Back Country set up questions

[vandeman17]

I wasn't sure where to post this so I decided to put it in the general forum. My dad and I are close to committing to a back country archery elk hunting trip. We will either be getting packed in or going completely DIY. It will be for a week long from middle of September to around the 22nd in Eastern Oregon. I have lots of overnight and weekend camping gear but not extended stay type gear. My question is, if we are to pack in, would it be smart to buy a bigger tent with a stove in case it gets cold and/or wet or do you think just our regular camping tents would suffice? I am just worried about being out for a week and it getting cold or my clothes getting really wet and wishing we had a place to seek shelter but on the other hand, I am already spending a decent amount on the license and tag...

[bmccalister]

I would recommend if you are being packed in by horse to go with a bigger wall tent and a good light weight stove - especially if the hunt is sometime in October - December. These seem to be the wettest and coldest times in the back country. How far do you have to pack in? If you only have a few miles to your camp a heavier camping tent will work. But, if you have a five or more miles and the tail is challenging I would recommend getting a quality two person backpacking tent designed for the backcountry and weather. You will appreciate the lighter weight when packing in. I would not worry about a stove but rely on some water proof compression sacks to keep your dry clothes in at camp. I would also recommend a quality set of light weight rain gear.  I hope this is helpful.

[vandeman17]

The hunt will be in middle to later September. If we do it DIY we will most likely camp somewhere that we can drive to and then spike it from there but if we do the pack in, it would be about 10 miles in.

[300rum]

It shouldn't get that cold, I wouldn't worry about that.  In the a.m. I light up my stove to heat up water for breakfast (while I am still in the sack) and that takes the bite out of it, we're talking temps in the teens.  Now, you may get wet but during that time of year it can still be pretty dry.   

I only take one pair of wool pants whenever I am out.  At times it can be miserable but extra gear means extra weight.  I also take a packable waterproof jacket, I think it is made by Mad Dog, it packs into itself and is about the size of a softball.  Other then the jacket, everything else is wool, wool is all that I will use. 

[gasman]

Hey Adam, maybe get in touch with Ribka, he has a planned back country trip in EO all set up and is looking for a partner or two.

I'm heading to CO with Pete so I'm out on going with him.


I believe he has it set up to be packed in 13 miles 

[Jingles]

Having been snowed on for 3 days in the back country, Aug 22nd- 26th and as long as you are being packed in on Horses / Mules I'd take the larger tent with a stove. Even if it doesn't snow it is real nice to be able to get into a larger tent with a fire going if it is inclement weather and shake out the kinks with a little heat. Call me spoiled but it sure makes things more enjoyable in bad weather....

[Shawn Ryan]

I've been snowed on in August in the Eagle Caps. Not deep and not long-lasting, but snow nonetheless.  Agree with others, that if you are being packed in, opt for the wall tent and wood stove.  If hiking in, and you are still in the tent-shopping mode, then a floorless tent with wood stove is great.

If you want to share some details about your location and outfitter, pm me; I'd be willing to share what I've learned about hunting in the Eagle Caps and Hells Canyon.

[vandeman17]

I've been snowed on in August in the Eagle Caps. Not deep and not long-lasting, but snow nonetheless.  Agree with others, that if you are being packed in, opt for the wall tent and wood stove.  If hiking in, and you are still in the tent-shopping mode, then a floorless tent with wood stove is great.

If you want to share some details about your location and outfitter, pm me; I'd be willing to share what I've learned about hunting in the Eagle Caps and Hells Canyon.

PM sent