Post by: diggie-d on February 18, 2014, 07:04:28 PM
Post by: 7mag. on February 18, 2014, 09:34:15 PM
Post by: duckmen1 on February 18, 2014, 09:41:48 PM
Killer trip though, just real sore when it was all said and done.
Post by: fair-chase on February 18, 2014, 09:45:36 PM
Post by: wilsongideon on February 18, 2014, 11:16:24 PM
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Post by: Kuduman on February 18, 2014, 11:36:56 PM
Post by: MLHSN on February 19, 2014, 07:33:29 AM
During the high hunt or archery season, my pack goes up to around 35 lb's including my rifle/bow. That's for a 4 day trip.
Post by: jackelope on February 19, 2014, 07:42:18 AM
Post by: Jonathan_S on February 19, 2014, 08:18:13 AM
I think 50# is a good area to be close to.
Post by: JLS on February 19, 2014, 08:28:45 AM
I'd think 50# give or take is pretty accurate. I know I was carrying way too much unnecessary stuff on my 1st trip but that's a "you live and you learn" type thing.
It's kind of a self correcting behavior, huh? :)
My base pack weight, including water but no food will be about 35 pounds. Add 2.5# per day of food, so about 43 pounds for a 3-4 day trip.
Post by: kentrek on February 19, 2014, 08:43:16 AM
Thats off the top of my head as I havent got to play with some new toys yet...
Just gota balance your needs vs wants against the effort your putting in an thats gona be different for everyone
Post by: lostbackpacker on February 19, 2014, 08:57:03 AM
I started with a 2 mile walk and one night. I took the bare essentials, I mean bare essentials. Then I added on from there. Now when I do go on a longer range hunt, my 2-3 day pack weighs 30#.
Before I had packed everything I wanted, but came to find out I didnt need.
Post by: diggie-d on February 19, 2014, 11:06:02 AM
Post by: Broken Arrow on February 19, 2014, 11:16:09 AM
Post by: kentrek on February 19, 2014, 11:41:51 AM
thanks for the replies thus far, I realize there are a lot of variables to this question. i'm not new to packing in a backpack and camping, just new to hunting that way. Going to the high country this august and September to go after bear and fingers crossed a big muley! my pack thus far for 4-5 day adventure is mid forties depending on if I take a full bladder to hike in or not, so it sounds like i'm in the right ballpark. I admit i'm always looking to loose some pack weight where I can. that weight does not include my bow, that's always in one hand or the other.
i know you mentioned not posting up a list but if your really wanting to cut weight posting a complete gear list on here and letting the guys/gals give some constructive criticism would def be beneficial....could also cost you some coin as well :chuckle:
Post by: WaltAlpine on February 19, 2014, 11:51:25 AM
Without food, with water, I loaded my pack the other day and it was at 32.
Post by: JPhelps on February 19, 2014, 12:08:06 PM
Post by: fair-chase on February 19, 2014, 12:14:15 PM
38-40 lbs for a four day trip.
^ That's my goal by next year. I know I can get about a 4 pound savings by changing my pack. The rest will be a much tougher (and more expensive) to come by.
Post by: diggie-d on February 19, 2014, 12:42:29 PM
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on February 19, 2014, 08:46:15 PM
Post by: JM on February 19, 2014, 09:10:48 PM
If it all seems necessary then get in good enough shape to pack it all.
My early season pack is 35 and my late season pack is around 45. Those are both without my bow/rifle
Post by: Elkohol on February 19, 2014, 11:32:41 PM
Post by: fair-chase on February 20, 2014, 02:47:38 AM
Do guys count the weight of your rifle to your overall pack weight?
Yes, I also include my binoculars and bino harness. Even though they are not technically in my pack.
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on February 20, 2014, 05:45:49 AM
But these weights can also differ significantly per trip. I was at 48 pounds for nine days (+/-), but I had to have about 8 pounds of water with me for the hike in since there wasn't any water available until we reached camp. That kicked my weight up to 56 pounds (then gradually it lessened...).
Good luck trying to get true accurate weights, there's multiple threads with gear lists on them, I'll post mine up tonight (after I do some off season editing for some new stuff) if I remember.
Man...can't wait for Spring.
