Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Elk Hunting Too early to Pack?

Not wanting to be unprepared I've already started packing. Actually just getting excited! Had everything in the pack, and here it is all spread out. Initial plan is for 6 days worth. It will be for CO 1st rifle and at 10kft+. Not 100% yet, but getting close.

Pics:




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Carry on:
Pack (Eberlestock J104)
GPS
Camera
Headlamp (2x)
Rangefinder
Binos (not shown)
Compass (not shown, but tied to pack)
Cell
Goal Zero charger
Topo maps
Book

Rifle Case:
Rifle (not shown)
Ammo (not shown)
Hex wrenches (Stay at truck)
Cleaning rod (Stay at truck)

Large roller duffel bag:
Sleeping Bag
Compression bag
Hat
Orange vest
Gloves
Warm jacket
Long underwear
Shirt (Cabelas)
Pants (Cabelas 6-pocket)
Socks
Rain jacket
Rain pants
Tent (Seek Outside BCS)
Pack rain cover
Spike camp duffel Bag for backpack
Camelback & bladder
Steripen & pills
Emergency blanket
Wipes (biodegradable)
Micro fiber towel (small)
Orange Surveyors tape (it's in the bag)
Ti Stove
Medical kit
Para cord (added to list)
Trash bags
Game bags
Ti pot & cook stove (MSR Pocket Rocket)
Duct tape
Knife (Cabela's Alaskan)
Filet knife (added)
Calls
Toe & hand warmers?? (depends on forecast)
MREs
Sleeping pad
Tent lamp (not shown)
U-wear (not shown)
Lighter (not shown)
Chapstick (not shown)
Ibuprofen (not shown)
TUMS (added)
TP (not shown)
Chargers (phone, GPS, Camera)
Extra Batteries (Headlamp, Flashlight)
Coffee mug Lightweight (not shown)

In Colo:
Matches
Stove fuel

You are really roughing it. No toilet paper?

Good point... added above & list edited

TUMS can help fight altitude sickness and if those are MRE's you'll be glad you had them!

Did I read the list to fast and skipped over where it said para-cord ?

I also like to toss a small length of bailing wire, needle-thread and a length of Polar Fleece.

Check the med kit for a package of sutures and fresh anti-septics .

Looks like your set!

I am getting excited early this year also!

I guess I don't have the para cord on the list. It is in the picture and packed though!

valid point on the altitude sickness. I've never had a problem, grew up at 9k, but that was awhile ago...

Also considering a different sleeping pad. Average lows for the area that time of year are 25 deg. Thinking about getting an Exped DownMat 7 - Medium. Definite weight penalty, but save a bit of space and likely much more comfortable and insulating. Hard to put a value on getting a good night's sleep.

I'll state the obvious.

Don't forget food and water.

Neo air pad and wet wipes(unscented)

Orange flagging tape


A good compact vest like Sitka, or Patagonia


Otherwise looks good

Lots of water where I'm camping and there are ~5000 calories a day in MREs there. I'll add in some Power Bars. I may gain weight... I still need to break the MREs down and toss the package with the spoon & misc stuff, toss the drink mix and combine the two larger boxes into one. I will take the smaller Propel packs and Starbucks Via coffee packs. Very light and small! Reminds me, I need to get my light coffee mug out and include it!!

I'd absolutely upgrade that sleeping pad. I can't sleep on those any longer and went to a big agnes insulated model. Heard the Expeds are great also. I just sleep a ton better with 2" of air under me. Looks like a good list. I bring a skinning knife and a super sharp fillet knife for boning as well.

Ordered an Exped and I did plan to bring a filet knife. Added it to the list so I don't forget!

This is just me and my buns talking but I'd take baby butt wipes over tp any old day.

Dober

MRE's are great, but not if I have to carry them in a backpack. I have switched to Mountain House freeze dried. Less than half the weight and bulk, but you may be tougher than me.
I would also ditch the tent lamp, that's what headlamps are for. I don't carry anything that is not necessary or that duplicates the use of something I already have. Cabelas clothing is generally bulkier and heavier that I want to carry, or wear. I have switched to technical mountaineering clothing, boots, tents, etc. I also carry paper towels for TP. One per day, or one per dump. They can serve multiple uses, they can even be used as paper towels!
Google ultralight backpacking and you will find many useful ideas.

Perhaps I missed it but I'd take a lightweight, but strong garden type spade for digging cat holes.

L.W.

Too early? You mean you unpack?

prm,

overall weight of said pack packed and ready to go would be great to know.

+ 1 on the MH.
- 1 on the spade.

cobrad, I have considered the Mtn House, and still may swap out half of the meals. They clearly are lighter and somewhat less bulky. I can reduce the bulk of an MRE by about about 1/3 by tossing out what I don't need. Advantage to the MRE (w/heater packs) is no requirement for boiling water. Not a big deal to boil some water in the evening though.


It was 34lb the other day (basically everything pictured minus the Ti stove (2lb) and 10x MREs (1lb ea)). Probably a few other odds and ends too. Once I get it sorted out I'll repack and weigh. Guessing just under 50lbs right now not including water or rifle.

Don't forget that coffee will dehydrate you. You'll need to drink even more water to stay hydrated at altitude.

Yep, yep! +1

Throw away the MRE's If you are going to the extent you are. Buy Mountain house. Simply a no brainer there.

Another thing I do on hard hunts.

I put in a mild mixture of orange flavored tang in my H20 bladders. maybe 1/2 or 3/4 the recommended amount (not too sweet but kinda watered down) then I add 1-2, 5 hour energy's. Make sure they are the ones with the 2000% Vitamin B.

I find that I drink more (to stay hydrated) and I also have the energy boost (little by little) all day long. Without the dehydrating effects of caffeine.