- Thread Starter
- #61
Luziana Feller
Lil-Rokslider
Good insight from a beginner for a beginner. Thank you Sargent. So would you recommend the pack fly route over dry bag inside the pack then?
Good insight from a beginner for a beginner. Thank you Sargent. So would you recommend the pack fly route over dry bag inside the pack then?
Costco puffy isn't a terrible idea.
I would be sure to spend some time with your kit before season. I have backpacked for a long time, and still I learn something new that can either make me more comfortable or save me weight each time I go. Invest in learning, both by hard knocks and asking questions. I don't know Colorado, but if you are not assured of cell coverage, My #1 would be a Garmin Inreach. I won't go into the backwoods alone without one.
A lot of what I am about to suggest won't matter if you're truck camping or doing spike camps.
Nalgene - can substitute Smart water bottles to save a few ounces. Smart water bottles are surprisingly durable. good to know
Flint and steel - leave at home, especially if you haven't practiced with it. You've already got a lighter and matches. i have ALOT of experience with it but you are right...ounces are ounces
Spotting scope - unless you're hunting for a trophy bull, leave it. Find a tripod adapter for your 10x binoculars. we will likely only use while scouting. once we dive in deep it will stay in the truck
Aluminum pot - if you know for sure you'll use it on a fire I guess bring it. my partner bunted there last year and some of their stoves had trouble working due to abnormally cold temps. and they were having to melt snow for water. am i over thinking it?
Hammock - if you've never used a hammock in cold weather, leave it. Unless you're bringing it to get experience using a hammock in cold weather in a controlled environment. it will stay in the truck if the nights get below freezing. i have experience but not below about 25*
Multiple knives - leave one of the skinning knives home. I assume your buddy has a knife too. good point
Spare batteries - put fresh batteries in your headlamp. The best place to carry spares is in another headlamp. Ask me how I know. HAHA i know the feeling! should i need spare AAs for the steripen?
Everything else you've got looks good.
I think more than 1 knife is too many. I can get it all done quickly with a Havalon Titan, and no need for a sharpening stone. See if that saves you a few ounces. Also, I wondered what could be the advantage of a purpose made tourniquet? Isn't almost every belt and strap and piece of rope the same thing?
What’s the reviews on the rain gear or just buying bc of price?
Also buy a Costco puffy for $30. Trust me, that wooltimate shit is tooooo heavy.
I see on your list that your shelter may be a 2 man tent for two guys or a Seek shelter. Make sure you try out the 2 man tent if you go that route. Many (maybe most or all) 2 man tents are really only big enough for 1 person.
Your wooltimate parka is going to be extremely heavy for packing. If you are gonna be hunting in September during archery, I doubt you would need that heavy wool parka. A down or synthetic puffy under a rain gear top would be a better option.
Elk hind quarters can weigh 60-80 lbs typically (bone in). Make sure your pack can handle that weight and volume.
Good luck
Regarding isobutane stoves at altitude. If you warm up the canister before use it will work better. When you get back to camp, put the canister in an inside jacket pocket. Do your camp chores and then use the warm canister to cook.we are planning to all tag out 10 yards from the truck opening morning. but if that doesn't happen, we will be as mobile as possible packing in and camping wherever we have to to stay on the elk. if that means truck camping then i will have spent entirely too much $$$ on gear but not disappointed AT ALL!