Making a better camp!

[Lefty]

What have you done to make a better camp. It really doesnt matter if you bivi hunt, spike camp, tent at the trail head, sleep in a camper,.. or what ever.

My way earlier single years camping to me was rolling out the sleeping bag somewhere, hard rain it was sleeping on the bench seat of my pickup.

My wife had been a back packer so we tented light.
After we got married I added a tent, and sleeping pad( and sleeping with my wife )

Some of the niceities Ive added
A very nice sleeping pad, chair , cooler with fresh fruit , veggies, and cold fruit drinks, even ice water, heck I even bring a pillow some times.

An old cowboy I know, who horse packed in, alway had steak for supper

What to you bring along, because you want to?

[WapitiTalk1]

Bourbon

[Indian Summer]

Captain Morgan & Tang mix and an iPod..... night life!

Love my Jetboil & my DownMat sleeping pad with the chair kit.

[easeup]

a wood burner.........I guess the older bones like a little warmth with coffee in the morning.

[Herb]

An extra pair of boots. After some wet days, kind of nice to slip the feet in a fresh pair.

[Freebird134]

This year we aren't backpacking in, plus I'm driving (instead of flying). The luxury item I'm most excited about is my ol' six string. My hunting partner and I met in a band, so add some Jack D. and an acoustic guitar and we'll waste the night singing every Hank Jr song ever recorded.

[cnelk]

I got a 5 watt solar panel hooked up to a deep cycle battery outside the back of the cook tent.
Inside the tent are 2 - 12v 40W light bulbs.

Walk in and turn on the lights...

[>>>---WW---->]

I used to manage a NF campground for 6 years. And I suppose I've just about seen it all.

For the camper crowd, I suppose the big thing to make things easier was solar panels and satalite TV and hot showers. And for the tent campers, you can always tell the pros from the newbies. Anyone that has spent much time in a tent knows the importance of a plastic tarp over the the roof for extra insulation and to make the snow slide off.

Two things that stick in my mind that make life a little bit easier are the solar drive way lights. Set them out in the sun during the day and hang them in your tent at night. The other thing is a walker like some older folks use to get around. Most of them fold up for easy storage. You just open them up and attach a board across the top and it makes an excellent table for your camp stove of or what ever else you can think of.

[JGH]

Horses ... even just one ... can open up some "luxuries" ... I hunt fairly lightweight but either take a horse, or get dropped-off by Wife and she takes the horses home. If you avoid canvas tents and stoves, you can put a lot of luxuries on a horse.

A chair is a must for me. Sitting in a regular camp chair at the end of the day is so relaxing.

Wine. I am among those who'd prefer a drink at the end of the day, at least on some days, but there's no ice in the backcountry in September. The creek is not cold enough for beer, but it keeps wine "perfectly". We take the bladder out of a box of wine (which equals four bottles) ... and it really elevates Mountain House meals! (And they really need some elevating, IYKWIM).

Lighting. Son and I were at REI last weekend and spotted some LED strands (like Christmas lights) that are powered by AA batteries. We both were subject to impulse buying that day. I will, though, look into the solar lights -- good idea, WW.

The Kifaru tipi with lightweight stove is great, too. I do enjoy warming the tent up in the morning before crawling out of the bag.

A tarp over the cook area.

Electric fence for the horses. When it's nap-time, it's nice to just let them graze and not worry about them.

[easeup]

The little string of LED lights w/2-AA bats are very nice and lightweight.

I hangem up around the tent.......and call them victory lights!

[bnsafe]

last year it was a cheap camp pad from wal mart and a mummy bag, both of those are gone this year. i am also prob gonna buy a canvas tent for basecamp and have a cot and mr heater in there.

[pointysticks]

tent camping. wife and i both got cots!! wow, after a long day hiking, it is really nice to not have to crawl onto the floor to sleep. in the morning it is nice swinging your aching feet off an elevated surface. luxury.

90% of our hunting is from a pop-up camper. adding a Mr Buddy heater with an adaptor hose to run a 20lb bottle..yeehaw!! takes the biting chill out of the air. you can run the thing 8 nights straight before draining a tank. luxury, again.

