Back Country

[GreatWhiteHunter]

This year will be my first backcountry trip also.
Im using a Gregory Forrester pack,
Jetboil,
2 man Sierra designs tent (that I got for $20 on craigslist!!),
a thermareat Pro-lite pad,
0 degree mummy bag (i like sleeping in just my boxers, TMI I know),
small stool,
Katadyn filter (fathers day gift, YES!),
small first aid kit,
headlamp and batts,
universal spork/knife eating tool,
leatherman,
mountain house and oatmeal,
compass (dont wanna rely on a GPS),
cloths,
binos,
and my bow with 12 arrows with broadheads.
bugle and cow call
And last but not least some TP, and baby wipes.

Missing anything??

I really figured the tent was the way to go. Didnt wanna get caught in a rain storm in a bivy.

Also Im in the middle reading "Backcountry Bowhunting a Guide to the Wild Side" By Cameron R. Hanes. Good read, and full of useful tips and just general info.

[JLS]

Thanks. Last year I went in on a scouting trip with a 55 pound pack and I agree the lighter the better. But Im not sure if keeping a pack below 50 pounds for a 6 day trip is possible.

It's entirely possible.  You don't need any more gear for six days than you do two.  Add about 1.5-2 pounds of food per day.  On a two day trip, I'm 37 pounds with a full water bladder (100 oz.).  Add four more days of food and I'm 45.

[JLS]

Go on several dry runs this summer, and scout while you are there.  Find out what kind of food you like, what you're forgetting, are you in good enough shape, etc.

Lots of people like the idea of backpacking in 8 miles with a 60 pound pack until they do it.  My pack weight has decreased considerably in the last seven years ($$$).

Good luck.

[William B.]

Greatwhitehunter, your list is solid Tent is a must in the high country of Washington.LOL I like to add a few food items for the trail. Bar of sent free soap and an alpine lake or creek will put hair on your chest and keep you in the game. And cut down on the cloths by washing and hanging in a tree. I used to bring extra arrows but cut way back unless I am doing a drop camp deal. Good Hunting
 
 

[Sunbkpk]

I only do a bivy if I am out a couple nights. I have a tendency to get damp in the bivy and it is hard to dry out the sleeping bag unless the weather is nice. A good rain poncho and bivy can be a good setup for rain though. It is tough to sleep in a bivy in a hard rain, imagine light tapping all over your body for hours. Done it but only got a couple hours of poor sleep.

I do bring the bivy for spike camps from a base camp and as an added warmth layer to my sleeping bag if it gets really cold. Saves about its weight in other gear choices and I can regulate my temperature better.

A light bivy is also a good survival piece of equipment.

[throttlejocky20]

I sure do appreciate all the info. I dont know if the hunt will be sucessfull as far as a kill. But I know we will make memories we will tell our kids about. I will give a post after labor day and let you guys know how we made out. Thanks again.

[Bean Counter]

I sure do appreciate all the info. I dont know if the hunt will be sucessfull as far as a kill. But I know we will make memories we will tell our kids about. I will give a post after labor day and let you guys know how we made out. Thanks again.

Just reading this thread is making me  Mainly makes me miss backpacking--which I haven't done in a few years. I've done a few DIY wilderness hunts culminating in tag stew, but the hunts were still a great way to get out and I enjoyed beautiful scenic views none the less. 

Since I"m not an expert I'll say take my comments for a grain of salt. I've gone out on 3-4 day backpacking trips with a partner and been able to keep the packs to about 20-25 pounds each. I'm sure that goes up with hunting.

My philosophy is that there are some things that should just be skipped (chairs, non-dehydrated food, multiple sets of clothing, books, etc) but some things that are worth doubling up on. Better have more than one knife. I demand a backup flashlight as well, and batteries for both. And yes, in the PNW, a tent over a bivy any day. in Texas you ain't.  Also, I wouldn't go without a camera in Washington's beautiful wilderness areas.

[GreatWhiteHunter]

Greatwhitehunter, your list is solid Tent is a must in the high country of Washington.LOL I like to add a few food items for the trail. Bar of sent free soap and an alpine lake or creek will put hair on your chest and keep you in the game. And cut down on the cloths by washing and hanging in a tree. I used to bring extra arrows but cut way back unless I am doing a drop camp deal. Good Hunting
 

Love the ice cold baths! Even when Im hunting from my trailer the shower is cold. My water heater isn't working (last thing to fix in my 1969 Shasta) but everything else does. So Im used to the get in, and get the heck out method!

[dreamingbig]

It isn't backcountry hunting if you don't take a bath in an alpine lake!  Using biodegradeable soap of course.

[Skyvalhunter]

  on the soap

[bullcanyon]

Wow! Some of you guys are heavy packers!! My hunting partner and I roll sub 30lb packs for the early archery elk season. That's w a full bladder. We use the shared method. One tent, stove, etc.. Its nice to be able to fit a large chunk of the animal in your pack on the first trip out.

My advice would be to know your gear inside and out. And always have a back up plan. Things can always go south.

[Skyvalhunter]

Defintely some over packing going on. Do you really need all the stuff you pack. Buddy system is a great way to cut weight. But if you want to pack extra its your choice..

[Elkstuffer]

Defintely some over packing going on. Do you really need all the stuff you pack. Buddy system is a great way to cut weight. But if you want to pack extra its your choice..

Give us an example of what you would be leaving behind.

[romaknows]

     I would for sure leave the small stool behind , but that is just me.Some people like more comforts , and others like me would rather take the bear minimum .Try taking all the stuff you want up on some scouting trips , then YOU can decide what stay and what goes .Its a great learning experience , and remember , if you are lugging 80 lbs or 25 lbs always be greatfull that you are able to get up in the high country , as many are not.

[dreamingbig]

+1 on taking the camera... good way to capture the memories.