Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Bow Hunting => Topic started by: scoyoc5 on April 10, 2008, 08:33:30 PM

Title: backcountry list
Post by: scoyoc5 on April 10, 2008, 08:33:30 PM: Well a friend talked me into doing some backcountry hunting this year I'm really excited!!! :tup: 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 :bash:... 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
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: GOcougsHunter on April 10, 2008, 08:49:14 PM: 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.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: MountainWalk on April 10, 2008, 08:54:18 PM: 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.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: BrushChimp on April 10, 2008, 09:02:41 PM: 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.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: bowhunterty on April 10, 2008, 09:07:17 PM: 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.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: actionshooter on April 10, 2008, 10:08:26 PM: 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.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: archery288 on April 10, 2008, 10:24:02 PM: 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!
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: actionshooter on April 10, 2008, 10:34:48 PM: 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 :tup:
For the shelter It depends on conditions, I like my OR bivy, 4 season Quest or just a tarp.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: scoyoc5 on April 10, 2008, 11:14:36 PM: 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
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: ICEMAN on April 11, 2008, 05:21:05 AM: 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.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: scoyoc5 on April 11, 2008, 04:53:04 PM: i found an OR aurora bivy for 105.00 is that a good deal? :dunno:
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: Red Dawg on April 11, 2008, 05:07:26 PM: 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.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: MountainWalk on April 11, 2008, 05:11:01 PM: 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
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: Red Dawg on April 11, 2008, 05:16:28 PM: come on man you gotta have something better than that. YUK. :puke: 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.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: MountainWalk on April 11, 2008, 05:52:27 PM: 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.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: Red Dawg on April 11, 2008, 05:56:31 PM: just giving ya *censored* man. i also hunt on a budget so what would be the best stuff to take in besides what you just told me. Stove, water purifier, anything special that might be needed. In a spike camp situation.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: MountainWalk on April 11, 2008, 06:01:03 PM: i dont bother with a water cleaner.. i use iodine. msr pocket rocket is pretty dang nice..good sleeping pad is worth the money.. i used to just use broken boughs and make a nice soft springy bed,, but that does take a little time. now i hijack my g/f's exercise mat..i would like to have a bivvy sack, but for now i just use a 10x10 cavas tarp.. and water proof the *censored* out it..get things that can do a few jobs..
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: Red Dawg on April 11, 2008, 06:10:23 PM: What would you use for a cook stove if any at all. I am sure that a lot of people just use the fire.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: MountainWalk on April 11, 2008, 06:16:19 PM: msr pocket rocket. before i got that, i had a burner that went into a one lbs propane bottle... it worked ok... where i high buck hunt, no fires are allowed.. if im in montana, i dont worry withthe stove. but yeah, iodine taste like crap, but i dont have to buy a filter or wait for a drink.. or haul it around.. but then again i have never used one.. sure if i used it i would like it maybe...im prolly the worst person to ask about this stuff as im kinda odd about stuff and i can deal with a little bit of discomfort... but some pieces of gear that cost a helluva lotta money for me but always take and will never do without,, 2200 badlands...filson wool pants ......that perrel liquid hand sanitizer is great for getting fires goin in a jiffey.. and for keeping your hands clean.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: Red Dawg on April 11, 2008, 06:43:23 PM: i have come to terms with going without, i think. I am trying to find some little stuff that will go a long way.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: archery288 on April 11, 2008, 09:38:21 PM: As for my sleeping mat, I use a therm-a-rest full lenght fold up... Thing works great and it's super light!! as far as the stove goes, I use an MSR Pocket rocket stove along with the isobutane fuel canisters... And for food, I take peanut butter crackers, a peanut butter and jelly sandwhich for the first day, and then Mountain house meals for the rest! Along with a few snack bars, and nutritional meals.. And as for breakfasts, I will bring along some oatmeal and coffee singles. Much more stuff as well but those are all the basics!
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: bankwalker on April 11, 2008, 10:45:25 PM: Quote from: MountainWalk338 on April 11, 2008, 05:52:27 PM
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.

dont feel bad...