[cnelk]

We consider our wall tents home away from home!

[Swede]

I have to admit I don't rough it much anymore. I have slept on the wet ground in the cold and had poor groceries a plenty. Now days it is a warm shelter, warm dry bed, hot meal, and at least a good lantern, unless I let myself get talked into packing in for some overnighter, or going somewhere with my son. Now that knot-head can talk me into some crazy things.

[elkmtngear]

I'm spike camping off my back....I got nuthin'

[Huntography]

What makes the best hunting camps for me is having good company to enjoy it with.

A little bourbon and a fire pit where possible make it just right.

Rudy

[bowhunterty]

A hot shower. Boil water on the stove, pour in a 5 gallon bucket, and use zodi shower pump. Works great.

[pointysticks]

A hot shower. Boil water on the stove, pour in a 5 gallon bucket, and use zodi shower pump. Works great.

Love it. I use a old water gallon jug with a couple of knife holes in it. I will goggle a zodi. Thx.

[easeup]

several years back I purchased a Zodi. man they are sweet when they work.

heating up high mineral waters found in the western elk country sure causes lots of corrosion issues with them.
which reminds me I need to do some off season repairs again on mine.

A malfunction never seems to occur until you are ready to wash up and naked.

[cnelk]

Here is a pic of my cooktent.
My home-made camp kitchen and the 12v lights of the ridge pole

Its a bit disorganized the time the pic was taken... must have heard a bugle that morning

[cnelk]

Here is a pic of our fire ring and gathering spot.
Who would like to join me for a beverage?

[WapitiTalk1]

Always try to build a place to sit and take required "nature breaks" with overhead cover. This is our commode from 5 or 6 years ago in WA. My buddy had this built already by the time I arrived to camp. It worked well. As I get older, I'm finding the old squat and go method just doesn't cut the mustard anymore .

IMG_0795.jpg (274.73 KiB) Viewed 23293 times

[BobcatJerry]

We back pack in about a mile, and we always stop at WalMart or someplace and buy the cheapest folding chair we can. Carry them in. This year they were purple. We give them away when we are done. It makes the evening sit with a coffee cup of Jameson's that much better. Comfy camp foot wear is nice too.

[Indian Summer]

This year we aren't backpacking in, plus I'm driving (instead of flying). The luxury item I'm most excited about is my ol' six string. My hunting partner and I met in a band, so add some Jack D. and an acoustic guitar and we'll waste the night singing every Hank Jr song ever recorded.

I heard Freebird yesterday.... I couldn't help but think of you and I paid extra close attention to the guitar solo. For some reason I pictured the guy playing it wearing camo!

Zodis... yeah they're great... until they don't work! We heat water on the cook stove and use it in a shower bag.

[Bartfrncs]

A 45000 BTU radiant propane heater. No one has to chop wood and is a real easy packin on horses. Propane burner stove instant heat and hot water is almost instantly available. I hunt way back in on horseback so four 20 lbs bottles are more than engough fule for heat and cooking.
Bart

[elkmtngear]

I finally thought of something....an empty wide mouth gatorade bottle.

Nothing has brought me more comfort than this in the last couple of years

[planebow]

Going to add a shower to my equipment this year. Making a collapsible shower using a RV shower head and hose with a 12 volt pump to run it out of a 5 gallon container.

[Buglemaster]

Jeff, what exactly do you do with the bottle???II Always keep one close by during the night.Much better than stepping out in the cold to take a wiizz. Capacity is off utmost importance tho. And Phantom, we used that kind of "throne" for several years also, but have upgraded to one of those portable bed side commodes for handicapped people...Its of the jumbo size . So comfortable you have to have reading material. Padded & everything. I can get pics if you want...

