Hunting elks isn't a job meant just for anyone. It is something that requires great skill and experience and also good gear.
In fact, good gear is not just for an enhanced hunting experience, but more of an essential when one is out for hunting elks.
To ensure that you have the best gear for your hunting trip, this article will serve as your guide to picking the right elk hunting gear.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Elk Hunting Gear
- OUR TOP PICK: SITKA Gear Core Lightweight Crew
- RUNNER-UP: Dead Down Wind Trophy Hunter Kit
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Elk Ridge - Outdoors Hunting Knife Set
Comparison of the Best Elk Hunting Gear
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How to Choose New Elk Hunting Gear
For someone who has been carrying elk hunting gear with them for a while now, choosing a new one would be no hassle, but for those who are new to the whole hunting scene, it might not be so easy. To make the task less of a problem, here are a few things to keep in mind while choosing elk hunting gear.
Appropriate Items
The first and foremost thing that you need to check is if the gear consists of all the appropriate items. Elk hunting requires a number of items, and even one of them being missing could really set you back. It is therefore important that while you are picking gear, you ensure that all the items that are appropriate for the gear are present.
Quality
Once you have made sure that all the items that you need are present, it is now time to see if they are of good quality. Any item that you take along with you on a hunting trip should be nothing less than the best quality. If not, your items may fail to perform when needed, greatly affecting your hunting experience overall.
Cost
The last, yet an equally important factor to be considered, is the cost of the gear. Once you have picked gear, take a good look at the items present and see if they are worth paying the price tag. If not, then you can keep looking for another unit, one that gives a good value for what is being paid.
Review of the Best Elk Hunting Gear
Now that you know how to choose good elk hunting gear, you can finally get down to choosing one for yourself. To make the task even easier, we have listed and reviewed the top products available on the market. These units are of the best ones that you will find.
Best Overall:
SITKA Gear Core Lightweight Crew
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
All those who recently invested in this crew by Sitka found that there was absolutely nothing about it that would keep you from falling in love with it or make you look for another. Buyers report that it performs exactly the way it is advertised to and there is nothing that disappoints them.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you ask us, there are a number of reasons to pick this shirt but what really makes it stand out is how it not only masks your sweat but also neutralizes your odor. It is absolutely perfect for keeping your camouflage at all times in all situations.
Who Will Use This Most
All those who are tired of substandard crews that either give away too soon or can't keep the users hidden away would find this to be the perfect unit for themselves. It is designed to ensure that users do not feel exposed to the prey in any way.
What Could Be Improved and Why
The only thing that the manufacturers could work on a little bit is the price tag that comes with the crew. The quality and performance of the unit do justify the cost of it, but a lower price tag would make it available to many more people.
Bottom Line
You can finally stop opting for low quality cotton shirts that do no good for camouflage. This unit is the one that will take away all your worries about being exposed to your prey. It won't only provide you with a comfortable fit, but also ensure that you remain hidden from both sight and smell.
Runner-up:
Dead Down Wind Trophy Hunter Kit
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A number of people have recently bought and tried this item, and they have all come to love it for the functionality it provides. Users report that using the items from this unit makes them feel almost invisible to their prey on the hunting ground.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Of all the things that this unit has to offer to the hunters that use it, what really stands out to us is the great number of products included in the package. There are very few others that you will find that provide as many items and with all of them working equally efficiently to perform their function.
Who Will Use This Most
Some people have a greater tendency to sweat than others. It is a normal physiological process, but one that may hinder your hunting trips greatly. This product is absolutely perfect for such people who tend to have a stronger scent of themselves on them than others.
What Could Be Improved and Why
The unit includes a mix of items that are either frequently used or not used at all. The package would be a lot closer to perfection if the manufacturer could swap the less useful items for refills of the ones that are used more often.
Bottom Line
Nothing hinders a hunting trip more than your own scent that can render you exposed to your prey on the hunting field. With this product, you can bid farewell to those worries, and go get your prey without being sensed at all.
Best for the Money:
Elk Ridge - Outdoors Hunting Knife Set
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers have found this unit to be a great set, one that they feel is definitely worth investing in. They have been surprised not only by the lower price point of this knife set but also by its high-quality and outstanding performance. Overall, buyers report this unit to be an absolute hit.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Buyers may be pleased with the price tag of this unit, but what stands out for us is the great variety that it has to offer. Those who like working with knives will find that it has all the ones they could ask for on a hunting trip, and that is what makes this set a hit.
