The Ultimate Elk Hunting Gear List for Beginners

The author with his first archery elk kill.

Everything You Actually Need (and What to Skip) for Your First Western Elk Hunt

If you’re new to the Western elk game, you’ve probably already noticed something: everyone and their brother has an opinion on gear. Scroll through Rokslide, Hunt Talk, or Elk101 and it feels like you need to take out a second mortgage just to set foot in the mountains. But here’s the truth—elk hunting does demand solid gear, but you don’t need to break the bank to get started right. You just need to know where to invest and where to skip the fluff.

After years of chasing bulls across the West (and helping other hunters do the same), here’s my no-BS gear list that covers the essentials you’ll actually use—plus a few upgrades that are worth it if you’ve got the cash.

1. Boots: Don’t Skimp—Trust Me

Your boots are your tires in elk country. If they blow out, you’re stuck. I’ve helped design boots with LaCrosse Footwear, and I can’t stress enough how important it is to choose waterproof, ankle-supporting, mountain-worthy boots. Break them in before your hunt. Seriously.

What to get: LaCrosse Ursa MS or similar. Expect to pay $200-$300. Worth every penny.

2. Backpack: Meat Hauler + Day Gear

You need a pack that can do double duty: carry your daily essentials and pack out meat when the time comes. I've run both Stone Glacier and Kifaru systems. They’re top-tier for hauling serious loads without wrecking your back.

Starter tip: If budget’s tight, a good used pack from either brand beats a cheap new one any day.

3. Optics: Spot the Elk Before They Spot You

You need good glass. Period. I roll with Maven Optics because they’re top-shelf quality without the crazy markup. A solid pair of 10x42 binos will cover 90% of your needs.

Pair those with a Tricer tripod and bino adapter so you’re not hand-shaking through every hillside scan. Elk are big—but not that big when they’re 1,000 yards off.

Optional: A spotting scope helps if you're trophy hunting or in wide-open country. Otherwise, glass smart with your binos.

4. Weapon Setup: Bow or Rifle—Just Know It Cold

Archery: 60+ pound draw, 400–500 grain arrows, sharp fixed or hybrid broadheads. Don’t overthink it—shoot what you can handle accurately.

Rifle: .270, .30-06, .308, or .300 Win Mag. Practice out to 300 yards, know your dope, and sight in well before the hunt.

Tip: Bring a backup release or ammo. Murphy’s Law loves elk camps.

5. Clothing: Layer Like an Onion

Western hunts start cold, heat up fast, then freeze again. The key? Layer smart.

Base Layer: Merino wool or synthetic (Argali has killer options).

Mid Layer: Puffy jacket or fleece.

Outer Layer: Waterproof/breathable shell.

Accessories: Gloves, neck gaiter, beanie, and good socks (Darn Tough or Smartwool).

Camo doesn’t kill elk—staying dry and quiet does.

6. Navigation: Don’t Get Lost

Always have onX Hunt on your phone, downloaded offline, with a compass and/or GPS backup. Batteries die, paper maps don’t. Know your unit boundaries before boots hit dirt.

7. Kill Kit: The Messy Essentials

Sharp knife (Argali's carbon knife is light and surgical)

Game bags (lightweight, breathable)

Paracord

Nitrile gloves

Zip ties or tape for tagging

8. Miscellaneous Must-Haves

• First aid kit

• Fire starter

• Headlamp (with backup batteries)

• Water filter or tablets

• Electrolytes/snacks/high-calorie food

• Trekking poles (if hauling weight or steep country)

Skip These (For Now)

• Super expensive camo (function > fashion)

• Scent elimination sprays (elk don’t care as long as you get the wind right)

• Satellite phone (unless you’re way out there)

• Ultralight everything (unless you’re backpack hunting)

Final Word

You don’t need to own a gear shop to chase elk. You just need dependable equipment, a body that’s ready to move, and the mindset to stick it out. Build your kit around your hunt style, your budget, and your experience level.

For a deeper gear breakdown, check out the Hunt West Podcast, dig into the Elk Hunt Course, or thumb through Eastmans’ Hunting Journal for proven gear setups from guys who do this year after year.

And remember—the best gear is the stuff you know how to use.

Let’s get after it.