The final day of the Hunt Expo always carries a different energy.

Booths are buzzing. Handshakes turn into future plans. And if you’re paying attention, you’ll see where the next wave of elk, bear, and backcountry hunting gear is headed.

We made one last lap around the show floor to visit some of our favorite brands and highlight the most innovative hunting products we saw this year.

Here’s what stood out.

Looking for a Smarter Backcountry Pack System?

Initial Ascent: Packs, Duffels, and Smarter Systems

Initial Ascent came loaded with new gear—starting with their upcoming line of 40L, 70L, and 100L duffel bags. Designed to handle whatever weather throws at them, these duffels feature removable shoulder straps and corner interior pockets that separate clean gear from dirty gear. For traveling hunters or truck-based camp setups, that’s a serious upgrade.

They also introduced the new Scout day pack—a true hunting-focused day pack at roughly 1,100 cubic inches. With a removable hip belt, it’s built for quick missions: checking trail cameras, short scouting loops, or even lightweight hikes. It’s compact, functional, and purpose-driven.

Another standout was their bullet holder accessory, which mounts directly to the pack frame using adhesive backing or Velcro integration—smart space usage without adding bulk.

For everyday use, their updated EDC pack continues to evolve, now with more structure and hunter-focused design improvements.

If you’re researching hunting packs or backcountry carry systems, Initial Ascent is pushing hard in the right direction.

What’s the Best Bedroll and Saddle System for Truck or Pack-In Hunts?

Canvas Cutter: Bedrolls, Pads & Bombproof Horse Gear

Canvas Cutter continues to blur the line between truck camp comfort and rugged durability.

Their new 3.0 Bedroll includes added ventilation, more internal space, and a removable mesh screen—modern function with classic canvas feel.

They also launched the Bedrock Pad, an air-foam hybrid sleeping pad with a rechargeable built-in pump. For those who’ve always preferred foam over inflatable pads, this hybrid design might change your mind. It delivers real comfort without sacrificing reliability.

For pack-in hunts with horses or mules, their new overbuilt saddle bags are reinforced with 2-inch seatbelt webbing (6,000 lb tensile strength), canvas exteriors, and ripstop nylon interiors that can be hosed out after packing meat.

For hunters who split time between backcountry and horseback setups, Canvas Cutter is dialing in durability.

Is There a Better Way to Run Tripods and Spotting Scopes?

Ollin: Faster Optics Transitions

Ollin’s Nexus magnetic attachment system drew serious attention this year.

The system allows hunters to switch from spotting scope to binoculars without disassembling tripod hardware. It’s fast, clean, and efficient—especially for who spend a lot of time behind glass.

Even more interesting? The Nexus is compatible with bipods and firearm setups, allowing shooters to mount directly to a tripod system for prone or supported shooting positions.

For hunters who rely heavily on optics systems and tripod shooting, this kind of versatility can save time and movement when it matters most.

Can You Really Get a 4-Pound Rifle Built for Western Hunts?

Weatherby: Ultralight Performance

Weatherby’s new Backcountry Capra rifle stole the spotlight.

Starting at just 4 pounds in certain configurations, it features a titanium action, new stock design, and floating helix pattern. Available in multiple calibers—including 25 RPM, 6.5 Creedmoor, 270 Win, and more—it’s built for serious mountain hunters looking to shave weight without sacrificing performance.

Their expanded 25 RPM factory loads are pushing over 3,000 feet per second, offering high-velocity options for western big game hunting.

For ounce-counting backcountry hunters, this platform is worth a look.

Is There an Easier Way to Process and Clean European Mounts?

Grakksaw: The E-Boiler Skull Processor

For those who process their own skulls and European mounts, Grakksaw’s all-electric E-Boiler simplifies the process dramatically.

Plug it in, set your temperature, and let it run. Low and slow or hot and fast—it removes manual labor from skull cleaning and even allows peroxide whitening in the same system.

For DIY hunters who value efficiency in the off-season, this is one of the more practical innovations at the show.

Final Thoughts: Innovation That Serves the Hunt

Trade shows can be noisy. Not every product matters.

But this year’s Hunt Expo showed something consistent: brands are refining systems. Smarter pack integration. Faster optics transitions. Lighter rifles. More durable camp gear.

For backcountry hunters and anyone preparing for shed season or fall hunts, the trend is clear:

Efficiency wins.

The less energy you waste managing gear, the more energy you have to hunt.

And that’s what matters most.