Backpack Hunting

[Antarcher]

Starting a thread for backpack hunting related topics. I am gearing up for my first backpack hunt and it feels like I am turning over a new leaf in my bowhunting and to be honest it is very exciting. I get to research new gear, ask friends heaps of questions, look over detailed maps and read into all the things that you might be faced with on a true wilderness hunt.

So far I have been hammering ds (Doug and his brother Tony), Ozzyshane and another friend Aaron, for what they know in terms of gear and what to expect. These guys have inspired me with their recounts of their experiences and the country they have been in.

There are so many things to consider it is not funny. From what boots and foot care, which tent, bivy, hammock or swag, what clothing, which backpack, what food to pack, best optics etc... and it all has to be super tough and lightweight. Then there is the prep and the fitness side of it.The list just goes on and on. About the only thing I don't have to think much about is my bow and thank god that is well and sorted.

I plan on buying the best I can afford of everything I get and hope to build it all up over the next year so I can be fully prepared for an NZ mountain assault. My first go at it will be an 8 day Sambar hunt into the Victorian alpine region in late May with Pego and another mate.

A tent is already owned by our mate so my first buy will be a high quality sleeping bag. I have been advised that a 700+ down sleeping bag is the best bet with around 800 to 1000 grams of fill. The outer shell of the bag needs to be water resistent as the condesnation of a tent can make your bag damp and almost render its warmth giving qualities useless, particularly on extended stays. I am going to get one that has quite a low heat rating (around -20 degC) as I am generally a very cold person in cool climates. Another feature of a down bag is that they are compresssible. One I
have been looking at compresses down to a 21x21cm pack size and this is also important for space saving in your pack.

Will keep you updated on my purchases and research and am really looking forward to hearing from your experiences with pack hunts and the gear you take.

[AdamK]

Perfect timing Antacher.
Adam Greentree's backpack hunting exploits, and Ozzyshane's recent 9day solo hunt have inspired me to give it a crack too.
I've been reading all the old threads on backpack recommendations, pack contents, etc. I'm looking forward to seeing what discussion your new thread opens.

Have you had any recommendations on PLB's?

[stevenn]

Sounds good mate.something ive always been interested in doing but have just never got around to doing it.will follow this thread with great interest to see how things progress,gear game etc.best of luck.steve

[EcoMuse]

Thought I might just add my 2c...

I am actually totally the opposite to what is being discussed here, in that I have been an avid backcountry hiker for the better part of 20 years, having hiked all over Aus, Spain, France and Switzerland. It was from these hikes (especially those at home in Perth) that I noticed game trails and other features that led me to think about hunting WHILST hiking. So I can fully appreciate your situation, in that for me, my hiking skills and gear are totally down pat, after years of experience but opening the book on bow hunting is like starting again. Its a great feeling!!

Antarcher, if you have any questions re: gear or technical advice, Id be glad to help out where possible.

[Antarcher]

Thanks Eco muse, what I do need to know is what is a PLB so I can answer Adamk's question. ;)

[EcoMuse]

PLB = Personal Locating Beacon...better known in Aus as an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon). Be sure you buy one that is set to use the digital 406 system as the other analogue sats are being phased out, by Feb09.

They are small and lite, well worth having!! There are lots available. Check Paddy Pallin or Mountain Designs for ideas on types designed for hiking. Also have a read here: http://beacons.amsa.gov.au/

[ozzyshane]

Ant what u will find is one sleeping bag will not do every thing u need i have 3 now
Dont beleive any temp rateings u see go by the amount of down eg 500grams and the loft from what u have said about getting cool u little girl u will need about 600 to 800 grams of down
What u mite like is the exped woodpeckerWB or macpac epic450 i have the epic350 if you can find them as MP will not be imported into Aust anymore
Be very carefull with advice u get as some gear gets dated very quickly and every one has dif tastes and anything light has a heavy price.
Good luck

[EcoMuse]

Some good advice there ozzyshane...also have a think about sleeping with thermals on if you get cold easy. They are lite, cheap (ish) and can make a sleeping bag feel a whole lot warmer. Also sleep with a beanie on, your head is responsible for a heap of heat loss. Go to bed with a full stomach, keeps you warmer (especially if its venison!).

