The very best TESTED hunting gear of 2025. If it made the list, you can trust it!
by Jace Bauserman
Last year, I wrote: I wouldn’t say I like excellence awards. This year, I begin by telling you I despise excellence awards. Not because I’m not a fan of tooting a particular manufacturer’s horn or bragging on a product. I despise excellence awards because they are, in two words, too hard.
We are in an era of exceptional hunting gear. Here at BH we do our absolute best to test and tinker with as much gear as possible, but we can’t possibly test it all. And, more than ever, choosing award-winners in each category was more difficult than in year’s past. I lost sleep over it. You can believe that or not, but those who’ve followed my writing know how seriously I take gear testing. I don’t want you spending your hard-earned Benjamins on garbage gear. I take great pride in helping you all navigate your personal gear buying.
What you’re about to read are my personal “best gear” opinions, and though opinions, they come from REAL testing. There isn’t a product in this list I haven’t used extensively, and every one of them made my 2025 hunting season better.
Best Compound Bow: PSE Mach 33 DS
A lightweight 33-inch axle-to-axle carbon-riser tack driver with a smooth draw and excellent backwall feel, PSE’s Mach 33 DS was my favorite 2025 compound. Fitted with a forgiving 6-5/8-inch brace height, this 3.9-pound vertical rig features a thin, torque-reducing direct-to-riser grip, and the EC2 cams are draw-length adjustable in half-inch increments between 25 and 31 inches. Tuning, thanks to the innovative EZ.220 Snap Spacer System, is a breeze. The Snap Spacers, or shims, allow for left/right cam movement. With the bow pressed, the PSE spacer tool allows for easy spacer swap and cam shift adjustments in .020-inch increments.
The bottom line, though, is the bow holds like a rock, draws like butter, settles into a great-feeling back wall, and delivers arrows with remarkable accuracy. It’s not a flamethrower by PSE standards, but pushed my 381.5-grain Easton 5.0 arrows at 309 fps. In early September, I used the Mach 33 DS to harvest a 150-inch Wyoming whitetail from a treestand 50 yards away. PSE hit a home run with this compound.
TO READ THE FULL MACH 33 DS FIELD TEST, CLICK HERE
Best Carbon Arrow: Easton 5.0 Match Grade
Easton makes excellent projectiles, and for 2025, its 5.0 Match Grade takes top arrow honors. Easton’s latest and greatest lightweight, small-diameter carbon shaft, the 5.0 Match Grade, which is also available in a standard 5.0, is available in an array of spine sizes to accommodate a variety of draw weights. An arrow designed to be uber-accurate and screaming fast, the 5.0 ensures maximum shooter customization. Keep the arrow screaming fast, or add various inserts and HIT Collars to heavy the arrow up. Thanks to Easton’s many components, the sky is the limit concerning your 5.0 build. The 5.0s also come with Easton’s new 5MM Microlite Nock System. The 5MM MicroLite’s sport a more compact body and redesigned throat for enhanced string fit and increased tunability. Between August 15 and December 4, I harvested five big-game animals, all with Easton’s 5.0.
TO READ THE FULL 5.0 FIELD TEST, CLICK HERE
Best Bowhunting Sight: Spot Hogg Boonie PM 5-Pin
You can’t beat the durability and no-slop build of Spot-Hogg sights. For 2025, the sight that was on the many compound bows I hunted and tested was Spot-Hogg’s Boonie PM 5-Pin. I love the PM design that allows the sight to attach to the front of the bow’s riser via a bow’s Pic-Rail and the sights PM clamping system. Adjustments are smooth and friction-free, lockdown is absolute, and with the removable yardage wheel, you can set one Boonie up for multiple compound bow setups. Spot-Hogg also improved the horizontal micro-adjustment for precise windage tuning. Though I test many bow sights each year, I haven’t headed afield with any sight attached to my riser other than a Spot-Hogg in over a decade.
Best Fall-Away Arrow Rest: Quality Archery Designs UltraRest Integrate MX2
We may sound like a broken record, but we don’t care. Our job is to tell you, our trusted readers, what the “BEST” products are. You won’t find a better fall-away arrow rest than QAD’s UltraRest Integrate MX2. A cable-driven rest that makes timing and tuning a breeze, the MX2 attaches to the back of the bow’s riser using QAD’s IMS System. The IMS eliminates the need for Berger Hole mounting, enabling direct-to-riser rest attachment, reducing weight, and streamlining alignment. The MX2 comes with rubber dampeners (custom color options available) that fit into the Berger hole and inside the machined aluminum launcher arms, significantly reducing noise and vibration. QAD still utilizes felt on the bottom of the launcher to ensure a quiet, friction-free draw cycle.
