Equipment Check

[BrentLaBere]

I am slowly making notes of the good and bad of my gear this year. First one I will start with is my boots. Solomon 4d GTX boot. Very light weight and comfortable. I find them to fit me really good with no hot spots and looking back over the last two years I have yet to get a blister. They have really good ankle support for being as light as they are. Overall for the early season I love this boot, but, having said that the early season can throw different elements at you. Have been through two snow storms with them and can say they are not a warm boot! Another reason I think they struggle in cold temps is because they have a gortex liner. And when you have that type of water proofing they are very hard to dry out. Pretty easy to sweat in them when hiking as much as an elk hunter does. So when that cold weather front comes in....they can feel like ice blocks in the morning, sleeping with them or wrapping my pants and jacket around them were the only ways I was able to keep them cool and damp......better than being frozen.
Two years of heavy use has created some wear points on the inside of the toe box. It has created a gap in the water proofing and created problems with walking in wet grass and crossing streams. This is something that can be fixed....and expected on not your top of the line light weight boot. They have great traction (treads) for climbing in all conditions. Very pleased overall with this. I might have fared better with a lighter sock...less sweating that way. This will be something I try out next summer.
I am in the market for a new boot and not sure I want to give up the luxury of such a comfortable light weight boot. But now hunting in the cold weather I have...I know its time for a new hiking boot with a little more warmth and water protection.

Darn Tough and Smart wool socks were the combo I used here. I had 3 pairs and would rotate them when they were wet.

Need a layering system for my gloves. I have an old pair that I have been using for the last 6 or 7 years (old scent blocker type) and its time to upgrade of layer up. I like the idea of layering because these gloves work....again the storm issue. They are not meant for cold weather or wet weather. And this happens in September. Not sure this is something I will pack in with me to start but something to keep at the truck for when its needed.

Also looking into a face mask for when Im sleeping. I think its the number one thing that kept me up at night.


I will eventually be going into my sleeping system, broadheads, calls, ect....

[itsnlkthing]

HiI had a bad experience with the Solomon GTX boots. I bought them based on the positive reviews but was extremely disappointed when the gortex liners leaked and my feet were soaked after hiking in on a trail that only had wet grass along the sides. Fortunately, I bought them at REI and was able to return them for store credit. I was able to pick up a different boot from Vasque. It is full leather, so not as light but they are more comfortable to my foot and stayed dry under similar conditions. I have a different boot that I wear for cold weather. They are the Irish Setter Elk Hunters. They are heavier but 1200 grams of insulation and comfortable enough to hike all day, great traction too. I've had them for about 10 years, so I don't know what their current models are like. I'm curious what you figure out for gloves. My Under Armour gloves are too bulky and awkward on my release hand. I ended up looking like MJ most of the time with one glove to keep my hand warm on the riser.

[BrentLaBere]

Big Agnes UL Fly Creek 2. I think its an awesome tent. Folds up and packs really nice and not to mention how light it is. I purchased a foot print for it on year two, however, I am not sure its completely necessary. I thought it might double up nicely for a cleaning spot if I need to d bone elk quarters. I didnt have to do that this year so no report on that. I have had condensation inside the tent one time but it was due to the amount of snow fall collapsing the side walls of the rain fly and not allowing enough air to circulate. Even then it wasnt bad. Not enough to cause a problem with my sleeping bag. This tent is more for a spike camp style of hunting and not so much of your bivey. I would want this in any harsh weather and feel comfortable.
Sleeping bag is a Big Agnes McAlpin 5 degree. Packs up very small and is light weight. I had yet to get cold in the bag.....this year it happened. I could of done a few things differently to stay warm and going to adjust them in the future. Keeping a mummy bag tight and tucked under your chin will trap heat and keep you warm. Tossing and turning will allow heat to escape. I had problems with my face getting cold and would try and situate differently always letting heat escape. It made for a long night! A face mask for sleeping in cold temps would be worth the extra weight in your pack. Something I will bring with. Other reason for being cold....keeping water and water filters inside my bag to prevent freezing. I was lazy with this the second night and paid for it in the morning. Forget using a water bladder. Use a nalgeen bottle or gator bottle instead. The tube will freeze on a platypus bladder!
Neo Air Mattress Very comfortable and packs up nice and light. No complaints here. I needed to adjust the amount of air to be comfortable. Not filled to the max seemed to work out better for me.
Improvements on a sleeping system would be having an emergency blanket. It would help in extreme temps to hold my heat...possibly laying it under me and wrapping my upper body where I have my equipment that I dont want t freeze over night. I have heard of chemical hand warmers that would help dry out your boots...or at least keep them warm throughout the night. Something I might try out. Keeping a set of waterproof matches as well. I had a lighter but with snow and wet conditions I don't want to rely on it. It may have been the case where we would not of had a fire...bad for morale!

