Working Gear List First Sheep Hunt - thoughts?

[ReddingArcher]

I’d cut the shell jacket, you have a base layer, mid layer, insulation top, the shell jacket, a puffy and a rain jacket. Anything can happen but I don’t think you’d need all that. I may even cut the mid layer. I wouldn’t take 2 head lamps either. I’d wear the base layer and insulation top as needed then if you’re cold throw on your puffy and if you really need your rain jacket to cut the wind.

If you’re not already, I’d start walking/hiking every day or every other day with weight in your pack to get used to it. Start with 20 pounds and add in weight as needed.

 

[carsonkeys]

It will depend on how warm you sleep. A zero degree would be on the warm side for me for September in AK.

I use a 20 degree down quilt and sleep in my clothes. Around 5-10 degrees I add a 40 degree synthetic quilt over the top. Weight of both is about 40 ounces. A down bag could do the same for less weight likely, but I like the flexibility. September to October, I have only needed the 20 degree quilt in AK so far.

A 5-10 degree WM bag would shave about a pound and provide a decent bit of buffer.

Sleep systems are very personal, and changing them gets expensive quick.

@WVELK first off, good on you for making this happen.

Having spent time in the mountains of Northern BC in September, I’ll echo what marbles has said about the sleeping system. I used a 20* Kifaru slick bag in BC and did not like it, at all.

For last years sheep hunts in Alaska I bought a 30* enlightened equipment enigma and, though the weather was far far worse, was much more comfortable. We had a couple day stint where we were stuck on an exposed ridge in the snow and I was completely comfortable.

I will add that I wore my pants, base and mid layer to bed most every night and sparingly used my puffy suit to beef that 30* rating up (or down, I guess).

Though I’m not a fan of horses, I’ve been caught in storms on horseback both in Alaska and BC and, knowing what I know now, would only be wearing the trench coat Helly Hansen impertech for riding, and keep my breathables stowed for hunting.

Edit to add: the impertech trench coat is $85 on amazon right now.

 

[Smoke10]

I would definitely take the gaiters. Keeping your feet/boots/legs as dry as possible is worth it.

Since you will have horses, you can get away taking with more weight and leave the clothes you are realize you haven't been wearing with the horses when you do spike out backpacking.
You will most likely find yourself wearing certain pieces of clothing than others.

 

[FOS373]

If you’re not already, I’d start walking/hiking every day or every other day with weight in your pack to get used to it. Start with 20 pounds and add in weight as needed.

+1 for this. I started with just walking the dog around the neighborhood with the pack with sandbags inside dry bags. Added weight and hiked trails as the summer progressed.

Even when you are bare bones out of spike camp, the pack and rifle seemed heavier than it was (and should be).

 

[WVELK]

I’d cut the shell jacket, you have a base layer, mid layer, insulation top, the shell jacket, a puffy and a rain jacket. Anything can happen but I don’t think you’d need all that. I may even cut the mid layer. I wouldn’t take 2 head lamps either. I’d wear the base layer and insulation top as needed then if you’re cold throw on your puffy and if you really need your rain jacket to cut the wind.

If you’re not already, I’d start walking/hiking every day or every other day with weight in your pack to get used to it. Start with 20 pounds and add in weight as needed.

I will likely take the shell Kuiu Jacket to base camp which is travel by vehicle. I am leaning towards not taking it beyond that point. I will take the extra layer of insulation there is not much fat on my body and I run cold.

Thankfully I started the first week of January with long hikes in the mountains of West Virginia with weight in the pack. That was in addition to my regular running and workout. So hopefully I will not embarrass myself on the sheep hunt by only being in elk shape. I am very familiar with elk shape.