Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Things that are working for me.

Well I have been trying some things out. These are the highlights of what has been working for me.

For game bags I used pillow protectors, not pillow cases. They are the same size and have a small zipper to close them at the "top". Easier than trying to close off a pillow case with cord or tying. Light, disposable, and cheap.

For a daypack/multi-use pack I have been using an internal by REI called the Talus 35 - about 3000 cu inches. It is well made, handles a day load well, streamlined, and comfortable. It is rated for lighter loads, but it handled my boned out deer and gear in 1 load with no problems. So it can be "overloaded" if need be.

My Petzl tikka plus headlamp is the bomb. Light, bright,and hands free. If you haven't used a headlamp, you are wrong. They almost last forever on a set of batteries and are bright. They make great emergency lights and great "just in case" lights.

For firestarter I have been using pieces of bike innertube. Picked that up from Backpacker mag. Works better than you might think. Light, waterproof, and starts easy. Good combo IMHO.

As always YMMV....... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Could you please tell me more about your firestarter? How does it work?

Thanks.. BP...

I agree....please give us a bit more on the inner tube fire starter.

I haven't heard of that one!

Regards,
Dave

I've carried shreds from Mt. Bike inner tubes for years as an emergency fire starter. They burn like hell once they are lit.
A bike shop would probably give you one from their trash if you're not a cyclist. I cut them into 1/4" thick rings and stuff them into a 35mm film cannister. I will say they don't light as quickly as some other firestarters but once they are burning they keep going. I carry these plus some quicker lighting tinder and the combo is very effective when you need it.

LED Headlamps are great. I also carry a Princeton Tec Attitude flashlight. 3 LEDs and 4 AA batteries, runs for 150 hours and quite light and durable. I hardly use this but I'm a believer in having 2 flashlights or a headlamp/flashlight combo.

One of the best additions to my pack in recent years has been an 7x8 foot tarp that I use to create a covered cooking area. Set this up away from your tent as critters dictate. When it starts raining hard I'm not forced to go into my 1 man tent. I can hang out under the tarp and enjoy the storm, read, eat, whatever.

I cut the innertube in about 1 inch chunks. Meaning 1inch sections across the tube. They are round, will stand by themselves on edge and are big enough to burn for awhile. I pack them in a waterproof container with light anywhere matches. 1 match is always enough to get it started. Then get stuff burning, if you need a longer burn add another piece before it goes out. I have always been able to get a fire going with just one piece. Good kindling/starter wood is always a plus.

StoneCold,

I am sold on the Petzl tikka headlamp too. I have the older 3 led model that uses a self recoiling wire and pad rather than the broad elastic straps. I find even with 3 leds its bright enough to gralloch a deer with or see your feet if you have to walk off a hill in the dark. My model does not sit quite as well as the one with elastic, but its that much smaller I tend to always have it with me when stalking.

Another bit of kit I really would not do with out is a "neck-over"...Its basically a tube of brushed insulative synthetic material you double up and pull over your head...It can be fold into watch cap style hat as well if needed. I find it really makes a big difference in staying warm if my neck is properly protected and this seems to do the job really well...

Regards,

Pete

I'm amongst my kind!

Have used the innertube pieces for years, even lighter is the surgical tubing they give you to exercise your shoulder after surgery, a good chunk of it tied off makes a servicable scope cover, even if it looks kinda hick and you just shave off what you need for fires.

My petzl is old so stays at the cabin still working, use an Aurora most of the time now.

And last but not least I have a polyester neck gaiter in almost every jacket I own! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> They are so light, so warm, so handy, keep my ballcap on in a wind keep my neck and ears warm, they are on my AMEX list..... I don't leave home without em. You guys are on the right track. 1ak

Heres another vote for the Petzal Tikka Plus headlamp! Really handy piece of equipment.

The only other piece of equipment I'm 100% sold on is Sporthills 3sp Mountain pants. I bought a pair for my sheep hunt this year and was so impressed with them I wore them for every hunt I went on this year, which included 11 days on Kodiak Island. Fast drying, wind proof, very light weight and super comfortable to walk and climb in. The only thing I plan on doing different is having 2 pairs for next year!

Finley,

Those pants seem to be compulsory for AK hunting! I can honestly say I have heard nothing but good things about them; its a pity they only come in black as I understand it.

What were the temps were you hunting in and did you wear any longjohns underneath?

Regards,

Pete

dang you Finley,

Just when I think I'm outfitted with everything I need one more guy has to go chiming in about how great those $200 pants are! Spose I'm gonna have to break weak and have a pair, since I now have about 14 different pair of Supplex pants because I just "knew" it will never get better than this <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

There oughta be a law against you guys posting about gear....and if my wife gets elected dictator for areas greater than our house I'm sure there will be <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Pete,

I never wore any long johns with them. My sheep hunt was in Sept. so there was some snow on the ground and the creeks were frozen over but climbing kept me warm in the mornings. The Kodiak hunt was in the 40 to 50's most times. I think in real cold weather I would wear them AS my long johns.

1akhunter,

Their are worth the $. I was lucky and bought mine from Northern Outfitters for $85. At the time I didn't know they were changing styles so that was the reason for the good price. All gone now......... The only problem I had with them was the stitching on one leg came loose. The wife fixed that though, good as new.