Post by: Hunter mike on May 17, 2012, 02:32:47 PM
What do you all carry for gear (sleeping bag, stove, shelter, food etc.)?
Any smaller accessories/tidbits/advice on what to bring?
What Kind of knives do you carry? Do you de-bone your meat?
Any tips for securing a rifle to a non-hunting specific pack for climbing rough terrain?
This will be my first big game hunt ever, so my preparations are high and my expectations are low. I'm pretty comfortable in the backcountry, but I'm sure I'll get schooled by terrain or conditions at some point. I've got a spot picked out that I think could be pretty good, but we'll see how it looks when the snow melts and I can get up there to scout! I've accepted that this might just be a camping trip, but I will still aggressively try to be successful! At this point I'm rolling solo, but Hopefull will talk one of my buddies into tagging along...
Post by: washelkhunter on May 17, 2012, 03:28:29 PM
Post by: Branden on May 17, 2012, 05:02:33 PM
Optics: Binoculars, spotting scope, rangefinder, tripod and a camera.
Weapon: Rifle/bow, ammo/arrows.
Kill kit: Scalpel, and a couple of those super cheap, stretchy game bags.
Sleep system: Sil tarp, or tarp tent. 40 degree down sleeping bag. And a closed cell foam pad.
Misc: Headlamp, lighter, 2 garbage bags, hiking sticks, some heavy duty twine, marmot precip rain gear.
An extra pair socks, an extra top layer, and a down puffy vest, and long johns, balaclava, and beanie. All synthetic except the vest.
Food, just make sure it has at least 100 calories per ounce, and if you shop around you can do 120-130 pretty easily.
That is pretty much it I think.
Post by: 7mag. on May 17, 2012, 05:42:18 PM
Shelter- Eureka Solitaire
Sleeping bag- Marmot Trestle 15* (a little heavy and bulky, but not bad for $80)
Sleeping pad- Closed cell foam
Stove- Brunton Raptor (there are better out there, but I already have this one and I am on a budget)
Cookware- GSI Soloist kit
Water bladder- Platypus 2 liter
Water filtration- Sawyer Squeeze filter (9 oz., awesome) and Aquamira drops
Binos- Leupold Cascade 10x42
Spotter- Swarovski 20-60x80 HD, and tripod
Range Finder- Leupold RX IV
Rifle and ammo
Knives- 2 Outdoor edge, and a Leatherman
Rope- 2 50' lengths of paracord
Headlamp, small LED flashlight
GPS
Compass, and map
T.P.
Small towel
2 synthetic or merino base layer tops
1 synthetic or merino base layer bottom
2 pair smartwool socks
1 pair warm gloves
Fire starter
Water proof lighter and matches
Boots- Kenetrek Mountain Extremes
2 lightweight stretchy game bags (I might upgrade to Kifaru meat baggies)
Fleece vest
Lightweight micro fleece shirt
Soft shell rain jacket
Synthetic pants
Pack- Mystery Ranch BDSB, 7400 ci.
2 pair synthetic boxer breifs
Synthetic t-shirt
The pants, one pair underwear, one pair of socks, the t-shirt, boots and either the vest or micro fleece top, depending on weather will be worn on the hike in. This does not include food, which adds up quick.
Post by: oldleclercrd on May 17, 2012, 09:53:16 PM
Post by: JLS on May 17, 2012, 10:14:54 PM
It is easy to secure a rifle to a non hunting pack. My Dana Glacier pack can have a rifle in the water bottle pouch on the side, cinched in with one of the side compression straps or I could strap it to the daisy chain on the back. The side is more comfortable and more stable IMO.
My gear list is a little different, but it is more tailored to archery season.
Pack: MR Longbow
Bag: Marmot Sawtooth 15 degree
Pad: Big Agnes Insualted Air Core
Tent: Big Agnes Fly Creek 2
Stove: Snowpeak Gigapower w/ titanium cup
Filter: Katadyn Pro Hiker
Boots: Lowa Baffin
Clothes: Sitka Gear mix (Mountain Pants, Traverse 1/4 zip, Celsius Vest)
Coat: Merrill Soft Shell
Merino wool 1/4 zip top and bottoms
2 pair wool socks
1 extra pair briefs
Firestarter
Headlamp and flashlight
Small first aid kit
Game Bags
Spotter: Leupold 20x Gold Ring
Tripod: Slik Sprint Mini
Binos: Zeiss Classic 10x40
Paracord
Batteries
Camelback 100 oz bladder
Knife and steel
Underarmour beanie
Polypro gloves or wool liner gloves
I'd like to add a insulative coat for elk hunting, like a Kuiu Spindrift.
Post by: JimmyHoffa on May 17, 2012, 10:15:34 PM
Sleeping pads are definitely worth the pack!
Post by: Branden on May 18, 2012, 02:49:19 AM
If you don't mind eating packaged foods, you can get peanutbutter crackers/snickers marathon bars/pop-tarts/dried fruit/beef jerky/propel fitness water and other no-cook foods. Then you can leave stoves/fuel/pots/utensils at home and eliminate camp chores like dishes and fetching cooking water.
Sleeping pads are definitely worth the pack!
I don't pack a stove anymore either. Just adds weight and bulk.
Post by: dreamingbig on May 18, 2012, 06:01:42 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on May 18, 2012, 06:28:28 AM
Post by: atfulldraw on May 18, 2012, 07:46:25 AM
Post by: JPhelps on May 18, 2012, 07:54:05 AM
If you don't mind eating packaged foods, you can get peanutbutter crackers/snickers marathon bars/pop-tarts/dried fruit/beef jerky/propel fitness water and other no-cook foods. Then you can leave stoves/fuel/pots/utensils at home and eliminate camp chores like dishes and fetching cooking water.
Sleeping pads are definitely worth the pack!
I don't pack a stove anymore either. Just adds weight and bulk.
I agree for shorter trips. For longer trips (4-5+ days) or hunting with a partner the lighter dehydrated food and stove combo seems to have advantages weight and space wise.
Post by: Branden on May 18, 2012, 08:12:46 AM
If you don't mind eating packaged foods, you can get peanutbutter crackers/snickers marathon bars/pop-tarts/dried fruit/beef jerky/propel fitness water and other no-cook foods. Then you can leave stoves/fuel/pots/utensils at home and eliminate camp chores like dishes and fetching cooking water.
Sleeping pads are definitely worth the pack!
I don't pack a stove anymore either. Just adds weight and bulk.
I agree for shorter trips. For longer trips (4-5+ days) or hunting with a partner the lighter dehydrated food and stove combo seems to have advantages weight and space wise.
I don't think dehydrated food is lighter?
Here is the info for a spaghetti with meat sauce.
Nutritional Infromation
Net Weight 5 oz
Servings Per Package 2
Serving Size 1/2 pouch
Calories
Total Calories 280
Calories from Fat 60
That equates to 112 calories per ounce. Not that great when you can do 120-130 calories per ounce if you shop. If you add the weight of a stove, fuel, pot, and eating utensil it even makes the food heavier calorie per ounce. Also I have always thought it was bulky for mountain house meals? Maybe not.
This is in regards to mountain house like stated above. I don't have experience with other kinds so it might be a lot better with a different brand?
Has anybody ever weighed their food with a stove, and without a stove? I would be curious to see how close it is for a week long hunt for the same amount of calories.
Post by: 75johndeere on May 18, 2012, 08:17:20 AM
Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2
Post by: Hunter mike on May 18, 2012, 11:09:20 AM
I think the stove is a luxury that I need... I'm a bit worried about what would happen if I tried to go 4 days without coffee :yike:
I will be using an ultralight alcohol stove and whatever lightweight pot I can find. I'm hoping to find a pot that fits the top of my french press so it can serve double duty. I won't be having hot breakfasts or lunches though - I know I won't want to take the time until I'm ready to settle in for the night.
