Hunting Backpacking Pack Weight

[TRICER]

So my son and I are gonna do a 3 mile hike into the cnf tomorrow and come back Monday. We will be calling coyotes along the way. I am trying to go as light as possible but my pack is 38lbs once I strap a gun on. In the bag right now 100 ounce camel back, down sleeping bag, thermarest pad, mountain house meals, small pot, backpacking stove, 2 man tent which could be lighter but didn't spend the money this one is like 5lbs, fox pro, 7lb AR 20 rounds of vmax, and 2 game cams. Obviously if it wasn't a hunting trip I could shed 15lbs right away. I have light gear but it seems like I am stuck at around 40lbs. My sons is down around 14lbs I guess as he gets older I can put some of the weight on him but as of now I need to carry the majority of it. I could also go lighter if I new there was going to be no moisture then I could just bring bug screen tents 1lb each or my backpacking hammock. Also could use hand calls but the fox pro is lite and has decoy built in. I just don't want to risk a bunch of dew in the morning. It is pretty dry out but you never know up there and there is nothing worse than waking up soaked.

Just curious if any of you do backpacking overnighters with guns how much does your gear weigh.

 

[ilovesprig]

Drew,

I'm no longer a backpacker, but this thread seems pretty good about weight distribution and relative carrying capacity.......Have fun with your son.

.http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCAQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.backpacking.net%2Fpackwate.html&ei=i27fVNyiDKXjsATnqoE4&usg=AFQjCNFc_boh4DDDaIESaHOlbj0HJd5vzg&sig2=teD2MalCDMXwwU_GY_3vXw&bvm=bv.85970519,d.cWc

 

[Gspman]

thats a good write up Sprig put up. i agree with about 1/6-1/4 body weight. how old is your son?

Ive been back packing for 25 + years. Ive done a few long snow expeditions and mountain climbing on ice and rock. I have had access to some great gear over the years. Dont get too into extra light stuff. as we all know things can happen weather can change and life can either be ok or really really suck or even dangerous. 40lbs including gun is not bad at all. remember have too much and suffer through it especially if you have your son with you. have not enough and things can turn bad. get in real good shape, make sure your boots are up to the challenge. they can make a huge difference in how your load feels on your body. buy the best gear you can light does not always mean it will hold up. some times older high quaility used gear is better then new as well. for back packing i use only gregory internal packs from 10 years ago. My tents are sierra designs. ive got a 3 season 2 man tent that weights 2.5 lbs and ive had it in 2 feet of over night snow with no problems. also not to point things out but how about first aid? When im out with guns i always carry a gun shot trauma kit with celox in it. it could mean the difference between a bad gun shot and death.

 

[MJB]

That's not enough water in my book especially in this dry heat. I always have a water filter in my pack you never know.....

With this dry heat no dew if any.......just camp under some cover or on the windy side keeps dew off ya

 

[Kellendv]

My overnight pack weights are all in reference to climbing trips, in which case 38 lbs would be way to heavy. But, considering nearly half your weight is gun/cameras/ammo I don't think you're doing to bad. I would ditch the tent and take more water, unless you are certain there is a water source where you are going. You do know that there will be no moisture, other than perhaps some dew. Here is a randomly selected point forecast in the CNF: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-116.82583&lat=33.20027#.VN-5C_1heN4

You could pick any point in the CNF and the forecast will be identical to that one with minor temp fluctuations d/t elevation. We are under high pressure and there won't be any surprise precip, especially for a trip of that length. Sleep under the stars! Or bring your bug nets. Although I haven't seen a mosquito out in the CNF for quite some time, but again, this depends on water sources where you are going specifically.

 

[TaftHunter]

Go in heavy come out heavier is the motto.
As far as deer hunting goes anyways lol

 

[TRICER]

That's not enough water in my book especially in this dry heat. I always have a water filter in my pack you never know.....

With this dry heat no dew if any.......just camp under some cover or on the windy side keeps dew off ya

My son is also packing 80oz of water. I am going to ditch the tent and bring the lightweight stuff. I have a backpacking hammock that weighs less than a lb I slept in it probably 20 days last year but that was summer and fall no moisture. The way the weather is it should be fine. I also have a waged filter bottle that I carry just in case. I think the only water around though will be a pond on private that I am going to be on the border of so worst comes to worst there will be water and I will have a way to filter. This will be my first time backpack with all my hunting stuff so the weight is the one thing that drives me nuts normally I cN stay 20-25lb. That info that sprig posted said normal is 35-40 so I think I am looking good it just seems like a lot of weight compared to what I am use to. I could allways leave the gun at home but what fun would that be.

 

[Bonejour]

Sounds like you have it planned out. Would love to see an after-action report on what worked, what didn't, and how much fun your boy had

 

[TRICER]

Sounds like you have it planned out. Would love to see an after-action report on what worked, what didn't, and how much fun your boy had

There will definitely be a report on Monday. Main reason for the trip is placing a few trail cams scouting for turkey. Figured if I could do some varmint why not. I haven't been able to do varmint since last year and I am itching to get out. Plus I have only used my new wikid light once so this should be a good trial for it.
I really appreciate everyone's comments thanks for steering me away from the tent. A few lbs will be nice off my back.

 

[TRICER]

I thought I updated but I guess not. The backpacking trip was a great time. Saw a ton of deer sign and a few tom scat. Found a great tree for my hammock and all in all had an incredible time with my oldest son. We only did two coyote stands no luck but it was still a great trip and I can now check another part of the CNF off my scout list. Oh and you got to love the looks you get carrying an AR on your back.

 

[ilovesprig]

Great pix and update........Well, except for the selfie.........

 

[TRICER]

Great pix and update........Well, except for the selfie.........

I deserve that. But in my defense it was the only way to get a picture of both of us hiking. I did find a guy on the way back to take that other picture though.

 

[Bonejour]

Nice report. Glad it was a nice hike for you both. See you tomorrow.