being built underneath the existing structure. Underpinning will help ensure the existing foundation can handle the additional load without the structure becoming unsafe or sinking into the ground below it.

Another type of underpinning involves the use of piers or piles that are driven into the ground to transfer the load of the foundation to more competent soil. This can include poured concrete piers, timber poles, or steel driven piles.

Many foundation repair companies will base their charges on the number of piers needed for the underpinning job. This is why it’s important to have an idea of the size of your foundation before contacting a contractor for an estimate. This can also help you prioritize which sections of your foundation need underpinning so you can save money by addressing the most critical areas first.

Slab Jacking

A less invasive solution to foundation problems is slab jacking, or mud jacking. This technique uses a special mixture to lift and level a concrete slab foundation, rather than completely replacing it. It’s an eco-friendly alternative to other solutions and is more cost effective, too. Your contractor will drill a series of holes around the affected area of your foundation slab. Similar to how spray foam insulation is injected into homes, the contractor will then inject the specialized mixture into these holes. The mixture is pumped until it fills the void beneath your foundation and then raises the concrete slab back to its original position.

This process is not limited to your home’s foundation slab; it can also be used to repair sunken driveways, patios, and walkways. It’s quick and easy to do, and your contractor may be able to complete it year-round. It’s much less disruptive than pouring a new foundation, with only a little bit of concrete dust and residual foam to clean up.

If the soil in your yard has become unstable for any reason, it can be difficult to support a foundation. This can happen naturally due to erosion, or it may be caused by a pipe break or drainage problem. In these cases, a concrete foundation can begin to sink and crack. A professional can remedy this by installing steel piers or helical piles underneath the foundation. This method is incredibly effective and permanently fixes the issue of unstable soil. It also helps to stabilize the foundation and prevent future settlement. It’s important to hire a professional for this job, as if the installation isn’t done correctly, it can lead to further damage and expensive repairs down the line.

Concrete Piers

Concrete piers, also called pilings, are long-term foundation repairs that do a better job of returning the home to its original level than slab jacking. These are a good choice for houses on pier and beam foundations, or those that have been damaged by soil issues such as expansive clay or soil that tends to sink or rise. There are several types of pilings, including pressed concrete, steel and bell bottom. A professional will determine which is best for your house.

To install a concrete pier, the crew digs holes underneath the foundation. Then they add a pier and beam assembly to each hole, which is anchored in the ground with brackets. Once the piers are in place, hydraulic jacks lift the house up onto its new foundation. After the work is complete, the team backfills the area and restores landscaping.

The process can take a few days or longer depending on the number of piers needed for support and the amount of damage to the structure. Repairs can include adding pier stacks to interior areas that have been affected by shifting or lifting and replacing wood beams that have been damaged by water or termite infestation.

While pier and beam foundations are more stable than slab foundations, they can still settle or shift over time. This can cause cracks in walls and floors, as well as doors or windows that are hard to open and close. If you see these signs, a foundation repair specialist can help you decide the right solution for your home. There are many options, including helical piers and push piers, to reestablish support and level your house. These are long-term solutions that are designed to last and work in most upper soil conditions.

Steel Piers

A foundation must be exceptionally sturdy to bear the entire weight of a building for decades and withstand everchanging outdoor elements. This takes a lot out of concrete, and it’s not surprising that it eventually starts to wear down over time. When this happens, you’ll need a solution that can lift the foundation back up to its original position. Steel piers, or foundation repair, are an effective and long-lasting way to do this.

The most common type of steel pier is the push steel pier. This pier consists of a set of hollow, steel pipes that are pushed into the soil by a hydraulic ram until they reach the load-bearing strata. The piers are then attached to the foundation with brackets. Hydraulic jacks then place pressure on the piers, lifting the foundation back up.

Another option is the helical steel pier. These piers are similar to the push piers but use large helix-shaped screws instead of hollow steel pipes. A foundation repair specialist uses a high-torque machine to lodge these segments into the ground until they reach the load-bearing soil. These piers can support much heavier structures than the push steel piers and require less excavation.

There are other types of steel piers as well. For example, the pressed concrete piling method uses precast concrete cylinders that are pressed into the ground with a hydraulic tool. It’s a quicker, more cost-effective solution than the drilled concrete approach.

When a pier and beam foundation begins to show signs of sagging, it can be caused by the floor joists not being properly spaced or by older joists breaking down. A reputable pier and beam foundation repair contractor can add more piers to better distribute weight, straighten bowing floors, and repair broken or damaged ones. They can also install galvanized steel piers to resist corrosion from the acidity in rain or minerals in the soil.

Drainage Solutions

If your home has a drainage problem, it needs to be repaired right away. If you don’t, foundation damage will occur, putting your family’s safety at risk and leading to costly repairs.

If the soil around your home absorbs too much water, it swells up and puts pressure on the concrete of your foundation. This can lead to cracks in your foundation walls and other structural problems throughout your home. Standing water also promotes mold growth, which can make your home uninhabitable.

Proper foundation drainage helps you avoid these issues by redirecting the flow of water away from your home and preventing soil expansion and saturation. This can be done by installing surface drains, French drains, and other drainage solutions.

One of the most common signs of a foundation drainage issue is sagging floors. This can be caused by excess moisture in your basement or crawl space, which then causes the floor to sink. If this is occurring, you may need to repair your foundation and basement walls.

Another sign of a drainage problem is leaks under your home. These can be caused by a clogged gutter or downspout, which leads to flooding under your home and moisture issues inside your foundation walls and crawl spaces.

A simple fix for this is to clean your gutters and downspouts regularly. If this doesn’t work, you may need to replace your gutters or install a downspout extension. Another option is to use a footing drain, which is similar to a French drain. These are installed at the same time as your foundation, and are buried in porous backfill, such as gravel and coarse sand. The perforated pipe then carries water away from your foundation to a sump pump, sewer, or body of water (whichever is closest). If you’re interested in implementing this type of foundation drainage solution, talk with a Ram Jack professional. They can help you determine the best solution for your unique situation.