i eat nothing but protien bars and chocolate and jerkey when im hunting. and carry 2 one liter water bottles. i hate water so i only drink it when i need it. instead of downing a 20oz bottle a pop for every drink :drool:

when the food and water is gone...ill hunt one more day then im headed for home.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: scoyoc5 on April 12, 2008, 09:48:34 AM: thanks to those who addressed my question about my post....how we got to what everyone eats :dunno:
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: PacificNWhunter on April 12, 2008, 06:37:35 PM: PM sent
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: MountainWalk on April 13, 2008, 12:43:38 AM: is it just me, but mountain house is the opposite of draino for your guts......
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: ICEMAN on April 13, 2008, 05:22:10 AM: Alternate between mountain house and MRE's and you should be fine.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: billythekidrock on April 13, 2008, 06:45:46 AM: I love my JetBoil stove and Mt. House freeze dried foods.. Yes, they do tend to bind you up a bit :yike: but I drink lots of water to keep things moving.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: archery288 on April 13, 2008, 08:28:38 AM: haha no kiddin on the binding you up portion of that!! if you don't drink lots of liquids, seems like you can go days at a time! haha :bdid:
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: Red Dawg on April 13, 2008, 08:29:39 AM: i am starting to love this thread
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: archery288 on April 13, 2008, 08:31:22 AM: Quote from: Red Dawg on April 13, 2008, 08:29:39 AM
i am starting to love this thread

haha so am I red dawg! it's going off in some different directions than what it first started with!! :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: Red Dawg on April 13, 2008, 08:34:22 AM: ya the best part about it is that we have gone from sleeping arangements all the way to stoves and not being able to *censored*. I now dont feel so bad for jacking this thread.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: archery288 on April 13, 2008, 08:37:36 AM: :lol4:
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: scoyoc5 on April 13, 2008, 09:53:27 AM: thats funny red dog :)

:jacked:
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: scoyoc5 on April 13, 2008, 09:57:50 AM: Thanks PNWH lots of helpful info in your pm :tup:. I'll keep ya updated...
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: cohoho on April 13, 2008, 01:07:17 PM: I can't use the bivy bags, too darn compacked for my liking, use Nallo 3 GT, super light and easy to set up, alittle condensation problems in extreme weather, the new models added a little more vents. Bag - nothing but synethics as in Polar Guard, effective still when wet.... 15 degree bag, light and I can always slide into polar max top and bottoms if it gets too cold... For cooking Jet Boil, mountain houses, but I add romen and chicken and tuna in the plastic pouches versus cans for lunch and dinner, oatmeal and cereal type bar for breakfast, power bars along the way. 5 days of meals under 5 pounds..... Pretty light traveling, tastes, it is all in the mind..... Ate MRE's for twenty years, especially when deployed, they suck, but keep a few in boat and truck, you never know....
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: EMPyre on April 13, 2008, 02:04:04 PM: Just a heads up for the budget consceincious looking to get equiped. Second Ascent in Ballard sells TONS of used BC gear at reasonable prices. I would look to them if trying to outfit on the cheap, staff is knowledgable too. While they are a bit more of the mountaineering/alpine camping vs. high hunt crowd knowing what works and what doesn't and being able to save a few bucks while supporting a local business to me is a good way to go. Just a thought. I've purchased like new climbing shoes from them in the past for half the price of REI. It been a while since I was down there last but when I was they had many types of stoves, purifiers, bags, tents, pack, and bivys in stock. Check them out.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: Branden on April 13, 2008, 06:29:40 PM: scoyoc5
If you use a bivy you should also bring a lightweight tarp. The bivy I would suggest is made by Tigoat. it is called the Ptarmigan Bivy. It weighs about 6 oz. and costs $90.

For a sleeping bag I would only use down. Its lighter, smaller, and warmer. I have a couple down bags and a couple synthetics and I have not used the synthetics for a while. Marmot makes a good bag that is reasonably priced. I use the Marmot Atom all summer into October. For hunting Washington I would not go with anything warmer then a 15 degree bag. If you get a bag rated for 0 degrees it is going to be to warm, and cost a lot more.

