First elk hunt

[Bobhunts]

Just do not over think it. A good wall tent or camp trailer will keep you warm and the rest is just common sense. Merino wool is awesome and MidwayUSA has there own line for pretty cheap and mittens are better than gloves. Stay safe and carry tire chains to get into and out of where you are going. Most years the deep snows have not dropped that low but drifts will be there. Carry common sense stuff and you will be just fine! I live there and the biggest problem for me is trying to figure out if a hill going in will be safe coming out with a trailer going downhill! Took my buddies pop-up 2 years ago and if wasn't for the braking system pulsing all the time I would have dumped it and my truck into the trees. If you have to.. camp in the sage and take the truck up to your trail head.

 

[dirtytough]

I think you are getting some sub par advice. Tomorrow when I'm on the computer I'll type out what I would do. I'm a cheap a** when it comes to some stuff but other stuff like optics I buy the best. For clothes and boots you can get stuff that works extremely well by getting mountaineering stuff on clearance instead of paying for hunting brands. Heck where do you think most of the specialty hunting clothing and boot companies got their designs from?

 

[Bmccart]

I think you are getting some sub par advice. Tomorrow when I'm on the computer I'll type out what I would do. I'm a cheap a** when it comes to some stuff but other stuff like optics I buy the best. For clothes and boots you can get stuff that works extremely well by getting mountaineering stuff on clearance instead of paying for hunting brands. Heck where do you think most of the specialty hunting clothing and boot companies got their designs from?

Thanks I just can't see spending 3-400 dollars for a single base layer. I know there's got to be other stuff that's cheaper that works just as well. And I'm kinda the same way with spending money on certain things

 

[RockyMtnMT]

Thanks I just can't see spending 3-400 dollars for a single base layer. I know there's got to be other stuff that's cheaper that works just as well. And I'm kinda the same way with spending money on certain things

Costco for poly pro layers. You can have three layers for $75 Good weather just wear your normal camo clothing over the layers. Bad weather wear wool. You simply can't beat wool. Wool hat, gloves, shirt, pants, vest. Most of your wool needs can be met with surplus gear. Spend the big money on boots.

One other thing that is great to have is a Buff. Thin little things are amazing.

 

[RockyMtnMT]

One more... Frog Toggs rain gear. Simply can't beat it for the money. No need for $400 rain jackets.

 

[Rick Richard]

I am not a one time Hunter in the back country and have learned over many trips. This is the most important items for warmth.

Goretex outer wear such as Cabelas MT 050. I wear the jacket most of the time while hunting.
Good and I mean good mountain boots
Merino wool underwear
Synthetic jacket and vest
Synthetic hat and gloves
Wool socks (several)

Never do I wear cotton not even cotton underwear

 

[Doug Herold]

Well I'm finally going to get to go out west to Colorado on my first elk hunt this year. Will be on public ground, going with a few guys that have been a few times before. I think I've got most of the big things I need to take with me but I'm sure there are other things im forgetting. Will be going 3rd rifle season in November.

Looking for recommendations on good layering clothing. (I don't have deep enough pockets for the kuiu, first lite, sitka etc) but what is the next best choice?

Also from what I've been reading the schnee pac boots seem like the best. Any others to consider?

And I know there's always little things that don't get thought about or forgotten until you need them? What are some of those things that you've found?

I already have the Cot, tent, sleeping bag, pack, outer layers, rifle, backup rifle, coolers and binoculars covered.

Any suggestions or help is appreciated

Thanks!

You gonna be doing a lot of walking??? PAC boots?? Consider Kennetreks. Snow?? Kennetrek Gaiters

 

[MtPockets]

Lots of good advice! I hunted near Steamboat about 25 years ago. It was my first mountain hunt, and quite a learning experience.
One of the biggest lessons was the importance of good boots that fit YOUR feet. I have found that spending a lot of money on footwear doesn't help if they are not comfortable right from the get-go. I once bought an expensive pair that didn't feel that great in the store, but figured they'd break in. They never did feel good enough to mountain hunt in.

Good luck and let us know how the hunt goes!

Ron

 

[Salmonchaser]

It's a Montana canvas wall tent with a full cover fly that extends 10 ft past each end. Will have a wood stove in it. The place we're going is close to steamboat sprints around 10000 feet. I've got an alpz outdoor frame pack, thanks for the info. I've got a pretty good start on most of the stuff. I'll check out some of the boots and layering clothing mentioned

I have two Montana Canvas tents. You're in business with those. Some one else mentioned condensation, vent as much as possible while keeping warm particularly when cooking etc. also I flip my sleeping bag over every morning before I leave the tent, keeps condensation from forming between bag and pad.

 

[Prairie]

I am not an expert by any stretch of anyone's imagination, having only done Colorado twice. But I've just recently gone through the same process you are going through and I got a whole lot of good advice from a native, so I'll pass on some random thoughts to you on what we experienced in the last two years FWIW. Apologize if this is stuff you already know, hopefully some of it is useful.

