backcountry list

[scoyoc5]

Well a friend talked me into doing some backcountry hunting this year I'm really excited!!! So here's my question to you guys.I need some help finding a couple items.What I'm looking for is opinions on a bivy sack and sleeping bag. Of course I know you get what you pay for but I'm hoping to find some better deals than what I'm seeing on the internet ... I will be using during the archery season and only for a night or two then hiking back to the trailer and going back and fourth... the lows are normally around the mid 20's or so at night. 

Thanks , John

[GOcougsHunter]

John,
Before you buy a bivvy... borrow one and stay the night in it..  You may not want to buy one after that night.  As for bag, try REIoutlet.com and get the most expensive down bag you can afford of 0 degrees or less.

[MountainWalk]

i have never used a bivy sack. i myself like a 10-10 canvas tarp. i just make a burrito out of it. that or i use it as a fly tent..no need for a tent.

[BrushChimp]

My buddy just bought a $430 Marmot Helium sleeping bag for $300 off the net. You aren't going to find a better deal than that. Keep looking you'll find a good deal.

[bowhunterty]

I like space. Bivy kind of a little to confining.  This year bought a new system all by Big Agnes. Sleeping bag-BA Mystic 15 degree, BA insulated aircore mattress, and BA Seedhouse SL1.  All three of these together way under 7lbs.. Can't wait to give it a try.

[actionshooter]

It kinda depends on where your hunting dry side I would go with a down bag, wet side a synthetic. For a bivy Outdoor Research, OR, is local and hard to beat. Watch e-bay I have found some good deal on there.

[archery288]

I would recommend the Marmot Hydrogen bag... works great for me and keeps me plenty warm!  And as for the shelter, well if you go with a bivy sack, I would personally recommend the outdoor research bivy sack!  really lightweight, and keeps the weather off!  Kind of spendy compared to some others, but it's worth every penny if it starts to get cold and wet! 

[actionshooter]

I might as well list what I prefer, For a down bag I like the Mont-bell super stretch = LOTS of room.
 My sleeping pad I just picked up a exped downmat, used it twice, its awsome!! 3+" inches thick, warm, and light   
 For the shelter It depends on conditions, I like my OR bivy, 4 season Quest or just a tarp.

[scoyoc5]

is the outdoor research bivy were talking about the aurora? looks like a nice one.I just want to be smart about it and buy good equipment without breaking the bank. ( plus the fact if I don't like it I don't have $1000.00 bucks worth of gear I'm never gonna use).. anyone have a pic of their setup? what your pack looks like loaded

[ICEMAN]

So many choices out there...I think the bag is the most important item, irregardless of shelter type. You can be way too crowded in a bivy, but still get good sleep....if you have a good bag.  If just one night or two, in archery season, you may be able to get by with simply a tarp set up. Some light weight gurus I have known just take a tarp, or chunk of tyvek to shed the dew and occasional shower.

[scoyoc5]

i found an OR aurora bivy for 105.00 is that a good deal?

[Red Dawg]

I have never used a bivy befor either but they do look like they are handy to have. What do ya usually role with for food.

[MountainWalk]

when im guiding, i eat better than i do at home. when im hunting for myself, mostly oatmeal and beef boulioun cubes and smoked salmon..pretty bland. i mix it all together for everymeal.. not the best tasting but gives me everything i need

[Red Dawg]

come on man you gotta have something better than that. YUK. What about mre's or something similar. I am talkin about a standard 5-7 day pack in. Do you take an ice chest in a pannier. I am just trying to figure out some details.

[MountainWalk]

when i hunt bymyself i dont use stock.....im so poor i cant pay attention, so i just use what is cheapest for me. yeah, its kinda nasty. but its light and feeds me. but when im in mt,, my gosh, its a dang feast every meal.. i like the oatmeal for filling me up, cheap, lots of energy and light. the cubes give me a warm drink and put sodium back into my body,, the salmon is protein.. sometimes i take a big log of pepperjack cheese....... yeah sometimes its not too appetizing. but for real,, im pretty damn poor. not broke, but poor.