I'm headed out to Co unit 25 next week for 6 days.
Not trying to be all ultralighty & not planning to hike in too far (4-5 miles tops)
I've packed, unpacked & repacked & I've narrowed my gear down to the following items. I haven't weighed a thing, for the simple reason that whatever it weighs, it weighs & I can only cut items, not substitute.
Bow & 4 arrows (+ 2 blunts for grouse)
Clothes:
Kuiu Attack pants (on)
Kuiu 145 Merino l/s top (on)
Kuiu 230 Merino l/s top
Kuiu spindrift puffy
Kuiu Guide jacket
No-name poly s/s tee
2 spare Exofficio drawers
2 spare Merino socks.
Kuiu lightweight beanie
First lite brimmed beanie
Camp stuff:
Golite SL5, no nest
Kelty 20° down bag
Kelty down pillow
Thermarest X-lite pad
Stove & cookset
2x gas cylinders
2x contractor bags
Mora knife
Micro towel
20' paracord
Wet wipes
Goal Zero solar charger (the little one)
Food:
12 packs instant oatmeal
6 portions trail mix, Snickers, dried fruit & deer jerky (roughly 1/3lb total per day)
6 home dehydrated meals (roughly ¼lb per day & around 1200 kcal)
12 coffee
12 tea bags
12 energy powder drink mixes
3l bladder
Katadyn hiker pro filter
spoon
Food coozy
Condiments
(Planned for 2500-3000kcal/day)
Daypack:
TZ2220 pack
3l bladder + 32oz nalgene for drink mixes
Havalon Piranta bolt + 6 blades
Gerber packsaw (one of those tiny things)
8x42 Leupold binos + SL4 harness
Spotter & tripod
Phone + GPS (Garmin backtrack)
Frogg Toggs poncho
Compass
Meat bags
Trekking pole (bringing 2, leaving one in camp)
TP
Lighter
Princeton Tek headlight + tiny energizer spare.
Can anyone see things there that I absolutely won't need, our is there anything that I absolutely will, but have forgotten?
Best I can tell on my bathroom scale, I'm at around 50lb total (give or take 10%ish)
Forgot my first aid kit (Ibuprofen, bandaids, moleskin, betadine, ace bandage, tape) & duct tape around both trekking poles + the nalgene, plus 4 or 5 bic lighters, stashed throughout my kit.
Going over the same stuff myself. Seems like a solid list. If your gonna be by running water I would ditch the wet wipes. I would like to have some more cordage because camp always seems to need more. Maybe a small saw or hatchet for fires if you plan on having any. I would take a few more arrows as well, especially blunt which you'll probably use a lot. I carried a bunch for buddies in the wilderness probably 30 miles and they faired just fine bundled up and on the side of my pack.
My med kit has a few pain killers and such like yours, but big guaze pads and ace bandages will do more for an injury than band-aids. I've gotten rid of those and filled the space with something more useful.
Phone and charger would stay for me, but I don't know what you have planned there. Are you solo?
Good luck.
Three pairs of socks for six days? Better have a lot of foot powder on hand.
QuoteOriginally posted by Machino:
Going over the same stuff myself. Seems like a solid list. If your gonna be by running water I would ditch the wet wipes. I would like to have some more cordage because camp always seems to need more. Maybe a small saw or hatchet for fires if you plan on having any. I would take a few more arrows as well, especially blunt which you'll probably use a lot. I carried a bunch for buddies in the wilderness probably 30 miles and they faired just fine bundled up and on the side of my pack.
My med kit has a few pain killers and such like yours, but big guaze pads and ace bandages will do more for an injury than band-aids. I've gotten rid of those and filled the space with something more useful.
Phone and charger would stay for me, but I don't know what you have planned there. Are you solo?
Good luck.
Thanks. There'll be 3 of us in camp, this time. The phone is my primary GPS (Backcountry navigator pro app) along with a source of reading material for the long hours behind the spotter!
QuoteOriginally posted by sonosheepeater:
Three pairs of socks for six days? Better have a lot of foot powder on hand.
Wear one, wash one, one drying ;)
I can go a year on 3 pairs of good quality socks & britches, as long as I have soap :)
If you aren't in good sunlit area wool sox, pants, don't dry well. If you wear a wicking sock over the wool you shouldn't have to wash the sox after every use. Just hang them to air out.
Imodium pills incase you get diarrhea which can dehydrate you terribly. You may not need them but if you do you will be glad you've got them.
