when all the sheep hunters go for a back pack hunt whats your weight of the pack gear included
also do you guys use a walkin stick if so what kind
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when all the sheep hunters go for a back pack hunt whats your weight of the pack gear included
also do you guys use a walkin stick if so what kind
I'll go first.
With 2 of us including water, salt and one rifle we were exactly 102lbs 6 ounces. This is for ~10 days. I think I could drop that a few lbs but at the sacrifice of some comfort.
I use a wilderness wanderer , for 10 days, around 60lbs not including rifle. lots of sox is the key. Change em every morning. Smart wool over cotton liners. NO blisters at all.
I use horses but I pack about 30lbs on my day trips remember a full body cape with horns and every ounce of meat will be 110-130lbs for thinhorns anyway. When you pack one out by yourself you hurt for days but man its worth it!!!
I'm gonna try for 40lbs plus rifle, minus water for 8-10 days
40 lbs would be great that might be tough to do
40 lbs, that's pretty light,its the right idea but what do you leave behind to obtain that low net?I went on a fly in 10 day backpack trip, and I'll be honest with you,I packed and unpacked and weighed and reweighed that flippin wilderness wanderer so many times that I thought my wife was going to have a fit !Still could not leave enough stuff behind to break 55lbs!!
I've dreamed about a 40 lb pack. So far it's never turned to reality. The best I've done is 55 lbs all in. I know how I could shave 2-3 more pounds, but that would cost another 400-600 bucks and a little less comfort.
PS. Never skimp on socks. If your feet are dry & comfortable ALL the time, 60% of the battle is won.
does any one have lists of whats goin in there packs
I have yet to see a 40 lb pack. I have heard people talk about them but for a 10 day hunt I have never seen one. 50 lbs is still a light pack for 10 days.
Either I don't bring as much stuff when I hunt our I have way lighter gear than you guys. Anything over 40lb sounds way to heavy to me.
I don't think I've ever come in under 60 lbs, don't know how it would be possible to have a pack that weighs 40
58 total pounds is the lightest I have acheived for a 10 day trip. Dropping another 8 pounds seems possible with some more gear changes.
Well I went thru my gear list to see if 40 lbs is possible, (without rifle) I think it is, but I would be leaving behind: salt, binoculars, spotting scope, tripod, camera, gps, rangefinder, first aid stuff, my supercomfy sleeping matt (can't leave home without it, even if it is heavier)....oh and not including water. Sure you can head out for 10 days @ 40 lbs, but I don't think you would be equipped for sheep hunting.
Also I think you should include your rifles weight, you have to carry it one way or another, plus it is one of the big areas where you can lose major lbs.
Also a solo list is alot different then a group or partner list, as alot of the heavier items can be shared.......
Mine is about 55 pounds, but then my partner's is about 80. Getting old is do-able if you have good hunting buddies.http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/images/icons/icon7.gif
How about tips to lower your pack weight?
Heres a few,
Cut off everything you don't need, I cut off all the labels off my tent, boots, sleeping bag, clothes etc....
I cut off all the extra length of strapping on my backpack
Get Corlanes to build you a rifle (under 6lbs - scoped, sling, ammo and scope covers)
My pack comes in at about 60-62lbs including my rifle... I've spent a pile of money upgrading/replacing gear, so if anyone has a 40lb pack for 8-10 days I'd love to see your gear list.
With a super custom rifle, smaller spotting scope, and lighter sleeping bag I could shave another 3-4 lbs, but I am okay with it like this...
Carl
Thank you for the kind words.... Here is the list again.Quote:
A fine gentleman on this site named Carl (Bigwhities) has an excellent list c/w photos. It's about as comprehensive as it gets.
Aside from your pack here is a list of the items I currently pack along…
I have updated this list with some newer gear, replacements, etc...
The photos no longer reflect this updated list but I'll include them anyways...
