Today’s youthful, independent hunters fill their Instagram profiles with photos from the outback, dressed in the latest gear.
And for the most part, it’s great gear — far superior to the low-quality gear we had to choose from in the ’80s or early ’90s. Still, this 50-year-old nature lover sticks with the tried-and-true solutions that have served him well for decades.
Quality backpacking gear is a gigantic investment these days, and when it comes to outdoor gear, it’s straightforward to get lost in the sea of options, from budget-friendly choices to high-end, top-of-the-line gear. Everyone wants durability, functionality, and the peace of mind that comes with being far from civilization, but don’t skimp on quality.
Owning weather-resistant equipment no longer has to involve major expenses.
HOUSE ON YOUR BACK
A quality backpack is crucial for any outdoor adventure. For hunters, it’s a still partner, holding gear for days on end in pursuit of elusive prey.
When choosing a backpack, consider the following:
CAPACITY: Assess your needs based on the length of your trips. A weekend camper might find a 40-60 litre pack sufficient, while a hunter on a longer trip will likely need a larger capacity, 70 litres or more.
COMFORT: Look for padded shoulder straps and a well-ventilated back panel. Comfort is key, especially when carrying a loaded pack for extended periods.
RESILIENCE: Choose materials that can withstand tough terrain and changing weather. Reinforced seams, sturdy zippers, and waterproof fabrics are key features.
AVAILABILITY: A backpack with multiple compartments allows for organized storage and straightforward access to the most necessary items in the field.
SUGGESTIONS: Companies like Osprey, KEEP CALM, Stone Glacier, Strainers AND ALPS Outdoorz They all offer a variety of packages to suit almost any need.
HIGHEST COST: QUALITY TENT
In summer, a lightweight, breathable tent protects you and your gear from rain and insects. For fall hunting, a three-season tent with adequate insulation becomes more critical. I have camped in tents that were inadequately equipped for the chilly, and it was not pleasant. Consider the following when buying a tent:
LIBRA: For the backpacker, a lightweight tent is key. Look for options made from strong but lightweight nylon or polyester.
SEASONS: Three-season tents are great for spring, summer, and fall, but if you expect winter temperatures, opt for a more costly four-season tent.
ORGANIZE SOMETHING: Quick and straightforward to pitch tents are everywhere, but some are junk. High-quality designs are useful when pitching in harsh weather. Look for colorful poles and plain designs.
VENTILATION: Proper ventilation prevents condensation inside the tent. Mesh panels and adjustable vents are clever features, especially on moist summer nights.
SUGGESTIONS: Visit www.backcountry.com to see a variety of tents to suit almost any camping style.
CLOTHES: THINK ABOUT LAYERS
The writer’s sons (like Logan Drieslein) and I enjoyed spring fishing trips out west to avoid the insects and the crowds.
It’s a great time to backpack, but planning your clothing is tricky because anything can happen weather-wise. In the summer, you can take off the sunscreen if necessary, but a fall hunt requires layers that provide insulation and protection from the elements.
STRATIFICATION: Wear versatile layers, starting with moisture-wicking synthetic base layers to keep you dehydrated. Insulating mid-layers provide warmth, and waterproof outer layers protect against rain and wind. If you move at all, three or four plain layers will keep you sultry in most conditions.
MATERIAL: Choose synthetic or merino wool fabrics for base layers, as they are great at wicking away moisture. When it comes to insulation, down or synthetic-filled jackets provide lightweight warmth.
VERSATILITY: Clothes are hefty, so invest in pliant clothing with a multi-functional design, such as a jacket that can be adjusted to changing weather conditions or pants with zip-off legs.
SECURITY: Don’t forget about baseball caps, knitted hats, gloves and waterproof footwear. They are crucial for protection against sun, rain and low temperatures.
SUGGESTIONS: Visit www.backcountry.com for clothing options that fit all your camping and backpacking adventures. Companies like Strainers, First Lite AND KEEP CALM They also offer high-quality clothing, from base layers to outer layers for hunters.
SLEEPING BAGS AND MATERIALS
New technology in this category helps maintain low weight while ensuring a good night’s sleep.
You won’t be as comfortable as you would be in bed, but you should be in good enough shape to recover for the day ahead.
SLEEPING BAG: Find one that has the right temperature for the season. A airy sleeping bag with a temperature of over 30 degrees is fine in summer, but it’s best to avoid extra insulation and too much heat in behind schedule fall.
SLEEPING PAD: You need something between you and the ground. Find a mattress that provides comfort and insulation while considering factors like weight and packability. Self-inflating models have gotten even smaller in the past few years, so this is an area where you can save weight.
SUGGESTIONS: Visit Sleep System Category on gohunt.com a wide range of sleeping bags, mattresses and sleeping accessories.
KITCHEN: KEEP IT LIGHT
In places where you can transport your gear by kayak, you can become a connoisseur of outdoor cooking and take along fancy ingredients and even a huge, hefty cast-iron skillet.
In gigantic backpacking country, you want it airy. You want to have enough food to survive, but you’re not out there to gain weight. If you lose a few pounds hiking out west, well, you might put them back on next winter, right?
STOVE: I have several compact, collapsible single-burner stoves. MSR Equipment (see photos) that have served me well over the years. I buy fuel at my destination and have a plan to recycle or replace the containers before I get home.
KITCHEN DISHES: If I employ plain freeze-dried meals, I simply boil water and pour it into the package. I don’t need any cookware other than a spoon. If I have space for more strong cookware, I make sure it has nonstick surfaces for straightforward cleaning, and the pots I put in it save space.
GEAR: Again, I mainly employ spoons for everything, except for a edged knife and my Leatherman Multi-Toolwhat may be one of the greatest inventions in outdoor activities.
STORAGE: It’s a necessary nuisance, especially in bear country or anywhere rodents associate humans with food…which is pretty much everywhere. Have food storage containers to keep your supplies secure and organized.
WATER: You need to have a water plan, and every drop that enters your body should be boiled or properly filtered.
Water filters They work by physically straining out protozoan cysts (such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia lamblia) and bacteria (such as E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Shigella). These are common biological pathogens that can make you seriously ill or make things worse.
In recent years, lightweight pump and gravity filters have been perfected to turn questionable water into a reliable source of hydration.
Look for models with high flow and minimal maintenance requirements – features that can make a difference in the great outdoors.
AND HAVE AN EMERGENCY PLAN: Chemical cleansing tablets or drops are hassle-free and straightforward to carry around.
Newfangled UV purifiers harness technology to offer a brisk and effective way to neutralize harmful microorganisms without changing the taste of the water. While they are larger than other options, their speed and efficiency make them an attractive choice when you are on the go.
OTHER EQUIPMENT
Without going into details, you should take a complete set of navigation and rescue tools with you.
That means a topographic map and compass, a GPS device, a smartphone, and a charger. Some guys even invest in a satellite phone to reach really remote locations in northern Canada and Alaska.
Have emergency signaling tools like a whistle or mirror to draw attention. A compact emergency shelter like an emergency blanket or bivouac can provide critical protection in unexpected weather conditions. I always carry a well-stocked first aid kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, and personal medications.
