For the 2025 season, a few items stand out to me and many of my hunting buddies. I’ll admit from the start, I’m a huge fan of companies like Vortex, Safariland, Nightstick, etc. In fact, half of this list is Vortex gear. There are plenty of other great companies out there, but because I use products from these companies the most, my list is mostly comprised of their gear.
So, here it is, my top 10 list of hunting accessories for 2025.
P.S – These make great gift ideas for that birthday, Christmas, or just because…
1. Vortex Glass Pack
Most hunters I know like to carry a pair of binoculars with them. Vortex was clever enough to design the Glass Pack chest harness that holds multiple items.
First, it keeps your binoculars secure against your chest. This prevents swinging and bouncing while you’re on the move. Just pull open the top flap and pull them out of the pouch.
Second, you can add a range finder pouch to the Glass Pack, and it has a bungie connected inside the pouch, so it stays attached to you.
Thirdly, you can attach a glasses pouch to the Glass Pack so you can keep your sunglasses safe when you’re not wearing them. It has a comfortable harness that distributes weight evenly across your shoulders and chest. Some Vortex binoculars come with a chest carrier. But the Glass Pack is even better because you can attach other pouches to it.
Because it goes on your chest, it does not interfere with backpacks so you can still throw one of those on if needed.
Glass Pack Specs:
- Dimensions: Approximately 8.0″ (H) x 6.0″ (W) x 3.0″ (L)
- Weight: 11.4 oz
- Recommended for: Most 42mm or smaller binoculars
- Features: DWR treated exterior, quiet microfiber interior, modular attachment points.
- Average Price: $65 – $85
2. Vortex Diamondback 15×56 Binoculars
If you’re going hunting, it’s a good idea to have a good pair of binoculars. Last year, I upgraded to the Vortex Diamondback HD 15×56 pair. They have impressive magnification and light-gathering capabilities. The HD optical system provides sharp, bright images and works well in low-light conditions. They have a fully multi-coated lens and dielectric-coated BaK-4 prisms. This is what gives them great light transmission and contrast.
This pair has a magnesium chassis and rubber outer shell to help protect them. Because they are argon-purged, they are fog-proof and waterproof. The 15x magnification is powerful enough to do just about anything you need on a hunting trip.
Specs:
- Magnification: 15x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
- Field of View @ 1000 yds: 230′
- Eye Relief: 15.6 mm
- Weight: 2 lbs 2.8 oz
- Weatherproofing: Argon-purged, fogproof, waterproof
- Average Price: $370 – $500
3. Vortex Crossfire HD 1400 Rangefinder
If you’re going with a pair of Vortex binoculars (and their lifetime warranty), you may as well get your range finder form them too.
A good range finder is important when taking shots over longer distances. This one is simple and easy to use, which is why I like it. For those who want even more, Vortex makes some with a built-in ballistics’ calculator.
The Vortex Crossfire HD 1400 Rangefinder provides quick and precise readings. It uses an HD optical system so the view is crystal clear. The Horizontal Component Distance (HCD) mode compensates for angle, giving you the true “shoot-to” distance. This is nice to have for both rifles and bow hunters. It has a maximum reflective range of 1,400 yards and 750 yards on deer.
It fits perfectly in the add-on pouch for the Vortex Glass Pack above so it’s easy to reach when needed. Multiple ranging modes, including Normal, First, and Last, are for various hunting scenarios.
Specs:
- Magnification: 5x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 21 mm
- Max Range (Reflective): 1,400 yds
- Max Range (Deer): 750 yds
- Accuracy: +/- 1 yd @ 100 yds
- Weight: 4.8 oz
- Features: HCD angle compensation, scan mode.
- Average Price: $200 – $290
4. Vortex JACKAL Sunglasses
Eye protection in the field is often overlooked. No one wants to wear an ugly OSCA approved pair of safety glasses that walked out of the local cheese factory. But your gas station sunglasses are not ballistic rated either.
Vortex started selling two models of sunglasses last year and they are great quality. They also come with the same no questions asked warranty as all their other gear.
The JACKAL sunglasses are ballistic-rated for impact resistances so you can use them in your car, on the range, or out hunting.
This protects your eyes from debris, spent casings, or stray branches. The lenses are shatter-resistant and feature an anti-scratch coating. They provide 100% UV protection. There is a non-slip bridge and temples to keep them planted securely on your face. They are available in various lens tints for different light conditions.
Specs:
- Protection: UV and Ballistic-Rated
- Lens Material: Shatter-resistant
- Coatings: Anti-scratch
- Frame Features: Lightweight, flexible, non-slip bridge and temples
- Average Price: $130 – $180
5. Vortex Tick Repellent Hunt Sock
You may not think of your socks as “gear” or “accessories”, but they can be. Ticks are a serious concern for hunters, and it seems more people are getting sick from them each year. I know I’m being dramatic but if I got bit by a tick and was told I can’t eat steak anymore, my world would be devastated!
The Vortex Tick Repellent Hunt Sock helps keep the ticks off you, where they should be. They are treated with a permethrin-based chemical that continues to work after being washed more than 100 times.
Basically, the chemical in the fabric helps deter ticks from crawling up your legs. I wore them during multiple outings last year and this summer and I can tell you firsthand that they work. By the time I got home I was calling them “magic socks”. There was not a tick on me, which was a nice change from what I’m used to.
Besides the tick repelling magic, they are comfortable too. Of course, they are tall socks as they’re made for hunting and keeping off ticks, but they are not as hot as I expected. Even though they work great in cold weather, they are not too hot for summer use.
Some of this is because of the arch support and cushioned soles. Vented panels on the sides allow them to beath and the reinforced toe and heel areas make them last longer. These socks are a simple way to keep your feet dry while adding an extra layer of protection against disease-carrying ticks.
