Photo credit: Brady Miller
Another fall is here, and as always, that means another one of my gear lists. This article is all about my upcoming late-season backcountry-style mule deer hunts. There are just a few small tweaks here and there that I made for 2022, but nothing major has changed.
I want to start off by saying that the gear I use is just what works well for me. I will never say you "need to use the gear I use to be successful." I get a lot of comments each year about my list that people enjoy them. And my entire goal for sharing my gear lists for each hunt is to help people. I've made a lot of mistakes backpacking in the mountains early on in my life, and so I don't want people to experience those. My struggles in the past, are a way to help people going forward. And so these gear lists are a way to show what has worked for me. Because if I don't trust something, I will not use it. Yes, you don't need a super heavy weapon, you don't need a ton of weight in optics, but for me, it's just something that works well. This gear list is based around a full backpack-style hunt, so this is everything I'm carrying in my pack. And my late season, I hope to experience snow and lots of cold temperatures. Which is why there is a need for some extra gear.
If You're a Visual Person, You Can Watch My Gear List Video and the Reasons I Use Each Piece of Gear Below:
Why a gear list?
The reason I personally do gear lists for every hunt is simple... I want to know that I don't leave anything behind and to see if there is anything I need to add or even subtract from my gear. As most know, when I'm getting ready for a hunt, I create a personalized gear list well in advance. I why always tell people to take all their gear and place it on the floor and look through it several times to ensure you have everything and to see what you could live without. I always keep my gear lists in both a Google Sheet that I can access from my phone and I also have a custom Excel spreadsheet I built several years ago that I linked in some previous articles for people to download and work off of that I also create for every hunt.
NOTE: If you want to access my downloadable Excel file, you can jump over to the Insider only gear list article linked below:
Download his gear list file in this article
My Gear List Breakdown for a Backpack Style Late Season Mule Deer Hunt
Clothes Packed In Backpack (Extra layers)
Item | Rain Jacket |
|---|---|
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 12.10 |
Item | Rain Pant |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 11.10 |
Item | Mid Layer |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 15.40 |
Item | Softshell Jacket |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 13.80 |
Item | Insulation Top |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 18.60 |
Item | Insulation Bottom |
Model | SITKA Kelvin Lite Pant - Open Country - (L) |
Weight (oz) | 20.30 |
Item | Beanie |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 3.00 |
Item | Gloves |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 6.50 |
Item | Mittens |
Model | SITKA Blizzard GTX Mittens (Just The Liner) - Open Country (XL) |
Weight (oz) | 4.20 |
Item | Model | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|
Rain Jacket | 12.10 | |
Rain Pant | 11.10 | |
Mid Layer | 15.40 | |
Softshell Jacket | 13.80 | |
Insulation Top | 18.60 | |
Insulation Bottom | SITKA Kelvin Lite Pant - Open Country - (L) | 20.30 |
Beanie | 3.00 | |
Gloves | 6.50 | |
Mittens | SITKA Blizzard GTX Mittens (Just The Liner) - Open Country (XL) | 4.20 |
Clothes Worn (Items I always wear each day)
Item | Top (Wicking) |
|---|---|
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 7.70 |
Item | Bottoms (Outer) |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 28.10 |
Item | Belt |
Model | SITKA Stealth Belt |
Weight (oz) | 2.50 |
Item | Gloves |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 4.40 |
Item | Hat (Hiking) |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 3.20 |
Item | Underwear |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 3.10 |
Item | Watch |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 3.00 |
Item | Socks (Hiking) |
Model | Darn Tough Merino Hunter Boot Full Cushion 2012 - (XL) |
Weight (oz) | 3.10 |
Item | Leg Gaiter |
Model | PEAX Storm Castle Gaiters - (L/XL) |
Weight (oz) | 11.00 |
Item | Model | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|
Top (Wicking) | 7.70 | |
Bottoms (Outer) | 28.10 | |
Belt | SITKA Stealth Belt | 2.50 |
Gloves | 4.40 | |
Hat (Hiking) | 3.20 | |
Underwear | 3.10 | |
Watch | 3.00 | |
Socks (Hiking) | Darn Tough Merino Hunter Boot Full Cushion 2012 - (XL) | 3.10 |
