Have an avid hunter in your inner circle of family or friends? Christmas is coming and we’ve put together an awesome list of potential gifts you’ll want to read through.
If you’re shopping for an outdoorsman or woman who’s passion is chasing wild game, then we’ve found some great deals on some awesome products for you!
Here’s an awesome outdoor item a lot of even experienced woodsmen don’t own — a backpack specific to hunting! Whoever you’re shopping for likely has a system of carrying their essential gear into the field — but hunting backpacks these days have evolved into some seriously cool and effective hunting companions. Make sure to check out our Top 10 List of Hunting Backpacks for 2017 for a whole selection of awesome packs.
I really dig this affordable, intermediate sized option by Alps OutdoorZ. This 44 liter bag has a plethora of features that make it an awesome all around hunting pack for just about any style hunter. There’s a great array of exterior storage pouches and strapping perfect for stowing a quiver or other cumbersome gear.
Definitely the coolest feature of this pack is that the main compartment folds down to create a little table space to rest your binoculars while posted up in a tree stand or duck blind. It’s a simple feature that could prove to be seriously useful when your hands are occupied and you want to eat a sandwich or set your spotting scope down.
Hunter reviews from all over praise the Pursuit’s versatility as a hunting pack — it’s meant to really support a hunter in the field, not just carry gear. There’s also a drop down pocket to secure the butt of your rifle or shotgun, or to attach your bow to your pack safely and comfortably. The strapping is of great quality and there’s even a waist belt and sternum strap included for assistance with heavier loads.
Alps OutdoorZ has geared this bag towards deer hunting, but it is absolutely suitable for pursuing all sorts of game. Learn about all the killer features of this pack in the video below, you’ll be impressed!
If you’re shopping for a bow-hunter, they’ll flip out over this state of the art hunting backpack. The patented weapon enclosure system employed here is both unique and super effective. This backpack also carries a rifle just fine, so it’s perfect for hunters who sometimes bow hunt too.
The exterior strapping and pockets are well thought out for practical use in the field and there’s some additional internal storage within this pack that makes staying organized easy.
The strapping and breathability of this pack are superior compared to most other hunting packs – this is a comfortable and sporty backpack that is up for whatever you throw at it.
Hunter reviews praise this pack’s schematic and many sportsmen claim this backpack is the only unit they’ve ever owned that truly effectively carries their bow and arrows. The comfort, capacity, internal schematic and versatility of this backpack make it an ultimate gift for any style hunter!
Does the hunter you’re shopping for go on big game pursuits and pack out meat? If they don’t own a freighter frame style backpack, gifting this unit from ALPS OutdoorZ will change their hunting style forever.
This 86 liter backpack is meant for longer term, rugged hunting expeditions where coming home with meat is the objective. It’s built to accommodate a ton of gear – the unique fastening system employed can secure a rifle, crossbow or traditional bow and can be further used to secure a wide range of equipment.
There’s an awesome array of pockets, pouches and strapping for packing everything — if the hunter you have in mind is known to pack a ton of gear, they’ll love the storage this unit provides.
The main feature here is that the frame can be worn without the pack and used as a freighter frame to pack out large (or small) amounts of meat. If the white tail, elk or other big game hunts take your favorite hunter far from the beaten path, they are going to need a system for getting their meat back to camp.
This bag furthermore loads from the top and front so there are several ways to pack and unpack it. For the expedition hunter who needs a rugged, high capacity backpack, this option from ALPS is tough to beat.
Here’s a slightly different approach to the typical hunting jacket. The Celsius Jacket by Sitka Gear is a soft to the touch, outer or mid layer. It’s a super quiet and stealthy piece of hunting wear that doubles as an awesome thermal layer or hunting jacket.
The Celsius Jacket is meant to be paired with the Celsius Shacket — it’s essentially the same garment except short sleeved and slightly more mobile. Both can be worn as an outer layer but if you’re looking to create some serious defense against the cold than pair these two garments together or with another hunting jacket.
The material used to build this outer (or under) wear is not terribly water or wind proof — so although this is a seriously toasty jacket you’re gonna want to pair it with something more water resistant for really rainy days. The most righteous feature of this jacket is the supremely stealthy materials used for insulation.
