Alright folks, this is what I normally carry on my hunts. My pack loaded like this one weighs 18 pounds. Not shown in this photo is a lightweight, rechargeble, led tracking light, and my head lamp.

I'm normally a long ways from the truck, and butcher my game in the field. I will pack out the meat in this pack.

Starting at the back row, this is what we have:

- pack -safety harness and climbing lanyard -two bottles of water. I will normally carry more on my bike. -rope ratchet for getting game off the ground for butchering. My back won't take doing it on the ground any more unless the critter is over about 125# and I can't hoist it. -marking tape and emergency whistle -rattling bag -campers toilet paper for marking blood trails -bow hanger, and a couple of small hangers for pack and quiver, and extra knife -reflective twist ties -compact thermacell attached to pack, re-fills, and bic lighter for starting -extra batteries for lights, camera, and gps receiver -map -a couple of granola bars -mini grunt call -camera and spider leg mini tri-pod -ink pen, mini mag-light, compass -two heavy duty trash bags -mini scent free bug spray -crock stick sharpener -skinning knife and parachute cord -drill and climbing bolts in case -Gps

Your input is welcome.

Mostly good items to have. You might consider just one light source. Probably keep just the head lamp. The one time use heat packs weigh almost nothing. I don't know how far or remote you're going, but you might leave the GPS behind. I keep a small knife in my pocket for utility cutting jobs and just one good knife for skinning and butchering. How about just packing one of the ceramic rods instead of the whole kit. I wouldn't take the drill and climbing bolts with me. I would find room for some basic first aid items.

Might reduce your load by 4 lbs or so.

Apex, do you butcher your deer in the woods? If not, leave the rope ratchet in the truck or at camp. Personally, I've never hung a deer up in the woods. The bow hanger is probably adding a lot of weight, if you can live with holding your bow instead of hanging it up, that would take out some weight. Only bring enough batteries for the mini mag, everything else should be fully charged and set up before you go out but flashlights get used a lot and batteries are heavy. Unfortunately, cameras, gps' and optics weigh alot compared to some of the other stuff, ya just gotta live with that if you like them on your hunt. Drill and climbing bolts? That's some weight, if you can't live without that stuff then you are stuck with it.

But I know how ya feel, my pack weighs about that much too and when I strap that to my treestand, I'm carrying around 40# on my back. Seeing how I live in hill country, I try and lighten that load as much as possible so I am taking only the stuff I directly need for the hunt, game recovery and getting back out when I'm done. The heaviest stuff I carry is the camera and optics and I usually don't bring them any more. They aren't needed. I can take pictures any time and I usually never use the binos except when I get bored. If a deer is far enough away that I would need binos to see it, then I probably couldn't see it through the trees anyway, lol!

I also try and redistribute some of that load. I use a small butt pack for things that I directly need for emergencies getting into the woods and setting up my stand location. Flashlight, gps, compass, maps, batteries, lighter, cellphone, bino's, fire tacks, marking tape and deer scents if I decide to use them. I'll put it on and then spin it around to the front so I can get to anything I need quick.

That takes a lot of weight out of my backpack and if I decide to leave the backpack in the truck for a short hunt, all I need is the small pack for the hunt itself. The back pack is for the all day in the woods type gear like rain gear, camera's, food and water, extra flashlights, stuff like that.

My knife is on my belt to get it off my back as well. Any way that you can redistribute the weight will most likely help. Heck, I only like hunting clothes with lots of pockets and they are always full, lol! Gloves, a compass, deer calls, my mini mag light.

Well, sorry to be so long winded...I've only had one cup of java so far...good luck trying to lighten the load. It's never easy lettin go of some of the stuff that you've decided over the years that you need ;)

Apex, One other item that I would add is a folding saw. I use it for clearing branches, cutting through rib cages, and pelvis. Saves the edge on the knife big time. Especially with moose or caribou. I guess much depends on where and what your hunting.

I wouldn't want to try and find my way through the swamp without a light. Carrying one light would put me in that situation eventually. I need the light for letting me know where the gators are! :) You have to know which logs not to step over. Ditto on the GPS. I think I could carry less for sharpening. without the drill and bolts, I wouldn't be able to climb, and they are a whole lot lighter than a set of sticks, or even steps. I do need a basic first aid kit.

