Every February, Harrisburg becomes the center of the hunting world. Aisles filled with camo, the sound of broadheads hitting foam targets, outfitters pitching dream hunts, and thousands of hunters walking booth to booth talking gear and strategy. The Great American Outdoor Show isn’t just a convention — it’s a pulse check on where the outdoor industry is headed.
Growing up in central Pennsylvania, I’ve been attending the show since high school. For the past five years, I’ve also had the opportunity to volunteer at the Christian Bowhunters of America booth. The team is committed to sharing the gospel through the fellowship and skill of bowhunting. Being part of that booth each year gives me a unique perspective. I get to see not just the products, but the people, the conversations, the excitement, and the direction hunters are moving.
As this year’s show wraps up, here are a few things that stood out.
Mobile Hunting Is No Longer a Trend — It’s the Standard
Over the past five years, I’ve watched a dramatic shift toward mobile hunting systems. What used to be a niche corner of the archery hall is now one of the dominant forces in the building. Saddle hunting and hybrid systems aren’t just popular — they’re everywhere.
Where you once saw just a few brands pushing mobile solutions, now nearly every corner of the archery hall features lightweight platforms, climbing sticks, and packable systems designed for adaptability.
Two companies in particular caught my attention this year.
Timber Ninja Outdoors
Timber Ninja Outdoors continues to push innovation in the saddle and hybrid space.
I had a great conversation at their booth about how they’re thinking through space-saving design and packability. Their Kuna Hybrid platform is lightweight and compact, but still gives you usable standing space. They also mentioned plans to release a smaller version later this year, along with ideas for a tree seat that pairs with the platform for true hybrid setups.
One feature on their saddle that really stood out to me was their magnetic platform and stick holders. Last season, when I experimented with saddle hunting, I struggled with keeping sticks organized and quiet during the climb. Twisted straps, tangled attachments — it’s a recipe for noise at the worst possible time. Timber Ninja’s magnetic clip system simplifies that process and helps keep everything secure and streamlined while climbing.
Another product worth noting was their Frostline boot covers — a simple but smart solution for long walks in. Anyone who has had sweat-soaked socks turn into freezing feet once you’re set up understands the value of insulation management. They sold out of regular sizes quickly, which says something.
Timber Ninja feels like a brand focused not just on building gear, but refining the experience of mobile hunting.
Lone Wolf Custom Gear
In a market now crowded with startups and new designs, Lone Wolf Custom Gear still carries weight.
Their reputation for lightweight, durable gear remains strong, and seeing their Micro Double Step climbing sticks in person reinforced that. At just one pound per stick and a quarter-inch thick, they’re impressively compact without sacrificing stability.
What stands out about Lone Wolf isn’t flashy innovation; it’s consistency. In a fast-moving gear market, they remain a reliable benchmark for hunters who want to invest once and trust their system for years.
More Than Tree Stands and Saddles
The show features over 1,000 vendors, and while mobile systems dominated the archery hall, several other companies stood out across different categories.
Redneck Blinds
You’ve probably seen a Redneck Blinds tower blind overlooking a field at some point; they’ve become iconic in the whitetail world.
This year, what caught my eye was their Freedom Camper. A slide-in truck bed camper priced between $3,300 – $3,600 depending on size. It fits beds as small as 5’1” and is insulated down to 20 degrees, with ventilation options available.
For the hunter who wants a minimalist, mobile camp setup for a weekend trip or quick out-of-state hunt, it’s an interesting alternative to towing a trailer or booking lodging. It blends the hunting mindset with simple adventure travel.
Turtle Creek USA
I initially walked up to Turtle Creek USA, thinking they offered another saddle platform. After talking with the owner, I realized they specialize in strap-on tree seats.
It’s a practical solution for small game hunting, deer drives, or any situation where you want elevation without hauling in a full stand. The seats fold flat, fit easily into a standard backpack, and hold up to 350 pounds. I can see this being great for kids who are scared to climb a tree and don’t want to sit on the ground. And for the older generation who can’t climb the tree anymore.
Sometimes innovation isn’t about complexity; it’s about solving a simple problem better than a five-gallon bucket or folding chair.
Ready Rub
Ready Rub offers a product that replaces traditional scent wicks with a visual rub-style decoy that doubles as a scent dispenser. At $19.95, it’s an affordable addition to a setup, and the wrap is washable and reusable.
They also produce their own scent blend called “Shredded” — designed to mimic fresh rubs combined with a synthetic glandular scent.
I’m curious to see whether the added visual component makes a noticeable difference during the pre-rut. In pressured areas, sometimes subtle changes matter.
Huntvault
For newer hunters building a system from scratch, Huntvault offers a different approach, a monthly subscription box filled with gear.
Being the only hunter in my family, I didn’t have equipment handed down to me. Over time, Huntvault has helped me build out pieces of my kit. From a trail camera backpack to Vortex binoculars, a rangefinder, targets, a Jetboil, and cleaning supplies.
At $160 per month, it’s an investment. Great for a few years, as products can be repetitive, but there is nothing wrong with having too many knives. For someone looking to steadily build a gear closet without buying everything at once, it can make sense. I might have to rejoin in 2026 as they are teasing some new products, including a PrimaLoft puffy jacket, a Mossy Oak turkey vest, and a waterproof duffel.
Takeaways from This Year’s Show
- Mobile hunting isn’t a niche anymore — it’s mainstream.
The growth in saddle and hybrid systems proves hunters want adaptability. - Lightweight is king.
Across brands, the focus is on shaving ounces without sacrificing durability. - Versatility matters.
Hunters are looking for gear that works in multiple scenarios.
The Great American Outdoor Show is more than a place to buy gear. It’s a place to have conversations, meet innovators, reconnect with old friends, and see firsthand where our culture is heading.
Every year, I leave with new ideas, a few pieces of gear on my wish list, and a renewed appreciation for the community behind this lifestyle.
If you made it to the show this year, I’d love to hear what stood out to you.
And if you’re a brand pushing the industry forward, Chopka Field Co. is always open to conversations.
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