Packing list for a High Country

[Mr.Redneck]

I am heading out to CO to hunt Elk and possibly Mulies, and have never been there to hunt, and am looking for advice on what to pack. The group I am going with will be doing a 7-10 day drop-camp Archery hunt. Beyond a pack, sleeping mat, tent, sleeping bag, clothes, food, flashlights and lanterns, meat processing kit, game bags, first aid kit, and GPS, are there any other things I should plan on taking????

 

[lxtrail]

water purification pumpor tablets, MRE type foods, try to go as light weight as possiable. good pair of binos, invest in a very good sleeping bag you wont regret it. and a bunch of good camp fire stories

 

[mdhntr]

I would consider a small backpack stove to carry with you during the day. I am not an expert on these items but had an older Svea 123, (check out ebay)they are compact and lightweight. It would be great to sit down and heat a cup of soup or tea while you are out for the day. And, it would be an excellent tool to have in a survival situation.

 

[COHunter]

Underwear. Never go Elk hunting without underwear. Very Important !!!!!

Silk, mesh

G-string seems to work best

 

[Atwater]

Toss in a couple of emergency blankets. They're light, cheap, fit in your pocket, and might save your life. Compass too. And lip balm. Mountain sun and air split lips.

 

[Mr.Redneck]

Thanks guys, I got the small stove, Lip balm is a definite good Idea, I'd never thought of, Emergency blankets are also on the list, as are maps and compasses. We're taking daypacks, and larger frame packs, Water purification tablets on the list, I also have a filter bottle, supposed to filter out all the stuff that would leave you SHI**ing more than hunting. I am just hoping I don't forget anything now!!! And looking for suggestions I hadn't thought of.

 

[BDB]

If you are doing a drop camp, I assume you are being run in by horse back or something so you should be able to take some extra supplies that you couldn't take on a backpacking trip.

- A comfortable sleeping system. A good night sleep is important on long back country trips.
- Lots of sythetic clothes. They dry fast and are warm. NO COTTON !!!
- A little "nut butter" helps if you plan on LOTS of hiking and sweating.
- A good headlamp. I like the ones with the LED for long periods of use but also a VERY bright second light if you need to track something at night after shooting it.
- Extra batteries. Much better if you GPS, headlamp and other items use the same size
- Parachute cord is very handy.
- 2 compasses, never rely on GPS alone. batteries die, you could also break or lose it.
- Good maps
- A good emergency kit to fit in your pack. Mine has an extra knife, compass, cord, first aid, emergency blanket, water tablets, fire starter, sharpening stone. More stuff that I can't remember. Anyway it fits in a small mesh bag and weights <1.5 pounds. I just transfer it to whatever pack I am using for the day
- camp chair. Not a necessity, but sure s comfortable. I use the one that my therma rest stuffs into. It's nice to sit in comfort around a fire after a LONG day int he field.
- pillow cases make great meat bags.

I'm sure I missed lots of little things but this was just off the top of my head.

 

[Mr.Redneck]

BDB,
We're hiking in, so it will be limited to what we can put on our backs. I have a good US Army Sleeping bag, so that should work ok, and an airmat, 550 cord, at least 200 feet, got LED lights, GPS, Compass, maps, etc.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

- pillow cases make great meat bags. [/b]

And game bags @ 25cents, should make good pillow cases. I got half a dozen at Wally World when they had their end of season sale. Chair is a good Idea, I have one that is real lightweight, Alum too. Thanks for mentioning that!!!

 

[BDB]

Doug, I don't know if this will help, but this is my pack list for a hunt. I don't always take everything, but I write down how many of each I will need and then print it and when I pack everything up, I check it off the list. I have this in Excel if you want it, send me an e-mail. Jesse also has a great list in PDF format here:

http://www.jesseshunting.com/pdf/hunting-gear-list.pdf

My list:

 

[East Sloper]

Wool socks and moleskin!

 

[shaginator]

Just got one of these:

http://www.princetontec.com/outdoor_yukonhl.html

Great battery life. Bulbs last a really really really long time since it's LED.

Lately, I've left out my stove. I save some weight on the pot/pan, fuel, and stove... though I can imagine going crazy w/o it on a 7-10 day trip. In place of it I'll pack more trail mix, jerky and energy bars.

Ever think of a bivy tent? Those can be much lighter.

Ground tarp for under the tent... or just the tarp by itself and no tent if you're so inclined. Parachute cord and good tent pegs can set you up right, although it sucks when it rains (believe me )

Don't forget to pack a few pairs of surgical gloves when you're cleaning your kill. I like the nitrile material better than latex since it doesn't leave a rubbery smell on your hands (and the meat).

In addition to those waterproof matches, bring a candle! 000 wool helps when it's tough to find good kindling.

 

[BDB]

Some folks like the bivy sacks but I just can't use them. I need a small lightweight tent. I'm just not keen on sleeping without a tent. I always get chewed up by skeeters and don't get a good nights sleep. I also like a small tent in the event of rain. I can put all my gear in it while hunting (if a base camp is setup) and can bring gear inside when I sleep to keep it dry.

 

[Oregon Archer]

check out Cam Hanes website. he has some great info on there about back country bowhunting and what essential equipment you should be taking with you. his website address is www.crhpublishing.com

oh now to add to your list lol:

duct tape( you can use this on blister or what ever else. wrap some around a pencil and break off the extra piece of pencil)
aspirin ( high altitude can give you a real headache. a little relief will go a long way)
a good base clothing layer ie under armour( this can actually save your life so dont over look it)
tarp( a small 5x7 tarp in your day pack can be used as a make shift shelter and its light weight too)
water bladder( makes water consumption much easier. very important to stay hydrated in high altitude to avoid getting sick)
fire starters
lighter and waterproof matches( if one doesnt work you have the other)

these are just a few things i can add. there are much more you should consider because thats no place to be caught without the proper gear. so check, double check and triple check all of your gear. good luck and safe hunting.

 

[Mr.Redneck]

Man you guys just keep hitting more things that I would probably forget, MOLESKIN!!! Moleskin is my feet's friend!!!! Esp. after long days in boots, hiking on uneven terrain, like a mountain!!!!

 

[BDB]

Duct tape is great to have. I have it wrapped around my nalgene water bottle. Probably about 6ft worth if I ever need it.

 

[FTTPOW]

Don't forget a good pack frame. With all the weight you're carrying in, don't forget what you may be carrying out. I use a Bull-Pac. They will carry as much weight as you can and won't fall apart. Their website is: bullpacs.com. I have the Big Bull model and wish I'd gotten the Regular. It's a little narrower and goes through the brush better. I'm guessing this may open a discussion on the best frames to use, but this is my suggestion. I found a take-down frame that I ordered for my friend in Montana, but he hasn't put it to the test, yet. I think Rhino was the brand, but with the size of the load you'll be packing in, this may not be what you need. At any rate, you'll need the best you can get for comfort and durability.

 

[Taz]

Go to your local military surplus store and get some trioxane tablets. They are used for heating MRE's. They have saved my butt more than once. Get a flame anywhere near them and they will burn for about two minutes. Long enough to build a nice warm fire. You are going to love the west!!!!

 

[tdbob]

Don't forget Imodium, cause ya never know. Also, Doan's Pills or equivalent. The Mag Salicylate works greqt for muscle cramps or soreness--it's not just for backs.

 

[karstic]

Check out the essays on

www.kifaru.net

Patrick Smith has some really good articles on high country/backcountry hunting.

Start working out!!!

 

[YORT40]

I don't know the elev. in Ohio, but think about something for headaches in the high country. If your not used to hiking above 8,000', it can be a real pain at times.