2024 Elk Hunt Gear

[ColoradoCarp]

Take snacks you actually enjoy eating. I found on my first backcountry hunt 3 years ago, that I wanted to pack food that met weight and calorie goals but I prioritized taste third. I now do the opposite, within reason. When you are sitting out there glassing for hours on end, or during times the going gets tough, its really nice to be able to snack on something tasty. I've found that simple change makes a huge different in my attitude and ability to keep going when you start to lose emotional steam.

 

[Btaylor]

Reasonable expectations might be something good to take on your first hunt.

 

[Tjman]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone!

 

[Shepardg]

A good hunting partner. I get real bored solo. Have other friends I flat cannot hunt with.

this is so true

 

[PaBone]

Not a must have and It will cost you a pound of weight, but having a good place to sit is really important to me being in my 60's. I have the REI Flexlite Air chair and I'm happy with it. Saline nose spray is a must for me anymore, especially with all the fires anymore in early September. Really helps getting all the smoke boogers out of your nose so you can sleep at night.

 

[Fortboy22]

In my opinion, there's a lot that you can do without on a backcountry hunt, but also a lot of small things that can make the experience more enjoyable. Outside of all the normal necessities, a couple "must have extras" for me; duck tape or gear tape, bow repair tool, boot gaiters, lightweight puffy layer, extra elk call or two, Sawyer mini water filter to keep in your pack, and small battery bank (maybe small solar panel to recharge, especially if your phone is your GPS/map). There's probably a million more, but these are the first things that pop into my head outside of some items already listed.

 

[Elk97]

Most everything has been mentioned but I didn't see wind checker. I carry two of the little bottles (smoke in a bottle). Several mouth reeds and bugle, cow call. Sidearm if in griz country.

 

[Gualdoni99]

Lightweight Pillow!

 

[Rocking_OX]

Kill kit, and a good pack to haul meat. Regular backpack won't cut it. There's a lot of great packs out.

 

[adamsjordan78]

Hand warmers

 

[Gapmaster]

There’s a recent thread on here right now. ‘feedback on backcountry elk loadout”. Read it. Then search all the other threads similar to yours. Ignore the smartass comments and really think about the information that’s there. Tons of experience and knowledge on your question already readily available. That search option on this site is invaluable.

 

[gringo76]

Here are some elk hunt gear list.

Clothes, Boots (danner pronghorns 400g) + maybe sneakers - I've heard sneakers can be useful if you're trying to quietly stalk. Merino Wool Socks - 2-3 pairs. Boxer briefs - a few pairs. Firstlite aerowool 3/4 pant. Need outer pants, maybe Nomad All season on amazon. Firstlite aerowool quarter zip top or Firstlite chama hoody.

Still need light rain jacket - looking at columbia watertight II. Hat - baseball or beanie. Gloves. Bow/arrows. Lifestraw. Water purification tabs. Binos. First aid kit. Knives. GPS on phone + batteries. Calls. Headlamp/flashlight. Range finder. Orange marking tape and License/tags.

 

[bz_711]

	In Backpack
	Phone / Compass / Calls
	Radio / ZOLEO
	Tags / Wallet / Release
	Water / Food / water filter (purifiers)
	Knives / Sharpener / Game Bags
	Walking sticks
	Glock (bearspray?)
	Rain Gear
	Jacket or vest / Puffy / Socks
	Rope / duct tape / zip ties
	Headlamps / batteries / charger&cord
	flint / lighter / first aid / pain relief
	chapstick / wipes
	Small tripod
	first aid / poncho / emergency blanket
	latex gloves / cut-proof glove
	bow kit (allens,D-loop,peeptube,fieldtip)
	gloves / stocking hat
	rangefinder (battery)
	trash bags / tyvek

 

[mountainman406]

Couple things I wouldnt leave without:

1. A gravity water filter system (MSR Drom "dirty" 10L, inline sawyer mini, "clean" 3L camelback)

2. Nalgene for mixed drinks (energy powders, pedialyte at the end fo the day)

3. Solid plan to dry out boots

 

[Winnie]

I second the chapstick or carmex. When it is super dry, I used it in my nose to keep it somewhat moist and reduce nosebleeds.

 

[ChromeHound]

All of these have been mentioned already but I agree with: A good first aid kit, merino wool socks, and if you're hunting any open spaces, or if there is any chance of snow reflection, sun glasses.

 

[ThorM465]

I just got back from my first elk hunting trip (WY Unit 94). The value of a good lightweight pair of walking sticks is the one that surprised me the most. I wouldn't head back into the mountains without them.