Santana Outdoors

As I search around for Premium Hunting Gear, clothing is close to the top as I am always looking for some lighter weight Gear that meets the demands of a hunter. Most of the time I'd start off in the morning when it was cold and then within an hour it starts warming up and by mid morning it is HOT. Now this last year I was hunting in the late Elk hunt and froze my butt off. Layering is the ticket, but I hate all that clothing on and what do you do with it when you take it off in the field? Now I need a bigger pack when it is cold out. I also don't like taking the time to remove layers when I am hunting. I had the owner of First Lite call me a few months ago and asked me to check out their products. They make a Merino wool clothing line designed to perform for the hunter. So I ordered some to see what it was about. Sitka Gear also came out with some of their own Merino wool products this year. Kenetrek also came out with a sock line. I knew wool was an excellent moisture control and can help you stay warm when wet but I didn't know it also is a natural odor control which is great for hunters. I also never thought of wearing wool here in the HOT Southwest. Here is what I found out, (First Lite did a great job on explaining so I copied this from their website) Comfort Merino wool fibers are some of the finest found in nature. It is the tiny diameter of the fibers that allows it to be worn directly next to your skin without any irritation or itch. Merino wool comes from the Merino sheep breed which is only found in specific natural environments. The wool growers in New Zealand and Australia have refined the wool sorting process to produce soft, durable wool for next to skin applications. The composition of wool makes it warm, water-repellent, odor-resistant, flame-retardant, durable, anti-static, and a UV protector. Wool is 90% keratin - a tough, insoluble, fibrous protein also found in hair, finger nails, horns, hooves and the outer layer of skin. A wool fiber can be bent and twisted more than 20,000 times before it will break. This elasticity as well as the microscopic diameter of each strand of wool creates a soft, comfortable, fabric that is perfect for hunters in all types of conditions. Odor Control There are a number of aspects of the physical and chemical structure of Australian Merino that make it naturally more resistant to odors than other textiles, especially synthetics. Moisture Transport - While sweat itself has no odor, if it remains on the skin in time bacteria develop and create unpleasant body odors. Merino reduces the opportunity for odors to generate because it is more efficient than other textiles at absorbing sweat and evaporating it into the air. No Microbial attraction - Studies have shown that bacteria are more attracted to the smooth, positively charged surface of a synthetic fiber than the scaly surface of a Merino fiber which carries no charge. Moisture Absorption - The Merino has a much greater capacity than other fibers to absorb moisture. In fact, it can absorb 35% of its own weight in liquid. The moisture is bound within the structure, and so is not available to microbes, which are unable to penetrate the scaly surface of the fiber. Glass Transition - In water and conditions of high humidity, Merino passes through what is termed a glass transition at which point it dramatically increases its rate of absorption and dispersion. Trapping Odors - The rate of diffusion of small and large molecules into the fiber increases and it is able to absorb odors faster. When the temperature drops, and the fiber once again falls below the glass transition, the odors are trapped within the structure even if the moisture evaporates. Later, during laundering, the garment again passes through the glass transition point and the odors are carried out of the structure by the water. Synthetics are not able to benefit from this same effect because they do not pass through glass transition during normal wear. Thermal Regulation Each wool fiber is covered with tiny scales like tiles or shingles on a roof that help shed water, rain or spills. But wool is full of contrasts and paradoxes that give it outstanding high performance for cold weather activities. The interior (called the cortex) of wool fiber can hold up to 30% of its weight in moisture without the wool fabric feeling damp or clammy, while the exterior (called the cuticle) is water repelling. Also, when moisture enters the wool fiber, energy is released in the form of heat which helps keep the outdoor enthusiast warm. The high performance characteristics of wool help keep the wearer warm in the winter and cool in the summer by naturally maintaining a comfortable balance in the wearer's personal micro climate - that is the air between the skin and the layers of clothing. This means that in warm weather fine wool helps keep the wearer cool by transferring heat and body moisture away from the body for a naturally cooling effect. I was very impressed with the First Lite gear and expecting the New Sitka Gear in soon and hope it will be as good. I have tried the Kenetrek socks and they are awesome. Please share with us your thoughts. Good luck and see you in the field. Eric

I am left handed on everything including a pistol, but right handed on shooting a rifle and bow. I am right eye dominate. I never could shoot a shot gun very well and my bowling score is as good as my golf, they are both about 100. In little league, no one had a left handed mitt for me to wear so I caught right handed and did great, then took of the mitt and threw left handed (had to be quick). As an adult bought a left handed mitt and could never figure out why I catch very well until I realized it was because of my right eye dominate (at least it sounds good). I can also bat left and right, prefer left. After reading this I think I am going to try and force myself to try and shoot a pistol right handed. Good luck on your son, from my experience I think he probably needs to shoot right handed because of his right eye being dominate. Eric

Killed my last 2 elk with the Rage 2 blade 2". Both went less than 75 yards and not because they were both great shots. Both looked like a crime scene. I did have a blade pop out on me but it was because I hit some brush with it. Yes it is just another thing to keep an eye on but I still have to recommend them. Keep in mind that the Rage has a few different sizes and I recommend the 2" 2 blade, it leaves a hole that is hard to close up. Just my opinion!

