How do you pack for backcountry?

by **bald9eagle** » 02 16, 2016 • [Post 1]

I got my new pack in today. I'm pretty giddy. I've already packed some stuff in it. Trying to get my tent attached led me to this question. What are some tips/tricks for loading your pack for a backcountry hunt?

by **husky390** » 02 16, 2016 • [Post 2]

Tent on the bottom, outside the pack. Sleeping bag on the bottom with some clothes on top for bulk. Heavy items go about mid back area, finished off with lighter weight items that I might need ASAP, i.e. rain gear, water purifier, etc. topped off with my extra sleeping pad. Other essential items go into my bag lid pocket along with my water bladder.

Aron Snyder has a couple excellent articles and videos on what to bring and how to pack it. Just google his name. Also, the best way to figure out how you like your pack setup is to go on lots of local hikes which will allow you to tweak it. You'll know by the 2nd mile if somethings not right. Also, plan some camping trips and take notes on what you used, WHAT YOU DIDN'T NEED, forgot, need, or need more of.

This photo was at the start of last years backpacking trip from hell with my wife. We had never hiked this trail and were in for a surprise. I started off at the trailhead around 65lbs and probably finished the hike around 75-80lbs after transferring stuff from my wife's pack. The hike was all uphill for 6 miles, Lord only knows what the elevation gain was and I wont repeat some of the things my wife said as we made our way up. :shock:

by **jmez** » 02 16, 2016 • [Post 3]

I pack similar except I put my tent in the bag as well. Food is in a SG meat bag on the load shelf.

I haven't watched Aaron's videos but what does one consider heavy? People say your heavy items should all be mid back. My tent is the heaviest thing in my pack at around 4lbs. I just kind of stuff it all in so it fits.

by **husky390** » 02 17, 2016 • [Post 4]

My food bag is probably the single most heavy item in my pack.

by **WapitiTalk1** » 02 17, 2016 • [Post 5]

husky390 wrote:

Great tips, brief story of your hike, and photo! And no, DON'T forget the crocs (not only are they great to wear around camp once you get your boots off, but, they are very nice for stream crossings). Just curious, what's the pup carrying in his/her pack?

by **husky390** » 02 17, 2016 • [Post 6]

Thanks. Crocs, ZLite pad and camp chair are three must have items for me.

Pup is carrying her food and food/water dish (Tupperware). That bag is from REI and has been very tough. I'm surprised its survived as well as it has since she blasts through brush at Mach 3 after ground squirrels. Just have to distribute the weight evenly or it will roll.

by **cohunter14** » 02 17, 2016 • [Post 7]

bald9eagle wrote:I got my new pack in today. I'm pretty giddy. I've already packed some stuff in it. Trying to get my tent attached led me to this question. What are some tips/tricks for loading your pack for a backcountry hunt?

What pack did you get? Let's see some pics!

by **VT Sasquatch** » 02 17, 2016 • [Post 8]

That is a serious looking pack. I'd go barefoot 100% of the time before I'd wear Crocs. Does that meek me a pretty boy?

I like those dog packs. I used to have my dog carry his own kibble. I learned to pack it in ziplock, though, after the first trip and he went for a swim on the first day

by **Broken arrow** » 02 17, 2016 • [Post 9]

: ImageUploadedByTapatalk1455760805.442048.jpg (361.53 KiB) Viewed 14049 times

This is 5 days worth
Sleeping bag first bulk light weight.
Tent clothes, then food clothes.
Stove rain gear in one side pocket first aid tent poles water bladder in other calls map keys compass in the lid.

by **husky390** » 02 17, 2016 • [Post 10]

VT Sasquatch wrote:That is a serious looking pack. I'd go barefoot 100% of the time before I'd wear Crocs. Does that meek me a pretty boy?

I like those dog packs. I used to have my dog carry his own kibble. I learned to pack it in ziplock, though, after the first trip and he went for a swim on the first day

Thanks, funny thing is, that was loaded up for an overnighter. Happy wife, happy life.

No way man, love my Crocs. I used to make fun of them until I tried them. They're awesome to wear around camp and they don't weigh much.

Same here for the kibble in ziploc bags.

by **bald9eagle** » 02 17, 2016 • [Post 11]

cohunter14 wrote:
bald9eagle wrote:I got my new pack in today. I'm pretty giddy. I've already packed some stuff in it. Trying to get my tent attached led me to this question. What are some tips/tricks for loading your pack for a backcountry hunt?

What pack did you get? Let's see some pics!

