2025 came with no shortage of gear testing. From the mountains to the desert, I got the opportunity to put equipment through the paces. Throughout that time, there were some standouts that I find myself continuously reaching for. This is what I want to share with you today!
These are in no particular order. Some of them are new for 2025, and some of them honestly just even more solidified their place within my system.
A dependable bow sight is absolutely paramount for me. I have been on the receiving end of sights getting bumped or even sights breaking. It’s not fun in the least. Spot Hogg has always been known for their durability, but the sights have always been super heavy and bulky. The new to me Spot Hogg Boonie 5-pin squashes all of that. It gives you the dependability that Spot Hogg is well known for in a smaller, more manageable package. Not to mention, the sight looks and works phenomenally. It’s been my go-to all year.
There is some gear that stands the test of time and some gear that doesn’t. The Vortex Razor LHT riflescope is one that has stood the test of time on my end. I have drug this thing through the nastiest country in the lower 48, and it always has come out still performing. 2025 was no exception to this, and I was able to take 2 great bears with my LHT. This scope is an absolute staple on my rifle.
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As an avid backpack hunter, warmth-to-weight ratio is high on my list of things to pay attention to. A rock-solid sleeping bag as lightweight as possible is my friend, and the Argali Alpine 20-degree has been a great companion of mine throughout 2025. Argali is known for making great gear for backcountry hunters, and the Alpine is no exception to that. I used the Alpine from January in the Desert all the way to October in the mountains, and never once did I get cold. Trust is a must, and I’ve got a lot of trust in the Alpine 20-degree from Argali.
One thing that is true on every single hunt I go on is the need for online mapping. Even outside of my hunts, I am using online mapping, and nobody does this better than onXhunt. From e-scouting before the season to being in the thick of it, if you’re not utilizing onX, you’re missing out. This is the gift that keeps on giving the entire year.
When I find something I like, it’s really hard to pry it from my hands. The Evolution Hyde broadhead is one of those things. In 2025, I shot a coues deer and a bull elk with the Hyde. In both instances, the animals fell in the 20-yard range from where they were shot. A good broadhead will fly true and be relentlessly devastating on impact. The Hyde checks all of the boxes for me, and it’s not leaving the tip of my arrow anytime soon. I run the glue-in version.
I’ve been a fan of Garmin watches for quite a few years now. My first was the Fenix 5x plus. Then I got the Fenix 6 Solar. And now the Garmin Tactix 8. The Tactix 8 is something I quite literally use every single day, past the point of checking the time. Tracking workouts, setting timers for my daughter(dad life), heck, even navigating in the dark with the built-in flashlight. The watch does more than I’ll ever need it to, but I sure appreciate the convenience it provides me. They are pricey, but super rad. Check out the Fenix 8 for a cheaper route with very similar features.
I didn’t think I was going to like the Jetboil Stash. In fact, I remember thinking to myself that after testing, I would just grab my old trusty Jetboil Zip. Upon writing this, and almost one year later, my Zip is still sitting in a bin collecting dust. The Jetboil Stash has worked out surprisingly well for me and my backpack hunts. It’s an ultralight option without the ramifications I’ve experienced from other similar options.
There ya have it, folks. I used a lot of really great gear, and it’s no shade on anything not mentioned here, but these were my main squeezes for the year. I hope that helps, whether you’re shopping for the holiday season or just looking to upgrade some gear of your own. Have a wonderful end of the year, and hopefully Santa leaves you one or two of these items under the tree. They’re all winners!
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