It looks like I was planning to bring maybe a few two many clothes... looks like most bring just one change of baselayer? I might bring an extra mid-layer shirt since my setup is a bit untested - I could just double up if needed. No one will be out there to smell me I guess :IBCOOL:
Post by: deerslyr on May 18, 2012, 11:16:11 AM
Post by: dreamingbig on May 18, 2012, 11:53:43 AM
Post by: JPhelps on May 18, 2012, 12:06:53 PM
Plus Starbucks is all about gun rights.
Post by: washelkhunter on May 18, 2012, 12:08:20 PM
Post by: Hunter mike on May 18, 2012, 12:58:19 PM
I don't want to take the whole french press - just the 'press part' if that makes any sense - it's pretty lightweight, but an akward shape to deal with because my stove and fuel will be stored inside the pot.
Post by: 75johndeere on May 18, 2012, 03:28:39 PM
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Post by: fillthefreezer on May 18, 2012, 08:21:25 PM
Post by: wraithen on May 18, 2012, 08:28:43 PM
Post by: washelkhunter on May 18, 2012, 08:29:21 PM
I would never take the stuff washelkhunter suggests on a backpack hunt. To much weight. But that is me personally. Here is a short list
Hold the phone. Did this punk just B-slap me? :chuckle:
Post by: JimmyHoffa on May 18, 2012, 08:34:59 PM
I mostly went the way of the 'no stove' food because of time/chores not weight. When in hunting mode, when I wake (usually can't really sleep during the season) I just want to get some food in the belly and hit the trail. Not get water, fire up the stove, boil/cook, have to clean out pots (food scents), wait for the stove to cool, and so on. For regular camping trips I take the stove and gourmet it up. Time saved in camp is more time looking for critters.
Post by: washelkhunter on May 18, 2012, 09:08:00 PM
Post by: Cascade_fisher on May 18, 2012, 10:09:54 PM
Geez, a one burner stove and a can of fuel isnt gonna amt to much on the wt scale, butcomfort wise well its worth ten pounds easy:yeah: hard to beat the Via coffee in the morning with a micro stove setup. Hot water is also great to have for hypothermia, emergency medicine sterilization, etc... :twocents:
Post by: Branden on May 19, 2012, 08:08:46 AM
I would never take the stuff washelkhunter suggests on a backpack hunt. To much weight. But that is me personally. Here is a short list
Hold the phone. Did this punk just B-slap me? :chuckle:
No, I just can't pack that much ;)
I see a lot of guys drink coffee and stuff. Personally I never drink it so that isn't a big deal for me either when deciding to bring a stove. I go to hunt and think along the same lines as jimmyhoffa. But also, every ounce adds up.
Post by: Wild Bill on May 19, 2012, 09:56:54 AM
Geez, a one burner stove and a can of fuel isnt gonna amt to much on the wt scale, butcomfort wise well its worth ten pounds easy:yeah: hard to beat the Via coffee in the morning with a micro stove setup. Hot water is also great to have for hypothermia, emergency medicine sterilization, etc... :twocents:
Same place my head was going. Back in my "survival instructor days" I had a few real cold trips where it was a fire or warm liquids or both to keep folks in the game. -28 is no joke when people don't layer properly. (most likely none of you have this problem). Plus, a jet boil and a french press is great conversation piece come day 2 or 3 when you buddies are suffering and you still living the life :chuckle:
Post by: Alpine Mojo on May 19, 2012, 11:49:46 AM
Plus, a jet boil and a french press is great conversation piece come day 2 or 3 when you buddies are suffering and you still living the life :chuckle:
Anyone who can't go 2 or 3 days without a french press and "live the life" would probably be better off just staying at home.
Post by: washelkhunter on May 19, 2012, 12:03:31 PM
Post by: arguhl on May 19, 2012, 11:14:26 PM
In my main yellow bag:
A lighter, a mag fire starter, matches, cotton balls soaked in Vaseline.
Two headlamps, two back up battery sets, GPS with back up batteries.
First Aid kit
Water purifier
Knife,sharpening stone, 100 feet paracord, ribbon, compass, Maps
Pack Body:
4 game bags (mesh)
Therma rest
Marmot Sawtooth down sleeping bag
Hubba Hubba tent or GI 3 layer goretex bivy sack
Katahydin pro hiker water purifier and iodine
Two large Nalgene Bottles
Two bandannas
Book of choice
Cookware (dish with plate/lid combo)
MSR pocket Rocket or Jetboil depending on food selection for trip.
Rain proof pack cover and a set of gaiters
Clothing all depends on the time of year. Hope this helps
Sleeping pads are definitely worth the pack!
The stove is a must, when you consider either the jetboil with one can of fuel because that's all you'll need or a MSR pocket rocket weighing in at 5 ounces and to
Post by: colockumelk on May 20, 2012, 09:12:33 AM
Sleeping System
Sleeping Bag- Kelty Light Year 15* Bag 2lbs 12oz
Sleeping Pad- Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Short- 18oz
Tent GoLite Shangrila-3: 3lbs 8oz
Food/Food Prep
Stove/Cup- Jetboil Sol (w/camp cup) 11 oz.
Fuel 100g cannister. 3.5 oz each.
Spork 1oz
100oz camel back bladder 110oz
water purifier - katydine hikers pro 11oz
meals Mountain House (inside zip lock bags for weight and space savings) 1 per day. 6oz per meal. 1 Bag of oatmeal for each breakfast. 1oz each. 2 coffee packets a day..5oz each. 1 emergen-C packs a day..5oz each. 2 packs of nuts per day 1oz each. 2 granola bars a day. 1.5 oz each. 1 powerbar a day 2oz each. This adds up to 1 lb of food a day.
Battery Powered
Head Lamp Petzl 4oz
GPS Garmin etrex20 4oz
Camera Olympus 4oz
Range Finder Leupold vxii
Clothes
On My Body Sportsmans Warehouse CCT pants and Henley shirt (polyester), Under Armour heat gear t-shirt, under armour compression shorts (both polyester), Lowa Hunter GTX Boots, Smart Wool ultra-light Hikers (wool) for socks. Hat Camoflouge CWU ROTC. (my lucky hat.), mesh face mask and under armour thin gloves.
Extra Clothes 1 Pr extra, smart wool socks, 1 extra under armour t shirt and compression shorts. 1 under armour beanie, 1 under armour cold gear top and bottom. 2lbs for all extra cloths
Rain Gear Frog Toggs 16oz
Fleece Cabelas Hooded Fleece with windshear. 16oz
Meat Processing Supplies
Knife Benchmade folding knife. 5oz
Sharpener 3oz
Meat Bags 2 Alaskan Game bags. 4oz each, 2 industrial strength large black garbage bags (in case I have to put the meat in a creek)
Hygiene Kit
Tooth Paste, Tooth Brush
Deoderant
Foot Powder
Baby Wipes (no TP for this guy)
Lip Balm
Deet
Miscellaneous
Binos: Vortex Viper HD. 24oz
20feet 550 chord. 2oz
CAT tourniquet
Quick Clot Bandages,
Basic First aid Kit 6oz
Franks Hot Sauce
For a 4 day trip this adds up to 35.5 to 36 lbs. If you include my bow set up it would be 41lbs. This is if I went by myself, I never hunt solo so my brother can share some of the load.
Post by: deerslyr on May 20, 2012, 10:31:52 AM
Post by: Branden on May 20, 2012, 09:14:31 PM
First off pack up everything you need then cut it in half. The individuals who have chimed in and stated they don't bring a stove and eat only " peanutbutter crackers/snickers marathon bars/pop-tarts/dried fruit/beef jerky/propel fitness water and other no-cook foods", this is foolish to say the least. Nothing that's listed is in the slightest healthy and body nourishing. High complex carbohydrate foods such as rice, mountain house etc will fuel your body ten times more than essentially processed corn syrup crap. Personally I'll pack the extra 2 pounds (titanium everything, msr pocket rocket, and fuel) to be able to eat a hot meal, drink a hot cup of coffee, and meet the added nutrition requirements the back country demands, plus a hot Mountain Mocha ( hot chocolate and instant coffee) first thing in the am is a must. Ill train for an extra half mile to make up for the weight and wake up an extra half hour early to see that I have a hot meal before the day begins. I'm still trimming weight off my setup but this is bare bones what I bring if going out for an overnight or longer. Adjust food and add an MSR Hubba Hubba if the weather might turn.
