By Koaw - Updated 2021
I get asked a lot about what gear I use in the field and at home. Below you’ll find gear that I’ve thoroughly field-tested. I recommend these to you! The products are links to Amazon where I purchased much of this gear. If you happen to make a purchase after clicking on an image then Koaw Nature may receive a small finders fee. I thank you for supporting our spreading of knowledge!
PHOTOGRAPHY/FILMING
I’m a biologist and outdoorsman more than a photographer and filmmaker. Even as an amateur with the camera, this gear has allowed me to be successful grabbing quality photos and videos of amazing animals without having to spend too much moola on the top-of-the-market, expensive purchases. I love my Nikon D7500! And that Tamron lens is by far the best deal for a 300mm lens that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. The Tycka tripod is amazing; I’ve beat the hell out of it in the field yet it’s held strong over the years.
FISHING TACKLE
BASS, PIKE, WALLEYE, + OTHER SPECIES
I’ve caught hundreds of fish on these lures above. Yeah, there may be a Rapala bias but it’s hard to get away from what works so well. When feeling generous, I’ve literally switched-off these lures just so other people in the boat can have a better chance at catching more fish.
FISHING GEAR
I could place many items I enjoy—but I’ll recommend what I use and love the most. I really trust the quality of Shimano reels. The first time I used the St. Croix Mojo Bass series rods was when I borrowed a pair; I was sold to get my own. I enjoy my 7’ 6” MH Mod. Fast Mojo Bass rod because it’s versatile for how I fish; I can go from bass to pike to musky either finessing, pitching or heavy casting. I’ve used my Shimano Curado Bantam for over 20 years and only wish they made the same model! Though my Shimano Curado K series is awesome as well, just lighter in weight with the smaller profile. PowerPro line is a bit pricier than others—but never go cheap with your line. When that big fish hits then you want a line you can trust. The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur is a perfect baitcaster for bigger species like musky and pike without spending your week’s pay on a reel. The neoprene waders are a fabulous buy so far; they’ve kept me warm and dry in nearly freezing waters and have held up with my off trail excursions.
OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS
Ticks are no joke. Coating your gear every few weeks with Sawyer’s permethrin repellent is a smart idea. That portable charger is always in my pack. Field hours can be long and the charger is a great way to keep your smartphone active so you can check weather radar, make emergency calls or just take photos. The calcium bentonite clay is the actual brand that tested the best in the poison ivy remedy experiment. *Note that I use the PocketRocket Stove with a click starter—it’s a bit more expensive and depends on your preference.
ANIMAL INTERACTIONS
The DocSeward Snake Hook is a quality product and I love the balance when carrying it. It’s very strong for moving aside brush as well as handling snakes.
HOW I STAY FIT
My home workouts don’t involve much equipment. The Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells are in every workout; it’s like having the entire rack of weights at the gym. Often I pair using the Bowflex Dumbbells with the BOSU Trainer as that makes the workout so much more efficient. Using both of those items in tandem is how I maintain a strong core and enables me to interact with the outdoors at the fullest capability.