Only one quewstion, do you use everything you take on your trips, not counting the emergency items.

Half, or more of what I carry is in case I actually kill something. So yes, I very well could use everything in my pack.

Apex- Just wondering if that is everything?, just doesn't look like 18 lbs. in photo. Sage

This looks like a well thought out basic equipment list, however if I was trying to cut weight, I would pitch the GPS and rely on the compass and map. Don’t take that wrong, I also have a GPS and love playing with it, but it has failed in the field before.

Look over the heavy stuff in that lower righthand corner and try to find either lighter alternatives or leaving something out... Ya don't have to bring the camera and tripod on EVERY trip. But still like you said you probably will use everything on a trip.

I wouldn't worry about weighing 18lbs. I carry lone wolf alpha climber and day pack on a pack frame up to 2 miles for an all day hunt, about 28-30lbs but it's easy on a decent frame. that said, I would lose the GPS, ratchet, and thermacell.

With the possible exception of the steps I don't see much that is not needed or wanted. I echo your thought on the light. Having found myself on a pitch black night in a steep canyon follwing a 60 year old path that kept disappearing and reappearing on the opposite side of the stream while my light kept getting dimmer and dimmer until it faded away. I know what a second source of light can mean (I had one).

When you add 25-30# of meat in the pack, things change. This pack currently rides on top of a 12# treestand. It adds up quick!

It's a case of wants over needs for me. You really need just a bow, a couple arrows, and a knife. You just want the rest of the stuff. If this is a day hunt setup, it's too much IMO. Hunt from the ground and most of the weight disappears. Whether that is realistic is up to you.

That being said, I'd get rid of most everything but a water bottle and some purifying tabs, a snack or two, a lightweight knife and Accusharp, a lightweight digicam, a lighter GPS (Garmin Legend), map and compass, headlamp, whistle, cell phone (assuming coverage), TP, parachute cord, bug spray.

Apex, That's my point. With a good pack frame the weight is very manageable. I used to hang my daypack on the stand and hike in but the weight just hangs on your shoulders. A frame gets it on the hips and you can handle more weight comfortably.

I would lose the tripod first. I would then consider leaving the gps behind. Would it be possible to put the bolts in with a wrench or ratchet? They would weigh a lot less than a drill. More work and time consuming for sure but it would definitely cut the weight.

Here is another thought. How many deer do you kill in an average year? Do you think it would be worth the effort to leave all the butchering stuff, camera, tripod in the vehicle until needed? It's just a thought.

Apex, I like your set up,but what if you went with The "BacktraX" instead of a GPS.You can hang it around your neck Now I do not know how good the Backtrax is, and mybe a little lighter on whatever you have...

i carry jerky, knife, whet rock, hard candy, rice crispy treats, water filter bottle, 2 Bic lighters, & strap my sleeping bag to my treestand as a pack. this will do me for four or five days. have hunted places where you can get lost or eat by bears, but don't fool with compass, GPS, or lights. may pay for that frugality some day... :^) pondscum

whoops, forgot most important thing (besides bow & arrows) -pre-moistened baby wipes! ps2

all I can tell you is.....

I was a grunt in Nam and our patrols were 30 days out at a time. Go hump it and use it for at least 7 days and you'll figure out what you use and what is dead weight.

A good head lamp last up to 40 hour with new batteries so I would loose the extra flash light and batteries. I only use the light weight knife and wouldn't need to sharpen it for one deer. Heck I am lucky if I need the knife at all.

From what I've learned from reading your threads your a couple of miles from your truck, riding a bicycle in sometimes, sometimes by boat. You can butcher in the field, you don't have to check an animal in (thats nice!). Knowing all that I think I would keep on packing everything you already have plus a simple first aid kit. Sorry, I'm no help. I pack light but doing it the way you do, I would have everything plus a folding saw.

Marty, I think your equipment list looks great. One thing I would suggest that actually makes a HUGE difference...

