Make My Pack More Efficient

[FrankAbagnale]

Going on an Idaho bear hunt the end of May and I'm trying to dial in my pack for 6 days out. Any suggestions are definitely appreciated. I'm still trying to figure out my food situation so I'll post that once I do the math.

Couple side notes--I'm going with my brother and he is carrying the tent and stakes. I'm carrying the tarp which we will use as a ground cloth/rain shelter. I'm also a type 1 diabetic so I have an extra almost pound in diabetic supplies. I also can't leave my battery pack because my insulin pump will probably need charged.

The thing that stands out to me the most would be my weapon weight. I use the Hatch Outwest Bipod which definitely has a weight penalty but came in clutch in MT last year.

What I'm Wearing In
Danner Boots
Darn Tough Socks
Exofficio Boxers
Sitka Timberline Pants
Icebreaker Merino T-Shirt
Patagonia Cap3 Long Sleeve Shirt
Patagonia R1 Hoodie
Hat
Suunto Core Watch
Marsupial Gear Bino Harness with Rangefinder Pouch
Zeiss Conquest HD 10x42 Bino
Sig Kilo 850 Rangefinder
Wind Checker
BD Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles
Ear Protection

Pack
Mystery Ranch Metcalf	91.2	146.06
Mystery Ranch Rain Fly	3.67
Garmin inReach Mini	4
Bear Spray	11
Nalgene Water Bottle	3.99
1L of Water	32.2
Optics Carried in Pack
Siruui Tripod and VA5 Head	45.54	89.77
Leupold 12-40x60 with Adapter	44.23
Clothes Packed
Stone Glaciar Grumman Puffy Coat	11.8	49.78
Montbell Down Pants	14.1
Sitka Cloudburst Rain Jacket	17.6
Darn Tough Socks x 2	6.28
Sleep System
Thermarest NeoAir xTherm Sleeping Pad	15.91	46.05
Western Mountaineering Caribou	21
Exped Small Pillow	1.69
Borah Gear 6 x 9 Tarp	7.45
Medical/Random
Kifaru Medium Pouch	0.85	27.82
Med/Battery/Teeth/Aqua Mira/Fire	7.44
Diabetes Supplies	8.19
Glucose Tablets Tube x 3	5.7
Toilet Paper w/Ziploc	5.64
Kill Kit
Argali High Country Game Bags	9	16.34
Paracord	0.53
Latex Gloves x 2	0.95
Kestrel Ovis Hunter	3.7
Kestrel Mountain Scalpel	0.92
Pen with Electrical Tape	0.39
Kifaru Medium Pouch	0.85
Electronics
Dark Energy Posidon	8.96	13.05
Spot Headlamp	2.89
iPhone Charging Cord	0.7
Insulin Pump/inReach Charging Cord	0.5
Misc.
Z Pad Seat	2.1	9.74
SteriPen Ultra UV Purifier	4.94
HydraPak Seeker 2L	2.7
Cook Kit
Sea to Summit Long Spork	0.42	17.97
MSR Pocket Rocket	4.06
Snow Peak Ti-Solo Pot	5.68
4 oz Fuel Canister	7.4
Small Bic Lighter	0.41
Weapon
Tikka T3x Lite Veil Alpine	160.42	174.99
10 Bullets with Pouch	9.74
GoHunt Gun Cover	4.83

Total Gear (oz)	416.58	26.04	Pack Weight w/o Food Lbs)
Total Food (oz)			Food Weight (lbs)
Weapon Weight (oz)	174.99	10.94	Weapon Weight (Lbs)
Total Carry Weight (Lbs)	36.97

 

[FrankAbagnale]

Here's the initial food list. This will probably change but this will get me started.

	Number	Weight/Unit	Total	Cals/Unit	Total Cals/Day
Mountain House	6	5.1	30.6	460	460
Snickers Bar	6	2.07	12.42	250	250
Milky Way Bar	6	1.84	11.04	264	264
Honey Stinger	12	1.2	14.4	150	300
Pop Tarts(2)	6	3.4	20.4	400	400
Justins Peanutbutter	12	1.15	13.8	210	420
6" Tortilla	12	1.1	13.2	90	180
Pacaroons	6	1	6	120	120
Fruit Snacks	12	0.81	9.72	80	160
			0
			0
			0
		Total Oz	131.58	Total Cals/day	2554
		Total Pounds	8.22375
		Pounds per day	1.37

And this is an updated total with food.

