High Hunt in 2 years- rookie gear mistakes

[Eric M]

Maybe it's a long way out to plan, but I have a military school next September and probably won't hunt at all. Plan to start exploring some areas over the next two summers and buying the right gear. So 1st 3 or 4 season tent? I like the 3 season Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 1 Tent but I'm not sure but is 3 season "enough" tent. Also, suggestions on the right sleeping bag would be appreciated. If some of you veteran high hunters could share your rookie gear mistakes it would be appreciated. If I could not freeze to death...that would be great.

[jtw]

I own 3 season, 4 season, tarp tents, you name it. I have yet to need a 4 season for the high hunt. However, results will vary with weather and location. But really its september and the likelihood of freezing temps and a snow load isnt great. Something you can always try too is renting a tent based on conditions.

[GBoyd]

Do you already spend a lot of time backpacking? It's hard to research gear online without spending time using it to find out what really works for you.

I've bought a lot of stuff that I use for a short time before deciding that something else would work better for me.

[JoeE]

I prefer a bivy sack for the high hunt. A 3 season tent is plenty.

[Eric M]

Do you already spend a lot of time backpacking? It's hard to research gear online without spending time using it to find out what really works for you.

I've bought a lot of stuff that I use for a short time before deciding that something else would work better for me.

I used to backpack a lot. As my wife began having hip problems I kind of gave it up. Pretty much all my equipment is worn out. I have my old military sleeping bag which is really warm, but all the mil stuff is really heavy. I used to have a really nice external frame backpack etc. but I'm really focused now on preparing for this trip so I need new gear. Next year I want to have my kit together and do a 3 day and a 1 week trip to iron out the rough spots, but when I was buying good backpacking gear last was 1994 so I figured I'd ask the guys doing it now.Any advice helps Thanks

[Eric M]

I own 3 season, 4 season, tarp tents, you name it. I have yet to need a 4 season for the high hunt. However, results will vary with weather and location. But really its september and the likelihood of freezing temps and a snow load isnt great. Something you can always try too is renting a tent based on conditions.

I never thought of renting. I'm thinking I might buy the 3 season tent and rent the 4 season if it looks like it will be bad. I have 2 years to plan and buy stuff. I just want a pack loaded with gear I trust and can use for the next 5-10 years until I'm too old for this. Thanks

[jackelope]

3 season tent is plenty. Id go with a 2 man tent so you've got room to keep your gear in out of the weather. I went with a 1 man this year and a tarp to set up over my gear. A lot of guys are going to quilts. That might be my gear upgrade for next year. Enlightened Equipment makes good ones and seems to be the ones guys are going with. Custom made to order it seems. Get a sea to summit dry bag to keep your bag or quilt in. You don't want that thing getting wet in the rain.

[Eric M]

3 season tent is plenty. Id go with a 2 man tent so you've got room to keep your gear in out of the weather. I went with a 1 man this year and a tarp to set up over my gear. A lot of guys are going to quilts. That might be my gear upgrade for next year. Enlightened Equipment makes good ones and seems to be the ones guys are going with. Custom made to order it seems. Get a sea to summit dry bag to keep your bag or quilt in. You don't want that thing getting wet in the rain.

I have done a little reading and the sea to summit dry bags seem like the way to go-thanks. Am I right that if you get the quilt you need a sleeping pad. Is this strictly a weight consideration?

[jtw]

3 season tent is plenty. Id go with a 2 man tent so you've got room to keep your gear in out of the weather. I went with a 1 man this year and a tarp to set up over my gear. A lot of guys are going to quilts. That might be my gear upgrade for next year. Enlightened Equipment makes good ones and seems to be the ones guys are going with. Custom made to order it seems. Get a sea to summit dry bag to keep your bag or quilt in. You don't want that thing getting wet in the rain.

I've been using a sea to summit compression dry bag for my sleeping bag the past few years. Before that I put my bag in a trash bag then in a compression bag. The sea to summit saves some weight and they're not expensive.

TLDR +1 the sea to summit bag

[jackelope]

3 season tent is plenty. Id go with a 2 man tent so you've got room to keep your gear in out of the weather. I went with a 1 man this year and a tarp to set up over my gear. A lot of guys are going to quilts. That might be my gear upgrade for next year. Enlightened Equipment makes good ones and seems to be the ones guys are going with. Custom made to order it seems. Get a sea to summit dry bag to keep your bag or quilt in. You don't want that thing getting wet in the rain.

I have done a little reading and the sea to summit dry bags seem like the way to go-thanks. Am I right that if you get the quilt you need a sleeping pad. Is this strictly a weight consideration?

I'd put a pad under anything. But that's just me. I can't picture sleeping literally on the ground.

[Eric M]

Well I definitely have some shopping to do before next summers outings!!

[JJB11B]

Don't use that POS Green foam pad the army issues!, I stuffed mine in a locker and don't want the extra weight and room with that thing. I would love to get a good quality pad. Maybe one of the experienced guys could share with us which pad they use.

[Eric M]

Don't use that POS Green foam pad the army issues!, I stuffed mine in a locker and don't want the extra weight and room with that thing. I would love to get a good quality pad. Maybe one of the experienced guys could share with us which pad they use.

There is actually a sleeping pad thread. haha I know what you mean about that pad. Over 16 years in I just keep it in my locker.

[7mag.]

I've found that my gear needs and wants change often. Some of the gear I thought was great a few years ago, I don't even own any more. I also use different gear based on the time of year, where I'm going, how far and difficult the hike in is and who I'm going with. Anymore, I don't even use a tent, I take either a tarp or a tipi.

[Shank]

Rookie gear mistakes... RAIN GEAR! first year doing the high hunt, didn't bring any. Woke up to 2-3 inches of snow then turned to rain sucked, but still tons of fun. Tent, I use my 15yr old 3 season north face 2 person tent. Other then the poles elastic being broken still works and repels water, FYI they are willing to warranty the poles still
Sleeping bag, I don't know I'm currently in the market as well.
Most of my gear is old, and maybe heavy, but still works like a champ. Heck, my whisper light stove is pushing 25yrs old and still works like it did on day one


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