Help me get started! Beginner backpack gear and tags

[Timberdonkey_059]

My brother and I are Midwestern Whitetail hunters looking to do our first backpack archery hunt next year. Obviously the physical fitness and preparedness are a given but looking for some advice from the seasoned guys!

1) What locations, hunts, tags do you recommend for getting our feet wet?

2) Without just spending a fortune on all the latest and greatest gear, what are some must haves and some items that you can skimp on price a bit to get started?

3) Any other advice you think is worth mentioning is appreciated!

 

[jnawalaniec]

Last year was my first year hunting out west, do not skimp on boots or a pack both can make your time very miserable.

 

[Red Letters]

nothing to add for the questions in the op, however you might end up needing a firesuit before this is all over

 

[Timberdonkey_059]

Last year was my first year hunting out west, do not skimp on boots or a pack both can make your time very miserable.

At the top of my list, thinking Kifaru since I use the shapcharge for whitetail and love it and a pair of Crispi something since based on what I've been able to try on so far they seem to fit the best. Taking me a while to find many options to try on here in Michigan though, so taking my time with both boots and packs to decide on which models of each.

 

[bozeman]

I went thru this in 2015....it can be daunting. Few things I have learned
1- an easy tag isnt always a 'good' tag......keep that in mind. I would start buying points immediately in WY, CO and MT.
2- boots: get a pair that fits and wear them year round (dont go cheap)
Crispi, Schnees, Hoffman (what I wear)......good place to start
Backpack: watch all videos on pack fitment.....a lower cost, well fit pack is better than a high cost, bad fit pack (60lbs in a pack sucks no matter what brand, some just suck less.)
BlackOvis is your friend. Thank me later.

Finally- you dont need all decked out camo gear (LL Bean, Columbia, Eddie Bauer all make solid gear/clothing)

Have fun and most of all, be safe.

 

[Jimmy]

Mental strength is important. Expect to struggle to find game, and expect to be uncomfortable. There's a learning curve that (for me at least) is only proceeded on by personal experience. You don't have to hike fast, you just have to stick with it.

Staying dry and keeping your feet in good shape goes a long way.

 

[Timberdonkey_059]

nothing to add for the questions in the op, however you might end up needing a firesuit before this is all over

Yeah I was kind of figuring that when i posted but work is slow as heck this time of year so at least ill have some entertainment to pass the time.

 

[Mtnboy]

Just subscribe to Randy Newberg on YouTube....he's made a video telling you exactly how to get every available tag in every state, he even breaks down what states to use as a backup plan when your main plan doesn't work out.

He's such a nice guy for doing that, it's really done wonders for the hunting in states that offer OTC opportunity to Non-res hunters.

 

[Glendon Mullins]

Man if I was you I would break this thread down into 2-3 separate threads and post them in the specific forums. People can fill this thread up talking about boots and backpacks much less other gear etc. good luck!!

 

[Timberdonkey_059]

I went thru this in 2015....it can be daunting. Few things I have learned
1- an easy tag isnt always a 'good' tag......keep that in mind. I would start buying points immediately in WY, CO and MT.
2- boots: get a pair that fits and wear them year round (dont go cheap)
Crispi, Schnees, Hoffman (what I wear)......good place to start
Backpack: watch all videos on pack fitment.....a lower cost, well fit pack is better than a high cost, bad fit pack (60lbs in a pack sucks no matter what brand, some just suck less.)
BlackOvis is your friend. Thank me later.

Finally- you dont need all decked out camo gear (LL Bean, Columbia, Eddie Bauer all make solid gear/clothing)

Have fun and most of all, be safe.

Great advice! I've already started shopping at BlackOvis, been watching tons of pack videos and have the clothing covered. I replaced all my whitetail clothes and built a layering system (actually did a lengthy write up on it in the clothing forum) that is more built for Out West but also works for whitetail.

 

[Timberdonkey_059]

Just subscribe to Randy Newberg on YouTube....he's made a video telling you exactly how to get every available tag in every state, he even breaks down what states to use as a backup plan when your main plan doesn't work out.

