Fairly Thorough Complete Alaska Pack List

[cfdjay]

I know I'm opening myself up for an evisceration. I'm only posting this for healthy discussion, education and some Q&A. This is for a possible 20+ day in the field trip solo.

You'll notice the food is for 10 days. I'm not thrilled with how heavy it is as it stands so I cut my food in half. If I'm in location one for 10 days and have not had solid opportunities at moose, I'll request to be moved and my pilot can bring my other food cache then.

BTW, I think I'm sharing it without editing permission. If you are able to edit it, please don't and let me know so I can fix it.

https://lighterpack.com/r/bt01c8

 

[benbhunter]

I see 2 tripods on list. Is there a reason 2 are needed.

 

[BLJ]

Full disclosure.
I’ve never done a hunt like this (not even remotely). My opinion will be based off of what I’ve read and the videos I’ve watched.
And how I would approach a hunt based on your list.
This is worth what you’ve paid for it.

I would lose the go pro, one tripod, spotter, carry 8x or 10x instead of 18x, bagels, solar charger and fishing stuff.

I would add more food and another way to treat water.

Not being critical, just my thoughts.

All IMO.

 

[cfdjay]

I see 2 tripods on list. Is there a reason 2 are needed.

Yes. 2 reasons actually. First, I've done this in the past when hunting solo and it's paid dividends. I use one for main glassing with my larger binos, the other is set up with spotting scope and digiscope setup with phone. I will use that for confirmed shot placement review. Also if I need to pick up and go I can swap to gun clamp for a standing shot quickly if needed.

 

[cfdjay]

Full disclosure.
I’ve never done a hunt like this (not even remotely). My opinion will be based off of what I’ve read and the videos I’ve watched.
And how I would approach a hunt based on your list.
This is worth what you’ve paid for it.

I would lose the go pro, one tripod, spotter, carry 8x or 10x instead of 18x, bagels, solar charger and fishing stuff.

I would add more food and another way to treat water.

Not being critical, just my thoughts.

All IMO.

I appreciate the feedback.

 

[BLJ]

And depending on vegetation, maybe the bipod too.
Seem like moose don’t live in places that would allow the use of such a thing.

 

[Snowwolfe]

I would ditch all the optic stuff including the rangefinder, tripod, bipod, tarp, etc, and just carry the binoculars and maybe one camera. There is no sense finding a moose a mile or two away from where you need to pack it back to if you are alone.
Leave the .40 at home as well. A much better choice would be a .22 sighted in for 15 yards or so and a box of ammo. It could provide you with some great fireside meals of grouse and/or ptarmigan. Something like a light semi auto or a S&W 63.

 

[AKDoc]

Good on you for taking the time to be thoughtful in your preparation for a solo moose hunt! As hunters we're all different in our preferences and choices of what to bring and not to bring...so that's a given.

I'm not sure if you're seeking feedback, and if I remember correctly you're heading up here in just a few days...so not much time (if any) to make any suggested adjustments.

That said, I'll mention a few things for your consideration (no eviseration ):

• I do bring my steripen on spring bear hunts when I'm using snow run-off for camp water. On lake drop hunts I don't bring it. I prefer a filtration system to remove micros from the lake water...and I bring extra filters because some lakes are more so.
• Consider bringing a couple more tarps for field dressing and meat care...a tented meat-pole is the best.
• A fillet glove is a must have. Doing a moose is a big and long job and knife mistakes happen.
• I didn't see any kind of cordage on your list...you probably just didn't list it. You will be using a lot of it.
• Don't know if you're going to be on tundra or not...if so, I'm sure you already know that standard tent stakes don't cut it.
• I'm sure you're bringing a rain coat that you know for sure does the job.

Call one close to camp and don't shoot one standing in water . The best to you!

 

[MacGyver]

I appreciate the feedback.

I did not see, Knife, Sharpener, rope/string, several pairs of gloves to skin an animal, insect repellent, mosquito netting, lighter, surveyor tape to mark the kill site or where you put your backpack. a few large plastic garbage bags for an emergency shelter, water filter.

I also like Knorr, pasta sides dishes, Chicken flavor rice, 4.3 Oz, add lots of butter for more energy.
Good luck

 

[Snowwolfe]

Good tip on the safety glove. I always wear one on my non cutting hand.
Maybe toss in a head net as well. If the weather is warm the no see em's can eat you alive. Especially if you are working on a carcass during a sunny midday.

 

[cfdjay]

Good on you for taking the time to be thoughtful in your preparation for a solo moose hunt! As hunters we're all different in our preferences and choices of what to bring and not to bring...so that's a given.

I'm not sure if you're seeking feedback, and if I remember correctly you're heading up here in just a few days...so not much time (if any) to make any suggested adjustments.

That said, I'll mention a few things for your consideration (no eviseration ):

• I do bring my steripen on spring bear hunts when I'm using snow run-off for camp water. On lake drop hunts I don't bring it. I prefer a filtration system to remove micros from the lake water...and I bring extra filters because some lakes are more so.
• Consider bringing a couple more tarps for field dressing and meat care...a tented meat-pole is the best.
• A fillet glove is a must have. Doing a moose is a big and long job and knife mistakes happen.
• I didn't see any kind of cordage on your list...you probably just didn't list it. You will be using a lot of it.
• Don't know if you're going to be on tundra or not...if so, I'm sure you already know that standard tent stakes don't cut it.
• I'm sure you're bringing a rain coat that you know for sure does the job.

