Discover the top ten gear items that could have enhanced Ryan's backcountry hunts, from innovative tools to indispensable comforts
In this above video, I dive into essential gear that would have revolutionized my early backcountry experiences, making them even more enjoyable and successful. Discover the top ten gear items that could have enhanced my backcountry hunts, from innovative tools to indispensable comforts. As modern backcountry hunters, we're privileged with an array of advanced equipment and conveniences, but there's always something to learn from the past.
Embarking on my first significant hunting trip with my father 40 years ago, I couldn't have fathomed the technological leaps and conveniences that would transform hunting gear over the years. Among the crude tonne of advancements, this list highlights 10 indispensable pieces of gear that would have been transformative during our earlier backcountry pursuits when everything was bulkier and heavier. In those days, embarking on 10-day hunts deep into the backcountry often necessitated the use of mules or horses. Today, we find ourselves exceptionally spoiled by the modern comforts and innovations available to backcountry hunters.
Shelter technology has undergone a remarkable evolution. The floorless tipi stands out for its lightweight convenience as well as its versatility, marking a significant departure from the cumbersome and less comfortable hunting tents of the past. The weight savings alone in today's shelters are incredible. When you factor in the impressive capabilities to handle big storms and high winds along with the ability to run a lightweight stove within these shelters, it's truly exceptional.
Recommendation: PEAX Equipment Solitude 4P Tipi
Enter the era of heating the shelter with lightweight titanium wood stoves. These compact marvels have revolutionized backcountry living, putting an end to waking up to frozen boots and the struggle to dry out wet gear. Whether it's spring, fall or winter hunts, packing a stove has become a standard for me on most backcountry adventures. The exception, of course, is warm weather late-summer trips when a stove is entirely unnecessary. This game-changing piece of equipment isn't just about comfort — it can be a lifesaver in emergency backcountry situations, offering better sleep and a heaping pile of comfort to camp life.
Recommendation: Seek Outside Large Titanium Stove or LiteOutdoors Large stove
The SteriPEN has become a trusty companion, ensuring safe hydration by quickly purifying water with UV light. Those bulky and heavy water pumps don't find a place in my pack much anymore as the SteriPEN just flat works in eliminating the worry of getting giardia or any other bug parasites for that matter. Lightweight and effective, this is easily one piece of gear I’d deem revolutionary to a lightweight backpack hunter.
Recommendation: Steripen Ultralight UV Water Purifier
Crossing bodies of water was once a logistical challenge. Getting soaked or not crossing at all used to be the only options when faced with a swollen creek that happened to have a giant buck on the other side. Nowadays, with portable and lightweight pack rafts, navigating water obstacles becomes a manageable part of the adventure.
Recommendation: Alpackaraft Caribou or Mule models
Wet boots can turn a hunting trip into a nightmare. Today's lightweight portable boot dryers have proven invaluable, ensuring dry feet that are far less likely to blister. Not to mention the countless boots that have been saved from the disastrous days of trying to dry boots by fire — I’m sure we all have stories.
Recommendation: Grakksaw Backcountry Boot Dryers
Power when needed. The ability to recharge electronic devices — even in remote areas — has become a reality with solar panel charging stations. Keeping GPS communication devices, headlights, phones, etc., charged are now a reality and can be life-changing if emergencies happen. No longer do we need to pack multiple heavy power banks to ensure having enough power to get through a two-week trip. These days, I pack one small power bank and one lightweight solar charger and experience peace of mind knowing I’ll never be without power if things go wrong.
Recommendation: Ryno Tuff 21w 3 panel Solar Chargers
We now have the luxury of staying warm while glassing from a cold ridge with today's lightweight down pants. Offering excellent insulation without sacrificing space or adding significant weight, they stand in stark contrast to the heavier options of the past. Plus, the versatility extends to enhancing your sleeping bag's warmth. Wearing down pants within it can transform a 15-degree bag into something closer to a zero-degree bag if needed. Down pants are a staple in my pack these days.
Recommendation: Stone Glacier Grumman Goose Down Pants
Hydration in colder climates is significantly more manageable with today's insulated lightweight water bottles. The convenience is paramount, especially during late-season hunts when everything — from hydration bags to hoses — tends to freeze without insulation. And while it may not be as crucial, the added benefit of keeping water ice cold during warm weather hunts is undeniably nice. Adding the extra few ounces is worth it for the convenience of cold water when the weather is hot and unfrozen water when temperatures are low.
Recommendation: GSI Microlite Water Bottle 13 oz.
The Portable Lightweight Air Pump from Flex Tail Gear makes inflating air pads awfully easy, weighing only 3 oz. Its simplicity and versatility go beyond just inflating pads. It features a built-in light for illuminating your tipi shelter and proves remarkably useful for igniting a stove fire. It’s definitely not a necessary piece of gear, but one that has absolutely been worth packing.
Recommendation: Flex Tail Gear Tiny Pump
Though not a technological leap by any stretch of the imagination, a quality glassing pad has substantially improved my mountain comfort. It’s essential for prolonged glassing on rocky, wet or snowy terrain and it serves a variety of other purposes. From a makeshift table to a backrest when shooting prone. Its versatility extends to being a cutting board, a makeshift emergency splint to fanning the flames on a backcountry warming fire. It’s a must-have gear choice that will absolutely enhance your backcountry experience.
Recommendation: StHealthy Hunter Glassing Pad
In reflection, the evolution of hunting gear has undeniably elevated the entire hunting experience. These 10 enhancements to my kit that span efficiency and comfort have truly been game changers in the backcountry. Today's backpack hunter enjoys a wealth of lightweight options, ensuring a lighter pack and significantly enhanced camp life. It's worth noting that not too long ago, lightweight choices were a rarity. Now, embarking on a 10-day mountain adventure is easily achievable without the burden of an overly heavy backpack filled with bulky gear. The strides in gear innovation have indeed spoiled the modern backcountry hunter.