Last years snow picture.
And I am waiting for pictures to get back to me from this years.

[BrentLaBere]

Solid Broadheads: I was very pleased with shooting these. Shooting one all summer with very little touch up it was ready for hunting. They really did fly better than any other broad head that ive tried. Warranty was great on it too. Sent it in and returned it new. Very expensive for boadheads......but to me it was wort having confidence in a tough head that will get the job done.

The calls I used were glacier country Deadly Weapon 2 and the high heel hottie. I had other calls with and tried many but these were the ones I had most confidence in and ended up working for me.
Troy helped me out with those calls and very thankful for it. Phantom and Craig are two others that had helped my calling. Always trying to get it to that next level. Start practicing again in the off season.
There are a few others that have helped me and shared emails, thank you!
Cow calls.....Not really sure but this is sore spot for me. I need to improve this area and designate a cow reed. I used to have the yellow mamma cow call and might have to go back to it. Maybe spend more time I cow calls than bugles....
locating bugles I used the Secret weapon and watermelon for the most part.

Game Bags: Caribou game bags worked once again. There were a lot of flies!!! Horrible in fact. They kept all of the insects at bay and kept the meat clean as well.
Little bit heavier and more room to carry them around all day but when you need to put them to use....they work. I have to admit they are the only ones I have tried but I don't see a reason to switch when they will be making a 4th go around next year. I will be getting a "camp meat bag" for protecting the meat from evidence of sex. Also adding the citric spray they offer. Something to use while skinning next time just to help until the meat is in the bag and secured.
Para Cord.....Always essential to have. Almost took it out of my pack this year.

[pointysticks]

hope it is okay for me to post up on this thread.

Fly Creek UL1. great tent. set up is fast. i'm on the fence on how you HAVE TO USE the stakes to form the foot area..but i get it; weight savings. i'm lazy. i love a self supported tent where you can pop it up FAST, go to sleep and pack up..no stakes. this is not that tent.

MORA knife. home run,..no GRAND SLAM. i cannot get the nerve to buy another knife. i want a Benchmade HUNT knife, but i cannot justify the purchase, when i am positive my $14 Mora will kick it's butt. there is no sharper knife in my home. it flat out dismantled a mule deer (and the tip of my pinkie finger )..

Kifaru DT2. how do i say this? it might be for sale soon. not worth the money IMHO. not even close. it is a GREAT pack, but not a $900 Great pack. i feel dirty and dumb buying into the hype.

[BrentLaBere]

hope it is okay for me to post up on this thread.

Fly Creek UL1. great tent. set up is fast. i'm on the fence on how you HAVE TO USE the stakes to form the foot area..but i get it; weight savings. i'm lazy. i love a self supported tent where you can pop it up FAST, go to sleep and pack up..no stakes. this is not that tent.

MORA knife. home run,..no GRAND SLAM. i cannot get the nerve to buy another knife. i want a Benchmade HUNT knife, but i cannot justify the purchase, when i am positive my $14 Mora will kick it's butt. there is no sharper knife in my home. it flat out dismantled a mule deer (and the tip of my pinkie finger )..

Kifaru DT2. how do i say this? it might be for sale soon. not worth the money IMHO. not even close. it is a GREAT pack, but not a $900 Great pack. i feel dirty and dumb buying into the hype.

Absolutely.

A knife and pack is another topic for me.
Paul didnt like his Kifaru and now you are saying its not even close to worth the money or the hype... I am considering a pack like this for the future. If you want list out the pros and cons.

[BrentLaBere]

[quote="itsnlkthing"]HiI had a bad experience with the Solomon GTX boots. I bought them based on the positive reviews but was extremely disappointed when the gortex liners leaked and my feet were soaked after hiking in on a trail that only had wet grass along the sides.

^^^^ Where did they leak at? And did they recommend anyway of treating them?

