4 Overpriced Pieces of Backcountry Gear I'll Pay For

Рет қаралды 42,903

Ай бұрын

Some new backcountry gear that I have used and tested over several seasons of guiding elk, deer and bear hunters. You might look at these items and think they are way overpriced for what they are... However, I found the value in them over time and use in the field. They had to prove themselves to get on this short list.
#backpacking #hunting #bushcraft #outdoors #huntinggear #pursuitwithcliff
---
Below you will find Affiliate links to products discussed or used in the video. I make a commission from your use of these links, but using the link will not affect the price you pay for any items.
Dark Energy Nano Charger
amzn.to/3VMBvcC
Dark Energy Poseidon Charger (Not used in video, but I keep this in camp as my primary charger. This thing is bullet proof.)
amzn.to/3KLRhhQ
USB C to Old-School Charging Port Cord
amzn.to/3xnUKjq
Phoenix Shooting Bag Ridge Runner
www.phoenixshootingbags.com/c...
Jordan Jonas Taiga Axe (Use the code "Cliff" and they will throw in an extra tin of Axe Wax)
Moose- www.broadriverforge.com/produ...
Wolverine- www.broadriverforge.com/produ...
Cliff's Skinner
pursuitwithcliff.com/cliffs-s...
Victorinox Lamb Skinner
amzn.to/4c4teXv
Victorinox Beef Skinner (Larger Version of Lamb Skinner)
amzn.to/3RzoeSa
GRAYL
amzn.to/3Rx36w5
Born Outdoors Bedroll
alnk.to/58qipV6
InReach Mini
amzn.to/3RzQ0OG
Head Lamp
alnk.to/hhAzS7u - Direct
amzn.to/4erC8jg - From Amazon
Cheap Amazon Charger
amzn.to/4cbwW1p
---
FOLLOW CLIFF on INSTAGRAM: / cliffgry
SUBSCRIBE TO CLIFF'S NEWSLETTER:
To Get Updates on New Videos, Hunting Courses and Articles PursuitWIthCliff.com/Newsletter
Cliff's OnX Maps DISCOUNT: SAVE 20% - CODE: CLIFFG www.OnXMaps.com
Checkout a Bunch of Gear Cliff Uses on His Amazon Store - amazon.com/shop/CliffGray
WATCH MORE FROM CLIFF:
Hunting Skillsets - • Hunting Skill Sets
E-Scouting Series - • E-Scouting
Hunting Gear - • Mountain Hunting Gear
Glassing - • Glassing
Catch, Clean, Cook Adventures - • Catch, Cook, Clean Adv...
Hunt Preparation and Logistics - • Fall Hunt Preparation
Hunting Horseback - • Horseback Mountain Hun...
Marksmanship - • Mountain Hunting Marks...
Wildlife Tracking - • Wildlife Tracking
PLEASE NOTE:
*Cliff no longer takes on new guided hunt or expedition clients. He sold all operating outfitting/guiding businesses prior to 2021.

Пікірлер: 100

@CliffGray Ай бұрын

I knew this video would get some blow back so a couple points that I feel could be clearer in the video: 1. The Nano is a day hunt weight reducer. Meaning, instead of having a full size charging pack in my pack 100% of the time, I carry it. This saves me 6-7oz in my day pack. I wouldn’t recommend it as your only charger on a long duration hunt. 2. The shooting bag seems off the wall to folks. Let me reiterate, I use something else (rolled up jacket, etc) as a rear rest when I’m being super weight sensitive. Having said that, I guide people all the time on backpack hunts that carry 8.5lb rifles when they could carry a 7.2lb rifle. Accuracy is why they do that… yet a consistent rear rest seems like a weight waste 🤷🏻‍♂️ The bag is just a variation of achieving the same thing, perhaps with less weight burden.

