|
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 20
New Member
|
OP
New Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 20 |
Looking at doing my first backpack elk hunt next fall. Looking for advice on good reasonable equipment, most likely will be checking the forums this winter for good used equipment. I like the looks of tipi style tents but am curious as to what everyone one here likes. So any Info on tents, packs, and sleeping bags/ pads. Pros and cons of floor vs floor less tents. This will most likely be a sept archery hunt and maybe oct rifle hunts. Thanks chad
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,971
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,971 |
chad:
I'll start with what I think is the most important piece of advice. DON'T TRY TO LEARN TO BACKPACK ON A WESTERN WILDERNESS HUNT. That's a recipe for disaster. Learn to backpack at home before you consider a western wilderness backpack hunt.
Man you have opened a can of worms. You will likely get as many answers as there are members who frequent this forum. The options and available selections are unlimited and there is little consensus as to what's best. Everyone has there way of doing it and we each think that's the best way. It's certainly the best for us. That does not necessarily mean that it's best for someone else.
To answer your question regarding teepee style tents, I will just say that I'm not a proponent of single-wall tents because they are prone to condensation inside. I'm a proponent of double-wall tents. I use dome style tents, however, if I were to use a teepee style tent it would be a Go Lite Shangri La-3 or Shangri La-5 with a nest, which makes them double-wall tents.
I also think that if you want to go backpacking, you ought to use gear designed by backpackers, for backpacking. Not gear designed by hunters.
Here's my list.
HUNTING GEAR LIST - Wear the following ___ 1 pair Long Johns (top & bottom, polypropylene) ___ 1 pair Socks (thick insulated wool/synthetic, no cotton) ___ 1 pair Trousers (wool/synthetic) ___ 1 pair Leather Hiking Boots (good ankle support, lug soles) ___ 1 each Shirt (wool/synthetic, long sleeves, pockets, orange) ___ 1 Pair Gaiters ___ 1 Each Hat, ball cap (orange) ___ 1 Pair Sun Glasses ___ 1 Pair Gloves (lightweight synthetic) ___ 1 Each Binoculars ___ 1 Each Rifle with Scope ___ 10 Each Ammo
Carry the following IN YOUR DAYPACK ___ 1 Each GPS ___ 1 Each Topography Map (USGS) ___ 1 Each Tarp ___ 1/3 Each Foam Pad ___ 1 Each Hat, knitted (orange) ___ 1 Pair Mittens (ski gloves) ___ 1 Each Fleece Jacket or Wool Sweater (orange) ___ 1 Each Parka (Gortex/nylon with hood) ___ 1 Each Vest, polyester fleece ___ 2 Each Canteen, 1 quart (full of water) ___ 1 Pair Socks, thick insulating wool (no cotton) ___ 10 Each Extra Ammo ___ 1 Each First Aid Kit (see list) ___ 1 Each Ditty Kit (see list) ___ 1 Each Field Dressing Kit (see list) ___ 1 Days Snacks
DITTY KIT ___ 1 Each Bandana ___ 3 Packs Toilet Paper ___ 1 Each Compass ___ 1 Each Swiss Army Knife ___ 1 Each Butane Lighter ___ 50 Each Matches, waterproof ___ 4 Each Fire Starter(s) ___ 1 Each Flashlight or Headlamp, lightweight ___ 1 Set Batteries for flashlight, new
FIRST AID KIT ___ 12 Pills Aspirin Tablets ___ 12 Pills Antacid Tablets (Rolaids) ___ 4 Pads Moleskin ___ 6 Each Bandaids ___ 3 Each 2"x 3" Adhesive Bandages ___ 1 Each Ace Bandage ___ 1 Each Battle Dressing or Kotex pad ___ 1 Tube Chap Stick ___ 1 Botl Sun Block
