My Dad and the guys at Deer Camp would give me a hard time if I didn't include a classic wool shirt in this category. The men at Deer Camp wear a lot of wool apparel and I have learned of the many benefits from them. I still wear my wool hunting shirt probably 95% of the time when it's cold out. Furthermore, Pendleton is the first name in quality wool clothes and they are known for their button-down wool shirts. They have come a ways with wool shirts not as well and can now machine wash them!
If you're into knives at all you most likely know about Benchmade. They're one of those household names that carries with it the weight of generations of reliable quality and American made pride. This particular folding knife is a chip off the old block and it's made with CPM-S30V (58-60 HRC) steel! I don't claim to be a metalurgist but I got my Dad a knife made from S30V steel and it truly does hold an amazing edge. This will undoubtedly become one of your favorite knives!
If you're rifle hunting you're likely going to want quality optics. A relative newcomer on the block is Vortex Optics. I try not to be biased, as a WI native, but they are making waves and challenging the likes of Leupold, Nikon and others. Vortex makes some fantastic optics at multiple price points but where they really stand out is in their customer service and their Unlimited Lifetime Warranty. This particular scope can handle almost all situations and it is a fantastic value at a reasonable price point.
As I've mentioned a man needs to be prepared and have the right gear. I, as many others, take this to a science when I'm hunting. There is a lot of gear and tools I take with me when hunting. It's been refined over the years and I need a pack that can handle all that gear and stand up to the miles and weather that I subject my packs too. I love the features that Badlands includes in their packs. They really understand the needs of a hunter and this pack has it all for any hunt!
You've probably seen the guys on TV hunting shows now wearing the fancy new technical camouflage apparel. This may fall in that category but believe me they're worth it. Especially created for the demands of long treks in mountains on high country hunting trips, these pants are truly awesome. I have a pair and they're not only my favorite hunting pants, they're the most comfortable pants that I own! The ergonomic fit and details such as a grippy waistband and abrasion resistant inner cuff are difference makers.
To be completely candid, in the past our hunting gang had always used screw in steps for our tree stands. Now because they are generally frowned upon or outlawed we have turned to strap on steps. These Muddy Pro Sticks are pretty much the top of the line for strap on climbing sticks. They are safe and incredibly quick and quiet to set up. This means you'll get your stand set up quicker and more quietly, especially those that are looking to hang and hunt that day to move a lot.