[kal_mike]

As ozzyshane has eluded to Macpac has been taken over so they have a few bargins going at the moment. My wife has been back in NZ and picked up a pack for 25% off. In my opinion Macpac does a good pack and sleeping bag. Check out this site 25% off all Macpac http://www.bivouac.co.nz/. I prefer the merino thermals and use the icebreaker gear. The Swazi gortex rain gear is also good but not cheap, I have the tahr coat.

[MENZIES]

I use a Macpac pack and sleeping bag and highly rate them. They are relatively expensive but will last the distance.

[GREG 2533]

I will be fly camping for sambar this june so i no what ur going through Ant its been many months of preperation getting to know the area we will be hunting and getting the right gear. I bought a mac pack cascade backback at paddys when they had a sale and picked it up for just over half price.

Im into training now so i can carry all the gear in and hopefully a nice trophy out.

Goodluck on your hunt mate keep us posted as is gets closer.

Thanks
Greg

[Antarcher]

this is good stuf. I have not looked at PLB's yet. I have been told about thermals when sleeping and am definitely looking at an 800 gram bag. I also hear that there are differences in your warmth comfort when using a full length sleeping pad over a 3/4 length pad. I will go the extra weight of a full length pad I think. I will start to look at packs once the bag is bougth. I will definitely be looking your gear over Shane as you know your stuff and I will try and toughen up a bit for you. Be interesting to see what you end up getting too Greg. Are you taking the bow for your hunt?

[EcoMuse]

this is good stuf. I have not looked at PLB's yet. I have been told about thermals when sleeping and am definitely looking at an 800 gram bag. I also hear that there are differences in your warmth comfort when using a full length sleeping pad over a 3/4 length pad. I will go the extra weight of a full length pad I think. I will start to look at packs once the bag is bougth. I will definitely be looking your gear over Shane as you know your stuff and I will try and toughen up a bit for you. Be interesting to see what you end up getting too Greg. Are you taking the bow for your hunt?

Just a quick tip Ant...buy the 3/4 length pad in ultra lite size (the new Thermarest Ultralites are awesome, I am in love with mine) and put your empty backpack under your feet instead. At the end of the day, any little bit of weight loss is weight you dont have to carry.

[jindydiver]

Just a quick tip Ant...buy the 3/4 length pad in ultra lite size (the new Thermarest Ultralites are awesome, I am in love with mine) and put your empty backpack under your feet instead. At the end of the day, any little bit of weight loss is weight you dont have to carry.

I use my backpack as a pillow and cut bracken to pad under my feet.

[Viking]

For cooking you can't beat a Jetboil. Super compact, and super fast. Great mileage from 100g can of gas.

Steve

[EcoMuse]

I use my backpack as a pillow and cut bracken to pad under my feet.

Woooo...seriously close to nature!! I prefer to stuff my jacket into my sleeping bag sack and use that as a pillow! One must always think about the environment as well, imagine if everyone used the surrounding foliage as bedding, pretty soon we wouldnt have anything to hide behind!!!!!!!

[jindydiver]

Woooo...seriously close to nature!! I prefer to stuff my jacket into my sleeping bag sack and use that as a pillow! One must always think about the environment as well, imagine if everyone used the surrounding foliage as bedding, pretty soon we wouldnt have anything to hide behind!!!!!!!

Your sarcasm is wasted on me mate :)
You do of course understand what bracken is don't you? It was used in Brittan as animal bedding for millennia and now that the practice has stopped they have to poison it because it is such a weed. It dies off back to it's roots every year in the alpine areas and comes back thicker every year whether it is cut or not. Ask a farmer how many times he has to slash it before he has gotten rid of it and you will see that it would take a hell of a lot of campers to make a dent in it. And think about the areas where we like to go as hunters, not exactly on the beaten track :) .
In the years following a bush fire bracken seriously inhibits the germination of any other plant life in it's area, plants that could well be the fodder species of the game you are there to hunt ;) Go up the high country and see how it is used by the deer as a bed too :)

If you don't feel good about using what nature provides then that's okay too

[GREG 2533]

Be interesting to see what you end up getting too Greg. Are you taking the bow for your hunt?

