I've happily used a SPOT for years but did just get a Delorme Inreach Explorer for Christmas. I'm looking forward to the added flexibility it offers versus the SPOT.
When travelling on flights I've used a rubbermaid action packer tote. Heading to the hunt all my gear stuffs into the tote and I toss a lock on it. Coming home the frozen meat goes in the tote. I've never flown for an elk hunt but have heard of people putting empty shotgun shell hulls on the...
http://www.lowaboots.com/leathercare/
http://www.lowa.de/en/lowa-service/care-tips.html
A water based waterproofing spray and leather cream to keep the leather from drying out.
Some great food ideas. Keep them coming, always looking for new ideas. Have an 8 night/9 day trip coming up and food is always a struggle for me.
I vary things a bit day to day, but below is generally what I have in a day. Before leaving home the oatmeal goes into a ziplock bag with a scoop of...