Iphone/SPOT Connect – Rave reviews for the SPOT Connect. It was very frustrating to learn the initial sequence required to establish a bluetooth connection, but once I figured it out, everything went flawless. There were no message failures and provided peace of mind for our wives during our lengthy absences. For $100 for the unit and another $100 for the 1 year subscription, I had a device that did everything I needed it to do. Otherwise, we were looking at a $275 satellite phone rental and you don’t even get to keep it!
Steiner 8×22 binoculars – In dark timber, binoculars were useless. In the high country, binoculars were priceless. If you are hunting one or the other exclusively, it would be a much easier decision as to whether this piece of gear is essential or just extra weight. In case you think 8×22 binoculars are out-gunned for Western elk hunting. If you are just interested in locating animals, they fit the bill. One night from camp, I located a bull and 2 cows over 1.2 miles distant in fading light on the side of an avalanche-scree slide. With higher quality and power optics, it took the other guys a little while to locate the same animals. If you are field judging animals, 8×22 is obviously just about as useful as a dead possum, but you get the point.
Rangefinder – Can’t live without it. I was very glad to have made the investment in an angle-compensating device. Easterners simply can’t prepare for how tough it is to guess Western mountain yardages.
Joby Gorillapod – Awesome piece of gear for both still camera and video camera.
Combining my Gorillapod, digital camera, video camera, iPhone, and SPOT connect, I had a ton of weight at 45 ounces. Looking back at it, I would have drug everything along again. The tangible memories of our trip will be preserved for decades to come!
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