[Buglemaster]

Really should stress the "wide mouth" bottle.If its not big enough, unknowingly a guy can pressurize one & that is way too entertaining for long time hunting buddies that would never tell on you at the annual Christmas party. ops

[Indian Summer]

There's one thing I've thought of for years but haven't yet done. I want to take the biggest funnel I can find, mount it in the corner of the tent up near the woodpile, glue a hose to the bottom and run it a good 10 feet or so from the tent. Indoor urinal. Neccesity is the mother of all inventions. Below is the shaving station complete with mirror.

CnElk... love the astroturf! Wish my whole yard was that stuff...

[Indian Summer]

OK 2 more. A trial setup of a new tent in the yard. We had to make sure it could handle an elk rack leaning on it. Then there's the reason everyone takes so long on the throne......

And the view of my yard from inside the Marmot.

[>>>---WW---->]

Hmmmmm! Somehow elk antlers and a palm tree just don't go together Joe!

[cnelk]

Are those 'low' fences I see in the background?

[Indian Summer]

Aloha from elk country. LOL!

[Swede]

Joe: I think we probably should take that turkey hunt, you recommended, together. Where we'll go hunting turkeys they do not cost too much, comparatively speaking, and there is little suffering on the part of the hunter. We won't have to sit out in the rainy woods scratching a pad or blowing on a diaphragm. Not where we'll go hunting. The best part is that they are all cleaned up and come with a little pop up button stuck in them. Where we'll go hunting. Cooked properly they are great eating too. Where we'll go hunting. We won't have to put up with one of those grass hopper eating wild things, that are as dry as desert dirt. Not where we'll go hunting. You will not have to pay any out of State fees either. Not where we'll go hunting.

[Buglemaster]

Joe, tell me thats not risidual baby powder splashed around the toilet!! Come on man, toughen up!

[Indian Summer]

Ha ha... nope. Lime. It's permanent after someone tried wiping it down with a wet towel. Keeps the flowery odor to a minimum and breaks it all down after you refill the hole. But I like your idea too.

Yeah Swede I've smoked alot of things with my guns... but my Bradley electric with hickory wood works even better.

[Lefty]

The pic of the"bathroom" brought back memories.
We use to rifle hunt next to a family, three brothers about 20 kids( yes 20) and grandpa. They are a rags to riches story , but had alway elk hunted together. They pulled in with 1 ton work truck and a semi trailer.
By the time camp was set up any wife would be happy to be in elk camp.
They even brought up thier own privy for the women and girls
Two huge military tents. carpet, huge stoves hotwater showers. One sleep quarters ans another dining ,.. then an openarea for gear guns ATVs etc.
I should really get a pic of their camp,..

[WindedBowhunter]

Some GREAT insight posted, thanks for sharing!

It will be some time before my wife, son (5 yrs old) and I hit the backcountry for a hunt.

But, there is a strong possibility, we will do a canvas wall tent trip in Montana in the next year or two.

[Mikeha33]

Geez, after seeing these pics, and reading the posts, I'm not sure I want to backpack in 5+ miles and live out of a 60# pack! Im guessin that after I get a few of these hunts under my belt, Ill upgrade to a sophisticted camp, with a stick built toilet and a pot lid to shave with!!!

I assume most of you guys that can put up the wall tents hunt on private or National Forest, where you can get an ATV or truck pretty close to camp? We are gonna be in a WA, that you cant take any of that stuff into, only horseback, and I dont have a horse, so I guess I'm the mule! A bottle of Jameson and a guitar would be a nice touch to add, if I could swing it. For now, its a good book and a harmonica!!

[WapitiTalk1]

Geez, after seeing these pics, and reading the posts, I'm not sure I want to backpack in 5+ miles and live out of a 60# pack! Im guessin that after I get a few of these hunts under my belt, Ill upgrade to a sophisticted camp, with a stick built toilet and a pot lid to shave with!!!

I assume most of you guys that can put up the wall tents hunt on private or National Forest, where you can get an ATV or truck pretty close to camp? We are gonna be in a WA, that you cant take any of that stuff into, only horseback, and I dont have a horse, so I guess I'm the mule! A bottle of Jameson and a guitar would be a nice touch to add, if I could swing it. For now, its a good book and a harmonica!!

