Scouting Gear

[Trapline]

What gear are you guys using when scouting? I have my setup pretty slimmed down to the basics, leave all the shiny stuff I never use at home, total weight 16lbs, just add water. Socal public land hunter.

Anything you guys think I should add thats worth the weight?

 

[Steve300xcw]

Not much.

Tripod and some 15's. Water,food. Extra mag for the AR and sometimes a foxpro

 

[Ferrulewax]

actual picture of my scouting gear:

All in jest, use whatever you like and works well for you. I usually just take a lightweight frameless hunting or hiking daypack.

If you are up for critique, I would loose the vest, get a (much) smaller flashlight, move the pistol to the belt (if you need it at all) and get rid of the bear spray (gun+bear spray in CA w/ no bears?) pouches on the vest can probably be moved to the camelbak. I would sweat to death in that vest. I would also loose the rangefinder- I don't see a need for it if i am not shooting. I have never been to, much less hunted socal- but could probably loose the ice spikes during souting season?

 

[Steve300xcw]

Why do you need bear spray in socal?

 

[taskswap]

I mean, there's a ton of personal preference here and lot to do with how you scout. I wouldn't call these "right answers" but my reaction to what you posted is:

1. I would never wear that vest. It looks hot, looks like it weighs at least 1lb all on its own, and is just full of empty, unused attachment points. I'd feel like a "gravy seal" humping around in that thing. I wear a high UPF sun shirt that keeps me cool and from burning without having to slather myself with paste every hour. But I scout the high Rockies. UV is murder up here. So you do you.

2. That flashlight takes me back to a hand-me-down from my grandfather. Do you actually scout in the dark? I'm a headlamp fan - mine weighs 2oz. I like it.

3. SUPER subjective but I've ditched hydration systems. Most weigh another pound between the bag, tube, bite valve, and webbing clips. I just carry two 24oz Smart Water bottles, which is pretty much the winner in the ultralight hiking community too. But again, where I go the air is thinner and breathing is a big deal. I don't want to constantly be pausing my breathing to suck on a bite valve when I'm slogging my way up a 2500' climb. I'd rather make it as far as I can, then when I get thirsty it's an excuse to stop and take an actual full drink from my bottle. I've timed it and I my pace per mile is faster that way, overall.

4. I don't know what's in all those extra gear pouches and so on, but it seems like a lot for scouting. I carry a bino harness (Marsupial currently) and my binos, a small day pack with my spotter, a few snacks, and a lunch, and my Hillsound BTR stool, plus a small med kit. It's just a scouting trip. I don't need to restart civilization up there.

 

[taskswap]

Not much.

Tripod and some 15's. Water,food. Extra mag for the AR and sometimes a foxpro

Not criticizing, just curious, why do you carry an AR on a scouting trip? Half the time I don't even carry my pistol. You scouting aliens over there?

 

[Steve300xcw]

Not criticizing, just curious, why do you carry an AR on a scouting trip? Half the time I don't even carry my pistol. You scouting aliens over there?

Scouting/ dicking around. Normally shoot a few rounds 'cross a canyon while I'm on the hill. Also had the foxpro with me that day.

 

[Trapline]

Totally up for critique, I am a solo hunter and can talk myself into to anything, lol.

Bear is what I am scouting, I actually have to drop the pistol tomorrow when archery opens.

 

[Trapline]

actual picture of my scouting gear:
View attachment 921527
All in jest, use whatever you like and works well for you. I usually just take a lightweight frameless hunting or hiking daypack.

If you are up for critique, I would loose the vest, get a (much) smaller flashlight, move the pistol to the belt (if you need it at all) and get rid of the bear spray (gun+bear spray in CA w/ no bears?) pouches on the vest can probably be moved to the camelbak. I would sweat to death in that vest. I would also loose the rangefinder- I don't see a need for it if i am not shooting. I have never been to, much less hunted socal- but could probably loose the ice spikes during souting season?

Thanks for the feedback. The idea was to keep from having to drop a pack everytime I needed a piece of gear or hang a camera and to distribute the weight so its not all on my back.

Not sure what type of terrain you usually hunt but if its steep, the Krampons spikes are awesome if you have never tried them. Quick on/off when needed. This is the angle I am working with in the drainage, covered in small gravel, and its a long way down if you lose your footing. Aggressive sole boots weren't enough.

 

[Steve300xcw]

Thanks for the feedback. The idea was to keep from having to drop a pack everytime I needed a piece of gear or hang a camera and to distribute the weight so its not all on my back.

Not sure what type of terrain you usually hunt but if its steep, the Krampons spikes are awesome if you have never tried them. Quick on/off when needed. This is the angle I am working with in the drainage, covered in small gravel, and its a long way down if you lose your footing. Aggressive sole boots weren't enough.

Peek into the logging gear.

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