Backcountry wisdom.......

frank bullitt · August 07, 2016, 11:28:00 AM

For pottasium and calcium?

monterey · August 07, 2016, 01:09:00 PM

If you will be hunting in or traveling through areas with ponderosa pine, pick up a supply of pine cones. The fresh red ones are best. Regardless of what you use to get your initial fire going a few of them in the second layer will burn hot for longer than you might expect.

Not a back county application, but they are good starters for your charcoal tower.

fisherick · August 07, 2016, 02:01:00 PM

Tums, Advil and lots of water to curb altitude sickness. Take it slow the first few days, sleep low and gradually hunt higher.

fisherick · August 07, 2016, 02:01:00 PM

Tums, Advil and lots of water to curb altitude sickness. Take it slow the first few days, sleep low and gradually hunt higher.

Archie · August 07, 2016, 03:06:00 PM

A propane torch in base camp sure works for starting campfires! We also used a collapsible hand saw quite a bit on our Alaska float hunt.

When gearing up for that same trip, I bought several marino wool sweaters and some wool pants at the Goodwill for a couple bucks apiece, and when the 2 week trip was over, before we flew back, I burned them.

Ulysseys · August 07, 2016, 08:52:00 PM

I plan my meals by the day in gallon ziplock bags and label them by the day....breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and coffee is all included.. It helps me ration better and cuts down on pack weigh by being organized. My most difficult trips were the first few I did when I didn't know how to organize myself.

SAM E. STEPHENS · August 07, 2016, 11:39:00 PM

I do the same with my meals , everything in one bag for the day ( I also put my vitamins the bag ). Sure makes it much easier getting every thing ready for the trip....

,,,Sam,,,

chinook907 · August 08, 2016, 02:07:00 AM

I read in an ultralight packing article years ago that you pack your insecurities.

Which is to say that we all tend to pack something or a bit extra of things that we're concerned about running out of.

So I must be concerned more than average about cramping up (I like powdered Gatorade and more recently powdered p90x recovery drink), or stiffening up ( I bring vitamin I (ibuprofen).

And Archie burning your clothes must be an old Alaskan thing as I used to routinely burn my undies before flying back to town.

monterey · August 08, 2016, 04:31:00 PM

We burned a bunch of stuff at our last camp in AK. Pilot thought we were a bit goofy, but was nothing worth flying out and shipping home.

SAM E. STEPHENS · August 13, 2016, 12:29:00 AM

Any new wisdom ,it's getting close....

,,,Sam,,,

pinky · August 13, 2016, 10:34:00 PM

Backcountry Wisom - make sure your boots are going to work for you when you go. I took a newer pair of boots out on a stumping and Huckleberry picking outing, 3 1/2 miles round trip maybe. I have had these boots out once before and my heels got Hot then. I thought i had better socks this time. The boots felt good when put them on but a little up and down and some sidehilling. :(
I did get a couple of quarts of huckleberries also.

I'll have a different pair of boots on my feet next month.

TIM B · August 14, 2016, 05:39:00 AM

I've started carrying a roll of electrical tape all the time...lighter and smaller than duct tape

Keith Zimmerman · August 14, 2016, 06:12:00 AM

I agree with bandanas. I carry several of those. A few zip ties, and lots of water and aspirin every morning.

fisherick · August 14, 2016, 11:36:00 AM

For a final stalk, place an orange bandana on your pack to find it later. I also carry a pocket survival kit in case separated from pack. This kit consists of a Bear Grylis basic survival kit with added mini compass, mini light and extra tinder sealed in a plastic straw. This small light 5 1/2 oz kit is great insurance.

Longtoke · August 15, 2016, 01:47:00 AM

Gum to chew to help your ears if you are not used to high elevation or in case the elk dont like your breath.

also another medkit deal, Tourniquet!

J-dog · August 15, 2016, 06:44:00 AM

I don't hunt backcountry, but I kayak some backwater! Lol in this heat staying hydrated is difficult.
I don't like Gatorade as it is pre sugar - try to dodge too much sugar. Found mtn ops enduro, like Gatorade without the sugar. Pulling a cross fit workout or kayaking with a heat index of 110 - enduro is a saving grace. I buy mine in one serving trail packs, couple those in my pack before I head out in the yak or workout, good to go.
It works great - and at least a bit better for you. Just a thought.

Wish hall headed out a good hunt, and a heavy pack out!