Essential Mule Deer Hunting Camp Gear for South Dakota: Best and Budget Options

I’m packing up for a South Dakota mule deer hunt soon, and I’ll be the first to admit—I’m the worst at remembering what I need to bring. Having the right gear is absolutely crucial out there, and if you forget something important, it can throw off the whole trip. With so many essentials to juggle, it’s easy to leave something behind. That’s why we’ve put together this checklist, covering all the key gear along with the best and budget-friendly options to make sure nothing gets left out and I’m fully prepared for the hunt.

Essential Camp Gear

• Sleeping Bag Recommendations (Cold Weather Focus):

  • Best: Western Mountaineering Alpinlite 20°F Down Sleeping Bag – Known for its exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio, the Alpinlite is rated for 20°F and is made with high-quality down insulation. It’s lightweight, compresses well, and will keep you warm during those cold October nights in the field.

  • Budget: REI Co-op Magma 15 Sleeping Bag – A great budget-friendly option for colder weather, this bag is rated for 15°F and uses high-quality 850-fill down. It offers excellent warmth while still being light and packable for a backcountry hunt.

• Sleeping Pad

  • Best: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm – This is one of the best options for cold-weather camping, offering a high R-value (6.9), which means excellent insulation from the cold ground. It’s lightweight, packs down small, and is incredibly warm, making it perfect for chilly October nights in South Dakota.

  • Budget: Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol – While less expensive, the Z Lite Sol still offers good insulation with an R-value of 2.0. It’s durable, ultralight, and great for those looking for a reliable but more affordable option for cold-weather hunts.

• Camp Blanket

  • Best: Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket – Water-resistant, warm, and durable.

  • Budget: Arcturus Military Wool Blanket – Heavy-duty wool, providing warmth at a lower price point.

• Pillow

  • Best: Your favorite pillow from home :)

  • Best Camp Pillow: Nemo Fillo Elite Pillow – Compact, comfortable, and adjustable.

  • Budget: TREKOLOGY Ultralight Camping Pillow – Affordable, lightweight, and inflatable for easy packing.

• Cot

  • Best: Helinox Cot One Convertible – Lightweight and durable, offering superior comfort.

  • Budget: TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Cot – Sturdy and much cheaper, but a bit heavier.

• Tents (personal)

  • Best: MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Tent – Ultra-lightweight, durable, and weatherproof.

  • Budget: ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2-Person Tent – Excellent value, durable, and weather-resistant for the price.

• Hunting Camp Tents

  • Best: Davis Tent 14x16 Wall Tent – This is a classic, highly durable canvas wall tent that can comfortably house 6-8 people, with plenty of space for gear and a wood stove. It’s made from high-quality materials designed to withstand extreme weather. The stove jack allows for a wood stove to keep the tent warm in colder conditions, making it a popular choice for long-term hunting camps. The size and quality make it a top-tier option for large groups.

  • Budget: White Duck Alpha Wall Tent 14x16 – A more affordable wall tent, the White Duck Alpha provides ample space for 6-8 people and includes a stove jack for heating. Made from high-quality, weather-resistant canvas, it’s a solid budget option that doesn’t sacrifice durability. This tent is ideal for hunters who need a large, reliable shelter at a more reasonable price point.

• LED Light Strips

  • Best: BioLite SiteLight String – Compact, low energy usage, and versatile lighting.

  • Budget: Power Practical Luminoodle – Inexpensive LED string light that’s bright and packs easily.

• Boot Dryer

  • Best: PEET Original Electric Shoe & Boot Dryer – Quiet, efficient, and durable.

  • Budget: DryGuy Travel Dry DX Boot Dryer – Affordable, compact, and works well for its price.

• Chairs

  • Best: Helinox Chair Zero – Lightweight, durable, and extremely packable.

  • Budget: REI Co-op Camp Skyward Chair – Comfortable and affordable with good durability.

Camp Kitchen:

1. Blackstone Griddle

   • Best: Blackstone 22" Tabletop Griddle – Reliable, powerful, and perfect for outdoor cooking.

   • Budget/alternative: Royal Gourmet Portable Propane Griddle – Less expensive but still offers decent cooking performance.

2. Coolers

   • Best: YETI Tundra 75 – Legendary ice retention and durability, built for tough outdoor trips. 65 would do just fine, too.

   • Budget: Igloo BMX 52-Quart Cooler – Affordable cooler with solid insulation for the price.

3. Table

   • Best: Lifetime Height Adjustable Folding Utility Table – Sturdy, adjustable, and portable.

   • Budget: REDCAMP Folding Camping Table – Inexpensive, lightweight, and still functional for cooking and prep.

4. Mixing Bowls & Cutting Boards

Hunting Gear:

1. Headlamp

   • Best: Petzl Tactikka +RGB Headlamp – Compact with multiple light settings for hunting.

   • Budget: Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp – Great performance for the price, reliable with good battery life.

2. Skinning Knife

   • Best: Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter – For hunters who prefer a fixed-blade knife with top-tier craftsmanship, this compact knife is made from premium steel (S30V), ensuring long-lasting sharpness and durability. It’s easy to maneuver for skinning, and while pricier, it’s built to last for years, making it a worthy investment for serious hunters.

   • Budget: Havalon Piranta Z – Affordable with replaceable blades, perfect for skinning on a budget.

3. Game Bags

   • Best: Born & Raised Game bags – Durable, breathable, and reusable. I love their content and highly recommend these bags.

   • Budget: Allen Backcountry Quarter Bags – Cost-effective, lightweight, and disposable game bags.

4. Backpack

   • Best: Mystery Ranch Metcalf – Premium hunting backpack built for carrying heavy loads and gear.

   • Budget: ALPS OutdoorZ Commander + Pack Bag – Affordable and sturdy for hauling meat and gear.

5. Binoculars

   • Best: Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 – Clear optics with solid performance for spotting at distance.

   • Budget: Bushnell Trophy XLT 10x42 – Budget-friendly binoculars offering decent clarity and durability.

6. Range Finder

   • Best: Leupold RX-1600i TBR/W – Reliable, accurate rangefinder with advanced features.

   • Budget: Vortex Range Finder– Affordable and accurate with simple features for a great price.

7. Tripod

   • Best: Vortex Summit SS-P Tripod – Lightweight, stable, and built for use with spotting scopes.

   • Budget: Vanguard VEO 2 204AB – Inexpensive, compact, and still stable for glassing.

Clothes:

1. Rain Gear

   • Best: Sitka Gear Cloudburst Jacket and Pants – Waterproof, breathable, and made for rugged use.

   • Budget: Frogg Toggs All-Sport Rain Suit – Extremely affordable, waterproof, and functional in wet conditions.

2. Puffy Jacket & Vest

   • Best: Kuiu Super Down Pro Jacket & Vest – Ultralight, packable, and incredibly warm.

   • Budget: REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket – Affordable down insulation, decent warmth for the price.

3. Hiking Boots

   • Best: Crispi Nevada GTX – Top-tier hunting boots for rugged terrain and all-day comfort.

   • Budget: Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX – Lightweight, waterproof, and budget-friendly hiking boots.

4. Boot Gaiters

   • Best: Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters – Tough, waterproof, and built for serious use.

   • Budget: Kenetrek Hunting Gaiters – Affordable yet durable gaiters that protect against the elements.

These options cover a range of needs and budgets, ensuring everyone on the trip can get reliable gear whether they want top-tier performance or are sticking to a tighter budget.