Post by: throttlejocky20 on June 19, 2011, 09:02:50 AM
Post by: matt345 on June 19, 2011, 09:21:02 AM
Post by: throttlejocky20 on June 19, 2011, 09:24:14 AM
Post by: romaknows on June 19, 2011, 05:21:42 PM
Post by: aer212 on June 20, 2011, 09:24:47 AM
It can be done, i am at 35 lbs for a 5 day hunt in the early season.
Thats good packing! For our archery elk trip last year for a 7-10 day hunt we went in with 75lb packs. When we left a week later we weighed our packs at the pickup and they ranged from 50-60lbs. That was with some rain though, we got rained out. Do you happen to have your packing list handy?
Post by: PlateauNDN on June 20, 2011, 10:01:21 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on June 20, 2011, 10:08:31 AM
Post by: dreamingbig on June 20, 2011, 03:23:14 PM
Post by: Sunbkpk on June 20, 2011, 03:53:53 PM
Practice with a light setup ahead of time to know what you can can tolerate. It took me a couple years to refine my setup.
If you are hunting together and can share some gear your weight can be cut some more. I have been hunting solo the last couple years. Going to break in 2 less experienced backpack hunters this year. :chuckle:
By the way I have been snowed on in all 12 months in the Cascades. Loved every time.
Backcountry from a pack is worth it for me but not everyone. I would say go for it, plan ahead, and enjoy every minute. :twocents:
Post by: romaknows on June 20, 2011, 05:39:47 PM
marmot helium sleeping bag--2 lbs
tarptent rainbow tent-----2 lbs
jet boil + fuel------------1.5
z rest pad------------1 lb
big agness air core pad--1lb
food------------------10 lbs
kadine waterfilter-------1 lbs
This is what use and it all works great. the rest of the weight is made up with raingear , a down jacket,extra socks and underware, long underware,one headlamp with extra batteries,one knife, 100 ft parachute cord,cotton pillow case for game bag,small first aid kit,. I am sure i am forgetting some things and the weights are off a little but trust me it can be done.Now that i think about it when i last weighed my pack was with my eberlystock just one that is quit a bit heavier than my current pack i have been using.I should add that i am not counting my binoculars, gps ,or rangefinder and bow.If i get some time i will gather everything up and get a more current weight.I bet it will be about 32 lbs total.
Lots of great lightweight gear can be bought used , as most gear junkies are always upgrading to to latest and greatest.
Post by: throttlejocky20 on June 21, 2011, 09:54:03 AM
Post by: dreamingbig on June 21, 2011, 10:14:28 AM
Post by: throttlejocky20 on June 21, 2011, 10:20:29 AM
Post by: JimmyHoffa on June 21, 2011, 10:36:37 AM
Post by: bradslam on June 21, 2011, 11:00:01 AM
Post by: GreatWhiteHunter on June 21, 2011, 11:28:35 AM
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.
Post by: JLS on June 21, 2011, 12:15:33 PM
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.
Post by: JLS on June 21, 2011, 12:17:55 PM
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.
Post by: William B. on June 21, 2011, 05:48:31 PM
Post by: Sunbkpk on June 21, 2011, 10:23:05 PM
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.
Post by: throttlejocky20 on June 21, 2011, 11:23:46 PM
Post by: Bean Counter on June 22, 2011, 12:03:10 AM
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 :drool: 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.
Post by: GreatWhiteHunter on June 22, 2011, 08:54:27 PM
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! :)
Post by: dreamingbig on June 23, 2011, 06:25:54 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on June 23, 2011, 06:29:28 AM
Post by: bullcanyon on June 23, 2011, 11:50:37 AM
My advice would be to know your gear inside and out. And always have a back up plan. Things can always go south.
Post by: Skyvalhunter on June 23, 2011, 11:54:15 AM
Post by: Elkstuffer on June 23, 2011, 04:44:35 PM
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.
