Winter backpacking gear advice

[NILowe]

Planning a November hunt for mule deer in the frank church wilderness. I have all the essential equipment and have spent time backpacking but never to this extent. Planning on flying in and spending 9-14 days Ill have a base camp at the airstrip but would spiked out for basically the entire trip. Just curious about some things people who have done something similar might recommend that isn’t the typical gear. For example im thinking of buying a pair of the battery powered boot dryers cause my feet sweat and frozen boots sounds rough but weight is obviously an issue. Anyway just curious what people might come up with
Thanks

 

[Windigo]

Focus on making life as comfortable as possible. Never drink anything cold if you don’t have to. A hot tent is nice for keeping spirits up. Extra socks help dry boots out.

Maybe try camping in gross February snow to get good at sweat management and staying dry.

 

[NILowe]

Focus on making life as comfortable as possible. Never drink anything cold if you don’t have to. A hot tent is nice for keeping spirits up. Extra socks help dry boots out.

Maybe try camping in gross February snow to get good at sweat management and staying dry.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[Truck24hr]

Vet all your gear now, while you might have comparable conditions. Everything you will use, make sure it works while you have a chance to fix it.

Boots, shelter, water filter, everything. Leave nothing to question, and go in confidence.

I don't use anything fancy. I would focus funds on the most important stuff. Food, sleeping bag and pad, shelter, socks and boots. Especially socks and boots. If you're buying boots, figure that b out today

Then just time spent using it.

 

[robertpaulsen]

While you can get snow any month of the year in the frank I wouldn’t consider mid Nov winter there. At least in the last 20 years. Leave the boot dryer at home. Take two pairs of boots if concerned. Warm clothes, tent with a stove would be ideal. Worst case being a little buddy heater. Other than that it’s business as usual on the hunting front. Don’t forget to look at the land rules/laws of where you are going.

That country is hungry. Good luck!

 

[NILowe]

Vet all your gear now, while you might have comparable conditions. Everything you will use, make sure it works while you have a chance to fix it.

Boots, shelter, water filter, everything. Leave nothing to question, and go in confidence.

I don't use anything fancy. I would focus funds on the most important stuff. Food, sleeping bag and pad, shelter, socks and boots. Especially socks and boots. If you're buying boots, figure that b out today

Then just time spent using it.

Thanks! I’m very confident in my gear and I’m basically fully prepared for what I’m getting into just looking for the oddball tips tricks or gear people use in that scenario

 

[NILowe]

While you can get snow any month of the year in the frank I wouldn’t consider mid Nov winter there. At least in the last 20 years. Leave the boot dryer at home. Take two pairs of boots if concerned. Warm clothes, tent with a stove would be ideal. Worst case being a little buddy heater. Other than that it’s business as usual on the hunting front. Don’t forget to look at the land rules/laws of where you are going.

That country is hungry. Good luck!

Thanks! I have a hot tent so that will definitely help with boot drying. Other than that im very confident in my gear and think it will be a great time.

 

[justinspicher]

For them winter months I like to have a foam pad and an air mattress to sleep on. Since I use a 30* bag, I will generally sleep in my puffy pants/jacket as well.

I also take a rain cover for my pack, I rarely use it as a rain cover. It is usually used to hold my boots, clothes and binos. Keep them clean and organized.

 

[NILowe]

For them winter months I like to have a foam pad and an air mattress to sleep on. Since I use a 30* bag, I will generally sleep in my puffy pants/jacket as well.

I also take a rain cover for my pack, I rarely use it as a rain cover. It is usually used to hold my boots, clothes and binos. Keep them clean and organized.

I like the pack cover idea

 

[IowaNative]

Have you been to the Frank before? That place is no joke... I only say this because the best gear cannot prepare you for the awe inspiring geography that is the Frank. Been there twice and each time I think I am ready and it lets me know otherwise lol.

 

[dwhite0622]

Get the best sleeping bag you can afford (a lot of options out there these days). Puffy pants are absolutely worth having.... As others have said, it could be mild or it could b e below zero.

 

[Legend]

Planning a November hunt for mule deer in the frank church wilderness. I have all the essential equipment and have spent time backpacking but never to this extent. Planning on flying in and spending 9-14 days Ill have a base camp at the airstrip but would spiked out for basically the entire trip. Just curious about some things people who have done something similar might recommend that isn’t the typical gear. For example im thinking of buying a pair of the battery powered boot dryers cause my feet sweat and frozen boots sounds rough but weight is obviously an issue. Anyway just curious what people might come up with
Thanks

Water is always an issue. I have had filters freeze, filter handles break, bottles freeze, etc.

I bring a light metal pot to melt snow when you have a hot tent. At least you have a backup water source or maybe primary. My new favorite is a cheap coffee percolator pot....it has a built in strainer in the pour lip to remove pine needles from the snowmelt.

14 days solo in November is legit. Most wouldn't make it that long solo.
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