Jose Gardner’s 2022 Gear Picks
This past year, I did a little less shooting than I usually would, though in an arguably wider scope of scenarios. While I didn’t change kit a ton, there are a few items that I added that have really paid off. Let’s briefly cover them below.
First and foremost, the one I’m kicking myself for not buying sooner: the QDT V2 from Two Vets Tripods Inc. While I rarely think anything is a ’one size fits all,’ this joker comes very close. Being tall enough for a 6’+ man to glass at full standing, stable enough to shoot off at full standing, light and slender enough to carry on ruck matches and into the backwoods, and extremely fast to deploy, the QDT V2 has become the one piece of gear I don’t leave home without. While it’s admittedly long while packed down, the narrow head means that it packs down the side of a ruck with ease. At less than 4 lbs for just the legs, it really does outpunch most any tripod in its weight class when it comes to ease of use and stability. And one unique purpose I used it for: a center pole for a tipi. My partner for Mammoth and I chose to rock this bad boy in lieu of a lighter tripod and simply left our center pole at home. Worked great, frankly simplified setting up the tent, and really helped our shooting throughout the match.
https://twovetssportinggoods.com/qdt-v2/
Speaking of our Tipi tent, let me introduce you to a great new offering: The Absaroka 4P tent from Argali outdoors. After a less than stellar camping experience at Mammoth 2022 and with a fall high country mule deer hunt coming up, I set out to find a better way. The Absaroka checks tons of boxes. Easy to set up, check. Super light for the space provided, check. (34 oz with stakes and jack insert). Tent stove compatible, check. Super compact when packed, also check. We spent 4 blustery November nights in Colorado high country with 20 degree sleeping bags and a titanium stove, and this set up kept us more than comfortable with satisfactory space for 2 men and gear. Then for Mammoth where no stove was taken, it had ample space for 2 men and 3 days of match shooting gear. While not the cheapest option out there, the Absaroka 4p does come in at a price below some of it’s peers while matching or beating in quality and versatility. I cannot recommend it enough.
https://argalioutdoors.com/products/absaroka-4p-tent
Keeping with the theme of light and versatile, I decided this year to add a puffy top and bottom to my clothing layering system. After some research, I landed on the XKG Down Transition Jacket and Pant combo. At 26 oz combined and an ability to compress into their own pockets, these babies are light and easy to carry and pack a whole lot of warmth. On my Colorado Muley hunt, If I was sitting still, I likely had these on. For my entire white tail season, I would basically walk into the stand light, and then don these for warmth. Prevented a whole lot of sitting in my own sweat. Then they made the trek with me to Mammoth for the cold nights and mornings where it’s easy to lose your mental edge. A great feature about them to for you back country hunters, is frankly they can be worn inside your sleeping bag to make it like you have 2 sleeping bags. Basically, a great safety blanket for camping in unpredictable weather.
https://www.kingscamo.com/collections/xkg-series
The final piece of gear that continuously finds itself in my Kit is the Medium Recon Kit Bag from Hill People Gear. Historically a more minimalist fan when it came to chest harnesses, I decided to try this rig after needing to be able to carry ammo on my chest. The molle strapping has allowed me to add a bino harness, mag pouches, and even a pistol holster to the front. The two pockets on the inside allow for concealed carry on hikes, carrying tools, ammo, and even score cards for quick access, and also keeps it nice and tight to the chest without a lot of flop. The longer side and shoulder straps also make it quick and easy to adjust length depending on what layers need to be worn underneath. I have now used this rig for hikes, Run and guns, NRL hunter matches, hikes, hunts, and even while riding side by sides where a belt pistol holster isn’t really convenient. If you can see a theme in my list is versatility, this kit may take the cake in the versatility category.
https://hillpeoplegear.com/Products/CategoryID/1/ProductID/193
