Boots, Packs, and Layers
“What to wear on a western hunt”
With tag draw results coming in across the West, odds are some of you are holding onto a hot tag and plotting your fall adventure. Whether it’s your first time chasing high country bucks or you’re a seasoned veteran heading back to your favorite canyon, the right gear can make all the difference between a successful, enjoyable hunt and a miserable slog. Lucky for you, you’ve landed in the right place; at the Mule Deer Foundation, we not only care about conserving the species we all love, but we also live this lifestyle 365 days a year.
One of my favorite parts of this job is talking gear with our staff. These aren’t just office-dwellers who wear camo to the coffee shop; they’re biologists, boots-on-the-ground conservationists, and hard-hunting individuals who spend more time in the field each year than most influencers will in their entire careers. This fall, I asked four of them, myself included, what boots, packs, and layers they trust for their mule deer hunts. Here’s what they had to say.
Michael Buchanan — Membership Manager, Missoula, MT
Michael is a throwback in the best way. He chases deer through the snowy mountains of Western Montana with a lever-action rifle that’s four times older than he is with no optics. That minimalist approach demands gear that’s durable, quiet, and reliable.
Boots: Michael is a fan of classic, uninsulated leather boots. He opts for Kenetrek Guide Ultra NI – https://kenetrek.com/products/guide-ultra-ni citing their quiet soles and ability to form-fit after years of use. “They’re not flashy, but they’re tough.”
Pack: Michael carries the same pack whether he’s on a week-long moose float in Alaska or chasing velvet bucks behind his ranch. It’s an old A.L.I.C.E. pack, a Vietnam-era surplus model with a rigid aluminum frame. Alice has been carried by Americas finest on 7 continents for over 6 decades and is available at any military surplus store for less than $50.
Layers: Michael runs a mixed layering system of wool base layers (mostly Filson and thrift store finds) and a waxed cotton jacket. “Wool stays warm when wet, and the waxed jacket keeps the wind out without swishing like synthetic.”
Grace Hagan — Conservation Staff, Idaho
Grace spends more time in the backcountry of Idaho than any of our staff. Her gear choices reflect the need to stay dry, mobile, and quiet.
Boots: Zamberlan Women’s Outfitter GTX RR https://www.zamberlanusa.com/shop/category/9789376/hunting/
Grace swears by the fit and ankle support. “If your feet are soaked or blistered, you’re done. These boots fit like trail runners but perform like mountaineering gear.”
Pack: Mystery Ranch Mysterium Women’s 45 https://www.mysteryranch.com/Packs/Hunting/Backpack-Hunting
A perfect blend of lightweight and functional, this pack is sized just right for her frame. When spiking out from the truck to work a burn, or check a guzzler project the size 45 pack holds enough gear and comfort items for her to spend a few nights afield without being cumbersome.
Layers: Duck Camp Merino Wool https://duckcamp.com
She runs their merino in earth-tone colors. “It blends well in dark timber and doesn’t stink after five days in the hills.”
Ray Crow — MDF Major Events Executive
Ray’s has the distinct privilege of hosting and coordinating the mule deer foundations largest fundraising events. In order to sell some of the greatest hunting experiences in the world Ray needs to know a thing or two about them. Based in Utah Ray hunts all over his home state with frequent excursions into Nevada, Wyoming, and New Mexico.
Boots: Zamberlans Cormons GTX https://www.zamberlanusa.com/shop/category/9789376/hunting/
“They’re stiff enough for nasty sidehills and still light enough for long glassing hikes.” Taking care of your feet is essential to making sure you were comfortable whether you were in sub-Saharan Africa or on a rugged British Columbian adventure. For me and my feet Zamberlan is the way to go.
Pack: Mystery Ranch Beartooth 85 https://www.mysteryranch.com/Packs/Hunting/Backpack-Hunting
A larger pack to accommodate backcountry bivy hunts. Ray often stays in the field for multiple nights and likes the flexibility to bring anything he needs.
Layers: Sitka System https://www.sitkagear.com/mens/baselayers
Ray uses the full layering system, from base to shell. “Sitka’s system thinking works in the real world, not just the catalog.”
Trevor Hubbs — Communications Manager
This fall has me traveling to the planes of eastern Montana in October and Southeast Alaska in late summer. These are very different parts of the country and justify their own individual packing lists. In general, I will be bringing:
Boots: Schnee’s Beartooth 0G https://schnees.com/schnee-boots/mountain-boots/beartooth/
I’ve been wearing these boots for six years and have put nearly 1000 miles into them. I’ve worn them from the north slope of the Brooks Range to coastal Texas. Boots are very personal choice, you must take into consideration the shape of your feet and your overall comfort level for ankle dexterity. After a decade of service as an Airborne Infantryman my ankles are shot so Schnee’s are the boots for me.
Pack: Stone Glacier Solo https://www.stoneglacier.com/products/solo-3600-xcurve-krux?variant=40441961775209#Image30560533610601 :
I love this pack because of its fit, the comfortability of the frame, and my ability to fit more in it than could reasonably be expected. I know stone glacier advertises this as a 3-Day pack, but I can squeeze 5-6 days easy. This pack has enough room to take care of my tarp, sleeping system, and any additional gear I might need. I have packed out caribou, elk, mule deer, and pronghorn using this system and love it.
Layers: First Lite Merino Wool https://www.firstlite.com/collections/firstlite-new-gear/?lang=en_US :
Merino wool is the largest single factor allowing me to hunt better and with more comfort in the past five years. The natural qualities of wool speak for themselves. To be honest, I am too lazy of a hunter to care much about sent control anymore. I would rather wear Merino wool and play the wind to the best of my ability. It has been working for me so far.
Final Thoughts
Gear can’t make up for poor planning or a lack of grit, but it can sure tip the scales when you’re cold, tired, and three miles from the truck. There’s no single “right” kit, your gear should match your style, terrain, and body type. The good news? The Mule Deer Foundation staff has tested it all, and we’re here to share what works. As you plan your fall hunt, remember it’s not just about surviving in the mountains it’s about thriving in them.
Got gear questions or want to share your own go-to setup? Drop us a comment, we’d love to hear what you’re packing this fall.
Good Luck!
Send any success pictures or stories from the field to [email protected]. You could be featured on our website or in our magazine. If this article has helped you become a better hunter, become a member of the Mule Deer Foundation. Click here to join: https://muledeer.org/product-category/membership/
