whats in your pack??

[ICEMAN]

Ive always carried a few h20 proof sheets and a tiny pencil so I could leave a note if something bad happened, directions as to where I was going....or for a hunting buddy..... forget where I got the pad of h20 proof paper...maybe campmor...  your list looks good!

[actionshooter]

its my basic list with a couple of things added b/c of winter, I use an exped air mat in the warmer months, I would like to try it but if it didn't work in the cold months I would be screwed.
 I need to add that my buddy and I picked up a SPOT satelite thingy today 

[littletoes]

Nice set up ActionShooter, but what do you do with the empty water bottles???

I see an awful lot of them on the trails these days.......
I like a bladder, holds more water, and can be reused, as can be the water bottles I know, blow the water back when you hear it "crackleing" (freezing), it won't slosh to give your position away.

The biggest draw back of a bladder is when the tube "kinks" a bit, and won't let you pull water through it....pain in the but for sure.

[actionshooter]

Nice set up ActionShooter, but what do you do with the empty water bottles???

I see an awful lot of them on the trails these days.......
I like a bladder, holds more water, and can be reused, as can be the water bottles I know, blow the water back when you hear it "crackleing" (freezing), it won't slosh to give your position away.

The biggest draw back of a bladder is when the tube "kinks" a bit, and won't let you pull water through it....pain in the but for sure.

 I have never gotten used too the bladders  I keep the bottles and re-use them, I like them b/c I use the emerganC and gatorade packets and when I'm home I just through them away.

[Dansk]

My hunting and fishing luck is inversely proportional to the level of my preparedness.

I've learned that irony is king and he governs with Murphy's Law.

Call me crazy, but part of my evolving ritual is to NOT be completely prepared (safety gear/first aid/and TP aside, of course).

[rasbo]

I love the bladders nice and quiet,my pack will keep me good for three days,seems abit much but not really.Got left out one night,never again.

[littletoes]

The only problems I have found with the bladders, they ALL seem to have a problem with kinking where the tubes come out of the packs.

Platypus brand-with three differant brands of hose, Hydra-storm, same problem!

When they "kink", its always right our of the pack, and the guy carrying the load can't hardly reach it to get a drink....pain in the but if you ask me!

[actionshooter]

2 of the reasons I don't care for the bladders are, the 2 I have used have had a NASTY plastic taste and I tend to go through water too fast. (drink more than I need).

[Dansk]

The only problems I have found with the bladders, they ALL seem to have a problem with kinking where the tubes come out of the packs.

Platypus brand-with three differant brands of hose, Hydra-storm, same problem!

When they "kink", its always right our of the pack, and the guy carrying the load can't hardly reach it to get a drink....pain in the but if you ask me!

Littletoes - I bought a replacement bladder from cabelas- the tubing is extremely thick and won't kink.  I have another one from High Sierra that has a neoprene sheath around the tube so the water in the tube doesnt freeze, and the neoprene helps strengthen the integrity of the tube.

[rasbo]

mine came with the pack,it was from cabelas.Never kinks. rinse your bladder with lemon juice and water,

[HawkenBob]

Only thing to add is a quiet bag to keep your Chantrells in!

[Wolf Track]

I always like this question when ever it's asked on these boards...

I pack almost the same whether I'm going for a day or a week

The pack usually weighs in at around 15-20 lbs

I have figured out exactly what I'll need to make it with out taking any thing extra

Binocs
GPS
TP
Stainless steel cup
2 bottles water (usually around 24 ounce)
Knife
6 extra shells beyond that which will fill the gun
2 small flash lights
4 extra batteries
Camera
Air activated heater pads (the size you would use for your feet)
Lighters in most of the pockets of my day bag
50' P-cord (parachute cord)
Food (usually about 2 day’s worth and very high energy compact)

With the stuff above, one can get by for a long time before they need any outside help or resources...

[lamar_hunter]

i usually know the area really well where im hunting or with someone who does. so i take a couple bottles of water, toilet paper, bullets, and some grub. oh yeah and some copenhagen!

[alanger]

woo hoo!

anyone go on big backpacking trips just to check out the country for a few days? i was wondering about the dehydrated food, anyone use it?

[PacificNWhunter]

Check out mountain house dried meals. They make a wide variety of foods that for the most part taste pretty good. If your just going to go out looking and don't mind having a little more weight in your pack, PM ICEMAN and I'm sure he can give you some good recipies for some tastey backcountry food.