PrimaLoft silver hi loft insulation is sheathed within the micro-fleece to provide some down right toasty warmth without incorporating any crinkly fabrics. This is no doubt one of the best hunting garments for sneaking around the woods if you don’t require a hard shell.
There’s a solid array of pockets, but neither the Celsius Jacket or Shacket have a particularly high storage capacity. If you’re looking for something so warm that you’ll end up having to take off because of overheating, definitely look towards the superior craftsmanship of Sitka Hunting Gear.
f you’re shopping for an upland game hunter this is a gift you should consider. This is the ultimate option for pheasant, dove or quail hunting if you ask me – and the price is right! The quality, design and build make this jacket a great performer in the field that should last through many seasons of hunting.
This jacket is built from a polyester/fabric material and has been treated to be waterproof. There are over 400 square inches of acrylic applied blaze orange on the chest and back that won’t fade over time. Hunter reviews insist this jacket is pretty warm despite its lack of any real insulation with an added layer or two you can absolutely hunt comfortably in below freezing temps.
If it’s warmer, the cuffs are adjustable and will roll up io allow a breeze into the jacket.
The two lower external pockets have flip out shell sleeves built into the pocket. Even with the decreased dexterity of gloves you can simply flip the shell ‘rack’ out of the front pockets and reload on the move.
Several D-rings have also been incorporated into the jacket for hanging items like binoculars or dog training gear. There’s a large, blood proof game bag also built into the front of the jacket that has some impressive storage space. You can fit up to four or five pheasants into this jacket – eliminating the need for a hunting backpack.
There’s lots of additional storage against the back of this jacket as well for storing gear like additional layers, dog food or lunch! There’s even an innovative strapping system that wraps around your waist and chest to assist in carrying heavier loads when the jacket is really geared up and packed full of birds.
Absolutely a killer gift for any upland hunter. Adequate storage for everything you need built into a hunting jacket that keeps you warm, dry and recognizable to other hunters in the field. This jacket and your shotgun are all your favorite hunter should need to chase some upland game this season!
A thermal base layer is a practical gift that any hunter would be thrilled to receive.
For some serious protection against the cold, the BaseSlayer thermal pants are a great base layer to hunt in. These hunting bottoms by Scent-Lok are the perfect long-john option because they are both exceptionally warm and are also built with carbon alloy technology to control your scent and keep it trapped. The most important layers for odor absorption are the ones with direct contact to your skin – this thermal will keep the hunter you’re shopping for as low profile in the field as possible.
These pants are suitable for any and every style of hunting but are a particularly great choice for the mid to late season deer hunters out there.
The BaseSlayers are 100% polyester and employ a wicking treatment to manage moisture. These are long-johns that allow one to be highly active without becoming too overheated.
Worn with a pair of quality hunting pants, this thermal layer will keep your favorite sportsman or woman warm as can be!
Here’s our top pick from our list of the best waterproof hunting pants. Sitka is known for making some of the very best hunting gear on the market – their products are not cheap if you can afford to gift some Sitka gear you’ll be a holiday hero.T
The Downpour pants offer almost every feature of a high-performance pair of hunting pants on top of being exceptionally waterproof. If the hunter you have in mind frequently goes out into wet conditions, they’ll LOVE having these pants as a companion.
The Downpours are built with a breathable GORE-TEX three layer laminate that is a total barrier to any and all moisture. A hydrophobic brushed exterior furthermore dampens the noise output making these pants near silent.
The Downpours are geared towards tree stand hunting in rainy woodlands, but they will outperform just about any pair of hunting pants in all sorts of scenarios. The articulated knees employed in the design create a highly active fit so these pants are just as good for trekking as they are for sitting.
The material here inherently insulates well, so the Downpours are pretty warm on their own. Sitka recommends these pants for early to mid season temperatures, but with a warmer base layer your favorite hunter can hunt all season in these. Staying dry enables one to endure a lot – it’s likely the most important aspect of retaining ones body temperature in the field
A tough and quiet exterior, remarkably comfortable fit and complete protection from the elements, the Downpour Pants from Sitka are one of the ultimate options in waterproof hunting pants.