Best Broadhead: SEVR Ti 1.75 4-Blade Hybrid
When it comes to heavy-boned western big-game like elk, moose, bear, etc., I’ve long preached the importance of a compact, low-profile, mechanical broadhead. Last year, I dubbed SEVR’s Ti 1.5 4-Blade Hybrid the “BEST”, and it still very well may be. If you go with the Ti 1.5 4-Blade Hybrid, you’ll punch tags. However, this past year, I did a ridiculous amount of testing with SEVR’s 1.75-inch cut Hybrid head and found it just as accurate and deadly.
In September, I made a poor shot on a 42-yard bull elk. The hit was back, and though we had very little blood to follow, the extra cut the 1.75-inch head provided, along with the bleeder blades, took their toll on the bull. He died in his first bed. The locking-pivoting main blade with a .75-inch fixed bleeder blade boosts the broadheads’ cutting diameter to a whopping 2.5 inches, and that saved my bacon. And, as I always point out, you can’t beat SEVR’s Practice Mode that allows you to practice with the same broadhead you plan to hunt with.
Best Target: Delta McKenzie Big Daddy QuivAR Enabled
My 45-year-old eyes aren’t what they used to be, and during early June, I was struggling to hit spots and dots on bag and foam targets. This frustrated me, which made me anxious. Anxiety leads to poorer shooting. Then, one day, Delta McKenzie’s Big Daddy QuivAR Enabled 3-D target arrived on my doorstep. After downloading the QuivAR app, I was shooting arrows into the target with remarkable accuracy. There was no panic or anxiety.
Why?
I wasn’t trying to hit a spot or a dot. I was settling my pin on the target’s vitals, trusting my pin float, and letting my release fire the bow. Best of all, thanks to QuivAR technology, I could scan the chip on the back of the target and see exactly where my arrow impacted the target’s vitals. That’s right, with QuivAR, you can superimpose digital deer anatomy onto the target using a smartphone. This target builds shooting confidence and adds extra enjoyment to every shooting session.
TO READ THE FULL BIG DADDY QUIVAR FIELD TEST, CLICK HERE
Best Whitetail Backpack: ALPS OutdoorZ Impulse
Gone are the days, thank God, of a do-all pack. Today, pack choice is often driven by the pursuit. When it comes to whitetail, ALPS’ Impulse is my go-to. The DEADQUIET fleece liner boosts stealth, as does the zipper-less main compartment. The Impulse sports a flat-bottom design that allows the pack stand up independently and not collapse. This feature makes it easy to retrieve essential gear from the pack.
The two-piece adjustable waist belt has zippered pockets—one on each side—and the pack features multiple interior mesh pockets for easy gear organization. The Impulse weighs 4 pounds, 14 ounces (empty) and has a capacity of 1,850 cubic inches.
Best Western Big Game Backpack: KUIU PRO Divide 4500
Until 2025, I hadn’t used much, if any, KUIU gear. I’d always heard great things but had yet to dip my foot in the KUIU pond. My mistake! The PRO Divide 4500 backpack is durable, comfortable, and offers ample interior space and external attachments to ensure you have all the gear you need for any western big-game adventure. One of my favorite features is the Divide pocket with dual zipper sliders and C-shape opening, making it ideal for stowing and accessing a rifle, tripod, etc. The detachable compression lid adds 500 cubic inches of storage space. Inside the main pocket is a large next-to-frame drop pocket with two cinches that allow you to easily stow heavy gear or up to 45 pounds of boned-out meat. The pack is bulletproof in design and will remain in my western big-game arsenal for years to come.
Best Boots: Meindl Comfort Fit Hunt Uninsulated
Standing 9.25 inches tall and weighing 3.8 pounds, I wore Meindl’s Comfort Fit Hunt Uninsulated boots from the western plains to the towering peaks of Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness. For me, there was zero break-in period with these boots. The first time I wore them, I covered 9 miles over a mountain with a 35-pound backpack. I had zero hotspots or blisters. The boots provide remarkable ankle support, and the 100 percent guaranteed waterproof protection Meindl stamps these boots with is accurate. Meindl’s cork footbeds provide noteworthy support, and the Vibram Multigrip 6.0 outsole will dominate any terrain.
