Summit and Stream

Tag: Reviews

  • My Hoyt Bow Setup for Western Hunting & 3D Shooting: What I Run and Why

    My Hoyt Bow Setup for Western Hunting & 3D Shooting: What I Run and Why

    I don’t believe in building separate bows for every discipline. I believe in building one bow I know inside and out — one that gets shot year-round, carried into the mountains, and trusted when things aren’t perfect.

    This is my current hybrid bow setup, built to work for both western big-game hunting and 3D shooting. Every piece here was chosen deliberately. Nothing is theoretical. This setup has been practiced with, tuned, adjusted, and carried — and it continues to evolve as I learn.

    The Foundation: Bow & Core Specs

    At the center of this setup is my Hoyt Ventum 33”.

    Axle-to-Axle: 33″ Brace Height: 6 ⅜″ Draw Length: 29″ Draw Weight: 70 lbs (run year-round)

    The Ventum 33 hits a rare balance point. It’s compact enough to move well in timber and steep terrain, but stable enough to feel composed at full draw — whether I’m shooting foam targets or waiting on an animal to commit.

    I run 70 pounds all year without backing off in the offseason. That consistency matters. Same draw weight, same feel, same execution. I want my practice to translate directly into hunting season without mental or physical adjustments.

    Where this bow really stands out is how calm it feels once I hit the wall. It doesn’t rush me or feel jumpy. It settles and holds, which shows up on longer 3D shots and matters even more when a real animal keeps you at full draw longer than planned.

    Sight: One Setup, Two Roles

    I run the Black Gold Pro Hunter HD 3-pin slider, and it’s one of the most important pieces in making this bow a true hybrid.


    The Black Gold Pro Hunter HD 3-pin slider in its element — simple in the field, precise when dialed for distance.

    For hunting, I keep the pins set at 20, 30, and 40 yards. That covers the majority of real western shots and keeps the sight picture clean and fast. When an animal steps out, I’m not thinking about dialing or sorting through pins — I already have what I need.

    Anything beyond 40 yards, I use the bottom pin as a floater. If time and conditions allow, I’ll dial the sight to exact yardage and hold dead-on. That gives me the precision of a single-pin setup without sacrificing the speed and simplicity of fixed pins for closer encounters.

    This system carries perfectly into the offseason and 3D shooting.

    When I’m shooting 3D, I rely heavily on the slider. Dialing exact yardage with the bottom pin keeps practice honest and exposes flaws quickly — especially at longer distances.

    During the offseason, I also add the Black Gold 2x Magnifier. The magnification doesn’t make shots easier — it makes mistakes obvious. Pin float, anchor inconsistencies, execution issues — they all show up immediately.

    When hunting season rolls around, the magnifier comes off. The sight goes back to a clean, forgiving setup that’s fast in low light and familiar under pressure.

    Same sight. Same pins. Same muscle memory.

    Just more precision when I want it, and simplicity when I need it.

    Stabilizers: Tuned for Balance, Not a Dead Pin

    Stabilizers are where most hybrid setups go wrong — either too heavy and range-only, or too minimal to be effective.

    I run Shrewd Vantage stabilizers in a front-and-rear configuration:

    Front: 12″ with 1 oz Rear: 9″ with 3 oz

    This setup is about balance, not chasing a perfectly still pin.

    The longer front bar gives direction and slows the sight picture without making the bow feel nose-heavy. Keeping the front weight light makes the bow easier to manage in the mountains and more forgiving on uneven footing.

    The rear bar does most of the stabilizing work. Running more weight in the back helps the bow settle naturally and stay upright at full draw. Instead of forcing the bow to hold still, it feels neutral — like it wants to stay where I aim it.

    For 3D shooting, this setup:

    Slows pin float Helps the bow track cleanly through the shot Makes long practice sessions more consistent

    For hunting, it stays compact, maneuverable, and easy to live with in brush, timber, and steep terrain.