The wet wipes are great for not only cleaning your hands but also as toilet paper/cleanser. It was worth it to bring for me. Wal-Mart sells a non-scented version of baby wipes.
Bring a back up bow just in case, one that shoots the same arrows if possible.
A couple of Tampons incase of a puncture wound.
All of these things are what was told me before my first trip to Colorado.
Most of all have a safe trip and have fun. If you have never been out west, the night sky will blow your mind!!!
Pretty good looking list. I'm leaving in a few days myself. My list is pretty close to yours.
I take a small tarp for bad weather over my tent and doubles for putting meat on. It's been a little cooler then normal where I'm heading in 521 and plenty of rain so the meadows or full of grass
And sitka clothes :smileystooges:
Sounds like a good list I would think about not taking day pack and use you main pack instead will save you some good lbs. I also would not take the Nalgene they are heavy I would use regular 16oz water bottles they are unbelievably light free and work great all I use. I do not take trail mix too heavy for the food you get out of it I take two Mt house meals per day more food less weight you can just do a 1.5 person propack for lunch. I do not how much fuel your stove uses but you may not need another fuel can or maybe just a smaller 3.5oz one to save weight. Widow
The daypack is unavoidable, I'm afraid. My main pack is a simple frame, with no bag, as such.
I decided on trail mix & a cold lunch instead of taking along the stove every day.
I might have to take your advice on the nalgene though.
I took two or three pair of wool socks as well, but also took a couple pair of poly sock liners.
I can do without a pillow.
My son thought the tripod unnecessary, but it was useful for photo's of us together.
I am taking gaiters to keep my pant legs dry.
Leaving my heavier binos at home and taking Zeiss 8X20 instead.
Oatmeal or granola in AM, Jerky and trail mix throughout the day, and Mtn House meal at night was sufficient for me. Plus plenty of water, drink mixes and a Nalgene bottle worked well for us last year.
Could you lose the pillow and substitute your sleeping bag stuff sack with a garment(s) stuffed inside?
QuoteOriginally posted by robtattoo:
... along with a source of reading material for the long hours behind the spotter!
Whatever it's worth, I carry one of those old Kindle 2 readers with the black and white screen. One battery charge lasts me over a month and I can't accidentally set an alarm on it or have it alert me to a next text message while a deer is under my stand. They are going for 10-20 bucks used these days and I much prefer reading on it to my ipad or phone. For whatever it's worth.
Thom
If you choose to go plastic bottles I would go for 20 oz instead of 16 and I would not bring the spotting scope/tripod unless you are hunting really open country, you can see a lot with 8x42's. I would bring a few more arrows, especially if grouse hunting will be good. I would definitely keep the wet wipes, I use them to clean up good so I don't get chaffed, that is a hunt killer.
Good luck on your hunt and be safe ...
:campfire:
Thats my army infantry coming out, I bring two pairs of socks per day, just in case. My feet are the most important thing I have in the field. Have you considered the vacuum seal bags from walmart? I can put 80 pounds in one ruck sack with those bags.
Rob, I think another pair of socks might be a good idea. i also vote for the nalgene bottle, they are tough and most of the water purifiers are set up for that bottle mouth. one of the camps i pursue elk from is a dry camp. i am always having bring my water for dinner and breakfast back up the hill. they are also easier to put berries into if you want to dress up that morning oatmeal. good luck!
QuoteOriginally posted by elkken:
If you choose to go plastic bottles I would go for 20 oz instead of 16 and I would not bring the spotting scope/tripod unless you are hunting really open country, you can see a lot with 8x42's. I would bring a few more arrows, especially if grouse hunting will be good. I would definitely keep the wet wipes, I use them to clean up good so I don't get chaffed, that is a hunt killer.
Good luck on your hunt and be safe ...
:campfire:
The more I think about it, the more I'm thinking I'll grab a pull-up top, 1l Platypus soft bottle, next time I'm in town. Ditch the nalgene altogether.
I'm not 100% sure what the terrain will be like where we're going to be. I figured I'd take the spotter (it's only a little 12-24x50 Burris) & the tripod (one of those U/L 41" $12 jobs) out on the first day. If I stay in the timber, I can always leave it back in camp the rest of the week. I'd hate to find myself overlooking a 2 mile meadow without it!
Silly question: Do any of you Western boys bother with a sidearm? I'm 50/50 on whether to pack along an ultra compact .45 I can't decide whether the extra weight is worth it.
