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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Apex Predator on September 22, 2009, 05:57:00 AM
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Alright folks, this is what I normally carry on my hunts. My pack loaded like this one weighs 18 pounds. Not shown in this photo is a lightweight, rechargeble, led tracking light, and my head lamp.
I'm normally a long ways from the truck, and butcher my game in the field. I will pack out the meat in this pack.
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Packcontents.jpg)
Starting at the back row, this is what we have:
- pack
-safety harness and climbing lanyard
-two bottles of water. I will normally carry more on my bike.
-rope ratchet for getting game off the ground for butchering. My back won't take doing it on the ground any more unless the critter is over about 125# and I can't hoist it.
-marking tape and emergency whistle
-rattling bag
-campers toilet paper for marking blood trails
-bow hanger, and a couple of small hangers for pack and quiver, and extra knife
-reflective twist ties
-compact thermacell attached to pack, re-fills, and bic lighter for starting
-extra batteries for lights, camera, and gps receiver
-map
-a couple of granola bars
-mini grunt call
-camera and spider leg mini tri-pod
-ink pen, mini mag-light, compass
-two heavy duty trash bags
-mini scent free bug spray
-crock stick sharpener
-skinning knife and parachute cord
-drill and climbing bolts in case
-Gps
Your input is welcome.
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Marty what is a compact thermacell only seen the reg.Couple of points.
Maybe just 1 water,smaller knife sharpner can you do without the gps in areas you are familiar with,maybe use the small hangers for bow and gear and last seems like a lot of batteries.Kip
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Looks too me like you have what you need.
How many days are you staying in the woods? LOL
I goe through this same thing every year elk hunting and end up not taking a thing out of the pack.
Mike
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Put in fresh batteries and forget carrying the extras especially if the gps, camera and flashlight use the same size.
I love good hunting knives as much as anyone but you can save some weight by going to a Havalon which would also allow you to drop the sharpener.
http://www.high-mountain-outfitters.com/Havalon-Knives-Piranta-Z-Pro-Skinning-Knife-XT-60Z.htm
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Looks like a good list, but I'll throw in my $.02...
Forget the tracking light, headlamp should cover nearly everything.
No need for additional insect repellent with a Thermacell. :saywhat:
Good Huntin',
>>--Ron--<>
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Your gear list seems pretty well thought out... I carry too much "stuff" as well, but when I need it all is worth the weight. Good advice about the whistle, I carry a cell phone and have used it calling for "drag out" help... Hope to never need it for any other help.
JDS III
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My cell phone is with me, but doesn't get reliable reception where I hunt.
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this is what i would carry. and what Lost Arra said
- pack
-safety harness and climbing lanyard
-two bottles of water.
-marking tape and emergency whistle
-rattling bag
-campers toilet paper for marking blood trails
-bow hanger, and a couple of small hangers for pack and quiver, and extra knife
-reflective twist ties
-compact thermacell attached to pack, re-fills, and bic lighter for starting
-map
-a couple of granola bars
-mini grunt call
-camera and spider leg mini tri-pod
-ink pen, mini mag-light, compass
-two heavy duty trash bags
-mini scent free bug spray
-crock stick sharpener
-skinning knife and parachute cord
-Gps
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Apex: I assume this is for one-day hunts. I concur with what others have already noted. One less water would reduce the weight quite a bit. If you plan to hunt a tree you've hunted before, can leave the drill home occasionally. Two small single pulleys and parachute cord would take up a lot less space and be a lot lighter than the rope ratchet.
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Something I have is a first aid kit. Nothing fancy just some bandaids ,gauze and such.. Accidents happen no matter how careful you are....Roy
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How far is a "long way"?
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how often do you use the drill and climbing bolts?? that looks like it weighs the most.
gaff
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From looking at your list I assume that you are carrying a treestand also. If not, you could dump the harness, climbing lanyard, drill and steps. If you are going into a previous hung stand, you could wear the harness going in instead of carrying it in your pack and presume the steps would already be in place so the drill could be left behind.
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getting into trees complicates everything and adds the most weight when going in a long way. when I elk hunt my pack weighs considerably less, even though I have more "stuff" because I don't plan on hunting from trees. I do like hunting from trees, but it is a definate trade-off. From your set-up, unless you ditch some of the tree climbing paraphanalia, I think you are good-to-go. I might only use an aluminum water canister, the ultralight kind, with a refill of naturally found water and iodine tabs. That would potentially add a touch more volume than one plastic bottle, but then you can refill as many times as you may need.
