BackofBeyond
Well-known member
It's that time of year folks. Although I've got a couple more trips on the docket, it's time to put 2024, and it's equipment, to rest - time to evaluate and plan what's coming up for 2025.
What worked:
Maven RS1.2 2.5-15x44 - I wasn't sure how I'd like a FFP scope, but after some practice and just getting used to it, I actually kind of like it. This scope is solid. While packing out my elk I strapped my rifle to my pack, then took a couple unintentional barrel rolls down the mountain. The type of fall where I'd almost expect my scope to lose zero - nada. Still dead on. I ran it through the gambit this summer, it tracks consistent, returns to zero consistently, glass quality is on par with other more expensive scopes. This one really punches above it's weight class.
Sitka Ambient Hoody - still one of my favorite pieces of clothing, year after year. Insulates when you need it, somehow dumps heat when you're really exert yourself.
Stone Glacier Chilkoot 15 - I bought this one last spring to replace a 15+ year old REI bag and wish I would have done it much sooner. Ample room through the shoulders without it feeling sloppy. I'm a side sleeper and even though it's loose the bag manages to stick with me while rolling from one side to the other. It's "rated" to 15 degrees, and kept me comfortable all the way down and past to that temperature.
What didn't:
Kenetrek Bridger High - I picked these up because I was looking for something lighter and they just aren't for me. Even though they are the regular (not wide) size, they're still to wide for me. By the time I get them laced up tight enough to keep the ball of my foot secure it cuts off all blood flow and my feet go numb. Loosen the laces and my feet slide all over the place. I've tried two different aftermarket insoles and I just can't find a combination that works. For the time being I've been wearing them for chores etc, and will probably work for backpacking trips this summer where I'll be on trail the entire time, but add in any off camber side hilling with them and I'm out.
Leupold SX-4 15-45 Spotter - There's nothing really "wrong" with the spotter. It works for what it is, but after jumping on the NL Pure train, using the spotter is just underwhelming. I've basically stopped carrying it because it's heavy and I don't use it. It'll probably get relegated to "in the truck" glass.
What worked:
Maven RS1.2 2.5-15x44 - I wasn't sure how I'd like a FFP scope, but after some practice and just getting used to it, I actually kind of like it. This scope is solid. While packing out my elk I strapped my rifle to my pack, then took a couple unintentional barrel rolls down the mountain. The type of fall where I'd almost expect my scope to lose zero - nada. Still dead on. I ran it through the gambit this summer, it tracks consistent, returns to zero consistently, glass quality is on par with other more expensive scopes. This one really punches above it's weight class.
Sitka Ambient Hoody - still one of my favorite pieces of clothing, year after year. Insulates when you need it, somehow dumps heat when you're really exert yourself.
Stone Glacier Chilkoot 15 - I bought this one last spring to replace a 15+ year old REI bag and wish I would have done it much sooner. Ample room through the shoulders without it feeling sloppy. I'm a side sleeper and even though it's loose the bag manages to stick with me while rolling from one side to the other. It's "rated" to 15 degrees, and kept me comfortable all the way down and past to that temperature.
What didn't:
Kenetrek Bridger High - I picked these up because I was looking for something lighter and they just aren't for me. Even though they are the regular (not wide) size, they're still to wide for me. By the time I get them laced up tight enough to keep the ball of my foot secure it cuts off all blood flow and my feet go numb. Loosen the laces and my feet slide all over the place. I've tried two different aftermarket insoles and I just can't find a combination that works. For the time being I've been wearing them for chores etc, and will probably work for backpacking trips this summer where I'll be on trail the entire time, but add in any off camber side hilling with them and I'm out.
Leupold SX-4 15-45 Spotter - There's nothing really "wrong" with the spotter. It works for what it is, but after jumping on the NL Pure train, using the spotter is just underwhelming. I've basically stopped carrying it because it's heavy and I don't use it. It'll probably get relegated to "in the truck" glass.