I would add more para cord. At least 100 feet. Be sure to have some cord in your daypack. Might add a couple tent stakes to the day pack. Use them and the para cord to hold the legs of your elk up if it goes down where there are no trees or bushes to tie onto. Not needing to use an arm to hold the legs out of the way will free up both hands.
The 20deg bag is most likely going to work out well, but there is that small chance that you will endure much colder temps.
The probability of you needing the .45 is incredibly slim. Right along with probability of being hit by lightning. It is just extra weight. If you dont mind the weight then pack an accurate .22 pistol for the grouse.
Rob good luck! The list looks good. I am not a western guy but I'd go with bear mace as it is lighter. Even a light gun can be a pain in the arse humping those hills.
I hardly bother with a spotter on my elk hunts. For alpine mulies I can see where it'd be a good piece of kit. I'd rather carry an extra day of food. Just my opinion though!
Rob you are pretty well south of the Southern end of Griz range. Maybe Bear spray if your worried about critters. Hanging those drying socks off of some extra para-cord otta keep your camp safe. :laughing:
Rob I am not a backpacker by any stretch of the imagination but I do have a 20 degree sleeping bag. Mine will not keep me warm at high altitude without wearing quite a bit of clothes while in it. The only other thing I would take is more arrows. They are easily damaged or lost out here.
I gave up toting a spotter and tripod for elk hunting long ago. Even at 2 miles I can tell that an elk is an elk with binos, and since I'm generally not a trophy hunter that's all I need to know.
Another vote for for lots more paracord. At least 100 feet.
I'd really recommend a regular GPS. My phone sucks batteries something fierce when roaming western states with poor service. If you want to borrow mine give me a call and I'll ship it down quick.
Bill is right on the bag. If it gets below freezing at night you will be cold. But sleeping with full clothes on can overcome some of that. Especially your beanie.
Thanks for the GPS offer Joe. I've tried the app on my phone & with the GPS on & in 'airplane' mode, I can get 3 continuous days use. The solar charger will top it up every night while I sleep (it charges a battery during the day, which I can then use to charge the phone at night)
More paracord is a running theme & I can easily fit more, so I will.
The 20° bag will have to do. I needed to buy another before this trip, but a bag that will serve me year round. I tend to sleep warm anyway & thee Kelty was in my price range. I don't mind throwing on a couple of layers if it gets chilly, although the forecast is calling for nights in the 50s.
The spotter & tripod combined only weigh a couple of pounds & it's was a compromise item. I couldn't afford really good binos & managed to snag the spotter cheap. The combined cost still wouldn't have got me better binos than I have.
Being that this is my first backpack hunt (although, I'm sure, not my last) I'm using it as a bit of a testbed as to what I will & won't use, what I need to improve upon, & where I need to spend my kit fund next year.
Whip put your phone in airplane mode it will turn off all your Battery draining stuff and turn your WIFI off if airplane mode does not. I would still take a real gps have not had much luck with the phone ones. I have those platypus bottles they are ok but do not stand up on there own the best but will work and are light you could carry five of them and still not weigh as much as the Nalgene bottles. Widow
Rob I don't know what altitude you are going to hunt but my camp is at 9200 feet. We have been in camp since July 2nd and have had only one night the temp was above 50 and the low that night was 51. Average low for July and the first half of August has been 45 degrees. We are now having lows in the high 30's to low 40's. September can bring night time freezing temps and possible snow at high elevations.
Bow and arrows! No spotting scope, good binocs , 20* bag will be fine withe your merino layer. Good luck !
id leave the pillow at home. pack an extra bow string and maybe an extra nock or two. i also like to take a hot melt glue stick of some kind. i would also leave the spotting scope at home. ounces make pounds. so anything you can cut will help. i would also dress in layers cool mornings and warm days. good luck. dont forget the camera
Share the weight of the stove and fuel. Y'all don't need to each have them. Doesn't take much fuel to boil water with the new stoves.
If also nix the sidearm. Believe me 50#s is a lot in the mountains
In four years and four different sites, only once would a spotting scope have been ok for viewing, and still not really necessary. After last year, we are looking at everything that could be considered not essential. A pound or two savings on one item would be a major savings if you have to carry it in on your back. Do as you wish of course, but if it were me it would be staying home.
Unit 25 is the Flattops. You don't need a spotting scope or the pistol. Lighten the weight as it is a pretty long hike in. Was in there a couple of years ago but rode a horse in.