[BrentLaBere]

I used a havalon Piranta Torch for the first time this fall and was pleasantly surprised. I was going a little fast than I normally would have liked to, so with a little bit of torquing or getting "ramy" I broke a few blades. (the bugs were bad like I brought up reviewing the game bags) 4 blades going through and quartering the animal, cutting out back straps, tenderloins, neck meat. This also included separating the head and then the legs from the quarters. Two more blades were used in cleaning the head up. An entire elk could have been done with less than 6 blades, I have no doubts about that. My own poor form and blade pressure was applied and caused user error. I am happy with this knife and will continue using it.
There are safety concerns when changing the blades and your hands are bloody.....be careful. Have a safe place to put the used blades.

[ElkNut1]

Brent, the Kifaru is a good well made pack! It's just not a good hunting pack. It's more designed for the back packer in mind than it is for all day hunts or packing meat in. Sure you can pack meat in them or any other pack for that matter but it's not easy or convenient to do so & it doesn't hold heavy wts well. Its sole design is to get all your gear to a destination, unload it & then hunt with it on if you so desire. There are much better packs out there for the Elk & Deer hunter. What makes these other packs better is their design which includes multiple pockets on the outside for food, gear , tripod & spotter etc. & meat carrying options against the frame or close to it without putting it in ones main bag where other items must be removed or bloody meat bags go on top of whatever is in the main bag. This is a huge deal when in the field on hot days & you need a simple design that lends towards all the needed features to get meat out quickly & as comfortable as possible. At the same time this one pack should function very good for bivy hunting as well. Look for all purpose packs that have these type features. There's not many, most pack companies lean towards one style or another but not both!

ElkNut1

[BrentLaBere]

Paul, Thanks for posting that up! I was looking for your old posts about the pack. I am a big fan of having a frame to haul out meat and I am not sure I could give it up. I can haul all my gear and a quarter between my pack without affecting anything. The only down side is turning my pack into a day pack. Its heavy (9lbs) but can cinch down nice. When I bought mine, I had them add straps to allow for 8 inches of separation between the bag and frame when or if I needed to haul my gear and quarters. The frame has a meat sleeve along with the shelf.

The reason I am always looking is to solve the problem and have the light weight day pack as well. I am not sure it gets any better.....

https://www.wildernesspacks.com/index.p ... Itemid=220

[ElkNut1]

Yes, that is a nice looking pack on the heavy side! 9lbs is quite a bit! If you like it though stay with it! Personally I look for a pack in the 5lb or so range to start with & that can be worn all day & any day or time & not feel like it inhibits my walking/climbing or shooting ability. At the same time it must be a serious meat hauler for when that critter is down! These facets are where most packs get rooted out! In my opinion the Exo Pack fits these functions & facets, It's the best all purpose pack I've used! Heck I should sell them!! (big grin)

ElkNut1

[itsnlkthing]

HiI had a bad experience with the Solomon GTX boots. I bought them based on the positive reviews but was extremely disappointed when the gortex liners leaked and my feet were soaked after hiking in on a trail that only had wet grass along the sides.

^^^^ Where did they leak at? And did they recommend anyway of treating them?

I didn't find a specific leak point but one boot was worse than the other. They did recommend a spray water proof treatment for the exterior but said you shouldn't need that until the following season since they come treated from the factory. I've had a lot of different Goretex boots and never had anything like this happen until many, many years of heavy use. I know a lot of people are really happy with this boot and I think I just got a bad pair. If I liked the fit better, I might have given them another go but they aren't as comfortable for my foot as my old Danners or the new Vasque boots that I replaced them with.

[Chukarhunter]

Yes, that is a nice looking pack on the heavy side! 9lbs is quite a bit! If you like it though stay with it! Personally I look for a pack in the 5lb or so range to start with & that can be worn all day & any day or time & not feel like it inhibits my walking/climbing or shooting ability. At the same time it must be a serious meat hauler for when that critter is down! These facets are where most packs get rooted out! In my opinion the Exo Pack fits these functions & facets, It's the best all purpose pack I've used! Heck I should sell them!! (big grin)

ElkNut1

Paul, I thought I saw a comment from you saying that you were going to use that Horn Hunter full curl frame this year. Did you decide the Exo Pack would work better?

