Robert, thanks for the "haybag" explanation; fits right in when applied to the context used earlier.

A few "watch out for's" regarding backpack management:

1. It may seem obvious, but poor decisions are made in the heat of the moment - make sure you absolutely, positively, without fail know the spot you are dropping that pack before you leave it and hunt/sprint on ahead. A good rule is if it is not a "landmark" you can find with your eyes shut, then don't drop that pack! An exception would be marking it with a GPS. If you plan to drop it anyway, then ask yourself if you can get back to camp without it, before you walk/run toward that elk opportunity.

2. BEFORE the hunt, be careful to correctly seperate the items that should always be on your person no matter what (license, ammo, knife, water, etc.) from what you keep in your backpack (clothes, food, etc.) That way, if you do drop that pack, you don't end up a mile a way (downhill) with an elk down and missing something critical (like a knife or a tag).

Solving this seperation problem is where I like the heavy duty, cloth hunter orange vests with multiple pockets and a (very) light back pouch. The advantage is you will consistently have all the items you need "at the ready" and always in the same place regardless of how you are dressed from day to day or regardless how many layers you add or subtract through a given day. This garmet is always worn and always on top. This gives you have three pockets for all the stuff you don't want in your pants pockets (calls, compass, GPS, extra rounds, 1 knife, etc) and a place to throw your water if you drop your pack and bolt.

3. Watch out for camel backs! It's great to be able to easily get a drink as often as you want, but this advantage is partially offset by the ease with which your water can get away from you even with one of the "sip its" on the end of the hose. We took a pack horse in with us the opening day of elk season and put four of our packs in the pannier and let the horse carry them since it was a 2 1/2 hour walk in the dark to get to our stands. I used a lashing rope to wrap up the packing job; however, it compressed the pannier and the packs inside in the process. Two of the four camel backs emptied out and two of the backpacks froze to the bottom of the pannier! Nice mess, will definitely have one of those water filter bottles next year and/or carry my own water!

4. Especially if you hunt in early season, the extreme mountain terrain can cause skies can open up and dump an amazing amount of rain and hail is a very short time. A fierce rain storm can be nearly as threatening as a blizzard and much more common. Carry an industrial strength 55 gallon barrel liner/trash bag in your pack or even on your person. It don't weigh much and can be an oasis of shelter. Fall thunderstorms usually don't last long but can quickly soak you to the bone. Even if you have a poncho or a rain suit, just holing up in the bag for 15-20 minutes can put you ahead of the game since many folks won't have the rain pants or a hood or a wide brim hat (BJ).

5. Aerobic conditioning (walking/jogging etc.) is fine but as the season approaches start working out with both your pack on (at hunting weight) and your hunting boots on. This allows time to toughen up both your feet AND your joints (especially knees) which have to endure non-typical abuse during elk season. This way you can top that ridge and won't be out of breath or have blisters or have knee pain.

EKM

Good judgment comes from bad experience! Half of elk hunting is knowing what NOT to do!

Edited by - ELKampMaster on 12/17/2002 23:56:14

Edited by - ELKampMaster on 12/17/2002 23:57:05

Edited by - ELKampMaster on 12/18/2002 08:08:13