magnum

Optic, these are all good points I like in a day pack too. For my NZ hunt last year my guide recommended I get a Hunters Element Elevation Pack, click here as a day pack. It was quite comfortable climbing the mountains and I liked the rifle scabbard leaving both hands free for walking poles and mountain climbing.

I bought a set of Stieners 10 x 42 for my NZ hunt in 2010 but lost them in the mountains. I wasn't partial to the eye cup arrangement on these, so decided to replace them (after receiving the insurance payout) with Minox BF 10 x 42s. The BF is the same as the BV model sold here (reviewed by Nick Harvey in Sporting Shooter early 2010) but in black (instead of green) body colour. Got them on line at Cameraland NY at US $139 plus $49.95 postage. They're still at that price, click here. With the USD/AUD at its current level this is great buying. Although they're probably entry level, they're a great bino for the price and are highly recommended.

I bought a Torrent to take on a Tahr and Chamois hunt in NZ south island mountains last winter. At the same time got a couple of top-to-toe packs. I wore thermals, Ridgeline fleece T, fleece shirt that was warm enough during the day. Had the Torrent in my back pack and put it on when sunlight faded. We had perfect weather. I agree with the others layering is the thing. Though the Torrent would be great if windy (like spotlighting at night in the back of ute/truck) or if raining. Torrent are wind and water proof.

Lazy, I just returned from a Tahr and Chamois hunt in south island of NZ. My guide and others recommended Meindl Makalu boots. I got a pair and they were great and my feet felt great. They has a gore tex lining making them waterproof (you have yuor boots in snow all day) and they have a realy stiff soul for sidling and getting a good footting whilst climbing up the mountains. But they not cheap, around $550 here but that's cheaper then NZ where they're around NZ$800. See their website click here

Gday from a new forum member. Been hunting and shooting most of my life. Current rifles are: Brno Model 2 .22LR Winchester pre-64 M70 fwt .270 Win Winchester pre-64 M70 fwt .308 Win Custom M98 .308 Norma Mag Ruger M77 .375 Chatfield-Taylor (.375/.338 WM) I have been a bit inactive for quite a while but now getting back into hunting. Fortunately, kept most of my guns except the ones I had to sell during the buy-backs.