The stove is a must, when you consider either the jetboil with one can of fuel because that's all you'll need or a MSR pocket rocket weighing in at 5 ounces and to
You can get all the nutrients you want from your mountain house, and you still couldn't keep up. Stoves are not a must. Maybe for guys that think they need them. Just because its necessary for you, doesn't mean it is for other people
Post by: JimmyHoffa on May 20, 2012, 09:48:35 PM
I wear leather boots, and when up in the high country during the regular deer season it can get cold enough to freeze the boots. I just use one of the black plastic trash bags and put the boots in that and then put in the sleeping bag. Then in the morning, they are plenty supple and ready to go right away. I made the mistake once that got them frozen....it took a LONG time before they could be put on. Also keep a bottle of water in the sleeping bag so it doesn't freeze solid. For new water, if it hasn't snowed yet...I have a small filter on the end of my water filter (katadyn-vario) and just break through the ice that forms over the top of the stream and get the water from as low as possible. And to keep condensation at a min in the bivy/tent I use flex hose (3 ft). I run it into the inside of the sleeping bag (mummy bag) and then run the other end outside the bivy/tent. Cinch up the sleeping bag so all the air goes in and out of the tube. It sucks when you try to get out of the bivy/tent but have a layer of ice inside. :bash:
Post by: kentrek on May 21, 2012, 12:05:27 PM
down home made half bag(used in conjuction with a down coat when sleeping)..one pound
klymit interia x sleeping pad ..6 ounces
cabelas bivy..one pound
montbell ul umbrella(yes im going to use an umbrella)...5.8 ounces
back to the umbrella its going to double as my decoy by useing an elk mountain slip on cover
every thing els is pretty typical.all my gear goes in my bivy sack during the summer or a 35 liter drysack when winter starts..then straped to my pack frame.....going to uprgrade to the kuiu frame after they work out a few problems.
food = a pound a day
water can be found an drank with out filtering in the high country(yes i drink water with out filtering,sory)
this year my three day pack(for hunting) is going to be about 13 pounds,thats with out weapon of coarse
Post by: jackelope on May 21, 2012, 09:12:34 PM
CE kind of jogged my memory on another item...maybe others have a different method.
I wear leather boots, and when up in the high country during the regular deer season it can get cold enough to freeze the boots. I just use one of the black plastic trash bags and put the boots in that and then put in the sleeping bag. Then in the morning, they are plenty supple and ready to go right away. I made the mistake once that got them frozen....it took a LONG time before they could be put on. Also keep a bottle of water in the sleeping bag so it doesn't freeze solid. For new water, if it hasn't snowed yet...I have a small filter on the end of my water filter (katadyn-vario) and just break through the ice that forms over the top of the stream and get the water from as low as possible. And to keep condensation at a min in the bivy/tent I use flex hose (3 ft). I run it into the inside of the sleeping bag (mummy bag) and then run the other end outside the bivy/tent. Cinch up the sleeping bag so all the air goes in and out of the tube. It sucks when you try to get out of the bivy/tent but have a layer of ice inside. :bash:
You put your boots inside your sleeping bag? I have a hard enough time fitting myself into my bag...nevermind me and my clodhoppers and a bottle of water at the same time.
:yike:
Post by: JLS on May 21, 2012, 09:15:42 PM
Post by: deerslyr on May 21, 2012, 09:29:02 PM
First off pack up everything you need then cut it in half. The individuals who have chimed in and stated they don't bring a stove and eat only " peanutbutter crackers/snickers marathon bars/pop-tarts/dried fruit/beef jerky/propel fitness water and other no-cook foods", this is foolish to say the least. Nothing that's listed is in the slightest healthy and body nourishing. High complex carbohydrate foods such as rice, mountain house etc will fuel your body ten times more than essentially processed corn syrup crap. Personally I'll pack the extra 2 pounds (titanium everything, msr pocket rocket, and fuel) to be able to eat a hot meal, drink a hot cup of coffee, and meet the added nutrition requirements the back country demands, plus a hot Mountain Mocha ( hot chocolate and instant coffee) first thing in the am is a must. Ill train for an extra half mile to make up for the weight and wake up an extra half hour early to see that I have a hot meal before the day begins. I'm still trimming weight off my setup but this is bare bones what I bring if going out for an overnight or longer. Adjust food and add an MSR Hubba Hubba if the weather might turn.
The stove is a must, when you consider either the jetboil with one can of fuel because that's all you'll need or a MSR pocket rocket weighing in at 5 ounces and to
You can get all the nutrients you want from your mountain house, and you still couldn't keep up. Stoves are not a must. Maybe for guys that think they need them. Just because its necessary for you, doesn't mean it is for other people
I would love to see your food list for a week in the back country.
Post by: JLS on May 21, 2012, 09:33:03 PM
I like my hot coffee and hot dinner too much. I'll pack the stove.
Post by: deerslyr on May 22, 2012, 04:22:19 AM
Post by: autodink13 on May 22, 2012, 08:47:18 PM
Breakfast- poptarts, muffins, granola bars, bagel with cream cheese,
Lunch and dinners- i usually slice up a lb or so of summer sausage and cheese that i eat with crackers, sometimes i carry some mc ds cheese burgers(they go pretty fast),pb and j
snacks- chips ahoy cookies, pringles, peanut m n ms, peanuts, fruit snacks, starburst, snickers, wheat thins, granola bars, tang, instant pudding is good up in the mountains!,
I really dont pay much attention to calories/oz because i care about pack weight more when im hiking out with an animal. Most of the time on the way back to the truck im going to be mostly out of food.
U guys have any good ideas as far cold food?
Post by: 7mag. on May 23, 2012, 09:43:19 AM
I dont bring my stove too much anymore, mainly because i feel like its a hassle. Here is a list of what i normally pack for food.
Breakfast- poptarts, muffins, granola bars, bagel with cream cheese,
Lunch and dinners- i usually slice up a lb or so of summer sausage and cheese that i eat with crackers, sometimes i carry some mc ds cheese burgers(they go pretty fast),pb and j
snacks- chips ahoy cookies, pringles, peanut m n ms, peanuts, fruit snacks, starburst, snickers, wheat thins, granola bars, tang, instant pudding is good up in the mountains!,
I really dont pay much attention to calories/oz because i care about pack weight more when im hiking out with an animal. Most of the time on the way back to the truck im going to be mostly out of food.
U guys have any good ideas as far cold food?
Sounds like a lot of calories, but not a whole lot of protein. To keep your body from running down, you should look into a closer balance of calories and protein. Animal protein and vegetable protein are both important, as well as caloric intake. You don't need a stove for this, but a hot meal helps moral.
Post by: autodink13 on May 23, 2012, 11:51:20 AM
This system obviously isnt for everyone but seems to fit my needs in the backcountry :twocents:
Post by: JLS on May 23, 2012, 12:08:35 PM
7 mag- i actually feel like i get plenty of protein with my food. I will add that i usually eat some summer sausage and cheese with almost every meal of the day. The peanuts seem to help some too.
This system obviously isnt for everyone but seems to fit my needs in the backcountry :twocents:
As long as it works for you.
Personally, I would find ways to cut back on the simple sugars/carbs in that list by a LOT. Get more complex carbs in there. Nuts are a great food because they have fat and protein in them, and pack a lot of bang for your buck.
Post by: 7mag. on May 23, 2012, 08:07:12 PM
7 mag- i actually feel like i get plenty of protein with my food. I will add that i usually eat some summer sausage and cheese with almost every meal of the day. The peanuts seem to help some too.
This system obviously isnt for everyone but seems to fit my needs in the backcountry :twocents:
As long as it works for you.
Personally, I would find ways to cut back on the simple sugars/carbs in that list by a LOT. Get more complex carbs in there. Nuts are a great food because they have fat and protein in them, and pack a lot of bang for your buck.