Does the hunter in your life have a passion for duck or goose hunting? Here’s a killer pair of waders by LaCrosse that’s specifically suited for swamp, marsh or wetland habitat. These are seriously heavy duty — if who you’re shopping for has a tendency to puncture or tear their waders then gift them this pair that can’t be stopped.
LaCrosse has employed “Armor Weld” construction with these waders — the double stitched seams are bonded and taped internally as well as coated with abrasion resistant liquid rubber on the exterior. You could practically storm a castle in these waders they’re so burly. The neoprene is 5mm thick and the boots have 1200G thinsulate insulation, so this is a particularly warm wading system.
The mossy oak bottomland camo pattern is perfectly suited for hunting waterfowl in wetlands during the fall and winter seasons and is great for a wide variety of habitats — if you’re not sure what pattern camo to purchase this is a safe choice.
Overall, these waders have a seriously badass look. The buckle and Velcro straps on this pair conveniently convert to a belt when you want to fold the waders down, making them a bit more versatile than a lot of competitors. There’s some well thought out chest pockets equipped with this model and also a spacious and removable shot shell pouch.
Surprisingly, these waders are no more expensive than the other wading options offered by Lacrosse — pretty awesome considering the heavy duty construction employed here. If you want to support your favorite hunter’s plans to conquer the wetland this waterfowl season, then definitely check out this suit of insulated swamp armor.
For some more hunting wading options as well as some waterproof knee boots and hip boots, make sure to read through our Top 10 Best Waders and Hip Boots for Duck Hunting post — you’ll find some great deals on a variety of gear.
New Socks are maybe the most classic Christmas gift there is, and every style hunter has a need for nice wool socks. Wool is hands down the superior material for insulating in every weather condition and is preferred by hunters and outdoorsmen in general.
There is nothing worse than cold toes while trying to focus on the hunt at hand and nothing better than a pair of fresh, new socks. Set up the hunter you love for comfort and success this season with a pair or two from Darn Tough.
These scent-locked, merino wool socks are made in Vermont and built to last through many seasons of heavy hunting. Hunter reviews praise these socks for comfort and performance and claim compatibility with any hunting boot. You can never have enough pairs of quality socks like this making it a great go-to Christmas gift.
Hunting boots are perhaps the most important piece of gear a hunter brings into the field. It’s easy for outdoorsmen to become attached to their old pair of boots, but new footwear is super important and shouldn’t be ignored for too many seasons! Here’s a popular pair of rugged hunting boots from Lacrosse that was designated as the most versatile hunting boot in our Top 10 Best Hunting Boots for 2018 list.
The Silencer Boots are an awesome choice for long, grueling treks over gnarly terrain. These are comfortable boots that are great for any style hunt — they perform great for both covering ground or waiting in silence for game.
The waterproof suede uppers on these boots reach pretty far up the calf for some serious ankle support. If the hunter you’re shopping for needs a sturdy boot with maximum stability for crossing landscapes with sketchy footing — this could be it. The rubber soles paired with the 1000 denier nylon construction makes for one tough pair of boots than can really be beat on. When laced all the way up these put you in great shape for whatever the wilderness throws your way.
If the hunter you have in mind frequently hikes into their hunting grounds with a heavy pack on their back the ankle support and upper rigidity of these boots might be something to consider. It’s really helpful to have strong ankle support when carrying heavy loads.
These boots are totally waterproof too, so puddle hopping in these bad boys is a go. Dry-Core lining on the interior assists in keeping body scent to a minimum as well as allows moisture out preventing overheating. Part of what makes these boots so lightweight is their lack of heavy insulation, but don’t count them out as a warm boot. A lot of hunter reviews insist the 400 grams of thinsulate insulation makes these pretty toasty for fall and winter hunting as long as you’re not sitting still all day.
For tree stand hunting in the winter cold however, you might want to consider something a bit more insulated. The Silencers come at a super reasonable cost — this is a great value boot. For a pair of boots around $100 your favorite hunter will get way more than you pay for with these ones.
If you like the idea of purchasing some new birthday boots for your favorite hunter this year then make sure to check out the awesome selection we tracked down for our Top 10 Best Hunting Boots for 2017 list!
