Bivy Gear on a DAY hunt

[Luke S]

So I was thinking about the gear load for a day long hunt in Alaska (the Rocky Mountain areas would be similar).

Basically if I'm not grabbing a rifle to chase something right outside my camp I have food, water and gear for a full day outside (which might include waiting out rain under a tarp) including

• Rifle, optics and kill kit
• Rain gear
• A fly tarp (usually)
• Enough puffy jackets to stay stationary for several hours glossing
• Lots of granola bars
• Water tablets and other misc gear

This year I'll probably add a stove just so we can have hot food and drinks at breaks.

Now with all that I got to thinking that I basically have overnight gear with the exception of a sleeping quilt and pad. Maybe not comfortable but adequate.

So does anyone do this? I'm thinking it might be worth and extra pound or so to have the ability to crash overnight if I wonder to far from basecamp. The extra food weight would be pretty minimal if I used dry stuff with the stove. Also if I have a sleeping bag I could skip insulated pants.

This might not apply to moose because you don't hike 8 miles and shoot a moose. But for bears etc I think it's worth a try

 

[justinspicher]

Every time I go out I have everything, just in case. I bring a down quilt (30°) and a bivy. No rain gear though. After September I’ll bring a stove.

 

[mostlybirch]

Really depends on how far of a hike it is, what the ground is like, what the weather is like, and is the overnight due to an emergency or to potentially stay on top of a stalk. I don't like carrying the weight of an overnight trip on a day hike, I just want to know I won't be shivering through the night. A light down quilt would be more versatile for about the same weight as insulated pants.

 

[Koda_]

The more weight you carry the more fatique you will have at the end of the day.
IMO, I would rather mitigate the risks of having to bivy in the first place. Dont wonder too far, or intentionally plan on staying the night... Pick only 1.

 

[justinspicher]

I think my pack weighs 25lbs with everything I’m taking. Call it an even 40lbs with rifle and binos.

 

[Luke S]

Yeah I get that it's not going to be 100% either way.
There are times were I'm hunting close to camp and there is basically zero chance I'd bivy. Other times I've wondered if I could have killed something if I'd stayed out longer. Also depends on your comfort level hiking out in the dark.

 

[justinspicher]

I’m generally a 30-35 minute drive from the house and I still take my overnight gear.