FIELD DRESSING KIT ___ 1 Each Hunting Knife ___ 1 Each Havalon folding scalpel w/stainless steel surgical blades ___ 1 Each Bone Saw (Gerber Gator Saw or similar) ___ 4 Each Large Game Bags ___ 2 Each Small Game Bags ___ 2 Each Rope, 15� x 3/16� woven nylon ___ 1 Each License/Tag ___ 1 Each Chord, 12�x 1/8� woven nylon (to attach tag) ___ 1 Each Leaf & Garden Bag
OPTIONAL ___ 1 Each Camera & film (optional) ___ 1 Each Lazer Rangefinder (optional)
CAMPING GEAR (personal) You will need at least the following items if you are backpacking or horse-packing ___ 1 Each Backpack, internal frame ___ 1 Each Sleeping Bag ___ 1 Each Ground Pad, self-inflating or air mattress ___ 3 Pair Socks, thick insulating wool (no cotton) ___ 5 Days Food
HYGIENE AND DINNER KIT (each person) ___ 1 Each Shallow bowl or deep dish ___ 1 Set Fork & Spoon ___ 1 Each Cup, large ___ 1 Tube Biodegradable Soap ___ 1 Set Tooth Brush PERSONAL GEAR Backpack - Osprey "Aether" 85 or Kelty "Coyote" 80 Sleeping Bag (warm weather) - Western Mountaineering "Alpinlite" 20� Sleeping Bag (cold weather) - Western Mountaineering "Antelope" 5� Sleeping Pad - Therm-A-Rest "NeoAir" or Big Agnes Insulated Air Core (large, rectangular) Foam Pad - Therm-A-Rest "RidgeRest" or brand "X" closed cell foam Boots - Kennetreck "Hardscrabble" or Asolo "Sasslong" Cup - GSI Outdoors "Glacier" or Olicamp "Space Saver" (1 liter Nalgene bottle fits inside) Canteen - Nalgene, 1 liter (need 2) Pocket Knife - Victorinox "Tinker" or "Climber" (Swiss Army knife) Rifle - T/C Icon Weathershield (most good bolt-action rifles will work) Caliber - 30-06 (anything from .270 to .338mag will work) Ammo - 180 grain Nosler Partitions (minimum 150 grain controlled expansion for elk) Scope - Leupold 4.5x14x40 or 3.5x10x40 (set at 10 power most of the time) Binoculars - Leupold 10x42 (or Vortex 15x56 for spot & stalk) Rangefinder - Leupold 1,000 yards Skinning Knife - Havalon folding scalpel w/stainless steel surgical blades Bone Saw - (Gerber Gator Saw)
GROUP GEAR Tent (cold weather) - Mountain Hardware "EV-2" (2 man, 4 season, 5#) Tent (warm weather) - REI Quarter Dome T-2 (4#) or MSR Carbon Reflex-2 (3#) Stove (warm weather) - MSR "Pocket Rocket" Stove (cold weather) - MSR "Whisperlite International" (learn how to operate it) Fuel Bottle - MSR 20 ounce (need 2 or 3) Cook Pots - Open Country "Backpacker II" 2 person cook set, aluminum (discard plates & 1 cup) Water Filter - Katadyn "Hiker Pro"
KC
Last edited by KC; 08/13/14.
Wind in my hair, Sun on my face, I gazed at the wide open spaces, And I was at home.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,327
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,327 |
While I don't have decades of experience I have been on a few trips and just a few years ago, was in your shoes.
I'll echo what KC says above. Try out your gear before you go on the "big trip". Find what works for you. Some on here will tell you your gear is crap while others will say you've got the best. Everyone thinks what works for them is "the best". There is a lot of gear available that is very well made and works great yet falls short of the most expensive you can buy...which is how some people equate quality. That said, in a lot of instances you do indeed get what you paid for. Ebay is a great source for biding your time and finding what you want and saving some dollars.
If you'll do a search of this forum, you'll find more info than you can sift through between now and your hunt next year! A lot of good info on here.
As far as the GoLite ShangriLa 3 and 5 tipis, I have both and love them. However, they are a single wall unless you also use the nest. In cold weather, they will form condensation. I don't use the nest on western hunts.