Sent you a PM Mike. RJ

[Swede]

When do you guy find time on an elk hunt for a harmonica or a guitar? I guess I could play something in my tree stand, but the elk don't care for my kind of music.

[Lefty]

,........ A bottle of Jameson and a guitar would be a nice touch to add, if I could swing it. For now, its a good book and a harmonica!!

I hunt solo and really like the sound of insects coyotes and elk

My dads deer camp ( and fish-house) always had card games,...Make the hunt what you want; if music is part of that go for it
Ill read a book and take a nap mid day. at night soon as Im back at camp I prep for the morning and Im asleep.

[WindedBowhunter]

Lefty, I second your likings!

[Indian Summer]

Lefty: Did the Walton's ever kill any elk?

I don't use an ATV and I no longer own livestock. I'm no different than anyone else but a good camp with good food and good times means hunting harder. I don't look at anything as a luxury. Being comfy is all about the hunting. Running yourself ragged and getting a 1/2 nights crampy sleep isn't the way to go about matching brains and braun with a bull elk. I like a solid camp. I know where I'm hunting, but not how long I'll be there so the first priority is to dig in. I'll set up a wall tent anywhere I can. If that means backpacking a 10 X 12 canvas tent on a pack frame I'll do it. We even backpack the steel cylinder stoves & cots!

I always figured the guys who like to live primitive did it by choice because it's a goal or self accomplishment. Not because they think it's the best way to kill elk. Anyone who thinks self abuse has benefits is short on common sense. yes, I'll get that wall tent back in there right next to those one man zero night life bivy tents so the "I'm more mobile" theory doesn't hold water. I think "more mobile" just means "I have no clue where I'll be killing my elk this year".

Here's another way I get all that crap in and out where it's doable.

[Lefty]

Lefty: Did the Walton's ever kill any elk?

Grandpa and the sons were elk and deer killing machines with a rifle.

Every one had different squedules so there was a lot of coming an going. Quite the family,,... I think they put the Waltons a rung or two down the list.
Incredible family

[Indian Summer]

Lefty: Did the Walton's ever kill any elk?

Grandpa and the sons were elk and deer killing machines with a rifle.

Every one had different squedules so there was a lot of coming an going. Quite the family,,... I think they put the Waltons a rung or two down the list.
Incredible family

That is so cool. Imagine how much fun it would be having a couple generations of family and a few choice friends in elk camp like that. Lots and lots of priceless memories were made there I'm sure.

Now that you mention it... a good answer to this what makes a better camp thread would have been having some great partners in camp. Honestly that is what makes or breaks a hunt isn't it. I love to hunt solo but I always feel bad knowing the real soloists have such quiet nights in camp.

Question: Do any of you solo hunters get a cell signal where you hunt. I'd feel better if I could text you and ask how it's going & maybe tell you a good joke while I'm at it.

[WindedBowhunter]

Being comfy is all about the hunting. Running yourself ragged and getting a 1/2 nights crampy sleep isn't the way to go about matching brains and braun with a bull elk. I like a solid camp. I know where I'm hunting, but not how long I'll be there so the first priority is to dig in. I'll set up a wall tent anywhere I can. If that means backpacking a 10 X 12 canvas tent on a pack frame I'll do it. We even backpack the steel cylinder stoves & cots!
I always figured the guys who like to live primitive did it by choice because it's a goal or self accomplishment. Not because they think it's the best way to kill elk. Anyone who thinks self abuse has benefits is short on common sense. yes, I'll get that wall tent back in there right next to those one man zero night life bivy tents so the "I'm more mobile" theory doesn't hold water. I think "more mobile" just means "I have no clue where I'll be killing my elk this year".

IndianSummer - while there is some validity to your statements, things and circumstances change.

I know that I as well as others have hunted in the same area for days chasing elk or mulies, without seeing one. What is one to do, keep hunting the same area? I think Einstein said, "Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." For me (not everyone-I move camp to where the critters hopefully are.

The other scenario is for folks coming from the East to hunt the West. They have scouted via online maps, paper maps and put together a plan. Sometimes it comes together, sometimes it's a complete mess!