Make sure your sleeping pad is closed cell foam, it is a lot warmer then the air mattresses. If you can't sleep cause its not that comfortable then just take a couple Tylenol PM's.

If you get that bivy, with a 3oz tarp, and a Marmot Atom, and a closed cell foam pad, your weight will be about 2 pounds with those 4 items. Not to bad. Anyway good luck.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: ICEMAN on April 13, 2008, 08:18:58 PM: branden, I find that many times on the first night out, I cannot get to sleep when out on the hunt, too damn excited. Might have to try that druggin' approach. Usually the second night I am out like a light from exhaustion...
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: MountainWalk on April 13, 2008, 08:40:15 PM: i learned this trick from an old beat up book. i just get a few big limbs broken off the tree, and break off the smaller bits with the needles and such still on em. then stick them stick down into the ground. and make like your doin shingles, overlapping, then criss crosser over. then i wrap up in my big canvas. that and i mostly bed down against deadfall. super cheap and you can make the bough bed much softer than any pad.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: actionshooter on April 13, 2008, 08:42:55 PM: Quote from: Branden on April 13, 2008, 06:29:40 PM

For a sleeping bag I would only use down. Its lighter, smaller, and warmer. I have a couple down bags and a couple synthetics and I have not used the synthetics for a while. Marmot makes a good bag that is reasonably priced. I use the Marmot Atom all summer into October. For hunting Washington I would not go with anything warmer then a 15 degree bag. If you get a bag rated for 0 degrees it is going to be to warm, and cost a lot more.

Make sure your sleeping pad is closed cell foam, it is a lot warmer then the air mattresses. If you can't sleep cause its not that comfortable then just take a couple Tylenol PM's.

I agree with the down as long as you aren't on the wetside during the rainy season, 3 days in the rain the down will loose its loft just from condensation, it doesn't even have to get wet, then your miserable.

I have tried the Tylenol PM trick, works well.
As for the closed cell foam, thats what I used to think, Try the exped downmat, it IS warmer and much more comfy :chuckle:

For a stove I'll 2nd or 3rd a jet boil, they aren't the lightest but they are nice!

For crapping in the woods, I'm a lot happier if I get to everyday :hello: I mix up the food a little with noodles, mountain house and walk down the instant food isle at Safeway theres a ton of backpacker food thats cheaper, just add water I always take instant mashed taters also.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: MountainWalk on April 13, 2008, 08:46:31 PM: its not the tastiest, but for me the best thing goin. not alot of trash, healthy, light.
doesnt back you up. and doesnt have much bulk. nothing beats oatmeal.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: actionshooter on April 13, 2008, 08:49:13 PM: Quote from: MountainWalk338 on April 13, 2008, 08:46:31 PM
its not the tastiest, but for me the best thing goin. not alot of trash, healthy, light.
doesnt back you up. and doesnt have much bulk. nothing beats oatmeal.
I do a lot of instant oatmeal too. The little packets are real handy
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: Red Dawg on April 13, 2008, 08:50:52 PM: oatmeal!!!! :puke: :chuckle:
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: billythekidrock on April 13, 2008, 08:51:51 PM: Quote
If you can't sleep cause its not that comfortable then just take a couple Tylenol PM's.

That works for me, but sometimes it makes me feel groggy in the morning so I usually take Valerian root instead.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: actionshooter on April 13, 2008, 09:02:32 PM: Quote from: billythekidrock on April 13, 2008, 08:51:51 PM
Quote
If you can't sleep cause its not that comfortable then just take a couple Tylenol PM's.

