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High-tech hunting: It might be time to upgrade

If you've got to carry it, you want the right stuff

The right rain gear is critical for mountain hunting. I am a believer in lightweight, packable Gore-Tex rain suits like the Browning Pac-Jac parka and pants or Whitewater Outdoors Packable Rain Suit, though Gore-Tex has its detractors in Alaska. Both are super light, rugged and highly breathable while being 100 percent waterproof and windproof. Being breathable is crucial, as that allows moisture vapor -- sweat -- to pass off the body and through the membrane's pores while remaining completely waterproof. That helps keep you comfortable while being active by reducing the effects of convective heat loss, which helps keep you warm without wearing extra bulky layers. One of these suits has been the very first thing I pack for any Alaska hunting trip for more than a decade.

"I really like the Browning Pac-Jac," Hodson said. "It is great. We also sell a lot of Marmot PreCip rain suits, which are super, as well as some Helly Hansen suits to mountain hunters."

A rain suit should include a hood.

HEAD AND HANDS

The head is where the body loses up to 85 percent of the body's heat. That's why climbing hatless helps keep you cool. But when the winds blow and it gets cold, you need a warm, windproof and waterproof hat. Choose something with earflaps. A good choice is the Outdoor Research Gore-Tex Bomber hat, with a reinforced brim that holds its shape even in a downpour. Some mountain hunters like an old-style stocking cap. I often wear a Gore-Tex baseball-type hat and pack a super-light bomber-type hat from Sleeping Indian Designs that's made from a blend of wool and virgin fleece.

Fleece gloves with a leather palm and Windstopper membrane are excellent in good weather. When it gets wet, a pair of Gore-Tex gloves are better. I usually pack both.

MY ACHIN' DOGS

Mountain hunters need the very best boots they can buy. There are two schools of thought -- leather hiking-type or plastic boots.

"The Koflach plastic boots are the very best in terms of ankle support on sidehills," Hodson said. "But they are less than ideal for walking on flat ground. People either love them or they hate them. If you don't like plastic, then top-quality leather Gore-Tex mountain boots like Meindl's are the way to go."

No matter which you type of boot you choose, consider upgrading the insole. There are several high-tech after-market insoles that will increase both the comfort and support level of your boots -- both important for long-distance backpack hunting.

Socks are also an often overlooked item.