A list of the items I've cut out of my pack over the years....just to give an idea of what I have personally found to be unnecessary (weather anywhere from 30-65 degrees, lots of rain):
1. Extra cases (leather knife cases, stock sleeping bag sack, sunglasses case, etc.)
2. Numerous small dry bags- I used the snack size ziploc bags this year and was really happy...next to no weight and easily grouped like small items into one bag for ease of organization and finding stuff.
3. Deodorant- No idea why I was ever carrying this
4. Extra mid-layer- I have no need for a fleece mid-weight and my puffy coat....fleece stays at home
5. Soft-shell jacket- By far the best decision I made was to stop carrying my Sitka Jetstream....almost 2lbs I never used.
6. Extra batteries- I put fresh batteries in my GPS (which I seldom use anyhow), watch and range finder prior to the trip. I rarely need my headlamp during fall hunts, but during winter hunts I'd bring extra batteries.
7. Large knife- Now I just bring my havalon, large knife stays at the strip. If I was hunting moose, bear or elk I'd probably pack the larger knife as well.
8. Fuel can stand (little orange thing in my jetboil) and the pot adapter...no use for them.
9. Waterproof gloves- too heavy and they never stayed waterproof anyhow. I bring one very thin light pair if I'm bowhunting...just to conceal my hands and a set of windstopper fleece gloves that keep my hands warm even when wet.
10. Extra fuel can- 1 small jetboil will last me about 10 days (2 cups water breakfast, 2 cups dinner). If you aren't sure of your burn rate I'd recommend an extra if over 7 days. Averages I'm basing this off are elevation 4,000ft, ave. temp 50 degrees.
11. Sitka 90% pants- I about died of dehydration wearing those hot things....too hot to move around that much in.
About the only thing I'm going to change this year is the removal of a synthetic baselayer and a t-shirt. In place of those two items I am going to get a mid-weight merino 1/4 zip top to go along with the lightweight First Lite long sleeve I already have.
1. Extra cases (leather knife cases, stock sleeping bag sack, sunglasses case, etc.)
2. Numerous small dry bags- I used the snack size ziploc bags this year and was really happy...next to no weight and easily grouped like small items into one bag for ease of organization and finding stuff.
3. Deodorant- No idea why I was ever carrying this
4. Extra mid-layer- I have no need for a fleece mid-weight and my puffy coat....fleece stays at home
5. Soft-shell jacket- By far the best decision I made was to stop carrying my Sitka Jetstream....almost 2lbs I never used.
6. Extra batteries- I put fresh batteries in my GPS (which I seldom use anyhow), watch and range finder prior to the trip. I rarely need my headlamp during fall hunts, but during winter hunts I'd bring extra batteries.
7. Large knife- Now I just bring my havalon, large knife stays at the strip. If I was hunting moose, bear or elk I'd probably pack the larger knife as well.
8. Fuel can stand (little orange thing in my jetboil) and the pot adapter...no use for them.
9. Waterproof gloves- too heavy and they never stayed waterproof anyhow. I bring one very thin light pair if I'm bowhunting...just to conceal my hands and a set of windstopper fleece gloves that keep my hands warm even when wet.
10. Extra fuel can- 1 small jetboil will last me about 10 days (2 cups water breakfast, 2 cups dinner). If you aren't sure of your burn rate I'd recommend an extra if over 7 days. Averages I'm basing this off are elevation 4,000ft, ave. temp 50 degrees.
11. Sitka 90% pants- I about died of dehydration wearing those hot things....too hot to move around that much in.
About the only thing I'm going to change this year is the removal of a synthetic baselayer and a t-shirt. In place of those two items I am going to get a mid-weight merino 1/4 zip top to go along with the lightweight First Lite long sleeve I already have.
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