Skinner Sights Picatinny Rail with Integral Peep
skinnersights.com
The Skinner Sights Picatinny Rail with Integral Peep are built for both Marlin and Henry lever guns. The rear sight is machined from solid-steel bar stock, is blued, and is fully adjustable for windage and elevation. The rail is machined from solid aluminum and is black anodized. This rail will allow you to mount a variety of optics to the rifle, while having a backup peep sight.

Leupold Custom Dial System
leupold.com
Trip Tips Columnist and Contributing Editor Sarah Stallone offered the following, “Do you want to shoot more accurately at longer distances? Leupold offers the simplest ballistic solution on the market. The Custom Dial System (CDS) relies on your provided ballistic information to create a custom turret that easily replaces the original scope turret. When you’re on the range or in the field, you only need to know target distance—match the dial to the distance, hold dead on and make the hit. Moose at 325 yards? Put the dial on 3.25, hold dead on and squeeze the trigger. Sheep at 550 yards? Dial to 5.5, hold dead on and squeeze the trigger. CDS is offered in the VX, RDS, and Patrol scope lines and easily takes the guesswork out of hits at distance!”

Otis Tactical Cleaning Kit
otistec.com
We’ve been using this kit in the field for many years. At the end of each day, we’ll give each gun a quick cleaning. Bushwhacking Alaska-style is punishing on your firearms, not to mention rain, sleet and snow, and if you want to make sure they work properly when you need them, our best advice is to clean your guns after every day in the field. This kit allows us to clean our rifles, handguns and shotguns all from one compact system. In addition to 6 bronze bore brushes (.22/.223, .270, .30/.308/.30-06/.30-30, .38/9mm, .45 cal, and 12 ga), the kit includes 8”, 30” and 34” Memory-Flex cables that attach to the brushes and allow you to clean barrels. Both 2” and 3” patches (10 each), as well as 3 slotted tips are included, in addition to a 1⁄2-ounce bottle of Shooter’s Choice FP-10 Lubricant Elite CLP. There are a variety of other useful tools included in the kit. The complete system allows a thorough Breech-to-Muzzle cleaning while in the field.

StealthCam DS4K
stealthcam.com
Hunting expert and Associate Editor Scott Haugen shared these insights: “We use trail cameras throughout Alaska, and still a favorite is this one. Since it came out, we started using Stealth Cam’s DS4K models and their quality of video is unmatched. Each upgrade leads to better quality video footage and still images, and the design of the new Ultimate model holds up extremely well in heavy rain, snow and ice.”

Axil TRACKR BLU Earmuffs
goaxil.com
These muffs are comfortable to wear and work great. They allow you to hear and amplify conversations, block out loud sounds above 85 dB, and have 5.0 Bluetooth so you can listen to music. We used them at the range, while waterfowl hunting and when working with power tools.

Lifesaver Liberty
iconlifesaver.com
The Liberty water purifier bottle is both a portable water purifier and water bottle in one. It can be used inline to fill water bottlessuch as the popular Nalgene or Hydro Flask bottles, but it also has 14 ounces of capacity itself. It filters out 99.99% of viruses, cysts and bacteria. It weighs 15 ounces dry and is 3.15” in diameter and 10” long. The cap has a loop to attach it to a carabiner, and the hose is 5 feet long. Flow rate is 1.2 liters/minute. Water can be pumped into the bottle using the hose, or you can simply unscrew the cap, scoop up some water, then pump the pump a few times and it will filter the water as you dispense it. The main filter is good for up to 2000 liters. The activated-carbon filter is good for up to 100 liters. It’s bigger than some of the other water filters on the market, but this one has the built-in water bottle which makes it unique.

Uncharted Supply Co. The Seventy2 Pro Survival System
unchartedsupplyco.com
This survival system is designed to support 2+ people. It is contained within the Seventy2 Pro Shell Dry Pack—a roll-top, waterproof backpack with an internal soft frame. The pack’s capacity is 36 liters, and the items within take up most of that space. Within the pack is the Seventy2 Pro insert which contains a multitude of survival items including a robust first-aid kit, folding shovel, waterproof cold-weather gloves, water and food for two people for 72 hours, 48-ounce stainless-steel water bottle, water-filtration system, paracord, Empire knife, mylar portable tent, goggles, flashlight, crank radio/flashlight/charger, emergency blankets, firestarter, and more. While it’s difficult to “test” an item like this, the items inside are well thought out and of high quality. If you drive through remote areas, if you have a bush plane, if you snowmachine across remote areas, if you boat on Alaska’s interior rivers, this survival system would be good to have.