If the outdoorsman or woman you’re shopping for embarks on hunts out in the winter cold, a toasty hand warmer could be the perfect birthday gift. I really like this design from Hunter Safety Systems. This is a straight forward, simple hand warmer that gets the job done.
It’s a fleece lined hand warmer, so it’s not totally waterproof — but this unit will still totally function in wet weather. The two zippered pockets and the front pouch are a really nice added touch that provides some extra storage for stowing lighter gear. The added pockets make it convenient to have a range finder, spotting scope or duck call on hand without having to rummage around and possibly startle game.
If you think the hunter you’re shopping for would appreciate even more storage, check out our Top 7 Best Hand Warmers for Hunting for 2017 post. This hand warmer by Hunter Safety System also provides a great fit in addition to it’s added storage — hunters agree the waist strap mounts nicely on your person while both standing and sitting.
Your favorite hunter is going to want to use this one for a variety of hunting styles as well as for cold weather activities in general. For around $30 this is a pretty superior product that should be around for years with the proper care!
If you want to come up with a great hunting gift, you can’t go wrong with a new tree stand! Any hunter would be delighted to have a new unit — especially considering the safety risks of using an old, outdated stand! Here’s a highly portable tree stand for the off the beaten path deer hunter.
Climbing tree stands are super convenient for hunting in hard to hike to places and for setting up on different trees whenever you want! This unit weighs an impressively light total of 20 pounds and has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. It’s about as lightweight as a tree stand can get and conveniently mounts as a backpack for easy trekking out into the wilderness. Summit also makes a very comparable but slightly more robust stand for heavier hunters — the Goliath SD. The Goliath SD has a 350 pound weight limit and only weighs one more pound than the Viper SD.
The full perimeter frame of the Viper SD stand allows for both sitting down and standing up while hunting, so although this is a compact and portable unit it’s still a versatile platform and seat to hunt from. The front bar enables easy climbing and also doubles as a gun rest. Summit has even filled particular parts of the platform with a custom engineered foam for noise reduction while shifting on the stand to minimize commotion — pretty cool!
The silent foam padded seat can even be raised for bow hunting and lowered for gun hunting — this stand is truly versatile for any style hunter. Summit also sells a “surround seat” for their climbing tree stands which would make a great gift on its own. It’s an added feature that provides even more comfort and added protection from the elements if fighting the cold is a constant battle where your favorite hunter likes to set up.
Even though this stand is meant to be portable and trekked with, it’s quite comfortable and whoever you’re gifting it to will likely want to use it over other, more permanent tree stands.
The “Quickdraw” cable retention system is probably what makes this climbing stand such a favorite amongst hunters. It’s renowned for being an exceedingly simple, fast and quiet cable system that doesn’t include any additional hardware or components. You simply size the cable to the tree diameter, insert it into retention bracket and the Quickdraw trigger locks into place. To remove the stand you just pull the trigger — it’s a really cool system that is both effective and most importantly, safe.
Summit also has built this stand with their ergonomically designed “Rapidclimb” climbing stirrups for keeping any size boot secured to the platform while climbing. The rugged aluminum construction of this stand is built to last a lifetime, but Summit still covers this product with a five year limited warranty.
As a portable climber, Summit has made a reliable, rugged and safe product here that can accommodate for any deer hunting style. Ensure your freezer sees some venison this season and give the gift of hunting where you want to with the Viper SD.
A new duck blind would make for a tremendous gift idea your favorite hunter will flip out over! This unit from ALPS OutdoorZ is a state of the art, killer option that comes at quite a reasonable price.
I’m really impressed with the build and function of this lie-down, terrestrial blind. The design employs a zero-gravity seat that keeps you off the ground instead of a bottom that’s waterproof. It’s a unique approach that significantly reduces the total weight. At just 23.5 pounds, this unit is easily carried once collapsed and even includes strapping to be worn as a backpack.
There is virtually no assembly required – the blind simply unfolds once you reach the hunting spot!
The flared sides blend into the landscape naturally and also allow for a lot more gear storage than traditional coffin style blinds. Being able to consolidate and conceal all your duck hunting gear is a beautiful thing!
The included stakes are threaded and particularly heavy duty for use in frozen ground. If the hunter you’re shopping for wants to add some extra camouflage to this unit there are countless stubble straps built into the design for incorporating whatever the landscape has to offer.
