2025 Colorado Elk Hunt Gear List - HELP

[TitsMcGee]

Lighterpack - Red Star = Unobtained yet / Very bottom of list is mostly just random shit

Hey Rokslide team,

TLDR; check the gear - how badly am I screwing up?

First time posting. I've been creeping for a while, and listening to the ramblings on the S2H podcast and can't possibly communicate how helpful(and entertaining) the discussions I've observed have been so thank you for your guys insight (shoutout @Ryan Avery @NSI @Formidilosus @PNWGATOR and the ExoMtnGear Guys if you ever see this @Mark at EXO ).

I'll be going on my first backpacking trip, with an also inexperienced buddy, in Colorado this year. We're planning to go in to the area months in advance a time or two to scout, and familiarize ourselves with the are. We'll be practicing shooting bi-weekly and plan to arrive on-site 2 days before start of season to pack in, and do some more light scouting with intentions of moving to different areas if we don't see anything after about a half day of glassing each selected area. Going to the highest point or area with most visible land and glass, glass, glass.

We put in for 1st/3rd Rifle so expecting temps from 0-60F. We'll find out which tags we hopefully draw towards the end of next week. I was hoping some of you guys who may have done a similar hunt could chime in with some potential gear shortcomings and advise on potential reasons why we may hate our lives. Anything in general that you wish you would have known before getting into similar circumstances is greatly appreciated, or talk loads of shit. Either way thanks in advance!

 

[atmat]

Lol most of that gear list is straight from Form’s post.

You’re gonna have a blast dude. PM what unit you’re hunting and if you’re close to me (and depending which tags I get) you’re welcome to borrow any gear you don’t have.

 

[TitsMcGee]

Lol most of that gear list is straight from Form’s post.

You’re gonna have a blast dude. PM what unit you’re hunting and if you’re close to me (and depending which tags I get) you’re welcome to borrow any gear you don’t have.

Haha I drew inspiration from a couple sources but yeah having a detailed list of what and why was a major help.

Appreciate the offer, I don’t think I can PM yet but when I get there I’ll hyu.

 

[Blurry1]

I don’t see anything wrong with that set up. I personally think a pistol is a waste of space and energy in colorado if you’re already carrying a rifle, but I’m sure others disagree. Be sure to bring extra layers to leave in the truck in case weather changes and be ready to change plans if weather changes as well. Have fun.

 

[TitsMcGee]

I don’t see anything wrong with that set up. I personally think a pistol is a waste of space and energy in colorado if you’re already carrying a rifle, but I’m sure others disagree. Be sure to bring extra layers to leave in the truck in case weather changes and be ready to change plans if weather changes as well. Have fun.

Good advice. I’d rather have it readily accessible and not need it than need it and not have it. To each their own.

I plan to initially pack out with the Swazi and leave the Milsurp wool sweater, mukluks, and a heavier beanie in the truck in case they’re needed.

 

[mtntough]

Well heres some basics
My favorite hunts are the shoulder seasons with less humans and more challenging weather

A) sleep is massive to success so
- have a good insulated pad( high r value)
-very warm sleep bag(-20-0 degree)
-bomber shelter(4 season or hot tent)

B)nutrition
-hot meals (freeze dried ideally) and hydration (use electrolytes!)

I like next mile meals, mtn house, peak refuel and
LMNT electrolyte

Note-remember water filters freeze late season so they must be kept from freezing to work or plan on melting snow or boiling creek water
I have a 2 L pot just in case

C)footwear
- boots get wet and freeze

This is a pain when temps plummet overnight
Dry them out in the pm and thank me later
Also I Bring a backcountry boot dryer/th Graksaw backcountry boot dryer is sweet or
Newspaper for inside and can be reused each day to pull moisture out overnight

D) wind
- most don’t realize that the wind makes or breaks you out there

a) keep the wind in tour favor when still hunting to glassing spots as best you can


b) a small tarp 10x 10 is ideal but 6x8 works, to block wind when posted up glassin and keep you out of the elements is a must
Silnylon is fine but there are some good ones ou there, carry daily

Thats a good start and hope that helps, have fun and enjoy the adventure