Which gear should I prioritize?

[mvmnts]

I'm not looking for specific gear suggestions, just some wisdom on how to use a limited budget.

I'm doing my first elk hunt this fall. I'll probably enter for points and just hunt an OTC rifle unit in north central or north west Colorado, but I'm not sure exactly where yet, still analyzing the different units nearby. I already have a really good set of backcountry hiking and camping gear and am confident with the backpack portion of the trip, I just need the hunting specific stuff. I am a buy once cry once guy, and I like the idea of buying a mix of really nice and really cheap stuff, and then upgrading later, IF that's feasible. Here are the items that get really pricey.

Rifle (I do have a Model 70 in .270, but it's heavy, easy way to save money is to use it)
Scope (Rifle has some random 3-9x40 scope, not sure what)
Pack
Binoculars
Rangefinder

I think maybe the rifle would be fine to use for a while, even though it's a tad heavy. Having everything fairly light is important to me since I'm not a big guy. The idea of shaving several lbs off the rifle is attractive to me.

Where do I put my money year 1? I have about $2,000 for everything. Should I get mid range everything, or should I get a couple nice items, and a few cheap ones. Everyone talks up having really great glass, but I think in the area I'll be hunting, it's pretty wooded, so maybe I won't need high end glass out of the gate? Thanks!

 

[Northernpiker]

Your rifle should be fine ( but we all like an excuse to buy a new one) not knowing what other gear you have makes it tough to know what to spend money on. Are you backpacking in, hunting from truck or base camp? A little more information would be nice. What time of year?

 

[hodgeman]

Here are the things I've seen ruin hunts....boots, binos, rain gear and tents.

Pretty easy to keep rolling with a Win .270...if it's not broke, don't fix it. I'd spend a bit and stick a decent scope on it in good mounts- about $250ish will get you there. Hard to go wrong with a VX 2 or even a Nikon or Burris.

Binos....if you can spend $400-500 you can get a very serviceable pair of binos that will last your lifetime. Pick up any old $99 rangefinder if you need one- no need to range 1600 yards if you're not shooting over 300. If you're in timber, you might just skip it altogether since you'll rarely shoot past 100yds.

The world is full of decent packs, you can spend a lot or a little but you can find a perfectly serviceable pack for under $500.

 

[ShawnStonefly]

I'd make sure whatever backpacking shelter/sleep system you have can handle snow/ keep you alive in the cold. Rifle Elk in Colorado you can be waist deep in snow one year or in the 60's the next.

Following that for me the next one would boots, pack (learned this one the hard way), base layers/layering system, and binos(many great reasonably priced binos out there). A new rifle and scope would probably be pretty low for me if you practice you should be ok.

 

[Felix40]

You will get a lot of different opinions here. It just depends on what it takes out of each item to make you happy. I like to be in the upper end of everything but the cost:benefit ratio to get all the way to "top of the line" doesnt work for my budget. You can get a lot for $2k

Rifle: $0. Nothing wrong with that model 70
Scope: $300-$400 Burris is a lot of glass for the money imo. Animals die at first and last light ALL the time. Youll be pissed if you cant get a shot in dark timber right at last light.
Pack: $600 new model kifaru
Binos: $850 for some vortex kaibabs plus $70-$100 for a tripod to put them on. There is some seriously cool open country in nw co.
Rangefinder: $150 ish for something basic that will get you to 400-500 yds.

 

[Idaho Sandman]

Boots, socks and pack. You're not hunting with sore tired feet and legs or hauling much with a jacked up back.

I killed plenty in my younger days with an inexpensive scope and other items but never skimped on boots or a pack.

 

[HOT ROD]

boots, pack... Thats what I would focus on... Ur 270 will do just fine.... Up grade binos....

 

[LaHunter]

1) Boots/socks Torn up feet will make you miserable, at the very least, and potentially ruin your hunt.

2) Quality Pack Like mentioned above, you can find a solid pack for under $500

3) Binos

If I understand your original post, you sounds like you are squared away on camping gear.

 

[Zoo Keeper]

Agree with others - boots/socks, pack, & glass would be my first priority.


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[mvmnts]

So many good replies already, ya'll rock! Couple things to clarify. The budget listed is just for the few items listed, my total budget is larger and includes lots of the other stuff that I'll need. I already have a solid set of clothing (merino base layers, DT merino socks, nylon shell pants, grid fleece midlayer, several down puffy jackets, rain shell jacket and pants, hats, buffs, etc). I will also be getting a good set of boots. Although I religiously use trail runners for hiking, I am giving in on boots for hunting, I just haven't settled on a pair yet. I'm setting aside like $300 for solid footwear, and will be breaking them in well before season starts!