@joshsmith3650 Ай бұрын

I have a meme on my phone of Paris Hilton wearing a shirt that says “Just Stop Being Poor” and the meme is comedically endorsed by Sitka lol I use a $1,200 sleeping bag/neo air mattress combo so I can sleep well with my bad back while saving weight. But I also use a $8 54oz plastic water bottle and sleep inside a 3 man $100 tent. The meme is funny but at the end of the day, people will decide through trial and error on which items they need to invest in the most. For me, house slippers for camp is more important than a shooting rest. If I ever miss a shot within 300 yards I will probably ditch the slippers and bring a shooting rest instead. Idk why people care so much. You do you and people like me just enjoy the input on what you find helpful with your style of hunting. You have changed my whole approach to ultralight hunting from your diet video alone, these are all a bonus

@chrisgunsandguitars1403 Ай бұрын

A rear support in shooting is more important than many think no matter the weight of the rifle. Doesn’t matter the distance. The bag shown is great option. What’s faster? Taking off a jacket and rolling it up into a makeshift rear support, or just unclipping a lightweight and squeezable rear bag that can also be a cat nap pillow?

@joshsmith3650 Ай бұрын

@@chrisgunsandguitars1403 agreed. I’ve never been in a situation where I needed more than the land I’m on and the pack I am carrying. But acknowledge there will be a day where I’m in a crappy situation where I would have killed to have a proper rest

@00skeletor00 Ай бұрын

I use Anker power banks. I keep one in camp, and have one with me at all times, a bit on the heavier side, but I can fully charge my iPhone 5-6 times..

@4martell4 Ай бұрын

Agreed- I’ve used Anker also for a few years hunting, they are very reliable.

@wcndguy5302 Ай бұрын

Yep used them for years. Very reliable.

@Outdoor-Tactics Ай бұрын

Love Anker banks as well

@JBarAngus Ай бұрын

I use Milwaukee battery with a converter on top

@matthelmick6642 28 күн бұрын

Love mine too!

@joshsmith3650 Ай бұрын

Me- “Hey Cliff, what angle do you prefer on your knifes? 17 degrees?” Cliff- “we’ll actually….” 24 minutes later Me- “are we still talking about knifes?” Haha Just bustin balls. I really do enjoy the full nerd in depth detail you go into.

@CliffGray Ай бұрын

Bwhaha 🤦‍♂️

@IntenseAngler Ай бұрын

Great video as always Cliff! And some pretty sweet gear there as well 👍 I've watched my share of gear vids over the years and I can say that your recommendations are among the very few that I trust 100% man.

@CliffGray Ай бұрын

Thanks man! I appreciate the support.

@darrensmall4313 Ай бұрын

Great video as usual Cliff. I appreciate your experienced reviews.

@CliffGray Ай бұрын

Thanks Darren 👍

@johnstallone1916 23 күн бұрын

Phoenix shooting bags are a game changer. Especially as a guide they changed the way we hunt and has increased our success rate

@journeyman7189 Ай бұрын

Great recommendations Cliff. that Dark Energy power bank has been on my radar for a while. I've have to look into getting one. Nate

@bradleyrichmond9411 3 күн бұрын

Keep the awesome content coming!

@trevorjohnson7440 Ай бұрын

Well, it just goes to show to show that you do get what you pay for!! Hey Cliff, I just want to say thank you for taking tome to share your knowledge with us! I learn something new from you every week and can't say how greatfull I am for that. I made some of those homemade fire starters of yours! they work great! Thanks again God bless!

@CliffGray Ай бұрын

Thanks for the support Trevor! 👍

@jamesmooney5348 Ай бұрын

Right on Cliff! That knife is going to be cool!

@CliffGray Ай бұрын

Thanks!

@ericjarvis3051 Ай бұрын

Man now I really need one of those bags and sold out. Hopefully back in stock by seasons. Great tip

@aaronwilcox6417 Ай бұрын

Grayl filter with an millbank bag is just well worth the price of admission. One thing to consider about chisel grinds on something like that axe is the bevel or grind will make it a right hand or left hand tool depending on that bevel. The same is true of the old hewing axes used for squaring up timber. They came in right hand stroke or left hand and they make chips fly. Keep that bevel preference or side in mind if you go that route

@CliffGray Ай бұрын

For sure! And wish I would have mentioned that. They sell both variants 👍

@irvingk3631 Ай бұрын

1 Great Video, love the straight talk, no nonsense. 2 I'm an electrician, agree reliability can be priceless when you need it most, such as your charger. Don't compromise. Like other commenters i also use Anker for reliability but it is heavy. Nano for lightweight and features. 3 Love the knife design, please let me know how much it is? is Josh Smith busting your chops? What a Menace, LOL. I may or may not have one of his knives. 😉 Hope you continue to do well. -Irving

@mitchg9285 Ай бұрын

Hello. Enjoyed the video. Do you prefer soft rests to hard rests? Have a Harris bipod and a rugged ridge rear rest?