He's such a nice guy for doing that, it's really done wonders for the hunting in states that offer OTC opportunity to Non-res hunters.

Awesome thank you!

Man if I was you I would break this thread down into 2-3 separate threads and post them in the specific forums. People can fill this thread up talking about boots and backpacks much less other gear etc. good luck!!

Yeah I might end up doing that if this gets too out of hand... I'm not really looking for specific gear items or pack lists as much as I am general info but this could easily turn into that and just become a mess...

 

[Roofer1]

Started the western journey from WI whitetail woods a couple of years ago. Just simply grabbed an OTC mule deer tag from what was left at the time and started researching areas. There are a lot of sites that will help narrow it down but like most on here will tell you, first hand knowledge is always the best. I got my ass handed to me on my first solo backpack hunt, but had an awesome adventure and learned tons. The gear I wound up with was based on getting people that are roughly my size to let me know what fits them (folks from this site) and what I could get deals on.

 

[jnawalaniec]

At the top of my list, thinking Kifaru since I use the shapcharge for whitetail and love it and a pair of Crispi something since based on what I've been able to try on so far they seem to fit the best. Taking me a while to find many options to try on here in Michigan though, so taking my time with both boots and packs to decide on which models of each.

Both great choices, you can always get packs and re-sell them in the classifieds if they don’t work out for you. Like others said struggling to find animals can be really demoralizing. Pick a few different spots in an area incase you show up and there’s no animals or a lot of pressure. Also if you don’t have the camofire app, download it now and watch it for deals, they’ll run sales on Crispis a few times a year. Be prepared to want to move after spending time in the mountains, Im from Ohio, spent a week in salt lake city a few years ago, ended up moving two weeks after getting back.

 

[tcpip95]

Always put a roll of moleskin in your bag. Nothing kills a hunt more than blisters on your feet. The moment you feel a blister starting up, cut up a piece of moleskin and attach it to your foot where the blister is.

 

[Dennis]

Lots of good ideas above!

Not sure if you are archery deer or elk hunting and in which state or states you plan on hunting? Arizona and Colorado etc. are quite different weather and temperatures during archery seasons.

With backpacking look to cut weight with your purchases when possible within your budget. Next I think multiple 3 to 4 days are great to start with rather than longer trips into unknown areas.

Don't skimp on sleeping bag, pad and a tent (especially if rain and snow are expected and the high country it can be cold especially at night) I have had several trips fail because of leaking tents and tents collapsing under September wet snow loads and wind. A warm dry night with good sleep will keep your spirits up and be more enjoyable.

Get good boots, pack, puffy, water filter and mapping program

A few other items I would suggest are an InReach mini in case of emergency, good light weight rain gear (not used very often but it can happen). One pair extra socks, stocking cap, light gloves and headlamp/flashlight. Try not to carry extra stuff, but you will learn quickly what you carried and used and what is just extra stuff you never use. However never cut things that will be necessary during and emergencies such as an medical emergency, being lost, or trapped by weather or mother nature.

Pick a few spots to try on your first trip and just hike in a see what you find. No sign keep moving until you find fresh sign. That's where they are!

No cotton clothing in your clothing system if hunting high country where weather can turn very quickly.

Lastly have fun and good luck!

 

[Idaho_Potato]

Buy a mid to late season rifle tag instead and base camp out of your rig. Eat good meals, wear clean clothes, fresh socks, and dry boots. Make big camp fires, have plenty of clean water, sleep on a comfy mattress and warm bag. Forget about what you saw on YouTube. Best advice on this thread.

 

[SirChooCH]

At the top of my list, thinking Kifaru since I use the shapcharge for whitetail and love it and a pair of Crispi something since based on what I've been able to try on so far they seem to fit the best. Taking me a while to find many options to try on here in Michigan though, so taking my time with both boots and packs to decide on which models of each.