Post by: JLS on February 20, 2014, 11:54:10 AM
My philosophy is if I'm wearing it, I don't count it. If it is attached to or in the pack, it counts. I can be helpful to know your total load, bow attached and binos in the pack so that when your humping it up the mountain in the dark to set up camp, you understand why you're sweating your fanny off :)
Post by: 7mag. on February 21, 2014, 12:19:38 AM
This question continually comes up, and there's no "standard" by which people even talk about there weights. Some guys don't count there weapon, some guys don't count anything they have on there body (like a guy where's his bino harness, doesn't count it), some guys are skin out (everything, period).
But these weights can also differ significantly per trip. I was at 48 pounds for nine days (+/-), but I had to have about 8 pounds of water with me for the hike in since there wasn't any water available until we reached camp. That kicked my weight up to 56 pounds (then gradually it lessened...).
Good luck trying to get true accurate weights, there's multiple threads with gear lists on them, I'll post mine up tonight (after I do some off season editing for some new stuff) if I remember.
Man...can't wait for Spring.
Yeah Travis, I agree. Pack weights can be very subjective based on the situation and what is included. I weigh my pack loaded, and ready to hit the trail. That includes a bladder full of water. I don't weigh the clothes I am wearing, or the binos on my chest.
Post by: RadSav on February 21, 2014, 01:24:36 AM
38-40 lbs for a four day trip.
I'd say that's about right for me too unless I'll be more than a mile from running water or a snow pack. When we goat hunt in BC water is a 1 mile vertical hike away. So add another 17# (two gallons) of water. I cut that in half if rain is expected to be heavy as you can trap a gallon of water a day rather easily with a well made space blanket funnel.
Post by: kentrek on February 21, 2014, 08:20:02 AM
38-40 lbs for a four day trip.
I'd say that's about right for me too unless I'll be more than a mile from running water or a snow pack. When we goat hunt in BC water is a 1 mile vertical hike away. So add another 17# (two gallons) of water. I cut that in half if rain is expected to be heavy as you can trap a gallon of water a day rather easily with a well made space blanket funnel.
Not related much to the thread but how many days does that 2 gallons get you ? What kinda temps/activity level ? In september base camp we have to pack water about half hour one way (not too bad) an I usually plan for a gallon a day per person when its hot out
Post by: JPhelps on February 21, 2014, 08:50:48 AM
Post by: grade-creek-rd on February 21, 2014, 10:01:58 AM
G-C-R
Post by: JPhelps on February 21, 2014, 11:00:27 AM
Pack: kifaru bikini with DT1 bag- 5 lb 4 oz after some modifications
Tent: tarp tent Rainshadow2 - 2lb 10oz
Sleeping Bag: Marmot Helium Long - 2lb 8oz
Other items you start shaving ounces compared to others. On some items I will still sacrifice convenience over weight
Jetboil Sol Ti- 8.5oz
Knives - havalon Piranta and 2 extra blades
Light- Zebralight h52Fw 2 oz headlamp
It has been a slow and somewhat expensive process but light AND dependable gear makes the hunt much more enjoyable. I am also thinking about things such as: how many game bags do I really need?, is the forecast predicting any cold or bad weather?, how much food do I need per day to stay 100%?
For instance on a short 4 day trip I may throw down a huge meal a couple hours before taking off and then live on 2000 calories a day knowing that on the last day I may start feeling it a little. Or 2000 calories a day and then bring a 1500 calorie bonus pick me up for day 3. Or on short trips when water isn't readily available it will pay to ditch the stove and bring bagels, sharp dried cheese and some dried salami.
It all turns into personal preference and what it takes for you to enjoy the trip. :twocents:
Post by: fillthefreezer on February 21, 2014, 11:28:33 AM
i do 1.5 gal per day once there, with 2 gal on the way in. im a sweaty guy though :chuckle:
Not related much to the thread but how many days does that 2 gallons get you ? What kinda temps/activity level ? In september base camp we have to pack water about half hour one way (not too bad) an I usually plan for a gallon a day per person when its hot out
Post by: MLHSN on February 21, 2014, 11:48:29 AM
Sorry for the off-subject question.
Post by: mountainman on February 21, 2014, 12:53:36 PM
Post by: RadSav on February 21, 2014, 01:11:42 PM
Why carry so much water? Are the animals going to be were there is nothing to drink?
Sorry for the off-subject question.
First time I hunted goats I was amazed how far from drinkable water we were. Those buggers can get by with licking wet moss. It's pretty hard to get my noodles or Mountain House cooked with wet moss :chuckle: If we watch things close two gallons can get one guy three days. But in that country we average a gallon per person easily each day. Usually four meals each day plus drinks puts the hurt on a gallon of water pretty quick. We once found a patch of snow at -18 C. Thought we were in business, but that stuff was so cold and fluffy it took about a cubic yard of snow to get half a gallon of water. That takes more fuel than we were willing to waste.