Instead of packing water bottles, get a water-bladder type of system (like a Platypus or camelback). It's kind of a zip-lock type bag (but heavy duty), with a drinking "hose" that you can clip on your shoulder strap. All you have to do to get a drink is turn your head.

These make it so your water doesn't slosh around (and make noise), and because it's not sloshing around, your load stays balanced. They only cost about $20. Very well worth it.

I wouldn't bring the ratchet rope. I know its handy but I'd find another way with just parachute cord. If you had at least one two blade broadhead in your quiver you don't need the spare knife.Even if it means that you have to break an arrow if you lost or forgot your other knife. Climbing bolts and drill are heavy, I'd leave them in the truck if I was going far. I like to hang a few items on my belt .. gps or thermocell.You notice the weight less on your hips.

OK here are my thoughts. Tripod no. 3 rivers sells a lil gadget that attched to your arrow to hold you camera looks like an oz. or so. Bolts for steps: since they are cheap can ya set up the steps preseason on several trees? this would save the drill and extra bolt weight. I can understand the rest and getting as much as ya can while your in there. Also getting a pack fit to you might help carry that load better. Hope this helps some.

Mike

CaptJack hit it -- carry it around for a while. If you haven't used it, leave it back in camp. I carry a pistol, water, first aid kit (small), two lights, knife, bic & matches, space blanket and 2 lawn/leaf bags and some GORP. And my bow and arrows.

I agree with Scifres. It's wants over needs. In my case I want more things than you to make the hunt more fun and comfortable, including rain gear and gloves and fresh fruit, so I carry them. I get in shape with my 55# pack and my 27# hunting pack seems light. I don't have any plans to cut back.

I start out the season with a pack that could outfit two guys. By the time the Rut kicks in (a month and a half later)I'm down to a few things in my pockets and on my belt. I wish I could remember to start out the season that way instead of carying all that useless stuff, but I seam to do it every year.

I think it’s been mentioned but you need a better pack, you will be amazed at how much lighter 18lbs will “feel” if you are using a good pack. At the very least you need one with a good padded hip belt.

One other thing I might suggest is get rid of the tree stand and all that goes with it. Buy a good light weight three legged stool and hunt from the ground. If I was walking in as far as you say you are I wouldn’t even think about using a tree stand. But I don’t use them much anyway so that’s just me.

Thanks for all the good suggestions!

I have decided to scrap the two knives and sharpener for one replaceable blade knife that weighs 1.5 oz. I'm also getting rid of the rope rachet. I need to find a way to rig a light weight hoisting system with parachord (550#). I'm going to ensure each elec device has fresh batteries and will cut my spares down to one set of AA and one AAA.

My new loc-on stand came in and it's four pounds lighter than my other one. I have rigged it with a waist belt. I took the parts from an old ALICE pack frame. I will also utilize the shoulder straps from the pack. I mounted the waist belt frame so that the stand rides closer to my back than the original frame did. It rides much better this way. The modifications added about a pound to my lightweight 8# stand. My pack clips to the back of the stand with two carabiners.

As far as loosing the hoist goes I would suggest you use a spanish hitch and para-cord. With a spanish hitch you can easily break almost any line lite enough to carry. I've pulled small trucks out of places they got stuck in using them.

MAP

I like my tree saddle instead of a tree stand. It still weighs a fair amount but about 1/3 of the 12 lb stand. I got the mesh version. Can put it in your pack and hunt while you walk. Not the most comfortable thing but I can last about 4 to 5 hrs in it. I can last all night in it if I hang my hammock and extend the safty strap and lay down :).

I always take way to much with me. I'm trying to downsize too.

I tried one of those sling things and I couldn't take the pressure on the jewels. Maybe I was wearing it wrong. I think I out-weigh you by at least 50# Randy.

Apex, use the rule of 3 and the rule of 1 if going out on a simple day hunt not far from your transportation.

Rule of 3:

Segregate your day gear into three piles. One being all critical gear that you need for the hunt such as bow, arrow, license, etc. Second being must have items for the hunt, and third being luxury items that would be nice to have. Once you get your tackle into the three piles, toss piles two and three.