Call one close to camp and don't shoot one standing in water . The best to you!

Truly enjoy reading your posts AKDoc. This one is no exception. Over the last 15 years I've leaned towards the aquimira over the filters. Once the filters are used and a freeze happens, there is a chance the filter is now compromised due to the expanding moisture. Aquimira is light and can do many many gallons of water.

I do have cordage with small pulleys in my Kill Kit that is not itemized.


Thanks again for the reply

 

[cfdjay]

I did not see, Knife, Sharpener, rope/string, several pairs of gloves to skin an animal, insect repellent, mosquito netting, lighter, surveyor tape to mark the kill site or where you put your backpack. a few large plastic garbage bags for an emergency shelter, water filter.

I also like Knorr, pasta sides dishes, Chicken flavor rice, 4.3 Oz, add lots of butter for more energy.
Good luck

Minus bug repellent, I do have the rest just not itemized in my Kill Kit.

 

[AKDoc]

Truly enjoy reading your posts AKDoc. This one is no exception. Over the last 15 years I've leaned towards the aquimira over the filters. Once the filters are used and a freeze happens, there is a chance the filter is now compromised due to the expanding moisture. Aquimira is light and can do many many gallons of water.

I do have cordage with small pulleys in my Kill Kit that is not itemized.


Thanks again for the reply

Thank you. You're on it!

And you're absolutely right-on regarding freezing and some water filters becoming compromised. I use the Katadyn gravity filters, and the company has assured me that they're still good to go after freezing/thawing (which I still try to avoid).

 

[JohnB]

Are you planning on being mobile or at a basecamp for your 10 days? If you're potentially going to get bumped to a new location why not have all 20 days in the field with you? The amount of food you have seems pretty light for 10 days and if your 2nd 10 day supply is the same then I'd imagine you're going to be pretty thin and cranky by the end of day 20.

 

[cfdjay]

Are you planning on being mobile or at a basecamp for your 10 days? If you're potentially going to get bumped to a new location why not have all 20 days in the field with you? The amount of food you have seems pretty light for 10 days and if your 2nd 10 day supply is the same then I'd imagine you're going to be pretty thin and cranky by the end of day 20.

More or less a base camp. I picked an area that is very glassable for 7 days. I have a strict weight limit for my flight in and I'm maxed. That's why I chose to split the food. I'm pretty good at the weight game and although it seems light, I assure you I'll be satisfied (considering I'm not running through the mountains chasing elk and burning cals)

 

[BLJ]

Are you planning on being mobile or at a basecamp for your 10 days? If you're potentially going to get bumped to a new location why not have all 20 days in the field with you? The amount of food you have seems pretty light for 10 days and if your 2nd 10 day supply is the same then I'd imagine you're going to be pretty thin and cranky by the end of day 20.

Or if weather rolls in and the already tight on food 10 days becomes 12-13.

Not a dig. Just a thought.

 

[JohnB]

More or less a base camp. I picked an area that is very glassable for 7 days. I have a strict weight limit for my flight in and I'm maxed. That's why I chose to split the food. I'm pretty good at the weight game and although it seems light, I assure you I'll be satisfied (considering I'm not running through the mountains chasing elk and burning cals)

Sounds good. Between being cold & eating to have something to do there is no way I could get by on that.

 

[Robinhood21]

I think it looks pretty good. I honestly think it would be silly to not take the rangefinder. At least to my eyes, everything is further than you think out there. I think because everything is so big around you, it’s like your depth perception gets thrown off. I’d look at something and think it was a couple hundred yards away and after I ranged it, it would be 400.

 

[WMR]

With 2 tripods and a bipod, you’ll at least be very steady as you starve to death. You might be able to get your pilot to drop off more food if he comes to the area for other reasons, like to pick up another hunter’s moose.

I can’t tell how many calories your food list provides., High fat foods can deliver around 2500 Cal per pound, which is a reasonable amount per day for light outdoor activity. Heavy exertion or cold temps will require more. Peanut butter is high in fat and calories and can be a good supplement. Remember that extraction or resupply may be delayed for days depending on weather and other factors.

I’d leave my handgun at home, lose one of the tripods, and get in 5 pounds of high fat, calorie dense trail mix. We always take a bear fence but so far have had conditions that precluded its use on 2 of 3 hunts.

I agree with the above posters about the need for a cut resistant glove for the off hand. Be very deliberate in your actions to avoid injury. An injury on a solo backcountry trip could be very dangerous.

 

[bmrfish]

a paperback book or 2 - moose hunting is a lot of sitting around waiting
lightweight backpacking cot - it is wet and lumpy out there
These would be a higher priority for me than a couple other items on your list like a 2nd tripod and bipod. Maybe even the spotting scope. It's not like you need to size one up 3 miles from camp to decide whether he is worth going after.
Food seems light. I'd add a half dozen ramen noodle packs - those things weigh next to nothing
someone else already mentioned a head net. Take 2 - those things are easy to lose.