Clothing
- 6 Pair Thorlo Level III hiking socks. (expensive but worth every penny)
- 1 mid-weight polartec fleece pullover.
- 1 lightweight Merino Wool Icebreaker (wear t-shirt underneath).
- 1 pair North Face Paramount Convertible Pants (2 pairs including the ones I wear)
- 1 pair light-weight thermal underwear. (use these for sleeping in or on colder days)
- 2 pair "Willy Wickers" boxer shorts. (including the one I wear)
- 1 light weight North Face wick away t-shirt.
- 1 pair lightweight rainpants. (rockwater designs)
- 1 lightweight rain jacket. (Helly Hansen)
- 1 pair uninsulated leather gloves.
Sleeping/Shelter
- 1 Lightweight backpacking sleeping bag. (good to about -5c - I will upgrade this bag soon)
- 1 Silcoat packcover (essential for keeping your pack bone dry)
- Prolite 4 Thermarest. (I own 3 thermarests. This one is nice & light and compacts very small)
- 1 Sil-Tarp II 8′x10′. (These lightweight tarps are awesome for a fast light weight shelter)
- 1 Integral Designs MK-3 Expedition Tent (4 season tent)
- 2 HUSKY heavy duty garbage bags (use for groundsheet under tent)
Equipment/Optics/Misc.
- 1 roll of asswipe.
- 2 packs of 15 baby wipes.
- 1 small can of penetan (diaper rash cream)
- 2 Hiking Poles (Chinook)
- SPOT emergeny satellite locator
- Petzl Myo Xp Headlamp. (very bright - runs on 3 AA batteries.)
- Handmade Hunting Knife (could shave weight here with a smaller buck or puma knife.)
- 1 scalpal handle with 3 extra blades (forget size sorry)
- 1 pair Swarovski 8×30 Binoculars.
- 1 Zeiss 85mm Spotting Scope.
- 1 Manfrotto 718 SHB Tripod (okay but there is better)
- First Aid Kit (Tylenol,Ibuprofen,Antiseptic,Bandaids,Bandages,Ga uze,blister kit)
- 1 Tube firepaste (this stuff is the best firestarter I have used yet - Perfect for backpacking)
- 2 or 3 bic lighters stashed in different places on my person or pack.
- 6 AA batteries. (I could probably get away with only 3 but just in case…)
- 1 TrailBlazer Buck Saw (This handy unit breaks down into a light aluminum tube. Makes getting wood for your fire much easier. - We use this lots)
- 12 Federal 130 Grn .270 Rounds (3 in my magazine and 9 on the butt of my rifle)
- 100′ Poly Rope. (Maybe a little overkill but I like to make a good camp)
- Tikka Lite S/S .270 W/Bushnell Elite 3200 Scope. (Great Gun - Accurate & Light!)
- 1 Sony Handycam Video Camera (20x Optical Zoom W/Zeiss Lenses)
- 1 Sony DSC-W50 6.0 MP Digital Camera (Great Small Compact Camera)
- 1 Garmix 60Csx GPS pre-programmed with maps of area.
- 1 printed and laminated copy of Google Map image for area.
Food & Cooking.
- Jetboil Stove (w/2 Canisters fuel - Good for 10 days of boiling water for drinks and meals)
- 2 Liter Soft Plastic Water Container (In case you need to pack extra water)
- 1 1.5 liter Nalgene bottle (Strap to outside of my pack)
- 1 4.85lb bag of salt.
- Pristine water drops (water treatment)
Breakfast
- 4 MountainHouse Granola W/Blueberries (Great Filling Breakfast)
- 3 Packets of Maple & Brown Sugar Oatmeal (Great Light Breakfast)
Lunches/Snacks (I don’t eat much throughout the day)
- 1 Clif Protein Bar for each day. (These are great snacks)
- 2 small bags of Grimms beef jerky
- 1 Ritter Sport Almonds Chocolate Bar. (eat a few squares per serving.)
