Packing for Backpacking Hunt

[Cosmoline]

for up to 13 days

In light of that, you may not be overpacking as much as folks are saying. I would absolutely Dump the sidearm but I'd advise bringing 25 or 30 rounds of your chosen rifle ammo. It seems like more than you need but it is the core of the whole exercise.

I would however keep the stove the extra undies, but drop any cotton clothing and replace it with wicking fleece. It's not trendy or nice looking clothing, but you're aiming for the east side of the Cascades in fall so plan for some real frosty nights and mornings. Bring extra socks for sure and make sure to waterproof your boots before going. Bring a small but thick book as well. "Go East Young Man" by William O Douglas might be appropriate. He was quite a character.

For 13 days I would want a proper tent. You can pack extra light for the spike camps but base camp for a two week expedition is going to need to be well equipped. This isn't a hike it's an expedition. Also bring water filtration equipment like a pump. Food is going to be the bulk of what you carry in and you are simply going to have to accept a heavy load until base camp is set up. If you have to make two trips back, that's the way it is. If you're five miles from the truck that's not a big deal. For this kind of enterprise less is not more. It's NOT a backpacking trip and we shouldn't think of it that way.

I would bring a small but serious first aid kit as well. Not little bandaids and nonsense, but clotting rags, clamps and tourniquets.

 

[RoostRider]

I bring one of these magnesium fire starters with me any time I hit the woods with intent on staying over night...



It will start a fire even in the wettest of conditions..... I would take it instead of matches in a heartbeat (practice with it BEFORE you need it).... I would still take the lighter, because it is light and simple to start a fire with if needed...

I agree that a pillow is NOT something you want to pack in, the handgun is superfluous, leave the cleaning stuff in the car, and baby wipes are not in the least bit necessary...

Personally, I would not use a GPS either (even though I have one), it is much better to know and rely on your map/compass skills, because they don't get dead batteries/break/fail, and they weigh a lot less (thoughts are nearly weightless)... I use a compass like this one...

because it is easy to use, durable, and has a sight for aligning with distant objects... it is a bit on the heavy side, for a compass.... but I am putting my life in its hands, so durability/usability counts for more...

I would definitely bring a tent, but the folding chair is a pure luxury that I wouldn't bother with.

But most important, as a new hunter or new to the area, I would not go alone (even if it means canceling the trip).... Elk are HUGE and 5 miles is a LONG hike with a quarter of Elk on your back, especially after hunting all day, gutting, skinning, quartering and deboning a large animal... then do it 5 times!!! (four with the animal and one with your gear)...

A seasoned friend is the best thing you could bring...

 

[CoRoMo]

I thought 15 rounds was too many, but I didn't mention it earlier because I know a lot of hunters take a box or two with them. But not me. Twenty-five or thirty rounds, definitely wouldn't make my list, but to each his own. I've never taken more than two shots in a single season so far, so I carry four or five rounds. That's it. If ever I use up all the ammo I bring along, I'll be the first to post back and recommend more.

p.s.
Years ago, I put together a nice little kit like the one described in the following article. Luckily, I've never had to open it up because it is meant for worse-case scenarios and life & death survival.

http://www.fieldandstream.com/photo...-two-more-life-saving-diy-?photo=0#1000234036

I customized mine with a good deal more in a larger tin than this one.

 

[Cosmoline]

I may be thinking in Alaska terms on that point.

 

[friscolatchi]

Hi - way too much stuff for that itty bitty backpack. I have been using a "Metolious Haul Bag" called "Half Dome". I have used this big wall climbing in Yosemite in the 90's, to haul food and gear on some big walls in the valley. I now use it for carrying my gear to a base camp . Its indestructable, packs a lot of stuff and can be used to haul out critters. It carries well, cleans up easily and is light. Should cost under 200.

Also, if your 40 and older, or a smoker, and/or have a family history of Heart disease or have friends as such, please don't forget to take baby asprin, 81mg chewables for when the "Big One" comes. You take 3 or 4 for chest pain.

Hope this helps. Good adventure.

Frisco

 

[Bwana John]

have been using a "Metolious Haul Bag" called "Half Dome". I have used this big wall climbing in Yosemite in the 90's, to haul food and gear on some big walls in the valley. I now use it for carrying my gear to a base camp .