The meat and cheese are good protein, and nuts are great. I try and limit a lot of sugar when hunting and hiking, because it seems like sugar is a temporary, almost false sense of energy. I do take candy bars and stuff like that for snacks though. I'm not trying to criticize, just sharing my opinion.
Post by: palousemoose on May 23, 2012, 09:40:41 PM
Pack - 5000 - 6000 cu internal frame pack
.270 light weight rifle
Sleeping System
Sleeping Bag- 30* Down
Sleeping Pad- Big Agnes
Tent- North Face 2.0 (never hunt by myself)
Food/Food Prep
Stove- MSR Pocket Rocket
1 Fuel canister & 1 kettle
1 Spork
1 32 oz Gatorade Bottle
Water Purifier - iodine tablets - bring water flavor drops or propel flavoring packets
1 tea bag for each day - nice on the really cold/wet days where water is close
Meals: 1 Mountain House per day, granola bars, powerbars, rice crispy treats, jerky, snickers bars, pastries, 2 oatmeal pack per day
Vitamin packs
2 aspirin each day - great for the morning (usually sore :bash:) after the 10+ average miles of hiking each day
1 Thermos mug - for oatmeal, tea, Mountain House if you buy the large container and pack your servings with zip lock bags
Clothes & Gear
Board Shorts - a must for the hot days :drool:, Under Armour long sleeve t-shirt, under armour compression shorts, Crispi Hunting Boots, smart wool ultra-light socks. I splurge with 1 back up pair to change half way through the trip. 1 under armour beanie
Rain Gear: Marmot Precept Top and Bottom
Cabala's Windshear Fleece Top and Bottom
Head Lamp with "newer" batteries
Small Camera
Range Finder
Meat Processing Supplies
Havalon Knife - extra blades a must :tup:
Meat Bags 2 Alaskan Game bags. 4oz each, 2 industrial strength large black garbage bags
Hygiene Kit
Tooth Paste, Tooth Brush
Deodorant
Foot Powder - personal preference
Baby Wipes (no TP for this guy :chuckle:)
Deet - small travel size
Miscellaneous
Binos
Spotting Scope
Walking Sticks
Handkerchief - not needed, but i like to soak it in the streams and use it for cleaning my face and body
Basic First aid Kit
Most Important = Strong Hunting Partner to share the load and appropriate License/Tag :yike:
Post by: WDFW Hates ME!!! on June 09, 2012, 11:38:53 PM
Post by: WapitiFreak on June 10, 2012, 02:37:34 AM
Post by: Sunbkpk on June 12, 2012, 01:41:51 AM
Food is first fuel for the hunt but has to taste good enough to actually eat.
Use your scouting trips and practice for hunting season. Just keep in mind the worst weather possible for hunting season. No matter what you will get good exercise and see some awesome country.
Post by: Hunter mike on June 12, 2012, 09:37:57 AM
Post by: Fishnfowler on June 13, 2012, 05:40:14 PM
I've done the no-stove thing and when you wake up with a few inches of wet snow, a fire becomes a really big deal and consumes a lot of time. A stove will let you eat a hot breakfast in 15 minutes have a cup of joe, and soak in that sweet heat before bailing on camp for a full day of hunting. The weight of a stove is negligible. Some people may say they can eat with a fire, or go fireless, but inclement weather can make a person tent-bound and a stove will turn that scenario into a pleasant afternoon spent drying clothing instead of a study in misery and endurance.
I've gone to a basecamp Katadyn gravity filter. The convenience it offers more than offsets the short filter life. It weighs nothing and is simplicity itself.
I do the tarp or single wall shelter with an ultralight sleeping bag cover. When I'm hunting, I don't want to mess with boots off/on just to dig in my tent.
A pair of those silly foam croc shoes are the sweet deal for camp footwear and weigh next to nothing.
I happily carry clean socks, otherwise I just go grubby with one set of clothing and save weight there. I do bring a warm hat and a pair of gloves.
A good knife with a 4" blade will bone any creature on our continent.
If parsing out the calories/oz is your thing go for it. I carry sticks of salami, cheese, butter, oatmeal, crackers, oil, energy bars, chocolate, and coffee. I use a melitta filter, but thats me. For carbs, I use Knorr freeze dried noodle mixes. For protein I kill things and eat them, (that and the salami). I keep my pack to 40# if I'm going nutso, but also don't mind a 50 pounder so I can have an apple and a cold beer.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi718.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fww184%2FFishnfowler%2Fchukar%25202011%2Fchukarhunt11016.jpg&hash=8e066c4a049d44ac4cb4f045128d48f9a90b8cc2)
Some ibuprofen, a fork and spoon, a toothbrush, a headlamp, some tape, cord, and wire round out my kit.
Post by: fillthefreezer on June 14, 2012, 07:45:10 AM
I keep my pack to 40# if I'm going nutso, but also don't mind a 50 pounder so I can have an apple and a cold beer.you pack like me, gotta save weight everywhere you can so you can spare the extra 10lbs of beer. its all gone once you get an animal down and the pack gets real heavy anyway :IBCOOL:
Post by: CoachNemo on June 14, 2012, 08:31:47 AM
Post by: washelkhunter on June 14, 2012, 08:35:28 AM
Post by: Jake T on June 18, 2012, 08:47:14 PM
Post by: fillthefreezer on June 18, 2012, 08:51:42 PM
We carry whiskey instead of beer to save weight.i been goin through a bad time for a couple a years mister...
i told you, i don't do well on whiskey! id be much obliged if you'd pay for my coffee though..
Post by: quadrafire on June 18, 2012, 09:05:29 PM
Just marking so I can follow.:yeah:
Post by: Wea300mag on June 18, 2012, 09:09:13 PM
We carry whiskey instead of beer to save weight.
Excellent weight saving idea.
Post by: JimmyHoffa on June 18, 2012, 09:13:57 PM
Post by: 7mag. on June 19, 2012, 08:00:23 AM
Carry the high proof stuff so you can use it to aid in fire making if needed.
:chuckle: I've done that. Works good.
Post by: AKBowman on June 19, 2012, 07:55:32 PM
I can't go without a stove. A cup of warm coffee goes along way with me.
My stove weighs 6 ozs and I carry another 8-10 ozs of fuel so 14-18 ozs total I always bring the stove.
Post by: jechicdr on June 19, 2012, 09:41:47 PM
Batteries (AA, AAA, Lithium)
Cell Phone
Extra phone battery
Solar battery charger
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Pillow
Tent-lightweight 2 man, though this year I'll be near road so might bring the full size family tent.
Water filter
Camel back x 2 (one can connect directly to water filter
Fire starters (lighters/magnesium-flint/wax matches)
Saw, axe
Shower (not worth the pack in, but would bring if I had animals pack me in, or if near road)
Towel
Toilet paper
Plastic Shovel
Wipes
Wash cloth
Toothbrush
Deodorant
Foot powder
Soap
Prilosec
Loratadine
First Aid Kit w/ space blanket
Allen wrenches
Garbage bags x 4-in case of hot weather, can put quarters in garbage bags and put in cold creek or alpine lake to keep cool
Jetboil (and utensils)
Fuel
Nature Seasonings-for occasional grouse
Food
Granola x 14
Pepperoni sticks (Oberto 24 oz)
Dried fruit
Shelled sunflower seeds
Meals x 14
Snickers
License and tags
Rangefinder
Binoculars
Binocular case (has some extra pockets for holding little extras)
Wind detector-Firefly I think it is called (a toy I got, but probably not that useful, wind on back of neck bad...wind on face good).
Headlamp x 2 (cheap one for camp, and for tracking game Cabelas Alaskan Guide, The XG Green Model is outfitted with a white Maxbrite LED with 70 lumens of output and 90 hours of run time. It also has three 5mm green LEDs that put out 15 lumens for up to 200 hours. Operates on three AA batteries. Weight: 8 oz)
Knife
Sharpener
Pruning shears-cutting shooting paths and low branches on frequently traveled trails.
Nylon cord
Montana decoy
Calls
Spot Messenger-they make one now that connects to cell phone and you can send texts via satellites.
