backpacking hunts

[CouesWhitetail]

a great sleeping bag and sleeping pad are essential. I use a Montbell down sleeping bag that keeps me toasty. It packs small and is lightweight but rated to 0 degrees. If it's extra cold out, I have a sleeping bag liner that I can put inside the bag for 10 more degrees warmth or so. I use a small thermarest sleeping pad.

 

I suggest a small titanium pot for heating water and a small plastic cup for putting coffee,tea or hot chocolate in. It's a real treat to drink something warm when you are out in the cold. I love my backpacking stove, it's super lightweight and heats fast.

 

I have a big agnes backpack tent, but I usually just take my bivy sack, it's lightweight and great protection from wind/rain while in your sleeping bag. Even if you have a warm sleeping bag, if it's not windproof (most are not) and you have wind blowing all night, you can get cold, so I like the extra layer of the bivy sack.

 

I have a rather old water filter, that works great, but I bet they make smaller ones now.

 

+1 on wilderness athlete products. They provide high-quality energy.

 

Instead of taking a pillow, take a stuff sack with extra clothes to use as a pillow. That way it serves two purposes.

 

remember to take chapstick and sunscreen....that much time outside and your lips and skin will suffer without some protection.

 

+1 on the vasoline cotton balls

 

+1 on extra light source and fire starters

 

some of my gear:

 

my tent on left......sleeping bag and therma rest on right side of the 12 inch ruler showing size

[AntlerObsession]

Good advice. I think most guys spend most of their planning efforts concentrating on what gear to bring and generally don't give the food much thought. It's imperative that you replenish your body with the proper nutrients each day and throughout the day. Water is obvious, but the carbs, proteins and calories are equally important.

 

I have never regretted taking too much food or water, but I have looked at my packing list anbd found plenty of things I will never actually use. I also like having a fanny pack for little things I dont want to have to take my whole pack off to get: granola bars, headlamps, gloves, knives, notepad, map, rangefinder, GPS, etc.