Who Will Use This Most
There are a number of hunters out there that like to keep themselves armed on hunting trips with hunting tools besides their guns. This knife set is the perfect choice for all of those. It isn't too much extra weight that bogs them down with pieces that they do not need, nor will it leave out anything that they want.
What Could Be Improved and Why
The only aspect of this knife set that we think can be improved is its cutting board. The board may be a little too small for some items that one would want to cut on a hunting trip. Therefore, a bigger size may be a lot better.
Bottom Line
A knife set on a hunting trip is a lot more important than one may think as it serves a number of purposes. This knife set in particular is perfect for all the uses that one may have for it, making it an ideal pick, and that too within a budget.
Best Elk Hunting Boots:
Lowa Men's Tibet GTX Trekking Boot
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
According to those who have used this pair of boots, these are the perfect pair that everyone needs to invest in for all of their hunting trips. Recent buyers have been greatly impressed by the quality and comfort that these boots provide, and at a great price.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Picking out one specific feature of these boots may be quite hard, even if by just a small margin, if there's one feature that really makes this unit stand apart from the rest is how waterproof it is. Not letting water in just ensures that it is meant for all sorts of weather and environments.
Who Will Use This Most
Hunting boots are an important part of the needed gear. They are specifically more important for all those that like to stay on the move while hunting rather than laying low. Since moving around requires one to be firm on their track, this will ensure that the user gets just that.
What Could Be Improved and Why
While the boots themselves are pretty ideal, there is one slight modification that they could use. Perhaps if the design of the unit allowed the feet to breathe a little more, the pair would be absolutely perfect, lacking in no way.
Bottom Line
A good pair of hunting boots on a hunting trip is about as important as good shoes on a hiking trip. Substandard wear can greatly impact your hunting trip negatively. It is therefore important that you invest in excellent quality items such as this pair.
Best Binoculars for Elk Hunting:
Vortex Optics Diamondback Roof Prism Binoculars
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Hunters who have recently taken this pair of binoculars on their hunting trip emphasize that a good sight is very important while hunting and these binoculars provide you with just that. They are a great pair that works just as efficiently as they have been described to and no other unit comes close.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you ask us what the winning feature of this unit is, it would definitely be the construction. The well-planned size of the binoculars paired with the non-slip grip adds great functionality to the design, making it absolutely perfect for hunting trips.
Who Will Use This Most
This pair of binoculars is considerably better than most pairs that you'd find out there on the market. With the bright and sharp images, this pair is the perfect pick for anyone that wants to keep a close eye on their prey in the field.
What Could Be Improved and Why
If one looks keenly through these binoculars, they may notice some chromatic aberrations. They may not be very noticeable for some users, but they are present nevertheless. Fixing this could greatly enhance the performance of the binoculars.
Bottom Line
If there is one thing that you shouldn't do on hunting grounds, it's losing sight of your prey. With this pair of binoculars, you won't only have your prey in your view at all times, but in a very clear view that can really enhance your hunting experience.
Best Elk Call:
Primos Hoochie Mama Call
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This product has been tested by a number of users, and they all seem to say the same thing about it: it works flawlessly. Users have been stunned by the great performance of this elk call and how efficiently it works to lure in their prey on the hunting grounds. They'd recommend it to anyone out there looking for one.
Why it Stands Out to Us
One of the reasons we feel this is one of the best units is because of its easy use. The unit can be operated at the push of a button that makes it ideal for beginners and professionals alike. Everyone and anyone can use this call to lure out their prey.
Who Will Use This Most
Elk calls are instruments that take a little know-how and a little more time to master. This unit, with its ease of use and convenience, is perfect for anyone that wants to hone their hunting skills by learning to use an elk call the right way. It will allow them not only to polish themselves but also enhance the overall hunting experience.
What Could Be Improved and Why
The only thing that we feel can be improved about this unit is its mode of carrying. Only if it came with a string that would allow one to hang it around their neck, instead of carrying the bulky item in hand, using it would have been a lot easier.
Bottom Line
Elk calls are a great and crucial addition to elk hunting gear. The instrument may take a while to be mastered, but it surely does pay off. This particular unit is specifically good for all hunters out there to use and hone themselves to the hunting ground. It is a unit that will surely not disappoint.
Best Broadheads for Elk:
Stinger Buzzcut 4 Blade Arrow Broadhead (Pack of 3), 100-Grain
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
According to those that have recently invested in this pack of three, every single piece of the entire package is worth investing in. Users report that this is a piece that truly holds an edge over all others, making it a one-of-a-kind that is definitely recommended for all.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Of all the reasons that would make anyone believe this unit is better than the rest, the main one stands to be its quality of construction. The unit itself is carved out of the finest materials that provide it not only the strength that it needs but also with great durability that allows it to last longer than most others.