Leg Gaiter | PEAX Storm Castle Gaiters - (L/XL) | 11.00 |
Footwear
Item | Boots |
|---|---|
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 88.4 |
Item | Insoles |
Model | SheepFeet Full-Length Custom Orthotic Insole(Heel Stabilizer & Double Cushioning) |
Item | Model | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|
Boots | 88.4 | |
Insoles | SheepFeet Full-Length Custom Orthotic Insole(Heel Stabilizer & Double Cushioning) |
Backpack
Item | Backpack |
|---|---|
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 96.0 |
Item | Pack Rain Cover |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 3.50 |
Item | Weapon Holder |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 2.10 |
Item | Camera Holder |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 3.80 |
Item | Model | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|
Backpack | 96.0 | |
Pack Rain Cover | 3.50 | |
Weapon Holder | 2.10 | |
Camera Holder | 3.80 |
Optics
Item | Spotting Scope Eyepiece |
|---|---|
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 49.60 |
Item | Spotting Scope Objective |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 78.20 |
Item | Tripod Plate |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 1.60 |
Item | Digiscope Setup |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | -- |
Item | Digiscope Setup |
Model | Magview Phone Plate W/Phone Case |
Weight (oz) | 1.50 |
Item | Binoculars |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 36.10 |
Item | Harness |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 15.10 |
Item | Rangefinder |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 8.50 |
Item | Rangefinder Battery(Extra) |
Model | Energizer Lithium CR2 |
Weight (oz) | -- |
Item | Rangefinder Case |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 2.50 |
Item | Bino Adapter |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 0.387 |
Item | Tripod |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 37.00 |
Item | Pan Head |
Model | Sirui VA-5 Ultra-Compact Fluid Head (Stock Handle Removed) |
Weight (oz) | 17.75 |
Item | Pan Head Handle |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 0.562 |
Item | Digiscope Setup |
Model | iPhone 12 Pro Max |
Weight (oz) | 8.30 |
Item | Model | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|
Spotting Scope Eyepiece | 49.60 | |
Spotting Scope Objective | 78.20 | |
Tripod Plate | 1.60 | |
Digiscope Setup | -- | |
Digiscope Setup | Magview Phone Plate W/Phone Case | 1.50 |
Binoculars | 36.10 | |
Harness | 15.10 | |
Rangefinder | 8.50 | |
Rangefinder Battery(Extra) | Energizer Lithium CR2 | -- |
Rangefinder Case | 2.50 | |
Bino Adapter | 0.387 | |
Tripod | 37.00 | |
Pan Head | Sirui VA-5 Ultra-Compact Fluid Head (Stock Handle Removed) | 17.75 |
Pan Head Handle | 0.562 | |
Digiscope Setup | iPhone 12 Pro Max | 8.30 |
Sleep System
Item | Shelter |
|---|---|
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 24.90 |
Item | Shelter Pole |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 8.10 |
Item | Guyline Cordage |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | -- |
Item | Guyline Accessories |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | -- |
Item | Shelter Compression Sack |
Model | Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Compression Sack (XXS) |
Weight (oz) | 1.30 |
Item | Shelter Pole |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 10.30 |
Item | Stove |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 17.60 |
Item | Stove Pipe |
Model | Seek Outside 7.5' Stove Pipe |
Weight (oz) | 16.40 |
Item | Shelter Stakes |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 6.20 |
Item | Ground Sheet |
Model | Tyvek Sheet |
Weight (oz) | 5.10 |
Item | Sleeping Bag |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 34.70 |
Item | Compression Sack |
Model | Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Compression Sack - Size: S |
Weight (oz) | 2.20 |
Item | Sleeping Pad |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 11.40 |
Item | Model | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|
Shelter | 24.90 | |
Shelter Pole | 8.10 | |
Guyline Cordage | -- | |
Guyline Accessories | -- | |
Shelter Compression Sack | Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Compression Sack (XXS) | 1.30 |
Shelter Pole | 10.30 | |
Stove | 17.60 | |
Stove Pipe | Seek Outside 7.5' Stove Pipe | 16.40 |
Shelter Stakes | 6.20 | |
Ground Sheet | Tyvek Sheet | 5.10 |
Sleeping Bag | 34.70 | |
Compression Sack | Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Compression Sack - Size: S | 2.20 |
Sleeping Pad | 11.40 |
Gear
Item | Tarp |
|---|---|
