Optimal Packing Advice

[apizza]

Hi All,

Relatively new backpack archery hunter here. Mostly doing 2 nights, maybe push to 3 in CO. I need advice on packing, i see a bunch of guys doing 6 days in my pack SG Sky 5900.

Heres a pic of everything I got minus extra clothes, bow and tripod for my binos.

Bag: Nemo Forte
Tent: MSR Elixir 1
Pad: Exped
BearVault 475 - If this goes in the meatshelf, it bulges into the pack.
Pillow (could drop)
FrogTog Rain Gear
Kill kit plus random stuff light stove, small spade etc.

Everything here would fit because I did it last year (plus a hydro bladder), but felt I was way to heavy (40~lbs).

How do I optimize this without going overboard on spending more money? Any tips would be appreciated!

 

[LongWayAround]

Ditch the bear canister.

 

[apizza]

Ditch the bear canister.

Go ursack?

 

[WeiserBucks]

Go ursack?

I use a DCF stuff sack.

 

[LongWayAround]

Go ursack?

If you're only going for two or three days, I would just throw a gallon ziplock or two in my backpack.

If you go for a week, I would use the lightest possible stuff sack.

 

[Lawnboi]

I would guess that next to zero hunters carry a bear proof canister or sack. I know I never have.

A dcf dry bag is probably your lightest option, with some cordage and a small carabiner to hang.

 

[WeiserBucks]

I would guess that next to zero hunters carry a bear proof canister or sack. I know I never have.

A dcf dry bag is probably your lightest option, with some cordage and a small carabiner to hang.

Don't even need the carabiner if you're handy with knots.

 

[Lawnboi]

Don't even need the carabiner if you're handy with knots.

Not at all.

I normally have one so I don’t have to search for a rock or stick to throw over the branch. Plus it just makes it easy. But yea, Colorado…. I’d be tempted to just leave my food in my tent.

 

[WeiserBucks]

For Colorado I'd be more worried about mice and camp robbers than bears.

 

[apizza]

Thanks for the tips ya'll!

 

[COJoe]

But yea, Colorado…. I’d be tempted to just leave my food in my tent.

Small critters will chew right through your dry bag to get to whatever food you have in there. If it's in your tent, they will chew through the tent first to get to your food bag. I was lazy last year in one area and hung my food iin a small pine tree where something ate right through the side and damaged a number of food bags in my dry bag. Hang it where they can't climb down/up to it.

 

[Lawnboi]

Small critters will chew right through your dry bag to get to whatever food you have in there. If it's in your tent, they will chew through the tent first to get to your food bag. I was lazy last year in one area and hung my food iin a small pine tree where something ate right through the side and damaged a number of food bags in my dry bag. Hang it where they can't climb down/up to it.

I understand. If I’m staying in a camp a while, or I’m in an established camp, I’m going to hang my food, mostly for rodents in black bear country.

2-3 days like the OP is describing. I’m probably not going to crazy. And willing accept the consequences.


Still not packing a bear bag or a bear vault.

 

[COJoe]

2-3 days like the OP is describing. I’m probably not going to crazy. And willing accept the consequences.

Yup, the little critter got me in one day.... I gambled and lost. Thankfully, only lost one meal for the day. He liked my freeze dried ground beef, lol.

 

[RWT]

If you’re worried about the little critters they sell wire mesh bags on Amazon . I’ve used them to protect fruit from birds.

 

[mtnbound]

Hi All,

Relatively new backpack archery hunter here. Mostly doing 2 nights, maybe push to 3 in CO. I need advice on packing, i see a bunch of guys doing 6 days in my pack SG Sky 5900.

Heres a pic of everything I got minus extra clothes, bow and tripod for my binos.

Bag: Nemo Forte
Tent: MSR Elixir 1
Pad: Exped
BearVault 475 - If this goes in the meatshelf, it bulges into the pack.
Pillow (could drop)
FrogTog Rain Gear
Kill kit plus random stuff light stove, small spade etc.

Everything here would fit because I did it last year (plus a hydro bladder), but felt I was way to heavy (40~lbs).

How do I optimize this without going overboard on spending more money? Any tips would be appreciated!

Ditch the bear vault and go with a Ratsack. The best way to try to cut weight is to put your gear into a spreadsheet with the weights. Doing this is a pain at first, but it's beneficial in planning.

 

[OsoMountain]

For Colorado I'd be more worried about mice and camp robbers than bears.

Hey! That’s “ equipment and gear reallocation specialist” to you!