Gloria In Excelsis Deo!As far as gear goes.. The poorer (or cheaper) you are, the tougher you need to be. gpopecustomknives.com
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,971
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,971 |
As far as the GoLite ShangriLa 3 and 5 tipis, I have both and love them. However, they are a single wall unless you also use the nest. In cold weather, they will form condensation. I don't use the nest on western hunts.
snubbie is right. I have edited my post to include the nest.
Wind in my hair, Sun on my face, I gazed at the wide open spaces, And I was at home.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 46,098 Likes: 6
Campfire 'Bwana
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 46,098 Likes: 6 |
IMO, the biggest advantage of a single-walled floorless tent is the reduced weight, which you negate by carrying a "nest" so I've never used one with my SL or Mega-mid before that. If you pitch it with the sidewalls up off the ground for ventilation, condensation is minimized and not normally a problem. The other advantages of floorless (besides being able to use a wood stove if you want) are that you can roll over and whiz out the side of the tent in the middle of the night, wear your muddy boots inside, and knock over your cookstove without it being a big deal.
A wise man is frequently humbled.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,327
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,327 |
IMO, the biggest advantage of a single-walled floorless tent is the reduced weight, which you negate by carrying a "nest" so I've never used one with my SL or Mega-mid before that. If you pitch it with the sidewalls up off the ground for ventilation, condensation is minimized and not normally a problem. The other advantages of floorless (besides being able to use a wood stove if you want) are that you can roll over and whiz out the side of the tent in the middle of the night, wear your muddy boots inside, and knock over your cookstove without it being a big deal. All true and all pluses for the floorless tipi. Gotta try that whizzing out the side. I fear I may not have enough, uhh, "reach" to get needed clearance though! ( Could use hunting partner's nalgene in an emergency)
Gloria In Excelsis Deo!As far as gear goes.. The poorer (or cheaper) you are, the tougher you need to be. gpopecustomknives.com
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 46,098 Likes: 6
Campfire 'Bwana
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 46,098 Likes: 6 |
See, that's another good thing about floorless, there's really nothing to clear on the side if the walls are pitched high so a few stray drops won't hurt anything.
A wise man is frequently humbled.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,396 Likes: 4
Campfire Kahuna
|
Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,396 Likes: 4 |
Big question: Are you new to elk hunting or just to backpack hunting? If you haven't shot an elk before, you likely have a lot more to learn than just what backpacking gear you need.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” ― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 8,457 Likes: 2
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 8,457 Likes: 2 |
Where are you planning to hunt? That can change the picture a lot ... temperature, rain, etc.
Lot of places have local variability as well. For instance, one year mid October elk hunting was orchestrated by a friend's dad. He and a buddy both brought big motor homes. We camped at 4000 feet which turned out to be snow level, sometimes it dumped rain, sometimes it dumped snow. The next year, I did the same hunt solo. I camped at 6000 feet, in a tee shirt, in the sun, with grasshoppers bouncing off my boots. You just can't know 'til you're there and in it.
You also haven't mentioned if you're doing this alone or with a group. Alone, you have to be even more conservative. In fact, I generally don't "backpack hunt" alone for elk. I might pack enough to spike camp for a night but base camp is the road. There's a limited distance I can lug 5 loads of elk meat in a day. No point in hunting farther from the road than that. That's close enough I can more easily hike in each day than backpack in ... I can make a way more comfortable car camp, too. With a few friends, the picture changes.
I think it is important to be fairly versed in the use of your gear in the field, in the weather conditions you'll encounter, before adding hunting to the mix. It is also important to be fairly versed in elk hunting before adding backpacking to the mix.
Tom
Anyone who thinks there's two sides to everything hasn't met a M�bius strip.
Here be dragons ...
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 20
New Member
|
OP
New Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 20 |
Yes I have one 5x6 bull and had to pack it all out. Looks like our trip is gonna take place in colorado but that may change. It will be a mid sept archery hunt. Looking at having a base camp at the truck and once we find where the elk are a couple night stay in the backcountry.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,464
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,464 |
I recommend One of EdT's backcountry skills camps. Will teach you everything you need to know.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 8,457 Likes: 2
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 8,457 Likes: 2 |
Anyone who thinks there's two sides to everything hasn't met a M�bius strip.
