Lugging base camp into the backcountry...

SnowyMountaineer

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Dec 11, 2009
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4,216
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WY
Off topic though I've never really followed the use of this statement...

Why - TF have a cake if not to eat? Haha!

We all want, it's what we are wiling to do to make it happen. One foot in front of the other and any cake is present to want - and eat.
I love cake, I just know that when I eat it I have exhausted the possibility of saving it. 🙂
 

Pagosa

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Nov 13, 2011
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Montana
I would personally find a better spot to elk hunt closer to the road. I bet you’re passing up some unhunted ground off the trail and away from the trailheads. Just hike downhill.
 

SO7mm

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Mar 24, 2017
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East SF Bay Area
Alcohol has the opposite effect on me. Can’t sleep at all after a few drinks 🤷‍♂️
I'm the same way with alcohol. I need to plan well to make sure I sleep well in the back country or at base camp. I'm 6'4 and sleeping on standard size pads used to kill me. I switched to a two person Tarp Tent, the XL Big Agnes Q-Core, a good pillow and a bag that fits me well and it's helped out quite a bit. My system is heavier than it used to be but it's well worth it.

Maybe there's some upgrades you can make to your sleep system to make it more comfortable. I also need to make sure I'm eating as well as possible while I'm out there.
 

elkfanatic

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Jun 2, 2023
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Indiana
I have the opposite problem, I can't sleep well on a cot. I have been in camps with cots and ended up ditching the cot. For me I make a bed out of pine boughs 10"-12" thick. Throw a small tarp on top with a foam pad and down bag. Except for the first night ( opening day excitement) sleeps just as good as my bed at home. Might try it out before the season and see how it works for you.
 

Slm864

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Mar 30, 2019
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Pennsylvania
I’d just scrap the idea completely of setting up base camp closer to where you hunt. You’re hiking that many hours because you’re obviously getting into elk. About the time you set up camp closer you may bust them out of there, or maybe not?

Every year I seem to cross paths with an outfitter or two who are setting up a wall tent a few miles in for their mid September hunters. Almost every time they are putting everything in a spot that I’ve called elk into over the prior week and after that camp is up the elk are long gone.
I just personally wouldn’t set up any closer. I’ll put in the extra time and miles to know they are there.
 
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