I had the privilege of being invited to the FIRST EVER Bowtech Rally a few weeks ago and let me tell you: it was a BLAAAAAST! It was so fun meeting and even getting to shoot against some of you too! (Still sweating from that though.. 😅) With this being Bowtech’s first Rally (and MY first bow shoot), I’m sharing all of my tips, recommendations, packing lists, and more for you in this blog post!
But before we dive in, I wanted to bring attention to an incredible organization that the Bowtech Rally was raising support for: Folds of Honor. This organization works to provide life-changing scholarships to families of America’s fallen or disabled military and first responders. I had the opportunity to spend some time with these folks at the Rally and it was awe-inspiring. The stories I heard of lives being changed and the impact this organization is having is truly so inspirational. I was in CHILLS, y’all.
Check out their website and consider supporting their mission here.
The Highlights
The Bowtech Rally was definitely one of my highlights of 2024, but here are some of my top highlights of the weekend:
Courses- There were 5 different courses with shots from 5 yards to 120 yards! Honestly, I had no idea what I was getting myself into with the course- this was my first time at a course like this- but it was actually really cool! The targets were spread across the mountain in the woods, in between ziplines and mountain coasters. I got to shoot some of a course with my Golden Ticket winner- which was so fun!
Food trucks- Throughout the mornings and afternoons, they had food trucks set up so guests could grab some fuel! I got tacos- YUM!
Shooting competitions – Y’all, my arms were SCREAM-ING. What was suppoooosed to be only an hour of shooting against everyone, turned into (what seemed like) 2 hours. But it was actually SO much fun. I got to shoot against some pretty tight (and quickkkkk) shooters and we shot at clay pigeons on a stand– I had never seen these fancy contraptions, but I definitely need to add this to our future archery lane. Check em’ out here!
GOOD People!!– So many people came out to this event. I met people of all ages, and even got to hold a 1 month old baby! M-e-l-t-e-d my heart! It’s always nice to be surrounded by like-minded people in the outdoor industry and hear their stories.
Eva Gen3- Oh MY, y’all. I mean.. I know so many of y’all are sporting the new Gen3, but it was so cool to see so many people using it IN PERSON. It made my archery heart sooo happy- go girls!!
Top Recommendations
If you’re planning on going to the Bowtech Rally next year, you’re sure to have an absolute BLAST! The Rally this year was HOT, HOT, HOT. I definitely could have packed better, but hey! It made life interesting. I was very thankful for some sweet Bowtech swag on site to change into after things got SWEATY.
Here are my top recommendations for what to pack if you’re considering going next year:
Hydrate Trail packets – Again, it was sooo hot so staying hydrated was a must. The MTN Ops Hydrate trail packs are so nice to have on hand. Whether you’re hunting, at a course, or just on the go! (Code: EVA for 20% off!)
PROTEIN PROTEIN PROTEIN – My favorites are the MTN Ops Magnum Protein (Code: EVA for 20% off!) and Top Notch Jerky (use code: EVA for 10% off) for a quick on-the-go snack!
Ignite/Ignite Lite – I brought the MTN Ops Ignite trail packs which were great for some mid-day energy- ALWAYS with the trail packs, y’all. They’re so handy for on the go and events like this! (Code: EVA for 20% off!)
A water bottle – I would definitely recommend bringing an insulated water bottle since it was SO hot outside! I used a Yeti Rambler that I stole from Lenni!
An extra shirt – for real. I had to buy a shirt mid-day because I had sweat through my first one!
Casual night attire– They had a live band and drinks available at dinner and beyond, which was so fun! Nothing fancy- this is what I wore!
As far as gear needed for the shoot, this is what I recommend:
A good hard case if you’re traveling – especially by plane! I have an old version of this one, and it’s sooo worth it. It’s a little pricier, but again, worth it! Gotta protect that Eva Gen 3, ya know!? 😉
LOTS of arrows – I recommend taking 24, juuuust incase. I definitely didn’t bring this many and after a few broke during some competition shooting, I was sweating a little extra, worrying I would run out! When I got home, I ordered 24 of these Gold Tip arrows!
Rangefinder – If you’re in need of a new range finder, I’ll forever be a part of the Leupold fam and can’t recommend them more! Shop their Rangfinders here!
Binos – Some of the targets are pretty far, so if you like to glass your target, bring some binos! You can shop Leupold Binos here!
Shades – With the heat, came the SUN – Lot’s of questions on these sunglasses and once again, they’re Leupold!
Footwear – Highly recommend a good pair of hiking boots- these courses were in the THICK of it in the mountains, so good, supportive footwear is a must! Linking them below, along with other outfit deets!!
Then of course, your bow!! Obvvvvviously I recommend the Eva Gen 3! 😉 But for real, the number one question was about my bow set up, so here it is!
It was SO FUN meeting so many of you, connecting, shooting with and against you and soaking up an incredible weekend in Kentucky. From meeting the smallest little munchkins (I got the meet the sweeeeetest one month old!!) to so many incredibly experienced hunters – this whole weekend was a BLAST! My DM’s were FLOODED with questions about my outfit from the Bowtech Rally, so I’m sharing everything here!
The first ever Bowtech Rally will go down in my book as a SUCCESS! If you have the opportunity to go next year, I would highly recommend it! And maybe we’ll even get to shoot against each other! 😉
Drop a comment & let me know what you think!