On clothes, yeah, it costs, but it could save your life. I had to outfit myself and my two sons, and I am barely middle class. Shop Cabelas sales, but Camo Fire often has good stuff at great prices, you just have to be watching their daily sales. If you call them, they will be super helpful in finding you alternatives that are more affordable.

Layers. Really important to dress in layers that dump moisture quickly, but are warm, light and packable. The last two years in the part of Colorado where we were, were unusually warm for that time of year. So you way be in snow, or you may be in near 70 degree weather, all on the same trip. The day may start cold, get pretty warm and then get cold again. So my gear is built on layering up and down all in the same day. My bottom layer is a thin synthetic or merino (including underwear, very important!), and I add and take away as the day and altitude dictates. Usually carry a tech fleece, some sort of windstopper/dwr layer, and a puffy in the pack.

Rain gear. Get some lightweight stuff, top and bottoms. I am told usually you don't get long precipitation, or that if you do, it's usually snow. But this year, it rained on and off during the day, and then when we dropped an elk in the evening, it thundered and rained for 4 hours straight while we processed it. We had rain tops, but no pants and got soaked from the waist down, so much rain that my boots started filling up. It was also cold and windy, so hypothermia in these conditions is a possibility. Light rain jacket and pants for us going forward. If your pack is not waterproof, get a raincover for it too.

Feet...don't think Pacs are what you want. Good hiking/mountain boots are very very important. Schnees, Crispi, Kenetrek, Lowa, whatever...they key is they all have a different 'fit' for different feet. Buy quality that fits your feet. I can't stress how important this is. Some people like stiff boots, some don't. Depends on your personal needs, but spend some money here regardless. The good thing is that the quality boots can be resoled as they wear out for not much money, so they are not disposable and can be made to last a long time. FYI, plan on getting an aftermarket footbed with your boot. Most manu's assume you'll need something that fits your needs, so they don't provide a very good footbed. But some are good enough out of the box, depends on your foot.

Socks....good merino socks are a must. Wicks moisture, keeps your feet temp stable, keep bacterial growth (stink) at bay. I have worn some of my merinos in Texas in 95 degree weather and also in cold Colorado. My feet stay dry of sweat, which keeps blisters at bay. I have two different weights because my feet run very cold when I sit. So I have both heavyweights and midweights depending on the expected conditions. Both will always work, but hvy's are better on colder days etc. Make sure you fit your boots with your chosen socks.

Good headlamps. Two of them, just in case. Going in before light, going out after light...processing meat in the dark.

Game bags, contractor trash bags and light rope. You may need to hang quarters in trees and come back for them. The trash bags are for when you put it in your pack to keep the blood out.

On electronics....GPS solution, whether on your phone or a handheld...you need something like OnX or whatever that shows public and private land...in some units its all mixed together and it's not posted...but you are responsible. If you use the phone app, you will want a battery recharge at least, and you will probably need to DL the map of your unit before hand, as you are unlikely to have cell service.

And if you don't already have one, a rangefinder. Definitely need that. Extra batteries for everything...cold plays havoc with batteries.

And I highly recommend a bino harness if you don't already have one. You will need quick access to your binos and RF. There are lots of choices depending on your style, I use an AGC, and actually have it setup so I can drop my pack and have what I need for a final approach, as well as basic survival stuff in it. You'll also need optics cleaning stuff (lens pen and Zeiss wipes in our case).

Shooting support: No recommendation here except to think through how you like to shoot and get what you need. Maybe your pack is all you need, maybe you want a bipod, maybe shooting sticks, maybe nothing at all...I don't know, depends on you. But it's definitely something we were glad to have sorted well ahead of time. For camp, good to have some barricade or other protectant wipes should you and your rifle get caught in the rain one day (yep...it happened).

And someone mentioned babywipes...concur, you'll be glad to have these if you are up there for a while.

Other random things...basic first aid kit, firestarter (I use Trioxane tabs) and a lighter (I keep these both in my pack and my AGC), possibly a LW water filtration unit depending on your camp situation...we carry lifestraws just in case, latex gloves are nice to have and throw in a ziplock to gather up any trash you make while up there, and we all carry Leuko tape, a little regular tape, a pen for filling out your tag, and one of those emergency space blankets (super tiny folded up, no weight).

Probably some more stuff we carry that I cannot think of at the moment, but hope that helps a bit!

Extremely great info and advice. Just to add a snipet of info concerning electronics. There's a company called Goal Zero that deals with a large array of solar panels for recharging various electronics. I have some small ones that can recharge cell phones, ipads etc that you can even attach to your back pack while hiking that recharges while you walk. They're small but very effective. Very usable while in the wilds. Just fuel for thought!

