Need advice on gear!

[sagewalker]

I am going on a 10 day hunt in the Frank Church Wilderness next year. Getting flown in and drop a base camp, then hike 6 miles or so and set up spike camp. We will be hauling game back and forth to basecamp anywhere from 1-8 miles away. My father and a few of my uncles have done this hunt many of times, this will be my first trip. Just listening to their different experiences and what they would have done different next time, I need to go in as light weight as possible. I am looking for advice on lightweight 0 degree sleeping bags, light weight bivy sacks, sleeping pads and also packs. I am looking into the Kuiu Icon Pro 7200, anyone have any experince with these packs? If anyone has any good advice or can point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated! Thank you all in advance. 

[Stein]

Start with the heaviest things first, that is where you will save the most weight.  For most people, that is themselves.  Loose 10 pounds and you will be in much better shape.

Regarding packs, if you want a light one, it won't be in camo.  Look at mountaineering and backpacking sites.  Go on Youtube and search for ultralight backpacking and you will have more information than you can imagine.

Carrying the weight is also key, you could have a 5# pack and get smoked in the first mile if you aren't ready.  Load up and head to the hills to train.  I did a race with a pack, you can find local races starting at 5k and working up to a marathon.

[sagewalker]

Good info thank you!

[Jonathan_S]

In order of importance for me...

Pack
Tent/Sleeping Bag
Rain Gear

Pack is tricky because it also has to fit well.  I'd rather have a heavier frame/bag if it sits well 

The tent and bag are just going to be dang expensive, really no way around it.

[sagewalker]

Agreed, I know its going to be spendy. But, I want gear that I am not going to have to buy once a year and last me a long while!

[7mag.]

Are you backpacking in? Are you packing out your game on your back? Or, are you going with an outfitter, drop camp? Answering those questions will change your needs for gear dramatically.

[hogslayer]

If it were me I would buy these items.
Kifaru duplex frame with timberline 1 bag
Thermarest xtherm sleeping pad
Enlightened equipment quilt

I would also go to REI and try on numerous different boots and see which one fits you the best.  Zamberlan,lowa, scarpa are some good brands to name a few.  As far as a tent goes, depends on how many people and how bad the bugs are going to be. But I like floor less with or without a big net.  Kifaru wins the competition on those in my opinion.

[Jonathan_S]

If it were me I would buy these items.
Kifaru duplex frame with timberline 1 bag
Thermarest xtherm sleeping pad
Enlightened equipment quilt

I would also go to REI and try on numerous different boots and see which one fits you the best.  Zamberlan,lowa, scarpa are some good brands to name a few.  As far as a tent goes, depends on how many people and how bad the bugs are going to be. But I like floor less with or without a big net.  Kifaru wins the competition on those in my opinion.

I am too afraid of snakes anymore.  I woke up next to a 3' rattler in a floorless tent.  Never again.

[sagewalker]

If it were me I would buy these items.
Kifaru duplex frame with timberline 1 bag
Thermarest xtherm sleeping pad
Enlightened equipment quilt

I would also go to REI and try on numerous different boots and see which one fits you the best.  Zamberlan,lowa, scarpa are some good brands to name a few.  As far as a tent goes, depends on how many people and how bad the bugs are going to be. But I like floor less with or without a big net.  Kifaru wins the competition on those in my opinion.

How are these packs in the rain and snow?

[hogslayer]

Every pack you will find will require a rain fly in heavy rain.  Light snow would roll off.  But just get a 7 ounce rain fly and you'll be set.  Main thing I look for in a pack is versatility for different hunts and most importantly load hauling.  Stone glacier and kifaru are on a different level then Exo and kuiu.

[7mag.]

If it were me I would buy these items.
Kifaru duplex frame with timberline 1 bag
Thermarest xtherm sleeping pad
Enlightened equipment quilt

I would also go to REI and try on numerous different boots and see which one fits you the best.  Zamberlan,lowa, scarpa are some good brands to name a few.  As far as a tent goes, depends on how many people and how bad the bugs are going to be. But I like floor less with or without a big net.  Kifaru wins the competition on those in my opinion.

I agree. Kifaru sets the bar for backpack hunting. They are expensive but worth it.

You need to prioritize your gear needs. The most important are:
Good lightweight boots
Good load hauling pack (not backpacking pack from REI)
Quality lightweight sleeping bag or quilt
Comfortable pad

I prefer floorless shelters, but they aren't for everyone. You'll need good quality synthetic game bags too. Check out the B.O.M.B bags from Pristine Ventures, they're the best I know of.

Good rain gear is important. I like Kuiu Chugach, it's been great for me. A lightweight insulation layer is also needed. I usually use a puffy jacket, either down or synthetic. Fleece works pretty well too. Get quality clothing, and don't take too much of it. Clothing weight adds up fast.

[follow maggie]

Start buying gear now. If you buy a piece here and there, you can afford to spend more than if you buy it all at the same time. Buy the best you can afford. generally, better = more expensive.

[sagewalker]

Start buying gear now. If you buy a piece here and there, you can afford to spend more than if you buy it all at the same time. Buy the best you can afford. generally, better = more expensive.

I agree

[sagewalker]

Every pack you will find will require a rain fly in heavy rain.  Light snow would roll off.  But just get a 7 ounce rain fly and you'll be set.  Main thing I look for in a pack is versatility for different hunts and most importantly load hauling.  Stone glacier and kifaru are on a different level then Exo and kuiu.

Have you personally owned all of these packs you're referring too?

[sagewalker]

Anyone have anymore advice? This can't be all there is out there!!!!