Post by: romaknows on June 23, 2011, 05:55:50 PM
Post by: dreamingbig on June 24, 2011, 10:34:04 AM
Post by: Snapshot on June 24, 2011, 02:50:49 PM
A titanium spork and cup save considerable weight. A titanium pot that your jetboil and a fuel canister fits inside of is wonderful to have. Carrying a quality water filter is smarter than packing many days' worth of water so long as you are going to be near a water source. A collapsible 3 gal. water container that will fit in your pack when full is necessary if your water source isn't right close to camp. It isn't uncommon to hike a quarter mile or so to get water.
I have a waterproof breathable bivy sack that weighs 2 lb 1 oz. A 12 oz tarp to spread over it is an investment I have yet to make, but when I do it'll make getting dressed in the rain much more enjoyable. In the meantime I carry a waterproof nylon backpack cover to shelter my pack, boots and quiver at night. My down sleeping bag and bag liner combine to weigh 3 lb 4 oz. Therm-a-rest self-inflating mattress is 1 lb 12 oz. So there is my shelter and bed weighing in at just over 7 lbs.
2 lbs of food a day is right unless you carry dehydrated stuff. If I am going to have the luxery of a stove I pack mountain house meals and oatmeal, along with snack bars, mini-candy bars, hard candies and jerky. If I won't have a stove I'll pack gorp in place of the meals and oatmeal (and my pack weight skyrockets).
Clothing weight adds up so I prefer to do laundry rather than carry more than two of any one item; a collapsible camp sink (some weigh as little as 4.5 oz. !) & baking soda for washing clothes. I make clothes pins from small conifer branches. 2 pair polypro briefs (wash one daily), polypro long johns (two sets; what weight depends on the weather forecast). Besides pants & shirts I carry a wool sweater, a fleece vest, a wool stocking hat (it can make a cold night bearable), gloves & wool scarf (only a hat does more to regulate body temperature than that scarf) and a jacket. Wool is heavy but can be the difference in being able to stay out or having to come in if the weather turns bad.
Be sure to include the ten survival essentials but be mindful of weight when you select your compass, maps, matches, etc.
The above mentioned parachute cord is great. Yes, a pillow case (or queen-size sheet sewn to make a super large pillow case) is great for meat. I also carry a real emergency blanket; not the glorified tin-foil type, but instead the quilted kind. I know of those being used not only as a de-boning table but also as a sled for dragging an injured snowshoe enthusiast out of the woods; they are that strong.
I don't pack a stool or chair. I sit on my pack if the ground is wet. I take a mini spiral notebook for recording events. Sometimes my pocket camera will stay home and a disposable camera will take its place; compare the weight! A book is a luxery and if one goes it will be small. I have lately had to add reading glasses.
On some trips we've scouted the area a week or two before and left a food cache. But those were only 4 or 5 miles in, not 10. You might consider going in halfway a couple of weeks before and stashing food. It isn't so bad hiking five miles for restocking; that is where I usually find my truck.
Post by: Elkstuffer on June 24, 2011, 05:25:39 PM
Post by: JimmyHoffa on June 24, 2011, 05:29:59 PM
Post by: RadSav on June 24, 2011, 06:00:55 PM
What is the EMPTY weight of the backs everyone is using? It seems like that is about 1/3 to 1/4 of the weight of my setup. I have an Ebberlestock Jpack.
Jpacks are nice but yes they are heavy. Most camo hunting packs are. If weight is a big deal forget the camo packs and get a granola crunchers pack. Just take it off when stalking - no big deal. I've yet to hunt up north with a guide that has a camo pack. And those guys know how to get animals on the ground!
With the "shared" system you should never need more than 45# on your back. And, that includes at least 3# of survival and first aide gear. If your pack is more than that say to yourself, "I'm not a woman! I can do this."
Not sure who mentioned putting your bow on your back. I can not agree with that statement more. After a few miles you will regret not having that ability. The difference in your energy level will amaze you.
Also, I agree with those who have warned about Bivy's. In the PNW these things should be considered "Emergancy Shelters" and not tent replacements. Especially when you use the shared method of packing. A good three man tent should be no significant addition in weight when broken up between two men.