Tons of space, luxurious seating and super sneaky concealment, this lie-down blind is totally bad-ass. Make sure to check out our list of the best hunting blinds if you like this gift idea!
If your favorite hunter frequently gets wet during their hunting outings, then gifting a couple of dry bags for their sensitive items could be a smart move. A simple, but totally effective design, the modern PVC dry bag is perfect for storing and securing gear during wet weather or when conditions get choppy while boating.
This dry bag by Leader Accessories is ideal for keeping sensitive gear away from the wetness, and it comes at an affordable cost. Available in seven different colors and sizes, (5 liter to 55 liter) there’s a Leader Accessories dry bag that will suit every style of hunt.
This type of storage should also not be overlooked as equally effective for protecting sensitive electronics and other gear from fine dust or sand.
Leader Accessories also includes an adjustable shoulder strap on this model so it can be used as a day-pack as well. When your favorite hunter is trudging through the muck or boating their way out to their favorite creek or assembled duck blind, stowing their gear in a couple of PVC dry bags will allow them to hunt with peace of mind.
A trail camera could make an AWESOME birthday gift for the amateur or experienced hunter. It’s a device that allows one to do some seriously effective research on a particular hunting spot. By setting up a trail camera or series of cameras in a woodland, you can asses whether or not there are game animals present and if it’s worth hunting. Wildlife photography can be really fun and interesting on its own as well — any hunter will appreciate an opportunity to view animals behaving naturally in the wild. It’s a huge part of why most of us hunt!
Here’s the series of trail camera I have used for years for both scientific research and for my own pleasure. Bushnell has made a simple, reliable and high performing trail camera with this one. For research purposes, it’s chosen by many wildlife professionals as the go-to camera trap due to its ease of use and superior photo quality. This 16MP unit takes beautiful photos, but there’s also a 12MP version available. Perhaps the top unit offered by Bushnell is this 24MP model with a lightening fast recovery speed for around the same cost.
The trigger speed on this unit fires at an impressive 0.3 seconds — it captures even the quickest flicker of motion so it won’t miss any shots of fast moving animals. There’s both photo and video modes with this camera — it’s capable of taking up to 60 seconds of video at once. The interval between photos when the camera is triggered can be set as low as one second and as high as 60 minutes. Sensitivity is also adjustable so the camera won’t take a million photos of vegetation flailing in the wind.
This camera of course takes wonderful night time photos as well. The PIR sensor is motion activated out to 80 feet, so this unit can photograph animals quite a ways away. Perhaps the best feature of this camera is that the battery life lasts up to 12 months. The hunter you’re shopping for can set it and forget it for extended time periods and really get an idea of what kind of critters are in the area.
Another useful and really neat component of this trail camera is the field stamp feature — it allows the user to view when each photo was taken down to the exact second! All in all, the simplicity of the controls and the quality of this camera’s performance make it the perfect choice for any level of experience wildlife photographer!
Want to give the gift of a comfortable, warm bottom while in the field? A nice hunting cushion is in a way both a luxury and a necessity. When temps drop and conditions get exceptionally cold, a hunter really needs to separate themselves from the ground. Alternatively, if reaching the hunting grounds involves a long bumpy boat ride then something soft to sit on is a must.
‘This three layered cushion is highly reviewed by hunters for providing excellent warmth and comfortable support. It’s waterproof and won’t get stiff in the cold when temperatures drop. This cushion also has a clip for attachment to a belt (or wherever) so it can be taken along with ease to wherever the hunting grounds are.
This is a fool proof hunting gift that any outdoorsmen would love to add to their gear locker — if you’re stumped on what to buy for your favorite hunter this is a gift you can’t go wrong with!
If you’re shopping for someone who embarks on multi-day, backcountry hunts, or for a hunter who utilizes an ATV or gator to really get out there, then this could be an awesome gift.
This all in one survival shovel has a huge array of potential uses between all of its features. This compact and lightweight (1.2 pounds) multi-tool includes a shovel, serrated saw, hammer, axe blade and even a length of paracord. There’s also a magnesium fire starter, emergency whistle, bottle opener and travel pouch included.