@TG_Wyers Ай бұрын

Nitecore NB10000. 5.29 oz. An ultralight backpacker favorite, and justifies the new dark energy solar panel.

@seanwgg 28 күн бұрын

you beat me to it. Not cheap but half the weight of a comparable Anker

@asmith7876 25 күн бұрын

Nitecore makes some killer products.

@rustyshackleford7785 Ай бұрын

Quicksticks with 3rd leg or tripod? Thanks for the info, as always. Edit, already have the poles..

@bobinmontana777 Ай бұрын

I like your blunt tip skinner. The Grayl filters out viruses and has carbon filtering making great tasting water. Pre-filtering dirty water, even with a bandana is a good idea.

@cannistershot2277 26 күн бұрын

Totally agree on the use of a Grayl water purifier. I've used one for several years on jungle mountain hikes down in Colombia where they have literally been life savers. My first trip I used a LifeStraw bottle like the one shown here, but there is no way to pour out filtered water from that method for food use, or to share with a buddy, etc. since it requires sucking through the straw. I repurposed the LifeStraw bottle as a simple carrier - so I filter water in the Grayl, pour it out into the LifeStraw bottle (no straw inserted), and then refill/purify the Grayl. That way I have twice the water ready to use on my person.

@Drakehilt 11 күн бұрын

I went and bought the dark energy pro after watching this. I also got their plasma fire starter. They off a military discount through govx for 30% off! Definitely going to be worth it on my upcoming elk hunt

@bobmoandfriend Ай бұрын

How many uses are people typically getting out of one Grayl filter?

@FreeRange1234 8 күн бұрын

That knife goes back to the Mountain Man era, at least.

@Jon-ki2px Ай бұрын

What type of steel is your skinning knife made of?

@CliffGray Ай бұрын

52100 high carbon

@Thetinebroken 10 күн бұрын

❤The topic ...and is that a 44 Mag hanging on the wall behind you?

@williammitchell8612 Ай бұрын

I love that knife!!!

@MrChiumiento Ай бұрын

That knife you have is the same exact knife that dexter Russell makes that’s been made in the US for a long time by Dexter Russell

@richardhenry1969 29 күн бұрын

My thoughts exactly

@CliffGray 29 күн бұрын

similar but tip shape is quite a bit different and it isn't as big. Dexter russell you are referring to is probably almost identical to the Victorinox beef skinner

@h4l414 18 күн бұрын

Expensive knives aren't necessary, a $30-$40 D2 steel knife is great, old high carbon knives have been doing it for centuries. Anything other than wool, so Gucciflauge is all the rage but earth tone wool is still the king. Jetboil, an inexpensive mini camp stove for $20 or less works great and saves a hundo. Ammo, coreloct or interlock style ammo just plain works for far less than designer ammo that either over or under expands.

@justincowley84 Ай бұрын

Sooo did you give a price on that knife? I been wanting a single bevel knife. I haven't thought about a point or no point. But you made a good point about no point.

@aquila_brown Ай бұрын

Where do I get the food pyramid shirt? Love it!

@CliffGray Ай бұрын

Haha! I sell it on my website. It is made/ship through a third party at the moment. I’m gunna take that stuff in house in a couple months to get better pricing for folks!

@fishduckdog Ай бұрын

Please do @@CliffGray

@lostnwoods44 29 күн бұрын

That knife looks to have a Nessmuk knife profile similar to the ESEE JG5.

@americansafarico Ай бұрын

Big takeaway. Cliff really likes axes. Love the OCD energy there!

@CliffGray Ай бұрын

Bwhaha yes I’ll admit it, I do

@ulbushcrafting6592 Ай бұрын

Refreshing topic, for me. So over the - dollar store/common man/walmart , etc. some of us out here make money.

@kurtissschmidt76 Ай бұрын

what steel is your skinner?

