Ontario Black Bear Gear List
Zach’s Bear Hunt Gear List
In May I went to Ontario Canada, near Rainy Lake to chase black bear. Weather varied from 30 degrees and spitting snow to 70 degrees and beaming sun, all within a week. This made for a unique gear list and packing job. Below is what I chose to bring and why, with a few pieces highlighted to emphasize the role they played.
Main Layered Clothing System
Sitka Traverse Cold Weather Hoody - In my humble opinion, this is the best medium to heavy weight jacket/hoody out there, of any brand, and Sitka no longer actively produces it on any large scale. However, it is everything you want in a good jacket, keeps you warm, exceptionally dry, quiet, comes with a hood, facemask, and holds scent well. I am not sure what the differences are between the current “Traverse Hoody” and the “Traverse Cold Weather Hoody” that I have but I know that I would not want to give up the Cold Weather for love or money . Although not easy to find on Sitka’s website, you can find the cold weather with a specific google search for it and usually can get it at a discounted price. It was the first article of clothing I ever bought from Sitka and to this day, remains my favorite
Sitka Apex Hoody
Sitka Traverse Pant
RedHead Tec-Lite Pant - I am a Sitka fan (obviously) but I am here to tell you that this lightweight pant from RedHead is every bit as nice and breathable, quiet, nice, as my Sitka traverse pants. They make for the perfect turkey pants and can be worn on chilly days with some long johns or base layers underneath.
Sitka Core Midweight Zip-T
Muck Wetland Boots - Any solid rubber boot will work but when I got new boots last year I did a fair bit of research and Lacrosse were significantly more expensive and Irish Setters tend to rip out around the ankle/heel area. I have worn Mucks until they fall apart and they are still warm and reliable after years of abuse
Generic backup and supplemental Gear
Generic camouflage rain jacket - This one does not need to be flashy, I have an old Rocky raincoat from 8 years ago and it did the trick. That being said do not skip this item, It is going to rain, guaranteed, be prepared for at least a sprinkle, likely more
Knit Beanie
Wool Gloves
Wool Socks
Cabela’s Ridge Hunter 2.0 Backpack - Again, no need to get fancy, just a smaller daypack that you can take to and from the stand will do, but it is a necessity to carry gear in and out. The Ridge Hunter 2.0 was $15 and sufficient in everything I needed it for Find the Pack Here
Heavy Duty Gear and Other
Browning Monroe 3600 Pack - I purchased the Monroe 3600, not knowing what to expect. Browning’s first venture into large multi-day packs and I almost spent significantly more on a Mystery Ranch or other brand; but boy am I glad that I did not! The Monroe far exceeded expectations. All of my gear, from binos to clothes and anything in between fit. I took it as a carryon in the airport and not once did I find a single drawback to it. I am blown away and would recommend it to anyone.
Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42
Marlin Model 1895 Guide Gun (45-70 Govt) - Firearm choice is ultimately up to your discretion and the discretion of your guide. My trip saw guys take black bear with 20 gauge slugs, 300 win-mags, and 450 Bushmasters, but I think the 45-70 Govt was a perfect round, moves slow enough that at close range it is not too fast and can still reach out and tag a bear. Leaves a massive hole for tacking and humane taking of the animal; and the model 1895 Guide Gun looks about as tough as it gets. Very good gun, very effective, and the lever action makes you feel like the Outlaw Josey Wales.
TSA Approved Gun Case and Locks
If there are any questions, or items I missed, leave a comment below, DM us on social media, or send us an email!
