As many fellow mule deer hunters know, hunting in the highcountry can be punishing. Temperatures can be 80 degrees one day and snowing the next. Being prepared with a good system of layering your clothing is essential to being comfortable and potentially saving you life in the backcountry. 

The philosophy behind the layering system is to regulate your body temperature so that you are dry and warm in severe conditions while dry and cool when temperatures begin to rise.  This is achieved by removing or adding layers as conditions require.  To be prepared for any conditions that the western highcountry might throw at you, you will need 3 layers including the core layer, the insulation layer, and the outer layer.

CORE LAYER:

The core layer is one of the most important layers in the system. This is the layer that lies against your body and is responsible for determining what happens with the moisture your body produces. A poor moisture wicking base layer can soak up sweat, cool off, and turn dangerously cold against your body. This is what often happens with cotton materials. Many of you have been walking to the top of a ridge, sweating like crazy, and stop to glass a hillside. After a few minutes of glassing, your soaked cotton base layer are freezing you to the point where you have to start walking again.  Innovative manufacturers are now creating base layers that help wick the moisture away from you body and dry extremely quickly.

One of two base layer products that I would recommend for any conditions is Under Armour Loose Gear. This base layer has the ability to pull moisture away from the skin and then dry at relatively quick pace. This will allow you stop walking and not freeze.

Option two, and probably the most innovative apparel manufacturer on the market is Sitka Gear. I would recommend their traverse base layering system to any hunter that will be braving the highcountry. This base layer incorporates all the features need to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable in almost all situations. Their moisture wicking system incorporates the best in moisture reduction and layer drying time out there.  To get further information on this base layer and more products offered by Sitka please check out the following link: http://www.diggsoutdoors.com/sitka.html.

INSULATION LAYER:

The insulation layer is vital as an upper body transitional layer. You will want to have a product that is light, warm, and comfortable against your core layer, and be able to take this layer on and off as conditions change. An insulation vest or jacket that you can quickly take off or put on will really help you keep comfortable whiling hunting or hiking. There are several options out there that work for the insulation layer but there are two that I feel are the best on the market.

Option one is the 4X micro fleece best by browning. This vest incorporates a light weight fleece material that is quiet, breathable, and easily removable when temperatures rise.

Option two is another product manufactured by Sitka Gear. The Sitka Celsius Vest incorporates all of the above mentioned features of the browning vest, but also includes a higher quality water resistant outside and an extension of the moisture wicking capabilities that begin with the Sitka traverse base layer. To view details on this product please visit Sitka’s product catalog for features at http://www.sitkagear.com/Info/Catalog.aspx .

OUTER LAYER:

The outer layer is extremely important to blocking the severe elements that highcountry hunting can offer. Whether its rain, wind, or snow, you will want outer wear that will stop these elements from penetrating to your core. 

Option one is the browning Quiet-Plus Jacket and Pant. This jacket will give you water resistant capability while blocking wind in a light weight design.

Option two by Sitka Gear will complete your layering system for any condition that the mountains can throw at you.  The Sitka 90% Jacket and Pant is the ultimate for all weather conditions. This outer layer is quiet, extremely water resistant, breathable, light, and very comfort fitting. You will be able to stay warm, dry, and comfortable in most all weather. To view this product please visit  http://www.diggsoutdoors.com/sitka.html.

With that said, there are many options to choose from but in my opinion it pays to purchase higher quality products that are durable and function like you need them to in the field. The product that I have suggested are more expensive than most but they are the best on the market. Even though you might spend a bit more money on these products, they will last much longer than cheaper options and will really make you more comfortable in harsh conditions. They are definitely worth the investment.

Good luck hunting and stay warm.

Samuel Diggle

Owner/CEO

www.diggsoutdoors.com

A spotting scope is a crucial piece of equipment that tends to be forgotten and under utilized by many western big game hunters. As probably common for a significant population of hunters, several factors can contribute to the removal of this successful hunting tool on your next big game adventure. The price of the spotting scope, having to carry the extra weight in your pack, or a lack of long range glassing terrain in your hunting area can definitely lead many hunters to steer away from this optical gear.

As you probably are the same as me, I am always thinking about hunting and how more times then not “that big one got away”.  Over the past few years I have developed better hunting strategies that have helped me harvest those animals that seemed to slip away in the past. I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish this without maximum use of a spotting scope. As with spending more time in the field, patterning animals, and studying terrain, using a spotting scope will definitely allow you to see more animals. It will also allow you to see animals without them seeing or smelling you first. This is a key element to harvesting bigger animals.

For most of you, as with I, spending $2,000 on a spotting scope is out of the question. Thankfully, several quality spotting scopes on the market will help you see more animals while not forcing you to take a loan out to purchase the scope. Here are 4 spotting scopes that I feel are quality products at a decent price.