GPS
Compass
Maps
Game Bags
Camera
Thermacell-Would not bring bug spray
Bow-with 7 arrows in quiver...hope I don't go through all 7.
Release
Sleeve (holds loose clothing out of way on bow arm)
Bow Sling-nice for carrying bow when packing in or out.
Boot dryer-scent lok
Boots x 2
Shoes for around camp
Socks
Gaitors
Underarmor boxer briefs-great for reducing chaffing with extended walking
Camo layers-most of mine are scentlok (helps me tolerate myself when I get smelly)
Coat
T-shirt for walking up the mountain
Shorts for walking up the mountain
Belt
Rain gear
Warm fur hat
Gloves
Hat with face cover
Wide brimmed hat
Camo paint
Post by: fillthefreezer on June 20, 2012, 07:13:32 AM
Backpack x 2, second one for extra supplies that I sometimes come out of woods partway through season.whoa, how many cubes is your pack?!! and how many loads it take you to get all that in?
Batteries (AA, AAA, Lithium)
Cell Phone
Extra phone battery
Solar battery charger
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Pillow
Tent-lightweight 2 man, though this year I'll be near road so might bring the full size family tent.
Water filter
Camel back x 2 (one can connect directly to water filter
Fire starters (lighters/magnesium-flint/wax matches)
Saw, axe
Shower (not worth the pack in, but would bring if I had animals pack me in, or if near road)
Towel
Toilet paper
Plastic Shovel
Wipes
Wash cloth
Toothbrush
Deodorant
Foot powder
Soap
Prilosec
Loratadine
First Aid Kit w/ space blanket
Allen wrenches
Garbage bags x 4-in case of hot weather, can put quarters in garbage bags and put in cold creek or alpine lake to keep cool
Jetboil (and utensils)
Fuel
Nature Seasonings-for occasional grouse
Food
Granola x 14
Pepperoni sticks (Oberto 24 oz)
Dried fruit
Shelled sunflower seeds
Meals x 14
Snickers
License and tags
Rangefinder
Binoculars
Binocular case (has some extra pockets for holding little extras)
Wind detector-Firefly I think it is called (a toy I got, but probably not that useful, wind on back of neck bad...wind on face good).
Headlamp x 2 (cheap one for camp, and for tracking game Cabelas Alaskan Guide, The XG Green Model is outfitted with a white Maxbrite LED with 70 lumens of output and 90 hours of run time. It also has three 5mm green LEDs that put out 15 lumens for up to 200 hours. Operates on three AA batteries. Weight: 8 oz)
Knife
Sharpener
Pruning shears-cutting shooting paths and low branches on frequently traveled trails.
Nylon cord
Montana decoy
Calls
Spot Messenger-they make one now that connects to cell phone and you can send texts via satellites.
GPS
Compass
Maps
Game Bags
Camera
Thermacell-Would not bring bug spray
Bow-with 7 arrows in quiver...hope I don't go through all 7.
Release
Sleeve (holds loose clothing out of way on bow arm)
Bow Sling-nice for carrying bow when packing in or out.
Boot dryer-scent lok
Boots x 2
Shoes for around camp
Socks
Gaitors
Underarmor boxer briefs-great for reducing chaffing with extended walking
Camo layers-most of mine are scentlok (helps me tolerate myself when I get smelly)
Coat
T-shirt for walking up the mountain
Shorts for walking up the mountain
Belt
Rain gear
Warm fur hat
Gloves
Hat with face cover
Wide brimmed hat
Camo paint
Post by: Miles on June 20, 2012, 07:32:14 AM
He could be using the flextrek....
Post by: fillthefreezer on June 20, 2012, 12:17:06 PM
I was thinking the same thing.jesus! hahaha, where did you find that?!
He could be using the flextrek....
Post by: jechicdr on June 20, 2012, 08:06:11 PM
Post by: jackelope on June 20, 2012, 08:52:37 PM
Post by: Alpine Mojo on June 20, 2012, 09:13:30 PM
Post by: jechicdr on June 20, 2012, 09:17:14 PM
so you carry 2 packs?Carry the first pack in. If I'm lucky and kill something, then I don't have to pack the second. If I get through half the season, then I go out, get a nice 2000 calorie hot meal and bring the second pack in with the new provisions.
Post by: ellensburgpo on June 20, 2012, 10:27:24 PM
I was thinking the same thing.
He could be using the flextrek....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXt9jJEq8wg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXt9jJEq8wg)
That video is hilarious. Thanks...
Post by: dreamingbig on June 21, 2012, 05:59:16 AM
so you carry 2 packs?Carry the first pack in. If I'm lucky and kill something, then I don't have to pack the second. If I get through half the season, then I go out, get a nice 2000 calorie hot meal and bring the second pack in with the new provisions.
How do you get everything out after you have both packs in? Still in one trip?
Post by: jechicdr on June 21, 2012, 08:35:28 AM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on June 21, 2012, 10:35:03 AM
-Steve
Post by: deerslyr on June 21, 2012, 01:33:06 PM
Post by: fillthefreezer on June 21, 2012, 01:44:04 PM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on June 21, 2012, 03:08:19 PM
-Steve
Post by: deerslyr on June 24, 2012, 11:44:23 AM
Pack
Back Pack Pack Frame/BL 2200
Bow Mission Maniac
Pack Cover Plastic Bag
Sleeping System
Tent Terra Nova Zephorous 2
Bag Eureka Casper 15* or 30*
Pad Big agnes insulated core
Liner Home Made Fleece
Cooking System
Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket
Fuel: MSR
Cooking: Pot Heinekeg (home made)
Spork: Plastic
Water Bladder: Platypus
Purifier: Potable Aqua
Meat Processing
Knife: Scalpel
Game Bags: Alaskan (4)
Citric Acid
Rope: 550 cord
Clothing
Underwear: Boxers (1)
Socks: Wool (1)
Shirt: Camo (1)
Pants: APX L3
Jacket: APX L3
Rain Gear: Frogg Toggs
Boots: Danner Pronghorns
Beanie
Gloves: Cabelas
Misc.
Calls: Multiple
Bugling Tube: Wiffle Ball Bat
Wind Detector: H.S.
T.P.: Coleman
Head Lamp: Aurora
Extra Batteries: AAA
Extra Release: Cobra
Bug Spray: 98% Deet
Note Pad
GPS: Bushnell Back Track
Map: Bear Tooth Publishing CO
Tooth Brush
Bible
Optics
Binos: Zen Ray ED3
Spotting Scope/tripod: Minox MD50
Range Finder: Leupold
Food
Breakfeast
Power Bar
Oatmeal
Lunch/Snacks
Jerky
Nature Valley Bars
Trail Mix
Ramen
Dinner
Mnt. House
Post by: Tim in Wa. on June 24, 2012, 05:33:01 PM
Tim
It's easy to get hung up on all the latest and greatest gear.And I include myself in that!
Post by: Hunter mike on October 04, 2012, 11:44:13 PM
Heres my list. If any of you are on a budget and want to get into back country hunting I recommend everything on my list.
Pack
Back Pack Pack Frame/BL 2200
Bow Mission Maniac
Pack Cover Plastic Bag
Sleeping System
Tent Terra Nova Zephorous 2
Bag Eureka Casper 15* or 30*
Pad Big agnes insulated core
Liner Home Made Fleece
Cooking System
Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket
Fuel: MSR
Cooking: Pot Heinekeg (home made)
Spork: Plastic
Water Bladder: Platypus
Purifier: Potable Aqua
Meat Processing
Knife: Scalpel
Game Bags: Alaskan (4)
Citric Acid
Rope: 550 cord
Clothing
Underwear: Boxers (1)
Socks: Wool (1)
Shirt: Camo (1)
Pants: APX L3
Jacket: APX L3
Rain Gear: Frogg Toggs
Boots: Danner Pronghorns
Beanie
Gloves: Cabelas
Misc.
Calls: Multiple
Bugling Tube: Wiffle Ball Bat
Wind Detector: H.S.
