BACK PACK HUNTING 101.

Backpack

Our backpack is an important part of the equation, without it, can it really be called a backpack hunt? Like with all gear its easy to get caught up on all the latest trends, I try to cut out all the noise by searching for a products that are both comfortable and within my budget. Many stores offer to fit your new backpack in person which is fantastic. For my latest pack I went in store to Mansfield Hunting and Fishing where they have a plethora of knowledge and packs to suit all budgets and adventures. I used a 65L pack without a frame for over a decade without issue, however the new frame packs have changed the game for me. I run the Stone Glacier 5900 with an x-curve frame. The good thing about Stone Glacier is that they have a range of additional products designed to suit all of their packs and if you want a smaller sized bag they fit to the same frame you already own.

Bumbag or day pack

I prefer to drop my big pack at camp and range out with smaller bags for day hunting. I prefer a bum bag because you can navigate through the bush with less noise and you can carry enough gear to get you through the day. If I am successful, I take care of the meat in game bags, do a smaller load back to the main camp, grab my 5900 and retrieve the rest with a mostly empty pack.

Boots

After your pack boots are probably the most important item you can take on a backpack hunt. Purchase a pair of boots that are comfortable out of the box. You can also buy inner soles that will help even further. I wear the Crispi Nevada Legends. They are a fantastic all round boot for every hunting situation I have been in and extremely comfortable straight out of the box.

Shelter & Sleeping System

For my shelter I like a two man hiking tent with two entries and two vestibules. There is always the option to have a mate tag along on a hunt with you and plenty of room for gear if you’re alone. When looking to purchase a sleeping mat, I prefer something that is insulated and gives decent clearance from the ground. These are slightly bigger and heavier but you get the benefits when your head hits the pillow.

If you have a decent mat you wont need to go too thick on your sleeping bag. I use a 0 degree rated bag and layer up with clothes if I need to. The 0 degree bags take up less room in your pack which is always good. You can stuff excess clothes into a sleeping bag cover to cut even more weight but I like to pack a travel pillow or little blow up pillow for comfort.

Clothing

For my Victorian high country hunts I always take a pair of thermal leggings. They don't take up much room in the pack and are great for those cold overnight temperatures. I dont sit and glass much so they come off before leaving camp. I also pack a puffer jacket for camp at night and to sleep in if it's cold. I always pack a rain jacket regardless of what the weather report is prior to leaving for the hunt.

I usually take only one pair of hunting clothes unless it’s going to be wet. The plan would be to dry out by a fire if need be.

Hydration

I carry a 1L nalgene of water and a 1L powerade, I prefer bottles over a bladder. I take the 1L size because the water purification tablets treat 1L of water. There is no way you can carry enough liquids in your pack for a multiday hunt so filling up with natural water is a certainty. If you don't plan to boil your water, packing water filtration tablets is a very good idea but there are also other options like life straws, UV pens and filtration systems. Whatever you decide to pack it needs to kill the bacteria, not just filter the solids out.

Cooking

The new cooking systems are a game changer for backpack hunts. I run a jetboil MiniMo but there are a variety of brands out there that will do similar. I like the MiniMo because it has a large diameter pot which fits the go native dinners in. I carry one large fuel cell for a three night pack hunt but you could probably get away with a small one if you aren't planning to boil drinking water.

Food

I aim for around 3000 calories per day. I like to pack Go Native meals and mash for my dinners. They are slightly heavier than the dehydrated ones but are better for you and more flavorsome. I place the meal and water in the MiniMo, boil the water, then add the water to the mash potato packet. No water wastage and you’re eating less than 5 minutes after starting the process.

For snacks I generally take a custom trail mix in individual packets per day and calorie dense energy bars. I sneak a few chocolate bars in and on occasion take fresh fruit like apples or oranges but I find the fruit is usually what’s left in my pack at the end of the hunt.

Emergency

Items that I consider for emergencies are things like; satellite communication devices (Zoleo or similar), mobile phone, EPIRB, GPS, spare batteries, battery bricks, first aid kit, firelighters, lighter or matches and hand warmers. Some duct tape and spare rope can also come in handy. Keeping any emergency equipment in a dry bag is not a bad idea.

Meat care

You will need to think about meat care prior to being successful. I preload a Yeti cooler with frozen milk bottles to cool down the esky while I am busy hunting. Obviously the cooler stays in the car but it's ideal for getting meat cool once you get back. A game bag or pillow case helps the meat cool down straight after harvesting and keeps flies off. I like the game bags because they have cord that you can hang the meat up off the ground with. A sharp knife will make the butchering job simple.

Weapon

Either firearm or bow with ammunition or arrows for the game you are pursuing will be needed.

Comfort

A modern luxury that I am more than happy to pack is a hiking camp chair. They are a saviour when camping in a wet gully. They get you off the cold damp ground. A lightweight tarp is also nice to have. I also pack a pair of crocs for camp shoes. Your boots will get wet so at some stage they will be set up next to the fire to dry out. Having a pair of crocs is better than walking around barefoot.

Light

You’ll need a torch when darkness descends. Head torches are my favourite type because they free your hands and allow you to do things that holding a torch cant. They will break though, it's inevitable and the one you buy won't be perfect.

Toiletries

Common sense here. You’ll need TP, toothbrush & paste and some sort of soap or dettol wipes.

Caffeine

If you’re a regular coffee drinker and need one to start the day, throw in some travel style coffee. I like Dog & Gun preloaded drip filters because you can drink them black so no need to cart in milk. You will need to carry some form of mug or cup, although this could be your jet boil bowl.

Treats

I also take in a bottle or flask of liquor. It’s not the smartest idea from a hydration point of view but there is something special about being deep in the forest, around a warm fire, sipping on your favourite heart starter.

I do like to leave a treat at the car for my return. It helps me push through the grind knowing there is something nice waiting for me when I drop that pack at the vehicle.