Backpack list help

Looks like a well thought out list,until you go on a few hunts and start feeling the pain of packing, you won't have the time to contemplate what you really need vs what you are lugging around in your pack. :D

If you're hunting with a partner, many items can be split... No need to both take a stove or spotting scope for example. How about a shared rifle???

A few things I would leave/change.
No ground fly use a space blanket or something else mentioned (-8oz)
Get a gravity filter such as a Sawyer squeeze filter, they weigh about 3oz (-8oz)
Ditch the "back up water treatment" if you have an issue boil it (-3.5)
Leave the cup, use the Jetboil as your cup (-2.7)
Leave the water jug, camp closer to water. this will leak in your pack... I couldn't fathom pumping 5gallons of water at one sitting... (-10)
One pair of thermal bottoms, if you get cold put on your rain pants (-9.9)
One "mid layer" top (-13.6)
No extra pants, if your main pants get dirty, rinse them out, wear you rain pants, or thermals as they dry (-10.9)
Trade the jacket for a puffy of some sort, use your rain coat over if its wet (-16+)
Ditch the towel (-4)
TOTAL savings... 5.5lbs

Suggestions for gear
I'm not a fan of para cord, I use 3mm utility cord, can be purchased at REI or the like. Its lighter and less bulky.
Not sure what you're hunting, but I'd bring more than 3 blades for the havalon, they weigh nothing.
I'd swap out the game bags for something better. The AK bags will not keep the blow flies off your meat, or the dirt off if you're in a dusty area... Look at TAG BOMB bags.
Add a couple "Wet Fire" blocks for fire starter, they work great to get wet wood going, burn for about 7-9min.
Sun glasses/sun screen (a bright sunny day after a snow storm) I've had snow blindness before, its not fun.
Black tape for rifle muzzle
Include a couple gallon and quart ZipLok bags, to keep your camera and other electronics dry, for storage and what not.
Print only the map areas you will be hunting, go to USGS store and download/print them off.
Any options for a lighter rifle? Maybe upgrade stock, scope mounts, etc (I was serious about sharing a rifle)?
Lighter pack available, or purchase?

I'd include a 2 or 3L Platypus bag in lieu of the 5gal bag, or better yet go with the suggestion on your spreadsheet. The Platypus Gravity works is a sweet setup!

Water needs are subjective, but generally I need 1-1.5L for dinner and breakfast, plus drinking water for the following morning until I find water again. I find 2L is usually plenty if I'm hydrated the day before.

I've not specifically hunted "WY" high country, but have hunted many, many weeks in MT and CO high country in September out of a backpack, as well as Alaska. I've been snowed on lots of times, but can't say that I've ever had more than 1-2 days that it didn't warm up to above freezing. Those storm fronts move through and the "avearge" temps return in a day or two. 95% of the time it will be between 30-70 degrees. For the other 5%, if you can't tough it out with the cloths you brought, walk the 1.5 hours back to the truck. For an Alaskan hunt, the only thing I would add to the clothing list I cut is another thermal top.

I'd be surprised if water was in that short of supply where you want to go. If its really that dry, there won't be many animals around. Later in summer and early fall, the best feed is found near those "wet" areas.

I would surely camp closer to a water source than farther. I much prefer to hunt "up" and hike back down to camp every day. Hiking back up to camp at the end of a day of being worn out sucks balls. Also don't be afraid to move camp when you find a better campsite while hunting. Going light allows this to happen.

My food rule of thumb is 100cal/oz +/- and about 1.5lbs per day. I take a verity of stuff and eat when you're hungry. I don't really eat any more/less when hunting than I do normally. Briefly looked at your food list, wow there is a lot of time put into that one... Let me give you a piece of advice... You're way short on Snickers/Baby Ruth bars... at least 2 per day for me.

Looks like you're having fun planning. Lots of things to consider.

Good luck on your hunt!
 
