Backcountry Kit

[predatorG]

I am thinking about getting into backcountry hunting and am wondering about a list of good/ effective things I should bring. I do not have a super large budget so if there are slightly more cost effective choices I would lean towards those. Any help is great, so thanks. 

[jackelope]

Buying used is a good way to save a few bucks. A lot of my stuff has been purchased used.

[Jonathan_S]

  focus on a lightweight sleep system and go from there.  Clothes too, packable rain gear should be up on the list 

[croix]

Many of your backcountry hunting needs will be the same as backpackers. There are a BUNCH of websites filled with information on backpacking checklists and gear recommendations. One of my favorites is OutdoorGearLab. They don't sell anything they just review stuff. They will also list their "Best Buy" which isn't necessarily the top of the line but most bang for the buck.

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/

good luck!
-croix

[Huntsman]

#1 priority is a good backpack and good boots.

[jtw]

Buy boots and a pack that fit your feet/body well, no matter the price. Other than that, buy used. There's tons of people who spend a small fortune thinking they'll get into backpacking or hunting and only go once or twice, then offload all their equipment a few years later when they realize their mistake.

A couple things I run different when hunting compared to backpacking;

Tent - I use a tarp tent (mountain shelter LT) with a bivy. It's super light, fairly cheap and I can set it up wherever I find myself.
Gaiters - Bushwhacking in wet brush is totally different than walking a groomed trail. I wear gaiters once the temps get below 50 or if it's really wet. A lot of hunters think this is weird but once you try it you'll never go back.
Backpack - I take a bigger pack than I need. Currently I use a Mystery Ranch Metcalf for all my hunts. Being able to take a load out without having to go back to the truck for a pack frame is huge. Especially if you're a few miles in when you down an animal.

[Miles]

I found out this year that I really like the Big Agnes sleeping bag/pad combo.  I've got a Golite bag that comes in a fair amount lighter, but find myself not packing it as often.   The big agnes pad slides in the back of the sleeping bag and no matter how crappy the slope is, you're not sliding off the pad.   I've been able to set up my tent on less than ideal hillsides and sleep comfortably without sliding/rolling all over. 

[jackelope]

I found out this year that I really like the Big Agnes sleeping bag/pad combo.  I've got a Golite bag that comes in a fair amount lighter, but find myself not packing it as often.   The big agnes pad slides in the back of the sleeping bag and no matter how crappy the slope is, you're not sliding off the pad.   I've been able to set up my tent on less than ideal hillsides and sleep comfortably without sliding/rolling all over.

What bag did you get?
I've got the BA pad...and I need to upgrade my bag.

[Miles]

I found out this year that I really like the Big Agnes sleeping bag/pad combo.  I've got a Golite bag that comes in a fair amount lighter, but find myself not packing it as often.   The big agnes pad slides in the back of the sleeping bag and no matter how crappy the slope is, you're not sliding off the pad.   I've been able to set up my tent on less than ideal hillsides and sleep comfortably without sliding/rolling all over.

What bag did you get?
I've got the BA pad...and I need to upgrade my bag.

Lost ranger 15.   I'll pack the extra pound for the comfort of the combo system...   I do think my golite 20* bag is warmer, but the BA bag is fine for most all high hunts.

[Miles]

I would recommend this cooking/stove kit. Everything including a gas canister nests in the cup. It's served me well for the last 6 or 7 years.

http://www.campsaver.com/starter-kit?gclid=CIvus8X-i8gCFUpsfgod-W8H3g

[predatorG]

Many of your backcountry hunting needs will be the same as backpackers. There are a BUNCH of websites filled with information on backpacking checklists and gear recommendations. One of my favorites is OutdoorGearLab. They don't sell anything they just review stuff. They will also list their "Best Buy" which isn't necessarily the top of the line but most bang for the buck.

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/

good luck!
-croix

Thanks alot for this site! It's super helpful and has some great stuff on there!

[Fl0und3rz]

For a backcountry shelter on the cheap, it seems you could do a lot worse than this.

Austrian surplus shelter.

http://www.keepshooting.com/review/product/list/id/2925/category/116/

[predatorG]

I've also heard a bit about quilts. Anybody have any experience with them in the backcountry or know any pros/cons?

[jackelope]

I've heard lots of pros and not a lot of cons.

[7mag.]

I've also heard a bit about quilts. Anybody have any experience with them in the backcountry or know any pros/cons?

A quilt is all I use. I'm a side and stomach sleeper, so mummy bags are not comfortable for me. With a good warm pad, I sleep much better. Another strong point is weight, my 10° quilt is less than 2 pounds.

[hogslayer]

I just got back from a 9 mile 6 day back country archery elk hunt and used a quilt in a Kifaru sawtooth which is floor less.  We had lots of rain and wind and didn't get wet.  A extra long wide 10 degree quilt was amazing.  Make sure you have a quality sleeping pad.  I use a xtherm. And check out enlightened equipments quilts.

[predatorG]

Thanks guys. They sound pretty sweet.