Not on this trip mate, I still want to get a bit more practice in before taking on Sambar with the bow. They can be such a hard animal to stop so shot placement is 100% critical. Id like to take a rusa or fallow with the bow first just so i can have 100% confidence in my shot at a sambar.

The weather is starting to cool down and im looking forward to it more and more each day!

Thanks
Greg

[derek_webster]

Hey Ant, hope all your training prepares you well for the big hunt. I've never back pack hunted but have stomped a few miles in the Army living off my back. A couple of hints from this is:-
1. Sleep in the minimum amount of clothing, as you will need to put something warm on in the morning. No point in wearing all your clobber to bed, get out of a nice warm farter and have nothing to put on in the cold
2. Dont go to bed wet, take your wet clothes off, put dry ones on. If you need to, sleep on top of your wet ones under your bag and put them on again in the morning.
3. Gas bottles etc take up a lot of room in your pack. Get yourself a couple of Army water bottles and canteen cups that fit onto the bottles and carry them on the outside of your pack. Use these straight on top of a fire for heating up food, brews, etc. Buy some heximine tablets from the disposal store or civillian equivalent. And a Bic lighter.
4. A good foot powder is vital, after all, you got to look after your feet, they are the main means of transport.
5. A personal first aid kit that goes with you everywhere. Cover things like small cuts, tweezers, safety pins (for bandages and for getting splinters out), compression bandages, matches in a water proof container, emergency blanket, energy tabs or powder, water purifying tabs. The list is endless but cover your basics and then add what you think you may need.
6. Take at least one meal on you all the time. You never know if you may spend a night away from your main camp. You can buy dehydrated meals now fairly cheaply, dont take up to much room and are definately light.
7. If you wear glasses, take a spare pair with you.
8. Some dry tinder in a water proof tin.
9. If you have room and are inclined to enjoy your sleep like me buy yourself a wimpy mat (an inflatable mattress). They are worth every cent, use your pack etc for a pillow.
10. Ziplock bags are a must, you can store all sorts of stuff in them.
11. Rubbish bags, for boots, bow etc over night. You can tie them off to keep the critters out.

Hope some of this helps mate

[bear]

good thread ants:D I use my 3l camel pack for a pillow just blow some hot air back in it to inflate:D the 3/4 thermarest I use for hunting and also in the boat when we go on overnighters is excellent. I would put some gear recommendations on this thread but our requirements in the tropics are a lot different than up in the moutain coutry you fella's hunt!

[EcoMuse]

I use my 3l camel pack for a pillow just blow some hot air back in it to inflate

Damn what a good idea.....cheers!!

[Antarcher]

Thanks for your input Derek. What foot powder do you recommend? And Bear, bang up your suggestions as there are definitley blokes on here that hunt the tropics.

[derek_webster]

Mate, I use the army stuff, but I'm sure any of the commercial stuff is just as good if not better.

[Bowdy]

Antonio,
This is my backpack list,
Some of this gear suits "ME" and is on the heavy side and I train myself to be able to carry it, I am always looking at new lighter gear and I am trying to get the weight down without sacrificing quailty.



BACKPACK:

Eberlestock J104 Back Pack (Realtree Hardwoods Green)
Super Spike Duffel (Realtree HD Hardwoods)
Spike Duffel (Realtree HD Hardwoods)
A2AP Pouch (Put Bino's In)
A1AP Pouch
J1RC Light Weight Rain Cover
A1ST & A2ST Stuff Sacks
Pack Straps Or Octupus Straps

SLEEPING EQUIPMENT:

Macpac Sanctuary XP 900 Sleeping Bag (4 Season)
Tatnka Compression Sack
Water-Proof Compression Sack ( To keep one set of thermals dry at all cost)
Pro-Lite 4 Therm-A-Rest Mattres & Stuff Sack
Back-Pack Tent

CLOTHING:

Base Ball Cap
Swazi Realtree Hardwoods Green Balaclava
Gloves Heavy & Primos Light Gloves
Huntech Dri-Seat Pants
Stoney Creek Microtough Shirt & Pants(Realtree Hardwoods Green)
Huntech Or Remington Thermal Under Wear
Under Armour Cold Gear Realtree Mock Turtle Top
Under Armour Black Singlet
Socks x 2 Pair
Polar Fleece Jocks x 2 Pair
Rain Gear
Scarpra Boots
Huntech Gaiters (Large)
Teva Sandels Or Dive Boots
White Water Wind Proof Jacket
Track Suit Pants
Snow Gum Pack Towel