Great list, but I'd ditch the spotting scope and tripod, the puffy jacket, (Colorado Sept are getting warmer) and substitute a 20 oz Gatorade bottle, the Hiker water filter for a Mini Sawyer water filter($20, 2 oz) and bring at least 50' para cord. I would cut back on the tea and coffee and add some energy bars. Add a wide brimmed hat. Bring some Rolaids or Tums to help for altitude. Remember to take it slow and drink more water the first few days. Good luck and enjoy.
Lose the pillow, the pistol, the poncho, the scope and the tripod, and farm out one fuel canister if someone else has room for it (you're carrying the group stove, it appears.)
Add more food – you're light in that area for the work you'll be doing and the conditions you will be in, especially if s--- happens with the weather.
Add a good topo map of the area. The GPS app on your phone will drain the battery like you wouldn't believe. I wouldn't use it on a backcountry trip of any kind. I would leave the charger at home and use the phone only for true emergencies. Leave good instructions at home about where you're going and when to call the local sheriff. If you do drop a royal bull or bigger, then make a brief call home to announce it. ;)
Quick Clot and snakebite kit. Definitely keep the ponco.
I'd keep the puffy. Take it from someone who lives in the west. I was scouting today and it was 52 degrees at 5000. It will be 39 tonight. I heard a report of snow above 7000 though I didn't see any. I imagine you'll be way above that in CO. It's August.
I wouldn't bother with any protection spray/gun.
I was thinking of trying a different pillow method out this year that supposed to be super ultra-light. Put FlexAir ultralight medical pillow in your browser. They are under 5 bucks and the reviews are good. A good nights rest may be the most valuable thing on a trip like this so don't skimp on what you prefer sleeping wise.
Also agree with more food. Maybe 2 days more rations.
I don't think you would have to worry about snakes unless you were super low in CO.
couple things, what are you doing about water, water purification. don't forget some Advil muscle and joint ES and bug repellant.
We'll be camped near a spring & I'm taking a Katadyn filter for camp + chlorine tabs in my daypack.
The pillow is a little Kelty packable down thing. Weighs about an ounce & with my puffy under provides good support. You do NOTwant to be stuck in camp with me if I can't sleep well! :)
The gun was just a thought & I have no problems leaving it in the safe.
Rob, you can get a liner for your sleeping bag, fleece or silk that will add 10 degrees of comfort to your bag, light weight and little space. The Unitias Utah, Wyoming, got snow last night, and the frost is in the air out here!
Good luck Mate!
QuoteOriginally posted by robtattoo:
QuoteOriginally posted by elkken:
If you choose to go plastic bottles I would go for 20 oz instead of 16 and I would not bring the spotting scope/tripod unless you are hunting really open country, you can see a lot with 8x42's. I would bring a few more arrows, especially if grouse hunting will be good. I would definitely keep the wet wipes, I use them to clean up good so I don't get chaffed, that is a hunt killer.
Good luck on your hunt and be safe ...
:campfire:
The more I think about it, the more I'm thinking I'll grab a pull-up top, 1l Platypus soft bottle, next time I'm in town. Ditch the nalgene altogether.
I'm not 100% sure what the terrain will be like where we're going to be. I figured I'd take the spotter (it's only a little 12-24x50 Burris) & the tripod (one of those U/L 41" $12 jobs) out on the first day. If I stay in the timber, I can always leave it back in camp the rest of the week. I'd hate to find myself overlooking a 2 mile meadow without it!
Silly question: Do any of you Western boys bother with a sidearm? I'm 50/50 on whether to pack along an ultra compact .45 I can't decide whether the extra weight is worth it. [/b]
Rob. I would leave the spotter at home and save that weight. Definately at least 4 pr of socks. Ditch the pruning saw you won't use it. With the weight you lost from the spotter you could take a pack axe. I've used that little thing so much. Split an elk sternum or pelvis or spine in no time. Also I always take my S&W air lite 357. 12oz loaded. I'm a fan ofthe Nalgene cleans easy. And can be used hot and cold. Extra bow string that's been stretched and shot in. You have my # call me if you need anything.
Dump the pillow for sure. You can use a rolled up fleece or sweater. I don't see duct tape. Wrap some around a lighter. For extra weight savings, cut about half your toothbrush handle off.
I don't see a leather man. Just the pliers can be worth their weight in gold...
