New back pack hunter

[theycallmemud]

I plan on doing my first back pack hunt for archery elk in wyoming. Been base camp hunting along time. I ll be hunting anywhere from 8000 to 10000 ft. Wanna know what you all think of this system, ive been researching like crazy and this is what I came up with.

Shelter: x-mid 2 solid
2lb 8 oz
Pad: therm a rest neo air x lite 4.5 r value, 13 oz
Bag: western mountaineering terralite 25
1lb 15 oz

I built this system for April - September, but feel like I might need a different pad and bag for hunting elk and mule deer through October and possibly November. I was thinking a therma rest Xtherm paired with a western mountaineering badger 15 or a versalite 10.

 

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I’ve done the backpacking thing for over 20 years now. These are all really good options. The x lite I’ve had to single digits but for me it gets a little lack luster below 20 degrees. I’d also go for a zero degree bag instead of a 10 degree moon late hunts. Ideally you’d buy the 20 degree and x lite and start there and then add a 0 degree and bag and x therm if you get into late season hunts. I’m not a fan of hot tents for backpacking so I’d keep the shelter the same regardless. The x mid will handle enough weather as long as you pick good sheltered camp locations in the late season.

 

[theycallmemud]

I’ve done the backpacking thing for over 20 years now. These are all really good options. The x lite I’ve had to single digits but for me it gets a little lack luster below 20 degrees. I’d also go for a zero degree bag instead of a 10 degree moon late hunts. Ideally you’d buy the 20 degree and x lite and start there and then add a 0 degree and bag and x therm if you get into late season hunts. I’m not a fan of hot tents for backpacking so I’d keep the shelter the same regardless. The x mid will handle enough weather as long as you pick good sheltered camp locations in the late season.

What would you consider a good camp location in bad weather? I had a big aspen fall right along the side of my tent, when i was sleeping, about ten years ago on a elk hunt in southern utah. It landed about two feet from me and and two inches from the tent and perfectly parallel. I woke up got out of the tent and was very confused at first wondering if I absent mindedly set the tent that close to the tree. No way. Then I see the fresh dirt from the roots sticking up. It was a very live looking tree. Ever since then I don't sleep next to trees if i can help it.