The Hunting Beast

I've done quite a bit of backpacking both with and without canoeing. I think the biggest mistake people make is bringing WAY too much stuff. A lot of the crap they try to sell you on at REI or Cabellas or wherever is just not necessary. They either sell you stuff you just don't need or the Cadillac version of something when simple is often best. Where I wouldn't skimp is: tent and pack. You can deal with a lot of crap if you know you'll be warm and dry at night. No matter how 'waterproof' your tent is you should still treat the fabric and especially the seams. I recommend getting the smallest tent possible but with a roomy vestibule. That way you're not carrying a bunch of extra weight or taking up unnecessary room in your pack. With the vestibule you can have room to sleep, and still keep your gear nearby but out of the tent. As for a pack- Don't worry so much about number of pockets and extras- look for a pack that is built well, and has enough room. A cheap pack can make a 3 day trip a nightmare if it doesn't fit correctly. It would be worth a trip to REI or somewhere similar to get fitted for a pack, even if you don't buy it there.

There's lots more good tips out there guys have already mentioned here, and in books. Bottom line: use common sense- make a plan, tell others the plan, then follow the plan. You'll have a great time!

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Zap wrote:Its illegal around here on public land.

Same here for most areas. There are some places with designated campgrounds you pay for, but most of the areas with dispersed camping are much further than I'd drive for deer hunting anyways. I also have the Cameron Hanes book, too. It's a good read, although I think overall I've learned more on the internet browsing forums and Youtube videos. There are some really hardcore survivalist preppers and ultralight thru-hikers on Youtube, and you can pick up quite a bit of great ideas after sifting through hours of video. Rokslide also has some good info. Many hunters like the tipi shelters that have the option for an ultralight wood stove and do well in wind.

publiclandhunter wrote:Forgot to mention.....if you really want a one-man lightweight canoe, get a plan book from Barnes & Noble for a Lightweight Cedar Strip Canoe and build one yourself. More time investment, more dollar investment, but truly an heirloom to cherish and has more of your heart n soul in it. mine will end up at just over 10-feet long and just under 25-lbs when complete. So, if I can keep my backpack and gear at under 25-lbs and my canoe at just under 25-lbs, I have an overall weight of 50-lbs and can virtually go anywhere to chase the wilderness bucks!

Wow, I'll have to look into that. I remember seeing plans for a cedar strip a couple years ago, but they were always so heavy. 25 pounds isn't bad. There are a few really nice and ultralight kevlar or graphite solo canoes, but they tend to be over $2000.

I did two backpack hunting trips last year. Two weekends up in the BWCA and then a week in Colorado. BWCA was a canoe trip and it was hot. It got really cold and snowy in Colorado, though. My base pack weight was 31.4lb (46.4 w/food, water, and fuel) for that trip. I think next year I will be able to get it down to about 22lb base weight (+food, water, and bow) for archery elk. One big change I made was going from a 1-person REI Quarterdome t1 tent to an MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-person with fast pitch. That means I can set up just the fly and poles without the mesh tent body and get the weight down to 2lb2oz plus more floor space, the opportunity to cook inside, and not having to worry about bringing muddy boots inside.