By – Dave Goitiandia
Dave has spent many hours in the backcountry and is a member of the PSE Prostaff. He has been kind enough to share with us the gear and tips that he lives by while trekking far from civilization. A well thought out game plan is crucial to not only continued success, but also can play a key role in backcountry survival.
Equipment / Clothing
| 4,000-4500 cu/in packMarmot sleeping bagStuff sack – compressionSleeping pad – Thermarest ¾Bivy sack – OR deluxeNoah’s tarp or equivalentPocket rocket stove & fuel canSporkSnow peak cook pot & cup
Pur water filter MSR dromedary bag – Sip hose Headlamp – flashlight Gps Extra batteries wrapped in tape Compass & maps Camera Lieca range finder Binoculars, spotting scope, tripod Windproof lighter Waterproof matches – REI storm Fire starter Orange ticker tape Electrical tape Roll – TP and baby wipes First aid kit Food:Granola bars – trail mix Wilderness Athlete 10 day pack Jolly Ranchers Seasoning - Bullion cubes Mountain House food Powdered Drink Mix Jerky Ramen noodles Pouched Tuna or Chicken |
Poly gloves Sitka cap and scarfHat with billSitka Summit undershirtPoly Capilene underwear bottomUnder Armor underwearWebbed beltSitka mountain pant & shirtSitka rain pants & jacket
Gaitors Thorlo socks & liner socks Sitka90% jacket & pants Sitka Timberline vest Pants – Microtech fleece Kenetrek mountain boots Water socks Rope 50 ft. String Reflective mirror – whistle Leatherman Knife-2 Knife sharpener Advil – Aleve – Tums Paper & pencil Deodorant BOW GEAR:Bow and arrows Release Extra release or tab Extra string Extra broadheads and sharpener Allen wrenches Game Bags |
TIPS
* Cotton kills
* Clip toenails, the extra weight and going down hill can really hurt
* Try and make two things into one
* Use your equipment before you go to get familiar with it and figure out problems you and your equipment may have, camp out in your backyard.
* Pack electronics in a Ziploc bag
* Put fresh batteries in everything before you leave and take them out when you get back so nothing will corrode
* When you have sleeping bag at home, store it hanging
* Store sleeping pad laying out
* Conserve space by putting things inside of one another
* MREs are okay but weigh a lot. Open them up and get rid of everything extra—cardboard, etc.
* When you get back empty out pack. Take out what you did not need and put in what you forgot or do need
* Wear water proof boots and make sure and break them in before you go
* Spray backpack with water proofing if not water proof
* Put sleeping bag in bivy sack then in stuff sack to keep dry
Some items may be substituted or left out depending on the environment or the length of the hunt. This list should give you a great starting point in preparing for your backcountry adventure!!!
