This may sound like a dumb question but...

Do you backpack alot now?

Frankly, if you have never done a backpack hunt... unless you can get lots of help from the experienced and are in amazing shape... I'd do a deer hunt before doing an elk hunt.

I have done alot of do-it-yourself backpack hunts, in the past, not in Colorado, and they were very successful experiences but they were definitely not a 'walk in the park'. My trips, depending on the hike in, lasted 3 to 8 days

On the elk hunts... I primarily did bivy bags and just stayed with the herd.

The main problem with the entire backpack hunt for elk is the packing out of game. Don't get me wrong, there is that certain sense of pride when you are within eyesite of the truck with the last load on your back. However, up until then, it is alot of work. Deer hunts are much easier in that sense.

Honestly, when I finally got some money in my pocket, I bought some horses but that just introduces other issues.

Oh, one last thing... be EXTREMELY selective of a hunting partner when doing this type of hunt. Just because ol 'Joe' has been your hunting partner for 10 years doesn't mean that 'Joe' should be doing this hunt with you.

Actually, the guy I did most of my backpack hunts with is a guy that I would not say 3 words to if we couldn't talk about hunting. We didn't go to the range together to shoot. Heck, the only time he came over was to look at maps and then to pack our backpacks. However, the guy could hunt and was tough. If you are not positive about those 2 traits, especially toughness, don't go with that hunting partner.

It sucks when you have to all the hard work associatted with backpack hunting and then be a motivational speaker for your hunting partner.

Mental Toughness and Physical Toughness.

SA

PS. the best way to pack is to pack together... Put both of your guy's stuff next to each other and remove all the duplicates.