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Backpack Problem (solved); Plans for 1st Elk Hunt; Shoot me straight...
Edit: My main purpose in coming here was to get ideas about my pack situation. ToddB solved my problem. Check out my post on the second page (#38) if you want your faith in humanity restored. I'll also try to update this thread on my hunt and definitely will after.
Been lurking for a while, so much good info here. I'll try to be quick and organized, but would love any and all comments, questions, advice.
My friend and I are hunting SW Montana (Beaverhead Deerlodge and/or Pioneers) from Sept 25- Oct 4th. I've never bowhunted Elk before, neither has he. We are 100% greenhorns, though both of us have plenty of backcountry hiking and camping experience. He won't be hunting, he's just along for the ride, wants to experience it with me...but I am the only one with a tag.
We've identified 3 "areas within the area" through aerial scouting. I was able to focus in on these places because I was able to sit down at a computer with an Elk biologist that lives in the area. He pointed my nose in the right direction and gave me great info on elk patterns, he's been working there for a decade.
Plan: we are ready to hunt two ways...bivvy/basecamp and then just from the road.
We'd prefer the backcountry experience because we know the odds are so low of getting an elk...so we kinda want the adventure of camping in the backcountry and everything that comes from that. This is where my first problem comes in...
I DON'T HAVE A "REAL" PACK.
I am out of money, 100%. Two young kids, Graduate school, etc...this is a shoestring budget hunt. I've invested in nice boots and upgraded my outerwear, but there just is no room left for a new pack. So, here's what I have, and I was hoping people could chime in with good ideas...
Let me give you an example: there are two places where we could hike in (3 miles to one, 5 to the other), set up a basecamp, and then hunt out from there for 3-4 days, more if we find the elk.
I currently own a Gregory Lassen (4,500 cu) backpacking pack that I've probably put 200 miles on over the years. That is my best option for carrying a big load. However, it doesn't break down and once we set up camp I'll need a day/hunting pack. I own the Badlands super-day pack (1,950 cu), and that seems to be my best option.
Am I crazy for thinking that I can just strap the badlands onto the outside of the Gregory Lassen when I am hiking in to set up camp? Then ditch the big pack once we start hunting? I can't think of a better option for me, but I was hoping that someone could help me brainstorm ideas. Again, I don't really know what I am getting myself into, but I want the challenge and the adventure. The Elk will be the gravy on top.
My partner is in the same camp...he's got a backpacking pack and a day-pack for hunting, but not one that will work for both.
While I am here, I thought I'd run through my pack content so far? Please chime in.
Clothes:
Darn Tough Socks (2x)
Cabelas ICWS Mid and Polar weight base layers (will decide which pair to bring when I know the temps)
Cabelas Prairie Runner Pant
First Lite Chama Hoody (2x merino wool mid-layer)
Core4Element Elevation Jacket (puffy)
Cabelas Wooltimate vest (optional, will carry if its really cold)
Scarpa Mountain Boots
Camping:
Marmot Aura 2 man
Sol escape bivvy (2x, one for each of us)
Jet Boil
MSR ultralite camp stove
20 degree synthetic bag
thermarest ultralite sleeping pad
Small pot and skillet + minimal eating utensil
cyclops headlamp + good flashlight, several small clip-on camp lights
Wicked hand saw
1st aid kit
chapstick
3 liter hydration sack (x4)
Sawyer life straw (x2)
Iodine tablets
wet ones wipes
quick dry towel (2x)
camp slippers (foam)
TP Roll
Duct tape/paracord/food rope
trash bags
Mountain House meals + supplemental food/snacks
Hunting/daypack
Bow/arrow/quiver/bowsling +extra release
Rangefinder
Elk calls (bugle, cow)
Binos (10x30 zeiss)
Alaskan Game bags
knives (alaskan game knife, pavilion)
snacks/meals
Bivvy and space blanket will go in pack with me at all times, probably the small camp stove too.
The day pack when I am hunting is what I'd really love some advice on.
Ok, I am not sure if that is a complete packing list or not, and I am sure I've left some details off...the biggest thing is I'd like to have a conversation about my backpack issues...anyone with ideas?