This is a highly compact unit that will fit easily into a backpack or mount nicely on a trail vehicle. You never know what sort of survival scenario might require trench digging, shelter building or fire creation — this multi-tool covers all fronts. Crafted with hardened aluminum and hi carbon steel, this is a tough piece of equipment that’s built to withstand a beating as well as the elements.
I can think of a ton of potential reasons to include this unit in any survival kit — especially when venturing far from the trail. For only $60 this thing is bound to pay for itself whether you really need it or not.
A hunting headlamp is an often overlooked piece of hunting gear that your favorite hunter may not have covered. The Hell’s Canyon Headlamp from Browning is a great quality, affordable hunting headlamp option from our top list that screams tactical, game-slaying badass.
At just 3 ounces this is a super lightweight headlamp. The Hell’s Canyon is great for trekking longer distances before first light or after sunset because it won’t weigh you down.
There is a wide array of different brightness settings as well as a green light mode for maintaining night vision. The lower light settings are geared towards camp chores and regular use while the brighter light mode is meant for longer range visibility and functionality in the field.
The battery life of this hunting headlamp is unfortunately not terribly impressive. It powers on the highest setting (225 Lumens) for two hours, but only 8 hours on the lowest light setting (8 Lumens). Good news is it only takes one small sized CR123A lithium battery which pack easily if running out of juice is a concern.
The soft elastomer head plate is well reviewed for comfort and the elastic band is built to last. The polymer body of the lamp itself is also built rugged and designed to be highly water resistant. Browning has hit all the bases in terms of ruggedness and lifespan.
For an affordable choice of hunting headlamp that your favorite hunter will own for many seasons of heavy use, the Hell’ Canyon will make a great gift.
Having a keen lay of the land is, of course, a huge part of hunting. Spotting groups of birds when shooting waterfowl, surveying the landscape when pursuing big game and identifying species from afar all requires a nice pair of binoculars. This waterproof, floating pair from Hooway will make a killer gift for the hunter you have in mind.
These binoculars are particularly awesome for wetland hunters due to the fact that they won’t be damaged by water. This pair is furthermore designed with a porro prism system for a particularly wide angle of view, great for effectively scouting the horizon line.
The non-slip rubber housing makes these binoculars easy to grip in the wet and cold and also makes them quite shock absorbent. There is even a tripod adapter included with this purchase for mounting with increased stability.
I find the coolest (and most practical) feature of these binoculars to be the internal rangefinder and compass – it allows one to accurately determine distance, size and direction of objects from a long way out. No doubt a righteous tool for any style hunter.
All in all, this is a killer pair of binoculars at a very reasonable cost to own for a variety of hunting applications.
A duck call is a very personal item – you can’t pretend to know the best option for the hunter you have in mind, but I will suggest this crowd favorite if you’re shopping for a mallard hunter! You can never have too many calls – it’s always a wise move to practice and learn with all sorts of imitation devices.
This is an acrylic option that will hold up nicely in the long run even if your favorite hunter is hard on their gear. It imitates a hen mallard and has the potential to bring in a fair amount of species as one gains experience with it.
There’s a variety of options available through this link, so consider grabbing a few for your favorite sportsman!
What hunter couldn’t use a nice new, sharp knife? It’s a classic Christmas gift approach that will never get old, and also a very practical gift idea for a sportsman! Gerber has come up with a great knife for wilderness expeditions with the Prodigy that any style hunter will be able to put to use.
Simple is better with this one, it’s a simple drop-point blade that gets just about any job done. The Prodigy is a fixed blade knife with a bit of serrate at the base of the blade. It’s a simple approach but quite versatile – the added serrate makes it fully functional as a survival knife.
The blade is stainless steel with a black oxide finish and is 4.75 inches long. It’s the ideal size for portability without sacrificing the robustness one wants in a tough survival knife. The ergonomic molded grip furthermore has a great feel to it that pairs nicely with the weight (just under half a pound).
The Prodigy comes with a leg strap and two attachment straps, so there are multiple mounting options for this bad boy. The sheath is built with a friction release thumb lock for added safety – not necessary, but a nice added touch in my opinion.
Looking for an awesome birthday surprise for your favorite woodsmen? We've tracked down some great deals on gear that's bound to get any hunter excited!
