Backpack Elk Hunting on a Budget

[fillthefreezer]

Just went through my hunting gear and am pretty set on clothes other than base-layer tops and rain gear (so saving quite a bit of money there). I'm thinking C4E Torrent Jacket and Pants, but any other suggestions on rain gear?

marmot precip is hard to beat in that price range

 

[Goober]

Aaron, I was in the exact same spot last year. I skipped buying rain gear and used the extra money to buy a pack. I gambled that with good merino clothes, that if I got wet while hunting I would tuff it out and dry off. I'm glad I did, not sure on an elk hunt I would pack it in. Merino wool and water-resistant clothing good enough, and some money saved to use on other things.

I'm from western WI as well, you ever want to get together and talk elk, shoot me a pm.

 

[Shrek]

A cheap plastic poncho for an emergency. You can't really hunt in one but you can wait out a thunderstorm or few showers.

 

[littlebuf]

what's this "budget" thing you guys are talking about?

 

[Jon Boy]

A cheap plastic poncho for an emergency. You can't really hunt in one but you can wait out a thunderstorm or few showers.

Thats what I still run. Light and cheap. Ive only had to use it a handful of times for a very short amount of time. I cant justify spending a bunch of money on something I never use. It just doesnt seem to rain much during archery season in western state, that or I was born and raised in western wa and think what some consider rain is really a sprinkle haha

 

[aaron14]

Aaron, I was in the exact same spot last year. I skipped buying rain gear and used the extra money to buy a pack. I gambled that with good merino clothes, that if I got wet while hunting I would tuff it out and dry off. I'm glad I did, not sure on an elk hunt I would pack it in. Merino wool and water-resistant clothing good enough, and some money saved to use on other things.

I'm from western WI as well, you ever want to get together and talk elk, shoot me a pm.

I'm thinking I'll probably skip rain gear as well, possibly buy a plastic poncho as others have said for emergency.

 

[dotman]

Here is a good one to look at. http://www.golite.com/Poncho-Tarp-P885.aspx

 

[Travis1984]

You guys need to move to Washington...I don't think you can have enough sets of rain gear haha. Also, I do like Rivers West, as you can wear it as your normal day wear if you think it's going to be a wet one, and leave the vents open and not get to awfully hot. I've worn it in all weather conditions.

 

[fillthefreezer]

You guys need to move to Washington...I don't think you can have enough sets of rain gear haha. Also, I do like Rivers West, as you can wear it as your normal day wear if you think it's going to be a wet one, and leave the vents open and not get to awfully hot. I've worn it in all weather conditions.

i couldnt disagree more, that stuff weighs like 10lbs once its wet and i could fill a river with all the sweat i lose while wearing it!, id rather wear impertech..

 

[Floorguy]

i couldnt disagree more, that stuff weighs like 10lbs once its wet and i could fill a river with all the sweat i lose while wearing it!, id rather wear impertech..

10lbs is being conservative from my experience. Last moose season it went from blue bird skies to downpour while I was sleeping the rain didn't let up for a month we were float hunting I had impertech and the seams in the pants wound up leaking.

 

[Travis1984]

i couldnt disagree more, that stuff weighs like 10lbs once its wet and i could fill a river with all the sweat i lose while wearing it!, id rather wear impertech..

I've heard this before, and just have never experienced it. I get the lightest "early" season stuff they have and wear it year round. I've had nothing but great experiences with it. Now...that being said, I would never take it on a back country trip. There are lighter options for rain gear. But for general weekend warrior hunting, I had nothing but great experiences with it.

 

[Justin Crossley]

what's this "budget" thing you guys are talking about?

My thoughts exactly!

 

[aaron14]

Thanks everyone for the input!

 

[aaron14]

Does anyone have experience with the Outdoorsmans Optics Hunter Pack System?

 

[aaron14]

Does anyone have experience with the Outdoorsmans Optics Hunter Pack System?

Anyone?

 

[Teeton]

Hi Aaron,, I've never heard of them till now!!! Here's a link if anyone want's to look at them. http://outdoorsmans.com/ Click on the flashing green under the pack to stop it from rotating and look at each pix of the pack/frame. Took me minute to figure that one out. It dose look adjustable. But not sure how I'd like the external frame bivy hunting or how tight and in I can get it behind my back. Would love to get my hands on the pack/frame to see how it works/fits. Tee

 

[Moose Drool]

Never seen one in person, but I think the MeatEater guys use them.

 

[aaron14]

Never seen one in person, but I think the MeatEater guys use them.

Ya I saw another show recently too that got me interested. The Western Hunter maybe? Can't find many reviews on them.

 

[dotman]

Ya I saw another show recently too that got me interested. The Western Hunter maybe? Can't find many reviews on them.

The co-owner of outdoorsman also owns western hunter and elk hunter mags.

 

[dreamingbig]

i couldnt disagree more, that stuff weighs like 10lbs once its wet and i could fill a river with all the sweat i lose while wearing it!, id rather wear impertech..

Same here! I have some "sweaters" west that I need to sell!