high hunt expenses

[muleyslayer]

I've never been a backcountry hunter so I have no idea were to start. I somewhat know what equipment I need but I am not a 100 percent sure. What is a price range for the equipment needed to buy in order to do a backcountry high hunt? Thanks in advance for any input.

[MtnMuley]

Several thousands of dollars if you want higher end stuff that has been proven in the back country.
 Usually it is about the least amount of weight to pack to have a comfortable trip. You'll find that for every ounce saved, you'll pay more $$$.  You can do it on a low budget, but after one trip you'll see why the serious guys have what they have. Best of luck.

[fillthefreezer]

the tougher you are, the less $$ you can get by spending on gear. if you want some sense of comfort, the $$ goes up. if you want it to be light too, well, more $$.
in the backpacking world you can have light, durable, and inexpensive. but only choose two.

[muleyslayer]

You guys have made some good points. I think I need to come up with a budget and do some research on some backpacking products.  Im pretty sure after I decide what I want it will exceed my budget lol

[Bob33]

Essentials you probably need at a minimum are shelter (tent/bivy sack/tarp), sleeping bag, possibly a sleeping pad, and something to hike in for your feet.  If you're only out for a few days that will get you by. You'll need water (either pack it in, or find a source and treat it). For food you can bring power bars or something else and get by on the cheap. Extras after that to make life better and more comfortable.

Garage sale or Craigslist you could do it for a few hundred $ or less. You'll probably get heavier gear than you want, but it will get you started. If you enjoy it, you can slowly replace gear as your budget allows.

[Bean Counter]

 

If you already have the hunting basics you surely don't need to spend several thousand.

[muleyslayer]

What are some good websites to find some backpacking products?

[fillthefreezer]

You guys have made some good points. I think I need to come up with a budget and do some research on some backpacking products.  Im pretty sure after I decide what I want it will exceed my budget lol

search for jon's video of a very functional, budget friendly backpack hunting kit. or maybe someone can link it, if they remember where it was. he used a cabelas frame, a low budget tent he had good luck with, and various other items

[HHPro]

I would spend the most on a really good pack and boots,those can make everything a little easier.Try rei they have really great sales and campfire has backside gear at really good prices.

[Bmcox86]

You can find good deals on gear on here and rokslides classifieds.
You could probally do it for 1k if you already have basics like gun and binos.

[Bmcox86]

Tent-$100ish might not be the lightest but will work. My mountainsmith tarp cost $78 on sale
Sleeping bag/pad-$200 lots of clearance ones at rei these days
Pack-$250 you can find some great deals on rokslide, eberlestock, badlands and even mystery ranch
Stove/pot $60 pocket rocket and titanium cup
Sawyer mini-$20
Boots-$200

[haugenna]

Buy once cry once.

Or buy used and replace as needed over the next five years. If you have a hunting partner, you can share some costs on items.

Or just stay home. 

[liljozie495]

I'm still new to it aswell man, but I wouldn't go cheap around a pack buy once cry once like stated above. But like fillthefreezer says spend a little more for less weight/quality or be tough spend less or be comfy spend more. Join Rokslide and post what your looking for. When I decided to get my pack I posted what I was looking for and got messaged a kifaru fully set up and new dt1 and frame for hell of a lot cheaper then new, a lot of guys on that site are cool and hook it up sometimes.  The guys on there are hardcore backwoods guys, a lot of them that are local are members here. I'll see if I can find that video link that Jon posted

[roy...s]

Good quality gear costs, but will provide years of service. You can save tons buying from REI Closeouts and secondhand.  You would be amazed at the high performance hiking jackets, shirts, pants and equipment I've bought from Goodwill. One example was a Padagodia Down jacket for 7 bucks that looked to be new. 

Much of what I use has come from craigslist and I'll bet I've saved thousands. Some backpackers are more gear junkies then hikers, they will buy equipment and never use it.  I more then happy to blow off the dust from their closet, buy it for pennies on the dollar, and wear it out. 