I just started using Jet Boil last year. Absolutely fantastic. I was worried about the Butane in cold weather as previous stoves coughed and popped real bad in the cold. I should not have worried. Was at 7,000' last year on a goat hunt with temps at the truck 2,000' below us -18C. No water source on those mountains except melting powder. The Jet-Boil worked flawlessly.
Never go cheap on survival blankets. I carry SOL brand and they have saved myself, my guides and clients over the years.
Good luck and Have fun!
Post by: k_rex on June 24, 2011, 06:21:19 PM
Deuter Guide 45+
Post by: coldsteel3d on June 25, 2011, 02:28:24 AM
Post by: RadSav on June 25, 2011, 02:51:30 AM
If you work on it just a couple weekends this summer you will have a killer camp and never need more than 35# on your back. At least not until you're packing all that meat and horns home!
Post by: AKBowman on June 27, 2011, 03:10:04 PM
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.
Depends on if you are talking about the pack with or without the weapon on it. I've been on 6 dall sheep hunts, all backpack hunts all 6-11 days. My pack is never over 50lbs. It does start to get expensive to get your pack under 50lbs for a 6 day+ trip but its worth it.
Here's some items on my list;
Northface Tadpole 2 man tent
North face Cats Meow 20 degree sleeping bag
Waterproof stuff sack (so I can strap the bag to the outside of my pack)
Fleece gloves (unlined so they dry out quicker and the liner doesnt come out when wet)
Fleece/wool beanie
DryPlus raingear (the older stuff the newer stuff is too heavy)
Wool shirt
2 pairs fleece pants
2 pairs polypro long underwear bottoms/tops
Polypro t-shirt
4 pairs regular underwear
2 pairs smart wool socks
2 pairs polypro sock liners
Asolo Alpinist goretex mountaineering boots
Collapsable sunglasses (saved my arse more than once from snowblindness)
MSR Dragonfly gas stove
6oz camp fuel
30ft parachute cord (dont leave home without it)
Waterproof matches
GPS
Lighter
Headlamp
3 extra AA batteries (everything that uses batteries in my pack uses AA)
Olympus waterproof camera
Cooking pot which doubles as bowl
spork made out of hard plastic type material (handle cut down to 3")
Aspirin/Ibuprofrin
Moleskin
Tape
20 ft of flagging tape
4-1/2" buck knife
Sharpening tool
Bone saw (consists of two handles, one on each end of a collapsable saw blade, weighs 3 ozs works well)
4 quarter game bags
small universal tool (leatherman)
Bow with 6 arrows
4 straps (used to strap stuff to outside of pack)
Cabelas Alaskan Outfitter external frame pack
Collapsable walking stick (really nice once you have a pack loaded with meat and you are decending steeps)
Thats about all I can remember off the top of my head. Depending on how much food I decide to bring my pack (without the bow) is right around 41#'s. I do not bring a filter if I am hunting the high country nor do i filter my water I would not recommend it but I just cant get myelf to haul my filter up or waste fuel boiling water.
Post by: AKBowman on June 27, 2011, 03:20:24 PM
Post by: AKBowman on June 27, 2011, 03:32:59 PM
I havent read the whole thread but make sure to practice hiking with your pack loaded. I like to go on at least 6 hikes with a 50# load before I go on a backcountry hunt. I have scimped before and paid the price, if you scimp on getting in shape you usually dont really notice until day 3 or 4. Its easy to overdo it on day 1 so keep that in mind.
Post by: AKBowman on June 27, 2011, 03:53:06 PM
Powdered Tang: Boil a cup of water and you have a nice treat to keep yourself warm any time of day or night
Cous Cous (sp?): I usually bring about 1 cup for for nights and mix in three or four tablespoons into my Mtn. House for a few extra caleries. They are dry and light but have a high in carbs.
Vanilla Jello Instant Pudding: especially if I know there will be berries around that I can pick and throw in. Just dump some in a bowl and add cold water and you have an awesome breakfast or desert.
