Here are a few things I learned about my equipment on my recent hunt. Some good...some bad but just thought I would pass it on.
Binoculars: I carried an old pair of Burris 10X50's that I have had for about 10 years. I toyed with the idea of buying new ones but opted to "save the money" instead. Big Mistake! They fogged, were blurry, and lacked clarity. I borrowed my guides 10X42 Swarovski SLC's once or twice and wanted to throw mine off the mountain after that. They ended up in my pack the rest of the trip as extra weight. Started the savings account for the Swaro's.
Badlands Superday pack: This thing is awesome! Carried a lot of gear and was comfortable to wear. If I was to do it over again I would get the Hypervent model to let some air pass through the back. After a hike up the mountain it would have been nice to let the back "breathe" a little. My bag has a compartment for the water bladder and I was cheap and didnt buy one. Had to stop and remove my pack to grab water bottles out of bag. Forgot water the first morning and almost died.
Crooked Horn Bino Strap: A necessity! During all of my preperation I failed to adjust the straps before I went into the field and found myself fidgeting with it when I should have been glassing elk. Helps with neck fatigue.
Boots: Danner Pronghorns are AWESOME!!! The leightweight construction was a lifesaver and my feet felt brand new all day. Never got tired and no blisters or soreness.
Socks: Thorlo Hiking Socks were excellent...paired with Danners they were spectacular. Kept feet cool and dry. Bought a pair for everyday of hunting. Nothing like the pair of clean and dry socks every morning...it makes a difference.
Physical preperation: I walked on a treadmill at full incline for a few weeks prior to the hunt with my pack and was in decent shape. Coming from sea level there is nothing that will acclimate you to the altitude but I wish I would have gotten on the stairmaster or walked stairs at least...the quads got a little more of a workout than I expected. I wasn't hindered but a little more prep would have made it more enjoyable.
Breakfast: Eat light and pack some snacks! I screwed up the first morning and ate biscuits and gravy with eggs on the side. I ended up leaving most of it at the top of the first mountain and then was hungry the rest of the morning.
Extras: Chapstick, Eye drops for lubrication (Tears not redness remover), Moisturizing Afrin (altitude drys me out), Cough drops, Moleskin.
Binoculars: I carried an old pair of Burris 10X50's that I have had for about 10 years. I toyed with the idea of buying new ones but opted to "save the money" instead. Big Mistake! They fogged, were blurry, and lacked clarity. I borrowed my guides 10X42 Swarovski SLC's once or twice and wanted to throw mine off the mountain after that. They ended up in my pack the rest of the trip as extra weight. Started the savings account for the Swaro's.
Badlands Superday pack: This thing is awesome! Carried a lot of gear and was comfortable to wear. If I was to do it over again I would get the Hypervent model to let some air pass through the back. After a hike up the mountain it would have been nice to let the back "breathe" a little. My bag has a compartment for the water bladder and I was cheap and didnt buy one. Had to stop and remove my pack to grab water bottles out of bag. Forgot water the first morning and almost died.
Crooked Horn Bino Strap: A necessity! During all of my preperation I failed to adjust the straps before I went into the field and found myself fidgeting with it when I should have been glassing elk. Helps with neck fatigue.
Boots: Danner Pronghorns are AWESOME!!! The leightweight construction was a lifesaver and my feet felt brand new all day. Never got tired and no blisters or soreness.
Socks: Thorlo Hiking Socks were excellent...paired with Danners they were spectacular. Kept feet cool and dry. Bought a pair for everyday of hunting. Nothing like the pair of clean and dry socks every morning...it makes a difference.
Physical preperation: I walked on a treadmill at full incline for a few weeks prior to the hunt with my pack and was in decent shape. Coming from sea level there is nothing that will acclimate you to the altitude but I wish I would have gotten on the stairmaster or walked stairs at least...the quads got a little more of a workout than I expected. I wasn't hindered but a little more prep would have made it more enjoyable.
Breakfast: Eat light and pack some snacks! I screwed up the first morning and ate biscuits and gravy with eggs on the side. I ended up leaving most of it at the top of the first mountain and then was hungry the rest of the morning.
Extras: Chapstick, Eye drops for lubrication (Tears not redness remover), Moisturizing Afrin (altitude drys me out), Cough drops, Moleskin.
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