For me it is a sense of accomplishment, allows me to very flexible. The other thing I am very comfortable in my tent setup (no bivvy bag for me)! I have more energy each day, as I don't have to hike to and form camp at long distances.

Don't get me wrong, there will be a day when I can't do this any longer and the canvas walls will be calling my name. But, until them this way keeps me "ALMOST" as young as ElkNut!

[mtnmutt]

First, you all have inspired me to add luxury items to my camp. I may spring for a cot. Thank you for the tips. I may now last all 9 days and still be able to move on the 10th day. A Thetford toilet is also tempting and may make the cut.

Joe: I have weak cell signal in camp, so I turn off my cell phone. I have 5 extra cell phone batteries to change it out. After turning it off sometimes, it accidentally turns on and drains fast with the weaker signal. It does drive my brother and sister in law nuts that I turn it off. They are new to CO. They think I will be dragged off by a bear since the first summer here, 2011, we had a number of campers attacked in their tents.

If you are back in your hellhole, how do you get signal?

I should start a new post on whether or not anyone has had a bear destroy their camp. I don't keep food or scented stuff in my tent because I don't want uninvited guests.

[Lefty]

Question: Do any of you solo hunters get a cell signal where you hunt. I'd feel better if I could text you and ask how it's going & maybe tell you a good joke while I'm at it.

4 years ago no
3 years ago I could find someplaces sometimes after dark
2 years ago a new cell tower 20 miles away many of the high spots
however the one area I hunted last year,.. nothing.
This year Ill put the phone in my pack in the one area I hunt,...

[pointysticks]

In AZ I got great service at the tops of all my hikes. We took our phones to call loved ones. My wife doesn't hunt but she is my best cheerleader. She loves updates.

[WindedBowhunter]

Question: Do any of you solo hunters get a cell signal where you hunt. I'd feel better if I could text you and ask how it's going & maybe tell you a good joke while I'm at it.

I do not have a cell signal where I hunt. If I need to stay in communication, with family and or loved ones I take my SPOT Messenger and or a Iridium Sat phone.

I have had heard that folks having great success texting with their smart phones with a SPOT Connect. I have only tested this successfully locally around my home, not in the backcountry, so I can't speak to it's reliability back there.

[Huntography]

The pic of Elknuts Playbook next to the crapper is classic

Rudy

[cnelk]

I get a $5 lawn chair and cut the seat out.
Dig a small hole and place the chair over it.
Keep a shovel handy to sprinkle dirt in hole each time its used.
Nearby is a plastic Folgers can that I keep TP in.
Its light, washable, and easily seen in the wee hours of morning with your headlamp

Note:
Keep heels forward

[easeup]

now that idea about texting solo hunters is down right fun!!!!

I wished the places I hunt had cell signal. I would be all over that idea!!!

[Indian Summer]

Cnelk.... that seat would make a good Gore tex boot liner test facility... you need to tape a garbage bag to the front. You can see one barely in my pic. A lesson quickly learned.... the hard way. BTW... we keep the TP in a gallon zip lock bag.

Winded bowhunter you make an excellent point. I can hunt far and wide from a camp but there are times when relocating becomes a must although for me it's been awhile. No question in many situations it pays to be mobile. No debating that.

MtnMutt.... if you don't currently use a cot I would say it would be a huge improvement to your camp and hunting. Let me know if you find a small/lightweight one. I use Roll-A-Cots but am looking for something smaller for on my bike trips. Suggestions from you solo backpackers?

[>>>---WW---->]

Zodi showers are hi-priced and I'm a tight wad. So here is an excellent way to make a great shower that won't break your bank.

You need to get yourself one of those cheap plastic two gallon weed sprayers. Take the long wand off of it and screw the nozzle directly to the control handle. Then replace the hose with about a 6-7 foot plastic tube. Now all you need to do is heat up a couple of gallons of water, pump the sprayer up, and WALA! You have an instant shower for probably less than $10 bucks.

[>>>---WW---->]

Question: Do any of you solo hunters get a cell signal where you hunt. I'd feel better if I could text you and ask how it's going & maybe tell you a good joke while I'm at it.

