Rokslide staff and Moderator favorite gear picks for 2023. Only things the Rokstaff love more than hunting is testing out gear. With over 365 combined days in the field, you can rest assured that anything you see recommended here has been through the ringer. When I have a gear question these are the guys, I personally call for advice. What’s your favorite staffers go-to piece of gear for 2023? Let’s find out-
Robby Denning-
Robby might be best known for his love of big mule deer. You can’t kill what you can’t see so Robby’s top recommendation shouldn’t surprise anyone. The Swarovski ATC 17-40x56mm spotter. This spotting scope punches way above its compact size, and Robby found himself reaching for it on every occasion rendering the rest of his optics collecting dust in the safe. Only “upgrade” he might make is switching to the straight version in 2024. Review here- Swarovski ATC Compact Spotting Scope Review - Rokslide
SafriFlex 15 Tenttipi- Amazing the amount of interior space created by pitching this 20’ diameter 15-man Tipi, best of all, even a solo guy can get it setup in less than 15 minutes. The Safriflex is made of lightweight canvas so warm in the winter without any condensation while also staying cooler during the summer months. One feature that really adds versatility is the ability to lift the sides and the tent can shelter over 500 square feet. Check out the review here- Tentipi Safirflex 15 Review - Rokslide and the video here- Tentipi Safirflex 15 Man Review (youtube.com)
Robby’s failure this season was a Moultrie mobile edge trail camera. While the edge was replaced hassle free under warranty, Robby upgraded the new Edge pro while waiting. Wow, the features of the pro include FTE false trigger elimination where you can remove objects from trigger the cameras even when they are within the field of view. Live aim, you can pair your smart phone to the camera and see through the lens real time when setting it up to ensure the best field of view to capture your images. Species recognition, artificial intelligence can recognize the difference between bucks and does and only trigger the camera on bucks. This saves battery life and saves your time sorting through the pictures you are most interested in.
Favorite snack is Jodi’s homemade mix of chocolate chips, chopped dates, and honey roasted peanuts. Salty, sweet, and full of calories.
Kyle Virgin moderator SLDMNT
Kyle’s top pick was the First Lite Brooks Range sweater. While skeptical at first of the sweater Kyle found that he put it in pack every single trip this season. Wearing it either as an outer layer or layered under a hard shell, this lite weight piece has become a staple in the high country.
Something else that became a staple was the Stone Glacier Cirque vest. This soft-shell vest was the perfect amount of insulation under a set of rain gear when exerting a lot of energy climbing Alaska’s steepest mountain ranges.
For an honorable mention is the Alpine Hunter Knife made by BAC Knives out of Canada. Replacing Kyle’s havlon style capers with this hardened CPM M4 steel blade, made short work of a sheep this season without needing to be touched up for the next hunt.
Favorite meal/snack is Alpine Fuel Caramel Apple. Eat with cold water on hot day or warmed up like a hot piece of apple pie on a frosty morning, this never disappoints.
Jordan Budd
Jordan’s favorite upgrade this year was the Outdoorsman’s gen 2 pan head. The same amazing features of the original Outdoorsman pan head but with additional functionality of Arca Swiss compatibility while still retaining the ability to accept Outdoorsman plates. The gen 2 pan head now has a load capacity 20lbs.
Jordan’s been using the Crispi Brikstal boots for many years (review here- Crispi Briksdal GTX Review - Rokslide) so when she found out Crispi released a pro version, it was a no brainer to try them out. With an added 200-gram insulation and 2” more height (10” total) Jordan ...