Bushnell Excursion 15-45x 60mm ED Spotting Scope

Selling for just over $300, this spotting scope has features that will satisfy many hunters. This waterproof scope has a large objective with 45x power zoom capabilities in a relatively compact design. Despite giving up some edge to edge clarity at longer distances, this scope will do the job for those on a tight budget.

Leupold Golden Ring 15-30x50mm Compact Spotting Scope

Selling for $399, this spotting scope delivers multiple features to hunters that want to combine light weight with quality. The Golden Ring line is the highest quality that Leupold has to offer in spotting scopes and this spotter is no exception. Weighing in at 21.5oz., and just over 11in. in length, this scope can be placed in any back country pack without taking up much room or weight. Although there is a bit of sacrifice in only have 30x magnification and 50mm objective, this scope delivers clear edge to edge viewing in all light conditions. This scope also offers a rugged water proof design and full lifetime warranty that increases the reasons to purchase this scope. Please go to www.diggsoutdoors.com for further scope details or purchasing options.

Burris Landmark 20-60x80mm Spotting Scope

 Selling for a very reasonable $260, this spotting scope offers long range viewing capabilities at an economical price. The large objective and 60x magnification gives you the ability to spot animals at long distances. This scope is on the larger side of spotting scopes which requires extra space in your pack. There is some sacrifice in viewing quality, especially at long distances, but this scope will do the job for the average hunter.

Leupold Golden Ring 12-40x60mm HD Spotting Scope

The final spotting scope is the one for you if you who have a bit more money to spend on a top of the line scope without paying $2,000 for it. This scope offers HD quality that rivals the best scopes on the market for $1,200. This spotter offers HD clarity, edge to edge precision in any light condition, and 40x magnification. With a 60mm objective, your field of view is bright and crisp at the longest of distances. You will have the ability to view terrain for long periods of time with minimal eye discomfort and improve your chances at catching that big animal on your next hunt. This scope also offers a rugged water proof design and full lifetime warranty. Please go to www.diggsoutdoors.com to get further scope details or purchasing options.

Good luck on your next hunting adventure.

Samuel Diggle

Owner, CEO

Diggs Outdoors LLC

www.diggsoutdoors.com

You want to start steelhead fishing, but don’t know which rod will fit your needs while staying within your budget. Rogue Rods, Fenwick, G-Loomis, and St. Croix are some of the many choices out there for bait/lure steelheaders. This article will try to assist with making that choice easier.

The two most important questions that you will need to answer are “how much will I use the rod” and “how much can I spend”?  With rods ranging from $75 to over $300, the answer to the above questions will really help you decide how much to spend.  There are several good rods out there for the occasional steelheader that will perform well without spending too much. For those of you that are lucky enough to spend many hours on the river, or have enough money to afford a top of the line rod, you can definitely invest in the advantages that higher quality rods offer.

I believe that the four rods listed below will satisfy most steelhead fishing needs, whether it’s price, quality, or both.

1)      Fenwick HMX 2-Piece Spinning Rod at $99.95

This fast-taper, fast-action IM7 graphite rod offers light weight, and quick hookset ability at a very reasonable price. This particular rod has a line weight from 4-15lbs that will allow you good feel and enough back bone to land most smaller steelhead. Along with the above mentioned qualities, Fenwick is a well known manufacturer that stands behind the rods that they manufacture. This rod is a great value for the steelhead fisherman that is getting in the sport, but might not have the budget to spend on the higher priced rods.

2)  St. Croix Wild River 2-Piece Spinning Rod at $150

This premium quality SC graphite rod gives you outstanding strength and sensitivity. With medium/heavy power, and fast action this 8-17lb line weight rod will land many different size steelhead on various sized rivers. St. Croix rods definitely can be considered as a best bang for your buck rod. This rod is reasonably priced for a quality rod.

3)        Rogue Rods 9’6” Steelhead Rod  at $233

In my opinion, this rod manufacturer offers top quality rods that perform with the best manufactured rods out there, while not priced as high as some of the other top of the line rods.  This 8-17lb medium power moderate action will allow you the feel to hook 5lb steelhead, and the back bone land a 20lb monster.  Backed with Rogue Rods quality hand made manufacturing process, and guarantee against defect in materials and workmanship, this rod will land steelhead for a lifetime. Visit www.diggsoutdoors.com to view additional details on this rod and all rods manufactured by Rogue Rods.

4)  G-Loomis Steelhead Series Rod at $350

For those of you that the ability to spend the money on a great steelhead rod, G-Loomis offers rods that are at the top of the line.  This 8-17lb line weight medium power fast action rod gives you the ability to catch almost any steelhead out there. A combination of feel, power, and quality really make this rod a great product for the avid steelheader. 

In closing, if you can afford to purchase a Rogue or G-Loomis rod, then you will definitely be on the river with the best stick out there. But, if you choose one of the lesser priced rods above, you will still get a decent rod that will perform relatively well in most cases. Good luck and good steelheading.  See you on the river.

Samuel Diggle

www.diggsoutdoors.com