Swagger Stalker QD42 Quick Detach Bipod
swaggerbipods.com
This versatile set of shooting sticks can be attached to bolt rifles, ARs, muzzle loaders, shotguns, and even crossbows. The Quick Detach feature allows you to remove the shooting sticks with a push of a button. The legs adjust easily from 14- to 42 inches allowing shooting from seated or kneeling positions. Quick Adapt Technology allows the shooter much more maneuverability, which makes it much easier to keep your rifle on moving targets. Modular Leg Technology makes it simple and fast to adjust the legs to your specific shooting situation, and each leg can be adjusted independently. The QD42 is designed to attach to a Picatinny rail or a standard swivel stud with the included adapter. These are excellent shooting sticks. For those who might prefer shooting sticks to shoot from standing as well as seated or kneeling positions, check out the QD72 which adjusts from 24” to 72”.

Leupold Tripods: Alpine, Pro Guide and Mark 5
leupold.com
Contributing Editor Sarah Stallone extolled the virtues of these tripods. She shared, “These are lightweight, rugged, carbon-fiber tripods ready for a multitude of field uses. Each tripod kit includes a ball head, a universal Arca-Swiss plate and a zippered carry bag. Adjustment knobs are easy to access even with gloved fingers and are situated to allow use with spotting scopes, cameras, binoculars, shooting saddles and more. There are three rugged options for universal range and field use. The Alpine is 18.5” folded, 58” extended, weighs just 32 ounces and has a load capacity of 13 pounds. The Pro Guide is 18.5” folded, 67” extended, weighs 64 ounces with a load capacity of 40 pounds; the Mark 5 is 21” folded, 60” extended, weighs 86.4 ounces and provides a load capacity of 44 pounds.”

UCO Rechargeable Arc Lighter & LED Flashlight
ucogear.com
This handy tool combines a 100-lumen rechargeable flashlight with a 1400oF dual-arc plasma lighter. The lighter feature burns much hotter than any match and is windproof, which is important when you need to start a fire right now or light that cigar around the campfire. The housing is made of aluminum alloy, weighs just 5 ounces, and includes a USB charging cord. The battery is a 340 mAh lithium polymer, so if functions well in cold weather. Dimensions are 4.2” by 1.4” by 1”. The light has three settings: strobe, bright, and dim.

Midland Micromobile MXT115 2-way Radio
midlandusa.com
This GMRS radio features an external magnetic-mount antenna for extended range and can communicate with any Midland FRS/GMRS radios. Included are the radio, mounting hardware, magnetic-mount antenna with 6-meter cable, microphone, microphone holder, 12V power cord with DC power adapter, and the owner’s manual. The unit can communicate on 15 GMRS channels, has a backlit display, a NOAA weather radio, and a USB-C charging port that can be used to charge other devices. Like all GMRS radios, range is determined by line-of-sight. We use this to communicate between vehicles while on road trips and it works well. You’ll need a GMRS license to legally use this device.

GoPro 360 MAX
gopro.com
We enjoyed using this 360 camera in 2021. It creates awesome 360-degree videos and photos, and has a range of cool features like Max TimeWarp and PowerPano. Image stabilization is top-notch, thanks to GoPro’s Max HyperSmooth function. Audio is solid due to six mics on the unit. The camera is a three-in-one device, allowing you to create spherical footage, videos
and photos like a traditional GoPro Hero, as well as the ability to vlog with 1080p live streaming. One of the features we like is
the built-in voice commands—12 in all.

