YOU”RE 10 MINUTES LATE TO THE STAND, and any whitetail hunter knows that often means bumping deer out of the food plot—potentially ending your hunt before it even begins. Instead, try slowing down the pace and gazing from afar with the new Flir Breach thermal monocular. With a detection range of up to 1,200 yards and an exceptional thermal-image performance in seven distinct color options, you may have the opportunity to set up and wait for sunrise as opposed to getting flagged on your way in. Additional features include internal recording and storage of up to 2.5 hours of video or 1,000 still images, built-in digital compass and inclinometer, and a versatile USB-C port for external power. Plus, at only 7.4 ounces, it is the lightest and most compact thermal monocular available. An excellent tool for any hunting camp or property manager, it’s also perfect for tracking downed game, dealing with invasive species, and predator management. www.flir.com; $2,499
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EVERY OUNCE COUNTS WHEN YOU’RE HIKING INTO THE BACKCOUNTRY, making the new 15200 Altitude family of fixed-blade knives from Benchmade an ideal choice for your next off-the-grid hunting adventure. Coming in at just 2.43 ounces, it makes a minimal impact on your haul capacity while still providing enough backbone to skin out large game. Available in black, or an orange Cerakote version that comes with a Kydex sheath adorned in First Lite Fusion camo. Both options are made of CPM-690V stainless steel for the highestpossible edge retention. Meanwhile, a handle composed of unique carbon fiber micro scales gives the blade an uncommon level of control not typically found in skeletonized models. As with all Benchmade knives, the Altitude comes with its unique LifeSharp program and lifetime warranty. www.benchmade.com; $230
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SOME OF MY FAVORITE HUNTS HAVE COME ON SHORT NOTICE, but that means being prepared to answer the call. That’s where the L.L.Bean Hunter’s Rifle Travel Case comes into play. This padded workhorse will protect your scoped rifle, keep you organized, and carry all your hunting essentials so that you’re always prepared to grab it and head for hunting camp. There’s room for most everything, including ammo, clips, cleaning supplies, ear protection, GPS, binoculars, knives, grunt calls, and even a few snacks—all secured via compartments and well-placed partitions within its rugged shell. There’s also an anti-corrosion clip enclosed to reduce storage moisture that can be damaging to your gun and gear, along with sturdy handles and a comfortable shoulder sling. And remember, the invitations come a lot more frequently when your hunting partner knows you’ll be ready to roll. www.llbean.com; $199
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THERE ARE RARE MOMENTS IN LIFE WHEN ONE PICKS UP A GARMENT AND SENSES IMMEDIATELY THAT YOU TWO WERE MEANT TO BE TOGETHER. Such is the case with the Tom Beckbe Field Hat. Constructed from shelter cloth and perfect for whatever the elements throw your way, this timeless addition to any gentleman’s sporting wardrobe is rugged enough for days afield but stylish enough to never look out of place. Best of all, it only looks better with increased wear. An unlined crown allows it to be packed flawlessly for travel, while the leather hat band and eyelets for breathability add to the appeal. www.tombeckbe.com; $125
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THE EARLY SEASON WHITETAIL SYSTEM (ESW) FROM SITKA IS THE MOST LIGHTWEIGHT AND BREATHABLE SERIES AMONG ITS ALREADY FORMIDABLE LINE OF HIGHLY TECHNICAL HUNTING APPAREL. Designed specifically for the earlyseason hunter who is willing to sweat it out in warm conditions, the ESW maximizes stealth and ventilation while minimizing scent via Polygiene odorcontrol technology. The pants are especially impressive, featuring Quick Dry, four-way-stretch polyester that provides remarkable elasticity when one is climbing in and out of tree stands. As always, maintaining silence is a design priority for Sitka, so you can count on quiet snaps and divided pocket panels to prevent gear from rattling around. To date, the system includes a shirt, pants, hat, and gloves—all of which can be integrated into warmer Sitka lines as the weather cools throughout the season. Pieces can be purchased individually, but the concept is designed to work together for full effectiveness. www.sitkagear.com; $400
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FEW THINGS SPEAK MORE TO THE VERY ESSENCE OF HUNTING BIG GAME THAN THE SILENT STALK. But even if you’ve mastered the art of the muffled approach, maintaining a steady mount when the moment of truth presents itself can prove challenging. The revolutionary design of the Galco Ching Sling provides the sturdiness you need to improve marksmanship in the field without sacrificing carry comfort, thanks to added width of the straps that spreads your rifle’s weight more equitably. Meanwhile, Galco’s innovative keyhole lock makes fitting the sling to fit your needs a fast, secure, and tool-free process. Plus, the Galco version fits on standard 1-inch swivels, so no third attachment is required. Color options vary, but the quality does not. Visit Galco’s website for a tutorial that will walk you through the quick and easy process of getting it “looped up” for your next hunt. If you’re dedicated to hunting from afoot, you’ll wonder how you went this long without it. www.galcogunleather.com; $80
