In the pack: Sheep 2026

[Sheep_Fever_AK]

I’m really focusing on cutting some pack weight and bulk this year where the budget will allow. For me Specifically: Tent, optics, and simplifying clothing system… But I’m curious what everyone else will be changing or still taking this fall. Gear specifics. New items, tried and true items, packing food…

What are some sheep gear items you won’t go without this year?
Where are you cutting weight? Or adding weight?
What does your typical pack weigh for a 7+ day hunt?

Always curious to learn from the best of you!

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

Here you go,

https://lighterpack.com/r/70gsbt

 

[survivalistd]

Here you go,

https://lighterpack.com/r/70gsbt

Excellent

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

packing food

You can save some weight, and a lot of space by re packaging your freeze dried meals in quart freezer bags. Take the opportunity to add spices or additional freeze dried ingredients and throw in a single packet of Olive Oil (sealed) into the quart bag. Squeeze the air out and you have a better meal that is half the size.

 

[dallen]

You can save some weight, and a lot of space by re packaging your freeze dried meals in quart freezer bags. Take the opportunity to add spices or additional freeze dried ingredients and throw in a single packet of Olive Oil (sealed) into the quart bag. Squeeze the air out and you have a better meal that is half the size.

You’re using your jetboil cup to “cook” your repackaged meals then? My list is pretty similar to your, your definitely carrying a lighter rifle than I do but otherwise, close. I’ve always thought about repackaged meals because they add so much bulk.

 

[Sheep_Fever_AK]

I started packing my food similar last year. Helped quite a bit.

I mentioned it before but how do you feel about taking a smaller spotter? Packability vs more magnification. Is the weight savings worth giving up the extra 10x-15x power and less light gathering?

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

You’re using your jetboil cup to “cook” your repackaged meals then? My list is pretty similar to your, your definitely carrying a lighter rifle than I do but otherwise, close. I’ve always thought about repackaged meals because they add so much bulk.

Ah no. I put boiling water directly in the freezer bag and then place that inside the Hyperlite Mountain Gear cozy, designed for rehydrating repackaged meals.

I started packing my food similar last year. Helped quite a bit.

I mentioned it before but how do you feel about taking a smaller spotter? Packability vs more magnification. Is the weight savings worth giving up the extra 10x-15x power and less light gathering?

Definitely worth it at times to go with a mini spotter, especially if you already know where the sheep are that you’re going to be hunting, as opposed to a new area where you might be glassing many hours a day and at far distances.

 

[carsonkeys]

One of my main-stay items is my enigma 30* quilt. Ben actually turned me onto it and I’ve now taken it on late season sheep hunts and have been totally comfortable when supplemented with clothing, despite normal shitty Alaska conditions. Beats the hell out of the Kifaru slick bag it replaced.

I’ll also be saving ~5-8oz (IIRC) by using a naked alpha hoodie and wind shirt this year.

I could also save weight by going to a breathable rain top as opposed to rubber. That’s a mental hurdle I need to jump over

This is the opposite of saving weight, but I’ve stopped repackaging my food. Several years ago I killed early and had 6+ days of food that I never got around to vacuum sealing and it went bad. It was a stupid error on my part, but I was dealing with meat, horns, work, house and husband stuff, etc. and just spaced for a few months.

Edit: clarity