The Quintessential Backpack Prep

[desertcj]

I thought I was being really smart by only taking the 2 or 3 allens that I needed for my bow sight and arrow rest. Guess what? I come to about half draw while taking a practice shot and my release let's loose! Didn't have the tiny allen I needed for that to set the engagement a little less "Hot". I would have been really mad if that had happened while drawing on a trophy. I added that small allen to my repair kit and kept on trucking. I feel like the few ounces my bow repair kit weighs is worth pounds of reassurance when I'm in the middle of no-where. When I'm rifle hunting, no repair kit necessary. Just a multi-tool.

 

[leftyokie]

I agree there is only so much that can be fixed in the field. I guess I have a lot to learn about minimal gear... I was thinking about 3-4 Allens maybe some serving string. This wouldn't weigh much and hopefully not be used which goes against what most of you would pack.

 

[desertcj]

I also carry some D-loop material, superglue, mole skin(Used more for my feet) and some small cord for my drop away rest. LIke I said, it's a couple ounces and let's me sleep better at night. Hiking back to the truck 10 miles away, because I don't have a tool I need or a piece of string is game over for me. I'm not starting over again. I don't have the time or the energy to tack on 20 miles to save a couple ounces!

 

[Colo4x4XJ]

Western Hunter did an interview with Randy Ulmer about his preseason preparation not too long ago. In order to get his bow ready for hunting season he both Loctites and Epoxys any screw that could possibly rattle loose, taking more of a proactive versus reactive approach on bow maintenance. To me this makes more sense because 10 miles in the woods is the last place I would want to discover a loose screw on a sight or a release with a trigger thats too light. You loctite the screws on your rifle scope right? A bow sight is not much different

 

[desertcj]

Western Hunter did an interview with Randy Ulmer about his preseason preparation not too long ago. In order to get his bow ready for hunting season he both Loctites and Epoxys any screw that could possibly rattle loose, taking more of a proactive versus reactive approach on bow maintenance. To me this makes more sense because 10 miles in the woods is the last place I would want to discover a loose screw on a sight or a release with a trigger thats too light. You loctite the screws on your rifle scope right? A bow sight is not much different

They did all get loctite when I installed them. The release probably did not. For the weight, I'm still taking the 4 allen wrenches! Especially on an out of state hunt that is costing big $...

 

[Colo4x4XJ]

Knowing my luck I would bring 4 Allen wrenches only to have it be a 5th size haha. I can understand covering all bases on a fly in, once in a lifetime hunting trip. I guess I would consider items like a repair kit or extra arrows (besides the ones in my quiver) to fall under the "situation specific" category and don't necessarily have them on my master packing list for the adventures in the mountains around my home. On a different note-
HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Hoping 2014 is full of good health, prosperity and success. Already counting down to archery season

 

[OBP]

Knowing my luck I would bring 4 Allen wrenches only to have it be a 5th size haha. I can understand covering all bases on a fly in, once in a lifetime hunting trip. I guess I would consider items like a repair kit or extra arrows (besides the ones in my quiver) to fall under the "situation specific" category and don't necessarily have them on my master packing list for the adventures in the mountains around my home. On a different note-
HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Hoping 2014 is full of good health, prosperity and success. Already counting down to archery season

Colo4x4XJ - How do you like that WM pillow? I have yet to find a pillow that I really like for backpacking.

 

[tttoadman]

Colo4x4XJ - How do you like that WM pillow? I have yet to find a pillow that I really like for backpacking.

I am just jumping in here, but I have been really happy with the "cocoon sleeping bag hood pillow". It has the fleece on one side that is quiet and warm. It fits nicely in mummy bag hood area. Packs super small.

 

[Brock A]

I am just jumping in here, but I have been really happy with the "cocoon sleeping bag hood pillow". It has the fleece on one side that is quiet and warm. It fits nicely in mummy bag hood area. Packs super small.

I just got this for Christmas. Looking forward to spending some nights on it.

 

[OBP]

I am just jumping in here, but I have been really happy with the "cocoon sleeping bag hood pillow". It has the fleece on one side that is quiet and warm. It fits nicely in mummy bag hood area. Packs super small.

I may have to check this one out the next time I see it somewhere. So far I have not found an inflatable pillow that feels right but the fleece backing may change that.

 

[Colo4x4XJ]

I like the WM pillow because it lives in my sleeping bag and takes up virtually zero room in my pack. But it is pretty small and soft. Last year after living in a tent for a couple weeks I wanted something bigger and more firm (haha that's what she said) but haven't found anything that justifies adding more weight and bulk to my pack.

 

[OBP]

I like the WM pillow because it lives in my sleeping bag and takes up virtually zero room in my pack. But it is pretty small and soft. Last year after living in a tent for a couple weeks I wanted something bigger and more firm (haha that's what she said) but haven't found anything that justifies adding more weight and bulk to my pack.

Good deal, thanks. Think I'm going to give this one a whirl this year.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

I love my Wiggy's and so does Wade. http://hardcoreoutdoor.com/search.aspx?q=pillow&sc=t&dt=3m&al=none

 

[Colo4x4XJ]

Wiggys is twice as heavy as my 4.5 oz WM pillow that's around the same size. Chances are the Wiggys will cradle your head better because of the synthetic filling but that also equates to taking up more space in the pack because synthetic doesn't compress as small as down. Thanks for the suggestion though, I hadn't heard of Wiggys until now and it looks like they make some good gear.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

Took a river dunking once and my down bag was completely compromised...I have abandoned down completely after shivering for a night. The Lamalite used in Wiggy's bags (a sturdier version of Climashield) stays warm when wet so that's why I chose Wiggy's.

[video=youtube;YD3wA5Wrcmc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YD3wA5Wrcmc[/video]

 

[Colo4x4XJ]

Sorry to hear about your unfortunate turn of events leading to a soaked bag, that sucks. Wet gear is my biggest pet peeve so I switched to these guys for added assurance http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/accessories/storage-systems/airpurge-dry-compr-sack-5l.html

 

[Where's Bruce?]

Yeah, I carry a dry bag in my pack now too. Life...it gives you the test first and the lesson second.

 

[Mad Mountain Mike]

I took a river dunk last Thursday, my pulk slid sideways on the ice then tipped over into the river. I couldn't get the harness undone quick enough and as the sled filled with water it sucked me in as well. I was soaked, my sleeping bag and the rest of my gear got soaked. Bit of a long night drying all that stuff out over a fire.

 

[Rs3003]

that's not a good night