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I often hunt the same areas and for long travels I stash items in a small container at my destination, hidden so no one can find it. Mostly the cheaper stuff I'll leave back in the bush.
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The last hunt was 2.5 miles from the truck.
When the heat index is 100 deg or better, water is not a luxury item. It's hard for me to imagine drinking this stagnant swamp water, even filtered. Anyone try these new systems with this stagnant water? That would be a way to save lots of weight.
Tree climbing does cost plenty, but I have trouble enough getting them in bow range from a tree.
What's the breaking strength of genuine parashoot cord?
I really appreciate all the input.
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I would...
toss one water
get rid ofreflective ties and orange marking tape (toilet paper will do the same job)
knife belongs on the belt
get a smaller sharpener
carry the call around my neck under the shirt especially since its so small
choose between the compass and gps depending on how well I know the land
toss the climbing lanyard and just use the parachute cord if your just using it to pull up your bow?
no need for extra batteries unless hunting for days
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I would add crazy glue (for instant repairs and body repairs), q tips and twizzers and a second cheap flashlight, depending on how late you get off the woods
F-Manny
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I would not toss the water. I have gone on a short hike before with just one bottle. It was 95 degrees and I was sweating a lot. By the time I got back I would have paid 100 bucks for one water bottle. That was the thirstiest(probably not a word)I have ever been. Now I don't take chances. Gary
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some redundancy,
3 lights?
2 or 3 knives and a sharpening stick?
3 kinds of marking devices?
and a drill???
learn to grunt on your voice.... while sucking in, say the word ehcccck (works well!) (sounds almost like ick, but with Eh (not candian version LOL) in place of the i.
Drill...lots of weight!
Use your rope to hang your pack and extras (minus the bow) in the tree, that'll save some weight. wrap around tree, tie off, and hang from here, u can use the rope itself to tie off easily enough without cutting it, that'll serve a double purpose, though maybe not as convienient till you get it tweaked how you like it.
carry one light, one knife and a sharpener, and one light.
Dunno about that drill and climbing sticks, nice idea...dunno how or even WHAT you're hunting...so I cant say leave or keep...but if it were me I'd leave.
I for some reason always thought of GA as a swamp. You might find a filter, of carry something like aquamira to purify water. Or carry one bottle and then carry the filter straw incase of an emergency. You NEED water but I cant imagine you are too far from it. The filter water bottles atleast the one I have, isnt the greatest...gotta suck AND squeeze extremely hard to get anything out of it, I've heard there is better though. Water is heavy, so if you can omit it and get it in the field you'll save a bunch of pack weight! (along with ditching the drill and pegs LOL). There are options here.
You may shave a few ounces with the new rattling deal they've got out...not sticks in a bag but two plastic discs with bumps.
Foolish I know but ounces equal pounds and pounds equal a heavy pack! We've gone as far as to rip tags, cut tooth brush's, amongst other things, to lower weight.
You're pack itself depending on what kind, can be over kill in the weight department.
forgot to add, I cant see pics on my work computer, so I can only go off of what has been typed.
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Apex,
love this post! question for you: where did you get the leather holder for your tree steps/drill combo! use that alot and dont like the case i have now.
Doeboy
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Marty, your pack looks about like mine. Like you, I carry more than one flashlight. I've busted flashlights, blown bulbs, and just plain had them tear up. You don't want to be miles from the truck, can't see your hand in front of your face, and have to walk out in the dark. One knife, no sharpener. The deer I field quartered last night was done with a dull, dull knife. I had messed around and forgotten to sharpen it after cleaning the last one. It's aggravating, but you can do it if necessary. Sharpen it at home and you're good to go. I don't carry any calls, but have in the past. Try wearing you stand OVER you backpack. It'll provide some cushion.
After the season has been in for a few weeks, you'll start to get used to packing the load and it won't feel like such a burden. It's the same way for me at the first of every bowseason.
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Weight - whether it is around your neck, on your feet, or on you belt - is weight and will wear you down over time.
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I just got my new Loc-on Limit, which is 4# lighter than my Loggy Bayou Predator. The platform is smaller though. I think it will carry fine on top of my pack. I'm gonna test it tonight after work. I'll stick with an extra light, but I am toting too many batteries. I just ordered that 1.5 oz replaceble blade knife, so the sharpener goes, as does the extra knife. I'm making progress! Thanks for all the tips.
I made that case for my drill and steps Doeboy. It's the cats meow. Do a search for my handle and you will find a pretty detailed thread about it.