Thanks for taking a look!
Edit: My main purpose in coming here was to get ideas about my pack situation. ToddB solved my problem. Check out my post on the second page (#38) if you want your faith in humanity restored. I'll also try to update this thread on my hunt and definitely will after.
Been lurking for a while, so much good info here. I'll try to be quick and organized, but would love any and all comments, questions, advice.
My friend and I are hunting SW Montana (Beaverhead Deerlodge and/or Pioneers) from Sept 25- Oct 4th. I've never bowhunted Elk before, neither has he. We are 100% greenhorns, though both of us have plenty of backcountry hiking and camping experience. He won't be hunting, he's just along for the ride, wants to experience it with me...but I am the only one with a tag.
We've identified 3 "areas within the area" through aerial scouting. I was able to focus in on these places because I was able to sit down at a computer with an Elk biologist that lives in the area. He pointed my nose in the right direction and gave me great info on elk patterns, he's been working there for a decade.
Plan: we are ready to hunt two ways...bivvy/basecamp and then just from the road.
We'd prefer the backcountry experience because we know the odds are so low of getting an elk...so we kinda want the adventure of camping in the backcountry and everything that comes from that. This is where my first problem comes in...
I DON'T HAVE A "REAL" PACK.
I am out of money, 100%. Two young kids, Graduate school, etc...this is a shoestring budget hunt. I've invested in nice boots and upgraded my outerwear, but there just is no room left for a new pack. So, here's what I have, and I was hoping people could chime in with good ideas...
Let me give you an example: there are two places where we could hike in (3 miles to one, 5 to the other), set up a basecamp, and then hunt out from there for 3-4 days, more if we find the elk.
I currently own a Gregory Lassen (4,500 cu) backpacking pack that I've probably put 200 miles on over the years. That is my best option for carrying a big load. However, it doesn't break down and once we set up camp I'll need a day/hunting pack. I own the Badlands super-day pack (1,950 cu), and that seems to be my best option.
Am I crazy for thinking that I can just strap the badlands onto the outside of the Gregory Lassen when I am hiking in to set up camp? Then ditch the big pack once we start hunting? I can't think of a better option for me, but I was hoping that someone could help me brainstorm ideas. Again, I don't really know what I am getting myself into, but I want the challenge and the adventure. The Elk will be the gravy on top.
My partner is in the same camp...he's got a backpacking pack and a day-pack for hunting, but not one that will work for both.
While I am here, I thought I'd run through my pack content so far? Please chime in.
Clothes:
Darn Tough Socks (2x)
Cabelas ICWS Mid and Polar weight base layers (will decide which pair to bring when I know the temps)
Cabelas Prairie Runner Pant
First Lite Chama Hoody (2x merino wool mid-layer)
Core4Element Elevation Jacket (puffy)
Cabelas Wooltimate vest (optional, will carry if its really cold)
Scarpa Mountain Boots
Camping:
Marmot Aura 2 man
Sol escape bivvy (2x, one for each of us)
Jet Boil
MSR ultralite camp stove
20 degree synthetic bag
thermarest ultralite sleeping pad
Small pot and skillet + minimal eating utensil
cyclops headlamp + good flashlight, several small clip-on camp lights
Wicked hand saw
1st aid kit
chapstick
3 liter hydration sack (x4)
Sawyer life straw (x2)
Iodine tablets
wet ones wipes
quick dry towel (2x)
camp slippers (foam)
TP Roll
Duct tape/paracord/food rope
trash bags
Mountain House meals + supplemental food/snacks
Hunting/daypack
Bow/arrow/quiver/bowsling +extra release
Rangefinder
Elk calls (bugle, cow)
Binos (10x30 zeiss)
Alaskan Game bags
knives (alaskan game knife, pavilion)
snacks/meals
Bivvy and space blanket will go in pack with me at all times, probably the small camp stove too.
The day pack when I am hunting is what I'd really love some advice on.
Ok, I am not sure if that is a complete packing list or not, and I am sure I've left some details off...the biggest thing is I'd like to have a conversation about my backpack issues...anyone with ideas?
Thanks for taking a look!
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