Uncharted Supply Co. The Zeus
unchartedsupplyco.com
Battery technology is ramping up at an unprecedented rate. With so many electrical devices vital to our outdoor lifestyle, The Zeus is a piece of equipment all active outdoors people should have. It’s essentially a portable jump starter and USB charger. At about the size of a brick, it has 20,000 mAh of power. It can jump-start full-size pickup trucks (gas- and diesel engines up to 8L) several times on a single charge. It can run power tools with its DC output up to 180W. It has dual USB ports so you can charge more than one USB device at a time. It can charge an iPhone Plus from 0 to fully charged at least 10 times. It has a built-in flashlight and can run the flashlight for several days if fully charged. You can charge it at home, or while driving. The device comes with a nylon hard-
shell case, AC/DC wall adaptor, car charger, jumper cables, and a three-way USB charging cord (Mini USB, USB-C, iPhone). This is a very useful piece of equipment that can get you out of a serious jam if you’re in a remote place. Everyone in Alaska should have one.

Slayer Duck Calls
slayercalls.com
Associate Editor Scott Haugen is a waterfowling machine. He had this to say: “New to the duck-call world, Slayer Calls hit a home run right out of the gate. Their double-reed call is one of the easiest calls we’ve ever used, and allows a wide range of sounds to easily be mastered; it’s perfect for beginners. Their single-reed call takes little air yet hits high volume, making it ideal for hunting Alaska’s wide-open spaces.”

GoPro HERO9 Black
gopro.com
It seems like every year (maybe less) they’re coming out with a new GoPro. We tested the HERO9 Black this summer and it’s clear the company strives for continuous improvement with each version of their cameras and accessories. The HERO9 Black delivers stunning 5K video and 20MP photos. Add HyperSmooth 3.0 stabilization, powerful features and a durable, waterproof design, and you get more of everything you love. The HERO9 Black has two screens—a front screen for selfies and a rear touch screen for controls. It’s waterproof to 33 feet, and it’s compatible with over 30 mounts and accessories.

PEET Dryer Advantage Plus PEET Heated Shoe and Boot Dryer
peetdryer.com
Anybody who spends time outside all year in any place but the desert knows that wet shoes are part of the package, especially if you go traipsing about in the woods. Now throw in a family with kids, and there’s an endless number of wet shoes that need drying. Trust us, we know firsthand. This unit uses a fan to push out hot air, which speeds up drying time. It’s constructed on a solid base, which allows you to place heavy boots on it; it can accept two pairs. Drying your shoes will make them last longer and help reduce odor.

Swagger Stalker Lite Shooting Sticks
swaggerbipods.com
Swagger Stalker Lite are the only lightweight, compact shooting sticks that quickly adapt allowing you to maintain target in any terrain. Quick adapt LT Technology allows a shooter to focus on the target without adjusting knobs, levers, or legs. Stalker Lite is quick to deploy, quick to adapt, quick to target, and is compact enough to go anywhere. With an effective elevation range of 24” to 36”, these sticks work well for shooting from kneeling or seated positions. Since there are no attachment points, these shooting sticks will work with any long gun.

Princeton Tec Mossy Oak Gamekeeper VIZZ
princetontec.com
This is a great headlamp for around camp, pre-dawn hikes into hunting locations, and we have even used it digging razor clams in the dark. It has dimmable red and white ultrabright LEDs, plus a dimmable maxbright LED (420 lumens). It’s IPX7 waterproof to 1 meter. It runs on 3 AA batteries, and the battery compartment screws shut for added security. To select the various LEDs, press the button until the desired one lights up. To dim or brighten, press and hold the button. It has an adjustable camouflage strap with orange hardware; the light housing is olive drab. This headlamp carries a lifetime warranty.

Mr. Heater Buddy Flex Heater
mrheater.com
We found this heater to be versatile, easy to operate, and that it puts out a lot of heat. We used it both indoors and out. It runs on propane and has several safety systems integrated into it to make it safe to run indoors. It will run for 3.5 hours on low or 2 hours on high using a 1-pound propane cylinder. The unit pairs with the Buddy Flex Cooker so you can cook on the go.

Midland X-Talker Extreme Dual Pack T77VP5
midlandusa.com
These GMRS two-way radios come in a soft-shell carrying case and include several accessories: a pair of radios, belt clips, rechargeable battery packs, desktop charger, AC wall adapter, micro USB charging cable, two boom microphone headsets, and a 12V auto adapter. They can communicate on 36 channels, have a range up to 38 miles (line-of-sight permitting) and also have a hands-free mode. These can be handy for communicating on the road, on the water, or out in the field. These radios don’t require a license to use.

Please take a look at our other Editors’ Choice Awards