SHOT SHOW 2017 is a wrap for me and like always, I have put together a list of the items I saw that impressed me the most. Granted, I did not see everything and I am sure I missed some excellent products. Next year, I will stay longer and attempt the impossible and see it all.
Here is a run down of the best I found at the show. Some of the brands you will recognize – but the offerings are new and expected to have great results in 2017.
Weatherby Mark V Ultra Lightweight in 6.5 Creedmoor
Weatherby Mark V Ultra Lightweight in 6.5 Creedmoor
When you are miles from your truck, ounces mean a lot more than when you can drive to your stand. These ounces feel like pounds when trudging at high elevation. Weatherby Mark V has been a legendary rifle for decades. The Ultra Lightweight is not new to 2017, but it is such a great rifle, it needs mentioning as one of the best finds at this years SHOT SHOW. Couple this great rifle with the Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor a caliber designed by Hornady Cartridge company in 2007 as a competition round has fast become a favored round for hunters. Closely related to the .308 the 6.5 Creedmoor is an excellent round for all game species with ballistics close to the .300 Win. Mag with a lot less recoil.
The Weatherby Mark V Ultra Lightweight is one of the best ‘Made in America’ rifles still available. Being offered in twelve popular calibers from the .240 Wby. Mag. All the way to the .300 Win. Mag. There is an offering for you.
Sitka Gear – Women’s Apparel
The standard set by Sitka Gear continues with this new offering designed specifically for female hunters. Sitka continues to turn clothing into gear with their technology of not only tailoring the clothing to fit the female body, but also with the linings, and insulation that is designed to enhance the comfort for women. Sitka scientist researched how women perspire, and how heat is retained and lost in the female body as compared to men. What they realized is that the female body dissipated heat differently and in different places. This enables Sitka to build their clothing to enhance the comfort of female hunters. From adding insulation to specific areas, and removing insulation from other areas, this clothing is designed to not only fit the female hunter, but also to protect and enhance the adventure of the female hunter.
The Sitka Gear female line is offered in all of their primary camouflage lines from the open country, elevated and new sub-alpine and in all levels from base layers to storm tops. This is definitely something female hunters need to look at for comfort clothing.
ThermaCell – Backpack unit
It is no secret that I am a huge ThermaCell fan. I still believe nothing has revolutionized the sport of hunting as has the ThermaCell mosquito appliances. Once again they have designed a great companion to the arsenal against these pests. Introducing their Backpacker unit. Weighing merely 3.5 ounces this unit attaches directly to your butane tank for your stove. With a burn time approaching 90 hours, this little unit is a MUST have for warm weather camping. Simply replace the pads when needed and let it work around your campsite, under your hammock or wherever you are. The appliance sits directly on top of the fuel can so stability is not an issue. This is one product I will be buying as soon as they are available!
Zeiss Conquest Spotting Scope 85MM
Carl Zeiss the world’s leader in optics for all arenas has designed an excellent spotting scope for their Conquest line. With an objective lens of 85mm, this scope is designed to find the most elusive game animals. Weighing in at 60 ounces and measuring 15.6 Inches, the Conquest spotting scope is at a price point for high end scopes most can afford. It’s a tad big for backpacking into the high country, but from base camp, or forest roads, it is the ticket for spotting game at great distances.
Yeti Jugs –
The world’s leader in premium coolers and stainless accessories.Yeti has designed another product for 2017 that is once again creating an entirely new market. Introducing the Yeti Jug. Available in both a half gallon and one gallon size, the stainless steel jug can hold a family size of sweet tea for those picnics. Or enough soup to feed a full blind of cold duck hunters.
The magnetic cap is genius. Enabling users to safely secure the cap directly to the lid via, built-in magnets. These magnets are strong and able to hold the lid easily. Some of the greatest ideas are the simplest. Yeti covers the gamut from scientific advances coupled with simple thought process for everyday users.