Total Gear (oz)	416.58	26.04	Pack Weight w/o Food Lbs)
Total Food (oz)	131.58	8.22	Food Weight (lbs)
Weapon Weight (oz)	174.99	10.94	Weapon Weight (Lbs)
Total Carry Weight (Lbs)	45.20

 

[bsnedeker]

I don't know man, that system seems pretty dialed to me. Your weapon is the absolute most critical piece of gear you have with you in regards to being successful, I say suck it up and carry the weight. You could spend hundreds of dollars to get a lighter bipod (spartan) and if you have the budget for it I say go for it...if you don't have the budget for that I would just go with what you got.

I don't bear hunt in May without a thermocell with me.

 

[FrankAbagnale]

I don't know man, that system seems pretty dialed to me. Your weapon is the absolute most critical piece of gear you have with you in regards to being successful, I say suck it up and carry the weight. You could spend hundreds of dollars to get a lighter bipod (spartan) and if you have the budget for it I say go for it...if you don't have the budget for that I would just go with what you got.

I don't bear hunt in May without a thermocell with me.

Thanks man. Yeah that's kinda where I'm at with the rifle. The reason I like this bipod is I can use it from a sitting position if needed.

I haven't thought about a thermocell. I'll definitely look into it. I definitely don't want to get eaten up.

 

[sweetroll]

Looks pretty dang good. I’d add trekking poles to the list. Also, we’ve found that going with one spotter works for us, while we each have bino’s and tripods for most of our glassing time. Might consider that if you both have spotters on your lists.


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[xcutter]

List looks really good to me to. Maybe drop 1 pair of extra socks and that's just me trying to find something. Depending on weather/temps drop the puffy pants? Myself would have to pack a little more food weight. I'm usually closer around 3k calories a day.

 

[FrankAbagnale]

Looks pretty dang good. I’d add trekking poles to the list. Also, we’ve found that going with one spotter works for us, while we each have bino’s and tripods for most of our glassing time. Might consider that if you both have spotters on your lists.


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Good call. I have my poles listed under the "worn" list just because I'll be carrying/using them the whole time. I use the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Corks.

List looks really good to me to. Maybe drop 1 pair of extra socks and that's just me trying to find something. Depending on weather/temps drop the puffy pants? Myself would have to pack a little more food weight. I'm usually closer around 3k calories a day.

Yeah I planned on just one extra pair of socks and added that 2nd pair to the list last night. Those and the puffy pants will be decided probably last minute depending on weather. I'm really bringing the puffy pants because I'm bringing my lighter sleeping bag. Figured I'd wear them at night if needed.

I'll definitely take a closer look at food. I'm definitely open to suggestions on that. Last year in MT I brought way too much food so I'm trying to bring enough but not too much.

 

[sweetroll]

For food, depending on your hiking route you may be able to cash some along the way and return to it later in the trip if it works out logistically.


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[FrankAbagnale]

For food, depending on your hiking route you may be able to cash some along the way and return to it later in the trip if it works out logistically.


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Yeah for sure. Not a bad idea!

 

[mlgc20]

Looks to be a well thought out list. Here are a couple of things I do to save extra weight. Just food for thought.

• Get rid of the pack lid. This is the first thing I do with nearly every pack I have. They are very heavy for the benefit they provide IMO. The Metcalf is a fantastic pack. But, the lid probably weighs 10 ounces.
• Replacing puffy pants with zip-off base layer bottoms. A different approach to keeping legs warm, and isn't as convenient if you are constantly taking them on and off. But, I feel the base layers on my legs keep me warmer and weight half as much as the puffy pants.
• Replace the Pop Tarts with something like a Greenbelly Meal to Go. I love Poptarts. Believe me. But, they aren't going to get you very far. The Greenbelly's have much better calories and they still taste great. Greenbelly is just an example. There are plenty of other options.

Enjoy your trip. Best of luck.

 

[CamoPirate]

I keep my lid on to protect the nape of my neck from kitties. That's just me.

 

[FrankAbagnale]

Looks to be a well thought out list. Here are a couple of things I do to save extra weight. Just food for thought.

• Get rid of the pack lid. This is the first thing I do with nearly every pack I have. They are very heavy for the benefit they provide IMO. The Metcalf is a fantastic pack. But, the lid probably weighs 10 ounces.
• Replacing puffy pants with zip-off base layer bottoms. A different approach to keeping legs warm, and isn't as convenient if you are constantly taking them on and off. But, I feel the base layers on my legs keep me warmer and weight half as much as the puffy pants.
• Replace the Pop Tarts with something like a Greenbelly Meal to Go. I love Poptarts. Believe me. But, they aren't going to get you very far. The Greenbelly's have much better calories and they still taste great. Greenbelly is just an example. There are plenty of other options.