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replaceable blade knife even better! Can't wait to see this picture when I get home to get a better idear of what's there and what isnt.
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actually a good selection. If you really need to trim, a "broadhead knife" eliminates your cutlery and spare if you are using screw-in heads....
ditch the bow arm. its not a necessity. you have hands and a lap.
there is an arrow clip that holds a camera.
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i thought the parachord is the breaking strength of the number it is labeled...for example 700 is 700 lbs...just guessing. you have to be careful! not all parachord is "the real deal". there are camp chords labeled parachord and do not have the same characteristics or strength.
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Marty, most of the parachute chord I see is 550.
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I would figure out a way to use my lanyard system as a game hoist and ditch the ratchet strap. i would also ditch the sharpener. Then I would add another water and be right back to the same weight. Stay hydrated.
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I hunt in the Adirondacks most of the time. I have a fight with my pack every year, trying to trim the weight. If there is anything in your pack that you "NEVER" used...get rid of it. As far as the water I might go to a Hydration system insted of the bottles. Other than that Looks like we both carry to much stuff, but if it works stick with it.
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I'm modifiying my stand to take a waist belt. I'll keep you folks posted on my progress. Should have it worked out tonight.
I think I've shed around 5# total, so far.
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I always feel that food and water are priorities. I carry well over 100oz each time I hunt the whole day, just about 90oz for a half day. I hike a lot so it is necessary. Protien bars, nuts, fruit(dried ok), maybe a candy bar for fun.
My Wyoming saw is my heaviest piece of gear but I can fall a pretty big tree if needed and make really quick work of an elk with it. I have multiple knives so I understand the redundancy, sharpners diamond stick and carbide style weigh nothing. Rope (25') because cord is too difficult on the fingers, especially when cold.
I actually have an extra coat in my pack in addition to the one I start the day in, have made a shelter with it, sat on it, worn it for rain gear, great pillow...Toilet paper, baby wipes(absolutley essential for many reasons). Head lamp(LED) with extra batteries ( really tiny, not C,D-cell), compass, altimeter, electrical tape, orange tape, montana decoy and legs, current book (optional)...
That is just the stuff that is alwys with me, I carry my binoculars, assorted calls, bino pen, whisper dust,and a few more things on my person. I say, consider yourself good on light weight and don't remove much more but maybe upgrade a few things that could drop oz to lbs. I won't even weigh my pack due to fear.
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Just an after thought. I switched to a new pack this year from my older fanny pack. The new badlands pack, although not a light weight was not appreciably heavier than the fanny pack it replaced. Some weight could be saved and greater comfort achieved with a change in packs.
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Thanks for all the good suggestions!
My new loc-on stand came in and it's four pounds lighter than my other one. I have rigged it with a waist belt. I took the parts from an old ALICE pack frame. I will also utilize the shoulder straps from the pack. I mounted the waist belt frame so that the stand rides closer to my back than the original frame did. It rides much better this way. The modifications added about a pound to my lightweight 8# stand. My pack clips to the back of the stand with two carabiners.
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Stand-pack-1.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Stand-pack-2.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Stand-pack-3.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Stand-pack-4.jpg)
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I just ordered a pair of micro-pulleys and three carbiners. I just increased my mechanical advantage and cut my weight by half on my hoisting set-up. I'll post when I get the pieces, and get it rigged for a test.
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18lbs is heavy for day hunts, in my opinion.
break any hunt into stages, FYI what I do for my hunts and how I arrange my crap in the garage is..
-kill kit (tags, game bags, Gerber Gator and DMT sharpener, drag rope, etc...)
-Survival (water, first aid, water treatment for long hunts from the truck, map, GPS, etc...)
I always take water treatment pills, even on day hunts. I have had stomach issues in the field from sipping questionable water, not as bad as some folks have experienced but a bottle of PotableAqua is light and cheap Insurance
-Hunting (bino's, extra bow acc, wind checker, treestand stuff, etc...)
-camping/hiking (bivy, bag, pad, tarp, etc...)
Also a log of what is used and what is not is great. I can't tell you how much stuff I have dropped from my pack for all types of hunts because I logged what I needed, and then you see patterns of stuff you don't need as well.
Though the best weight to trim fits under the pack. I know guys that buy the latest backpacking stove or gear to cut ounces but could lose ten pounds in a few minutes a day for a month or two.
Good luck and stay safe.
