BlackOvis Realm Tech Tee Gear Review: From Spring Bear Hunts to Mexico Mule Deer
by BlackOvis Gear Guide Ty Hinds
When it comes to outdoor gear, there are few pieces that truly stand out as year-round essentials. Over the years, I've grown to love the piece since it has made it into the BlackOvis line. Whether I'm chasing bears in the high country, glassing mule deer, or casting a line in a river, the Realm shirt has proven itself time and time again.
In this post, I’ll share my experiences using the Realm across different landscapes and weather conditions, and why it has earned a permanent spot in my pack.
Spring Bear Hunting in Canada and Idaho
Spring bear hunting is an incredible way to get out early in the year and stretch your legs after a long winter. This past June, I had the chance to hunt Idaho in search of big boars. As any hunter knows, weather conditions in the spring can be unpredictable. The mornings are crisp, the afternoons are warm.
With its synthetic construction, the synthetic Polartec fabric dries quickly, so when afternoon temps climbed, I didn’t have to worry about sweat soaking through and chilling me when the temperatures dropped again at dusk.The 1/4 zip feature came in handy when I needed to vent a little extra heat while hiking up steep terrain or glassing under the midday sun.
Mexico Mule Deer Hunt
When the weather cools down in the states (December and January) and the mule deer rut kicks into high gear, I find myself heading south to Mexico in pursuit of big muleys. Hunting in Mexico during the rut is a unique experience. The mornings are cold, but by midday, the temperatures soar. You need gear that can handle the transition and keep you comfortable throughout the day.
The Realm 1/4 Zip Tech Hoodie was again the piece I relied on. I’d start the day with it as a mid-layer over a base, and as the day warmed up, it became my outer layer. Despite the rising temperatures, the hoodie’s breathability ensured I stayed cool enough.
The dusty, rugged terrain of the Sonoran desert puts gear to the test, and I was impressed with how durable the Realm is.
A True Year-Round Piece
What I’ve come to love about the Realm series is that it’s truly a piece I can wear 365 days a year. Whether it’s sitting by a stream with a fly rod in hand, hiking up a steep ridge, or glassing for muleys in Mexico, the Realm has become a must have gear piece.
Its versatility across seasons and activities makes it a piece that never leaves my pack. If you're like me and you want gear that performs in multiple situations, without having to think twice, the Realm is it.