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be careful with those first aid kits, many of those are huge and weigh a lot with stuff youll never use.
most of what you need is first aid training, take a cpr class.... is worth more than a kit in the pack.
nd thats the idea with this. YOU need to decide what YOU are comfortable with leaving behind.I want to think it is about 3# tops but my kitchen scale is about to get some extra duty here soon so I can see what I'm looking at per kit and will see if there is anythin else I can feel comfortable leaving behind.
nd thats the idea with this. YOU need to decide what YOU are comfortable with leaving behind.
We give you ideas and you decide that we are o spot or 'NO WAY I'm leaving that behind'
And I'm sure that's why you asked,to see if you were crazy with all your stuff or pretty much on track
There is a few essentials and a lot of stuff you may or may not ever use
I read a lot and watch a lot of videos but most of the info doesn't always pertain to Western WA/OR Hunting (and got redundant) so I thought I'd ask the local folks.
How heavy is your pack loaded (rifle not included)?
15 pounds, but I am not a back country hunter therefore I travel light.
Do you prep for the worst or pack for light and fast maneuverability?
A little of both. I always keep rain gear, flashlight with extra batteries, TP, a first aid kit and an emergency signal. Other than that, just a couple sharp knives, 550 cord and a couple game bags. Oh, and a set of binoculars, range finder, wind indicator, spotting scope (when I am spot and talk hunting), headlamp.
Ever hunt alone?
Yes. I let someone know where I will be and when I expect to be back. Hard to get out of cell service these days.
Stand Hunt or Spot and Track?
I spot and stalk mostly. I like to find a vantage point and use binoculars to read the land. I like to watch a buck to his bed and then try to stalk within range of a reasonably shot. If I dont see a buck go to bed, I use the spotting scope to really look into spots that would hide a buck that probably bedded down before sun-up.
Ever have to spend the night out away from your camp/vehicle?
Yes. This is generally with a partner and we will load a pack frame with our daypacks, food and sleeping gear. Sometimes you cant set up camp within an easy hiking distance and it makes more sense to hike once and hunt twice.
Items you won't go without?
Same stuff as above plus cell phone and rifle.
Useless Items?
Overly complicated rifles and optics.
I keep bouncing back and forth on a lot of the gear I have loaded up.
The boy scout says haul it all, my feet remember last year and say leave almost all of it behind.
I read a lot and watch a lot of videos but most of the info doesn't always pertain to Western WA/OR Hunting (and got redundant) so I thought I'd ask the local folks.
How heavy is your pack loaded (rifle not included)? 15-20lbs
Do you prep for the worst or pack for light and fast maneuverability? Light depending on where we are hunting and expected weather
Ever hunt alone? Yes, on occasion
Stand Hunt or Spot and Track? I sit and watch active areas and walk
Ever have to spend the night out away from your camp/vehicle? Not yet, but ok if i have to do it
Items you won't go without? Food, water, and rope
Useless Items? Extra socks and rain gear
I keep bouncing back and forth on a lot of the gear I have loaded up.
The boy scout says haul it all, my feet remember last year and say leave almost all of it behind.
So I went out yesterday with my first ever hunting pack (it's my first season hunting) and I packed fairly light but with the essentials. It wasn't too heavy...i lugged it around all day and it didn't bother me.
My pack consisted of the following:
-extra knife
-leatherman
-saw/gutting tool
-game bags
-compass
-gps
-map
-small pen/pad
-matches
-paracord
-flashlight w/ extra batteries
-extra binoculars
-range finder
-extra socks
-plastic poncho
-basic first aid items (quick clot/bandages/anti-bacterial ointment/stitching tool)
-enough snacks/water for 36 hours
I ended up only using what i needed and I don't think i over packed besides the extra binos.
My sidearm and extra ammo for it was on my hip.
My cell phone, main knife, wallet, tiny flashlight was in my pocket. (my basic EDC items)
The full first aid kit was in the truck.
You're hooked now; man against the nature, man against the institution, man against himself....
I was a scout as a kid for many years in an active troup. My survival badge happened on a night it dropped 30+ degrees and started snowing. I was a lifeguard and camp counseler for years as well so making my own first aid kit is second nature - just not overpacking is always my enemy.
The drag harness I bought on sale after last years season but am pretty sure my pack is too large to use it. My plan if I can't bone it out was to try to build a stretcher with two poles and my small tarp and roll the deer on to that. Figured I could drag a 150lb deer as easily as I would a wounded friend.
At this point I do not have any partners set up for this year so I'm planning solo trips and will just be happy if it works out I'm not alone on every trip.
And I keep reevaluating my packs contents and at least have enough room to hold my jacket and extra layers when I shed them.
Where you planning on hunting?
East of Yacolt, 568 GMU is where I am most comfortable if I am going to hunt alone.