How big of a pack?

[Bowhunt25]

Hey Guy, new to the form and pretty new to elk hunting altogether.

This year I'll be going on my first ever backpacking trip in Colorado for around 9 days in late September. Bivy style hunting with my bow. My question is how big of a pack will I expect to need? I have a badlands stealth for whitetail/day packs but just don't know what size to buy for a 9 day trip. Thanks in advance!

 

[ILbowhntr]

Welcome. I carry a J107 (4600 ci) with the Super Spike Duffle (3500 ci). This weighs in about 60# for a 10 day hunt. It gets lighter every year as I "forget" certain things.
Have you ever bevy hunted before? You might want to have a practice run or two before you head up in to the mountains. 12000' is a dang hard learning curve.
Remember, you pack out what you pack in and hopefully more.

 

[usmcvet]

I've got the Tenzig 6000 (6000 CI). I hike into the backcountry for 6 days and couldn't imagine having anything smaller. Once the sleeping bag gets in there you realize it starts to fill up quickly. Make sure to get one that has a water bladder compartment, and the pockets on the outside are invaluable. You also want to consider if an elk quarter will fit it or strap on comfortably.

 

[Bowhunt25]

Thanks guys. Yes this is my first hunt out west. I live in FL at sea level!! Lol but I'm training with my day pack and a bag of cement doing stadiums. USMC how big are you? I looked at the tz 6000 but they acted like it was for bigger framed guys. I'm 5'10 and was wondering if it would fit my torso.

 

[usmcvet]

I read the same stuff before I purchased mine. I'm 5'9" and it fits me great. It's adjustable to fit your torso. Take a look online how to measure your torso. I believe it's from the bottom of your neck to the small of your back. Based on that measurement it will into XS, S, M, L, etc. The packs has labeled adjustments on it.

 

[Arrows4Elk]

Hey BH25,

If only going for a few days, I run the 3200 bag on a Kuiu Icon Pro frame (modular). For trips 3-10 days, I swap out the bag and run the 5200. For over 10 days, you will likely want to go 6000+


The beauty of bivy hunting is that you can go light and fast. You'll want to take enough gear to be safe in the backcountry and gear you know you can rely on. Striking the balance of what you need and what you can do without can take a couple of trips to iron out. Like another person here mentioned, you should go for a couple of dry runs with the gear you plan to take before your trip.


You will need 1-1.5lbs of food per day along with the space for it in your pack...something to keep in mind if your testing runs are only a couple nights.


I can post a gear list here, or PM me and I can shoot you the basic essentials that are always inmy backcountry kit.

 

[azelkhunter]

I would check out Kifaru.net and call their customer service for advice on what pack would be best.


I had eberlestock and Kuiu and both were uncomfortable after 60 pounds and didnt like the way they felt.


I have had the Kifaru Duplex Timberline 1 for about 8 months and love it! packed out my 7 days of gear and my Coues deer in November and was so comfortable and hands down the only company Ill ever use again for packs!


Check them out at Kifaru.net they're expensive but you get what you pay for and wont buy another pack to replace it just another one to add to your collection I have 2 now.


Thanks,


TJ

 

[Talon]

Where at in Florida are you?  I am in the Tampa area and am traveling back out west to bow hunt this year again. I am an experienced elk hunter and training here is hard because we lack hills and elevation. I end up doing my hill work in the gym with my pack. A lot of strange looks but do not underestimate the high country preparation.

Troy

 

[backcountry_hunter]

Realize I'm late to the party but to answer the OP: I've found 6000 cu/in to be about perfect for 9 days. Don't know that I'd go less. Even, for example, kuiu's 5200 would be a little small I think for 9 days. I've done 11days out of 6K and it was pushing it. For me, a 6000 cu/in pack is right at home when spending 9 days from civilization.