COOKING EQUIPMENT:

Msr Pocket Rocket Stove & Case
Fuel Cannister (Large X 2) & Brunton Stand
MSR Titanium Coffee Mug
MSR Titanium Kettle
Brunton Titanium Spork
Helios Storm-Proof Lighter
Waterproof Matches
Plastic Cut Away Bowl
Tea-Towel/Rag/Scourer
Re-Sealable Plastic Bags
Plastic Garbage Bag

FOOD:

Back Pack Meals (Adequate For The Whole Trip)
Biscuits, Fruit, Trail Mix
Choc Bars & Power Bars
Powdered Milk
Ceral (Sultana Bran) or Porridge & Honey
Coffee, Sugar
Bread Rolls, Process Cheese, Marg, Dried Salimi, Rice
Hydro Light Powder
Beef Jerky,Toasted Bacon & Peanut Butter Sandwhiches X 6

MISC:

Silva G.P.S. In Pouch & Batteries
Petzl Tikka Plus LED Head Lamp & Lithium Batteries
Canon IXUS 900 TI Digital Camera, SD Card , Pouch & Tripod.
Leupold RXII Range finder? Spotting Scope?
Schrade Navi-Tool Or Leatherman Wave Multi Tool
Fire Flint & Scraper
Binoculars
Space Blanket
First-Aid Kit
Bandages/Bandaids
Tooth Brush(Small)Tooth Paste(Small)
Panadol Tablets,Nuropoene Tablets
Soap
Water Bladder/ Water / Rock Salt
MSR Miox Water Filter or Water Purification Tablets
Scalpel & Blades Or Skinning Knife
10 Feet Of Duct Tape
50 Feet Of Parachute Cord
Needle & Strong Thread
Toilet Paper x 1 Full Roll ,Wet Ones Moist Towllets
Platupus Water Bladder
Wallet/Money
Suunto Watch/Necklace
Mobile Phone
Map Of Area (In Waterproof Case)
Gerber Saw
Insect Repellent
Epierb Or Sattilite Phone
Alsakan Game Bags

Grant.

[Antarcher]

That is a very good and comprehnsive list there Bowdy and one I hope to build up to, given time. You must have built this all up over years as the prices of the things I have been are all quite high.

So far I have nailed down the pack, which will be a Sea to Summit Lost World pack. I am getting a very good for price for Pete and myself and can not go past it for value alone and it is a very good pack. I am looking at a Khatmandu Moonraker sleeping bag on ds' recommendation.

Thank you for sharing your info and is this what you pack when on extended trips? It seems like a lot but all pretty essential.

[Bowdy]

Yes,
That is what I pack for a 8-10 day trip, so I am totally self sufficiant and can hunt where ever I end up at the end of the day and don't need a base camp or food drops.
It all depends on how and where you want to hunt.
Grant.

[derek_webster]

Hey Ant, looks like an article for your next mag. Mate, send me your address and I'll send you a army heximine stove and a packet of hexi tablets. A half a tab will do a brew and a can of food.

[Viking]

If you're going to use hexamine tablet, then possibly an even better option than a hexi stove is the reversible cup stove, which fits like a sleeve outside your cups canteen. It gives much better wind protection, and the cup doesn't topple off. I picked a brand new US army issue steel one up from the disposals for $15.

Steve

[ozzyshane]

Ant All this should be in a NEW BACKBACK SECTION hint hint come on guys this was asked about before at least give it a try .
Thanks Shane

[macka]

awsome thread ant and thanks for the info guys very interesting i'll be keeping a close eye on this thread.

