New to forum, backcountry equipment question

[JTurner]

Hello all,

I picked up the Winter 2012 copy of Extreme Elk at the Denver Sportsmens Show, along with a tee shirt at the Elk101 booth.
I finally got around to reading the magazine, and I am very interested in the article by Aron Snyder on Shelters for the High Country. I have been slowly buying the equipment I need for bivouac Elk hunting. I bought an Alps Mountaineering Comet 2.0 tent on sale at REI, thinking it would work well for packing in. The problem is that it's heavier than all-get-out. I've done some research into Bivy sacks and sil tarps, but I've never heard of a tarp/stove combination. Can someone explain this to me? And reccommend a good tarp for this? I already have a Jetboil stove, but are they referring to a different style of heater?
My Daughter turned 12 this year and she is going to bowhunt Pronghorn and rifle hunt Deer this year. Next year she wants to lose the rifle and strictly bowhunt Pronghorn, Deer, and Elk. I would like to start her on backcountry bowhunting, living off our backs for 2-5 days at a time, but I'll need a good shelter. That's why I'm asking about Bivy/Tarp/Stove combos.
Thank you for any help you can provide.
Now that I've found Extreme Elk and Elk101 I'll be here often to learn all we can.

Aim soft and shoot straight,

Joe

 

[Jimbow65]

I think the tarp/stove combo is revering to a wood burning stove for heat. I know Aron is a fan of the Kifaru tarps and stoves. I bought a Mountainsmith Mountain shelter LT for my next Elk hunt. It does not have a stove jack, but I think the material is a FR fire resistant fabric and could possibly allow a stove jack installed. I am pleased with the mountain shelter. it is around 2#, huge footprint, and the price is around $130 I have posted pictures and a video review here
http://jimbow-in-pa.blogspot.com/2013/03/mountainsmith-mountain-shelter-lt.html

 

[buglelk]

Joe,


It truly boils down to personal preference....for me, I like a tent. I want a place to get out of the weather and keep the bugs out if needed, without feeling like I'm in a coffin (bivy sack). My backcountry tent weighs 2 pounds, and that includes the poles, stakes, and fly. You can get into a solid 3 person tent (good size for 2 people) for around 4 pounds. Once you get into later seasons and need a stove, my tent won't work, but 99% of all my backcountry hunting is done in September or early October when I don't need a stove.

 

[JTurner]

Thanks for the replies and info.
Most of my hunting will be done during fairly mild weather, but I would like to have the option of staying comfortable during the CO 2nd rifle season at the end of October when it can be cold as heck.
It looks like I need to start some new research into tarps and tents. I agree, a tent would be more comfortable, and keep the bugs at bay. That is why I bought the Comet 2.0. The main problem is that it is over 5.0# with the poles. If I can shave off 3# that would make a huge difference.
I'd love to have the opportunity to meet in person with someone here in CO that hunts like this so I could see their gear and set up, I just don't know anyone. Most of the hunters I know/work with are gun guys or hunt out of an RV.

 

[JTurner]

Nimble,
I just read through your blog and watched the video. Wow, sweet deal for $130, that looks like just the thing for my daughter and I. I'm not concerned with leaving my bow outside, and it looks like the packs would fit in the vestibule fine.
I'm going to check that one out and the Kifaru stuff Corey mentioned, but I think the Kifaru might be more than my budget will allow. We'll see.

Thanks again.

 

[Septemberluvr]

I live in Co Springs and would be happy to share some insight with ya. I actually have most of my gear laying out in the garage right now surveying what I need to pick up.  I have been doing the bivy style hunting for 5 years now.  I've learned a lot and learn a little more every year.  My pack weighed 52# last year for a 4-5 day hunt.  You can shoot me a PM and ill share some contact info with you.