    Arrow Rest: Simple, Bombproof, and Consistent

    I run the Hamskea Hunter Hybrid Pro, and it’s one of those components I don’t think about anymore — which is exactly what I want.

    The rest is quiet, secure, and extremely consistent. Once it’s set, it stays set. I don’t worry about timing issues, movement, or noise — whether I’m shooting 3D targets or hiking miles into elk country.

    It holds the arrow securely while moving, tunes easily, and disappears once I’m at full draw. That reliability is why it’s earned a permanent place on this bow.


    Shooting the same Hoyt Ventum 33 setup year-round — building confidence through repetition instead of changing gear between seasons.

    Why This Setup Works as a Hybrid

    This bow works because nothing changes between seasons.

    Same draw weight.

    Same sight picture.

    Same balance.

    Same feel.

    3D shooting keeps me honest. Hunting keeps me realistic. Running one setup forces consistency — and consistency builds confidence.

    Foam exposes flaws. Animals punish them. This setup helps me address both.

    Final Thoughts

    This isn’t a trendy build or a spec-sheet flex. It’s a setup built around reliability, familiarity, and repeatable execution.

    If you’re building a hybrid bow for western hunting and 3D shooting:

    Keep it balanced Keep it simple Shoot it year-round

    That’s how confidence is built — one arrow at a time.

    Coming Next

    I’ll break out deeper dives on:

    Arrow builds & weight philosophy Broadheads for western game Tuning this setup for both 3D and hunting Why I run a 3-pin slider in the West

    Affiliate Disclosure

    This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend gear I personally use and trust.

  • 12 Fly Fishing Gifts That Are Actually Worth Buying (From Brands I Trust on the Water)

    12 Fly Fishing Gifts That Are Actually Worth Buying (From Brands I Trust on the Water)

    Quality gear, field-tested picks, and zero fluff.

    Buying gifts for fly anglers can be a minefield. Between personal preferences, regional differences, and endless gear options, it’s tough to know what someone will actually use. So instead of novelty items or gimmicks, here’s a list of 12 fly-fishing gifts that I’ve personally tested, beaten up, and still depend on across Colorado rivers, alpine lakes, and long weekends in the backcountry.

    These come from some of the most trusted brands in fly fishing — Umpqua, RIO, Fishpond, Orvis, Loon, YETI, Marsupial — companies that build gear real anglers rely on. No shortcuts. No cheap plastic junk. Just solid kit that stands up to weather, water, and hard use.

    1. Umpqua RiverRun Nip w/ Lanyard

    Nippers are one of those pieces of gear you don’t appreciate until you’ve used a good pair. Umpqua’s RiverRun Nip is sharp, reliable, and built with that no-nonsense Umpqua quality. The included lanyard keeps it exactly where you need it — not at the bottom of your pack or lost in the truck.

    Why it’s great: ultra-clean cuts, corrosion-resistant, and built to outlast the cheap stuff.

    2. RIO Headgate Tippet Holder + Powerflex Tippet (2X–6X)

    This is hands down one of the most practical gifts on this list. The Headgate dispenser keeps tippet tidy and accessible, and RIO’s Powerflex material is the gold standard — strong knots, consistent diameter, and dependable performance in every season.

    Why it’s great: keeps your essential tippet organized; includes the sizes you actually use.

    3. Fishpond Confluence Net Release 2.0

    Fishpond took the classic magnetic net release and made it better. Stronger magnet. Cleaner design. Harder to lose. Easier to grab. This is the release system I trust when I’m wading deep or scrambling up boulders with a rod in hand.

    Why it’s great: rock-solid magnet strength; eliminates the net-fumble moment.

    4. Fishpond Tacky Pescador Fly Box (Small, MagPad, Waterproof)

    Tacky boxes are the benchmark for modern fly storage. The Pescador Small is waterproof, nearly bomb-proof, and uses the magnetic pad to make rigging and sorting flies stupidly easy. It’s compact enough for a sling pack but durable enough for guide-level use.