@CliffGray Ай бұрын

52100 high carbon

@1bobharvey Ай бұрын

I'm getting finicky about weight. Everything I purchase these days is through the lens of being lighter, and will it work. But most of my hunts start with a 2 mile 2000' climb through alder hell and I want my pack tiny for ducking and weaving 😂. That knife looks sweet tho.

@CliffGray Ай бұрын

I hear ya. Outside of the nano, none of this stuff really applies in an ultralight focus. On a longer duration backpack hunt even the Nano would probably be swapped for a larger charging block, having it in my pack all the time, avoiding duplication.

@asmith7876 25 күн бұрын

That's a beautiful axe.

@anthonyclark9159 17 күн бұрын

That lambskinner is well over a 200 year old design??? Shit, dexter has been offering the same exact design with plastic handle for 40 years or more. I have a 1095 skinner thats almost 100 years old, exact same knife, just different maker or handle configuration, 25 dollars on ebay with walnut handles and brass pins.

@StrateOutdoors Ай бұрын

I like getting f'd over on tag applications all over the west and having nothing to show for it

@shaunlehman9158 Ай бұрын

My battery bank from sportsman’s warehouse was $50 it’s 20,000 mh. It will charge my iPhone 5 times. It’s just a little bigger than the one shown here

@CliffGray Ай бұрын

How much does it weigh?

@shaunlehman9158 Ай бұрын

@@CliffGray I would say it’s roughly the size of 2 of those ones dark energy ones put together

@BillyWeisbergII Ай бұрын

Mannnn, one day I'll get me a Jordan Jonas axe

@dieselfrk13 Ай бұрын

I thought it was a nesmuck knife

@caloneal9884 7 күн бұрын

I've guided 176 bighorn sheep hunters over 300 elk hunters and I'd hate to say how many deer and antalope hunters and I'm 59 years old and I've never owned any camo clothing, as for electric stuff I tell my hunters to leave that shit at home it don't work where I hunt at.

@1459rony Ай бұрын

Man, you lost me on the shooting bag.

@waynetoneseekerandersen2213 Ай бұрын

I was thinking to comment how many hunters going to take dedicated shooting bag??? Then your comment popped up. Yup

@CliffGray Ай бұрын

I actually wish I would have dug deeper in this. Your reaction would probably have been my reaction a year ago. What I have come to realize is, even in the backpack hunting realm, guys will lug a rifle weighing 12oz-20oz more than they “need” to because that rifle is more accurate… yet an 8oz bag that does the same thing is a nonstarter. Yes, you can use lots of things as a rear rest, but something consistent helps a lot. Do I take it on really really weight sensitive hunts? No.

@waynetoneseekerandersen2213 Ай бұрын

@@CliffGray I know your point, but don’t most guys try to use thier pack?

@CliffGray Ай бұрын

@@waynetoneseekerandersen2213 yes, as a front rest. Your rear rest/support is almost just as important.

@waynetoneseekerandersen2213 Ай бұрын

@@CliffGray do you have a review of the ONX app? I am looking into a maps system and gps location system. A little overwhelming

@michaelogden5093 Ай бұрын

Shooting bag... sold out.

@CliffGray Ай бұрын

Bummer. They may have low stocks this time of year… check them out to see if they stock up before the season

@wesnelson4792 Ай бұрын

Marsupial Gear has them.

@stevemccallum6429 10 күн бұрын

Ok so what are they

@it_is_what_it_is_brotha Ай бұрын

Water filtration has been one product I cant confidently make a decision on. I run the sawyer mini but there are tons of options but no one ever seems to do a review on effectiveness. I honestly don't care how fast something can filter, if it doesnt remove beaver fever and the likes. This is one product area that we need a real scientific test to compare available products. Guide any water pathogen scientists that can assit Cliff ha?

@CliffGray Ай бұрын

It’s a good point. The wild thing is I have filtered a ton water over the years, lots of which would be highly suspect… I’ve never been sick across all sorts of filters. But I have had giardia twice. One was from poor choices, not filtering water. The other was ironically from town water contamination in a remote town. I’d love to hear a scientific explanation but I wonder if ANY filteration, even technically failing filters (sawyer or platypus type filters that have been frozen) reduce the counts of the bugs low enough that it doesn’t cause issues in most cases 🤔

@rustyshackleford9017 Ай бұрын

sawyer is now my back up. grayl and katadyn be free for on the go and katadyn gravity bag for in camp

@deanbrantley Ай бұрын

My sawyer is on every bike ride. I’ve used it alot, twice today in the North Carolina mtns as a matter of fact. Let me shed how much water I need to carry on my back cause I’m in area of abundance of water.