That works for me, but sometimes it makes me feel groggy in the morning so I usually take Valerian root instead.
You will have to show me that sometime :dunno:
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: huntingnut on April 13, 2008, 09:27:47 PM: I found a great Mountainsmith 20 deg syn bag on E-bay for $40 shipped. my Brother and I bought a cheap two man pack tent and had horrible condesation problems. We went with mre's because we didn't have a stove, but they weight a ton for a 5 day hunt. I am looking at the jetboil, my brother in-law has one and loves it. My first pack in hunt had my pack weighting in a 75lbs. That was way too much, it killed my on the pack in. I will be working on macking that lighter for this year.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: coastalghost on April 13, 2008, 10:10:53 PM: Military camo gore-tex bivy for me, tyvek for the bottom with boughs underneath for cush...lightweight folding saw is indespensable for boughs and or sawing of antlers etc. siltarp for the top and a 3/4 length thermarest prolite 3. MSR pocket rocket(jet boils are probably better but just a little more weight),isobutane, titanium mug with long wooden spoon, Mtn house, smoked summerun steelie for lunch or the bbq pork, energy bars, Kashi instant brkfst. iodine for water. I use the "bladder" from the "wine in a box" as a water receptacle...works awesome. Instant coffee,ibuprofen and a couple of theraflu packets, 6 pack bud and some crown:chuckle: :drool:
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: Broken Arrow on April 14, 2008, 08:06:42 AM: Here is my short list of major items I use.

bivy: http://www.beyondoutside.com/ItemDesc.asp?IC=ch1%2Dbiv%2Dalpingr

stove: http://jetboil.com/

bag: http://www.bigagnes.com/str_bags.php?id=dc

pad: http://www.bigagnes.com/str_pads.php?id=ia

tent: http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?AFC-googlebase&productId=39195392&engine=googlebase&keyword=28366

pack (2800l): http://www.badlandspacks.com/

rain gear: http://www.riverswest.com/static/index.html and http://www.hunting-fishing-gear.com/article-display/900.html

gortex socks: http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/ishop/877/shopscr1302.html

knife: http://www.gerberstore.com/index.php?xpage=itempage&xid=708

gps: https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=310

Boots: http://www.danner.com/category/id/100353.do

Water purification: http://www.msrgear.com/watertreatment/

Food: MRE’s and Mountain House
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: MountainWalk on April 14, 2008, 08:11:42 AM: coastalghost, thats a pretty good idea concerning the wine in a box bladder.. iv had quite a few store bought bladders, and all of them leaked real bad. a client once gave me a real nice camelback, and the bladder was real nice. but it got stolen. i now use two water bottles, and bring about 3 feet of fish tank pump tube with me. the tube is good for grabbin water.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: coastalghost on April 14, 2008, 09:04:20 AM: my old hunting buddy turned me on to the wine bladder...Ive used the same one for 15 years and never had a problem with it. Sometimes where you camp and where the water is can be a bitch to get to so I like to grab as much as I can before heading out. I like the fish tube idea....may have to throw some in.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: coonhound on April 15, 2008, 06:49:01 PM: My take on Washington Bivy hunting is a little different than going on an Alaska hunt. I don't see the point in investing $1000's of dollars in gear unless you're going to be using it for 4 season use.

I only use mine in September and October:

-I use the Cabela's XPG bivy, around $100
-Big Agnes pad, around $60
-Don't remember the name of my bag, it's prima loft fill rated for 15 deg, weighs 2.9lbs $120
-Cabela's XPG wing, about $70

That's only $350 for my sleeping arrangement and it keeps me warm and dry at less than 6lbs total weight.

I use the Eberlestock J104 for my pack, it's very versatile pack that handles a heavy load of meat comfortably, that is as comfortable as 80+ pounds can be.

A very important piece of your gear is the boot. Most of the German or Italian made boots are great, The Meindl's are great, I just picked up a pair of Kennetrek's we'll see how they do, they seem like great boots so far.

In Washington it is rare to find a place that is deeper than 10 miles, most of my bivy hunts are in the 4 - 7 mile range. If the weather gets extremely bad and you can't take it anymore, you're never more than 3 - 4 hours from the truck. In Washington you don't need a lot of gear to stay safe. My take on a stove is optional, if I'm only in for a couple days I just eat cold items like sandwiches, jerky, granola etc.