[Jcberg26]

Best Gear for Archery and Rifle Elk

ICON PRO ULTRA 5200 PACK
It seems like these guys are a "lightning rod" for love/hate comments and I don't know why or care but all I have to say is that this pack is AWESOME. I hauled out 2 elk with it and not only does it make a great hunting pack but it is a great load carrier also. I also have the Ultra 3000 and it is a nice lightweight pack but it is limited in what it can do and I would not give it near the recommendation that I would the PRO. The PRO is the way to GO! Worth every penny and ZERO complaints! 10/10

MERRELL REFLEX HIKERS
I know that these are not exactly high end "mountain" boots but I don't care, they are GREAT boots. They feel like tennis shoes, are absolutely waterproof, and are the most comfortable hikers I have ever had. Spray them down with some "camp dry" or any other boot spray and it helps them dry super fast. They are NOT cold weather boots and anything below 30 is gonna be chilly if you are not moving but overall these are the BEST hikers I have ever had. 9.5/10

KIFARU SAWTOOTH AND MEDIUM STOVE
Probably the BEST thing I have ever purchased for the backcountry! A morale booster and priceless when the weather turns nasty. I've spent nights in 6" of snow, 40-50 mph winds, and pouring rain all in comfort! I have a BA UL3 which is a great little tent but I will never go back. The floorless design was a concern but no longer after this season. The medium stove impresses me everytime I use it. You can get your tent up to 80 degrees if you want!!! If anybody has been considering buying any of type of "tipi" type structure my advice is "DO IT"! 10/10

HAVALON BOLT
I bought this one after snapping multiple blades on the standard Havalon which was my fault but nonetheless I did not enjoy scalpel blades zinging past my face when I snapped one! The BOLT is much stronger and I bought it in FLO GREEN which was awesome. It seems like you are constantly setting your knife down when breaking down an elk and it makes it easy to find in the dark or daylight.
Two elk, zero snapped blades.10/10

BRIDGEDALE LINER SOCKS
I think it was Paul who said he uses a liner and never gets blisters. Once again, he is a genius!

I didn't have any horrible experiences with gear this year so I just listed the "Best of the Best" for me!

[pointysticks]

on a whim, i bought a new hunting knife. love my Mora..but wanted something less "vanilla" total WANT and not NEED. pretty silly of a purchase..really. i cant even justify it..

Helle Temagami CA. it is like a Mora on steroids. hahahha..should be waiting for me at home when i get home according to the tracking.

i just like knives. (my poor wife)

[Indian Summer]

Damn... I thought this thread had me on track to a new lightweight boot but no.

I'm in the market for a lighter boot with good ankle support. 100% waterproof and just a bit of insulation. I have Kenetreks for cold weather but need something solid for days where mornings are in the 40s and daytime highs hit 60 or so.

Anyone???

Paul... you've never tried the Badlands 2200? Ultimate day pack that can handle a quarter. Pockets in all the right places etc etc. I'm in love with mine.

[elkaholic]

Paul... you've never tried the Badlands 2200? Ultimate day pack that can handle a quarter. Pockets in all the right places etc etc. I'm in love with mine.

Joe, I have the 2200 as well and really like it. Several years ago I upgraded to the Sacrafice and WOW! It shaves about 2 lbs. off the 2200 and at least for me fits great. I still use the 2200 for coyote/wolf hunting.. Pockets on the sides for my spotter/ tripod and they cinch down nicely. I actually prefer to pack elk quarters with it and not my Cabelas meat hauler.

I came across a Havalon Grizzly this year and I am happy with the knife. I quartered out two elk so far (I use a fixed blade for cutting through the joints) and each time only used 1 blade. At the very end it was getting dull but that was to be expected.

My biggest surprise was the Zebralight 52A headlamp I used this year. This thing is flat amazing. Great battery life, super bright and lite. Now I am able to pack one sized battery for everything except my rangefinder.

[Broken arrow]

I didn't make it out this year due to family life (priorities). But I have made some changes that have saved me around 6#
First: I bought an EXO so far only carpet testing but I love the micro adjustability of this pack I'm not sold on the reverse lid and like others the difficulty loosening the shoulder straps is annoying but not a deal breaker.
Second: bought a mountainsmith lt have only had it in the yard but really like it.
So can't wait for next year!!!!