Eberlestock Dragonfly. Is it terrible that I'm wanting to pack 7 months early? Lol.

by **Indian Summer** » 02 18, 2016 • [Post 12]

Your wife is cute. I bet she's smart too. I had a buddy with a wife that looked just like her and she never missed a bird.

by **bald9eagle** » 02 18, 2016 • [Post 13]

Bet he doesn't carry her around in his pack like...*ahem* some people.

by **S&S Archery Rob** » 02 18, 2016 • [Post 14]

Not to get off the subject of cute "wives"..but..

I just wanted to toss out a few things that i like to do.

I put all my "hunting items" on the outside of my pack. My kill kit, puffy jacket and gloves/beanie go in the stretchy pocket in the back. My spotter goes in one side pocket and my tripod goes on the same side, outside the pocket with one leg in the stretchy pocket. Both secure with one strap, so its easy to get both out quickly. In the other side pocket, to balance the weight, i like to have my 3l bladder inside the pocket and my bugle tube outside the pocket. Again, super easy to get to.

In the lid i like to put snacks, extra calls, head lamp, knife, extra batteries, lunch.. basically live out of the lid.

My main bag gets my camp, food and extra clothes. I store my tent in between my lid and my bag, its the first think i want to unload. And i like to stuff my sleeping bag in last, to kinda fill in any areas. I never compress my sleeping bag, i want it to be puffy right out of the bag. If you have ever gotten in a sleeping bag fresh out of the compression sack, you'll understand why i do that. COLD.

FYI, this is my EXO pack.. I'm assuming everyone has one by now...right?

by **jmez** » 02 18, 2016 • [Post 15]

How many days are you guys packing for? My food is also the heaviest and bulkiest item I have. There is no way I can put 10 days worth of food in my lumbar area. My food for 10 days almost fills a Stone Glacier meat bag and I think that is around 2000 c/i. I don't take an excessive amount and it is pretty much all low bulk stuff. I pack all my food in 1 gallon ziplock bags. Trash for the day goes back into the ziplock. Here would be a typical bag:

Instant cream of wheat with protein powder and dried fruit, vacuum sealed
1 protein bar
1 granola bar
1 package peanut butter crackers
1 package trailmix
1 tortilla
1 foil pack tuna
1 mountainhouse meal
1 king sized candy bar
2 packets starbucks via

Doesn't even fill a gallon bag but you take it times 10 it takes up a lot of room.

by **CampCreek** » 02 18, 2016 • [Post 16]

Thanks for that great list jmez, I'm taking notes for my first backpack hunt this fall.

by **husky390** » 02 18, 2016 • [Post 17]

jmez wrote:How many days are you guys packing for? My food is also the heaviest and bulkiest item I have. There is no way I can put 10 days worth of food in my lumbar area. My food for 10 days almost fills a Stone Glacier meat bag and I think that is around 2000 c/i. I don't take an excessive amount and it is pretty much all low bulk stuff. I pack all my food in 1 gallon ziplock bags. Trash for the day goes back into the ziplock. Here would be a typical bag:

Instant cream of wheat with protein powder and dried fruit, vacuum sealed
1 protein bar
1 granola bar
1 package peanut butter crackers
1 package trailmix
1 tortilla
1 foil pack tuna
1 mountainhouse meal
1 king sized candy bar
2 packets starbucks via

Doesn't even fill a gallon bag but you take it times 10 it takes up a lot of room.

That's pretty much the same for me. I do instant oatmeal or a fig newton bar for breakfast. I'll also bring some snack sticks or jerky. Have you tried the Albacore Tuna salad? Good stuff and not as dry as the tuna in olive oil. Also, I'll bring the Starbucks instant Caramel Lattes and mix it with one Via. Good stuff and a great sugar rush in the am.

by **bald9eagle** » 02 18, 2016 • [Post 18]

Two areas I'm concerned with...food and clothing. I have a couple bulky clothing items just because I'm not sure what the weather will be like. I hate carrying too much in but also hate not having enough clothing.

I like the idea of packing each day's food in an individual gal bag. That alleviates my concern about making sure I have enough. Helps you to be disciplined and not eat all you granola bars the first two days if they are in separate bags.

by **buglebrush** » 02 18, 2016 • [Post 19]

I take as little gear as possible. Other than my pants, T-shirt, Merino underwear, and Socks I am wearing I only pack the following for clothes. 1 set of Base Layers, Raingear ( coat, gaiters, and I will add rain pants if the forecast actually shows rain ), Vest, Beanie, 1 extra pair of socks, and 1 extra merino Boxer. If I go for more than 3 days then I may add some things, but not for less than that. Not worth it to carry all that extra weight, and really no need in my opinion. I strongly 2nd packing each days food separately and keep track of what you didn't use. Amazing how much it helps having your pack even just 5 lbs. lighter!

by **jmez** » 02 18, 2016 • [Post 20]

It is nice having the food in the meat bag. When we get to our camping spot just tie paracord to the meat bag and hang it. I always hang my food. Each morning at breakfast I take out the MH meal, king sized candy bar and a via. That is supper so don't carry it around all day.