Of the gear you have in pile one, use the rule of 1. You can survive 1 hour from exposure, 1 day without shelter, 1 week without water, and 1 month without food. Use the rule of 1 and go back through your equipment pile to weed out things that are unneeded or duplicates. Too many people go afield for a simple day hunt within a 1/2 mile of their truck while hauling enough gear to last them for days. Most of those guys fall into the trap of feeling as though they must fiddle with this unneeded extra gear while hunting being that they hauled the junk into the woods. You'll end up spending time eating munchies and fiddling with gadgets causing too much movement when you should be concentrating on hunting. Even when I go on five day Wilderness hunts out of my backpack, when I'm hunting, I'm hunting.

One good piece of tackle that I highly recommend that hunters carry when afield is this knife in the picture, the Victorinox Hunter. I was introduced to this knife by an old timer elk hunter who chased elk with the most minimal gear to reduce weight so he could haul his meat back to base camp. I've now used this knife for many years and it is always in my pocket when afield as my minimal knife. The saw will quarter game, cut small diameter limbs, cut shooting lanes, etc. The knife will hold an edge through a very large game animal or many deer size game animals before needing touch up. It will fit into your pants pocket.

There are many good examples of minimal gear such as this knife that can be used to replace multiple heavier items when going afield for just a day. Do you remember the days of our youth when we would run the woods for an entire day with nothing more than what we could carry in our pockets? We now look like walking advertisements for Cabela's outfitted for a forced march across Alaska.

Best of Luck!

I'm almost 200 lb these days. stayed at 185 for many years but just jumped up in the last few months. Need to hit the mountains more. I end up re-adjusting myself pretty regularly in the tree saddle. Best regards to your upcoming deer season. What bow are you going to use?

I'm still hunting with "Bloody Marsh", which is a 63" straight longbow. She draws 48@27. Good luck with your season. You gonna get back over here for another monster buck?

Forgot the knife picture.

I thought of buying two of the caribiners that have the little pully at the end for reducing friction. I could rig a 2:1 hoist with those, but they are $26 each!

I have been following this tread, I do this same thing every year. Going in the same distance. I like the belt idea. Having done some backpacking all my packs had belts. I am going to try this now using either a belt from my back pack or from the alice frame pack if I can find it. Good luck this year and thanks for the idea!!!!

Apex, with two simple caribiners alone, a length of cordage and a Prusik knot you can make a Z-Drag that will move about any game animal you'd ever need to tackle. You could raise deer, flip over elk, I've even used it to lower a bear down the side of a mountain. You do not need a single pulley and everything would take little space. I've turned over large rafts filled with water in dangerous rapids using a Z-drag and I've yet to tackle a single dead game animal that was more challenging than that.

Best

DB you got a diagram of that Z-drag, sounds like something a guy should know how to rig?

Yeah Daddy Bear, great suggestions, but where is a fella to learn how to do it himself? I'd love to hear, or see, more of these systems.

http://cucc2.co.uk/guide/rescues.htm

Just found this link. The very bottom diagram illustrates the Z-drag. Cool. Too bad I just ordered a pair of micro-pulleys and three carbiners. I think I just increased my mechanical advantage and cut my weight by half on my hoisting set-up. I'll post when I get the pieces, and get it rigged for a test.

I was a combat paramedic , where is you first aid kit ? Just didnt see it is all. You also need a Leatherman Wave . files and saw as well as and extra knife are all on it. look into one..I have two and love them both ! worth every penny !)

If its gonna happen its gonna happen out there .

I carry a tube of superglue

unfortunately I won't be able to hunt whitetails again for another few seasons. I think that is why the good Lord blessed me with such a nice buck last fall. I'll still be chasing pigs in my neck of the woods here.

Good thread.

Apex 2 miles isn't very far but I agree if you are carrying meat it is.

But what I did this hunt was pack stuff for camp which stayed there and stuff which was in day pack. This was map, compass, knives, small carbide/cermic knife sharpener, aluminum water bottle (camel back sprung a leak), small first aid kit, kashi bars (two per day), nuts, vaseline soaked cotton balls, lighter, chem lights (2 each), small flashlight, game bag, marking tape, 75 feet paracord, honey and tea bags...it all came down to less than 8 pounds.

