The wise words of an old elk hunter, an inopportune misfire, and last day success, sum up my 2014 hunting season.  I'd learn more about myself in one season than I could have ever anticipated.

Looking back on my 2015 experiences, I can't help but think of how many lessons I came away with.  Narrowing them down to 5 is going to be tough, but I'll do my best.  

I accepted for a number of years that come hunting season, I was going to have to deal with being wet and cold because there was nothing out there that was durable enough to stand up to the Pacific Northwest rain showers.  All that changed when I found the Kuiu Yukon rain gear.  Never again will I be turned away from hunting because of a downpour.

When things don't go as planned, remaining positive for the benefit of yourself and others around you is more powerful than you think.  

Always with me, always reliable, and quick to boil.  My MSR Reactor will always be in my pack and for good reason.  It's built tough, can boil snow, and has on many occasions, been passed around the camp boiling water for meals and hot coffee.  Simply put, I love this thing.

The Sierra Designs Lightning 2 FL was the first tent to change my mind about how a tent should function.  Every time I use it, I'm always happy that I bought it and just can't think of a better design.  Sierra Designs did it right!