One last bit of advice. For me the best way to reduce the total weight I'm carrying is to lose a pound or two around the mid-section!
 
Thanks putm2sleep. I absolutely love the planning phase of these hunts. I know I might sound like a homer, but the feedback I've received is what makes this forum the best. People genuinely want to help when they see that someone has already done their homework before throwing something up onto the board.

Also, I am a google earth addict. My wife calls it my map porn. For people not using this tool completely, you have no idea what you are missing. Us midwest guys can't just hike up the mountain to scout prior to season, but this in the next best thing. You can literally position yourself on potential glassing points and see the valleys down below in almost real life imagery. You can also see the smallest of water holes, game trails, hiking trails, the incline of potential hiking routes, how level a potential camp site is, etc. It's truly amazing what this tool can do for the average hunter.

putm2sleep said:
Awesome list and feedback here, no need to add my cents. Also - a refreshing topic, fabulous insight and information for the DIY'ers, and just feels better than all the forum requests for units, spots and 'where to?'

Agree with a lot of what's above and have a blast man. And. Good Luck!
Fun is a given. Success is the trip!
Click to expand...
 
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Thanks Kaitum! Good reading!

As far as the batteries are concerned, good call. I will probably cut out the headlamp batteries, since I only change batteries every year or so anyway (they last forever in my Tikka headlamp). The GPS batteries get used up much faster (usually about 10 hours of operating in my experience). This should be more than enough, but as my primary source of navigation in the dark, I think I'll keep these.

Thanks for the idea!

Kaitum said:
If you browse the forums looking at the gear list sheep hunters put together, you'll see some good ideas for shaving ounces and getting your pack weight down. I've never ran across a group of hunters willing to spend $1,000s to shave a few ounces like the ultra-light obsessed mountain sheep hunter crowd :)

Here's a thread from earlier that may be of help: http://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?t=259886

I'd say if you both have decent binos that are comfortable for glassing, then you can get by with 1 spotting scope between two hunters. Start with fresh batteries in your head lamp / GPS / etc and leave the spares in your vehicle.
Click to expand...
 
Hello Bambistew,

I don't know where to start, but thank you! Tons of great advice! Some feedback:

1.) The stove is being split. I actually subtracted half the weight of the stove, tent, ground fly and water filter out at the top of the spreadsheet.

2.) Never considered sharing a rifle, but it's definitiely a great idea. I just spoke to my brother and we are going to share a spotting scope, range finder and a rifle..... we just dropped a LOT of weight! We'll leave the back ups in the trunk of the car, just in case something happens.

3.) The tyvek will likely replace the ground fly. Never knew about this option until today.

4.) My wife calls me a drink hog and my brother is the same. I've looked over the area really closely and there may be water up high, but I'm not willing to risk running out of water our first time in here. The warden said that some of the outfitters in the area had to come down each day for water last year because they couldn't find enough for the horses.. I know we are in a good mule deer area, but I think the mule deer get a lot of their water from vegetation and there is very good vegetation in these areas in September (I've read both Public Land Mule Deer and Mule Deer in the High Country and they support the concept that a lot of the deer get their water through the green vegetation). There are spots where it looks like we should be able to find snow (most years) or small puddles of water, but I just want to make sure. I think we'll stay with the current plan for now and then modify on future hunts. BTW, we have used the 5 gallon jug on a lot of remote canoe trips in far northern ontario and another (not as well planned) back pack hunt 7 years ago oin Colorado. It takes about 30-40 minutes to fill a 5 gallon container. Combined, it should take about 70-80 minutes to fill up, but we will be set for the week after that.

5.) I agree on back up water treatment. Thanks for the advice. That's coming off the list.

6.) Regarding the cup, I NEED coffee everyday. For 2.7 oz., I'd rather not share the jetboil pot with my brother :)

7.) Great idea to use the rain pants as the "third" layer for the bottoms. The second set of thermals is coming off.