I'm seeing a lot of boots, pack, and glass. That is how I was leaning, $300 on boots, $500-$600 on pack, and $500 on glass. It's just sometimes you can read enough on a subject and you start to get the impression that it's the best or bust.

Good point on the rangefinder, I probably won't be taking shots over 300 yards, I do have to practice estimating distance though.

I do know that Oct/Nov in CO is nasty, so I may have to set aside some for a sturdier shelter if the forecast shows snow. Right now I use a Tarptent Notch, but I don't think it'd take anything other than a little bit of snow.

 

[Whaledriver]

Dont forget a good sleeping bag. It is a big mental boost at the end of a hard day to slip inside some warmth and sleep well.

 

[Jimbob]

Sounds like you have a good handle on things.

So $2000 for those items.

1. Leave the gun and scope alone (upgrade later to nice scope and light gun when funds allow)
2. $600 toward pack, you can save money if you go used
3. $1200 for binos - lots of options in that price range
4. $200 for range finder (I bought a Sig kilo 800 on sale for $160 this summer, AWESOME range finder at that price)

Splitting up the $2000 like that would get you some really nice gear.

 

[mountainman406]

Good boots, good pack and good glass is where I would spend my money. Also, I would make sure I had a good GPS with some type of landowner ownership chip in it if it were my first couple times out in a new area.

 

[Dinger]

If you can sell your rifle and replace it with one you'll like to carry, with out impacting on your budget, then no reason not to.

Might even find one with a 2nd hand quality scope already attached...just saying.

 

[LaHunter]

I would not under estimate the value of a solid range finder. It is difficult for me to accurately judge distance in the mountains, even at moderate ranges. Everything just looks different in the mountains vs where I live.

 

[5MilesBack]

I would examine the scope first. "Some random 3x9x40 scope" may or may NOT work when you need it to. When I was 15 I bought my first rifle, a used Remington 700 BDL in 30-06 that came with a 3x9 Burris scope. That first year hunting in the snow I pulled the rifle up to shoot an elk, and the scope was so fogged up inside of it that I couldn't even see through it. Put a quality scope on your gun. Killing an elk is the reason you're out there, don't handicap that with a bad scope.

For any of the rifle hunts I would also make sure I had a good heat source in my shelter. I don't even do archery season without a heat source.

 

[chuckeglenn]

Boots first and foremost. Then a pack.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

I'm going to take a slightly different angle it seems.
You will get the majority of your gains from the big three. Pack, sleeping bag, and shelter. If you are already set in those areas it will be a matter of what is important to you.

Esse quam videri

 

[Beendare]

Backpacking in rifle season?

Here is what you are up against in Co on OTC; You can potentially have heavy weather that will make your kit so heavy just to stay alive.....I wouldn't do it. pair that with the fact if you pack in on a trail like most guys you will be getting in to the zone of horsebackers.

I would camp on the road...but leave long before dark and return after dark each day....getting out before everyone else will increase your chance of success.

Late season priorities; Boots, socks, pants [wool if there is snow on the ground] Gaiters....good binos....the rest is gravy. Heck, you can use a cheap frame pack when you get something down....no need to blow $600 on a pack.

 

[flyinsquirel]

Beendare nailed it. You're from Florida so I'll assume you are not used to the cold, NW CO in rifle season is likely to be very cold. I'm skinny and from CA, I know how this goes. I'd concentrate on a sleep system that will keep you comfortable in some seriously bad weather. If you aint sleeping the hunt will be over quickly.

If you are dead set on backpacking in:
1 - Check that scope out, make sure it's sealed well. Stick it in the freezer if need be. If it passes rock it.

2 - A tipi with a stove, good bag & pad.

3 - Binos. I know some guys would say boots, but good glass will keep you from walking as much. Go all out and pick up some used Swaro's, or buy a demo from Cameraland.

4 - Pick up used Cabelas pack frame from Craigslist or the sort.

5 - Get in shape. Coming from seal level the elevation is going to kick your ass.


If camping at your vehicle:
1 - Optics

2 - Boots - Whatever fits your feet. Get some leuko tape and put it on first thing. Don't wait for hot spots.

3 - Pack - A used Kifaru/Exo/Stone Glacier/Seek Outside etc.

4 - Clothing - get some merino and some good rain gear.

5 - Get in shape. Coming from seal level the elevation is going to kick your ass.


Good luck