    Why it’s great: waterproof security + MagPad organization = flawless on-the-water usability.

    5. Nitecore NU25 UL Headlamp (USB-C, 400 Lumens)

    If you fish sunup to sundown — or do early-morning trail approaches — this is the headlamp you want. The NU25 UL is insanely lightweight, bright enough for night rigging, and charges fast via USB-C. I carry it for fishing, hunting, and camp use.

    Why it’s great: ultra-light, ultra-bright, ultra-reliable.

    6. Marsupial Gear Sun Tech Hoodie (Pictured at top of page)

    A legit sun hoodie is one of the most-used clothing items in my entire kit. Marsupial nailed the balance: breathable, quick-drying, and rugged enough for brushy riverbanks and sweaty ridge hikes. Perfect for summer trout missions or warm-weather overlanding.

    Why it’s great: superior sun protection from a brand built for tough western conditions.

    7. Orvis Fishing Lanyard

    Orvis keeps it simple and clean with their gear lanyard — lightweight, low-profile, and built to keep essentials (forceps, nippers, floatant) exactly where they need to be. It’s a great gift for anglers who want to ditch the bulky vest without losing organization.

    Why it’s great: efficient, minimal, and built with classic Orvis durability.

    8. Orvis Premium Fly-Tying Kit

    This is the kit that actually sets a new tier of fly-tying starter tools. Orvis includes the right vise, the right tools, and the right materials — not filler — so you can tie patterns you’ll actually fish. Winter nights, quiet weekends, post-work sessions… this kit fuels all of it.

    Why it’s great: high-quality tools + enough material for ~160 flies = the perfect beginner or upgrade kit.

    9. A. Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Sling Pack

    If you’re fishing hard, hiking through weather, or crossing rivers, waterproof matters. The Thunderhead Sling Pack is burly, submersible, and practically indestructible. Fishpond’s zippers and materials are in a class of their own.

    Why it’s great: true waterproof security for anglers who push deep water and rugged terrain.

    B. Orvis Fly Fishing Sling Pack

    Another killer option, especially for anglers who want a lightweight, accessible pack without going full submersible. Orvis builds these with smart pocket layout, intuitive storage, and comfort for long days on the water.

    Why it’s great: roomy, reliable, and built for anglers who value speed and accessibility.

    10. Loon Outdoors Line Up Fly Line Cleaning Kit

    A clean fly line casts better — period. Loon’s cleaning system is simple, fast, and one of the best ways to extend the life of a line. It improves float, reduces drag, and helps you mend and shoot line more efficiently.

    Why it’s great: cheap upgrade that makes a big difference in performance.

    11. Fishpond River Rat 2.0 Insulated Beverage Holder

    A little fun, a lot of function. This insulated can holder clips right to your pack or belt and keeps drinks cold through long summer sessions. Perfect gift for the angler who likes a mid-day river beverage — responsibly, of course.

    Why it’s great: simple, durable, and honestly one of the most-used accessories I own.

    Add link here

    12. YETI LoadOut 15 GoBox (Waterproof Gear Case)

    This is the king of rugged organization. The YETI GoBox is a waterproof, dustproof, damn-near-indestructible storage system for camera gear, fly boxes, tools, snacks, first-aid kits — everything. Mine lives between fishing, hunting, and overlanding duty.

    Why it’s great: the most reliable all-weather gear box you can own.

    Final Thoughts: Give Gear That’s Built to Last

    Every item on this list comes from a brand I trust — gear I’ve personally used on the water, on the trail, or in camp. If you want a gift that’ll get used (not tossed in a drawer), stick with proven equipment built to handle real-world fishing. These twelve picks deliver exactly that.

    This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend gear I’ve tested and trust, and these commissions help support the blog.