8.) Agree on second set of pants. That's coming off as well.The pair of pants may end up in the pack anyway, because if its warm, I will likely hike in with a pair of shorts, rather than pants.

9.) The puffy jacket seems to be a resounding theme. I'm going to do some research on this one!

10.) Good advice on the 3MM paracord. I have a ton of 550 cord, but it looks like a 50' roll is only $5 on amazon, so that's not a big deal.

11.) We are hunting mule deer. I'll likely bring 5 blades, just in case. They do weigh almost nothing. Thanks for the advice!

12.) Would anyone be concerned with blow flies in the high country in September? I've used the AK bags for elk before and I haven't had any issues with dirt. I already have these, so I'd prefer to make due and spend the money somewhere else. With that said, I don't want to have issues with flies. Any other input here?

13.) Thanks for the reccomendation on the wet fire. Defintiely getting added to the emergency/ first aid kit.

14.) Sun glasses and chap stick are getting added. Great advice.

15.) I've seen others use black muzzle tape. I've never used this. does it affect trajectory at all? Also, any reccomendation? Electrical tape? Painter's tape?

16.) I have 2 dry bags (1 for clothes and the other for the tent). I'll likely put the electonics of concern in that dry bag.

17.) This is the first time I've heard the hunt up philosophy. Everything I've read has been to get up as high as possible and glass down into the basins. Once you identify something, then make the stalk down or around to the animal using the ridge lines and terrain. I'd definitely like to hear more opinions on this as I'm still learning.

18.) I agree on the light pack. We have alternate camps identified within 1-2 miles of the primary camp, which will be the back up plan if the priamry spot has issues (other hunters or lack of game). If we can get to 50# each, this becomes a much more realistic.

19.) Thanks for the feedback on the food list. Yes.... a lot of evenings collecting information and putting it in. The good news is that its done and I can just add/ remove as I go forward for future trips. I learned on a previous hunt that good nutrition is essential. Loading up on empty carbs doesn't cut it if there isn't the right amount of healthy fats and protein. This menu ends up having ~ 120 calories/ ounce. With that said, I am cutting this to 2,500 calories per day, which will drop about 2.5 pounds.


Thanks for the great advice!
Chuck
 
Yes, flies should be a concern. I use TAG bags.

Chapstick is an absolute must. High altitude and wind will crack your lips beyond belief.

Tape will not affect external ballistics of your rifle.

Let the wind dictate your approach. I too like to get as high as possible to glass, and typically afternoon thermals dictate you come from above. Play the wind.

For firestarter I carry a half dozen cotton balls wiped in vaseline. I also carry something more robust. Think Trioxane or something similar. I make homemade firestarters by filling an egg carton cup with dryer lint and then pour melted paraffin wax over it. Use cotton string in it for a wick. I carry a bic lighter and a flint/steel.
 
Well, I guess the AK bags will have to be used for the late season cow elk hunt next year. Thanks for the heads up! Anyone ever use old pillow cases for this or are the TAG bags worth the coin?

What type of tape do you use for the muzzle?

Great idea on the emergency fire starter!

JLS said:
Yes, flies should be a concern. I use TAG bags.

Chapstick is an absolute must. High altitude and wind will crack your lips beyond belief.

Tape will not affect external ballistics of your rifle.

Let the wind dictate your approach. I too like to get as high as possible to glass, and typically afternoon thermals dictate you come from above. Play the wind.

For firestarter I carry a half dozen cotton balls wiped in vaseline. I also carry something more robust. Think Trioxane or something similar. I make homemade firestarters by filling an egg carton cup with dryer lint and then pour melted paraffin wax over it. Use cotton string in it for a wick. I carry a bic lighter and a flint/steel.
Click to expand...
 
Outdoor Junkie said:
Well, I guess the AK bags will have to be used for the late season cow elk hunt next year. Thanks for the heads up! Anyone ever use old pillow cases for this or are the TAG bags worth the coin?