I'm in the dump the spotter camp unless you are worried about antler score. The Kelty is a darn good bag, it'll serve you well. I'm thinking you don't need the 230, puffy and jacket, seems like a lot of duplication to me. Sawyer squeeze would save you some pretty good weight and give you the water bags, cheap too. I like a 1 liter smart water bottle over nalgene. More cordage is good.
Does anyone in the group have a lightweight tarp along? Make for a much nicer place to stand/sit/cook in camp if the weather turns nasty. (And it very likely will at some point)
I assume you do have maps/ compass as a backup to your phone/GPS? Electronics are great, but I wouldn't go into the mountains without a good map and compass.
Also, add some sunscreen and chap stick to your med kit.
Chap stick for sure. That's a good call Whip
From my self contained cycling / back packing list.
We carry one 2 1/2 gallon zip lock bag with a very very small bottle (one of those 2" long squeeze type bottles) with woolite in it. That is your washing machine for your clothes and your shower bag for personal clean up. When hiking we carried things is 3's. Wore a pair socks, drying socks and had a dried pair. The same with t's and skivvies. You use the zip lock, very small amount of woolite and water ad just soak your socks and underware in camp. rinse in the stream and hang to dry. You will have clean under clothes for everyday and that is most important.
I never go on a trip with out a travel size container of Gold Bond powder. Good for your feet and even better for chaffing in other areas. Hiking with chaffing in private areas can be a little tough.
We also used a lot of the dry Lipton soups and meals that come in small bags. The just add water type. They are very light. You can get tuna in a pouch now also which is a great snack. If you need bread, we carried pita bread which is flat and has a pouch you can fill with tuna, peanut butter/jelly etc. The next time you are at a restaurant grab some of those individual containers of jelly and peanut butter. They are small, light and real good when you are hungry for a snack. Carry these in a small zip lock just in case the come open. Keeps from getting everything else all sticky.
Almost every large grocery store, Walmart etc has free condiments in the in the deli aisle. grab a handful of mustard and mayonnaise packets. No need to refrigerate, they are small light and taste real good with your tuna when you are hungry.
Every food item I mention comes in foil or plastic (no cans = no weight).
Dump the spotting scope and use good binoculars.
Have fun.
Quick clot x2
I also really like a Sawyer filter better than any of the others I have had. I can fill my water bladder without removing my pack, drink straight from the thing, or use it as a gravity flow for camp. Oh and the price is right. Just a thought.
If there was oatmeal in my pack my 76 year old mother would have to go along to make me eat it!
Ate too much oatmeal and baloney when I was growing up with 6 kids and no money. Hate it now.
Looks like a solid pack to me.
Good luck.
I agree with others that you will need more paracord, ESPECIALLY if you get one on the ground. I also would ditch the spotting scope. It may be the area I hunt, but I've decided to leave my 10X50s at home and just carrying my compact 10X25s this year.
I had my wife to sew in an extra bladder pocket into my pack and will not be carrying any extra water bottles... just two 64oz. bladders. Much depends on how close you will be to water.
Good luck and enjoy!!!
Replace your shoelaces with good paracord. It'll be there if you need it, and you can disassemble the main cord and use a strand for boot laces if you have to.
I'd probably ditch the spotting scope as well, and the pillow. I also would NOT rely on the phone GPS.
I'd take more arrows, too. The success of the whole trip depends on having an arrow hit your elk in the boiler room. It would be a shame to not have any left when you needed them. I wouldn't take fewer than 8.
alternative to paracord is balers twine, works great, strong and very light weight.
Okay, so I've packed a full 100' of paracord & the 7x10 silnylon tarp I was going to leave is now coming along.
I'm not leaving the pillow. Simply not going to happen! :D
Chapstik & quick-clot are in the first aid kit & I have about 6' of duct tape wrapped around my trekking poles.
Substituted the nalgene for a 20oz Smart water bottle, which really slims down my daypack (thanks for that suggestion!)
I'm really, really reluctant to nix the spotter. Pretty much everything I've seen/read about the area we're headed for says 50/50 timber/meadows.
And as to the GPS on my phone....
I've been tooling around with the Backcountry Navigator Pro app for about a year now & there isn't a single stand-alone GPS unit that can beat it. Many have the same or similar features & the only thing they all win out on is battery life. But they're also about $500 & I just don't have the money to spend or the need for a unit that good for 99% of my life.