The problem with haulsacs is they dont breathe (unless you are talking about the holes caused from hauling on less than vert walls ) The lack of a ridged frame can also make for really "dead weight".

Internal frame packs are great for skiing and climbing and crosscountrying, but dont really haul meat well, they also are not really ventilated that well

Old Kelty frame packs are just about perfect for actually carrying out meat. The meat is away from the heat of your body, and the old fabric was not waterproof.
Its gonna take time to get the meat out, you need it to be getting cool and airing out as much as possible till you can get the final buchering done.

If its greater than 40 degrees out and cant get fresh air circulating it aint "ageing" its rotting.

 

[IdahoLT1]

Im not sure if trout season is open when/where youre hunting but its open almost all year atleast somewhere in Idaho. Maybe bring a rod and reel in lieu of some of your food. I have done this on multiple occassions when backpacking and hunting. It saves alot of weight/trash and fish is always better than dried foods. If you decide to go this route, all you will really need is tinfoil.

 

[sumpnz]

I would bring a small but serious first aid kit as well. Not little bandaids and nonsense, but clotting rags, clamps and tourniquets.

BIL is working on becoming an EMT, plus he's prior .mil, and has been an avid mountain climber. Maybe I'll have him help me set up a good first aid kit.

Bwana John - Great input. I think that I agree with Cosmoline on the tent issue though. Otherwise I'll make a lot of those subtractions and additions you recommend.

I'm probably going to sell the two AR complete lowers I have on hand (a guy I used to work with really wants to buy them and is will to pay a stupid premium to get them off of a 4473). That will give me the cash to buy some of the merino-wool long johns that were recommended, along with some of the other gear. Sounds like one pair should do me for the whole trip, even if I have to stay for the whole season to get (or not) an elk.

I have a magnesium fire starter already. I'll make sure that makes the list.

It's looking likely that I'll have 1-3 other people now to join in on the hunt. We shall see if they stick with the plan, though 2 of those potential partners sounded like they'd only be able to be out there for 4 days. That could still leave up to a week solo if the other can't make it, or had to head home around the same time frame.

 

[X-Rap]

If you have more than yourself that changes things quite a bit. Avoid triplication and load up on food and other comforts like a tent then (split the tent, fly and poles amongst all 3). Make a pact that all parties will help each other pack the game and you will not loose any meat either.

 

[RoostRider]

Glad to hear you probably have company.... that changes things a lot...

Having been deep woods hunting for big game (Black Bear), I can tell you it is a serious rush to get your game, but the real challenge is getting it out quick enough... there is NO WAY I could have done it successfully without help... (successfully being without any spoilage)

The day I got my bear I didn't sleep until after 5 a.m. the next morning. It seems the chores never end when you have game potentially spoiling....

 

[Kernel]

Sewing kit. Bring less clothes, be prepared to repair what you have. Plus, you can use it to repair your tent, sleeping bag, boots, yourself, etc.
+1 Fish hooks & line. Weights next to nothing. 13 says is a long time. I little fresh fish would be good.
+1 Hormel "Camp Eats" shelf stable meat & potatoes type meals. Inexpensive, compact, tasty, ready-to-eat, but each one is only 280 calories. I’d use them like a starter kit, add lots of rice and/or noodles to build a bigger meal around them. No metal so all the waste will burn. Your going to need 3000 calories a day. Do the math and compile your food stash accordingly. Vastly underestimating the amount of calories needed is the number one mistake I see backpackers routinely making.
Candy.
+1 Good pair of binoculars.
A whistle.
+1 A little more ammo. In case you take a spill and your scope/sights get knocked out of wack. You’ll need to resight-in your rifle. Plus, you can always pull a bullet and use the gun powder to start a fire.

 

[interlock]

I would also love to do this .... but if i hiked 3 days in just about any direction i would be in the sea or the middle of the city. We don't have wilderness

 

[Bwana John]

Go alone.
No talking, humming, singing, ect.
Hike in ~5 miles by trail, then ~2 miles off trail.
As soon as you leave the trail act like someone is hunting you.
Hide your camp.
No fires.
Hang your food/extra tack while hunting.
Nights are cold.
Get up early and QUIETLY.
Hunt for real from 1/2 before seeing light until ~9am.
Go back to camp for the middle of the day. Eat, drink, sleep, rest, look at the map.
Scout from ~2pm until 5pm, hunt for real until dark.