  • Backcountry Meals That Actually Taste Good — Quick Tips + Favorites from Elk Creek

    Backcountry Meals That Actually Taste Good — Quick Tips + Favorites from Elk Creek

    If you’ve done enough nights in the backcountry, you know the drill: tear open a foil pouch, add hot water, wait, and hope for the best. Most of the time you get something that’s… edible. It fills the hole, but it’s not exactly a meal you’d rave about.

    On our latest Elk Creek trip, we decided to step it up. We wanted meals that tasted good enough to look forward to after a long day on trail — or better yet, that we’d actually eat at home. With a little pre-trip planning, we pulled together a small but mighty menu that made mornings warmer, afternoons easier, and dinners something worth lingering over.

    Breakfast That Feels Like a Win

    For mornings, Peak Refuel Biscuits & Gravy was our hands-down favorite. It’s hearty without being greasy, and the gravy actually has flavor — peppery and savory instead of bland and watery. The biscuits keep their texture surprisingly well after rehydrating, so you’re not eating mush.

    We’ve found that Peak Refuel in general has some of the best freeze-dried flavor and texture out there, so we rely on them for most breakfasts and dinners. That includes post-hike comfort food like their Chicken Coconut Curry — rich, creamy, and a little spicy, it’s the perfect warm-up after a chilly day on the trail. Whether it’s Biscuits & Gravy to start the day or curry by the fire at night, they make it easy to eat well without hauling heavy ingredients.

    Coffee That Hits the Spot Every Time

    We brought Café Bustelo instant coffee packets, and honestly, I might never go back to the “specialty” backpacking coffees. Bustelo is strong, smooth, and actually tastes like coffee instead of brown water. It’s pre-measured, which makes mornings brainless — just rip, dump into your mug, and fire up the Jetboil.

    The Jetboil made coffee duty quick even on chilly Elk Creek mornings when every second outside the sleeping bag feels like a test of willpower. By the time the water boiled, the smell alone was enough to make us forget how cold it was.

    Snacks That Pull Double Duty

    For midday fuel or a quick pick-me-up before setting up camp, Honey Stinger Nut + Seed Bars were our go-to. They’re a nice change from the usual overly sweet energy bars — with a nutty, slightly salty profile and just enough honey to keep things interesting.

    Each bar packs a solid mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbs, so they actually keep you going instead of giving you a sugar spike and crash. Plus, they don’t melt or crumble in your pack, even after a long, hot day.

    Our favorite flavors from the trip: Almond Pumpkin Seed for a treat-like feel, and Oat + Honey for mornings when you want something lighter but still filling. We’d eat one mid-morning, then another later in the afternoon before our dinner prep — and between that and the Peak Refuel meals, we stayed fueled without feeling weighed down.

    A Few Backcountry Meal Tips from the Trail

    1. Pack calorie-dense food.

    Every ounce in your pack matters, but so does how many calories it gives you. Look for meals with 100+ calories per ounce to keep you fueled without adding unnecessary weight.

    2. Test meals before your trip.

    What tastes okay in your kitchen can taste totally different after a long hike — and vice versa. We try at least one serving at home before committing to bringing it on trail.

    3. Don’t skimp on seasonings.

    A tiny packet of hot sauce or a sprinkle of your favorite spice mix can make even the most basic meal taste like something special. They weigh almost nothing, and the morale boost is real.

    4. Think about cleanup.

    At the end of the day, your energy is low and daylight is short. One-pot meals or just-add-water pouches mean you spend less time scrubbing and more time resting (or watching the stars).

    5. Bring a mix of comfort food and fuel food.

    You need calories and protein, yes — but having one “fun” snack or treat each day keeps spirits high, especially on long treks.

    Bottom Line

    The right food makes the backcountry feel less like “survival mode” and more like living well in the wild. On Elk Creek, Peak Refuel for breakfast and dinner (especially that Chicken Coconut Curry), strong coffee in our mugs, nut + seed bars in our packs, and easy cleanup routines meant more time to enjoy the views, watch the river, and linger by the fire.