I'd be taking my phone anyway & the GPS app really is better than most units. It doesn't rely on a cell signal at all, so I can put the phone in Airplane mode & I get a solid 3 days of life, even with the GPS signal active.
I didn't see a call in the list! A cow call has been invaluable to me.
GPS or not, a good map and a compass!
QuotePretty much everything I've seen/read about the area we're headed for says 50/50 timber/meadows.
That is true as regards the flat
tops , but once the season opens and the elk get bumped a few times they descend into the canyons and hang on the benches. The scope won't do much good their but if you find you don't need it you can always leave it in camp.
I do have a few cow diaphragms, but honestly, I haven't really had much opportunity to play with them & I've never used a diaphragm call in my life before! I can make a sound like a seagull being gang-raped, but that's about it.
I'm going to pick up a local topo map when I get nearer.
Would a squeeze-style cow call be worth looking into, or would I just be better off hunting silent?
Not sure if it was mentioned but id add a 8x12 thick painters plastic or other plastic light weight tarp like sheet like used for covering windows etc fro the hardware store.
I always have the with us when we camp and everytime we end up using it to make a roof to dry stuff under, sit under if raining alot, cook under, etc. just stick a rock in the corners and wrap rope around the rock and stretch over a ridge pole and all good. fast and simple and weights about as much as a pocket knife. Also great for keeping firewood dry if raining alot.
Id also make sure there are 2 saws between you guys. Its one of my most used tools when setting up camp.
Maybe get on Amazon and pick up an extra battery for the phone. I got 2 last year for my phone for about $20. Wish I'd had them during my 14 days in Alaska wilderness last year.
Get a call. The squeeze type is the easiest. The diaphram is the hardest and if you can't do it well by now, leave it home. It would do more damage if your no using it well. Other than that, don't go crazy with the calling. Seems like your ready!
I just picked up a Sawyer mini filter (only 2oz) to replace my katydin...saved 12oz.
Sounds like this is a base camp for four guys. I can only imagine a fire of some type at night. If the stove and fuel cans are only for boiling water I would only take one and use the campfire to boil.
The small diameter rope used for trot lines is handy. Its tough and strong and weighs a lot less than paracord. I would take 20-30ft of paracord and 50-100 feet of the trot line. It makes good clothes line, tarp guys, tying of elk legs, or hanging meet.
I leave in one week for a 'bivy' type hunt. My six day pack weight is 39lbs. 50lbs for 6 days with most of it left at camp each day is a pretty good weight.
Rob... I'd suggest a "bite and blow" cow call. Something like a Quaker boy. For me they are the best, most realistic AND EASIEST call to make a good cow mew or estrus buzz with. JMO
The push calls work, but I think, at least in my hands, they do not produce the most realistic calls and it is tough to make a real variety of cow calls with them.
My $.02. Again... GOOD LUCK. I'm anxious to hear how it goes.
I don't see any sunscreen. It will toast you if you don't have any. I put mine on before I get out of the tent in the AM.
Day pack comments..,
Dump some of the water from the daypack and bring the filter. That is a lot of weight in liquid.
Bring unscented baby wipes and not tp (you will thank me). I use the wipes for a daily sponge bath and of course for tp.
You seem a little light on calories so know that you are dieting :-) Put some calories in your daypack.
I think you will find the phone useless out there.
A couple ziplock bags are handy
QuoteOriginally posted by fnshtr:
Rob... I'd suggest a "bite and blow" cow call. Something like a Quaker boy. For me they are the best, most realistic AND EASIEST call to make a good cow mew or estrus buzz with. JMO
That is good advice! I have two of those, a Lohman and a Primos. Both work well. What is important here is to not be aggressive or very loud with it. Many guys find themselves getting into the area of the warning chirp with these calls thinking they are doing a call in heat.
If you just do a three mew run that sounds like a lonesome cat starting high pitch and dropping to low pitch, you will be sending the right signal. This works great calling blind. Blow a three call series about every ten minutes and wait. Give it at least 45 minutes per stand. If the bull lets you know he is coming, back away from the calling site and wait. He will be looking exactly where you were calling from.
Being able to cow call probably triples your chances of success.
All in all, i think your packing list is a great one for anybody to refer to in planning this style of hunt!
I`d take sanitary napkins instead of tampons or that quick clot stuff. I`d have 2 small candles and some Vaseline soaked cotton wool in a film container. One of those flexible wood saws and a small axe.
Not from being out west. But you know where I learned.
