Food to take bivy hunting

[soulsld]

So I am preparing for my first DIY Colorado elk hunt bivy style pack in 2 miles set camp and hunt from there everything on my back so im wondering what suggestions people have for food. My plan is the following
pack in 13 liters water have water filter to reload along hunt
breakfast a combo of granola and oatmeal. coffee grounds for coffee
lunch will be combo of vacuum sealed tuna and  and cliff bars or dehydrated meal
dinner dehydrated meals cooked each night
also bringing raisins and dried cranberrys
my plan is to stay up to 11 days
any suggestions or what you found works and what doesn't

 

[kevinellson]

Sounds like a lot of weight/bulk. How many trips are you planning on making to the camp site where you will bivy? Have you planned for how to keep the evil genius bears off your food cache? I use a bear proof container, but again, it's another bulky thing to lug up.
What kind of water filter are you bringing? I use the Sawyer filter since it seems to be the lightest, easiest, least bulky filter, and then I bring a couple of empty water bottles that can be mashed up and then refilled. My hydration bladder is a three liter Osprey. But then again, I don't stay as long as you are talking about.

 

[soulsld]

should be about 65lbs with tent everything I figure all my food I will have to hang from a tree about 20 yds from camp. everything im bringing is vacuum sealed individual portions. I am using a sawyer 4 liter with the double bladder

 

[nclonghunter]

I have only one concern and that is the vacuum packed tuna. I am just afraid of packing any fish products into bear country. Fish has a strong scent and even once eaten the oils left on the package are magnets to wildlife. I have read of other people packing fish products but I am just not going to.
I love my coffee and I carry coffee in the tea bag design. It is actually pretty good and you can get one good cup and one okay cup from one tea bag.
Water is heavy, I pack a Pur Hiker filter and pump water when I get to where I camp, which has to be near water. It will lighten your load some not having to pack that much water.
Good Luck!

 

[kevinellson]

NClonghunter is right about the tuna. It does have a strong smell, and that's something you have to control. I might ditch the tuna and go for canned chicken instead.

 

[Montana_BackCountry]

Pouched tuna has never been an issue for me and I hunt in serious bear country.  the pouches don't smell, just make sure you eat the whole bag and burn it at night or dispose of it in a scent proof container.  It's good light weight protein.  I say go for it man.

 

[Trapper]

65lbs ! dang that’s a lot of weight to hunt with on your back. If refilling your water supply is an option I wouldn’t be packing 13 liters. I hunt where there is plenty of water so I pack a MSR hyperflow. I pump it when I need it. If that’s not an option then I guess you go to do it. The following works for me food wise… Breakfast; chocolate, instant oatmeal/coffee and dried fruit. Lunch/Snacks; Chocolate, cliff bars, single serving peanut butter packs, trail mix, dried fruit, cup of noodles. Dinner; Elk tenderloin! if your not that lucky, freeze dried meals… anything that is just add water, is light and has a lot of calories. Some may disagree but I really don’t think nutritional value matters. I try to eat 4,000 calories and drink 4 liters of water per day. I’ve never had a problem and always feel on top of my game. If you are worried about nutrition pack some multi vitamins. Best of luck and Don’t Miss

O’ and if you’re in bear country don’t eat where you sleep and hang your food farther than 20ft away. I eat, clean up for the night, hang up anything that you can smell…food, toothpaste, ect. Then I go another 100yrds and tie up the hammock. 

 

[beran_10]

I agree with most. Mountain House or some other dehydrated meals that require to just add water are great and extremely light. Granola bars, and fruit n nut mixes are also excellent. Do you have any nearby water? I don't pack any water. Just a 32oz Gaterade and I pack a water bottle with a built in filter. Saves a ton on weight and space. Since you are only 2 miles in, I would only pack in enough food for three to five days max. Two miles is nothing. I do that nearly every day before it gets light. Besides, you hate to pack in 11 days worth of food just to haul it all out because you tagged out on the second or third day. And think about carrying a small game tip for an arrow in you pack. I beleive Colorado allows you to take small game with your bow as long as you have not filled your elk tag. (Better double check on that though) Them grouse or squirrels aren't the most tender creatures, but are darn good over the fire. Also, I like to have a cooler at the truck with 1 gallon milk jugs filled with water and frozen. When you come back to the truck, they will have melted slightly and is very refreshing to drink and refill your bottle before heading back up the mountain. Feel free to ask any other questions you may have. I'm no expert, just passing along my experiences. Good Luck!! Tyler

 

[soulsld]

thanks for the advice definitely gave me some different ideas. feels like its in the home stretch now getting closer