    Because when your meals are good, you’re not just hiking — you’re actually enjoying being out there.

    Grab the Checklist

    If you want to skip the guesswork, we put together a simple, printable Backcountry Meal Packing List with everything we brought to Elk Creek — breakfasts, coffee, snacks, dinners, and the little essentials that make camp life easier. Print it, check it off as you pack, and you’re trail-ready without overthinking it.

    backcountry_meal_packing_list.pdfDownload

    This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend gear I’ve tested and trust, and these commissions help support the blog.

  • The White Duck Canvas 13’ Regatta Bell Tent: A Reliable Base Camp for Extended Adventures

    The White Duck Canvas 13’ Regatta Bell Tent: A Reliable Base Camp for Extended Adventures

    When it comes to setting up a comfortable and dependable base camp for multi-day hunting, fishing, or camping trips in Colorado, the White Duck Canvas 13’ Regatta Bell Tent has proven itself to be a game-changer. Having used this tent on extended outings ranging from 5 to 12 days, I can confidently say it blends durability, weather resistance, and livability into one well-designed shelter.

    Spacious and Comfortable for Long Stays

    One of the standout features of the Regatta Bell Tent is its spacious interior. With a 13-foot diameter and a peak height of 8 feet, it easily accommodates multiple cots, a wood stove(option available) and gear without feeling cramped. The circular design maximizes usable space, making it easy to set up a well-organized camp, whether you’re solo or sharing it with a hunting or fishing partner. We typically run a Coleman Cot on either side of the center pole so we each have our side of the tent for gear, clothes and camp chair. There is enough room at the front of the tent that we place two camp chairs and a camp table to play games on or eat dinner on if the weather is bad.

    The 100% army duck canvas is thick and breathable, providing excellent insulation against Colorado’s unpredictable weather. In warmer months, the multiple mesh windows and a large A-frame door offer plenty of ventilation, preventing condensation buildup. In colder conditions, the stove jack option allows for a wood-burning stove, turning the tent into a warm and cozy retreat even when temperatures drop below freezing.

    Built for Tough Colorado Weather

    Colorado’s backcountry is known for its rapidly changing weather—sunshine one moment and a snowstorm the next. The waterproof and mold-resistant canvas material ensures that rain and snow stay out while maintaining breathability. I’ve used this tent through heavy rain, snow, and high winds, and it has held up impressively well. The reinforced guy lines and sturdy center pole add to its resilience, keeping it stable even in strong gusts.

    Easy Setup and Portability

    Despite its size, the White Duck Regatta Bell Tent is surprisingly easy to set up. With just one person, it takes around 20-30 minutes to pitch, thanks to the single-pole structure. The included groundsheet is heavy-duty and zips in securely, adding an extra layer of protection from moisture and critters. We have also added a 13’ bell tent mat on the interior for additional insulation in cold weather and it feels better than walking on the tent floor on hard packed ground.

    When packed down, it fits into a manageable carry bag. While it’s not an ultralight tent, it’s perfect for vehicle-based expeditions where weight isn’t a major concern. For extended trips, the durability and comfort far outweigh any drawbacks of its packed size.

    Perfect for a Long-Term Base Camp

    Whether you’re fly fishing remote alpine lakes, hunting in the backcountry, or just setting up a comfortable retreat in the mountains, this tent serves as an excellent base camp. It provides a solid, weatherproof, and spacious home away from home, allowing you to focus on the adventure instead of worrying about shelter.

    Final Verdict

    The White Duck Canvas 13’ Regatta Bell Tent has earned its place as my go-to tent for long trips in Colorado. Its rugged build, comfortable interior, and ability to withstand extreme conditions make it an invaluable piece of gear. If you’re looking for a long-term shelter that can handle everything from autumn hunting trips to winter camping, this bell tent is well worth the investment.

    Have you used the Regatta Bell Tent in the wild? Drop a comment and share your experience!