T.P.: Coleman
Head Lamp: Aurora
Extra Batteries: AAA
Extra Release: Cobra
Bug Spray: 98% Deet
Note Pad
GPS: Bushnell Back Track
Map: Bear Tooth Publishing CO
Tooth Brush
Bible
Optics
Binos: Zen Ray ED3
Spotting Scope/tripod: Minox MD50
Range Finder: Leupold
Food
Breakfeast
Power Bar
Oatmeal
Lunch/Snacks
Jerky
Nature Valley Bars
Trail Mix
Ramen
Dinner
Mnt. House
Resurrecting my own thread since it's the same topic LOL!
I'd like to see a pic of your setup it you have one. You're using a Badlands 2200 on the pack frame? How do you secure the gear that I'd imagine doesn't fit in the 2200? I'm considering going this route myself as I setup a camp in a central location and hunt from there. This year I took my whole frame and pack (too lazy to remove pack from frame and only 1#) when I left camp for the day and stashed it near where I was hunting (way up a ridge from camp) so I wouldn't have to go up the ridge/down the ridge/up the ridge/down the ridge if I killed something before I even started to pack meat :bash: I like this idea for where I was, but I'd like to have a sturdier day pack with me for the long days in the field. I used my frame pack to stash extra clothing etc. as it warmed up but it got annoying after a while. I had a small lumbar pack that was always on me (PLB, GPS, Snacks, flashlight and a couple other essentials) but it wasn't the best system...
Also, what types of frames work good for this?
Post by: deerslyr on October 05, 2012, 10:18:09 AM
I attach the frame rail up top that loops from side to side and usually put my sleeping bag and tent up top. You can also pull at the pouch from the bottom thats blaze orange used for quarters to put more stuff in. I havent needed to do that yet and can easily load 5 days worth of gear and food in there and haul most of a deer out with the extra space and quarter pouch. This is with a cabelas pack frame.
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on October 05, 2012, 01:26:30 PM
Post by: deerslyr on October 05, 2012, 01:49:51 PM
Weight?
Not sure of the weight of just the pack but my gear list above comes in at 36 pounds dry with one pound of food and not including binos or bow or range finder.
Post by: 300rum on October 05, 2012, 08:21:53 PM
List:
Badlands 2800
Food:
MH Breakfast for each morning
My wife's homemade Granola that's paper light
Powerbar for each day
MH for Dinner with a desert.
Hopefully, like in the past, we get into the grouse!
Starbucks Via (2 each day)
Peppermint tea (Decaf-1 each night)
Little baggie of “Johnny’s” seasoning (Grouse/Backstrap)
I REALLY want to add a pound of pepper jack cheese but I am not giving in (yet).
Clothes(extra):
An extra pair of socks
An extra pair of gloves
Packable rain coat
Water:
Sawyer Squeeze filter with one bag
1 water bottle (I like the “Talking Rain” bottles)
96oz water bladder
Cooking:
MSR Pocket Rocket
2 4oz fuel cans
Stoic Titanium Kettle (on sale now on backcountry.com for under $20, excellent buy.)
Titanium cup that nestles in the Kettle
2 bic lighters
Various:
Trekking poles (8oz, man do they make a difference!)
2 plastic forks (not the “cheap” breakable kind)
1 Alaska "Elk Hunter" Knife
1 heavy duty folding razor blade knife with one extra blade.
550 paracord
1 candle
2 sets waterproof matches
Cotton balls with Vaseline soaked in
2 big black garbage bags
Two cotton laundry bags (maybe a little bigger than a pillow case) for boned out meat
Tent
Tyvek sheet
2 flashlights
1 head lamp
3 AAA Batteries
2 AA Batteries
Binos
Spotter
Tri-pod
GPS
Small tube of Liquid Soap
dehydrated baby wipes
2 small roles of Duct Tape
3 pairs of latex gloves
Small hand towel
Hothands for each morning (Painful, but I have to have them)
Sleeping bag and Pad
1 sheet of moleskin
3 bandaides
2 sheets of paper towels
Ibuprofen
Lip Balm (One year I swear I would have paid $20 for a tube of this stuff!)
16 Rounds of ammunition
Small pencil and a small piece of paper
2 Zip Ties
Post by: deerslyr on October 05, 2012, 08:45:06 PM
Post by: 300rum on October 06, 2012, 07:03:42 AM
16 rounds of extra ammo :dunno: :chuckle:
Post by: Huntbear on October 06, 2012, 10:30:42 AM
Post by: 300rum on October 06, 2012, 12:12:04 PM
SPOT for emergencies...
Post by: Hunter mike on October 06, 2012, 01:53:32 PM
I went PLB because there's no subscription to buy - it's good for 5 years and then it just needs a battery service. The distress signal goes straight to the Navy or Coast Guard IIRC and they coordinate a rescue. It also has a radio homing signal that lets rescuers find you faster when they get to your general location.
I did not get a spot because of the ongoing subscription costs and I've heard about problems with getting reliable signal out. I've also read about many customer service issues and I don't know if I trust the service to send an appropriate and timely rescue vs. the US military.
:twocents:
PLB was $280 - my wife tried to add that to my hunting budget but I told her it was for her, so it shouldn't count :chuckle: I like getting into the wilderness and often alone, so it's cheap insurance. Good to know I'm still worth more to her alive than dead :chuckle:
Post by: 300rum on October 06, 2012, 02:18:21 PM
I went with a PLB instead (ACR from REI). The SPOT can supposedly allow you to send messages back home (like an "I'm OK" message to wife's e-mail). In addition you can request hep, which will be dispatched by SPOT's subscription service people.
I went PLB because there's no subscription to buy - it's good for 5 years and then it just needs a battery service. The distress signal goes straight to the Navy or Coast Guard IIRC and they coordinate a rescue. It also has a radio homing signal that lets rescuers find you faster when they get to your general location.
I did not get a spot because of the ongoing subscription costs and I've heard about problems with getting reliable signal out. I've also read about many customer service issues and I don't know if I trust the service to send an appropriate and timely rescue vs. the US military.
:twocents:
PLB was $280 - my wife tried to add that to my hunting budget but I told her it was for her, so it shouldn't count :chuckle: I like getting into the wilderness and often alone, so it's cheap insurance. Good to know I'm still worth more to her alive than dead :chuckle:
Post by: 300rum on October 06, 2012, 02:20:13 PM
Post by: Vo2max on October 07, 2012, 05:02:42 PM
I use the "Backpack Gourmet" recipes (book my Linda Frederick Yaffe) and while others are eating Mountain House I can eat homecooked meals without the need for seasonings (already included) and I can add as much or as little pure unadulterated calories as needed or fewer for that matter. This way, you save cash on MH meals, you get the calories you need, you are left satisfied eating meals you know contain what you need/want and all you need to make them is a Jet Boil (1.5cups water boiled in about 2-3minutes) with a minimum of fuel utilized. Light weight as it gets and versatile to say the least.
Just thought I'd chime in as I did not read that anyone else was doing this. Have a great fall!
ERIK
Post by: Cascade_fisher on October 07, 2012, 06:10:12 PM
Its always great to read what others bring and find important on a back country hunt. I am no pro when it comes to backcountry hunting and am a total rookie at it as a matter of fact but one thing that I am finding to be absolutely awesome is making my own food, dehydrating it and taking it afield.
I use the "Backpack Gourmet" recipes (book my Linda Frederick Yaffe) and while others are eating Mountain House I can eat homecooked meals without the need for seasonings (already included) and I can add as much or as little pure unadulterated calories as needed or fewer for that matter. This way, you save cash on MH meals, you get the calories you need, you are left satisfied eating meals you know contain what you need/want and all you need to make them is a Jet Boil (1.5cups water boiled in about 2-3minutes) with a minimum of fuel utilized. Light weight as it gets and versatile to say the least.
Just thought I'd chime in as I did not read that anyone else was doing this. Have a great fall!
