The HuntXP Team’s Best Deer Hunting Gear of 2024: Our Top Picks for a Successful Season
When it comes to gearing up for deer season, we at HuntXP know that the right equipment can make or break your hunt. We’ve spent countless hours in the field, testing, tweaking, and refining our gear setups. Now, we’re excited to share our top picks for the best deer hunting gear of 2024. This isn’t just a list of products—it’s the gear we trust and rely on when it’s time to fill the freezer.
1. Our Favorite Deer Hunting Rifles
Photo Credit: TheDIYhunter.com
This rifle has been a staple in our gun safes for a reason. The Browning X-Bolt Hell’s Canyon Speed combines lightweight design with pinpoint accuracy, making it a go-to for those long days in the field. Whether you’re posted up on a ridge or stalking through thick brush, this rifle gets the job done.
Why We Love It:
It’s light enough for all-day carries but packs the accuracy needed for those long shots.
The adjustable trigger lets us dial in our preference for a crisp, clean break every time.
The weather-resistant finish has held up to everything we’ve thrown at it—from pouring rain to sub-zero temps.
Photo Credit: Rifleshooter.com
When the HuntXP team needs a rifle that’s as tough as it is accurate, we reach for the Savage 110 Ultralite. The carbon fiber-wrapped barrel makes it a dream to carry on those multi-day hunts, and it doesn’t sacrifice an ounce of performance.
Why We Love It:
It’s one of the most accurate rifles out of the box that we’ve ever tested.
The lightweight design is perfect for those rugged backcountry hunts where every ounce matters.
It’s a rifle you can rely on, shot after shot, no matter the conditions.
2. Top Bows for 2024
Mathews LYFT
Photo Credit: Mathews.com
The Mathews LYFT has quickly become a favorite among our team for its impressive balance between power and agility. This bow is engineered for speed and accuracy, making it a perfect choice whether you're in a tree stand or on a spot-and-stalk hunt.
Why We Love It:
The innovative design offers a smooth draw and exceptional stability, which is crucial when you're aiming at a big buck.
It’s lightweight yet powerful, allowing us to maintain accuracy without sacrificing speed.
The advanced dampening system ensures a quiet shot, helping us stay undetected in the field.
Hoyt Carbon RX-7
Photo Credit: outdoorlife.com
The Hoyt Carbon RX-7 has earned a permanent spot in our lineup. It’s a bow that does everything well—from tight quarters in the timber to open country spot-and-stalks. Plus, it’s one of the lightest bows we’ve tested without compromising durability or performance.
Why We Love It:
The carbon riser keeps things lightweight while offering the strength and stability we need for consistent accuracy.
We love the integrated In-Line Picatinny Sight Mount—it’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference in getting on target fast.
The draw cycle is buttery smooth, with a solid back wall that inspires confidence with every shot.
3. Must-Have Optics
Whether we’re glassing a distant ridge or scanning the woods before dawn, the Vortex Viper HD binoculars are always within reach. The clarity and resolution are outstanding, and they’ve helped us spot more deer than any other optics we’ve used.
Why We Love It:
The image clarity is top-notch, even in low light—perfect for those first and last minutes of shooting light.
They’re built tough, with an Armortek coating that stands up to the abuse we put them through.
The wide field of view makes it easier to pick out details in dense cover or across a broad landscape.
The Leupold VX-5HD has been a game-changer for our rifle setups. It’s versatile enough to handle everything from short-range encounters in the woods to long-range shots across a field. The optics are crystal clear, and the low-light performance is exceptional.
Why We Love It:
The Twilight Max HD Light Management System means we can hunt longer—those critical moments at dawn and dusk are where this scope shines.
The Guard-Ion lens coating keeps rain, mud, and grime off the lenses, ensuring a clear view no matter the weather.
The magnification range is versatile, making it a great fit for any hunting scenario we find ourselves in.
4. Best Hunting Clothing
Cold weather hunting is where the Sitka Gear Fanatic Jacket shines. We’ve put this jacket to the test in freezing temperatures, and it’s never let us down. It’s warm, quiet, and designed with hunters in mind.
Why We Love It:
The body-mapped insulation keeps us warm without adding bulk, so we stay comfortable and mobile.
The Berber fleece exterior is ultra-quiet, which is critical when you’re drawing your bow or shifting for a shot.
It’s packed with functional features—like a built-in muff and rangefinder pocket—that make it our top choice for late-season hunts.
First Lite Catalyst Soft Shell
Versatility is the name of the game with the First Lite Catalyst Soft Shell. It’s become our go-to for mid-season hunts when the weather can be unpredictable. It’s quiet, breathable, and works great as a layering piece or on its own.
Why We Love It:
The DWR finish sheds light rain and snow, keeping us dry in a variety of conditions.
It’s silent, which is a must when you’re moving through the woods, trying to close the distance on a buck.
The three-season versatility means we get a lot of use out of it, from early fall to late winter.
5. Our Top Hunting Packs
The Mystery Ranch Metcalf is our workhorse for backcountry hunts. We’ve loaded it up with everything from overnight gear to a quartered-out deer, and it handles it all with ease. If you need a pack that can do it all, this is the one.
Why We Love It:
The Overload feature is a game-changer for packing out meat—we can carry heavy loads without sacrificing comfort or balance.
It’s incredibly durable and has withstood years of abuse in the field.