Macka

[Antarcher]

Yes I will put it to the guys about a backpack section. I can see there is a wealth of info to be stored in a known spot for future reference and adventures. And Derek it is already in my thloughts mate. Thanks

[liamjohnweston@hotmail.com]

hey all i just joined and thought the backpack hunt sounds great! a quick word on packs if you want the top of the line and dont mind the $$ check out www.mchalepacks.com (http://www.mchalepacks.com)
oorroo

[dean]

i am wondering if somone could go into some more detail of their menu for 3+ day backpack hunt. with massive amounts of energy being needed each day, as well as resisting the elements, how how much food and what sort of food is best to take? physical exhaustion is something i would worry about on such adventure. i think i would be doing more sit and wait than constant stalking.

[Antarcher]

I have gone and purchased my first item. I got such a good deal that I bought one for Pete as well. I have purchased a sleeping bag and it is a Vango Viper 750. I looked at all the known brands and it was killing me to fork 6 or 700 buckd for a bag so I went a little cheaper, but still with all the features that I was looking for. Vango have a good rep in England and the lifetime guarantee shows that they must have quality about them. Could be something I might regret, but I can always buy a better one if it comes down to it. Below are the specs on the bag. Not bad I suppose for $270 posted and it packs down nice and small.

Temperature rating (0C):to -25 C, Total Weight (g):1600g, Length (cm):210, Chest Width (cm):80, Foot Width (cm):50, Pack Size (cm) L x Diam:21 x 21


• Vango Lifetime Guarantee
• IFTH tested where temperature ratings are independently measured in accordance with EN 13537:2002
• ATC - Advance Trapezoid Construction - where angled chevron baffles prevent the down from shifting and increases thermal efficiency by slowing heat loss comparable to similar rectangular shaped baffles
• 90/10 600+ fill power down of excellent quality which provides maximum loft, warmth, performance and durability
• Differential fill providing insulation where it counts
• Polair Micro RSP shell fabric that is micro-ripstop, soft, downproof, water resistant and washable
• Polair Silky lining which is extremely cosy and comfortable, offering both insulative and wicking properties without sacrificing breathability
• 3-panel 3D hood with multi-cord closure which allows maximum adjustment thus optimising comfort as per conditions
• Insulated shoulder baffle for increased comfort and heat retention
• Internal pocket with velcro closure to keep valuables safe
• 2-way autolock zip to shut in warmth or facilitate ventilation
• Zip guard reduces risk of 'zip jam'.
• Insulated zip baffle that minimises heat loss

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f8/antarcher/clip_image001.jpg

I have also purchased some polypropelene theramls for sleeping and will get some camo under armour compression thermals to wear under my hunting gear. The pack is pretty close to being chosen and I will put a pic up when it comes.

[Tali]

Dont forget to bring your camera and take tons of pictures!!!!!

[jindydiver]

That bag will do just great (especialy if you have shelter to keep the breeze off you), and at that price it is a good buy :D

[derek_webster]

Its amazing how much body heat is lost out of a sleeping bag through the zip fastener. Glad to see you got one that insulates that area.

[derek_webster]

Dean, the menu would be your personal choice of foods that you are happy with and also if you are working from a base camp then the menu is a bit different than if you are carrying your house on your back for the 3 days. A basic backpacking menu would consist of something nice and hot for breakfast, baked beans or any tins of breakfast meals you can buy nowadays. Lunch would be maybe noodles or crackers and tuna or canned meat and the evening meal would be another hot meal. In between would be muesli bars, chocolate bars, etc. and a few brews, coffee or tea. If you are working from a fly camp then adjust the menu as such, you will be able to afford to have more and just take the noodles, crackers etc out for lunch on your hunt. For energy drinks take along powedered glucogen for instant energy and add it to your water.

The good thing about working from a base camp is that you always have a cold beer in the esky to celebrate that moment you take an animal.

Good lucky mate

[steviebby]

I just got myself a merlin 3" softie sleeping bag only weighs 900 grams and is comfi down to freezing point!, My next buy will be a Large ALICE pack with frame which should suit alot better than my current pack anyone used an alice pack?

[ozzyshane]

Ant u might need to remove the lead out of that bag it ways a lot i think u where just being tight a$$ glad im not packin it around .There is a lot better out there for the same money .
Thanks Shane

[Antarcher]

That's alright Shane, as I hope to hunt with you and you can carry it for me.