Best Rubber Boots: DV8 17″ Insulated Boot
Muddy’s line of DV8 whitetail clothing is impressive, and the 17″ insulated boots follow suit. Available in solid and camo options, the DV8 Insulated boots have 1,000g 3M Thinsulate insulation in the toe box and are 100 percent waterproof. I wore these boots in temperatures ranging from 50 degrees to negative digits, and they proved breathable, warm, and ultra-comfortable. The roll-down calves ensure easy on/off, and the 5MM ComfortFlex Neoprene melds with the vulcanized rubber to provide maximum comfort, total support, and season-after-season of no-fail durability. My favorite feature of the boots, though, is the anti-slip 4×4 traction outsoles.
Best Hunting Rifle: Browning X-Bolt 2 Western Hunter LR
Browning’s tagline reads: The Best There Is. Some call it cocky, I call it confident. This past spring, I toted Browning’s X-Bolt 2 Western Hunter LR to Spain’s Sierra Nevadas in search of Southeastern ibex and Iberian mouflon. Built for maximum accuracy at extended ranges, the Western Hunter LR showcases Browning’s fully adjustable composite Vari-Tech stock. The Vari-Tech is adjustable for comb height, LOP, and features interchangeable grip modules to ensure total fit-and-feel customization. The Sporter contour barrel on my Western Hunter LR, chambered in 6.8 Western, was 2 inches longer than standard length. The extra barrel length means higher velocity, resulting in a flatter bullet trajectory and increased accuracy.
Black overmolding on all grip surfaces means excellent handling in all weather conditions, and the Plus Magazine System offers extra bullet capacity. The removable rail-style muzzle brake reduces felt recoil, and when combined with the 1-1/4-inch Inflex recoil pad, this rifle lets you stay in the scope and make rapid follow-up shots if necessary. The trigger is crisp and clean, and the additional bolt guidance surface area makes this X-Bolt 2 model buttery smooth.
During my time in Spain, I sent two rounds. I dropped my Southeastern ibex at 350-plus yards while leaning atop an enormous boulder. The shot on my Iberian mouflon was 260 yards, and the ram didn’t take a single step after the bullet’s impact. If you’re looking to up your long-range accuracy, this rifle is for you.
Best Hunting Shotgun: Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 A.I. BE.S.T.
A fan of Benelli’s SBE 3 shotguns with BE.S.T. coating, I couldn’t wait to get a new-for-2025 A.I. model in my hands and crush some ducks and geese. With the SBE 3 A.I. BE.S.T., you get all the features you’ve come to love in an SBE3 model: durability, rust, and corrosion prevention, easy shouldering, the fast-cycling Inertia Driven System, and that oh so smooth Benelli swing. But, you also get A.I. (Advanced Impact). According to Benelli, A.I. ensures up to 50 percent more on-target penetration. This increased energy means more knock-down power and the ability to shoot all-steel loads rather than pricy bismuth and tungsten. The design of A.I. barrels produces a uniform and ultra-tight shot string that you have to see to believe fully.
This past fall, I crumbled ducks and geese with Benelli’s fancy-to-do new technology. All I can pen with total confidence is that it works, and works exceptionally well. I was killing Giant subspecies Canada geese on the edge of the decoys with 3-inch standard steel BB shot, and hammering mallards and other puddle ducks over decoys with 2-3/4-inch #2 steel shot.
Best Rifle Ammunition: Hornady ELD-X Precision Hunter
I wish I had the time to reload. I don’t. For that reason, I’m constantly searching for the very best rifle ammunition. Regardless of the caliber, I want a high-performing, low-drag bullet with a high B.C. that hits like a ton of bricks. I get all of this in Hornady’s ELD-X Precision Hunter, and for that reason, I find myself always going back to this ammo.
Verified by Doppler radar, Hornady’s Heat Shield tip retains its shape at high speeds, maintaining best-in-class B.C. over its entire flight path. Regardless of caliber, the secant ogive, boattail bullet design, and concentric AMP bullet jackets ensure maximum accuracy. On impact, the bullet’s design allows it to expand along its entire path of penetration, resulting in complete lethality.
Best Shotshell: Winchester Final Pass
Available in 12 and 20 gauge, Winchester’s Final Pass is proving a nightmare for migrating fowl. Featuring a custom blend of top-tier plated steel shot sizes to ensure maximum on-target pattern density and half-sized shot for balanced penetration and boosted pellet counts, Final Pass is a legit all-steel shot load.
