For the Economy Minded :)

[WapitiTalk1]

Do you have any "inexpensive" pieces of gear that in your opinion, works just a good as a more expensive version of the same item?

An example would be Cabela's STK-3 Three-Blade Broadheads vs a more expensive 3 blade (I've never used a Cabelas BH but just making an example).

Whaddya you say?

[pointysticks]

Easy. My Mora companion knife. $12!

[Indian Summer]

I use quality merino base layers and top of the line outerwear... but my mid layer top is just a 100% polyester shirt. No need for Under Armor or any other brand names... just polyester. I have some camo poly shirts from Wal Mart that are perfectly fine for their job. At the end of the season they sell them cheaper than dirt.

[BrentLaBere]

Old pair of ski poles that I used for hiking with heavy loads. I have to be honest though, I want to replace them with some collapsible trekking poles for weight and storing purposes. My bow might be considered inexpensive at less than 400$ by most peoples standards but I am not sure that counts.

[zpd307]

I bought my bow used on ebay, shipped for $225. a 2 year old bear attack. does that count?

[Swede]

I pick up things at thrift stores, Mal-Wart. and garage sales. I find good clothes, great knives, game bags at different places Broad heads at Mal-Wart have been real cheap. One of my best finds at a garage sale was a great tent that set me back just $50, and I like my Champion generator.

[timberland]

Instead of a wall tent I use the white "carport" with a sleeping tent stuck under the end. Also using my pack frame/daypack instead of a big pack (hornhunter, etc.) for a solo trip.

[Toby]

Easy. My Mora companion knife. $12!

I have the same one.

[ctdad]

I have a retail problem. Only budget item I can think of is my pack rain cover I got at wal Mart

[Olydog09]

Rei back packing battery operated lamp. It is small and lightweight and can also be used as a pretty bright flashlight. It was my favorite gear purchase last year. http://www.rei.com/product/850176/uco-c ... reviewsTab

Light my fire Spork $2.

Military Surplus wool pants for mid to late season hunting.

Rain gear. I bought the Russell APx Cyclone jacket when I found it on sale for $50.00 I am still trying to find the pants. I just can not see spending $250-$300 per item on rain gear. BTW the Russell Cyclone gear is fabulous.

[Indian Summer]

I just can not see spending $250-$300 per item on rain gear.

Ha ha... funny how we can all be on different pages. Pricey raingear could be in my future. I have Rivers West. I hate it. Too heavy. Takes days to dry. I like Helly Hansen Impertech but it's a bit much to pack around. I've become a big fan of Sitka Gear. Last year I did some guiding in Wyoming with a guy from Dutch Harbor Alaska. He had Sitka raingear, I believe it was Downpour, and he loved it. I checked it out and it truly was very nice. Very durable too. That dude wore it every day rain snow or shine and beat the hell out of it. Sitka's forte is that their clothes are for mobile hunters and don't restrict movement at all. To have that feature and also be 100% water proof is priceless.

[ctdad]

I've been soaking wet in the mountains and my cheap rain gear didn't seem like a deal at that moment. I would spend a lot on staying dry after that

[Elkduds]

You can find gear bargains on the net and many other places. My wall tent, stove, propane heater, frame pack, binocs, rifle, leupold scope, army-issue goretex rainwear, reloading dies, locator beacon, walkie talkies, Etrex GPS, cabelas orange pack vest, and much more of my gear was purchased lightly used via internet, for less than half of retail. There are hunting-oriented classifieds here, on Rokslide,com, and many other places. This and other forums discuss opinions RE gear performance, so you can hear from those who tried, before you buy. Expect dissenting opinions, here come one now: I really like my Rivers West Spider waterproof jacket. Some hunters have to get the newest/most high tech gear, and get rid of gear they didn't like or use much, so they sell it online. Barter or swapping is another way to get or upgrade gear. I swapped a vintage Mitchell 300 reel for my vintage Coleman 2 mantle kerosene lantern. Gearing up is a major offseason pursuit for many hunters, it is discussed here daily. We have bow stories, tent tales, boot sagas we love to share. We depend on hunting gear to contribute to the most important days or weeks of our year, it becomes personal to us.

[husky390]

Columbia outlet store had rain pants for $18.00. Craigslist is a favorite of mine as well.

[jmez]

I have a pair or Kryptek Alaois pants and I think they function just as well as the Sitka Mountain Pant. I own both.

Core4 element merino base layers. I have not worn used First Lite or any of the others but don't know how they could be any better? The stuff isn't itchy, and this will be year 4 on the first shirt that I bought. I bought a few of them and I still only have one that is out of the package. I don't treat it special, wash it right along with all the rest of my stuff and line dry. A steal at $39 IMO.

[Lefty]

I use the $12.00 Energizer head lamps
I also use some cheap tents
I use used carpet for a super ground cloth under the tent, gets rid of some of the lumps and bumps
I bought a 7x8 1/2 closed cell pad cheap at an Army surplus years ago:,.pads the tent floor even more

Some guys may scream, but I buy "cheap " $90-100 boots from Cabelas

All of my emergency gloves hat, were cheap lightweight fleece .50- $1.00
Most of my clothes are middle of the road bought on sale

Wet Wipes Ill make myself, tough cleaning cloth 16x 16 and in a ziplock a cup of water and a cup of peroxide
My scent free boxes are Plano sportsmans box $21.00 including shipping

[zpd307]

lefty, you are a diamond maker

[WapitiTalk1]

Just got a new piece of 'thrifty gear' in the mail today. Time will tell if it's durable. I own a handful of headlamps including a zebra light (it's the wide beam, flood light model). It's an exceptional camp or perhaps field dressing light but it not good for a long range, concentrated beam light. Thought I'd try this little $30 ExtremeBeam OSR 800 to fit that gap. Holy spotter beam Batman, this thing has a very bright, far reaching beam and can be adjusted to a great trail floodlight. If it's durable, it's the bargain of the year for me.

[otcWill]

I buy the cheap QAD rests $50. Get your centershot right and you won't need any of the features on the HDX ($150).

I also have a few knives but my go to is a super cheap fillet $10

GPS: havn't used mine in 6 years for anything other than to tel the time. Maps/compass=very cheap, lighter and I don't need to carry batts

[otcWill]

Forgot to add Redram merino layers from Sierra trading post. Cheapest merino I can find and is high quality just not camo but the elk don't seem to mind

[Lark Bunting]

I picked up some more clothing yesterday off craigslist. Included was a pair of pants from field and stream for $15. I compared them to the cabelas microtex and swear it's the exact same material.

[zpd307]

craigslist is a handy tool!

[Lefty]

lefty, you are a diamond maker

Just cheap/broke!

I dont like to have stuff run my life Im patient and wait for what I want to buy for a price Im willing to pay,.. doesnt seem to work too well on a new truck