Another Gear Critique

[parshal]

I didn't want to hijack SHTF's thread critiquing his gear list so I thought I'd start my own. I'm gearing up for a 2014 mountain buck hunt and plan to use the gear for scouting the area over the next year. I've added everything I have to the list and only mark the various items I plan to carry to see the actual difference in weight. I haven't weighed everything yet but it gives you an idea of what I have that I can bring. I know I can save weight in the water treatment area by bringing only the Steripen but I feel more comfortable with the filter. The Steripen is more of a backup but I'd be saving a pound there for sure. I don't have a dedicated bino case so I bet I can save there, too. I could bring less water but, until I know much water is available in the area, I'll probably have to bring more. Sleeping bag, electronics, food and weapon are what I have left to add. My rifle should weight about 7 lbs. once I've got the new stock. The new SPOT 3 weighs under 4 oz. which is half what my gen 1 weighs. I'll be getting one of those soon to save weight. Adding a sleeping bag will cost me at least a pound for summer and two pounds if I go with the colder rated bag.

 

[parshal]

Good to know now that I already started it! LOL

I have the sleeping bags on the list but didn't mark them to take since that would depend on the time of year. The summer bag is 16 oz. and the winter bag is 32 oz. (10 degree bag). So, add one or two pounds to what's already there to include the bag.

I'm just wondering if there's anything on that list that others would bring and if I'm missing anything obvious that's not already listed. I'd figure another 5 - 7 pounds for clothes as well.

 

[parshal]

I bought the Highlite from the classifieds here. I'd look at the Summerlite if I were doing it again. It has a full zip and baffle and no stitch-through construction and only adds 3 - 4 oz. It would be a bit warmer and more comfy with a full zip.

Yep, the Montbell UL is pretty light. The ex-light is even lighter but has no pockets.

I haven't had a chance to weigh the fuel so that's gotta go on, too.

The bino case is the case that comes with the Swarovski's. It's their field case. I think I can drop a few ounces off that but I'd rather have a bino harness. I've got to figure that one out.

I never seemed to use my old spotter so I'm hoping the 10x50's will suffice. I don't usually scope from miles away but we'll find out once I get out scouting the area.

I put the poles in the weight since I figured I may carry those in and use them to carry out an animal. But, who knows?

The Garmin Alpha is a GPS. It's a dog tracking/training collar that I used for bird hunting. It's also a fully functional touchscreen GPS so it kills two birds with one stone. That does remind me, though, I need to add maps.

 

[parshal]

I'm in Parker.

I sold the 10x42's in favor of the 10x50's. My 42's usually sat in the truck when I was on foot hunting and I figured I like the extra light and FOV of the 50's. The extra weight and size is meaningless if they're in the truck. I usually carry the 8x32's when on foot. However, for a timberline buck hunt I think carrying the 50's is the smarter move.

 

[Justin Crossley]

The spotting scope saves me a lot of needless walking because I can tell exactly how big or small an animal is from way off. I will always carry a spotter.

 

[Rizzy]

Take your 8x32 binos and spotter, you will want it to check headgear. Even if you plan to harvest the first decent one you find, you still might have to make a decision between two different Bucks on different hillsides.

An iphone can serve as a gps, map, mp3 player, flashlight, and camera for short trips or even long trips if you have a way to charge it

 

[UPnorth]

Sunglasses? Those are always on my list.