Hunting seasons are over for a few months before spring bear and turkey kick off. We have some time before we need to start applying for the draws. I guess it is a good time to evaluate my gear and see what needs to be replaced, upgraded or improved.

I’m thinking it is time to replace my boots, but am having a hard time deciding what to replace them with. I have tried several different brands in the past, but they all give me blisters on my heels.

I have been running a pair of Mendl’s for about six years and they work OK, but still give me blisters if I’m doing a lot of uphill work, and my feet are tired at the end of the day. Maybe I’m just blister-prone, but I like to think there is a boot out there that will give me the support I need and still cushion my feet like a pillow. I hear good things about Crispi and Solomon. I will have to give them a look.

I’m also thinking it is time to replace my sleeping bag. The ALPS zero degree mummy bag I’ve had for the last 20 years is seriously outdated. It still keeps me warm, but it’s heavy. I could easily lose 2 pounds or more with a new bag. In addition, the new down bags are treated to be more waterproof. Getting it wet wouldn’t be a disaster.

My concern is that I am “well nourished,” as we like to say in health care, and I need a bag with some room. Not one I have to squeeze into like a pair of spandex biker shorts. I’m leaning toward a Stone Glacier or maybe a Big Agnes. I’m a chilly bones, so I will still go with a zero degree model.

Surprisingly, the other thing I want to upgrade this year is my headlamp. I have always used whatever I could pick up at Walmart that looked small and lightweight, and I haven’t died yet. However, there are lighter and brighter options out there. Peax and Black Diamond are two companies that make some pretty impressive lights.

The trend these days is toward rechargeable versus battery-powered lights. Not being able to swap out batteries if it goes dead makes me a little nervous, but these days I always carry a power cell to recharge my phone as needed. I can always use it to charge my headlamp as well. Then I’m not carrying the power bank for my phone and batteries for my light. Maybe it will save me a few ounces.

For now I’m just having fun shopping, but I will need to make some decisions pretty soon. I’m hoping a spring bear hunt is in the cards. What new gear are you planning to pick up this year?

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