Index Style Releases – Carter Like Mike II vs Stan SoleX

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Mar 13, 2024
Two index style releases Josh Kirchner from Dialed in Hunter uses

There are a ton of different archery release aids floating around out there. Index style releases, hinges, thumb buttons, and resistance releases. And there are a bunch of options for each of those categories. I am a strong believer in an index-style release for bowhunting especially. My two go-to index-style releases are the Carter Like Mike II and the Stan SoleX. Both are very similar in design, but come in at very different price points. I’m going to break down what I like and what I don’t like about each of these releases. Hopefully, this can help you weigh out which of these awesome index-style releases might be best for you.

After Season Arrow Setup Report 2023/2024

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Feb 11, 2024
Josh Kirchner from Dialed in Hunter's arrow and broadhead choice for 2024

2023 had no shortage of gear changes for me. I’m always looking for ways to solidify my system even more. The only way to do that is to try out new things. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t. During the 2023 season, I was reminded of the phrase, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” My arrow setup is now what it once was instead of something totally new.

Backpack Hunting for Coues Deer – 7 Day Gear List

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Dec 19, 2023
Josh Kirchner from Dialed in Hunter Backpack Hunting for Coues Deer during the month of January in Arizona

It’s the end of December right now at the time of typing this. We’ve been soaking up the holiday season together in our home and enjoying every second of it with our 3 year old. I love the month of December dearly, but I also lust for January. It’s archery deer season in Arizona at that time. The bucks are rutting and it’s one of my favorite times of year backpack hunting for coues deer.

Given our unique environment, and an odd time of year, knowing what backcountry gear to bring along is a question that I get asked on a regular basis. So, I’m going to break down here what I am bringing along on a 7 day backpack hunt during the month of January for Coues deer in Arizona.

Argali Owyhee 1p Tent Review – Ultralight Luxury

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Oct 21, 2023
Josh Kirchner from Dialed in Hunter using the Argali Owyhee 1p tent

Among all of the gear items in your backpack, there are a few areas where you can save a huge amount of weight. Things like sleeping bags and sleeping pads are a few of them. Another item that can drastically cut weight is your tent/shelter. Generally, the logic behind cutting weight is when you cut weight, you also are cutting comfort. That couldn’t be farther from the truth with the new Owyhee 1p tent from Argali.

Exo Mountain Gear K4 Backpack Review

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Apr 26, 2023
Exo Mountain Gear K4 pack with a coues deer buck loaded into it

The new K4 backpack from Exo Mountain Gear was built for backcountry hunters by backcountry hunters.

Exo Mountain Gear K4 Backpack

Exo Mountain Gear is no stranger to big miles and heavy poundage. They’ve been producing backpacks for backcountry hunting since 2014 and have become a fan favorite among dedicated backpack hunters like myself. Exo was started by dedicated backcountry hunters with the goal to produce the best backcountry hunting packs on the market, and they’ve been focused on that goal since the beginning. Their new K4 Backpack is a shining example of that.

Vortex Rangefinder Review – Diamondback HD 2000

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Aug 10, 2022
Vortex Diamondback HD 2000 Rangefinder on a backpack hunt in Idaho

Rangefinders have changed the game in hunting. They take our accuracy and lethality in the field to a new level and have really become a standard for most hunters. Earlier this year Vortex Optics released a new line of rangefinders to their already fantastic lineup. They are the Crossfire HD 1400, Diamondback HD 2000, and Viper HD 3000. I was fortunate enough to get my hands on the new Vortex Diamondback HD 2000 Rangefinder and have been putting it through the ringer this year.

Princeton Tec Vizz – Headlamp Review

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Aug 4, 2022
Princeton Tec Vizz headlamp in waist belt pouch of backpack

A quality headlamp is 100% non-negotiable for me. When the lights go out in the backcountry, the lights go out. I don’t know about you, but last I checked, my night vision was far from that of a cat’s. Late last Fall I got my hands on the Vizz from Princeton Tec. I’ve used the same headlamp for quite a few years, but there were a few things about the Vizz that caught my attention. With big shoes to fill, time would tell if the Vizz would stay in my backpack or get left at home.

Argali Rincon 2p Tent Overview

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Jul 26, 2022
Argali Rincon 2p Tent set up in the Idaho backcountry on a spring bear hunt

Backcountry shelters are one of those things that I try and constantly pay attention to in terms of what’s available year after year. It’s one of the main items we carry on hunts and one of the biggest/heaviest in our packs. So, if I can find something that gives me a slight edge without compromising performance, I’m all ears. The new Rincon 2p tent from Argali had my attention since the day I found out about it and after a few hunts under my belt with it, I’m happy to say my assumptions were correct.

PSE EVO XF 33 Build 2022 – New Favorite Bow?

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Mar 21, 2022
Josh Kirchner from Dialed in Hunter holding the PSE EVO XF 33 bow

New year, new bow! I just recently picked up the brand new for 2022 PSE EVO XF 33 and man, it’s a shooter. Each year that goes by, I am always curious how companies progress and how they can make what’s better even more better. Last year I shot the PSE Xpedite NXT and said more than once that it was my favorite bow. After spending the last few weeks with the new XF though, that statement might change to “one of my favorite bows.”