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 11.50 |
Item | Model | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|
Tarp | 11.50 |
Optics Accessories Bag
Item | Gear Bag |
|---|---|
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 1.00 |
Item | Dust Blower |
Model | Optics Dust Blower |
Weight (oz) | 1.60 |
Item | Lens Wipes |
Model | Zeiss Lens Wipes x 4 |
Weight (oz) | 0.32 |
Item | Lens Pen |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 0.554 |
Item | Charge Cord |
Model | iPhone Charge Cord |
Weight (oz) | 0.65 |
Item | Charge Cord |
Model | Micro USB Cord For Headlamp & Sat Messenger |
Weight (oz) | 0.20 |
Item | Model | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|
Gear Bag | 1.00 | |
Dust Blower | Optics Dust Blower | 1.60 |
Lens Wipes | Zeiss Lens Wipes x 4 | 0.32 |
Lens Pen | 0.554 | |
Charge Cord | iPhone Charge Cord | 0.65 |
Charge Cord | Micro USB Cord For Headlamp & Sat Messenger | 0.20 |
Kill Kit
Item | Gear Bag |
|---|---|
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 1.80 |
Item | Knife |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 1.01 |
Item | Replaceable Blades |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 0.50 |
Item | Knife |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 2.80 |
Item | Hunting License |
Model | All Required Licenses |
Weight (oz) | 0.28 |
Item | Lighter |
Model | Large Bic Lighter W/Lukotape |
Weight (oz) | 0.70 |
Item | Lighter |
Model | Small Bic Lighter (Backup) |
Weight (oz) | 0.40 |
Item | Tape |
Model | Small Roll Of Electrical Tape |
Weight (oz) | 0.80 |
Item | Pills |
Model | Salt Pills, Advil |
Weight (oz) | 1.50 |
Item | Game Bags |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 9.50 |
Item | Model | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|
Gear Bag | 1.80 | |
Knife | 1.01 | |
Replaceable Blades | 0.50 | |
Knife | 2.80 | |
Hunting License | All Required Licenses | 0.28 |
Lighter | Large Bic Lighter W/Lukotape | 0.70 |
Lighter | Small Bic Lighter (Backup) | 0.40 |
Tape | Small Roll Of Electrical Tape | 0.80 |
Pills | Salt Pills, Advil | 1.50 |
Game Bags | 9.50 |
Safety Gear
Item | Satellite Messenger |
|---|---|
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 3.90 |
Item | Headlamp |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 4.20 |
Item | Headlamp (Spare) |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 3.97 |
Item | Tooth Brush & Paste |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 0.70 |
Item | First Aid |
Model | Assorted First Aid Kit in aLOKSAK bag |
Weight (oz) | 1.40 |
Item | Fire Starter |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 2.563 |
Item | Fire Starter (Spare) |
Model | Esbit 1300-Degree Smokeless Solid 14g Fuel Tablets |
Weight (oz) | -- |
Item | Toilet Paper |
Model | Toilet Paper in ZipLoc Bag |
Weight (oz) | 0.99 |
Item | Model | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|
Satellite Messenger | 3.90 | |
Headlamp | 4.20 | |
Headlamp (Spare) | 3.97 | |
Tooth Brush & Paste | 0.70 | |
First Aid | Assorted First Aid Kit in aLOKSAK bag | 1.40 |
Fire Starter | 2.563 | |
Fire Starter (Spare) | Esbit 1300-Degree Smokeless Solid 14g Fuel Tablets | -- |
Toilet Paper | Toilet Paper in ZipLoc Bag | 0.99 |
Weapon
Item | Rifle |
|---|---|
Model | Browning X-Bolt Long Range 300 RUM W/McMillan A3-5 ADJ Stock |
Weight (oz) | 229.20 |
Item | Muzzle Brake |
Model | Snowy Mountain Rifles 30 Cal Snowflake Self Timing Titanium 3 Port Brake (5/8-24) |
Item | Riflescope |
Model | |
Item | Riflescope Rings |
Model | |
Item | Picatinny Rail |
Model | Talley 20 MOA Picatinny Rail For Browning X-Bolt |
Item | Scope Level |
Model | Flatline Ops Patriot Plus Level (34mm) |
Item | Two round holder |
Model | |
Item | Bipod |
Model | MDT Ckye-Pod Gen2 Single Pull Standard |
Item | Bipod Rail |
Model | Unknown Munitions The Hunters Rail - Short |
Item | Ammo |
Model | Personal Handloads = Barnes 208 LRX BT Bullet, ADG Brass,Federal Match 215 Primers, H1000 powder = 10 rounds |
Weight (oz) | -- |
Item | Rear Support |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 4.37 |
Item | Rifle Cover |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 4.83 |
Item | Model | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|
Rifle | Browning X-Bolt Long Range 300 RUM W/McMillan A3-5 ADJ Stock | 229.20 |
Muzzle Brake | Snowy Mountain Rifles 30 Cal Snowflake Self Timing Titanium 3 Port Brake (5/8-24) | |
Riflescope | ||
Riflescope Rings | ||
Picatinny Rail | Talley 20 MOA Picatinny Rail For Browning X-Bolt | |
Scope Level | Flatline Ops Patriot Plus Level (34mm) | |
Two round holder | ||
Bipod | MDT Ckye-Pod Gen2 Single Pull Standard | |