I do not have a cell signal where I hunt. If I need to stay in communication, with family and or loved ones I take my SPOT Messenger and or a Iridium Sat phone.

I have had heard that folks having great success texting with their smart phones with a SPOT Connect. I have only tested this successfully locally around my home, not in the backcountry, so I can't speak to it's reliability back there.

So tell me, what is SPOT Connect. Is that an APP you can get for your phone?

[mtnmutt]

MtnMutt.... if you don't currently use a cot I would say it would be a huge improvement to your camp and hunting. Let me know if you find a small/lightweight one. I use Roll-A-Cots but am looking for something smaller for on my bike trips. Suggestions from you solo backpackers?

Mine will be used for car camping only. I will still rough it for backpacking.

I tried out the Camp Time Roll-A Cot (10 lbs) in a store. I decided that when I am tired, hungry and have 60 minutes of daylight, the Roll-A-Cot would take too long to setup.

I am leaning towards the Byer Easy Cot. It is very heavy (24lbs), but a 6 year old could set it up blindfolded.

So tell me, what is SPOT Connect. Is that an APP you can get for your phone?

It is different SPOT sold than the standard SPOT.
http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=116

I have the standard SPOT.

Even with no cell bars on my phone, 50% of my text messages will get through in 75% of the locations that I hunt. I have a 4 year old cell phone through Verizon. When I lived in the CO mountains, Verizon was far more reliable in remote spots. AT&T may have caught up with Verizon now for coverage in CO mountains.

[WindedBowhunter]

Question: Do any of you solo hunters get a cell signal where you hunt. I'd feel better if I could text you and ask how it's going & maybe tell you a good joke while I'm at it.

I do not have a cell signal where I hunt. If I need to stay in communication, with family and or loved ones I take my SPOT Messenger and or a Iridium Sat phone.

I have had heard that folks having great success texting with their smart phones with a SPOT Connect. I have only tested this successfully locally around my home, not in the backcountry, so I can't speak to it's reliability back there.

So tell me, what is SPOT Connect. Is that an APP you can get for your phone?

>>>---WW----> SPOT Connect is a satellite communication device that pairs with your iPhone or Android phone. This allows you to text, send an email, update Facebook! There is an app that you will need to install on your smarphone, to allow the communication.

This is the link with additional information.
http://www.windedbowhunter.com/spot-connect/

Let me know if you need more information on this!

[Indian Summer]

[quote="mtnmutt"][ I tried out the Camp Time Roll-A Cot (10 lbs) in a store. I decided that when I am tired, hungry and have 60 minutes of daylight, the Roll-A-Cot would take too long to setup.

I am leaning towards the Byer Easy Cot. It is very heavy (24lbs), but a 6 year old could set it up blindfolded. [quote]

LOL... anyone who has never set up a Camp Time cot thinks it's complicated. I have done it so many times I can do it in the darm on no time flat. You can too after you've done it 4 or 5 times. 24 lbs! That's too heavy no matter where I'm using it. I use the Camp Time Roll-A-Table too. Really easy to set up.

[mtnmutt]

LOL... anyone who has never set up a Camp Time cot thinks it's complicated. I have done it so many times I can do it in the darm on no time flat. You can too after you've done it 4 or 5 times. 24 lbs! That's too heavy no matter where I'm using it. I use the Camp Time Roll-A-Table too. Really easy to set up.

The Roll-A-Cot is $122 (10lbs). I set it up in the store when I was tired and hungry. It only took 5 minutes to setup, but getting those poles to fit together requires functional brain cells. It was comfortable, easy to carry and takes up less space in a car.

I could make a bad comment here, like if Indian Summer can set one up fast, then {fill in blank here}.

Byer Easy Cot is $75 (24lbs). 4" wider than Roll-a-cot. Does not require brain cells to setup. You only need brute strength to carry it from car to tent. Folded: not as compact as Roll-A-Cot.

I have a 20% off coupon at REI to use by next Monday. Tick Tock, 7 days to decide.