Good luck,

Coon

PS I'm counting on a couple summer trips you better be ready.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: ICEMAN on April 15, 2008, 09:01:02 PM: When I pack in for just a few days, for heating water, I take an esbit stove and fuel tablets. Incredibly small, lightweight and predictable. When you are leaving, you are not packing out half a can of fuel... Dont laugh, they work, and if you only need a few hot meals on a trip....they work fine.

http://www.rei.com/product/653343
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: actionshooter on April 15, 2008, 09:06:57 PM: Quote from: Iceman on April 15, 2008, 09:01:02 PM
When I pack in for just a few days, for heating water, I take an esbit stove and fuel tablets. Incredibly small, lightweight and predictable. When you are leaving, you are not packing out half a can of fuel... Dont laugh, they work, and if you only need a few hot meals on a trip....they work fine.

http://www.rei.com/product/653343
No laughin here, used sterno a time or 2. It works
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: clhutner on April 15, 2008, 09:14:53 PM: This may seems like a dumb question, but if you are carrying all that gear in to hunt and you are successful killing something, do you have to make a couple trips out to take the meat out, or do you just take certqin parts of the animal? Sorry if you think this is a silly question but I have been thinking about soing this and was not sure how this was done. :dunno: Thanks.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: actionshooter on April 15, 2008, 09:20:11 PM: I try to pack light enough to pack out a boned out deer and my gear in one trip. For the most part thats wishful thinking and its 2 trips
And all the meat comes out!
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: archery288 on April 15, 2008, 09:21:49 PM: It depends on how many people and what the plans are!? Usually there is 2 of us, so we'll pack out the meat of the one kill and leave our camp up...(I am talking archery elk hunting here) Then go back in and see if we can take another within the rest of the alotted time period we have... Unless like 2 years ago, we killed 2 bulls in the same morning so we spent all day packing them out, left camp up, and came back for it a couple days later... but usually we're coming back in for our camp set-up because we don't have horses...
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: jimkirk on April 15, 2008, 10:00:03 PM: for a stove , i made one of these alcohol stoves.
http://www.csun.edu/~mjurey/penny.html
very inexpensive, works good in moderate weather, made a wind screen from a oven liner. less than $5 in the whole setup. a quart of denatured alcohol from home depot $5.99. not as powerful as a pocket rocket, but lighter, silent and a simple setup.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: MountainWalk on April 15, 2008, 10:19:32 PM: here is what goes into my pack for a backpack hunt.
10'x10' canvas tarp one bottle of iodine tabs
g/f's pilates mat one folder, one fixed blade knife
20' of 1/4 inch rope two pillowcases
one bottle of iodine tabs 3' of fishtank airline tubing
gerber folder saw pocket rocket
one can of fuel two 9 hour candles
two water bottles orienteering compass and 7.5'' topo
whistle three bic lighters
two shotgun shells food -amount appropriate for length of trip
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: JoeE on April 15, 2008, 10:29:29 PM: shotgun shells? why only two?
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: mossback91 on April 15, 2008, 10:33:48 PM: Quote from: MountainWalk338 on April 15, 2008, 10:19:32 PM
here is what goes into my pack for a backpack hunt.

pocket rocket

:o
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: JoeE on April 15, 2008, 10:36:47 PM: :chuckle:
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: MountainWalk on April 15, 2008, 10:39:04 PM: yeah, two shotty shells.. uncrimp em, then use the smokeless for firestarter
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: Broken Arrow on April 16, 2008, 09:20:33 AM: This may seems like a dumb question, but if you are carrying all that gear in to hunt and you are successful killing something, do you have to make a couple trips out to take the meat out, or do you just take certqin parts of the animal? Sorry if you think this is a silly question but I have been thinking about soing this and was not sure how this was done. Thanks.