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I was also going to recommend West Marine for some two or three sheeve blocks. that and 550 cord can lift a horse and weighs less than a horse ear, though if you ar epacking out the critter use the gutless method and the pulley is just for the treestand.
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guess I dont see why guys are adding water though when you can have a light weight filtration/purifications system and have all the water you want without carrying it all...all over hill and dale? is finding water an issue?
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My $.02
-safety harness and climbing lanyard
Hunt from the ground and leave that behind.
-two bottles of water. I will normally carry more on my bike.
How long are you out? Can you do with one bottle or some sort of water purification stuff?
-marking tape and emergency whistle
-campers toilet paper for marking blood trails
Which one - marking tape or TP? I'd leave the tape home and take the TP.
-bow hanger, and a couple of small hangers for pack and quiver, and extra knife
All extra weight - leave it all behind.
-reflective twist ties
More marking stuff? I'd leave these too.
-compact thermacell attached to pack, re-fills, and bic lighter for starting
You have bug spray further down the list. Leave the thermacell.
-extra batteries for lights, camera, and gps receiver
Leave the camera and GPS batteries home - nonessential (I see a compass on your list).
-mini scent free bug spray
Use this at home and leave the can there.
-drill and climbing bolts in case
Hunt from the ground and leave this.
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If you can find a copy of The Complete Walker by Colin Fletcher - it's worth reading (at home). He is nuts for weight reduction and though he doesn't seem to be a hunter, he has great info for folks trying to pack light.
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If it's a day hunt, I prehydrate the night before
(that's key)and then drink a bottle before I leave my vehicle. That way I only carry one bottle in.If it's a long hike in, I stash a water bottle along the trail and drink it on the way out(that practically saved my life on a long Florida deer drag once)
I wear my safety belt going in if hunting from a stand.
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Originally posted by Apex Predator:
-compact thermacell attached to pack, re-fills, and bic lighter for starting
[email protected]
Yeah....I'd like to hear about this as well....and does it take a lighter to start it?
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Here you go guys! You do need a fire source for starting.
http://www.mosquitorepellent.com/compact-appliance.asp
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/CompactThermacell.jpg)
Terry, I want to change my avatar and add my website link to the sponsor link. Your PMs don't seem to be working. Who should I PM this stuff to?
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I think its funny they have re-labeled these as a special compact unit. These are the first models except for whatever that is on the side (some kind of switch?). I got a couple of these years ago for $5.00 each in a seasonal discount bin at a local national chain drug store because it was fall, and the fancy ones with an ignitor had been developed.
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Mine doesn't have a switch Bob. Maybe they have put an igniter on there since I bought mine.
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Marty....I already did that for ya....and Rob is working on getting your site link on the Drop Down lists as well. I posted that on your 'web site' thread.
Email me your new avatar you want...
[email protected]
I also sent you a couple of emails earlier today.
T
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Alright folks, getting down to the final version. For now anyway! :) The drill and bolts were killing me. Maybe I'll get used to them with more practice? I decided to go back to my four Lone Wolf mini sticks for now. I can get 16' with no problem. Net weight gain (ouch) of 4.5 pounds. They do allow for the whole system to stand solidly upright, which makes it easy to stand up on the tailgate for donning. It's really easy to don it though. The waist belt and shoulder straps makes it carry much better than before. My new stand is the bomb. The platform is a little small, but not hard to get used to. I dumped the belt knife and sharpener for this replaceable blade model. It weighs considerably less. I also dumped the rope ratchet and bought three carabiners and two micro pulleys. Now I have a mechanical advantage! The weight is a wash though.
The total weight is now 32#, which is up by 2#!! :) It carries much better though. I hunted with it yesterday. I hiked for two hours in the a.m. before I found a spot worth climbing. Pulled the stand and packed it out. Hunted again in the p.m. in a different spot. Same deal, hiked for one hour before climbing. No back strain, and no sore shoulders this morning.
I know, I gained weight, but feel I have a better system. Here are some photos.
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Stand-pack-5.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Stand-pack-6.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Stand-pack-7.jpg)
My bow has a one arrow quiver, in case I need a shot on the way in. The quiver is a bow type, that I have bolted to the pack with finger adjust knob/nuts. I have a piece of angle aluminum inside the pack pocket to re-enforce the pocket corner. It's really solid. I can draw an arrow while wearing this pack, but it's some work.
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Stand-pack-8.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Stand-pack-9.jpg)
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Great looking set-up and it obviously works. I cannot believe we carry near the same weight and I don't have a tree stand!