@rasputinsson6038 Ай бұрын

Not sure about the science of it, but a good system I've started using is a Sawyer squeeze with a Cnoc water bag to collect and filter water with. A lot faster than using a something like a water bottle, and a good way to transport water too.

@WutangPham 29 күн бұрын

You once made a video about why professionals use cheap Victorinox and Dexter Russell knives instead of expensive knives and why the added cost wasn’t worth it. That’s doubly true with axes. Are you getting a kickback from the sales of the axes? It’s a little disappointing and hypocritical because your axe is twice what a Swedish granfors Bruks is. You can get an American made council tool axe for a quarter of the price. And you’re asking 330 for your knife? That’s 100 more than the Montana knife company knives you featured in that past video that you said weren’t worth the asking price. This video kinda feels like a sponsored advertisement

@CliffGray 29 күн бұрын

That’s exactly why I told people to go buy a $30 lamb skinner from Victorinox before they think about buying my knife. Reality of the knife deal is, for me to have a customized knife, I had to work with a 100% handmade knife maker. High end materials, a tiny run (15 knives). If somebody was looking for the “value” deal, would I point them to my knife? No. However, it was the only way for me to get something that was made with my input. I’m proud of the knife and they are beautiful, but someday I’d like to make products with my input at utility/value of Victorinox. It’s going to be awhile before I’m in that realm of scale. You’d probably be pretty surprised how little I make on one of those knives. Jordan’s axes are the same way… small run, hand made. If you want to buy something with the intricacies of his input, that’s want the economics look like. Same deal, I’m willing to do that. I didn’t say anyone else needs to. Jordan gave me one axe as a buddy, I paid him full retail for the other. Thanks for the comment and chance to address it 👍👊🏻

@WutangPham 29 күн бұрын

@@CliffGray that’s fair, I can dig it man 👍

@teachsuhow2dugy215 Ай бұрын

Grayl and Katadyne Be free all the way. The sawyer BS with bags and squeezing and smart water bottles is a waste of time/space. I had homies still squeezing their bags while I was ready to rock many times.

@justinv9209 Ай бұрын

Nano doesn’t even fully charge your phone? Not sure that’s worth it.

@CliffGray Ай бұрын

So I don’t think I was clear on this. I don’t use the Nano as a primary camp charger. It’s purely a reliable safety backup. It’s half the weight or less than a full size charging block. So I can have a bigger block at camp but I always have the Nano with me.

@CarlSanford76 Ай бұрын

Where did he learn to say convex and concave? Anyone else think he pronounced that weird?

@CliffGray Ай бұрын

From ur mom

@timshapleyadventures Ай бұрын

NEBO 4000 mAh gives me 1.5 charges on my phone, small and sleek in the pocket, totally reliable $29.99 This video reeks “paid advertisement”… come on Cliff your audience is a lot bigger than the yuppies hiring you for guided hunts.

@asmith7876 25 күн бұрын

The $60 charger he shows in this video is 3000 mAH. Ridiculous. I have an extremely rugged Biolite that was $80 and 10K mAH. I thought that was a crazy price.

@anthonyhall8356 Ай бұрын

Man would be a fool to pay $350 for an axe.

@paulthelefty 15 күн бұрын

Man who can afford a $350 axe probably not a fool… 👀

@anthonyclark9159 17 күн бұрын

I disagree with you on the axe. I carry an axe, and use one in the field and at home daily, for all kinds of things. I own fifty axes of all types, and I can tell you 100% no axe is worth more 100 dollars, unless you have super specific needs(timber sports, carving, or something that makes you all your money.)

@monokheros5373 Ай бұрын

Never even thought about carrying a shooting bag : BUT this wone is awesome YOU should pay full price and buy it..... great marketing ... and if you had respect .. you are now ignored

@CliffGray Ай бұрын

👍 sounds good. Later. I have zero incentive related to the sale of that bag.