Rob,I sleep better with a good pillow too,but I always have a down vest along and use that in my sleeping bag stuff sack.It's very comfortable,weighs the same as a Kelty pillow and is great for keeping my core warm,when needed.
Rob, I'm no expert, but I have been to Colorado (unit 521) numerous times. I wonder if you will really need a spotting scope. I did very well with 10x binoculars, which I used constantly, and didn't feel slighted at all. Socks are important.
For me. . I got it down to wearing a light silk or similar sock beneath a heavier wool sock. Two pair of each will do most times if you wash them as you mentioned, or at least let them air dry.
Same with clothing. The air in the mountains is incredibly dry (you need to hydrate) and things dry in a short time. Also, the sun is very harsh up there, so it will be hot during the day (cooler on north slopes in the big timber, where the elk will be). You will learn to hike, but not stop till you find a little shade, any shade, even a bush. It is a better habit anyway cause you don't stand out as much to be seen.
I would consider bringing a few more arrows and keeping them in your truck (if you drive out). I generally lose or break three or four arrows just stumping (rocks everywhere), but I stump shoot a lot out there.
I also use a stuff sack or a T shirt and stuff some of my spare clothing into it for a pillow.
Oh, and I sleep better with a .45 next to me, but I don't tend to carry it while hunting.
Good luck and take pix for your story here on Trad Gang
ChuckC
You forgot LLamas.... :) Way easier.
Seriously, take the pillow. I sleep way better with one as well. Take extras of everything and leave them at the trail head. If something major goes down, you can resupply. I would take as little as possible in the way of backups otherwise.
Oh and wet wipes are the most important thing in your pack for a 6 day hunt.
I think your list looks pretty good. You've been summarily beaten up about your phone and your spotting scope. To each, his own.
I would suggest sharing the following among pairs of hunters:
water filter
stove
tent / tarp
Everybody carrying everything leads to "stuff not getting used". Then you'll have room for an inflatable pillow. That's what I'd carry.
QuoteOriginally posted by monterey:
If you just do a three mew run that sounds like a lonesome cat starting high pitch and dropping to low pitch, you will be sending the right signal. This works great calling blind.
Pay attention to the details that Monterey has posted. The first time you find yourself wondering "who's kitten is lost out here?", know that there's an elk nearby.
homebru
rob, when you are back please post pictures of the trip including the game you take.
Also take a minute and let us know what you should have taken that was suggested. It may help others down the road for their trip.
I'm hoping to take a bunch of pics while we're out there, for sure!
Thanks for the description of a cow call too. Everyone just says 'try a couple of cow calls' but being a loooong way from elk, I have no idea what I'm supposed to sound like! Very helpful!
I'll re-post my kit list when I get back &I'll make a note of what changes/additions/subtractions I'll be making for next year.
Rob, once you go you will realize there were things you didn't need to bring but until you do go it is hard to know. My second trip to Colorado was a lot lighter(read unnecessary stuff) than the first.
Ive looked up turkey call sound files online should be able to do the same for elk
Lots of great advice so far! The only thing I might add is to let your wet wipes air dry before you go then just rehydrate them when you get to Your campsite and yes ditch the spotter :bigsmyl:
Steve
Still can't imagine you needing a 145,230, puffy, jacket, and poncho this time of year. 145, puffy, and either jacket/poncho should suffice. If the weather is to bad for that combo get in the tent and bag, take a nap, and wait for conditions to improve.
Stay safe and soak it all in!
QuoteOriginally posted by robtattoo:
I'm headed out to Co unit 25 next week for 6 days.
Not trying to be all ultralighty & not planning to hike in too far (4-5 miles tops)
I've packed, unpacked & repacked & I've narrowed my gear down to the following items. I haven't weighed a thing, for the simple reason that whatever it weighs, it weighs & I can only cut items, not substitute.
Bow & 4 arrows (+ 2 blunts for grouse)
Clothes:
Kuiu Attack pants (on)
Kuiu 145 Merino l/s top (on)
Kuiu 230 Merino l/s top
Kuiu spindrift puffy
Kuiu Guide jacket
No-name poly s/s tee
2 spare Exofficio drawers
2 spare Merino socks.