 

[dirtytough]

I have guided for sheep in AK, hunted Washington high country extensively, hunted early and 3rd season Colorado, killed a buck archery in ND in -57 temps with windchill, and hunted multiple other states. All that is to say I have hunted in warm, wet, cold, snow, wind, all over so I have a decent grasp on wet and cold hunting conditions. And I'm cheap. I would rather have the best optics than top of the line matching camo.

Ok it looks like you are on a budget and will be truck camping. Look into a pair of trekking poles. They will help with heavy loads in steep terrain and you can use them as a shooting rest. First bull I killed in Colorado was at 408 yards that I shot off of my trekking poles.

Darntough socks. Lifetime warranty. Go to REI and try on boots. They have a ton of mountaineering and backpacking boots. They won't be as expensive as hunting branded boots. And they are as good or better. I'm 50/50 on gaiters. I don't use them in Colorado but do in Washington where its wet. Buy them if you have extra money. I like OR gaiters since they work and again have a lifetime warranty.

Some type of synthetic or wool underwear. I forgot mine one year and picked up an off brand at walmart. They still work as well as my expensive stuff.

I usually take 3 pieces of clothing for my lower body and 5 for my upper.
Someone mentioned polypro from Costco. I have some and it works well.

I like soft shell pants. They shed moisture pretty well and cut the wind. I have been using Skre Hardscrabble lately. When they first came out they were pretty inexpensive. You can find hunting brands on clearance or even mountaineering brands. Mountaineering companies don't charge more for camo like hunting brands do. Then I have lightweight rain gear. For Colorado I use Marmot Precip. I use it more when its not raining then when it is. When I get to a glassing spot if I start getting cold I use my rain gear. It really blocks the wind and helps keep you warm.

Upper body I will use the polypro from Costco or something comparable. 2nd layer usually a thin hoodie or fleece. 3rd layer I have been trying the Skre Hardscrabble jacket and like it for certain hunts like 3rd season. If not that then I use a thick fleece. 4th layer I will bring a down vest or puffy jacket depending on temps. 5th layer is a Marmot precip top.

Accessories. I bring a few pairs of gloves if its cold. I use glomits. I haven't found anything warmer or as useful. I also bring thin liner gloves. And I bring latex gloves. If its cold out its very easy to freeze your fingers while cutting up your animal. Throw on the liner gloves and the latex over the top and your hands stay warm and your liner gloves stay nice.

A thin balaclava or neck gaiter. And a beanie.

Don't get heavy wool outerwear. I used it as a kid growing up and it was heavy, was slow to dry, and wasn't very comfortable. Thats what everyone used. Now even my dad uses synthetic outerwear.

I have tried frogtoggs. They fell apart the first time I tried them. For 3rd season Colorado I wouldn't be scared to try them again. Most of the time if I used them I would be sitting and glassing so I feel like they would last. I think frogtoggs are like $35 and you can get the Marmot precip for about $100 from STP. So it is a decent savings to go with the toggs.

Don't waste money on a pack cover. Most of the time you won't be using it and its just extra weight. I always carry 2 garbage bags. If it looks like its going to rain line your pack with one. When you kill an elk you can throw quarters and chunks of meat on it to keep it clean and fill the game bags later. Then use it to line your pack to keep blood off your extra gear/clothes.

You are day hunting so its not bad to pack an extra layer for a day or 2 until you figure out if you need it or not. If you were backpacking in you would need to streamline your gear a little more.

 

[WalksLikeADeer]

Indeed !!!
And MAP . 1 to 50 thou. If you can find them

Print your own custom topo map from home. Consider a donation as this is one guy supporting this awesome tool.

 

[Deleted member 107796]

Not a gear opinion and you may have this down already, but keep your scope power on Low. You'll have time to kick it up for any long distance shot but you will not if you're jumped by an elk at 20-30 yards and the power is set High.

 

[Buck300]

If you are not in shape get there, these mountains are big, steep with high elevation and you may need to cover a lot of ground to find game. I was living in Colorado and took a left over deer tag in a unit I had never been, a group from back east was camped about a mile away and we were near the end of the road up against a wilderness area, they watched us hike into the wilderness up on a point to glass so they followed us on their atvs and drove right up and parked 50 yards away wanting to know were the deer and elk were, I told them they were in a wilderness and cant ride their atvs in here so he left only to glass them up shooting onto the private property (ranch) across from our camp at a herd of elk about 800 hundred yards away ( like 20 rds) with a pencil barreled 308 and a 3x9 scope, the property was posted within 100 yards of him. The next day one of them followed my old friend ,parked right behind him and followed him on foot right behind him step for step my partner told him to beat it and the out of state hunter went by our camp and broke all of our tent poles in half. My point is know the animals habits, what they eat, where they like to bed, how when and why they migrate at different times of the year, and get in shape, these guys thought they would drive to Colorado and fill their tags that they spent a $1000 dollars on and they ate tag soup.