Specs:
- Features: Tick repellent treatment, arch support, vented panels, reinforced toe & heel, cushioned sole.
- Average Price: $30
6. Safariland Range Backpack
Ok, we’re done with Vortex gear I promise! Now, on to another one of my favorite brands, Safariland.
On any outing, you need a well-organized pack as this will make or break a hunting trip or range day. The Safariland Range Backpack is designed for shooters on the range, but I found it’s a great pack for hunting as well. It has a lot of compartments and dividers from small to large so you can keep all your gear organized.
For longer trips, I keep food in the main section (middle) and extra ammo in the very bottom compartment. There are three smaller compartments down the right side of the pack with a larger compartment on the left. The back section is padded and has an extra compartment for carrying handguns, but plenty of other gear also fits in there.
A heavy-duty lower compartment is reinforced for ammunition, and it comes with a removable dual zip-up pistol sleeve. The ballistic pack cloth construction makes it extremely durable and the used heavy-duty lockable zippers. An all-weather cover protects your gear from the rain, snow, etc.
Specs:
- Dimensions (w/hearing compartment): 21″ (H) x 13″ (W) x 11″ (D)
- Construction: Rugged ballistic pack cloth
- Features: Assorted compartments, reinforced ammo compartment, removable dual pistol sleeve, lockable zippers, all-weather cover.
- Average Price: $229
7. Safariland Liberator HP 2.0 Hearing Protection
I used to carry orange plugs for my ears when I went hunting. The only problem is I would always forget to put them in when I saw a perfect shot. My adrenaline would spike, I would get excited and hyper focus on the animal, then BOOM! My ears would ring, and I couldn’t hear much for the rest of the day.
Even though I had tried electronic earmuffs in the past, none of them were comfortable enough to wear all day, or the batteries would die while I was wearing them.
When I decided to give the Safariland Liberator HP 2.0 muffs a try, however, I forget I was wearing them. They have this gel-filled cushion around the ears that is super comfy to wear.
Of course, they are built to suppress any loud sounds to a safe level. But I found myself relying on electronic sound enhancement more than I did the sound suppression. Once I found a good spot to set up for a while, I would turn the sound way up and listen to every sound in the woods.
These sound features are labeled under three distinct modes: Enhanced, Move, and Clarity. Enhanced mode blocks dangerous impulse noise while amplifying ambient sounds like speech. Move mode blocks all external noise. Clarity mode blocks noise but enhances speech. This allows you to hear range commands or communicate with hunting partners safely.
Clarity is the setting I use in the woods to listen to all the stealthy animals.
Specs:
- Modes: Enhanced, Move, Clarity
- Power Source: AAA Alkaline batteries (or ICR17335)
- Average Price: $350 – $370
8. Safariland 6354RDSO Holster
My thoughts on carrying a side arm are influenced by my time as a cop. I carried a gun for two decades and won’t leave the house without one now. Even if you don’t need a handgun for hunting, it’s good to have a backup.
I like to use the Safariland 6354RDSO holster with the QLS (quick locking system). With this system I can move the holster from one belt to another, or anywhere else I have a receiver plate mounted. Just press in on the forks and the holster will slide off the receiver plate.
The 6354RDSO holster will work with an optic and it’s available with a Cordura wrap which helps reduce your IR signature. You can get it in multiple camo and solid colors.
It features Safariland’s Automatic Locking System (ALS). This secures the firearm automatically when you holster it. A simple thumb release allows for a fast, natural draw. These are the holsters being used by military and police around the world so why not use the best gear when hunting too?
Specs:
- Retention: ALS (Automatic Locking System)
- Compatibility: Firearms with red dot sights
- Features: Open-top design for optics, QLS19 Fork compatible
- Average Price: $220 – $250
9. Nightstick BARRAGE USB-56XL Handheld Light
Let’s just say I’ve learned the hard way that you should always have a light on you. If your hunting trip is only planned for the daylight hours, take a light anyway!
One of the most reliable light’s I’ve used is Nightstick. They are affordable and have a ton of options that work not only for police, but for hunting and other things as well.
The Nightstick BARRAGE USB-56XL is probably my favorite handheld light because of its size and features.
It is a powerful 900-lumen flashlight that also includes red and green floodlights for various tasks. The white light has high, medium, and low modes, and a rotating collar selects the function and reveals the USB-C charging port.
The light is made of 6061-T6 aluminum body making it impact-resistant and it’s IP-X7 waterproof. It’s compact so stick it in your pack just in case.
Specs:
- Lumens (White Light): High: 900 / Medium: 450 / Low: 50
- Beam Distance (High): 754 ft (230m)
- Runtime (High): 3 hours
- Light Sources: White LED, Red Flood, Green Flood
- Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
- Water Rating: IP-X7 waterproof
- Average Price: $170
10. Irish Setter VAPRTREK Waterproof Boot
Your feet are your most important tool in the field. Good boots help with back and knee pain (ok I’m getting old) and they keep your feet dry.
The Irish Setter VAPRTREK Waterproof Boot by Red Wing are about the most comfortable pair I’ve worn to date. Red Wing uses the UltraDry waterproofing system to keep water out. I’ve tested these on multiple hiking tips and my feet have stayed dry so far.
Some models include PrimaLoft insulation for warmth and ScentBan technology helps control odor. The VaprTrek boots are lightweight and offer excellent traction for varying terrains. The high-rebound sugarcane EVA material in the sole makes them comfort which reduces fatigue.
Specs:
- Waterproofing: UltraDry System
- Insulation (select models): 400 Gram PrimaLoft
- Scent Control: ScentBan
- Sole: High-rebound sugarcane EVA
- Average Price: $200 – $220
