Gear-Buying Strategy for Backcountry Hunting?
 

Alright, I've been looking to complete my backcountry gear setup over the next couple years. In the next year and a half I'm looking to hunt public land archery season for mountain whitetails in East Tennessee and possibly also Western Virginia.
But the ultimate goal is to archery hunt elk on the North Slope of Utah's Uintas, August or September 2019 at the earliest.

To that end I want to be prepared to pack out meat, which means having a robust pack system. For budget reasons, I'm torn between buying a good pack frame (Eberlestock F1 Mainframe), and strapping an inexpensive daypack onto it, versus aiming for a "do-it-all" setup that's not in the price tier of a Stone Glacier, Kuiu, Mystery Ranch, or Kifaru, but still a pretty penny. I'm thinking that would be a Badlands 2200 or Tenzing 3000.
This post suggests getting a serviceable-but-cheap packframe that's loud or cumbersome enough it needs to be ditched whenever the stalk begins (like a Cabela's Alaskan I) and a separate daypack (anything, really) for people in my position. What sort of pack setup is the best for having the ability to pack out meat immediately after the kill, on a somewhat constrained budget? If the answer is "can't afford to buy cheap...say hello to $500-$600 pack," better I know now.

The other issue is clothing. I know I will be picking up some merino wool base layers at some point, probably closer to the eventual Western hunt (won't be in the field for a full week before then, so my current synthetic base layers will be fine, scent-wise). But in the meantime I'm still working on buying outer layers and insulation layers. What type of jackets work best in a backcountry layering system? Should I get a packable down jacket for when I'm staying put (glassing, ambush, etc.) and then get a waterproof shell (for bad weather), both of which would go over the base layers and hybrid jacket I wear 99% of the time? Or should I pony up money for a 3-layer parka with a zip-out layer, like Browning's Hells Canyon? In a backcountry hunt, I'm obviously more concerned about not burning up.

I'm planning on checking my local Cabela's bargain cave this week to see if there's something left on the rack that's no longer in online clearance, but could be even lower-priced, now. I actually scored a pair of Cabela's 10-point waterproof, insulated pants over half off that way several weeks ago---what I love about them is there's side zippers all along the legs, which allows for venting when hot. But I want to decide in advance what model of gear setup I'm piecing together, so I'm not paralyzed by indecision even in the face of good deals, wondering if it's the "right" gear for my goals.

As an addendum, what sizing do you normally go with for outer layer jackets? I'm a size medium (6'1" 160 pounds, thin build), but am concerned about either getting a jacket too tight or too baggy. I'd expect in a down + waterproof shell system, the down layer would be fine in a medium for me, but I might want to go up a size for the outer layer.

Regarding packs, I have a Tenzing 4000 and a Cabelas Alaskan pack frame. The TZ allows to pack out an elk front shoulder on the first trip back out. I then switch to the frame pack which rides great and is durable. I have had the frame pack for about 12 years and it is still in great shape and had packed out 14 elk. If I recall, the TZ was $225 and the frame was $99.

Regarding jackets, get a good shell then layer under it as appropriate. Sitka has good stuff and can be had with nice discounts on line.

Thanks, Rob. I tried on some insulated Sitka jackets at Bass Pro today after church (they had the Celsius and Fanatic in stock). Seems their products run a size small for me. Unfortunately, they didn't have a shell jacket in stock, but I'm sure they're good quality. Any particular sites you'd suggest checking online? I saw someone recommend Linton Outdoors on another thread.

There are several:

https://www.mountain-archery.com/sit...closeouts.aspx


https://www.camofire.com

http://gearchase.com/Search/ProductG...archType=Brand

https://1shotgear.com/collections/sitka-gear

Fantastic! I'll bookmark them all.

How are the buckles on your Tenzing? Bass Pro didn't have anything by them bigger than the 2200 model, so I'm not sure if my impressions from it would translate to the larger models. But I thought the buckles seemed awfully flimsy.

If your not opposed to used, try craigslist, here in Montana I see quite a bit of hunting clothes and equipment on there, logistically it might be difficult, but might be worth checking

Haven’t had any issues with the buckles on my TZ4000. It’s a well made, well thought out pack. Certainly not the best of the market, but suited my needs and I have no regrets of getting it.

Just today I saw Cabela's is coming out with an expandable pack that has a lot of the features of high-end packs, but at $200 and some change instead of $500-$600; it's not yet in stores or shipping out the warehouse. Will be anxious to see one in-store; might have a hard time talking myself out of ordering one.

https://www.cabelas.com/product/CABE...7.uts?slotId=0

when reviewing jackets and outer shells be sure to check the breast pockets. Their flaps and corners can hook a string and screw up your shot.