One note to mention; When it's that cold you want to pack water in single use containers. Nothing worse than working that hard to get to camp just to find out your gallon jugs are one solid chunk of ice. Much easier and fuel efficient to melt a small amount of water.
We found the same thing hunting sheep and depending on where the caribou were. Many of the areas we hunted elk in the Eagle Caps was quite shy on drinkable water sources close to where we camped. What took us eight hours of packing to get from the river to the goat spots would take a goat about an hour at night. In cold weather they don't seem to make that trip, but in warmer weather we did notice them making the trip every other day or so.
Post by: RadSav on February 21, 2014, 01:15:21 PM
Post by: fillthefreezer on February 21, 2014, 10:30:03 PM
Why carry so much water? Are the animals going to be were there is nothing to drink?i shoulda told you sooner, mule deer dont drink water... :chuckle:
Sorry for the off-subject question.
Post by: bearkautz on February 21, 2014, 10:46:07 PM
Post by: teanawayslayer on March 30, 2014, 06:22:32 AM
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on March 30, 2014, 08:36:12 PM
2013 my pack was at 63#. Lighter than the year before. When I went on my first back country hunt my pack weigh 100#. Way to heavy and even at 63# I still feel a bit heavy. But there really isn't anything that I want to take out. The tripod I have weights 8#. So I could go out and spend big bucks and buy a carbon fiber pod but I would rather carry the extra weight.
You don't need to spend big money to get a light tripod capable of performing in the backcountry...
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=614703&is=REG&A=details&Q= (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=614703&is=REG&A=details&Q=)
Post by: teanawayslayer on March 31, 2014, 06:25:23 AM
silk do you have this tripod? I have found on the cheaper tripods that they are flimsy and it is hard to stay on your target. This tripod looks to be of pretty good quality. But pics can be deceiving.2013 my pack was at 63#. Lighter than the year before. When I went on my first back country hunt my pack weigh 100#. Way to heavy and even at 63# I still feel a bit heavy. But there really isn't anything that I want to take out. The tripod I have weights 8#. So I could go out and spend big bucks and buy a carbon fiber pod but I would rather carry the extra weight.
You don't need to spend big money to get a light tripod capable of performing in the backcountry...
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=614703&is=REG&A=details&Q= (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=614703&is=REG&A=details&Q=)
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on March 31, 2014, 06:29:15 AM
silk do you have this tripod? I have found on the cheaper tripods that they are flimsy and it is hard to stay on your target. This tripod looks to be of pretty good quality. But pics can be deceiving.2013 my pack was at 63#. Lighter than the year before. When I went on my first back country hunt my pack weigh 100#. Way to heavy and even at 63# I still feel a bit heavy. But there really isn't anything that I want to take out. The tripod I have weights 8#. So I could go out and spend big bucks and buy a carbon fiber pod but I would rather carry the extra weight.
You don't need to spend big money to get a light tripod capable of performing in the backcountry...
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=614703&is=REG&A=details&Q= (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=614703&is=REG&A=details&Q=)
Yes I do have this tripod. I dumped the ball head and added a manfrotto 700cr pan head. Really like the combo!
If your near orting you can come put hands on.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: teanawayslayer on April 01, 2014, 04:56:25 PM
thanks for the input! I don't get out orting way very often. For 65 bucks I'll give it a shot.silk do you have this tripod? I have found on the cheaper tripods that they are flimsy and it is hard to stay on your target. This tripod looks to be of pretty good quality. But pics can be deceiving.2013 my pack was at 63#. Lighter than the year before. When I went on my first back country hunt my pack weigh 100#. Way to heavy and even at 63# I still feel a bit heavy. But there really isn't anything that I want to take out. The tripod I have weights 8#. So I could go out and spend big bucks and buy a carbon fiber pod but I would rather carry the extra weight.
You don't need to spend big money to get a light tripod capable of performing in the backcountry...
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=614703&is=REG&A=details&Q= (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=614703&is=REG&A=details&Q=)
Yes I do have this tripod. I dumped the ball head and added a manfrotto 700cr pan head. Really like the combo!
If your near orting you can come put hands on.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Rob on April 06, 2014, 11:04:16 PM
Comes out to 54 lbs on the back (including rifle, ammo 14 rounds of ammo and shell holders), 10.5 pounds on the body, and 40ish pounds left in the truck (I guessed on the weights for some of the car items).
