ULTIMATE BACKCOUNTRY THREAD

[kylem]

You can get by with less than you think and keeping your pack light will make you more effective. Don’t add things to your pack you might want. My general rule is outside of safety or first aid if I take it twice and don’t use it, it comes out of my pack.

More than anything just stay out there and don’t give up early. This doesn’t mean stick it out for 10 days straight if nothings happening, but don’t go home and quit hunting. I’d say your likely better off going in for 3-5 days then coming, reload with food, and go back in or into a different spot.

 

[Blacktail_]

Awesome intel so far everyone, appreciate it a ton! Keep it going!

 

[Bridgerland]

Confidence in the backcountry improved for me the more I simply practiced it. I used to obsess over gear lists, tips, etc… that I’d read online. But, the more I simply packed in and camped far away from the truck, the more comfortable I became with it.

Woodsmanship is 100% a skill that must be trained, in my opinion. I like to use that word, because I think it nicely sums up the complete package of skills that we all strive to hone in as backcountry hunters. I remember the nerves leading up to my first backpacking trip 20 years ago. Stressing every detail, trying to be comfortable out there. Now, it’s almost second nature to spend several nights in a row out there. I knew I’d made it once I started sleeping a full night in the backcountry. That was a turning point in being able to stay out in the wilderness indefinitely. Bad sleep will kill any trip.

This is my long way of saying go do it as much as you as possible. You’ll immediately learn where your skills might be lacking and what to improve. Scouting trips are an excellent way to spend a night or two out there and practice woodsmanship while scouting at the same time. This way, when your “Super Bowl” AKA the hunt arrives, it’s not the first game you’ve played all year. You’ll feel prepared.

 

[GotDraw?]

Level 7 or Level 9 Cut Resistant gloves to wear when skinning, dressing an animal. So easy to get badly cut when exhausted and you're in a rush. Lightweight, cheap insurance for your kill kit:

Level 7 Gloves

Level 9 Gloves

 

[jakeyjohn1]

If it is sketchy to climb up, it will be worse to come down. Think ahead and don't put yourself in a bad situation, especially if you are by yourself.

Related to this: It may be possible to go down something you can't get back up. If you're above treeline or in an area with cliffs its always safer to backtrack when you veer off route.

Sounds obvious, but sometimes the last thing you want to do is turn around and that is how you end up 'cliffed out'.

 

[The_Yetti]

Lots of good advice, I'll add that i always pack an extra pair of drawers because sometimes, crap happens!

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[Whaledriver]

Physical fitness is the most important in my opinion. Instead of cutting tags and toothbrushes, train your body to carry the extra weight. Also, training your mind to be slightly uncomfortable. If you have not carried 60-80 pounds in a pack, do it now. See what you are capable of. That might give you pause when you are 7 miles from the truck and see an opportunity, depending on terrain and weather conditions. Bottom line is relax and have fun! Have a plan but dont stress out overthinking every "what if" scenario.

 

[IDLassie]

My question is what are you calling back country?

 

[MDX8277]

My question is what are you calling back country?

Idk if the OP has the same definition as me but mine is; hunting anything West or North of Kansas.

 

[Huntnpack 2]

Lots of good stuff said already. Backcountry hunting is situational & being prepared.
And Familiar with your gear & equipment.
Get physically and mentally prepared.
Practice, patience, & discipline is crucial.
Slow Down, Think, & become aware of your surroundings. Don’t go outside your comfort zone.

I have learned thru experience what gear & equipment I need to make me confident, comfortable & safe In the backcountry.

Start by addressing the basics first.

Water, Food, Shelter, Safety

 

[repins05]

Powerbank as mentioned earlier......I recommend a cold weather power bank. Nothing worse than draining your phone etc and you go to your emergency power bank and it is dead.

I also carry a luminaid solar power lantern (5oz). It can charge your phone in an emergency (works ok for what it is). Keep it for emergency light as well. Have used it a few times when walking out in the dark (when my headlamp took a crap on me or forgot to change its batteries)

 

[Marble]

A lot of good advice so far.

My .02...

It takes years for each hunter to figure out what they need to make these types of hunts be everything they have hoped for. For me, i focus on making sure i have the things i need to be comfortable in all conditions and have safety redundancy since I'm solo.

Its always a good idea in my experience to stop in to other camps when people are there, say hi and take a look around. I have seen some methods or items over the years that have made worlds of difference to my experience.

It also costs me some money at times too. But at this point, I'm pretty dang dialed in so i no longer am buying gear each year.

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[Marble]

Go backpacking.

The best way to prepare for a backcountry hunt is to spend time in the backcountry. There’s no substitute. Everyone has unique personal backgrounds, skillsets, body types, diets, risk tolerances, destinations, etc. (the list could go on and on!) Someone else’s suggestions and gear recommendations are just that—you need to figure out what works for you. The masses might rave about the latest “hack” or piece of gear, but for it to work for you, you gotta test it.

To figure out what works for you, especially what will work on a highly anticipated hunt where you want everything to go right, backpacking trips are the way to go. Nothing is better than firsthand experience, testing your gear and yourself in the wilderness.

Ive also told people to set up their camps with the gear they would be taking in their yard and do a dry run. You'll figure out a lot of things just by doing that.

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