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Old 05-21-2004 | 05:19 PM
  #21  
oldrgr
Fork Horn
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 102
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From: Waialua HI USA
Default RE: First pack in ELK hunt what to take

Some great thoughts above. Hopefully, a couple more below or at least honorable mention.

1. Be brutal about everything you take having a function once on the ground. Sounds like you're taking too many pair of pants and underwear, etc. You can ride in in one set of clothes, slip into that set once back in camp after a day's hunting, and wear same on the way out post hunt. You may also have a duplication of effort with the various coats on your list.

2. I take (strictly for hunting) one pair of mil BDU pants and one pair wool pants. The wool pants are for very cold days wherein I will be sitting vice moving a lot. I hang up the BDUs to air out once back in camp. The fleece pants as an alternative to wool could save some weight.

3. Look to optimize all clothing: I've switched from wool undergarments to a down orange vest and a "Chinese" underwear top both of which weigh nothing. These go in my rucksack and are pulled out once I get to where I plan to sit/glass, etc. They double as emergency gear.

4. My standard orange vest is a mesh one, again with virtually no weight.

5. Layered clothing is always good. I wear polypro or some form of underwear top that wicks moisture away from the skin. I have a pair of same material long johns that I wear if the temp is really low. You really need this if you will be moving on foot any distance regardless of the temperature.

6. I do afford myself the luxury of clean socks and sock liners each day. Don't have to do that with drawers and T-shirts. Sock liners do wonders to prevent blisters. I include some mole skin in my kit in case a blister or hot spot crops up.

7. I carry parachute cord in my ruck to use for tying off game bags especially if we have to leave meat up in a tree or forgot to bring the panniers with the horse.

8. I carry an extra mini mag light in my ruck with spare bulbs and batteries. The idea of using LED headlamps is a good one. You don't need the bigger heavier flashlights.

9. I also carry a pair of yellow plastic gloves (for preventing women from getting dishpan hands) to use when butchering the elk especially if it's a cold day. They provide a bit of insulation.

10. I "hump" with a pair of light weight (actually aviator nomex) gloves but have a set of glomets in my cargo pocket. They are nice to slip into on a cold day once in position.

11. Rather than carry a heavy coat, I use a gortex parka shell if it's real cold and I expect to be sitting in a hallow where the sun won't hit me till mid morning or if it's sleeting or snowing. I use the down Chinese underwear top as insulation underneath it. It adds little weight to the rucksack on the walk or horseback ride to your overwatch position.

12. I carry a light weight clear plastic rain jacket if the weather dictates.

13. My orange vest for walking is a mesh type - again virtually no weight.

14. for convenience I now use a camel back hydration bladder that fits into my ruck. The tube attaches to my shoulder strap and I merely have to turn my head to one side and grab the drinking tube with my mouth. It holds about 64 ounces of water. Adds a bit of weight to the ruck.

15. In addition to handiwipes, which are great, I carry a small bottle of Purell or similar hand cleaner.

16. I use a dickie to double as a scarf, something to keep the neck and back of head warm, etc. It has multi functions.

17. I didn't see a bone saw on your equipment list. I have a Buck model that again, weighs virtually nothing but has been an essential piece of gear.

I've probably missed some key stuff but don't have my packing list in front of me at the moment.

Best of luck.
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