Post by: Tbob on April 11, 2014, 01:19:35 PM
Post by: throttlejocky20 on April 11, 2014, 01:33:31 PM
Post by: fillthefreezer on April 11, 2014, 01:39:34 PM
Here is a quick list of what I would bring and how much the pack would weigh (Dang I love Excel). This would be for a 4 night trip, carrying 2 liters of water (so assuming there was accessible water). Weather would be expected to be reasonable (not super cold, but ready for a cold snap). It assumes I could wash some clothes and they would have time to dry.you have alot of duplicate items.. definately room to go lighter if you want to go that route.
Comes out to 54 lbs on the back (including rifle, ammo 14 rounds of ammo and shell holders), 10.5 pounds on the body, and 40ish pounds left in the truck (I guessed on the weights for some of the car items).
Post by: Rob on April 14, 2014, 07:24:16 AM
Always room to go lighter. Depends on what you want to trade off.
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on April 17, 2014, 11:00:11 PM
Post by: haugenna on April 17, 2014, 11:31:55 PM
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on April 18, 2014, 05:47:32 AM
Silk, did I miss the pack itself on your list?
First item Bikini BEMR.
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Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on April 18, 2014, 06:26:11 AM
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Post by: Skyvalhunter on April 18, 2014, 06:32:43 AM
Post by: James on April 18, 2014, 03:00:13 PM
Looking to be just under 60 for this year.
Post by: autodink13 on April 18, 2014, 04:00:13 PM
I screwed up though, you can subtract about 7 ounces from the list. I only bring one change of socks and boxers
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Might as well take 7 more oz off and just use the one pair the whole hunt. Saves u weight and makes certain your hunting buddy won't snuggle up too close :chuckle:
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on April 18, 2014, 04:01:18 PM
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Post by: haugenna on April 19, 2014, 03:31:15 PM
I screwed up though, you can subtract about 7 ounces from the list. I only bring one change of socks and boxers
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Might as well take 7 more oz off and just use the one pair the whole hunt. Saves u weight and makes certain your hunting buddy won't snuggle up too close :chuckle:
I assume that is what the "bikini" was for.
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on April 20, 2014, 08:40:10 PM
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Post by: Rock7 on April 20, 2014, 08:50:49 PM
Post by: Stein on June 06, 2014, 09:24:49 PM
Next trip, I'll probably shoot for 59# as a goal for 4+ days. At the end of the day, hunting stuff weighs a bunch and takes up tons of space.
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on June 07, 2014, 09:47:28 AM
68# all in except water for 4-5 days. The Eberlestock weighs a ton and that is the first place I could save some weight. My tent is a bit on the posh side by ultralight standards as it has a floor, vestibule and ground cloth. I also carry a pistol, EPIRB, bear spray and several other backup items when I go solo. I also usually pack about double the food I should, that could shave 5-6# easily.
Next trip, I'll probably shoot for 59# as a goal for 4+ days. At the end of the day, hunting stuff weighs a bunch and takes up tons of space.
Stein,
Just curious why you pack both a Pistol and Bear Spray? That might be an easy place to shave some weight too. If you're hunting Washington, your chance of running into a Grizzly is astronomically lower then many other Western States. And I would leave both Pistol and Bear Spray during the hunt. You're already carrying a weapon...
Post by: Bmcox86 on June 07, 2014, 01:01:06 PM
Post by: fillthefreezer on June 08, 2014, 10:35:33 AM
68# all in except water for 4-5 days. The Eberlestock weighs a ton and that is the first place I could save some weight. My tent is a bit on the posh side by ultralight standards as it has a floor, vestibule and ground cloth. I also carry a pistol, EPIRB, bear spray and several other backup items when I go solo. I also usually pack about double the food I should, that could shave 5-6# easily.good lord! did you kill on that trip? a packout with a starting weight of 70lbs sounds miserable
Next trip, I'll probably shoot for 59# as a goal for 4+ days. At the end of the day, hunting stuff weighs a bunch and takes up tons of space.
Post by: Stein on June 08, 2014, 10:45:19 AM
Quote
Stein,
Just curious why you pack both a Pistol and Bear Spray? That might be an easy place to shave some weight too. If you're hunting Washington, your chance of running into a Grizzly is astronomically lower then many other Western States. And I would leave both Pistol and Bear Spray during the hunt. You're already carrying a weapon...
