What to Pack for All-Weather Backcountry Hunting

Published on November 17, 2019
Duration: 40:30

This video provides a comprehensive overview of gear choices for all-weather backcountry hunting, featuring insights from two individuals who recently completed a three-day trip. They discuss and compare various essential items, including backpacks, sleeping systems, cooking equipment, clothing, and firearms, offering practical advice for hunters planning similar expeditions. The content emphasizes the importance of selecting durable, functional, and weather-appropriate gear to ensure comfort and success in challenging outdoor conditions.

Quick Summary

For all-weather backcountry hunting, prioritize durable and comfortable gear. Key items include a 6000+ cubic inch backpack, a high-quality zero-degree sleeping bag for cold nights, and an efficient camp stove like the Jetboil for quick meal prep. Lightweight, accurate rifles such as the Tikka T3x are ideal, and reliable fire starters are essential for wet conditions.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction & Trip Recap
  2. 00:35Backpack Comparison: KUIU vs. Blacks Creek
  3. 05:38Sleeping Pad Comparison: ALPS vs. Therm-a-Rest
  4. 08:12Pillow Options
  5. 10:06Packing Tip: Mesh Bags
  6. 10:56Food: Freeze-Dried Meals
  7. 11:30Camp Stove Comparison: Jetboil vs. Cheaper
  8. 13:26Sleeping Bag Comparison: Teton Sports vs. High-End
  9. 15:27Warmth: Body & Toe Warmers
  10. 17:30Tent Comparison: Budget vs. Lightweight
  11. 19:04Sock Strategy for Blister Prevention
  12. 20:58Glove Comparison: Outdoor Research vs. Budget
  13. 22:43Water Filtration & Hydration Systems
  14. 24:46Camp Chair Splurge: Moon Lent Chair
  15. 25:46First-Aid & Ankle Support
  16. 26:44Rifle Comparison: Tikka T3x vs. Browning X-Bolt Pro
  17. 30:21Communication & Power: Walkie-Talkies & Power Banks
  18. 30:47Headlamp Comparison: AA vs. AAA
  19. 32:00Fire Starters: Homemade & Reliable
  20. 33:31Chest Harness Options
  21. 34:43Rangefinder & Binocular Recommendations
  22. 35:45Kill Kit Essentials
  23. 36:04Regulations & Ammunition
  24. 37:15Ear Protection Importance
  25. 38:07Cordage & Knife Essentials
  26. 39:11Axe & Tool Overkill Discussion
  27. 40:01Support & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key considerations for choosing a backcountry hunting backpack?

When selecting a backcountry hunting backpack, prioritize capacity (6000+ cubic inches for multi-day trips), comfort for heavy loads (46+ lbs observed), and durability. Modular systems like the Blacks Creek Grip frame allow for pack customization, while features like integrated meat shelves on packs like the KUIU Pro 6000 are beneficial for game transport.

How important is a high-quality sleeping bag for cold weather backcountry hunting?

A high-quality zero-degree sleeping bag is crucial for cold weather backcountry hunting, ensuring warmth even in sub-freezing temperatures and wet conditions. While inexpensive bags exist, they are often bulky. Investing in a packable, well-insulated bag significantly improves sleep quality and safety.

What are the best camp stove options for backcountry hunting?

For backcountry hunting, efficient camp stoves like the Jetboil are highly recommended for their speed in boiling water, essential for melting snow and preparing meals quickly. While more expensive than basic stoves, their performance saves time and fuel, making them a worthwhile investment for frequent use.

What rifle calibers and types are suitable for backcountry hunting?

For backcountry hunting, lightweight and accurate rifles are preferred. Calibers like 6.5 Creedmoor are suitable for deer, while more powerful options like 28 Nosler are available. Rifles like the Tikka T3x offer a good balance of weight, accuracy, and affordability, making them excellent choices for hunters.

What are essential fire-starting tools for wet backcountry conditions?

For reliable fire starting in wet backcountry conditions, homemade fire starters made from dryer lint and wax in an egg carton are highly effective. Complementing this with a flint and steel or magnesium bar ensures you can ignite tinder even when damp materials are present.

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