What I have…….and what I need?

[Idaho Lefty]

Keep Climbing those Hills and do some Bike riding, to make your Legs, calf's & thighs,.. STRONG !
Don't disregard, my Post #36 on POI of Rifle at, Altitude and,. be sure to Practice some,.. Field positions !
Elk Camp, ISN'T, the place to start, sighting in & practicing !
Don't forget, to bring, a Wind Chart for, the Bullet / Load that, you're using.
Good luck !

 

[OldDutch]

Thanks for everyone's input, I got a lot of good info. I did cut back on some things and added others. I'm under my weight limit and feel I'm a little more prepared. I am curious to see what altitude we'll actually be hunting at. I do have another question though.......what's good enough shape to be in? I'm 53 170 pounds @ 5' 8", I average about 5 walking miles a day working construction and when I get home I try to put in another 2 to 3 miles with 30 to 35 pounds in my pack. I live at about 2000 feet and it's not flat but the hills aren't steep, there's a construction site about a mile from my house with some pretty good sized dirt piles the earth movers built that I climb up and down with my pack and as much clothes as weather allows (it was 80* today). Unfortunately I smoked since high school but for the most part quit about a year ago. Does it sound like I'm close or am I going to be laying on a rock gasping for air?

You're more prepared than most. Remember to stay hydrated. Keep us posted.

 

[BJC>HntTx]

Thanks for everyone's input, I got a lot of good info. I did cut back on some things and added others. I'm under my weight limit and feel I'm a little more prepared. I am curious to see what altitude we'll actually be hunting at. I do have another question though.......what's good enough shape to be in? I'm 53 170 pounds @ 5' 8", I average about 5 walking miles a day working construction and when I get home I try to put in another 2 to 3 miles with 30 to 35 pounds in my pack. I live at about 2000 feet and it's not flat but the hills aren't steep, there's a construction site about a mile from my house with some pretty good sized dirt piles the earth movers built that I climb up and down with my pack and as much clothes as weather allows (it was 80* today). Unfortunately I smoked since high school but for the most part quit about a year ago. Does it sound like I'm close or am I going to be laying on a rock gasping for air?

As I get closer to hikes and hunts I like to change it up. I usually run more distance and hills and bleachers working up to the few weeks prior. I then switch to running short sprints (well sprints for me). This gets me more winded and makes me huff and puff harder in short spurts and isnt as hard on legs. Might help lungs at altitude. Sounds like you are putting in some time though so I bet you do fine. Remember that if you get up close to some and that heart rate starts thumping, you will be burning through your oxygen and H2O at a more rapid pace. Slow down and hydrate after.

 

[sp6x6]

Ive got 5 years on you but also I am a builder,framing,sheet roof,etc.I never smoked though.You sound pretty good.Hiking toughens the feet and joints,more than work.Also if your wrestling a elk solo,which sound like your not and packing,you want some pretty solid upper body.I still do pullup and pushups,even at camp ,least 5days week.

 

[BigDon]

Thanks for everyone's input, I got a lot of good info. I did cut back on some things and added others. I'm under my weight limit and feel I'm a little more prepared. I am curious to see what altitude we'll actually be hunting at. I do have another question though.......what's good enough shape to be in? I'm 53 170 pounds @ 5' 8", I average about 5 walking miles a day working construction and when I get home I try to put in another 2 to 3 miles with 30 to 35 pounds in my pack. I live at about 2000 feet and it's not flat but the hills aren't steep, there's a construction site about a mile from my house with some pretty good sized dirt piles the earth movers built that I climb up and down with my pack and as much clothes as weather allows (it was 80* today). Unfortunately I smoked since high school but for the most part quit about a year ago. Does it sound like I'm close or am I going to be laying on a rock gasping for air?

If you haven't yet experienced it yet, Altitude is a total butt kicker. I live at 6650 in Cheyenne. Went to a conference at a Utah ski resort at 9500 last week. Couldn't finish a glass of wine. Couldn't sleep for 3 straight days. Drank water constantly - still dehydrated. Couldn't poop for 3 days. I was a mess. Got home after 4 days of 9500'....12 hours later - All good. Buddy from DC went with me. 200' above sea level there. He was sick and miserable the whole time and couldn't wait to leave. 12 hours after a nights sleep at my place and he was good to go. Shocking the impact of altitude!

 

[mnoland30]

Keeping hydrated helps a lot with altitude sickness. Don't drink alcohol. Take some immodium along just in case. Once went backpacking to 12,000 feet with a Texas girl, and she was spewing from both ends. I use a Safari sling. Most comforable way to carry a rifle for quick use. You just need to have perfect muzzle control to not point your gun as you turn around or walk behind the guide.