Enjoy your trip. Best of luck.

That’s great advice! And I’ll definitely check out Greenbelly. I was hoping for some more food advice so much appreciated.

 

[FrankAbagnale]

I keep my lid on to protect the nape of my neck from kitties. That's just me.

What are Kitties?!

 

[gexpro]

gear list looks solid man. really cant get much lighter unless you go very minimalistic for sleep systems, or a new rifle/optic to get you sub 7lbs.. but that's where financially; not really justifiable imo..

you can look into lighter alternative in spotter/tripod, like the new vortex summit carbon II, and a KOWA 553; which is what i will use this up coming season. Trust me, i love my sirui tripod with VA5.. however it is a bit of a tank.

Taking a look at your food menu, try to stay away from those high sugars; they'll jack your guts up after eating them every single day and cause bad inflammation in your joints. Look into more sustainable foods, dehydrator is your best friend at this point. start doing dehydrated fruits and bring nuts, proteins, cheeses, cooked bacon, etc. you'll thank yourself by day 4+ doing this. be mindful and keep that weight range per day for food around 1 - 1.5lbs

note - bring a spare headlamp. one is none, and two is one

 

[Northpark]

looks dialed to me. Food would be different for me. Like someone else said maybe ease up on the sugar. I usually pack a peak Refuel or mtn house ( prefer the peak) then the rest of the day is a MTN OPS bar or pro bar, double serving of almonds, double serving of Fritos, a couple nature valley coconut butter biscuits, jerky, cheese, a couple honey stingers, a couple Justin PB or almond butter packets, instant coffee, and a MTN OPS ignite packet. Fat is 9 cal per gram protein and carbs are 4 cal per gram. So I lean on fat. I’m down to about 1.25lbs of food per day for 2700 calories.

 

[CamoPirate]

What are Kitties?!

Mountain lions

 

[sargent]

Your list looks pretty dialed. You could save about 9.5 ounces by carrying a one liter seltzer water bottle and aquatabs instead of nalgene and steripen and getting a lighter pot. Also, 5.64 ounces seems like a lot of toilet paper. Hope this helps. Have fun.

 

[Mike Islander]

Looks great, but you can save many pounds pretty safely with some compromise.

- 1 liter water = 35.3 oz, not 32.2
- Smart Water bottle saves 3 oz over Nalgene
- Sub Sawyer Squeeze for Steripen. Saves 2 oz plus can put right on top of Smart bottle or bladder.
- Do you need the spotting scope?
- 2"-3" rain for entire month of May. O.R. Helium rain shell is 6 oz. Sub it for the Cloudburst?
- Do you need puffies in May? Depends on altitude I guess.
- Make sure your Bro also brings a lighter! Personally I'm never without 3 sources of fire. 3 mini Bics are great for the weight. Stored loose, a Bic can completely drain if button accidentally pressed. Ask me how I know.
- Lose the gun cover? It's a Tikka. Electrician tape barrel tip.

Sub fats for some of those sweets and gain calories while losing weight.

* Why no warm gloves? 40 degree nights and possible cold days.

 

[Antares]

I wouldn’t get too wound up about the rifle weight. Yes, the veil is on the heavy side, but it’s also awesome...so there you go.

 

[FrankAbagnale]

gear list looks solid man. really cant get much lighter unless you go very minimalistic for sleep systems, or a new rifle/optic to get you sub 7lbs.. but that's where financially; not really justifiable imo..

you can look into lighter alternative in spotter/tripod, like the new vortex summit carbon II, and a KOWA 553; which is what i will use this up coming season. Trust me, i love my sirui tripod with VA5.. however it is a bit of a tank.

Taking a look at your food menu, try to stay away from those high sugars; they'll jack your guts up after eating them every single day and cause bad inflammation in your joints. Look into more sustainable foods, dehydrator is your best friend at this point. start doing dehydrated fruits and bring nuts, proteins, cheeses, cooked bacon, etc. you'll thank yourself by day 4+ doing this. be mindful and keep that weight range per day for food around 1 - 1.5lbs

note - bring a spare headlamp. one is none, and two is one

I definitely appreciate the advice. I think I’ll definitely bring some dehydrated food and change up my menu some more.