Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Back Country packing and hammocks

As to not hijack ADK backcountry's thread I figured I would start my own.
My son and I and two buddies backpacked in to the High Peaks wilderness area over the weekend. Seward Mountain was the one we chose. We were trying to work the bugs out of our gear from packs and boots to first time hammock camping. We hiked in the 5 miles to the Blueberry lean-to Friday night, set up hammocks at about 9:30pm in the dark. Saturday, we broke camp, stowed some of our gear and hiked up to the peak and back. 3 miles and a little over 2000 feet in elevation to the 4400 feet peak up, then reversed it for the 3 mile descent. Set up our new camp, stayed another night then hiked the 5 miles out on Saturday. Pack in was about 42 pounds, pack up was about 26 pounds.


I am not really sore, but my legs were exhausted. No energy left in them. at 45 years old, I was happy I could still do it. Last time I did that trip I was 10 years younger and doing triathlons and practically ran the whole way in and up. Made me realize if and when I get out west, my hunting will be horseback hunting. Let my equine companion carry the load and I can carry a light day pack for all the hunting footwork.

We are going to do it again soon, this time we will do the loop. Up Seward, catch Emmons and Donaldson, then go off the backside to Calkins Brook trail back to trailhead. 21 mile loop. We do it for a getaway so will do it over two nights. No need to rush a weekend in the back country.



A few thoughts. I need to lighten my gear. a hair over 40 pounds doesn't cut it. A 4 pound sleeping bag is too heavy and one place I can cut some weight. I went through all the gear I had that I didn't even think of using and shaved some weight there as well.

For down into the 40's, hammock is the way to go for me. After that, I will break out the wall tent and do my camp/hunts that way. In warm comfort with a wood stove.




For the hammock, I went with amsteel adjustable whoopie sling. The weight, strength and adjustability of them can't be compared to.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/221913497566?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
http://www.ebay.com/itm/221922935305?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Boots are Kenetrek Hardscrabble hikers. Perfect for the season, extremely comfortable and I couldn't believe how well they retained traction on the wet rock.