[Al Kidner]

Steviboy, I've used the ALICE pack system for years, still do infact. I bought mine a ways back when I was in the Infantry, as the issue packs were of poor standards. We bought our own kit and the ALICE pack was first off the rank due to the frame system. It fits better to the body and allows air flow around your back.

We also removed all the pouches that came with the pack, and placed on our own. The reason being so as to be able to "live" on the out side of your pack when in the field. Save opening up and removing everything from inside just to eat your lunch. Also we could fit more into it when needed like mission essential equipment.

Some people will say do not bother with ex-army kit as there is better options out there in the civi market. This may be true with some... if not most things, but when I comes to walking as many mountains, rivers and open bush as I have (and still do sometimes) I think the ALICE pack system is the best, hands down. For me and my body shape anyways. Just ask any ex-grunt what pack he used when walking the "light green".

I havn't any pics handy mate but I can send some when I get home in 2 weeks if you like.


AK.


AK.

[steviebby]

thanks mate a few pics would be great thats exactly what i want to do (personalise it) abit so i dont have to drag everything out each time i want one thing cheers steve.

[derek_webster]

As Al said, the Alice pack is the ducks nuts. You can also get 3 sizes, small which is not much bigger than a day pack, medium which is the most popular and large which is mighty big. If you cant fit your gear into a medium then seriously think about what you are humping around, it may be to much extra that you dont need.

The frame can also be removed and used on a variety of other "frameless" packs with a bit of adjusting here and there.

At the end of the day, everyone will have their own likes and dislikes, but most Army stuff has been tested and found to be capable of handling most tasks given to it.

[steviebby]

If you cant fit your gear into a medium then seriously think about what you are humping around, it may be to much extra that you dont need.

.
Its not what i want to carry in. Its what I wont to carry out thats making me lean towards a large!

[Al Kidner]

I'm sure you could even fit a whole Hog deer in on too!

[derek_webster]

Mate you could strap it to the outside of your pack, quarter the beast and take the meat out. If you are taking the rack and cape out then make sure that you have hi visibility gear on it or you so other hunters dont take a shot at you.

[Antarcher]

Just got some plain bad luck. It now turns out that Pego is allergic to down and we will have to buy new synthetic sleeping bags, as he can't even be in the same tent as a down bag. He used his for the first time for two nights just now and he is all rashed up. I haven't even used mine yet, but there is no use in me having a down bag as it will mean we have to carry two tents when we go to NZ and stuff. So there will be two good down bags for sale very soon. One used for two nights and the other yet to taste the outdoors. Any recommendations on good light synthetic bags will be much welcomed.

[bear]

Any recommendations on good light synthetic bags will be much welcomed.
Merlin softie III bags are very good, very compact and warm for their rating:)

[Antarcher]

Thanks Bear, will have a look at them. Does anyone know anything about the recon bags that the army uses. They have pretty good temp ratings and are light and compact.

[steviebby]

I'm sure you could even fit a whole Hog deer in on too!
I thought they would fit in a small? I was thinking i could stuff a whole sambar stag in it!

[bear]

Thanks Bear, will have a look at them. Does anyone know anything about the recon bags that the army uses. They have pretty good temp ratings and are light and compact.
I am led to believe they are the same as the merlin softie range ants, but made for the military:)

[Al Kidner]

Thought I'd post a new thread on the ALICE pack for you Stevie.

AK.

[AdamK]

I purchased a One Planet Sleeping bag last week. 750g of down 700 loft. Slept out bush last weekend in 2 degrees and strong winds. Was as warm as toast.

It seems a quality bit of gear.

[Antarcher]

Well the time has arrived and we are off tomorrow night for 8 days on the sambar. Will do full run down on the trip, maybe as a day by day account. Will also fill in on all the gear we take and what was good and bad. I have to admit it was a shock to the system when we tried on our fully laden packs for the first time. I know I will be sleeping well the first night. Catch you all when we get back. Cheers

[derek_webster]

good luck mate

[HareSplitter]

best of luck :D

[eagleeye]

hey guy's, just thought i would give you a website too look at for backpacks, hiking packs. they are platatac.com.au and sasequip.com.au all army equipment not a bad look...

[Duane]

Yeah, I bought my Eberlestock backpack from their retail outlet in Melb, good bit of gear.