- 1 Ritter Sport Hazlenut Chocolate Bar. (eat a few squares per serving.)
- 2 Nut & Raisin Chocolate Bars. (eat a few squares per serving.)
- 1 small ziplock with instant coffee
- 1 small ziplock with some sugar
- 2 packages of Emergen-C drink mix for each day.
Dinners. (all mountainhouse)
- 1 Chicken Teriyaki W/Rice.
- 1 Turkey Tettrazinni.
- 1 Chicken Breast w/mashed potatoes.
- 1 Beef Stew (Really Good)
- 1 Chili Mac W/Beef.
- 1 Noodles W/Chicken.
- 4 Pasta Primavera (Really Good)
Total Pack Weight = approx. 58 lbs W/Rifle.
One of the biggest challenges when getting your pack ready is how to efficiently pack everything so it’s going to be easy to locate and repack should you need to. As you can see in the photo below there is a lot of gear here!
http://www.bchuntingblog.com/mypics/packspread.jpg
(All Of My Gear For 7 Days Sheep Hunting In The Mountains)
One of the best things I have found is to use those thin mesh draw string bags that so many camping/backpacking supply stores now carry. I can organize all of my gear into the mesh bags and it keeps everything together and packed as tightly as possible. The less volume your pack has the easier it is to navigate through heavy brush or tricky situations.
Here is a another photo of all the same gear but now I have reorganized my Clothes, Socks, and Food into the mesh bags. Look at the difference. It’s much more organized and makes it so much easier to handle when you are out in the field. The last thing you want to do is tear apart your bag and repack the mess while your out hunting or on your way to camp. When I am hiking I go non-stop until I reach where I am going.
http://www.bchuntingblog.com/mypics/packcondensed.jpg
When packing my pack I lay the food in the big mesh bag to your right on the bottom of my pack. I then put my clothes on top of them trying to keep the heavier items towards the center of the pack. I make sure everything is strapped down and the zippers are all closed, nothings hanging out anywhere.
Here are some photos of all of my gear packed up and ready to go. This backpack has some handy straps on the side that work excellent for carrying my rifle around. Usually I prefer to carry my rifle in my hands but sometimes when you are going up a steep climb or side hilling along a mountain creek it’s nice to have free hands. (My tent will be attached near the bottom via 2 large buckled straps)
http://www.bchuntingblog.com/mypics/packloaded.jpghttp://www.bchuntingblog.com/mypics/packloaded2.jpg
(Here is all my gear fully packed up and ready to hit the hills)
Carl
what about walkin sticks any one useing them
Yes, mentioned in my list... I used to take just one, then tried taking two and will likely always take two now. I do all my training without, so it's like a "treat" when we actually go and they make a major difference in keeping my knee problem in check, especially coming downhill, quite helpful in stream crossings and tricky spots with the extra points to leverage with.Quote:
what about walkin sticks any one useing them
I just use cheap $15.00 "Chinook" hiking poles. They work fine. If you're doing a lot of walking some thin fleece gloves or something similar will prevent your hand from getting blisters.
Carl
After watching BCbillies use a pair of poles I started a couple of years ago using an old ski pole. It really does help stabile you on uneven ground and actually helps you power up a slope easier than without one. At some point I will get a real collapsable walking stick that you can put in your pack sometimes the one piece ski pole can be annoying.
Great list Carl. What kind of pack and tent are you using?
I have mine to 55 pounds, I could shave maybe a couple pounds of of that, but 2 or 3 pounds at that point was not going to kill me.
Hiking poles are Great, I don't think I will hunt without them, they sure help to take a load off your legs, stabilize assents and descents, work great for setting up a sil tarp shelter and with a little neoprene/Velcro rod wrap around one of them they can quickly be attached together to make a very good and stable bipod;)
Thanks Dave, the pack is a Lowe Alpine 90 liter expedition pack (internal frame) and the tent is an Integral Designs MKIII... I could shed weight with a different tent. The pack has held up really well through a lot of thick nasty shit. I carry a spare waist belt buckle as well as some misc buckles in case anything breaks.Quote:
Great list Carl. What kind of pack and tent are you using?