Not a dumb question. Depending on the help you have, etc....you may have to make a few to several trips out. I know last year it seems like all we did was pack out meet....couple of days were 16 miles a day round trip hauling meat. Believe me....it gets old, especially when you know you still need to go back and get your gear when your done.....but then again....i wouldn't trade that for anything....beats eating a tag any year. One word of advise is get yourself the best pack you can. I have seen folks refer to the Eberlestock and Badlands....my partners and I use both...kind of like a Ford/Chevy debate at camp every year...but well worth the money when the meat/gear packing begins.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: coastalghost on April 16, 2008, 09:41:42 AM: For me, if its a deer it will be of course boned out and one trip only. I will take my time. If ya get too tired on the way out you can always camp somewhere for the night. The sitka I shot this last year the pack was near 100 lbs on the way out....not fun but not too bad. Big azz muley a different story although I will still try to get it out in one trip.....just alot slower and even more painful. I like the big packs and use the Bora 95 around 6400 cui. Lots of killer packs out there these days. I havent tried them personally but I hear for an external frame pack the Barney's cant be beat...massive amounts of space and the guys that use them say 100 lbs feels like 70 lbs.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: scoyoc5 on April 16, 2008, 06:09:15 PM: well i bought an Alaskan 1 frame pack the other day and I'm currently watching a O.R. bivy on ebay :chuckle: thanks for all the great ideas keep them coming
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: mossback91 on April 16, 2008, 07:06:48 PM: dont ever forget mountain money and i mean ever.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: scoyoc5 on April 16, 2008, 07:12:26 PM: ok im going to walk into this one :bdid:...... what is mountian money???? :dunno:
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: MountainWalk on April 16, 2008, 07:20:36 PM: dont bring any, and your sure to find out
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: MountainWalk on April 16, 2008, 07:26:14 PM: t-p my friend
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: scoyoc5 on April 16, 2008, 07:27:27 PM: ahhhh wait a minute......... T.P. = mountain money :chuckle: :lol4:
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: mossback91 on April 16, 2008, 07:29:57 PM: Yup mountain Money would be t.p. Bring enough and you might be able to make some trades get a nice knife maybe soem boots ya never know ;)
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: actionshooter on April 16, 2008, 08:35:15 PM: always wear knee high socks, then if you are out of mountain money then you have options :chuckle:
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: archery288 on April 16, 2008, 08:38:36 PM: Quote from: actionshooter on April 16, 2008, 08:35:15 PM
always wear knee high socks, then if you are out of mountain money then you have options :chuckle:

haha!! :chuckle: I always save those little pre-package rolls that come in MRE's and tell everyone else to save em' if they don't want them because they are small and handy!!! haha :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: scoyoc5 on April 16, 2008, 08:40:06 PM: yeah i bet theres alot of us that have flanels with cut off sleeves :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: actionshooter on April 16, 2008, 08:46:43 PM: Quote from: scoyoc5 on April 16, 2008, 08:40:06 PM
yeah i bet theres alot of us that have flanels with cut off sleeves :chuckle: :chuckle:
My wife couldn't figure out what happened to one and I wouldn't tell her :chuckle:
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: MountainWalk on April 16, 2008, 09:20:41 PM: bandanna's are the bomb for this. always one in my back pocket... i always end up with them, cause the roll in my pack always ends up in my hunters kit.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: coonhound on April 16, 2008, 09:56:27 PM: When I was a teenager, I was out hunting and I had a case of the raging ##its. Just so happened I was wearing my dads coat. He didn't find it all that funny when I came home with a coat missing both pockets. I never did tell him I was also missing my shirt sleeves, underwear and the upper part of my socks. That was one bad day. Oh and yes that was after I spent all my mountain money.

Coon
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: MountainWalk on April 16, 2008, 10:05:09 PM: i once had a hunter who wore coveralls(wtf?) up to the mountains. one day he said he hadda go.. after bout half an hour, i went to go check on him, after all 30 mins is a long squat.. he was soooo embarrassed. he had shat in his overalls cause he didnt get them outta the way.. poor boy... he didnt wanna ride his horse back to camp, cant blame em
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: mossback91 on April 16, 2008, 10:14:25 PM: Yeah Ive always been scared of *censored*ting on my suspenders gotta make sure you get em outa the way.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: scoyoc5 on April 17, 2008, 10:01:31 PM: dang it missed out on two auctions now on ebay for a bivy got beat both times in the last seconds :bash: i hate that.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: archery288 on April 18, 2008, 07:41:37 AM: Quote from: scoyoc5 on April 17, 2008, 10:01:31 PM
dang it missed out on two auctions now on ebay for a bivy got beat both times in the last seconds :bash: i hate that.