If you are looking to buy a new 2011 Jumping Jack Trailer you wont beat this deal (unless you live back east). It is located in AZ, it is my understanding it can still be shipped for a lot less than buying new for you that live back east. This trailer retails for over $7,000 plus tax with all the extras. Here is the Website http://www.jumpingjacktrailers.com/ Won at a banquet, wouldn't be selling but owner needs items for the kids. Asking $4,500, If you are interested call me 928-978-1999 Eric

Awesome, looking forward to hunt there myself, thanks for the photos and the story.

I have had one (alarm battery) in the wilderness for 2 years with a solar panel, works awesome. Moultrie also makes a compact one, solar panel and battery, but expensive. Thanks for posting.

Awesome banquet. Thanks MSA. The first half was pretty sad, we didn't win 1 item but as we got into the second half we started picking up steam and the table won many items. The sad part of the whole evening was the fact that Mike bought the winning ticket for the Jumping Jack Traler a $7,000 value, #50. We always go in together on the tickets for the big items and I was waiting for the opportune time to pay for my half of that ticket and didn't realize it had started. Well he won it. Congratulations to Mike! I guarantee next year I will not be such a procrastinator!

Thanks, should have known better. Didnt even look that close.

I am sure everyone has seen this but in case you missed it. Pretty amazing.

How sad, we ate there for last New Years Eve.

Someday!

Awesome scopes. Highly recommended.

Awesome mount. Congratulations.

Top quality Backpacks have developed over the years into a needed field gear just like a good gun or quality optics. I have had many customers ask how to fit a pack properly. I am going to make our own video someday. Until then Eberlestock made a detailed video on how to fit one of their packs PROPERLY. You can use most of the information in this video to fit any pack properly. Some other companies packs do not have harness adjustments nor the formable metal stays that Eberlestock has which allows you to custom fit your pack better. Most people didn't even know you cna do this with Eberlestock packs. Every person that has tried this so far has told me the pack fit and road better. I'd like to hear your comments or other thoughts on pack adjusting. Here is the link http://www.santanaoutdoors.com/servlet/the-template/faq/Page Thanks, Eric

I just save to my desktop so it is easy to pull up when I need it.

The 2011 Arizona Hunting Regs now available http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/hunting_rules.shtml Good luck!

Hunted unit 16 as a kid, lots of fun. congrats on an awesome deer.

Happy Easter to everyone. Yes, we will put eggs out for our grandchildren to find after church and have a wonderful lunch with family and friends. As we celebrate today as the day Jesus rose from the dead and is alive in heaven and in our hearts. I pray you all have a blessed day. Here is a video called Arise my love performed by Newsong. Awesome voices!

TJ, dont konw, lets grab a coffee next time your in town.

"I love it" is exactly what I said before I read your reply Amanda. Great video , Thanks for posting Mr Outdoors writer.

JMP, Sorry to hear you had a bad experience with these packs. I have found them to be the best hunting packs. Not just because I sell them but use them! We have sold hundreds of these packs all over the world and 99% have told me they are better than any pack they have ever owned including the packs you mentioned above. I do understand they are not for everyone. We have also found that most people do not load a pack properly or adjust the packs properly. Eberlestock packs are released from the factory to fit most average men but for some require a custom fit and the packs are also designed to do that. We are posting a video on our website shortly to explain this process. You said "For some reason, hunters think they need their backpack to be camouflaged, which is the only thing Eberlestock packs offer" Eberlestock has a large selection of packs. Their packs not only designed and made with hunters in mind but also for military and tactical purposes which are not camo. They also just added the new Battleship and Destroyer packs which in my opinion is going to give packers more options. The J107 in my opinion is designed for either large men or people that have a desire to carry more then most and is not my first recommendation to most. I agree you do not have to have a camo pack and mine isn't. Its all personal, because if you are moving your busted! Redman, there is a lot of choices out there and I'd be glad to go over what each pack has to offer with you, shoot me an email or give me a buzz. Here is a link to all the Eberlestock packs http://www.santanaoutdoors.com/servlet/the-Backpacks-cln-Eberlestock-Packs/Categories

What type of call did he use?

Sounds likes you guys had an awesome time. Hunting with family, friends and getting the game, don't get any better than that. Thanks for posting.

Congrats to all the hunters and Koury outdoors. Great job.

If you are looking for a larger deer, I think both have that opportunity.