Add tube quiver 5 arrows and a bows about 10.5 lbs.

Oh yeah forgot Toilet paper (1 roll squashed)...

Ok, I see, I've been using a z-brag for years, didn't know what it was called and haven't used the caribiners I just tie a loop in the rope and run the end around a tree and back thru the loop. I've always used it to tighten a rope never for lifting an object.

Free Range, same basic idea and 3:1 mechanical advantage, but what you describe is called a Trucker's Hitch used to cinch down loads. The Z-Drag acts more like a winch with the biners used as pulleys.

I've had a lot of folks ask about the compact thermacell I use. Here it is.

[url]http://www.mosquitorepellent.com/compact-appliance.asp[/url]

It requires a fire source to start, but is smaller and lighter than the original.

Yeap I will have to get a couple biners to add to my pack. No more then they weigh it will be well worth having on hand.

I tend to carry very little when I hunt, mostly just what fits in my pockets or in a small shoulder satchel. Mosquitoes are tolerable here, so I don't have a thermacell, either. Whether you really want to lug a GPS, compass, and other emergency stuff I guess depends on how comfortable you are with or without it and how far back you're in.

One that I do and that I'd highly suggest with regards to the blood trail light and all the other deer hoist and butchering things, is to keep that stuff in the truck. You won't need any of it on 90% of your hunts. If you are lucky enough to shoot an animal and it runs out of sight, you can quietly slip out to your truck and get those things. Depending on how far back in you are, by the time you return, the animal should have had ample time to bleed out and you can jump right into looking for it. Gives you something to do, too, instead of just sitting there being antsy. Of course, you can also look for your animal first and then go for the gear, but in any case, that's an aweful lot of stuff to lug around when it mostly won't be needed.

Alright folks, getting down to the final version. For now anyway! :) The drill and bolts were killing me. Maybe I'll get used to them with more practice? I decided to go back to my four Lone Wolf mini sticks for now. I can get 16' with no problem. Net weight gain (ouch) of 4.5 pounds. They do allow for the whole system to stand solidly upright, which makes it easy to stand up on the tailgate for donning. It's really easy to don it though. The waist belt and shoulder straps makes it carry much better than before. My new stand is the bomb. The platform is a little small, but not hard to get used to. I dumped the belt knife and sharpener for this replaceable blade model. It weighs considerably less. I also dumped the rope ratchet and bought three carabiners and two micro pulleys. Now I have a mechanical advantage! The weight is a wash though.

The total weight is not 32#, which is up by 2#!! :) It carries much better though. I hunted with it yesterday. I hiked for two hours in the a.m. before I found a spot worth climbing. Pulled the stand and packed it out. Hunted again in the p.m. in a different spot. Same deal, hiked for one hour before climbing. No back strain, and no sore shoulders this morning.

I know, I gained weight, but feel I have a better system. Here are some photos.

My bow has a one arrow quiver, in case I need a shot on the way in. The quiver is a bow type, that I have bolted to the pack with finger adjust knob/nuts. I have a piece of angle aluminum inside the pack pocket to re-enforce the pocket corner. It's really solid. I can draw an arrow while wearing this pack, but it's some work.

Looks good but I would think your fletching and arrows would take a beating exposed and high like that. I think if it was me I would flip them and have them on the center of the backpack with the fletching down and not higher than the pack for overhangs.

Look forward to some pics of what you are hunting. Whitetails?

cowboy up and keep the pack weight the same

I carry about 30 pounds , 20 of which is dispensable but convenient. I often hike a mile in and a mile out. I get used to this weight in about January.. but I definitely lose a few pounds each year and strengthen my shoulders and back. I haven't suffered for it yet but I'm just barely closing in on 40. I don't carry a camera, it makes those special moments even more precious knowing I can't take them with me. And trophy pics can always be taken later.

Well, my camera is important to me. I pack out just the meat.

Good idea using the molle shoulder straps..I use the molle II system for my camp pack and a day bag as my hunt system. The patrol pack is nice too maybe that's what I'll use next year...

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