[dotman]

Not really impressed with my EXO, have the bag only so can't comment on the frame. It really is a copy of the kifaru Timberline series bag when you boil it down. Side slot pockets, one big slot pocket on the back instead of two zippered pockets. The side zip is nice but the mesh pocket inside is in a poor location, not a fan of the reverse lid at all. I prefer the bottom zip on the kifaru but this will be a personal pref thing, I think the kifaru has more of an organized layout. The cheap buckles used are not compatible with other manufactures that use military grade itw nexus hardware, so be warned to not try to mix and match diff company accessories like HPG, MR, SG or Kifaru or you'll be cussing while you cut the buckle up.

I'm still a big fan of the bikini frame, but it isn't just a grab and go frame until you completely get it fitted for you and there are a ton of adjustment points. Have yet to find a kifaru bag I'm completely satisfied with, ran the Nomad and the way it compresses just made accessing it annoying. Now I'm running a MR longbow and day pack lid on my bikini frame and am extremely happy so far. Paul is right that the kifaru will not feel good if incorrectly setup but once you take time and adjust it it has been super comfortable with 100lb+ loads for me, I wouldn't say it was made for a backpacker but we all have what works for us and packs can be like boots, not one out there that will work for everyone, I hated my X2 Eberlestock and Blue Widow but others love them.

The Poison Arrow decoy was a great theory but when the action started it was quickly forgotten and not used. So I can't comment on it other then it tended to be an after thought so I'll not use it next year.

The enlightened Equipment quilt was amazing, no more mummy bags for me, such freedom of movement with zero restriction.

Finally mounted my Binos on a tripod, wow, I have been missing out, sold my Razor 65 because I just really didn't use it much, picked up the Kaibab HD 15's for next year and so far I'm happy and can see them being my goto glass in glassing situations.

The vortex uni-dapter is freakin awesome, no removing an adapter to put your Binos away.

I ran the Salomon Quest 4d GTX this year and didn't get one blister but the boots did take some abuse and are not holding up as well as I would like, the Lowa Cevedale killed my feet and I had to get the Salomons last minute.

The Golite SL5 is still my favorite shelter after two years and going strong, sucks golite is going under and in liquidation mode.

The outdoor edge Razor is my new favorite, retired the Havalon, better blade design and super easy to change the blades.

MSR Dromedary bags are still my favorite hydration bladder and camp water storage container, these things are tanks. The Sawyer Squeeze and mini did their job and I'm very happy with them after two years with the squeeze and one with the mini.

Darn Tough socks rock, finally blew one pair out after three years, sent it in and had a brand new pair a week later, their cs and warranty rock.

[pointysticks]

I'm casually looking for a box for Kifaru. I'm gonna sell it. It didn't do it for me at all. Especially not at the $900 level.

[Indian Summer]

Paul... you've never tried the Badlands 2200? Ultimate day pack that can handle a quarter. Pockets in all the right places etc etc. I'm in love with mine.

Joe, I have the 2200 as well and really like it. Several years ago I upgraded to the Sacrafice and WOW! It shaves about 2 lbs. off the 2200 and at least for me fits great. I still use the 2200 for coyote/wolf hunting.

If it's been that long Elk then it sounds like you have the older model. The new one is a full pound lighter and has a way better layout. Way better.

[ElkNut1]

Chukarhunter, (Bill) Yes I did have the Horn Hunter F/Curl Pack & it's a very good pack, possibly the best 300.00 pack out there! It handles weight extremely well, better than the Kifaru T3 bikini frame I had. That's the 4000" pack. The Exo though is hands down the better pack but more money over the Full Curl, don't get me wrong the Full Curl is a very good choice for dollars spent!


Joe, the badlands packs are an ok pack, yes they will haul elk quarters no problem, it's a tough pack. I've hauled near 3 dozen elk quarters on them as well as several trips with 1/2 an elk, they can get it done! Until you've had the pleasure of hunting & hauling meat with the Exo you do not know what you are missing! (grin) This is the best all day hunting/bivy/meat hauling pack I've used to date all rolled into one, nothing I've used touches this one. I'm in the process of putting together a short video clip of this Exo Pack & its functions, check it out & you will see why it's our number one choice!

ElkNut1

[Indian Summer]

What's the price on that one Paul? What kind of frame?

[ElkNut1]

Joe, it' has a Titanium internal frame & handles well over a 100lbs like nothing we've used in the past. We've hauled plenty of elk out on Alaskan & Kelty frames with meat seats as well & the Exo literally blows them away because of both features & comfort of hauling. I believe the Exo is 449.00 -- Not 100% positive but It's very close to that. They're made out of Boise ID. I'll get that video clip together soon here & you'll be able to get a good over view of one.