Bipod Rail | Unknown Munitions The Hunters Rail - Short | |
Ammo | Personal Handloads = Barnes 208 LRX BT Bullet, ADG Brass,Federal Match 215 Primers, H1000 powder = 10 rounds | -- |
Rear Support | 4.37 | |
Rifle Cover | 4.83 |
Cook Kit
Item | Stove |
|---|---|
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 6.60 |
Item | Fuel |
Model | Jetboil Jetpower 100g Fuel Canister |
Weight (oz) | 7.00 |
Item | Spork |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 0.30 |
Item | Model | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|
Stove | 6.60 | |
Fuel | Jetboil Jetpower 100g Fuel Canister | 7.00 |
Spork | 0.30 |
Water
Item | Water |
|---|---|
Model | |
Weight (oz) | (filled with 2 liters of water) |
78.00 | |
Item | Water Bottle |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 6.20 |
Item | Water Purification |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 4.20 |
Item | Water Purification |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 2.52 |
Item | Water Container |
Model | |
Weight (oz) | 4.80 |
Item | Model | Weight (oz) | |
|---|---|---|---|
Water | (filled with 2 liters of water) | 78.00 | |
Water Bottle | 6.20 | ||
Water Purification | 4.20 | ||
Water Purification | 2.52 | ||
Water Container | 4.80 |
A few notable items that have always been in my gear list have been removed for this year. I decided to leave my Aquamira water purification drops at home, and I elected not to take a pillow this year. The pillow... it just seems to never stay put in my sleeping back since I'm already at the max height of the bag. So the pillow usually ends up not under my head at night, and thus, it is a wasted item.
In Conclusion
As always, I'm an open book. If anyone has any questions about the gear I'm using on my upcoming late-season mule deer hunts, I'd be more than willing to dive in and explain a few things. If you have an upcoming mule deer hunt planned or are looking at one down the road in the future, have fun and enjoy the time on the mountain.
12 Comments
sean larsen
12/29/2022, 10:02:53 PM
Those binos are extremely heavy, bought the vortex and they felt like a brick and I sent them back. The swarovski SLC 10X42 or 12X50 EL is way better IMO. I put it on top of my Swarovski STS 20-60X65 spotter then I don't have to have another attachment for my binos and that saves weight and time for me when hunting. Many like the angled spotter and that's great. I love the straight. Swarovski have been the best optics I have used and I've used many.
Jarrett Williams
12/17/2022, 5:04:22 AM
Brady, I roughly calculated your numbers. Came out to 1230oz. That came out to 76lbs for everything. I am assuming you packing in and then setting up almost a basecamp to operate out of right? Maybe a central area for multiple glassing knobs? I'm not a freak athlete like you but that would be tough for a 3-5 miles up and down hike in and to carry the day in and day out. Correct me if wrong. Plus once you get a deer down potentially another 60-100lbs more you gotta get out. Do you make multiple trips out or how do you plan these backpack hunts and the logistics part? Any advice?
Brady Miller
12/23/2022, 9:32:57 PM
Hey Jarrett. Sorry for the late reply back. Yeah, my backpack weight does get a little on the heavy side for these late-season hunts. So what I like to do is find a central area I can place my camp in the mountains. So I'll backpack all the weight up into the mountains the first day or so. That way, I can dump a big chunk of my weight at camp and then hang all my food to take even more weight off. From here, I'll have several different places marked on my map that I'll use as glassing knobs. And each day, I'll venture further and further from my camp and sort of day hunt with the rest of my gear. What will end up happening is lots of hiking in the dark to come back to my camp and even early morning hiking in the dark to these glassing points. Once I have looked over those initial areas, I will go back to my camp, pack up everything, and then move even further once I start getting to the point of distance for those "day hunts from my main camp" that I decide is finally worth it to me to fully move camp to a plan B area. Then once I get a deer down is when the real work starts! At this point in the process, I'll either attempt to carry the entire deer off the mountain, or I will break it up into several trips if needed. I like to decide if I'll break up the packout of meat and camp depending on the distance and terrain, as I sometimes go on the side of caution as I don't want to blow a knee out. But no matter what, I'm deboning the meat to save some weight, and also have to fit a cape and a rack on my pack.