ERIK
Post by: alecvg on October 09, 2012, 09:59:43 PM
Pack - Sitka 45 Bivy
Clothes - Wool socks - 1 pair
- Under Armour Boxers - 1 pair
- Sitka Jetstream Jacket
- Kuiu Spindrift Jacket
- Kuiu Chugach Raingear set
- Gloves
Meat Care - Cutco Hunting Knife
- Knives of Alaska Caping Knife
- Game Bags
- Gerber Bone Saw
Optics - Zeiss Diascope
- Nikon Rifle Hunter 550 range finder
Sleeping bag - Rei down bag
Pad - Thermarest
Misc - Book
- Flashlight
- Surefire Headlamp
Im sure I am forgetting something but this is the most of it.
Post by: Hunter mike on November 05, 2012, 10:24:15 PM
Pack: Cabelas Alaskan 1 external frame (sometimes just lash stuff sacks and daypack to the frame (scored the pack $25 on CL)
Tent: Kelty Grand Mesa 2 or GT Ultralight Hammock + tarp
Sleeping Bag: Coleman Exponent 0* (around 4 lbs for <$100)
Rifle: 30-06 Savage 111/Nikon combo
Binocs: Used cheapie Bushnells - upgraded to Vortex Diamondback since (best investment ever for budget gear)
Holster: Gunslinger Corral (kinda ghetto, but very versatile and handy)
Treking poles: Cheapies, double as shooting sticks
Knives: Havalon and Gerber saw
Sleep Pad: Walmart CCF $7
Clothes:
AGO camo set = not breathable (but usable)
replaced with Columbia Big Game Terrain shells on mass clearance.
Lightweight Northface hiking pants/shorts convertable ($35/bargain cave)
Couple of cheap lightweight poly t-shirts and pants
Northface thermal base layer $4/Goodwill (would easily be worth full price)
Northface Fleece 1/4 zip
Costco hiking socks ($11/4-pair - also have the Wigwam for cooler weather)
Extra underwear
Food:
Granola/powdered milk for breakfast + granola bar
All day snacks/dried fruit/soy nuts/peanuts/jerky
Mt. House dinners
Stove: Ebay alcohol stove/stand/windscreen (<$20)
Water filter: Katadyn Hiker Pro
Misc: TP, Multi-tool, 1 ea. flashlight and headlamp, PLB, compass, GPS, medical tape, liquid bandaid, emergency blanket, a few extra batts, zip ties - nothing special here, stuff I already had
Kill kit: Put together a pouch with knives, transport tags, paracord, and game bags. Used a couple of pillowcases and a coughlan's laundry bag as game bags - all folded compactly and sealed in a foodsaver to minimize bulk.
Overall everything was great. Nothing failed me - I ended up with about a 45 lb pack weight. I thought it was a lot, but I talked to lots of guys who packed in 65lbs for the same trip, so then I felt better. I think I'm pretty no-frills. I could do without extra batts and stove fuel etc if i really wanted, but I like to have an extra cup of coffee if I want and read at night without worrying about wasting essentials.
Post by: fillthefreezer on November 06, 2012, 07:34:28 AM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on November 06, 2012, 11:29:34 PM
Vacuum sealed or a ziploc bag?
-Steve
Post by: fillthefreezer on November 07, 2012, 07:21:20 AM
my kill kit is vacuum packed as well, just kept tearing ziplocks with tripod legs and other pokeys
Post by: Hunter mike on November 07, 2012, 12:50:13 PM
I camped at 5300 ft. and hunted between about there and 6300 ft or so.
The vaccum packing worked great for the game bags and a few other things. I'm thinking about vaccum packing my down vest next time since it's good to have if the temps drop but worthless if wet and not likely to need on the hike in/out. I really want a primaloft vest or jacket but it will probably be heavier.
Post by: fillthefreezer on November 07, 2012, 12:53:03 PM
my wifes helly hansen odin isolator is primaloft and about 12.4oz
Post by: kentrek on November 07, 2012, 10:46:28 PM
I'm thinking about vaccum packing my down vest next time since it's good to have if the temps drop but worthless if wet and not likely to need on the hike in/out.
vaccum packing works great for one time use items (like game bags) but you may want to use your coat an still be able to store it safely and compactly
instead try sea to summits waterproof compression sacks,either keep your down with your sleeping bag sack or maybe even have an separate smaller sack for clothes
those sacks are thin but ive had em in some pretty crud weather an never even worried bout em leaking
Post by: ElPasoCounty on November 07, 2012, 11:11:23 PM
Im getting a good education.
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on November 08, 2012, 12:42:28 PM
-Steve
Post by: Spikorbust on January 28, 2013, 04:24:42 PM
Post by: fillthefreezer on January 28, 2013, 04:46:06 PM
Great lists... I know most are not thinking of there high county hunts now but for me this will be my first so its time to get prepped. :)are you kidding, its like all i ever think about...
my wife said i have ochd, obsessive compulsive hunting disorder
Post by: Spikorbust on January 28, 2013, 06:52:58 PM
Great lists... I know most are not thinking of there high county hunts now but for me this will be my first so its time to get prepped. :)are you kidding, its like all i ever think about...
my wife said i have ochd, obsessive compulsive hunting disorder
It makes a long off season when you can't stop thinking about it.....Were in trouble...going to be a long year :chuckle:
Post by: fair-chase on January 28, 2013, 07:14:40 PM
Lip Balm (One year I swear I would have paid $20 for a tube of this stuff!)
:yeah: X1000. I would also include a small tube of sunscreen lotion. Especially for higher elevations.
Post by: 7mag. on January 28, 2013, 08:41:52 PM
Great lists... I know most are not thinking of there high county hunts now but for me this will be my first so its time to get prepped. :)are you kidding, its like all i ever think about...
my wife said i have ochd, obsessive compulsive hunting disorder
That's funny, I'm in the same boat. My wife say that I have an unhealthy obsession. I'm thinking about hunting all year, and preparing as well. About 95% of all my Birthday, Christmas, Father's day, etc., gifts are hunting/hiking related.
Post by: rosscrazyelk on January 28, 2013, 08:46:45 PM
I dont see anything wrong with that..Great lists... I know most are not thinking of there high county hunts now but for me this will be my first so its time to get prepped. :)are you kidding, its like all i ever think about...
my wife said i have ochd, obsessive compulsive hunting disorder
That's funny, I'm in the same boat. My wife say that I have an unhealthy obsession. I'm thinking about hunting all year, and preparing as well. About 95% of all my Birthday, Christmas, Father's day, etc., gifts are hunting/hiking related.
Post by: huntergreg on January 28, 2013, 09:09:43 PM
Post by: kentrek on January 28, 2013, 10:03:37 PM
http://www.geargrams.com/list?id=6606 (http://www.geargrams.com/list?id=6606)
could shave off a few pounds here an there but i need to get my moneys worth out of some of my gear first
also some of my weights could be off but should be pretty close
Post by: troyspinetar on January 31, 2013, 07:50:38 PM
Post by: MLHSN on January 31, 2013, 08:21:28 PM
Post by: kentrek on January 31, 2013, 09:11:56 PM
holy smokes Kentrek. 5 pounds for food and water with 1.5 liters. That's 3 pounds of water so you only carry 2 pounds of food for three days? I'd like to see your food list. At my lightest I'm carrying 2 pounds of food a day.
thats a 5 pound-ish for food and water..
water..
some trips i don't pack water at all an just drink before i leave the rig and can make it pretty far before i need water
while on others i pack two full liters,esp if i have no idea where im going to find water..id say most trips i pack a liter and then another "empty" one liter bottle in my pack in case i need to pack more water.. basically just depends where my next source of water is
with food i snack all day long,or try to...its not hard to really stack on the fuel when you start splinting your traditional "meals" into snacks...so basically if im trying to be light il pack nothing but high end snack foods and then one mtn house per day..lots of times i can get fresh fish so that cuts down on food but then adds fishing tackle,which is lighter than food. for short trips nutrition isn't too big of a problem..longer trips would need more food a day to sustain energy and that's what a food cash is for :tup:
that list seems really precise but its not,every trip is different so that's why i put "typical" in my post.maybe i should have put "average"... its just a guide line or a ball park
two pounds of food is alot,you may need it or ya may not..here's a pretty good article of food in the back country..keep in mined this dude hikes 30-40 miles a day for months on end..
http://andrewskurka.com/2012/food-planning-for-multi-day-hikes-and-thru-hikes/ (http://andrewskurka.com/2012/food-planning-for-multi-day-hikes-and-thru-hikes/)
Post by: jackelope on January 31, 2013, 09:32:16 PM
Post by: MLHSN on January 31, 2013, 09:49:32 PM
Post by: kentrek on January 31, 2013, 09:57:58 PM
ive found my minimums "unfortunately" but those experiences have worked both ways and since im not dead its been mostly positive mind bending learning experiences..it always amazes me on how much we don't need
Post by: MLHSN on January 31, 2013, 10:14:28 PM
Post by: deerslyr on January 31, 2013, 10:15:57 PM
Post by: MLHSN on January 31, 2013, 10:20:53 PM
Does any one else out there not eat hardly anything when there in the back country? I never finish all of the food I bring and am surprised how little I eat. I have a hard time eating my entire mnt house dinner but usually force it down before bed. Have a few granola bars and thats it. All of the crackers and cup a noodles I bring along come back to the truck with me.