ElkNut1

[pointysticks]

I'm debating between stone glacier and EXO.

[BrentLaBere]

Here are a few pictures of my boots. The wear on them is in the same spot on both shoes. It is not all the way through the gortex liner. Maybe a small pin hole....
Anyone else experience this with their boots and have suggestions on how to fix it? I have called solomon and visited some local shoe repair places with not much luck. If they were to sew a patch on, it would then be sewing through the liner defeating the purpose of the repair itself. Small outer patches may not adhere to the fabric for very long.

[Lefty]

Also looking into a face mask for when Im sleeping. I think its the number one thing that kept me up at night.
..

When I camp in the cold I wear a $5.00 balaclava, synthetic materials if colder add a lightweight fleece neck gator and a beanie

[BrentLaBere]

Ill be giving this thread a bump. Have some more gear reviews id like to add to the list. Those boots are now shot! Should have been before this year but I put my trust in shoe goo. Game bags held up again and finally used the extensions for my frame pack/bag. Was able to carry out over half an elk with my day gear. Need to get more pictures and a list to go over some stuff in the next few days. Reviews to come..

[Elkduds]

Brent, my mesh and goretex boots wore through the mesh @ that hinge point, just like yours. If there is a leather or rubber edge near there, it focuses the wear @ the edge where fabric and mesh meet. I use shoe goo to get some more miles once the mesh starts to go. It doesn't stick well to mesh, sticks better on leather or rubber. I have tried mending the mesh flaw w dental floss/needle, the mesh I sewed through soon gave up, even w shoe goo over it. Now I look for boots that are leather where the hinge points are. It seems like a rip-off for an expensive pair of mesh boots or shoes to fail b4 the soles are halfway worn.

[BrentLaBere]

Brent, my mesh and goretex boots wore through the mesh @ that hinge point, just like yours. If there is a leather or rubber edge near there, it focuses the wear @ the edge where fabric and mesh meet. I use shoe goo to get some more miles once the mesh starts to go. It doesn't stick well to mesh, sticks better on leather or rubber. I have tried mending the mesh flaw w dental floss/needle, the mesh I sewed through soon gave up, even w shoe goo over it. Now I look for boots that are leather where the hinge points are. It seems like a rip-off for an expensive pair of mesh boots or shoes to fail b4 the soles are halfway worn.

Thanks for the reply. I am having a hard time right now looking at new boots. These fit so nice and have yet to find problems with my feet during the hunt. I do sweat in them because of the gortex, not a problem drying them mid day. Cold weather they arent the best but I have made them work. Really not sure which way to go yet. I may end up getting another pair and using these as back ups, but whats the point when you cant hunt in the wet rain/snow! Off season decisions.

[BrentLaBere]

Hmm, did they fix the problem here? I had to look up the new model.

[Elkduds]

Brent, those pictured above should be a big improvement over your yellow ones. My crystal ball says the mesh will fail on these, too. It will happen where the mesh reaches closest to the boot sole, by the fabric lace eyelet and the lowest metal lace eyelet, the same hinge point @ the ball of the foot. At least that's where mine w leather and mesh have blown out.

[BrentLaBere]

I appreciate the posts, elkduds.

A few other items id like to comment on really quick. Glacier country calls, secret weapon and not sure of the purple reed I have of Troys, but those were my go to calls this year. After putting in a lot of practice and with the help of Troy, I am becoming a better caller. These calls work great for me! I will continue to use them. The wind smoke bottle from wapiti river is an awesome tool as well. I used to buy a different every year and I am sold on this one. Awesome stuff Travis.

I was also using some 'borrowed binos' again this year. Havent picked any up for myself yet so I continue to shop around. 10x32 valdatas are a pretty fine piece of glass to carry in the elk woods. Very compact with great clarity. There are still times I find myself wanting to glass at greater distances and would really benefit from a spotter!

SPOT transmitter is a must for me. I did receive texts from another hunter with a delrome inreach. Sure seemed like a nice one to have with the option to send out texts messages. My better half would appreciate a tool like that, so I may be switching next year.