Some need to have the latest gizmo to save a few grams.  Saving grams does add up to lbs eventually but some take it WAY to far.  They will offload the slightly used stuff to buy the latest widget.  If you don't mind not being the first to own it, you can save big here on very high end equipment. 

Most importantly
Ask lots of questions, learn lots, become familiar and function test ALL your equipment prior to going out, start slow, and have fun.

[bobcat]

You could do the high hunt without any backpacking equipment. That's how I used to hunt it when I was in my 20's. Hiked in and out every day. Not the best and most efficient method, but it worked for me.

[muleyslayer]

Yeah im still young but that sounds like a lot of work considering the fact that it would probably take a couple hours to get to were the animals are.

[7mag.]

I would recommend trying it at least once before spending a bunch of money. It's not for everyone. I've taken a few guys that started out gung ho for back country hunting, but after taking them on a trip or two, they never went again.

If you decide you like it, spend the big money on a pack, boots, and optics. I can't stress this enough.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

I would recommend trying it at least once before spending a bunch of money. It's not for everyone. I've taken a few guys that started out gung ho for back country hunting, but after taking them on a trip or two, they never went again.

If you decide you like it, spend the big money on a pack, boots, and optics. I can't stress this enough.

I was going to post something similar to this as well.  Why do you suddenly want to start backpack hunting?  I'm not going to lie, it's phenomenal.  But it's really **&*()(* hard. 

FTF and I train pretty much year round, and scout as much as well.  Think about having to take a 125+ pound load out over miles of rough country.  Then do it again for your partners animal. 

Not trying to dissuade you, just trying to save you some cash if it isn't for you

[paytonma]

while i havent gone hunting in the backcountry, i have gone backpacking a lot and i used to buy all the new modern equipment, but now ive gone more traditional. i only really take a tarp to make shelter, food, a day worth of water, and tools (hatchet, knife, etc.) and ive stayed up to a week no problem. it might be a whole different thing hunting though

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

Well then you already know the basics!

Use the search function and search "pack list" there you will find the answers you seek.


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[muleyslayer]

I want to start backcountry hunting , because I believe I have a greater chance of seeing mature mule deer. I understand that the country is rough and the pack out can suck. Im pretty sure this type of hunting is for me, but I guess there's only one way to find out!

[haugenna]

I want to start backcountry hunting , because I believe I have a greater chance of seeing mature mule deer. I understand that the country is rough and the pack out can suck. Im pretty sure this type of hunting is for me, but I guess there's only one way to find out!

Yeah im still young but that sounds like a lot of work considering the fact that it would probably take a couple hours to get to were the animals are.

You could win the lottery and find a mature deer a couple hours away but not likely.  You will find a bunch of peopl though a couple hours away from the vehicle. 

Nobody mentioned this but read the regs on the boundaries and buy some maps. 

[WaltAlpine]

Well then you already know the basics!

Use the search function and search "pack list" there you will find the answers you seek.


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What he said...check the pack list thread under this topic and you'll find a variety to evaluate from.

[Andrew]

I'd definitely try it once utilizing borrowed gear as much as possible or rent (google rentable hiking gear pretty much can rent anything these days).  Then make the big purchases based on what you have experienced.  I had the opposite experience in that I had all the backcountry hiking gear but not the big game hunting gear.  Packs are key as somebody posted, the only thing that I swapped out was my pack, although it wasn't all that necessary, I found that there are design features just not found in regular backpacks that hunting requires.

Not sure if you find yourself in Bellingham much but there is a great store called "Backcountry Essentials" and they sell both new and used gear (might be consignment)...I've found good stuff at the end of summer when the gearheads trade in and trade up like hiking poles, sleeping bags, etc.

[Crook]

Try gearTrader.com for some great deals on new and used back packing gear, also Campsaver has breat prices on all back packing gear with great return or exchange policy. I've had good luck with both, also try REI they have garage sales that have great prices too