I have that problem when I eat mountain house. That's why I stopped. It just turns my stomach. I loose my appetite. I've noticed that when I exert myself quite a bit I loose my appetite. If I rest a couple hours after exertion then I get my appetite back. That's why I've just started biting the bullet and packing food I really enjoy eating. I need the calories or else I bonk bad. If I take superlight food that I don't like the taste off then I'm not getting the calories I need because I throw it out. Also, a shot or two of an adult beverage usually helps bring my appetite back. It's the exertion that get's you. Your body releases all kinds of chemicals to get your body moving while hiking. Unfortunately, all that adrenaline causes a loss of appetite.
A couple foods I have an easier time choking down when not feeling hungry: powdered mash potatoes, the real buttery kind. Dried banana chips (extremely high in calories per weight), top ramen (add some tuna for protein, in a bag not can). Liberty Orchard bars <----Amazing, gotta get them from Cashmere though.
Post by: jackelope on January 31, 2013, 10:27:16 PM
I couldn't eat much at 9500' last summer. I was good to go at 7k and ok at 11k but had no appetite and wanted to barf at 9500. I guess just that elevation got to me.
Post by: MLHSN on January 31, 2013, 10:32:18 PM
This one is next on my list to try:
http://www.packitgourmet.com/PotatoSamosas.html (http://www.packitgourmet.com/PotatoSamosas.html)
Post by: deerslyr on January 31, 2013, 10:58:20 PM
Post by: DRENALINJUNKIE on January 31, 2013, 11:05:37 PM
Post by: kentrek on January 31, 2013, 11:08:12 PM
when i was younger and out on a trip my attention was mostly on survival..i was very concerned about food,water,camping locations,and cozy camp set ups..so thats what i spent alot of time doing..wasted hunting time
now a days i dont think about eating,i just eat if im hungry..same with water...i camp where ever i end up and camp set ups tend to be the best looking spot with in view of where i end up..i just focus on hunting
this also could explain my "lack" of food/gear compared to most
Post by: Hunter mike on January 31, 2013, 11:08:30 PM
The ones that go down best for me (and have decent nutrition comparatively) are:
1) Chicken Fajita mix filling (I never bring a tortilla, but it would be good)
2) Beef Stroganoff
3) Chili Mac
Other than that, I have a baggie of granola and powdered milk (pre-mix) for breakfast, a couple of sweet and salty nut bars during the day and lots of snacks. I try to make a ziplock per day of food and I usually have a bit left for a safety margin.
I eat a lot of soy nuts - good energy and protein for the weight and very cheap at Fred Meyer bulk. I force myself to eat a handful every time I stop. I get really sick of them by the end of the season...
Post by: thatkidwho on February 01, 2013, 12:11:13 AM
I went backcountry with some friends last summer and they all had over packed on food. By the third day nobody wanted to think about Chili Mac. For the 2 nights/3 days all of my food fit inside of a gallon ziplock.
Average pack weight is 26 lbs including food and water. I looking to cut another 5 lbs this year by upgrading my sleeping bag and tent. I currently use a 20+ old school pup tent. I'm a small guy and aim for the 15-20% of body weight for my pack.
A few post back some mentioned vacuum sealing, there are re-usable vacuum seal bags. You seal them and then roll them to express the air. I like the e-vent dry bags for my clothes and sleeping bag. It also doubles as my bear bag sometimes.
There are a lot of great list/ideas in this thread.
Post by: 300rum on February 01, 2013, 07:14:22 AM
Post by: fillthefreezer on February 01, 2013, 07:55:34 AM
shot blocks and mixed nuts for breakfast on the move, jerky, peanut butter crackers, fruit leather, bar of some sort, peanut butter-bacon-honey whole wheat bagel for lunch, more snacks, split mh and instant potatoes for dinner. mh that usually get packed are stroganoff, lasag, chilli mac, spag, turky t, chicken a la king
Post by: Fishhuntmike on February 01, 2013, 08:08:30 AM
I also like homemade granola and powdered milk for breakfast and it makes a great trail snack.
Post by: shanevg on February 01, 2013, 08:19:49 AM
That makes sense about losing appetite due to exertion. I do the same thing when I go to the gym and do a hard work out. I like the taste of mnt house just cant seem to have the appetite. I havent gone on many extended trips mostly over nights and 2 dayers so it hasnt affected me too much yet. I will say my buddies and I did an experiment on hunting on empty stomachs. I could definitely tell an increase in all my senses, but it also makes for a terrible time to trophy hunt because you just want to fill your tag :chuckle:
Yeah the only thing you see is a giant steak walking around. Been there, done that to the tune of one too many 2 points on the ground. :chuckle:
Post by: liljozie495 on February 01, 2013, 08:22:22 PM
by all means tho, whats a good pack to look into? im really itchin to do a high back country hunt here this or next year!... any help with figuring a good pack for rifle would be awesome!
Post by: JPhelps on February 01, 2013, 08:32:30 PM
Good Packs:badlands, eberlestock, tenzing (new frame is untested), Kuiu, sitka
I haven't owned all these packs but this is the consensus. I would also snatch up a Dana Designs terraframe if it can be found lightly used under $250.
There are many other packs that will get It done (I used to hunt with the cabelas external frame and it worked just fine).
For food I pack at least 2 lbs of food a day and I still loose over one lb a day on average. One an extended trip I will bonk bad on about day three without enough food (especially protein). I try and pack lots of jerkey, pemmican bars (even though soy protein isn't good for guys), mountain house wraps as well as homemade dehydrated burger meals.
Post by: viva_che1363 on February 01, 2013, 08:51:59 PM
Post by: L8NITE on February 01, 2013, 09:08:13 PM
Post by: dreamingbig on February 04, 2013, 03:06:02 PM
I have also packed out elk with a blacks-creek canadian and an eberlestock x2. They both work as well but are much more suited to day packs than haulers.
Post by: supagoose on February 04, 2013, 08:52:01 PM
Post by: supagoose on February 04, 2013, 08:54:41 PM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on February 05, 2013, 11:12:22 AM
-Steve
Post by: 300rum on February 05, 2013, 12:37:05 PM
Post by: WaltAlpine on February 05, 2013, 02:08:58 PM
Great lists... I know most are not thinking of there high county hunts now but for me this will be my first so its time to get prepped. :)are you kidding, its like all i ever think about...
my wife said i have ochd, obsessive compulsive hunting disorder
That's funny, I'm in the same boat. My wife say that I have an unhealthy obsession. I'm thinking about hunting all year, and preparing as well. About 95% of all my Birthday, Christmas, Father's day, etc., gifts are hunting/hiking related.
I have disciplined myself to talk about hunting very little around my wife. It has reduced the amount of teasing in my house. Except at any gift giving time. I make it clear that I want gift cards that have to do with hunting, including Shell cards to feed the diesel.
I will post my packing list for the high hunt at the end of August when I have lost 35 lbs and have it all laid out.
As usual, tons of good info on this site.