Like I was saying in the first post, the game bags are still working great (caribou game bags) . I am missing the tie cord for the top of one of the bags. Its nice to be able to cinch that top piece with the pesky flies trying to get in. I am also missing the small camp meat bag that I use to wrap the evidence of sex, dont need those things tainting the meat! I washed them in bleach and then another cycle with another stain remover. Does anyone have a way to get rid of that elky smell? Putting a few elk through them I guess its expected to have it, and not complaining, but would be nice for storage. I usually vacuum seal the pack of them along with 2 contractor garbage bags in the event of having to drop the meat in a mountain stream. Havent had to do that yet, but I will continue to carry the extra weight.

Food.....doesn't really go under the equipment thread so I may have to start another one. I am always carrying too much food!
I used the snow peak giga power stove this year, with the wind screen. I will have to give a better review of it. I plan on using it for a late October/early November hunt. That will be the true test.

Clothes will be next to discuss
Feel free to chime in on your experiences guys. Best time to do it when its fresh in your mind! and take notes.

[Chucksteele1]

How important is the camo pattern? Does anyone think it really matters? I have four different hunting spots with four different types of foliage. Should I have four different camo patterns?

[pointysticks]

I don't match the environment all that well. I think just breaking up my pattern is fine. Animals bust me when the see my movement anyways.

[BrentLaBere]

How important is the camo pattern? Does anyone think it really matters? I have four different hunting spots with four different types of foliage. Should I have four different camo patterns?

Go with solids if you arent sure. Movement and wind are the biggest factors IMO.

[WapitiTalk1]

I used a havalon Piranta Torch for the first time this fall and was pleasantly surprised. I was going a little fast than I normally would have liked to, so with a little bit of torquing or getting "ramy" I broke a few blades. (the bugs were bad like I brought up reviewing the game bags) 4 blades going through and quartering the animal, cutting out back straps, tenderloins, neck meat. This also included separating the head and then the legs from the quarters. Two more blades were used in cleaning the head up. An entire elk could have been done with less than 6 blades, I have no doubts about that. My own poor form and blade pressure was applied and caused user error. I am happy with this knife and will continue using it.
There are safety concerns when changing the blades and your hands are bloody.....be careful. Have a safe place to put the used blades.

I used (or rather, started using) a Havalon Piranta on my bull this year. It's the first time I've used the knife on an elk. The little knife worked fine boning out deer in the past but was no match for thick elk hide. I broke several blades before I threw it back in the pack and switched to using two fixed blade knives (mine and my hunting partners; both gerbers). The Havalon is fine for lighter work I think (caping if you do it, and, some other skinning work) but for me, it's not gonna be my go to elk knife by any means. I'm now gonna order one of the Outdoor Edge Razor knives that come with thicker blades and give it a whirl next year. I like the idea of having multiple sharp blades at my disposal but again, the Havalon blades were way to thin/brittle for my liking.

[BrentLaBere]

RJ, those are real concerns for me with the havalon. Still my biggest one so far is changing the blades out or breaking them and not finding the other half. Happened on one this year, and it will make you nervous searching for them. The outdoor edge sure do seem to have a stronger backbone. Let us know if they change out easier.

By the way, nice bull RJ!

Wet fire cubes are sure handy. We compared a Vaseline soaked cotton ball (not sure how many or for how long) to the wet fire cube and the cube out performed it by a long shot. Started faster and burned longer. Just my experience comparing the two in the field together, so take it for what its worth.
What I liked about the wet fire cube was that you could shave small pieces off at a time to get it started and add to it if needed. Once the rest of the cube was lit, it easily started damp wood. Wish I could have got a time on it but wasnt really thinking about it.

Just got back from a work trip north of the border, so I havent had much time to go over this.....reasons for the delay

[Madison COunty]

Paul, what size of EXO pack are you using? Also I am wondering if the color/camo pattern matter when choosing a pack. I am looking to buy my first one for deer hunting and hopefully elk somtime.

[ElkNut1]

Patrick, we use the 3500, it's a very good daypack or bivy pack for 4-5 days. Color doesn't matter, we have the multicam & brown packs, mines the brown. Get the one you like most, they are a very sweet pack! If you need help with adjustments once you get it just holler!

ElkNut1

[Ol' red]

Hmm, did they fix the problem here? I had to look up the new model.

I've been wearing these all summer, and plan to take them to MT week after next. Granted I've been in southwest GA, they've worked great. No leaking issues. They put the leather around the hinge on the toe box to fix the mesh wearing problem. This is going to be my first elk hunt, so it will a big learning experience for me on my gear choice.

Red