For clothing I don't take much. One pair of pants, wearing them. 2 SS merino baselayer tops , wool socks 2, merino boxers 2, +/- 1 hunting shirt, vest, rain pants and jacket. I spend 90% of my time in the SS baselayer. I haven't taken in a hunting shirt the last two years as I never put it on the previous 4 years. Still on the fence about leaving it again this year. The SS top, socks and boxers I have one on and pack one extra of each.

by **CurlyTail** » 02 19, 2016 • [Post 21]

A couple of tips

I am assuming that you are going as part of a group. Make sure that the group coordinates gear so that you do not duplicate "group" items. Group items include water purifier, backpack stove, fuel canisters, and cook set. A 2 quart pot is perfect for dehydrated meals for 4. A 1.5 qt. pot is all you need for 1 or 2 persons.

Idahoan Potatoes are delicious and nutritious, fast to cook, and easy to clean. I eat them with every meal as "filler", since you are always hungry backpacking.

Take only one set of clothes, and one change - you do not have space for a bunch of clean clothes. Leave most of your usual personal hygeine products home.

Every pack is a different configuration, and you will have to learn to pack you gear is the most efficient way for your pack. I often attach sleeping bag on the bottom, and sleeping pad on top.

If you can pack your meals so each meal is complete in its own ziplock back, you will be able to ration your food better, be quicker and more convenient, and easier to split evenly with partners.

Don't forget a pack cover so your stuff does not get soaked in the rain.
Staying dry is paramount when camping.

by **bald9eagle** » 02 19, 2016 • [Post 22]

I have a soft shell jacket and a pair of soft shell, fleece lined pants. These are the two things that I am not sure about. Will it be chilly enough in late September? I guess they will be packed in the truck and I can take them along if the weather demands it. That's a good chunk of weight in those two items.

by **jmez** » 02 19, 2016 • [Post 23]

I wouldn't pack either one but everyone's internal thermostat is different. I'm guessing your definition of cold and mine are completely different based on your location.

Late September in the mountains can be anywhere from 80 to 20 and snowing/blowing.

I like the vest rain jacket combination. A lot of guys like a puffy jacket, those are just too warm for me. I use the vest as an insulating layer and raingear serves as the outer layer. Anything that is waterproof is windproof as well.

by **bald9eagle** » 02 19, 2016 • [Post 24]

I'm going to wear some of my merino wool gear during early turkey season here to get a feel for what I can expect. Temps in mid-March range from 30-50 to 40-60 night-day. I figure that will be pretty close to late September Colorado.

by **husky390** » 02 19, 2016 • [Post 25]

jmez wrote:I wouldn't pack either one but everyone's internal thermostat is different. I'm guessing your definition of cold and mine are completely different based on your location.

Late September in the mountains can be anywhere from 80 to 20 and snowing/blowing.

I like the vest rain jacket combination. A lot of guys like a puffy jacket, those are just too warm for me. I use the vest as an insulating layer and raingear serves as the outer layer. Anything that is waterproof is windproof as well.

I second this as well.

I'd die if I were to wear fleece lined pants. I walk around too much for them. If the weather looks like it's going to be really cold, I'll bring a puffy jacket. For me it's not that much extra weight and I can always leave it at camp during the day. Otherwise, I do exactly like what mez does with a puffy vest and raincoat. Sometimes a raincoat is all that is needed to break the wind. I've yet to find a use for a softshell.

by **bald9eagle** » 02 20, 2016 • [Post 26]

Good stuff guys. I've wondered why a thin jacket would be preferred but I get it now.

by **Brendan** » 02 20, 2016 • [Post 27]

What I packed for Montana in terms of clothes served me well with temps in the high 20's to the low 70's for the middle two weeks of archery season. I saw everything from light snow, to rain, to hail to sun.

Wool Socks.
Ex Officio Boxers
Lightweight Pants - First Lite Corrugate
Zip off Kuiu Merino long underwear bottoms. Zip off feature is a game changer. Being able to put these on and off without taking off my boots was amazing.
Long Sleeve Merino 1/4 zip top. Kuiu or First Lite.
Puffy (I really like the Kuiu Kenai for archery season as it's quiet and has good pockets, and pit zips to help let off heat if you start climbing)
Rain Gear top & bottom - Kuiu Chugach
Ball Cap
Warmer Hat
Gloves
Gaiters
Good Boots
Extra Pair of underwear and wool socks.

Obviously didn't wear them all at the same time, but that was it...

For food - I did mountain houses and prepackaged everything else. Pretty sure I was at 2lbs for a day of food.