Complete Bow Hunting Gear Checklist 2025 | Best Bow Hunting Equipment & Essentials

August 26, 2025

The Complete Bow Hunting Gear Checklist for 2025: Essential Gear Every Hunter Needs

Believe it or not, we’re quickly approaching the start of deer season. As you finish preparing your property or scouting public land, make sure you have all of the bow hunting gear you need for opening day. All of the bells and whistles in the world won’t help you kill that booner that you’ve been after, but certain pieces of equipment like hunting packs and light weight clothing can help you put some distance between you and other hunters, especially in the warm early season.

Essential Bow Hunting Gear 2025: Best Compound Bows, Arrows & Broadheads

My Favorite Compound Bow of 2025 – Bear Archery Persist 33

Most hunters have their favorite brand, I of course am no exception. Ever since buying my first bow for hunting when I was 16, Bear has had a place in my heart. Their customer service is tremendous and their namesake’s legendary founder are reasons in themselves to remain faithful, but their 2025 flagship bow is competitive with the other big names in the industry.

Bear Archery’s new flagship, the Persist 33, feels built for bowhunters who expect more than marketing claims. The EKO cam system is as efficient as it is fast, pushing an advertised 340 fps while still giving you the adjustability to make it your own. At 33 inches axle-to-axle with a 6.25-inch brace height, it’s compact enough for tight cover but steady when you settle in at full draw. Four letoff settings — 75, 80, 85, or 90 percent — let you choose how the bow holds on target, and draw lengths from 26.5 to 30.5 inches, plus weight options of 45–60 or 55–70 pounds, make it adaptable for just about any hunter.

It’s quiet, too. The silent shelf and integrated string stop soak up sound and vibration, giving you a cleaner shot in the moment that matters. Setup is simple with its Integrate rest mount, Picatinny sight rail, and built-in pull-up rope attachment — small touches that pay off in the field. You can get it in Mossy Oak Bottomland, Mossy Oak Roots, Olive, or Stone, all of which look right at home in a treestand, blind, or on the move.

Best Hunting Arrow for 2025 – Easton Axis 5mm

I’ve hunted with the Axis 5mm for the past three seasons, and they’ve proven themselves in situations that would have exposed the weaknesses of lesser arrows. They’re tough enough to punch through bone and keep flying straight, accurate enough to inspire confidence on every shot, and priced so you don’t have to baby them in the field. For me, that combination of durability, precision, and value is hard to beat and I honestly can’t see a reason to trust anything else in my quiver.

Most Durable and Accurate Broadhead 2025 – Magnus Stinger with Bleeder Blades

BUY AT ACADEMY

I’m hooked on these broadheads. Right out of the box, my first shot flew straighter than my field points, no tuning, no guessing. Over the past two seasons, every deer I’ve hit with them dropped within 80 yards, even one shot I wish I could take back. Switching to the bleeder blade model only made them better, leaving heavy, easy-to-follow blood trails and delivering the same reliable results. The blades hold their edge incredibly well, and even though I touch them up after every harvest, their durability is unmatched for the price. If you want proof, pick up a pack and see the difference for yourself.

Best Rangefinders for Bowhunters – Leupold RX-1400I TBR/W Gen 2 Rangefinder W/ Flightpath

Fresh out of college, I care a lot more about performance per dollar than chasing the priciest gadgets. The Leupold RX-1400i delivers exactly that. For just under $200, you get angle compensation in bow mode, plus Flightpath technology that helps you judge and take advantage of tighter shot opportunities without second-guessing your clearance. It’s compact, reliable, and versatile enough to stay in my pack all year, no matter the season or style of hunt.

Best Binoculars for Bowhunters – Vortex Crossfire HD 10×42

BUY AT ACADEMY

Last season was my first with the Vortex Crossfire HD 10x42s, and they impressed me right out of the gate. For a budget-friendly set of glass, they took a beating while I pushed through thick Tennessee woods without losing clarity or alignment. The included chest harness kept them secure and easy to grab, while also keeping them from swinging around or catching on brush, solving the “flat surface syndrome” that’s ruined more than one stalk for me in the past. For the price, they’re hard to beat.

\n\n## Best Early Season Bow Hunting Clothing 2025 (Lightweight, Breathable & Bug-Resistant)

I’ve hunted the early season in both Florida and Tennessee, and I’ll be honest — it’s tough. Mosquitos the size of mini-helicopters, sweat dripping nonstop (so much for managing scent), and very short windows of deer activity. But the upside? Deer are still locked into their summer patterns, making bucks more predictable than at any other time of year. Dressing right for these conditions is the key to staying out long enough to get a shot.

Head: Pnuma Recon Balaclava

Blending in while the leaves are still on the trees and keeping bugs at bay are both crucial in early season hunts. A face mask isn’t something worth breaking the bank on, which is why the Recon Balaclava from Pnuma is a solid choice.

Shoulders: XKG Performance Long Sleeve Tee

BUY AT KINGS CAMO

Lightweight and moisture-wicking are non-negotiables for an early-season hunting shirt. King’s Camo XKG Long Sleeve Tee checks both boxes at a very reasonable price. It works well as a stand-alone shirt in September or as a snug base layer when the season edges closer to the rut.

Knees: SITKA Gear Men’s Equinox Guard Pants

In Middle Tennessee, ticks are a constant early-season problem, especially seed ticks, which feel like their own level of hell. SITKA’s Equinox Guard Pants offer two layers of defense: an insect shield that physically blocks pests and a built-in repellant that doesn’t need reapplying. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and while a bit pricier, they’re worth it for the extra protection and peace of mind.

And Toes: First Lite Early Season Wool Crew Sock

Quality socks that are moisture wicking will be the garment that helps the most with scent control. Merino wool is a must during the early season because of this reason and First Lite’s crew sock fits the bill. Comfortable, affordable, and multi-purpose for any outdoor activities throughout the late summer and fall, these socks should definitely be in your early season wardrobe rack.

Best Early Season Bow Hunting Clothing 2025 (Lightweight, Breathable & Bug-Resistant)

Best Saddle Pack – Mystery Ranch Treehouse 16

This compact hunting pack is perfect for saddle hunting. This pack has dual straps that allow you to strap on your climbing sticks or bow. Having an organized pack while hunting out of a saddle can make all the difference when you are setting up. Whether you are only hiking a few hundred yards to your spot in a suburban setting or a few miles of public land, this hunting pack is definitely worth checking out.

Best Overall Hunting Pack – Code of Silence DOUBLEBACK XTREME PACK 2.0

If you’re a serious tree-stand hunter or are looking to do a multi-day trip and need some extra storage in your hunting bag, check out the Doubleback Xtreme Pack 2.0 from Code of Silence. The creators of this sack definitely had hardcore hunters in mind. The design allows for easy access to anything you might need and is almost silent when you need to rummage through for something.

Final Thoughts: Essential Bow Hunting Gear for 2025

If you plan on being in the woods soon, make sure you have all of the gear you need to stay dry and safe from all of the creepy crawlies who are looking for their next meal. The gear that I have listed are pieces that you can use all season long, not just in early Fall. Go through your hunting gear now and make sure to pick up anything you might be missing. It might just be the difference between smoking that big buck or turning back a few hundred feet short of that honey-hole.