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    charging devices in field

    I've used the Goal Zero 10 for a couple of seasons now and it has worked pretty well. While I always take backup batteries, the Goal Zero will keep most devices up and running although my Garmin Rino GPS has presented a challenge for the unit. I just can't seem to get it fully charged but, it...
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    What boots?

    For uninsulated boots I use Asolo Sasslong's and wear Kenetrek Mountain Extremes for mid to late season hunts when cold weather is a possibility. We hunted in 12 to 15 inches of snow on an elk hunt in CO two weeks ago and they worked well. They kept my feet fairly warm and completely dry...
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    carrying water bladder vs bottle

    I use a Platypus bladder that I ordered with my Kifaru G2 Longhunter and a 2 liter Camelbak Antidote bladder in my Eberlestock J34. I really like the big 1/4 turn cap on the Camelbak. It is easy to fill and the quick release hose makes removal and install a snap. I also like the hanger that...
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    Bivys

    I too use a Bugaboo e-Vent bivy sack made my Integral Designs but mine is 3 years old. It is lightweight and breathes well. I've used it with a floorless tarp tent and several night with just the bivy sack alone. It works well both ways. It has been rained on a couple of times and has kept...
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    My shelter dilemma

    My primary tent for the past 3 years is a floorless, Integral Design SilDome 2-man tarp tent. I use this tent year around with a bugaboo event bivy sack. During warmer trips, I only use a light sleeping bag or a sleeping bag liner and I don't worry much about snakes, bugs, etc. During winter...
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    how much weight will you carry?

    Terrain and distance determine the limits my abilities. At 62, my weight limit is about 70lbs. Hiking and climbing at even moderate altitude in CO (or elsewhere), 60lbs is close to my limit. I stay in fairly good shape but still, I prefer to make more pack-out trips with a lighter-weight pack...
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    What rain gear are you all using?

    I have a Gore-Tex Pro Light jacket, that I use with pair of Gander Mountain Tech-H20 paints or a pair of Cabela's Gore-Tex Upland Game pants. Both pants are durable, waterproof and keep me warm and dry.
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    New Truck?

    My 2002 4WD Toyota Tundra is still going strong (knock-on-wood). I've only got it stuck once and that was due to operator error. It has made 3 hunting trips to South Dakota and two to Colorado. It will be making another trip to CO to hunt elk in 2 weeks. It has made countless trips all...
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    Caliber choice advice

    I don't own one but based on the game, terrain and distances you mention, my choice would be a 7mm-08. My favorite short action rifle is a Ruger M77 Hawkeye topped with a Leupold VXII 2-7x33 scope. I have this combo in a 358 Win which is one of my favorites.
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    pants help

    I almost hate to post this because the last time I suggested a cheaper piece of hunting clothing, I kinda got spanked but, here goes anyway. Nearly 3 years ago I purchased a pair of Gander Mountain Guide Series TecH2O Beartooth Rain Pant. I got them on sale and thought if they were even...
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    Any cold weather boot recomendations?

    My Kenetrek Mountain Extremes with 400 grams of insulation kept my feet plenty warm in temps in the low teens on last year's CO elk hunt. They also worked well on a late season deer hunt in OK. I usually wear thicker merino wool socks with a liner which also adds to the warmth.
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    Base layers

    My base layers are relatively in-expensive SmartWool medium and light-weight (Merino wool) tops and bottoms. My light-weight SmartWool tops and bottoms are 3 years old and are still going strong. My medium weight base layers are two years old and still look new. I've worn them for up to 5 days...
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    Boot Waterproofing

    I've had good results with Kenetrek Waterproof Boot Wax and see no reason to change. Two or three treatments each season is pretty much all it takes. After applying the wax, I either set my boots out in the sun or use a hair dryer to set it into the leather. Good stuff.
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    Proposed Light Weight Rain Gear Test..

    I've had an inexpensive, LLBean rip stop nylon, seam-sealed jacket for over 10 years now and it has kept me dry in light showers to extended periods of heavy rain. Even though it is a single layer material and doesn't breathe real well, it works well if I keep it vented. It packs in its own...
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    Compressing a down bag?

    I've had my bag compressed and stored for 3 or 4 days on several occasions with no noticeable loss of loft. Just fluff it up when you remove it from the stuff sack, let it sit for a few minutes before using it and you should be fine.
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    Gaiters

    My OR Verglas do everything I expect of a gaiter and they are well made. They are lightweight, keep my dry and they breathe as well as any gaiters I have.
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    Bring 2 packs or 1?

    Definitely, just take one pack and compress it down and use it as a day pack, even if it is a heavier than a normal day pack. In my opinion, the hike in and the hike out (or multiple hikes out if you are successful) will probably be the most difficult part of your hunt. You will likely not...
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    Top 3 elk calls... what are they

    I only use two; a Hoochie Mama and a Bugling Bull 114 A
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    First time out west.

    Definitely take the bivy sack. Last year on our backpack elk hunt we camped at just under 10,000ft in SW CO ten miles south of the town of Del Norte. I used a tarp tent along with a good down sleeping bag. I was glad that I brought my bivy along.
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    Punching out hot spots

    If my boots are reasonably comfortable and meet the demands of the area(s) I hunt, I personally don't worry about a blister or two during the break-in period. The break-in period is just as much about breaking in my feet as it is breaking in my boots. Just my opinion but a good fitting insole...
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