Steve Rinella is a hunting icon on TV, especially since he started his Meat Eater series nearly 7 years ago. And things have gotten even better for him since the series aired Season 7 on Netflix.
In fact, I must say I was not a fan or even that aware of him until that time. But with Netflix on the box, I stumbled across him and am now a huge fan. He makes hunting accessible and understandable to even the layman, and takes us into his world and all over the US and other place to experience “real hunting”.
Of course, one of the things you ask yourself while watching the show (apart from “where are the cameramen!”) is what kind of gear does Steve Rinella use.
Being a watch blog, I am mostly interested in his watches, but I will also cover the basics of his equipment for anyone who is interested.
Steve Rinella's Watch
During season 7 of Meat Eater Steve is often seen without a watch, or it’s covered up because he is always in Alaska or hunting in colder weather. Depending on the episode, you can actually spot his watch when the weather is better and his sleeves are rolled up.
Of course, if he is survival bow hunting, then he wears a wrist guard (I believe).
The watch I spotted him wearing is…
Timex T49612 Expedition (Olive)
It is the kind of watch that suits someone like Steve completely. Durable, waterproof and purely functional.
It is not as fancy, or at all expensive, as something like a Suunto or Garmin, but then again, he needs it to last for days, in horrible weather and brutal conditions. So, no messing around.
It is 200m (660ft) waterproof, so can survive in the water for sure. It’s also shock proof and made of materials that make sure it does not get easily damaged.
He has also chosen a watch that is very basic in terms of functionality. I was thinking he would have a more fancy GPS watch, but I guess he has more old school methods (more reliable) for finding his way. It does have a compass though, which comes in handy (although I am sure he also has one in his pocket).
For the rest, it just tells the time (and day/month).
Oh yeah, it also has Timex’s awesome indiglo backlighting which is great for when it’s dark and way more reliable than standard watch lume which tends to only last for a few hours and be hard to read. Check this out, it’s how great the indiglo is:
Here are the full specs:
- Quartz movement
- Acrylic crystal
- Resin band
- Waterproof to 200m (660ft)
- Backlight using indiglo
- Day, date, and month, digital compass
- 48mm x 16mm (so not great for small wristed people)
Benchmade - Crooked River 15080 Knife
A decent knife is a must if you want to break down your own kill. Which I presume you do? Otherwise, why kill the animal in the first place, right?
Steve has a few recommendations in terms of knives, all in the Benchmade series, but the one that stands out as the most practical to me is the Crooked River. It is a strong, sharp and useful knife in many situations and is made of stainless steel designed to stay sharp and not rust.
It also features an ambidextrous release clip, so even lefties can use it. And it easily packs away while you are out on the hunt.
Binoculars - Voretex Razor HD 10 x 42
Of course, when it comes to spotting game Steve only uses the best equipment. It’s one of the most important parts of hunting and something he spends a lot of time doing.
The Voretex Razor 10 x 42 is his go to optics for any hunt. But of course he also has others.
The Voretex’s are not cheap, but for a reason. They use the best materials and produce some of the best hunting glass available.
They have premium high density glass, and top level anti-reflective coatings. Which helps with letting the most light in, even during low light periods. Something hunters deal with a lot. It includes other great features like anti-fogging and weather sealing, which you would expect.
These binos are also super light because of the magnesium case, but also very rugged and easy to hold. All critical elements of a piece of gear every hunter relies upon.
These puppies are seriously top of the line!
Binoculars - Voretex Razor HD 65
When sitting down for long sessions Steve prefers to use a larger piece of glass such as a single eye piece.
If he has a longer way to go he takes the straight eye piece, but if sitting in one spot the angled Voretex Razor HD 65.
Not much to say about the quality of this gear beyond what I mentioned with the binos above. Voretex go above and beyond, and if Steve uses it, they must be top quality.
Of course, when it comes to spotting game Steve only uses the best equipment. It’s one of the most important parts of hunting and something he spends a lot of time doing.
The Voretex Razor 10 x 42 is his go to optics for any hunt. But of course he also has others.
The Voretex’s are not cheap, but for a reason. They use the best materials and produce some of the best hunting glass available.
They have premium high density glass, and top level anti-reflective coatings. Which helps with letting the most light in, even during low light periods. Something hunters deal with a lot. It includes other great features like anti-fogging and weather sealing, which you would expect.
These binos are also super light because of the magnesium case, but also very rugged and easy to hold. All critical elements of a piece of gear every hunter relies upon.
These puppies are seriously top of the line!