 

[Ucsdryder]

2 hours on horses every day just to get to your hunting spot!? A horse will do a good 3mph on a trail, that's a long way! Tell them to move the camp closer! Be prepared for a sore ***.

 

[Tulsa Reiner]

2 hours on horses every day just to get to your hunting spot!? A horse will do a good 3mph on a trail, that's a long way! Tell them to move the camp closer! Be prepared for a sore ***.

Today is the day Blacklab leaves. Safe travels, and have fun. Stay healthy.

 

[sp6x6]

I just hunted for many,many days.Lot of my days I went 2.9 mph.But the terrain dictates speed.Did many day rides where it takes 2-3 hr to walk into spot.But up in mountains can be tough.Id hiked this big ridge,was out at 4am,bout 11am see two guys walking up.They saw nothing.Said they rode horses,I said where are they.Below on bench,tired. Well,they not tough mountain horse, I ride well past where we were,100 times.I also saw 20 elk,3 bulls and a whopper mule deer.But I had a business meeting that day and was on way out

 

[Idaho Lefty]

Nothing that, you guys say, is gonna help him, anymore, as the OP,. HAS ,. GONE on,.. his Hunt !
READ,.. Post, # One !
It's Time to,... CLOSE this one,.. OUT !

 

[chav0_12]

Chav: I've never heard of Leukotape, but am taking your advice and ordered it for my sheep hunt next year.

You won't be sorry. It's pretty awesome stuff. I bought some for this year and ended up forgetting it at home. I put some moleskin on and it didn't stop the blisters. I ended up coming home early from them, I should've just worn my old boots. Any way, I grabbed it when I got home and used it over my blisters so I could still do stuff around the house, could barely feel the blisters with it on.

 

[Marble]

October 9th I'm leaving for my first elk hunt in Colorado. We'll be hunting with a guide at 12,000 feet and are limited to 40lbs that we can pack into camp minuses rifle and sleeping bag. I hunt in the east from stands/blinds so I had to buy a lot of new packable clothing and don't have any way to field test it before I leave. Most of what I have is light to mid weight and layers nice (up to 4 layers is comfortable). I have a total of 6 tops and 6 bottoms (plus a light set of long Johns for sleeping) ranging from Sitka, Kuiu, Browning and Cabalas. I was wondering if I should try to cut down on some other stuff to add more clothing. Here's a list of what I'm planning on taking:
1 Accu Tac bipod 1lbs 4oz
1 box ammo 1lbs 8oz
1 boo boo bag (Advil, bandaids etc.) ….1lb
1 Leupold 10x42 binoculars 1lbs 13oz
1 thermos 1lbs
1 pillow 1lbs
1 personal hygiene bag 2lbs 2oz
Hand/foot warmers 2lbs 10oz
1 battery charger for phone, flashlight and headlamp 2lbs
1 headlamp 7oz
1 flashlight 5oz
1 knife 7oz
1 rangefinder 6oz
1 pair extra boots 3lbs 5oz
Socks, hats and gloves 2lbs 8oz
1 pair sunglasses in hard case 6oz
3 power bars (just incase) 8oz
1 fire starter kit 8oz
1 emergency Bivy 9oz
That's around 24lbs and my clothes weigh in around 18lbs so I think I'm close enough since I plan on wearing some of the clothes riding in. Is there anything I should change, add, subtract?
…….I forgot to add the packable rain gear. I didn't weigh it but I think it's less then a pound…….
Thanks in advance.

Read through most everything. 6 changes of whatever clothing is not necessary.

For clothing:
2 base layers
2 pants one non insulated, the other warmer.
2 shirts
2 undies
2 to 3 socks
Long sleeve orange shirt
Mid weight jacket preferably with hood
Puffy preferably with hood
Med/heavy jacket Waterproof/gortex
Rain jacket, pants are a suggestion for me. Even though you generally will not see rain, they act as a great wind break.
One pair of boots
Heavy beenie for night time, lighter one for during the day maybe, both blaze orange.
Single layer wool gloves
Heavy Waterproof gloves
Heavy mittens.
Gators if it snows.
I carry an insulated orange vest that is one size up to fit over any clothing I have.

You'll have fun. Keep a daily list of things to consider for next time and you'll be more dialed for the next trip.


Consider a small jet boil type cooker. It's nice to make a hot meal Mid day if pack has room.

 

[Idaho Lefty]

Nothing that, you guys say, is gonna help him, anymore, as the OP,. HAS ,. GONE on,.. his Hunt !
READ,.. Post, # One !
It's Time to,... CLOSE this one,.. OUT !

The OP has,. GONE,.. Huntin' !
Several Days,.. ago !

 

[chav0_12]

The OP has,. GONE,.. Huntin' !
Several Days,.. ago !

It's okay. It's still a forum and maybe someone else will find it and be able to use any information that's posted even a few years from now.