Who Will Use This Most
Those who prefer not using guns for hunting would find it to be their perfect companion for hunting trips. It provides an edge over the modern rifle hunting, and a more classic feel, one that can't be beaten by any other choice of weapon.
What Could Be Improved and Why
The only thing that it lacks is a little efficient designing. The unit in its current shape works just fine, but with a little redesigning of the blades, its efficiency could be greatly increased, and the whole experience of using the unit would be greatly enhanced.
Bottom Line
Hunting for elk with broad heads is a whole different experience on its own. But with this unit, you get to experience the very best of that experience. Why invest in another unit when you know no other tops this one? It is a purchase that you will never regret.
Best Pack for Elk Hunting:
ALPS OutdoorZ Commander + Pack Bag
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Those who have used this bag with them on their elk hunting trips have found it to be a reliable partner. It has proven its worth, even though it does come at a little extra price. All those that recently invested in it agree that the bag is worth the price that is paid.
Why it Stands Out to Us
One thing that we really love about this unit is its size. The size is extremely appropriate, given the number of items that are required to be carried while hunting elk. It provides ample space to ensure you have all you need throughout your hunting trip.
Who Will Use This Most
This bag is absolutely designed for those who like to be ready for their adventure. All those that have a great fear of leaving things behind will love it since it provides just enough space for them to store anything and everything they need, no matter how small or big.
What Could Be Improved and Why
Even though the unit is sized to be quite big and provides enough space, it would be great if it came with a Molle system. The Molle system would not only add more storage space, but it does so without adding any bulk to the unit itself.
Bottom Line
What this pack has to offer for its users is way better and beyond what most others do. It is a complete package in itself that has so far only satisfied its customers and will only continue to do the same. It has a quality that you can trust with no regrets.
Best .308 Ammo for Elk Hunting:
Nosler® Trophy Grade™ Rifle Ammunition
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Those who have invested in this unit have also invested in many more previously, but they guarantee that no ammo works for them better than this. The product has been tested by users over time, and they always have nothing but good things to say about it.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Why we think these bullets are better than any other is because of their high-grade construction. This trophy-grade product is designed out of exclusive material that is designed to provide the best shot. How could any other be any better?
Who Will Use This Most
These units are designed for all those that have their .308 weapons ready for their hunting trips. Those with such weapons are not likely to find a product that could be any better than this. It is exclusively designed for those lethal guns to provide that perfect shot for hunting.
What Could Be Improved and Why
The only thing we find that could be improved with this unit is the boxes per round. A single box is quite expensive if considered, and 20 rounds may be enough for an entire trip, but more could definitely be fit in, given the price that one pays for this unit.
Bottom Line
Ammo is definitely one of those things you can't head out for hunting without. It serves to be the most important element of hunting, and you need to ensure that you are geared with the best of it with .308 ammo. When it comes to hunting elk, nothing beats these.
Best Elk Rifle:
Marlin® XLR Model Lever-Action Rifles
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Those who have recently bought this rifle and used it on their hunting trips have all sung its praises. They seem to love every aspect of it, from its build to its working. They report that every aspect of it is on point, making it the perfect companion on a hunting trip.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Why we really love this unit and feel that it deserves to be on this list is because of the great quality and design that it has to offer. Not all rifles come constructed with high-quality material and designed to absolute perfection, which is why it really stands out to us.
Who Will Use This Most
A rifle is no toy to play around with. Beginners can find a number of other weapons to start with, but this unit is meant for those who know what they are dealing with. It is a product designed for those who have had their way with rifles and are now ready to work with the best.
What Could Be Improved and Why
The only issue users may have had with the gun lies in its lever. The lever seems to get stuck at times, and getting it to move may be quite the struggle that one definitely does not look forward to. A minor fix there would make this rifle absolutely perfect.
Bottom Line
A rifle is one of the most important parts of any hunting gear. Without it, hunting may not even be possible. It is important that hunters choose the absolute best for their hunting trips, which is this unit right here, designed to impress in all conditions.
Conclusion
When going out for an elk hunting trip, one needs to be geared properly, with all the sort of right items. There are a number of them, and leaving behind any would greatly affect the hunting experience. It is therefore important that one keeps in mind everything that they must need before they set out and they will never have a bad elk hunting trip again.