What type of tape do you use for the muzzle?

Great idea on the emergency fire starter!
Click to expand...

Pillow cases will work okay. The TAG bags are stronger and lighter. Use electricians tape for the muzzle.
 
Tons of good info on this thread besides the backpacking stuff.

I like to get up high to glass, I don't necessarily camp at the highest point for lots of reasons, but I'm hardly an expert early season deer hunter. I don't mind climbing 1000' or more in a morning and a mile or two.

There are lots of guys here with experience hunting those early deer... my experience is they don't like being bumped and usually will vacate if they spot you or smell you... Camping out in their domain wouldn't seem like the best thing to do, IMO, but I could be completely wrong. Its a trade off I guess, less movement from a high camp, but more scent concentrated in one area. If you're camped out you can't play the wind, you have to live with it.

Enough water for horses is a lot different than enough for a couple guys. Horses need 5-10gal/day, where a couple guys can scratch up enough to drink from a small seep. Water is surely an issue, and having a plan is the best you can do. Taking the big container is a great way to make sure you can carry all you need. I've got two of those collapsible containers, both of them leak at the spout... I fill them and pack them to the top of the hill when training in the summer, I usually lose about 1/3 of the volume in a couple miles of hiking. They can't seem to handle handle being strapped in and jostled around.

Never really experienced the lack of water thing in the mountains. When I hunt eastern MT and WY its a given.

Good call on the chap stick, always in my kit.
 
Thank you everyone for the feedback, I am Outdoor Junkie's brother.

I updated my spread sheet (a duplicate of my brothers) with some of the advice you have all given taken into consideration, sharing the spotting scope, range finder, gun, etc. I have to get a scale and get the exact weight on a few items yet but I think with your advice I am at 50.0 lbs. even.

With this said, I dropped the rain gear because I just got the Yukon Gear camo breathable waterproof jacket. It is puffy, waterproof, synthetic, and light weight. It also had very good reviews for a low priced jacket. I also have the emergency bivy if we are glassing and it stars to rain.

What does everyone think about this.
 
My initial and first thought / response was going to be 'if Bambi pipes in - you are set@'
-
You could use the AK game bags, that's what I use, just stuff gear inside them. Wrap your spotter - whatever.
50 lbs is really good.
Keep the rain gear drop that Yukon. Layers. I am a down guy, sleeping bag too. But its all what ya prefer.
===
You the man Bambistew, and JLS - super stuff guys!
 
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Here is my updated list. The yellow items are either ones I used my brothers weight and I have to weigh mine yet or estimated weight on some small items.

The blue items are shared weight and is split between us and subtracted at the top of the sheet.

Does anyone see any holes in this list?
 

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Not really a hole in your list, but an idea: I use AquaMira instead of a filter 99% of the time...it'd save you about 10 oz. and some bulk. I've treated easily 100 gallons or more with it for work and play over the years and it's gotten the job done in some sketchy water. It's also very convenient for treating large volumes at once in a group water scenario. Slight chlorine taste, I cover it with gatorade or similar. http://www.rei.com/product/866996/aquamira-water-treatment-drops/?cm_mmc=cse_PLA-_-pla-_-8669960001&mr:trackingCode=6617CB4B-271B-E311-A755-BC305BF82162&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=c&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=67114501960&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=70388253040&msid=xfY93mwo_dc|pcrid|67114501960|

Mix the chemicals, wait 5 minutes, mix w/ water, start hiking and 15 minutes later you're good to go. Some people still prefer a filter, but it's an idea.
 
My wife and I did a packin hunt with me thehunterand her the camera operator.My pack with rifle was 35 pounds and hers 25 pounds. We planned it out pretty good but not enough warm clothes for September in Colorado. Mornings we were cold for the first couple hours.We took all dried foods.Had enough for our 4 day trip. Glad we done it but will not be doing it again. Old age works on you. It's a warm camper and day hunts from now on.
 
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