Post by: RadSav on June 27, 2011, 04:00:49 PM
From your list I would add a good bit more first aide and survival items maybe dump the extra pair of boots (if I read that right). Don't forget plenty of TP!!! I take folded blue shop towel/paper towels. You can use them for a lot more things than you can toilet paper. And they will work wet. Not pleasantly, but they will work wet.
If using the shared system and only bringing in enough water to get you to camp, where you will then refill, falling below the 40# mark is definitely possible. Even with a larger tent and better emergency gear.
That's a nice looking pack setup. Profile looks good and low even with the bow. Nice job.
Post by: RadSav on June 27, 2011, 04:06:36 PM
Post by: erk444 on June 27, 2011, 05:56:21 PM
Post by: RadSav on June 27, 2011, 06:10:26 PM
I dont know if it has been suggested yet, but I use a hammock and a small tarp. Keeps me off the ground, and dont weigh much. I use a lite foam pad too cause the wind gets cold from the bottom.
You must not be as fat and clumsy as I am!
Post by: Elkstuffer on June 29, 2011, 06:12:01 PM
Post by: briancorneal on June 30, 2011, 01:04:35 PM
Post by: GreatWhiteHunter on July 01, 2011, 02:13:18 PM
Cameron Hane's book "Backcountry Bowhunting". He's got all the tips and tricks to get rid of some weight.
Is there an echo in here? j/k For sure a must read if you ask me.
Post by: Tim in Wa. on July 04, 2011, 06:31:13 AM
Tim
Post by: MLhunter1 on July 07, 2011, 07:59:11 PM
Post by: JLS on July 08, 2011, 11:42:27 PM
I do not bring a filter if I am hunting the high country nor do i filter my water I would not recommend it but I just cant get myelf to haul my filter up or waste fuel boiling water.
[/quote]
I never used to filter mine either, until I got giardia. I wouldn't wish that on anybody. I now carry a Katydyn Pro.
Post by: colockumelk on July 09, 2011, 12:29:44 AM
WARNING!!! When you mix in a drink mix only use half the recommended dosage. Gatorade etc is now designed for taste and not so much for increasing your performance. "Modern" Gatorade etc has far too much sugar in it but it does have electrolytes etc in it to help you out. So.... to avoid the overdose of sugar I recommend and so does the people at SERE school (Survival Evasion Resistance Escape) to only use half the recommended amount of drink mix.
Post by: JLS on July 09, 2011, 12:56:13 AM
HEED is a very good electrolyte additive if it's hot and you are sweating hard.
Post by: briancorneal on July 09, 2011, 02:09:35 AM
I like to bring as much powdered or freeze dried stuff as I can for food. e.g.
Powdered Tang: Boil a cup of water and you have a nice treat to keep yourself warm any time of day or night
Cous Cous (sp?): I usually bring about 1 cup for for nights and mix in three or four tablespoons into my Mtn. House for a few extra caleries. They are dry and light but have a high in carbs.
Vanilla Jello Instant Pudding: especially if I know there will be berries around that I can pick and throw in. Just dump some in a bowl and add cold water and you have an awesome breakfast or desert.
Out of all the backcountry tips, this one is genius!
Post by: JLS on July 09, 2011, 01:54:10 PM
Post by: GreatWhiteHunter on July 10, 2011, 06:26:23 PM
I like to bring as much powdered or freeze dried stuff as I can for food. e.g.
Powdered Tang: Boil a cup of water and you have a nice treat to keep yourself warm any time of day or night
Cous Cous (sp?): I usually bring about 1 cup for for nights and mix in three or four tablespoons into my Mtn. House for a few extra caleries. They are dry and light but have a high in carbs.
Vanilla Jello Instant Pudding: especially if I know there will be berries around that I can pick and throw in. Just dump some in a bowl and add cold water and you have an awesome breakfast or desert.
Out of all the backcountry tips, this one is genius!
:tup: :tup:
Post by: Elkstuffer on July 10, 2011, 09:07:14 PM
Post by: Snapshot on July 12, 2011, 08:08:36 AM
Post by: Snapshot on July 12, 2011, 08:12:45 AM