The adjustable yoke and harness system allow us to dial in the perfect fit, which is critical when you’re carrying heavy loads.
For day hunts or when we’re packing light, the Eberlestock X2 is our pack of choice. It’s compact, but don’t let that fool you—it’s packed with features that make it ideal for shorter hunts or when you’re navigating thick brush.
Why We Love It:
It’s lightweight, making it easy to maneuver in tight spots.
The multiple pockets and compartments help keep our gear organized and accessible.
It’s hydration pack compatible, which is a must for staying hydrated on those long days in the field.
6. Best Hunting Boots
The Danner Pronghorn boots have been a favorite of ours for years, and the 2024 model continues the tradition of excellence. These boots are built for comfort and durability, making them a reliable choice for any hunt.
Why We Love It:
The GORE-TEX lining keeps our feet dry, even when we’re slogging through wet terrain.
The Pronghorn’s fit is perfect right out of the box—no break-in period needed.
The Vibram outsole provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces, from muddy trails to rocky ridges.
When it comes to rubber boots, the LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro is our top pick. They’re perfect for those wet, muddy hunts when you need waterproof protection without sacrificing comfort.
Why We Love It:
The neoprene core offers flexibility and comfort while keeping our feet warm in cold conditions.
The multilayer rubber construction on the toe and heel gives us extra durability where we need it most.
They’re easy to slip on and off, which is a big plus when we’re gearing up early in the morning or after a long day in the field.
7. Best Tree Stands and Tree Saddles
Lone Wolf Assault II Hang-On Tree Stand
The Lone Wolf Assault II is the HuntXP team’s go-to for those days when we need to stay light and mobile. It’s compact, easy to set up, and rock solid—everything we need for a successful hunt from above.
Why We Love It:
The lightweight design makes it easy to carry in and out of the woods.
It’s incredibly stable, even when we’re shifting for a shot.
The adjustable platform allows us to set up in a variety of tree types, giving us the flexibility we need in the field.
Summit Viper SD Climbing Tree Stand
When we’re planning an all-day sit, the Summit Viper SD is our stand of choice. It’s comfortable and quiet and provides excellent concealment, keeping us in the game longer.
Why We Love It:
The foam-padded seat is incredibly comfortable for extended sits.
The stand’s design allows for quick, quiet climbs and descents—essential when we’re setting up in the dark.
It’s built tough, yet still lightweight enough to carry deep into the woods.
Tethrd Phantom Tree Saddle
Check out my complete Tethrd Phantom Set up.
For hunters looking for the ultimate in mobility and stealth, the Tethrd Phantom Tree Saddle is a game-changer. We at HuntXP love it for those hunts where traditional stands aren't an option. Lightweight and versatile, it allows us to hunt from nearly any tree, making it perfect for those hard-to-reach spots.
Why We Love It:
The adjustable comfort channels allow us to tailor the saddle to our body type, reducing pressure and ensuring we can sit comfortably for hours.
It’s incredibly lightweight, making it a breeze to carry in and out of the woods.
The modular design allows for easy customization, giving us flexibility for different set
The Latitude Method 2 is another saddle that has impressed us with its comfort and versatility. It’s ideal for hunters who want the flexibility of a saddle but with added comfort features.
Why We Love It:
The dual-panel design provides extra support and comfort, making it easier to stay in the saddle for extended periods.
It’s easy to set up and adjust, even in the dark or under pressure.
The saddle’s lightweight construction makes it easy to pack, carry, and deploy quickly.
8. Best Climbing Sticks for Tree Stands and Mobile Hunting
For mobile hunters and those looking to stay light and stealthy, the Hawk Helium Climbing Sticks are our top pick. These sticks offer a perfect blend of weight, strength, and ease of use, making them an essential part of our mobile hunting setup.
Why We Love It:
The aircraft-grade aluminum construction makes them both lightweight and strong, ideal for carrying deep into the woods.
The compact, foldable design allows for easy packing and quiet setup in the field.
The versa-button strap system is quick to deploy and secure, ensuring a stable climb every time.
Lone Wolf Climbing Sticks have been a go-to for many of us at HuntXP for years. They’re known for their reliability and ease of use, especially when paired with Lone Wolf tree stands.
Why We Love It:
The pivoting V-brackets adjust to fit the tree’s contour, providing a rock-solid connection that minimizes movement.
They’re ultra-light and stack together for easy transport—perfect for those long hikes into remote areas.
The stick’s design offers a quiet setup, which is crucial when you’re trying to stay undetected.
If you’re serious about saddle hunting and need climbing sticks that integrate seamlessly with your setup, the Tethrd Skeletor Climbing Sticks are the way to go. These sticks are designed with the mobile hunter in mind, offering both lightweight performance and durability.
Why We Love It:
The Skeletor sticks are incredibly lightweight, making them easy to carry for mobile hunting.
The innovative DynaLock tabs allow for quick and secure attachment to the tree, so you spend less time setting up and more time hunting.
The sticks stack tightly together, minimizing bulk and noise during transport.
Our Gear Picks, Your Success
The HuntXP team has put this gear through the wringer, and it’s the stuff we trust when we’re out chasing deer. We know that having the right gear can be the difference between coming home empty-handed or with a trophy buck. As you get ready for the 2024 season, consider these picks—they’re the gear we rely on, and we believe they’ll make a difference in your hunts too.