Carl
For anyone wanting a 40 lb pack, excluding rifle, for an 8 to 10 day trip I have only two words: pack dog(s)
Otherwise, 50 to 55 lbs (excluding rifle) is a lot more realistic.
My pack for 8 to 10 days of backpacking in the summer is about 45lbs. The hunting gear you need to add to that for a northern sheep trip is considerable (wool clothes, spotter, tripod, ammo, salt for capes, etc, etc).
SSSSter is right. I got my pack down to about 46 pounds and then I got this guy.
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/...cture_0034.jpg
The picture was taken when he was 5-6 months old. He is a just over a year now and the bags wont hang that low now (StoneSheepSteve and BC Rams saw him this weekend and said I should get him a saddle).
So my pack for the upcoming sheep season should be about 25 pounds:p:p
BHB
Pack and walking sticks. Depends on how warm the weather is and how many people are going. Steaks, eggs, bacon can all add up in a hurry. Also got to bring lots of extra clothes in October. I wonder if Steadygirl recognizes the rocks in this picture?
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/croppic2.jpg
Pack Dog - pack is small only carries probably 10 lbs but it helps.
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/10077kaz.JPG
Tired Pack Dog
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/dogtired.jpg
You guys with dogs. What do you do when you spot animals? Do you tie the dog up? I have always wondered that.
I said I would TRY and get my pack to 40lbs, didn't say it was possible. I loaded it up last night and I think I can get it somewhat close. Probable gonna be more like 46-48 without pea shooter.
Hey Dale, if you make sub 50lbs post a gear list, I'd love to find a few more areas to shave my weight, plus we might be able to help you drop a few more. Hey even Carls great list has about 5lbs that could be dropped if he so desired....
My pack is a Wilderness wanderer pack. I have only used it around the neighborhood so no real use yet. But the Guy I bought it from used it and you cant even tell other then a little dust.
When I started looking for dog packs I hit all the pet shops and all I found was these packs that were made to carry a lunch and a bottle of water to a picnic or beach and they wanted close to $80 for them.
Once you see the dog packs from Wilderness wanderer you will laugh at what the pet shops carry. The bags are more then twice the size and about 10 times stronger. They are made of strong cordura and the bottoms are made of a sort of rubberized cordura. When i washed them out they literally hold water for some time before it slowly starts leaking out the seams. Each bag also zips off so you load it first then zip it onto the sort of saddle.
The one thing is the price, for the large set its close to $200 but well worth it if you want to use them more then lunch and a snack at the beach.
BHB
i havent been able to drop below 55 lbs with my pack for a 7-8 day hunt [thats with a buddy along to share items to carry tent stove rangefinder etc]
i should come real close to 50 lbs my wife will be at around 45lbs. both packs loaded with gun shells video equipment once i get it all freezed deied food ill post a complete weight of both packs loaded with list for a 8-10 day hunt
I am impressed with some of the pack weights being posted here! With my hip and back currently giving me pains I really need to get below 60 lbs this year. Shouldn't be a problem . . . just have to leave the oranges and grapefruits back at the truck. It would be tough leaving behind the pepper salami and cheese!
Onto poles - two poles are a must for me. I've tried a few different varieties (ski and trekking) and last season MEC replaced my previous set with what they said are their toughest pole. They are the Black Diamond Contour Eliptical carbon fibre pole. Cost a few bucks at $108 but to me well worth it. They have proven themselves so far and I use them for most outings including casual hiking - some of us have to nurse old injuries and need all the assistance we can get!
Carbon Fibre ? for the back-country ? MEC conspiracy.
Do not abuse these, do not scrape or scratch, weak points will explode.
Although, at $108, content may be low enough to be forgiving.