Kuiu lightweight beanie
First lite brimmed beanie
Camp stuff:
Golite SL5, no nest
Kelty 20° down bag
Kelty down pillow
Thermarest X-lite pad
Stove & cookset
2x gas cylinders
2x contractor bags
Mora knife
Micro towel
20' paracord
Wet wipes
Goal Zero solar charger (the little one)
Food:
12 packs instant oatmeal
6 portions trail mix, Snickers, dried fruit & deer jerky (roughly 1/3lb total per day)
6 home dehydrated meals (roughly ¼lb per day & around 1200 kcal)
12 coffee
12 tea bags
12 energy powder drink mixes
3l bladder
Katadyn hiker pro filter
spoon
Food coozy
Condiments
(Planned for 2500-3000kcal/day)
Daypack:
TZ2220 pack
3l bladder + 32oz nalgene for drink mixes
Havalon Piranta bolt + 6 blades
Gerber packsaw (one of those tiny things)
8x42 Leupold binos + SL4 harness
Spotter & tripod
Phone + GPS (Garmin backtrack)
Frogg Toggs poncho
Compass
Meat bags
Trekking pole (bringing 2, leaving one in camp)
TP
Lighter
Princeton Tek headlight + tiny energizer spare.
Can anyone see things there that I absolutely won't need, our is there anything that I absolutely will, but have forgotten?
Best I can tell on my bathroom scale, I'm at around 50lb total (give or take 10%ish)
Good list...make sure you have a saw or hatcet, and I would change the cordage to 5 10 foot lengths of paracord, and 1 2 foot length.
Also stash a handgun somewhere in there...
edit...ditch the tripod and the down pillow. Use one of your meat bags for a pillow, stuffed with the clothes your are going to wear that day. I use white cotton pillow cases as meat bags.
Great list. I would just add a second light source. Flashlights break all the time. I like one headlamp and one small hand held at lest.
Nix the spotter. I have done a bunch of elk trips and on an archery pack trip you can do without.
Go on Craigslist and buy a Garmin Etrex Legend. You can pick them up cheap used and they are excellent.
Not sure why I would take a handgun to the Flattops unless I though my hunting partner was going to be a pain in the a$$.
Pack some aspirin. If you think you are having a heart attack or someone in your camp it may be a life saver. Tylenol is not a subsititute.
What is your plan for mosquitoes?
Thermacells are the berries.
Should not be any mosquitoes to speak of. Bug problems will be plain ol fly's and those big yellow jackets. When they smell meat it's like sharks to blood!
I don't do much mountain hunting here in Florida so I don't have much to add on your gear list. However I did not see a spare bowstring in your tackle. A broken string is the most common ruination of any bowhunting trip.
Two last things, then I'll shut up! Absolutely expect a lot of rain. We are in a long term pattern of moisture streaming in from the south west. It probably won't change in the near future. If we get our first cold front of the year along with that pattern, it will be snowing.
I think, as of this year, that your elk license includes fishing so maybe some light minimal fishing gear.
Looks like a great bunch of advice on here, as expected.
Someday I hope to do this as well.
I read somewhere that canned chicken and Stovetop stuffing is good to have and takes up little space and is very easy to fix up because all you need is a pan and water to boil. You mix the canned chicken with the stuffing after cooking the stuffing....sounds good to me! Plus, the dry stuffing is very lightweight to carry too.
Good luck and be safety conscious at all times.
QuoteOriginally posted by ishoot4thrills:
I read somewhere that canned chicken and Stovetop stuffing is good to have and takes up little space and is very easy to fix up because all you need is a pan and water to boil. You mix the canned chicken with the stuffing after cooking the stuffing....sounds good to me! Plus, the dry stuffing is very lightweight to carry too.
I think he has this pretty well covered. He said he had dehydrated meals which just require you to boil water, pour in the package and wait 10min, stir and eat. Nothing but a spoon to clean up. By the way MSR makes a foldable plastic spoon that is a little longer than usual making eating out of these less messy. Also, you can pour hot water in the oatmeal packets and stir up the same way. The bowl isn't necessary is the way I do it. I wouldn't be hiking anything in a can (other than beer for celebration!)
Awesome thread here.
I live in Wyoming and hunt and hike this way often. Ill back up your thoughts on back country navigator app. Nothing, including my Garmin oregon, is as good as it is. Excellent at picking up a signal, very good for ensuring notes and waypoints, map and aerial choices are wonderful. I use it on my Samsung note 3 on airplane mode and carry a back up battery charger in case. I video (1080p), take pictures and read on it. All with no issues and plenty of battery. It's an amazing piece of kit.
Oh, and we got snow two days this week in the high country...