One for four leggers, the other for two. The trip was in MT, I wouldn't take the spray in WA unless I was hunting bear and there was a chance of tracking a wounded bear into the bush. I have seen too many squabbles plus ran across too many strange plants growing in the woods to not carry a pistol.
I travel extremely light when not hunting but don't see how guys can get so light when hunting. The weight of a rifle, ammo, binos, spotting scope, tripod and butchering gear just adds up so quickly. Plus, a pack that can handle a 100 pound load on the way out just weighs a bunch more than one designed for 30#.
For the guys in the 30-40# range, does that include all your camping stuff, hunting gear, pack, food and clothing?
Post by: jackelope on June 08, 2014, 10:48:14 AM
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on June 08, 2014, 11:12:22 AM
Post by: Stein on June 08, 2014, 11:22:46 AM
I don't think you need a rifle, a pistol, and bear spray. My butchering gear is a Havalon and a Benchmade. Not sure what the weight is, but well under a pound. I'll be under 40# for 3 days, not counting my rifle I think, but my rifle is 7# all up...so it's pretty light. I don't have the super lightweight gear either, and I'm not cutting the handle off my toothbrush. Not sure if my pack will handle 100# but these other guys with the Kifarus will, and they're in the 6 pound range if I'm not mistaken.
OK, so you're pushing 45-50# plus water. That seems a reasonable goal.
I hunt in areas where if you need to leave an animal on the ground overnight the chance of coming back to bear tracks in the snow is probably 60%.
8 rifle
7 pack
2.5 compact scope/tripod
2 binos
3 sleeping bag
3 tent
That's already 25.5 and I don't have any food, camping gear, clothing or the rest of my hunting gear.
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on June 08, 2014, 11:30:43 AM
I don't think you need a rifle, a pistol, and bear spray. My butchering gear is a Havalon and a Benchmade. Not sure what the weight is, but well under a pound. I'll be under 40# for 3 days, not counting my rifle I think, but my rifle is 7# all up...so it's pretty light. I don't have the super lightweight gear either, and I'm not cutting the handle off my toothbrush. Not sure if my pack will handle 100# but these other guys with the Kifarus will, and they're in the 6 pound range if I'm not mistaken.
OK, so you're pushing 45-50# plus water. That seems a reasonable goal.
I hunt in areas where if you need to leave an animal on the ground overnight the chance of coming back to bear tracks in the snow is probably 60%.
8 rifle
7 pack
2.5 compact scope/tripod
2 binos
3 sleeping bag
3 tent
That's already 25.5 and I don't have any food, camping gear, clothing or the rest of my hunting gear.
I'm very happy with my KIT. There are some things I'll likely play with next year, or when I have some extra cash. I'd like to explore the quilt route a bit, which would shave a pound, but after that...I'm running out of places to shave weight for what I'm comfortable doing. There are things I know guys do like bring only a rain jacket, only one set of socks/underwear for a whole trip...you can get down into that magical "30's." If you try. Also I'd be down in the 30's (and the low 30's at that if I did what a lot of guys do which is not include there weapon or binoculars, because they are always carrying them.
But the point of these pack weights is to see what your gear all up will be for a pack out IMO. So your weapon and Bino's will likely be in the pack with the rest of your stuff plus animal.
Post by: fillthefreezer on June 08, 2014, 11:40:04 AM
recently there was a thread where a fella told me i should cut my pack weight in half. im :chuckle: over that.
ive made a few changes to some of my gear not reflected on here but its pretty close...
Post by: Rob on June 08, 2014, 10:01:57 PM
Stupid Light: Why light is not necessarily right, and why lighter is not necessarily better
http://andrewskurka.com/2012/stupid-light-not-always-right-or-better/ (http://andrewskurka.com/2012/stupid-light-not-always-right-or-better/)
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on June 08, 2014, 10:39:00 PM
Interesting Article:
Stupid Light: Why light is not necessarily right, and why lighter is not necessarily better
http://andrewskurka.com/2012/stupid-light-not-always-right-or-better/ (http://andrewskurka.com/2012/stupid-light-not-always-right-or-better/)
Interesting article. Scott (FillTheFreezer) and I have had this conversation multiple times. We've spent quite a bit of time tweaking our packs to get the weight where we are now to maximize our efficiency. Thankfully we never have gone the "stupid light" route. We were smart enough to avoid it ahead of time :)
Post by: kentrek on June 08, 2014, 11:03:20 PM
Post by: fillthefreezer on June 09, 2014, 06:45:29 AM
Post by: kselkhunter on June 26, 2014, 02:03:04 PM