Carry Smarter, Hunt Longer: The Game-Changing Gear I Didn’t Know I Needed

I stumbled across this at the NRA Show—and after one hunt, I realized I’d been doing it the hard way for years.

I first came across the Integrator at the NRA Great American Outdoor Show and honestly, it stopped me in my tracks.

If you’ve ever walked that show, you know exactly what I mean. Booth after booth, product after product, and it takes something pretty unique to actually make you pause and take a second look. I’m always on the hunt for gear that’s not just “new,” but actually does something different—something that solves a real problem we all deal with in the field.

And this one did.

Now, let’s be clear…I’m more than capable of carrying a gun all day. That’s not the issue. But just because you can do something doesn’t mean there isn’t a better way to do it.

Because the reality is, after a long day in the field whether you’re chasing pheasants, walking CRP, sitting in a dove field, or packing a rifle through rough country, shoulder and neck fatigue is real. It creeps in. You start shifting your gun from one shoulder to the other. You adjust your sling. You rest it more than you’d like. And over time, it adds up.

So when I saw the Integrator, what immediately caught my attention wasn’t just what it was…but what it solved.

This isn’t just another strap or sling. It’s a completely different approach to carrying your firearm.

A Different Way to Carry

The Integrator is a hands-free firearm carry system designed for both rifles and shotguns (with or without a scope). And the first thing you notice when you put it on is how it distributes the weight.

Instead of everything pulling down on one shoulder like a traditional sling, it spreads that load across your body…your core, your back, your shoulders so nothing is taking all the pressure.

And that changes everything.

You’re not constantly adjusting.
You’re not fighting the weight.
You’re not getting that one sore shoulder halfway through the day.

It just rides with you.

And maybe the biggest thing? Your hands are completely free.

If you’ve spent any time hunting, you know how big of a deal that is. Whether you’re climbing, working through thick cover, handling dogs, carrying decoys, checking a map, or just trying to stay balanced in uneven terrain…having both hands free is a game changer.

First Impressions vs. Real Use

I’ve seen plenty of products that look good on a show floor…but don’t quite live up to it in the field.

So after getting my hands on the Integrator, I did what I always do…I took it hunting.

And that’s where it really impressed me.

Because it’s one thing to stand in a booth and talk about features. It’s another thing entirely to spend a full day using something and see if it actually holds up.

Right away, I noticed how natural it felt. There’s no awkward movement, no fighting the system, no big learning curve that slows you down. You just move like you normally would and the gun moves with you. On our pheasant hunt I positioned my gun exactly where it would be if I was holding it and often kept a hand right there but I was impressed.

And when it’s time to get on your gun?

It’s there instantly.

We’re talking quick access in under a second. No fumbling, no tangling, no delay. Just smooth, clean, and ready when it matters.

That was huge for me. Because if something slows you down or complicates the moment, it’s not worth it regardless of how comfortable it is.

The Integrator doesn’t do that. It keeps things simple, fast, and efficient.

Built for More Than One Hunt

One of the things I love most about this system is how versatile it is.

Because let’s be honest…most of us don’t just hunt one thing, one way, all season long.

Early season might be doves.
Then you roll into upland birds.
Then maybe you’re chasing whitetails or heading out west for big game.

And typically, that means different gear for different hunts.

But the Integrator is built to adapt.

It’s a modular system, which means you can customize it depending on what you’re doing. You can run it light and simple, or add components like an ammo pouch or game pouch depending on the hunt.

They’re even putting together bundle options like an upland bundle that includes the vest, game pouch, and ammo pouch so you can get a full setup right out of the gate.

That kind of flexibility is huge.

Instead of buying something for one specific purpose, you’re investing in a system that can go with you from hunt to hunt, season to season.

Where It Really Shines

After using it, there are a few scenarios where this thing really stands out.

Upland Hunting

If you’ve ever walked miles behind dogs, you know how much movement and repetition is involved. You’re constantly on the move, gun up, gun down, adjusting, navigating terrain.

This is where the Integrator feels like it was made to shine.

You stay hands-free while walking, your gun is always in a consistent position, and when a bird flushes, you’re ready immediately.  From a guide’s standpoint I also think it offers a huge safety feature.  Everyone wearing an Integrator has their gun pointing up and in front of them at all times.  If someone yells someone’s name they don’t turn and accidentally point their gun across the group which happens more than you can imagine.  Now they can turn, look or do whatever and their gun is in a safe position at all times.

No awkward swings, no catching on clothing, no fighting your sling.

Just smooth, natural movement.

Dove Hunting

This might be one of my favorite uses for it.

Dove hunts can be long. A lot of standing, a lot of waiting, a lot of quick shooting opportunities.

Having your gun supported without constantly holding it or letting it hang off your shoulder is a huge advantage.

And when birds come in fast, that quick access under a second really matters.

It keeps you ready without wearing you out.

Big Game Hunting

This is where people might not expect it, but it absolutely holds its own.

Whether you’re running a scope or not, a lot of big game rifles get heavy—especially when you’re dealing with elevation or covering long distances. That weight distribution makes a noticeable difference. It frees you up to use trekking poles, grab onto terrain when you need to, run calls, or just move more efficiently without constantly fighting your gun.

And again, it comes back to energy.

The less fatigue you have, the more focused you are. The steadier you are. The better decisions you make.

And when that moment comes on a big game hunt, that matters more than anything.

Comfort You Notice…Because It’s Not There

The best way I can describe the comfort of the Integrator is that you almost forget about it.

And that’s a good thing.

Because when gear disappears like that, when it’s not distracting you, not bothering you, not making you constantly adjust…it means it’s doing exactly what it’s supposed to do.

You’re just hunting.

You’re focused on the experience, the moment, the people you’re with, the environment around you.

Not your shoulder. Not your gear.

The Value Conversation

Now, I know this will come up…because it always does.

Some people might look at it and think it’s a little pricey.

But you have to look at what it actually is.

This isn’t just a strap you throw over your shoulder. It’s a full load-carry system designed to improve comfort, efficiency, and performance in the field.

It’s something you’ll use across multiple hunts, multiple seasons, and multiple setups.

And anything that helps you stay comfortable longer, reduce fatigue, and hunt better is worth paying attention to.

Because at the end of the day, we invest in gear for one reason…to make our time in the field better.

Final Thoughts

I love finding products like this.

Not just something new…but something that actually changes the way you do things.

The Integrator did that for me.

From the moment I saw it at the NRA Great American Outdoor Show to taking it out in the field and putting it to the test, it’s been one of those pieces of gear that just makes sense.

It keeps you hands-free.
It cuts down on fatigue.
It distributes weight the way it should.
And it gives you fast, reliable access when it matters.

Whether you’re chasing upland birds, sitting in a dove field, or heading out for big game, it’s a system that adapts to whatever you need.

And honestly, once you’ve used it, it’s pretty hard to go back to the old way of doing things.

For more, go to https://saltstone.shop or visit watch this video to see it in action.