New to the NW, scouting trip planned.. .

[Forks]

A heavy pack is good for training. Keep at it, you will fall in love with the Oly. Pen. The kitty's are what raise the hair on my neck.

[Hilltop123]

I would not get to preoccupied with worries about bears and cats, just be aware they are around. Go about your business and have a good time....as already stated, they will get out of your way, long before you will ever see them, hell you won't even know they were there...welcome to Washington

[washelkhunter]

Welcome! Probably the number one rule for safety in the woods of Wa. is dont hike at night. There are more cliffs in this state then i think anywhere else. People just walk right off em.

[bmccalister]

Go to hear your trip went well. My pack was too heavy as well when I first started hunting the wilderness so I had to get newer light weight gear and clothing - well worth the investment. As for my binos I use a chest strap which allows me to have access to them all the time. It also eliminates the weight around my neck while wearing them in the field. You can find some videos on YouTube for some light weight backpacking ideas - some can be very extreme.

Bears in the wilderness are not that bad as long as you hang your food at night. They like to keep their distance. The bears I have had issues with are the ones that live close to town. They seem to loose some of their fear of people. But like you I carry a side arm just in-case one gets a little too close for comfort.

Good luck with your hunt.

[huntnnw]

I hike at night alot to elk hunt..sometimes hrs to a spot