Get Geared Up for the Rut: Head To Toe Recommendations
The year is under way and the rut is fast approaching. Whether you’re new to big game hunting and looking for a full kit out, or you’re a seasoned pro in need of a few gear upgrades, Ridgeline have your back with our Head to Toe recommendations. Here’s all the gear you’ll need for a successful hunt.
Outer layers
Conditions can change in an instant, so a good outer layer is a must. It will protect you from weather – think rain, wind, snow – and even blood. For best results, choose layers with good breathability (5K+) to let your sweat vapours out, and a high waterproof rating (10K+).
Our Infinity rain jacket features a 3L membrane that gives superior water resistance (15k) and breathability (10k). The tape sealed seams ensure no water leakage and breathable fabric allows sweat to be wicked away. Not only is this jacket windproof, waterproof and durable; it’s super quiet in the field – an essential for hunting.
If you’re after something light and super packable, try our Packlite gear. A lightweight rain shell that packs down to 21cmx10cm and weighs only 350gms. This gear is fully seam-sealed, plus water and wind resistant up to 10k.
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Insulation layer
- For those seriously cold conditions like chasing tahr, we recommend a good insulation layer too. Our Microtech Puffa with 3M Thinsulate lining will give you some serious warmth – the same as a 700 Down jacket, with none of the bulk.
Mid Layers
A good mid layer adds a decent amount of warmth to your kit.
Choosing fleece means you can pick a weight that suits the temperatures you’ll be in. A soft-shell jacket that is stretchy and breathable gives a good balance of warmth, wind and rain protection; you can wear it alone or as a mid-layer with your rain jacket.
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Pants
Comfortable and functional pants are key to any hunting wardrobe. Ridgeline have designed hunting pants that are as versatile as possible; which means one pair for all conditions. Wear them alone on warmer days, over a base layer on cold days, and under the Pack lite pants if you need extra rain protection.
Our Stealth Hunting Pants are made from a stretchy polyester/elastane fabric for comfort and easy movement. The moisture wicking properties ensure they dry quickly and the anti-bacterial finish aids long lasting wear. A thick stretch waist band and zip front pockets top them off as the perfect bit of kit.
Base layers
The main job of your base layer is to wick moisture away from the body so cold sweat isn’t sitting on your skin. We recommend a Merino wool base layer because it’s one of the best base fabrics; naturally sweat-wicking, odour-resistant, and regulates your body temperature in all weather conditions.
If you’re after something a little lighter for those warmer days, try one of our performance tops. With a UPF of 40+, cool dry moisture wicking properties and an anti-bacterial finish for odour control, its perfect for sunny days.
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Boots
It’s not a head-to-toe recommendation without something for your head and your toes. Let’s start with boots. Ridgeline have a range of boots for different adventures, but our Aoraki Boots are ideal for long days on the hunt.
Full grain waterproof treated Nubuck leather and 3M Thinsulate TM lining gives you the edge while taking on the great outdoors. Plus, a Vibram integrated rubber sole makes these boots seriously durable.
Headwear
Now, for your head. In the summer months, you can’t go past a Ridgeline cap in Excape camo to match the rest of your kit.
For cooler climates and when you need something higher spec, we recommend our bonded bleanie. This softshell fabric piece acts as a beanie, a balaclava and a neck warmer. It has a water and wind resistant membrane, a grid back fleece for warmth, and laser holes for condensation release.
Need total versatility? Then it’s the neketai for you, which can be worn 14 different ways.
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Accessories
Last, but never least, are your hunting accessories. There’s the basics – like a great pair of gloves and a sturdy day pack. And then there’s the gear that will take your hunt up a notch.
Start with a pair of 10x42 binos which offer precision vision in all conditions. With IPX7 waterproofing, multi-coated lenses and a BAK-4 roof prism – these binos are a true all-rounder. They come with a carry pouch, strap and cleaning cloth; so, you’re ready to hit the trail straight away.
To avoid a near miss and make sure it’s a clean shot, we recommend using a range finder. Ridgeline’s range finder measures distances up to 1500m, has a backlit LCD display and works in temps from -10c up to 50c.
Scouting out the best spot for a hunt used to be time-consuming. With a 4K trail camera, most of the work is done for you. Ridgeline’s trail camera offers clear vision both day and night; so, you’ll never miss a moment. With a low glow flash, it also won’t startle your game.
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Make the most of the rut with Ridgeline
For 25 years, Ridgeline have designed our gear with a focus on adventure and the love of the outdoors. We are one of the leading brands for hunting, fishing, farm work and outdoor adventure in Australia and New Zealand. Shop our full range online or find a store near you.