I hear ya there!! It sucks, and sometimes gets so frustrating you end up going out and buying it anyways at full price! haha
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: scoyoc5 on April 21, 2008, 05:15:11 PM: I won!!! lol ... Well after playing the ebay game I got my bivy. outdoor reasearch alpine for 138.50 w/shipping :IBCOOL: .....Still in the market for a sleeping bag and boots
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: coonhound on April 21, 2008, 08:28:46 PM: Good buy, I just got my Schnee's catalog and it is listed in there for $199.00 plus shipping. I'll bring in one of their catalogs they have a lot of great stuff and they sent me 2.

Coon
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: actionshooter on April 21, 2008, 08:31:11 PM: That is a good deal, congrats
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: JPhelps on April 21, 2008, 08:32:58 PM: I had a great experience with basegear.com. They have 20% off for new members. I got a Marmot Helium Long bag for $300. It is an awesome bag at 2 lbs and is a very warm 15*.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: BrushChimp on April 22, 2008, 07:02:34 AM: That bivy is $150 on Schnees website.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: scoyoc5 on April 22, 2008, 04:36:21 PM: figures :DOH: I look all over for weeks thinking i going to find an awesome deal...Lil oh well. Just gotta keep chippin away on my list thanks for all the help all the input has really helped.
John
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: BrushChimp on April 22, 2008, 05:17:04 PM: I'd be happy with $12 of savings, lol.. 'Course Im'a poor college student. I only saved $7 on a Trophy Taker Shakey Hunter rest on ebay the other day. :tup:
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: archery288 on April 23, 2008, 09:21:39 PM: Quote from: BrushChimp on April 22, 2008, 05:17:04 PM
I'd be happy with $12 of savings, lol.. 'Course Im'a poor college student. I only saved $7 on a Trophy Taker Shakey Hunter rest on ebay the other day. :tup:

haha - I hear ya there brushchimp... us college students have it rough!!! :chuckle:
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: coastalghost on April 28, 2008, 09:55:25 PM: I forgot one of the most important small items for the gear list and one that will potentially save your trip.....a package of moleskin for your feet. Dont leave home without it!
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: scoyoc5 on May 01, 2008, 03:39:52 PM: Still stuck on what sleeping bag to get a friend at work has one from cabelas ( xpg i think) but it's 300 bucks!!!! any suggestions?
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: actionshooter on May 01, 2008, 09:27:49 PM: Watch e-bay, There are some really good buys, craigslist also
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: Little Fish on June 03, 2008, 05:17:38 PM: scoyoc5,
I've found my best deals on Craigslist. The trick is to have an general idea of what you want then check daily over the course of a few months.

I recently bought an REI Hubba Hubba tent for 50% off retail following the above method. I didn't specifically want the Hubba Hubba, but it was one of several tents that would work.

As far as finding used gear if you don't have extremely specific requirements you should be able to get good deals on tents, sleeping bags and packs. The other stuff is harder to come by used (stoves, cookware, misc crap). For that stuff I just look for the best local sale or price on the internet.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: scoyoc5 on June 16, 2008, 06:23:05 PM: thanks for everyones input. here's what I have acquired so far.
*outdoor research alpine bivy
*Lowa Tibet gtx boots
*North Face cats meow sleeping bag
*Cabala's Alasken frame pack
*Moultrie d40 game cam ( not sure I really needed it but you know what happens :chuckle:)
*some Under Armor
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: actionshooter on June 16, 2008, 09:29:08 PM: Sounds like your on your way. :)
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: bowpredator on June 17, 2008, 04:21:09 PM: If your in the market for a cooking burner you cant beat the Jet-boil. Goes for around $75-80 but it is sweet. I'm still using the same tank of fuel from last year.
Title: Re: backcountry list
Post by: scoyoc5 on June 27, 2008, 04:08:38 PM: thanks Bowpredator,
Im in the market for just about everything I think...lol.Heck getting setup is almost as much fun as hunting.