Using this method I filled my tag(s) 80% of the time in zones with 5%-10% overall success rates.(CA: D7, B, X-9a, X-9b, X9c, X-12 AZ: 7, 9)

50% of the time I shot an animal at less than 150 yards, before 7am, and within 1/2 mile of where I slept the night before.

It has been my intention to rehabilitate from a full hip replacement and do it again this year.
Two years ago I hunted elk from a lawn chair, last year I elk hunted day hiking, I plan on carrying a pack and overnighting it this year for deer.

 

[X-Rap]

Kernal brought up a couple good points.
Optics-I use a pair of 10x 50 Swarovski binos and for the most part don't feel the need for the xtra weight of a spotting scope. As far as your gun sights think about having some back up iron sights, preferably a peep on the rear, a fall might just knock off your zero but it is just as likely to permanently damage your scope and without iron your sunk. Moisture can also be the enemy of optics and being able to remove the scope will save the hunt.

 

[sumpnz]

X-Rap - my 9.3x62mm rifle has backup irons. When I first got the rifle I sighted them in to be dead on at 100 yards. Got pretty respectable group that way too. I'll just need to make sure I pack the right allen wrench to get the scope off if needbe.

 

[X-Rap]

Good deal, another tool you might look at is the Leatherman Wave with the extra tool inserts. It covers most screw drivers,Torx, allen wrenches plus some other stuff I can't remember and its not in front of me.
I underestand your current situation but am just throwing some ideas out to you for the times you got some more spare change.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

I envy you, but not if you fill your tag - humping all that meat over 5 miles in multiple trips will feel a lot like work. I can only suggest a 4-wheeler to take along, to pack the meat out. Otherwise, I think you've got it covered! Good luck.

 

[sumpnz]

Tad - that would be a great idea except for one, minor, technical detail. Wheeled conveyances of any description are not allowed within the William O Douglas Wilderness Area. Not even a bicycle or pull cart.

 

[Bwana John]

ad - that would be a great idea except for one, minor, technical detail. Wheeled conveyances of any description are not allowed within the William O Douglas Wilderness Area. Not even a bicycle or pull cart

Ah-So. But horses are. If you see any ranchers close with horses you might inquire if they are available to pack meat out.

 

[sumpnz]

Ah-So. But horses are. If you see any ranchers close with horses you might inquire if they are available to pack meat out.

I'd be horse-backing in if my FIL hadn't busted himself up pretty good in a horse riding accident back in July. He broke a bunch of ribs, punctured a lung, had a skull fracture, crushed vertebra, and broke his collar bone. He was unconcious for 3 days. He still has double vision from that.

 

[RoostRider]

Why would your father in law getting injured on a horse keep you from going in on a horse?

I understand he was messed up pretty bad, but if you know what you're doing on a horse, well, you have always known that there are certain risks involved.... not to say I'm not sorry to hear about your FIL getting the raw end of those odds....

Wow, a horse sure would help.....

 

[jim in Anchorage]

I would dump everything in red.

You do not need a pillow! (use your sleeping bag stuff sack with extra clothes inside)
You do not need a pistol, you have a rifle.
You do not need a tent Go light, high speed, low drag!
You do not need hot food. If you need it, build a fire.
Only take enough clothes to be warm enough first thing in the morning while wearing all of them

I hope your kidding.

 

[ccsniper]

I am interested to see what people say about this

 

[jim in Anchorage]

I am interested to see what people say about this

What?

 

[AStone]

You do not need a tent Go light, high speed, low drag!

The western Cascades are not the same as the Sierra. The latter is a desert compared to the former.

Bad advice to not carry a tent, or at least some kind of tarp shelter. The latter requires some experience to erect competently; at least some practice. For the colder, wetter seasons, this is my pick these days. Comes in at a mere 3 lb.

I also strongly agree with the advice that someone gave to ditch the cotton clothing. Go with polypro fleece. Well, at least one change of it. Dries quickly, will insulate better than cotton when wet by several times.

Leave the folding chair at the truck (and your gun cleaning kit at home); sit on a log or on your sleeping pad.