Beyond the Ears in Oxford Mi carries Crispis and a few others. Its an archery shop that is trying to carry more western/technical hunting gear than other shops. They did a weekly conference thing and brought in companies one at a time as speakers and then had gear sales to help Mi guys go west...pretty cool idea.

 

[Timberdonkey_059]

Lots of good ideas above!

Not sure if you are archery deer or elk hunting and in which state or states you plan on hunting? Arizona and Colorado etc. are quite different weather and temperatures during archery seasons.

With backpacking look to cut weight with your purchases when possible within your budget. Next I think multiple 3 to 4 days are great to start with rather than longer trips into unknown areas.

Don't skimp on sleeping bag, pad and a tent (especially if rain and snow are expected and the high country it can be cold especially at night) I have had several trips fail because of leaking tents and tents collapsing under September wet snow loads and wind. A warm dry night with good sleep will keep your spirits up and be more enjoyable.

Get good boots, pack, puffy, water filter and mapping program

A few other items I would suggest are an InReach mini in case of emergency, good light weight rain gear (not used very often but it can happen). One pair extra socks, stocking cap, light gloves and headlamp/flashlight. Try not to carry extra stuff, but you will learn quickly what you carried and used and what is just extra stuff you never use. However never cut things that will be necessary during and emergencies such as an medical emergency, being lost, or trapped by weather or mother nature.

Pick a few spots to try on your first trip and just hike in a see what you find. No sign keep moving until you find fresh sign. That's where they are!

No cotton clothing in your clothing system if hunting high country where weather can turn very quickly.

Lastly have fun and good luck!

Thank you for the info! State and animal is TBD as that's one of my questions here. What's a good choice to get started with? lol

Beyond the Ears in Oxford Mi carries Crispis and a few others. Its an archery shop that is trying to carry more western/technical hunting gear than other shops. They did a weekly conference thing and brought in companies one at a time as speakers and then had gear sales to help Mi guys go west...pretty cool idea.

Yes, I know BTE very well. Unfortunately they have nothing in my size... Most places don't thanks to my small...uhm...feet

Would love to know if they plan to do more of the western seminars though!

 

[Marmots]

Start backpacking Michigan. Everything you learn about yourself and your gear will be pretty transferable. For being the Midwest, there's some good backpacking in MI. The Manistee river trail comes to mind.

There are two big differences between backpacking Michigan vs the Rockies.

The weather in the Rockies is a lot less predictable than the Midwest. It's honestly generally more pleasant in the Rockies, but there are much gnarlier extremes and they come out of nowhere. You could prepare for this by backpacking the shoulder season at home. Make sure to get out in the sleet and freezing rain to see how you and you gear handle it.

The other obvious difference is elevation. There's not a perfect option to prepare for activity 7k feet above where you live. Don't be fat and test your gear until you find the safe minimum you need to carry.

 

[Timberdonkey_059]

Start backpacking Michigan. Everything you learn about yourself and your gear will be pretty transferable. For being the Midwest, there's some good backpacking in MI. The Manistee river trail comes to mind.

There are two big differences between backpacking Michigan vs the Rockies.

The weather in the Rockies is a lot less predictable than the Midwest. It's honestly generally more pleasant in the Rockies, but there are much gnarlier extremes and they come out of nowhere. You could prepare for this by backpacking the shoulder season at home. Make sure to get out in the sleet and freezing rain to see how you and you gear handle it.

The other obvious difference is elevation. There's not a perfect option to prepare for activity 7k feet above where you live. Don't be fat and test your gear until you find the safe minimum you need to carry.

Thank you! I will 100% be doing some Michigan backpacking trips to prepare for out west. However I have to put together all the gear first lol also luckily for me, I have spent some time up in the Rockies doing other things so I have an idea of how my body reacts to the elevation and at least know how serious I need to be prepared for a trip up there. Putting it all together and actually having a successful hunting trip (not even meaning harvesting an animal) is where the rubber meets the road and what I’m trying to absorb the most information on as I can.