$1,000 gear setup for Rookie

stx.dead.I

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Oct 27, 2016
Messages
255
Alright guys, I will start off by saying Im brand new to backpack archery hunting. I am trying to build a setup to start backpack hunting with my first trip being next September for Colorado Elk DIY.

I would like some advice on what to models to change, recommendations on what specific models to go for, or reassurance on the quality of my selections.

A couple quick tidbits about me: 25 years old, 6'1" 230lbs athletic build in pretty good shape and continuing to workout hard. Fairly used to packing heaving weight for long hours so spending extra money to save weight isnt high on my priority list. The first trip will be with at least two of us and probably four. (two hunters two packers)

the [] boxes in particular model Im looking into.

Some gear Im looking for:
Isobutane stove [primus eta lite]
sleeping bag [Marmot 20degree Sorcerer] http://www.sierratradingpost.com/ma...my~p~3047c/?filterString=sleeping-bags~d~208/

Sleeping Pad [Alps Mountaineering Featherlite Pad] ALPS Mountaineering Featherlite Air Pad - Regular - Save 55%

Camp Lantern [Primus Easy Lite Lantern]
GPS
Kifaru frame (already bought a Kifaru AMR with GUide Lid used on here)
trekking poles [Leki Cristallos]
Game bags [Tag Bag Bomb kit]
Havalon
Camp Water Bladder/container
handheld two way radios
boots (I have some Columbia boots I used for an Africa hunting trip but dunno if they have enough support), couple tarps for misc use (rain shelter, lay animal on while quartering, etc)

Stuff I already have: kinda sketchy old tent, Kifaru AMR pack with guide lid, Steripen, Luci solar light, Sitka EVII setup (I have been wondering if the Stratus pants will be ok for a September Colorado backpack hunt or too heavy?) Elk calls

Im sure Im missing some stuff but will monitor this closely to modify if need be
 
Joined
Feb 20, 2014
Messages
1,049
Location
Southwest Colorado
Ill save you a few bucks and throw in my two cents.

This stove works awesome and is one of the lightest on the market. Guys over at backpackinglight forums have been running them for years (so have I) and no issues whatsoever. Mine was outperforming a hunting partners msr pocket rocket on our last trip out.
Amazon.com : Ubens BRS Ultralight Camping Gas Stove Outdoor Burner Cooking Stove 25g : Sports & Outdoors

I pair it with this pot. I have cut a few slots in the ribs of the heat exchanger on the bottom of the pot that allows the three feet of the stove to fit the pot better and its is super sturdy. You could also grind down the feet of the stove to fit inside the heat exchanger.
Amazon.com : Olicamp Hard Anodized XTS Pot (1-Litre) : Camping Pots And Pans : Sports & Outdoors

And you can definitely ditch the camp lantern if you already have a Luci light
 

Beendare

WKR
Joined
May 6, 2014
Messages
9,178
Location
Corripe cervisiam
My take; Spend 1/2 of your budget [or more] on the pack if you have to. Plenty of pack threads here but try it before you buy many ways to do that.

Spend the other 25% on your boots and good merino socks

That pad you like is uninsulated.....and thats a bad idea. You want it to have an R value of 4-5 or you will freeze your webonees off.

All of those little butane stoves are good....REI has the snow peak one on sale this weekend. You don't have to spend $175 on a stove

You don't need the most expensive clothing line all at once....buy that in pieces last.

And why I chime in one these type of posts I don't know??????....everyone already has a predetermined idea of what they will do...but anyway, thats my advice from 40+ years of backpacking/hunting
 
Last edited:
OP
S

stx.dead.I

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Oct 27, 2016
Messages
255
My take; Spend 1/2 of your budget [or more] on the pack if you have to. Plenty of pack threads here but try it before you buy many ways to do that.

Spend the other 25% on your boots and good merino socks

That pad you like is uninsulated.....and thats a bad idea. You want it to have an R value of 4-5 or you will freeze your webonees off.

All of those little butane stoves are good....REI has the snow peak one on sale this weekend. You don't have to spend $175 on a stove

You don't need the most expensive clothing line all at once....buy that in pieces last.

And why I chime in one these type of posts I don't know??????....everyone already has a predetermined idea of what they will do...but anyway, thats my advice from 40+ years of backpacking/hunting
Haha nah I ask for advice bc I want it. I already have the full sitka line and a kifaru amr pack. Just need a frame. Will look for a different pad as I didn't even notice. Thanks for the advice
 
OP
S

stx.dead.I

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Oct 27, 2016
Messages
255
Ill save you a few bucks and throw in my two cents.

This stove works awesome and is one of the lightest on the market. Guys over at backpackinglight forums have been running them for years (so have I) and no issues whatsoever. Mine was outperforming a hunting partners msr pocket rocket on our last trip out.
Amazon.com : Ubens BRS Ultralight Camping Gas Stove Outdoor Burner Cooking Stove 25g : Sports & Outdoors

I pair it with this pot. I have cut a few slots in the ribs of the heat exchanger on the bottom of the pot that allows the three feet of the stove to fit the pot better and its is super sturdy. You could also grind down the feet of the stove to fit inside the heat exchanger.
Amazon.com : Olicamp Hard Anodized XTS Pot (1-Litre) : Camping Pots And Pans : Sports & Outdoors

And you can definitely ditch the camp lantern if you already have a Luci light
Will pull the light out of the list. Already bought a new primus eta lite for a steal at 46 bucks new.
 

aion2come

WKR
Joined
Jul 31, 2013
Messages
514
Location
Joplin, MO
What 16Bore said. I've got tons of great stuff here. Second, shop sales and watch the "gear deals" thread. Found some steals that way. You can get decent boots for under $200. I have two pair that I paid less then $200 total as I shop sales. Normally would have been close to $400. Your top three things are your boots, your pack, and your sleep system. They matter the most for comfort and generally matter most for weight too. Spend most of your money there.

I'll throw out a bone for the stratospire tarptent. Works for a taller guy. I've seen them on the classifieds and they are sweet. Also the Enlightened Equipment quilts. Again, seen them on the classifieds. You'll want the tall and extra wide at your size.
 

AdamW

WKR
Joined
Oct 27, 2015
Messages
819
If you're looking for an insulated pad, the Klymit Insulated Static V Lite served me well in CO this year in October. Same weight as the one you listed, but insulated. Hunt around and you can find them for around $60.

Watch the classifieds like it is your 2nd job. :D
 

fngTony

Super Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jan 18, 2016
Messages
5,989
For your size I would look at the klymit v lux insulated. Its an oversized version.

I would use a cheap plastic or tyvek for ground cloth/meat cutting.

For other tarp uses there is lots of quality options. I prefer the most tie out points for versatility. Buy a cheap painters plastic to play around with for an idea of what size you want.

I agree with not buying all the expensive clothes at once. I started with base layers and outer shells depending on what I already had.
 

Tbob

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jun 17, 2016
Messages
149
Sounds like you have a good start man! I've been backpacking and hunting for almost 20 years now, the amount of gear I've collected since I started is unbelievable! I could open an outdoor store for sure.. One thing i did a long time ago was ditch the "lantern". On backpack hunts I only use my headlamp. Saves a little space and weight for other items, like whiskey... Good luck out there and be safe!
 
OP
S

stx.dead.I

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Oct 27, 2016
Messages
255
I have the Salomons and they're good, but I like the Cabela's by Meindl much better.



Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
Ya I just didn't want to buy two pairs of boots and I need the salomon for my job
 
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