by Ty Hinds

The first two days of this Utah elk hunt were exactly what every elk hunter dreams of—hot, action-packed, and filled with bugling bulls. The echoes of rutting elk rang through the drainages, making it tough to decide which canyon to glass first. It felt like we had our pick of the herd, setting up for what seemed to be a slam-dunk hunt.

blackovis elk hunt gear

But just as fast as the elk rut activity had ignited, it died down. By day three, the bugles had faded, and the bulls became elusive. They had shifted patterns overnight, moving into thick timber and becoming mostly nocturnal. We had spotted three shooter bulls, but closing the distance proved challenging as they held tight in the cover, only moving right before dark.

By day seven, exhaustion was setting in, but we refused to tap out. That morning, our luck finally changed. As we glassed from our perch, we spotted a bull lingering with his cows well past dawn—an opportunity we couldn’t pass up. A quick check of the wind, and we were on the move. After cresting a ridge and closing the distance, I made a clean shot, and within seconds, the bull was down.

Success! But as any elk hunter knows, the real work was just beginning. Packing out an elk is a grind, and having the right gear makes all the difference. Here’s the essential BlackOvis gear that helped me push through the challenge and stay comfortable throughout the hunt.

Essential BlackOvis Gear for My Utah Elk Hunt

Ovis Sack Ultralight Pro Game Bag Set

These game bags were a lifesaver. The XL size was perfect for elk quarters, making meat care seamless in the field. I used five total—one for each quarter and another for neck meat, backstraps, and tenderloins. The 94% Nylon and 6% Spandex blend provided durability without adding unnecessary weight. Cleaning them was easy; a simple soak in Dawn dish soap removed all traces of meat, hair, and debris, making them ready for my next hunt.

Venture Merino Boxer

Hiking all day in rugged terrain meant comfort was crucial. The Venture Merino Boxers provided superior moisture-wicking and odor resistance, keeping me dry and comfortable no matter the conditions. No chafing, no discomfort—just reliable performance that allowed me to stay focused on the hunt.

Shred Lightweight Socks

Your feet are your foundation in the backcountry, and good socks can make or break a hunt. The Shred Lightweight Socks provided breathability, moisture control, and blister prevention, making long hikes and steep climbs much more manageable.

BlackOvis Hades Headlamp

Navigating in the dark is a given when elk hunting, and the Hades Headlamp delivered 1000 lumens of brightness to light the way. The rechargeable design eliminated the hassle of extra batteries, and the adjustable brightness settings allowed for versatility during pre-dawn hikes and late-night pack-outs.

BlackOvis Anchor Point 800 Fill Welded Down Jacket

When the temps dropped, the Anchor Point 800 Fill Welded Down Jacket was my go-to for staying warm. The 800-fill down insulation provided excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, and its welded construction added durability while keeping wind out. Whether glassing in the early morning or waiting for bulls to move at last light, this jacket made all the difference in staying warm without adding bulk to my pack.

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Final Thoughts

Elk hunting is unpredictable, and conditions change fast. Having the right gear can make or break a hunt. From durable game bags to reliable layering pieces, my BlackOvis hunting gear played a critical role in keeping me comfortable, prepared, and ready to grind through the challenges of this 7-day hunt. If you’re gearing up for an elk hunt, investing in quality, field-tested gear is a decision you won’t regret.