Here be dragons ...
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,521 Likes: 4
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,521 Likes: 4 |
KC, I like the idea of Rolaids (though I bring Tums). I remember going on a long backpacking trip 14 years ago in Colorado, and (possibly because I took some Excedrin) I developed the worst sort of heartburn. And there was nothing I could do about it. Sucked. Live and learn.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 20
New Member
|
OP
New Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 20 |
What degree sleeping back would every recommend? It will be a mid sept archery hunt and I know to plan for every condition but should I get a 0* bag or is a 15-20* good? Thanks
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,396 Likes: 4
Campfire Kahuna
|
Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,396 Likes: 4 |
I've hunted the high stuff on Labor Day in shorts and in 4" of snow. Generally a 15-20 bag is overkill but there's that odd chance. The weather's changing fast that time of year. Late in the month you can have cold snaps that will get right down there while mid-Oct can be 80F. If you get cold easily, go with a heavier bag. If you don't feel the cold, go with a lighter one but be prepared to sleep in your long johns.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” ― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 13,659
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 13,659 |
I'd go with the 15� bag. It should be plenty for that time of year and you'll have other clothing along to go a bit colder if you need to. Greater odds of being too much bag than too little IME at that time of year.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 46,098 Likes: 6
Campfire 'Bwana
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 46,098 Likes: 6 |
I hunt mid-September every year at around 10K feet in CO and I've always been happy with a 15 degree bag. Get a good pad, that's just as important. Thermarest Neoair is light and warm; I also take a lightweight closed-cell foam pad in 3/4 length like an Evazote or ridge rest. They're good for dragging out by the campfire or just lounging at lunch. And as a back-up if your inflatable fails.
A wise man is frequently humbled.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 5,866
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 5,866 |
I will leave most of the advice to these guys as it looks to be excellent advice and I have no experience in that area of the country. The only thing I would add is a way to process some wood. I'm not talking a full size forest ax but maybe a hatchet or big heavy knife. If you happen to get wet you need a way to get dry and warm and a way to dry your cloths. I perfure a large knife cause they are lighter. I always have 3 ways to start a fire now and a tool to the get more firewood. I took a swim in january 3 years ago and if I hadn't have had a way to get warm I would have been in trouble. A swiss army knife or mulitool is a must also. My preference is a swiss army knife. My big knife is a Becker BK4, but there are many other great knives out there or hatchets if that's your preference. Practice with your gear close to home and you will figure out real quick what you like and what you dislike.
Eating fried chicken and watermelon since 1972.
You tell me how I ought to be, yet you don't even know your own sexuality,, the philosopher,,, you know so much about nothing at all. Chuck Schuldiner
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,396 Likes: 4
Campfire Kahuna
|
Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,396 Likes: 4 |
I hunt mid-September every year at around 10K feet in CO and I've always been happy with a 15 degree bag. Get a good pad, that's just as important. Thermarest Neoair is light and warm; I also take a lightweight closed-cell foam pad in 3/4 length like an Evazote or ridge rest. They're good for dragging out by the campfire or just lounging at lunch. And as a back-up if your inflatable fails. Put the foam pad under the air mattress. While there might not be any sharp objects to puncture it, rocks & sticks can put pressure on seams and weaken them. The pad will help it last longer.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” ― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 46,098 Likes: 6
Campfire 'Bwana
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 46,098 Likes: 6 |
Well, if that's directed to me, I don't lug two pads up the mountain and sleep on only one. Didn't feel the need to point out that little tidbit.
A wise man is frequently humbled.
|
|
|
|
104 members (6mmCreedmoor, 338reddog, 14idaho, 01Foreman400, afisher, 6 invisible),
1,474
guests, and
824
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
Forums81
Topics1,192,370
Posts18,488,323
Members73,970
|
Most Online11,491 Jul 7th, 2023
|
|
|
|