In 12-gauge, Winchester offers a 3.5-inch, 1-1/2-payload blend of #1-1/2+BB, which is disastrous on big honkers. For ducks, I prefer the 1-1/4-ounce payload of #2-1/2+4. Sub-gauge goers will fill limits with the 3-inch, 1-ounce payload #2-1/2+4 20-gauge Final Pass loads. The plated precision steel shot flies true to ensure tight patterns, and the mixed payload promises maximum pattern density and pellet energy.
Best Knife: Outdoor Edge Razor APX
I’m 100 percent sold on replaceable blade knives. I wasn’t, but after using Outdoor Edge’s Razor APX, I’m fully on the replaceable-blade train. Available in 2.5 and 3.0 options, the Razor APX weighs just 2.8 ounces with the included sheath, and the removable handle scales hold four blades with magnetic retention and silicone covers for safe transport. I found the push-button RazorSafe blade-swap system ultra-safe, and I appreciate the audible click that confirms the blade is seated correctly. Durable, rugged, and reliable, this replaceable-blade knife provides the look and feel of a fixed-blade knife with its titanium-coated stainless-steel frame.
Best Hunting Clothing: Badlands Scree Pants & Draw Hoodie
As hunters, when we hear the Badlands name, our mind shifts to packs. That’s fine. The manufacturer makes great hunting packs. However, Badlands has kept its foot on the hunting garment pedal, and this past season, I used and fell in love with the Scree Pants and Draw Hoodie.
The Scree Pants are comfortable, bomb-proof, and offer an athletic fit that the western hunter or early-season whitetail goer will appreciate. Available in GT and OG Badlands camo patterns along with four solid color options, the pants are 92 percent nylon and 8 percent spandex. The Screes are remarkably breathable, and the right-side thigh pocket is plenty deep, and the flap closure keeps items inside without the need for zippers or magnets. I appreciate the articulated knees and crotch, covered back pocket, and reinforced cuffs.
The Full Draw Hoodie works as well as a layering garment as it does as a stand-alone early-season hunting hoody. The 4-way stretch fabric lets the hoodie move with your body, and you won’t find a quieter outer fabric that resists picking up every sticker and dried piece of vegetation it comes in contact with. The hoodie wicks moisture and dries quickly.
Best Digital Scouting App: HuntStand Ultimate
The cream of the digital scouting app crop, HuntStand adds HuntStand Ultimate to its list of subscription offers. A subscription that gives you access to all HuntStand Pro features, including HuntStand’s exclusive whitetail rut forecast activity chart, Ultimate users also get the all-new Rut Maps for elk, mule deer, and blacktail. HuntStand Ultimate also provides hunters access to advanced 3D terrain mapping that ensures the ultimate in clarity and ease of use. Plus, take advantage of member-only gear discounts up to 50 percent off top outdoor brands.
Best Rifle Optic: Leupold VX-6HD Gen 2
Leupold’s line of legendary VX-6HD scopes leaps into a new era with its all-new Gen 2 lineup. Of course, you still get the Professional-Grade Optical System and rugged durability Leupold scopes are known for, but when you choose a Gen 2, you get so much more. Replacing the tool-needed CDS-Dial is the tool-less CDS-SZL2 Elevation Dial. The new SpeedSet Dial eliminates the need for tools when zeroing or swapping between custom dials. You can’t beat the clarity and spot-on aiming point Leupold’s illuminated reticles provide, and the Electronic Reticle Level will flash when the scope isn’t level. This feature offers increased shooting confidence and boosts accuracy. A pair of other must-mention features includes the integrated but removable Throw Lever and Alumina Flib-Back Lens Covers. Leupold’s VX-6HD models are my choice every time I settle the crosshairs and pull the trigger.
TO READ THE FULL GEN 2 FIELD TEST, CLICK HERE
Best Electronic Rifle Optic: Burris Eliminator 6 4-20x52mm
Burris’s most advanced electronic rifle scope to date, the Eliminator 6 4-20×52 lets you unlock your long-range shooting potential and close- and mid-range precision like never before. Blending two decades of top-end technology into a modern riflescope chassis, the Eliminator 6 is the bee’s knees of electronic riflescopes.
At the touch of a button, one you can mount just about anywhere, the scope’s reticle displays your distance to the target and calculates the exact aiming point, and illuminates that aiming point. The Burris Eliminator 6 4-20x52mm electronic riflescope pairs with the BurrisConnect app allowing you to unlock the full potential of this award-winning scope.
