Hunting Gear
Rifles, optics, packs, clothing, and calls for Idaho's big game seasons
Backcountry Hunting
Multi-day pack setups, camp gear, and weight optimization for remote hunts
Fly Fishing Gear
Rods, reels, flies, waders, and accessories for Idaho's legendary waters
Overlanding Gear
Vehicle recovery, camping setups, and navigation for Idaho's backcountry roads
Gear Philosophy
Buy Once, Cry Once
Quality gear lasts longer and performs better. We recommend investing in key items that will serve you for years rather than replacing cheap alternatives repeatedly.
Idaho-Specific
Our recommendations are tailored for Idaho's unique conditions—from the high desert of the Owyhees to the dense timber of the Clearwater. One size doesn't fit all.
Function Over Fashion
We prioritize performance and durability. Every recommendation is based on real-world use in Idaho's backcountry, not marketing hype.
Gearing Up for Idaho Adventures
Idaho's outdoor opportunities span an incredible range of environments and activities, from high-alpine elk hunts in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness to technical fly fishing on spring creeks like Silver Creek, and from multi-day overlanding expeditions through the Owyhee Canyonlands to dawn patrols for steelhead on the Clearwater. Each pursuit demands specific gear tailored to the conditions, and getting it right can mean the difference between an epic adventure and a miserable experience.
The Idaho Difference
What makes Idaho unique from a gear perspective is the diversity of conditions you'll encounter. Morning temperatures can drop into the 20s while afternoon sun pushes into the 70s—sometimes in the same day. Elevation changes of 5,000 feet or more are common on many hunts. Rivers range from warm-water bass fisheries to frigid freestone streams where hypothermia is a real concern. This variability demands versatile, layered systems rather than single-purpose gear.
Weight considerations also matter more in Idaho than many other western states. With vast wilderness areas and limited road access, backcountry hunters often pack deep into remote country where every ounce counts. Similarly, overlanders venturing into the Owyhee Front or the Frank Church must be self-sufficient for days at a time, requiring careful balance between bringing enough and bringing too much.
Investing Wisely
We approach gear recommendations with a "buy once, cry once" philosophy, but that doesn't mean everything needs to be top-of-the-line. The key is identifying which items genuinely benefit from premium construction and which adequate alternatives exist. A quality tent or sleeping bag can last decades and is worth the investment. A basic first aid kit serves the same purpose regardless of brand.
Our guides break down each category to help you understand where to invest and where to save. We also recognize that everyone starts somewhere—budget options are included where performance-to-price ratio is reasonable, with upgrade paths noted for when you're ready to level up your kit.
Local Knowledge
These recommendations come from boots-on-the-ground experience in Idaho's backcountry. We've tested gear across seasons and conditions, from summer steelhead runs to late-season rifle hunts in knee-deep snow. Local fly shops, outfitters, and experienced outdoorsmen have shaped these lists over years of refinement. We update recommendations as new products prove themselves and old favorites are discontinued.