I don’t by any means consider myself a hardcore backpacker but to be able to get back into the cool backcountry for the ultimate fishing and hunting you either have to backpack, pack in on horses or have a bush plane drop you off. Today we’re going to talk about the backpacking option.
I started teaching backpacking seminars a few years ago and anymore the attendees want to discuss 75 percent of the time what gear they’ll need and only talk 25 percent about actual backpacking so I’ll do the same in this article.
More than likely if you’re thinking about backpacking you already have an idea of where you want to go but if you’re new to the state and don’t have an idea then grab a Forest Service map or talk to your local game warden to discover a spot to go. Then buy a MyTopo map that will give you in-depth details of your area.
Next you need to decide what you’re wanting to do. Hunt, fish, climb mountains, or just take pictures. That will determine what specific gear you’ll need to pack. For this article, I’m going to cover some of the gear you’ll need for summer and mild weather camping. For elk hunting and extreme winter backpacking you’ll need more extreme gear.
I don’t have space to cover every necessary or handy item but here’s a general list of stuff I pack.
• Backpack. I’m old school and still use a frame pack but all the youngsters use internal frame packs. They do fit more snug to your body and don’t sway as much which is safer on tight trails.
• Day pack for hikes out of camp.
• Tent. For horse/plane trips check out the Paha Que Rendezvous and for backpacking check out the Alps Mountaineering Taurus 2.
• Sleeping Pads check out what Alps Mountaineering has to offer.
• Tarps. Due to weight I only carry one but it’d be nice to have one to put on the inside of your tent and one under your tent.
• Mousetraps. You’ll have mice around camp trying to eat your food.
• Fire starting gear. Waterproof matches or a magnesium striker. I also throw in two or three cheap Bic lighters. Break them and pour over wet wood. Also will want some fire starting material for when things are wet.
• Water. I use Aquamira filtered straws or bottles. That way I can drink out of the rivers.
• Boy Scout/Army mess kit to cook with and a fork & spoon.
• Small aluminum coffee pot. To heat water for coffee and my Mountain House meals.
• Coffee. OK, I collect motel coffee packs all year.
• You’ll want a water bottle so you can pour sterilized water in it for when you’re hiking through dry country. Check out the collapsible Hydrapaks.
• Boots. I use Irish Setter boots and have numerous models. Their Vapr Trek series are super light weight. I also take a pair of river sandals for wading creeks and around camp. It’s good to have two pairs of footwear.
• First aid gear. I exclusively use Adventure Medical Kit gear. In an emergency you never have enough but due to weight restrictions I at least carry their Duct tape, moleskin, adhesive wrap and band-aids. Also next time you’re at the doctor get a prescription for Bactroban or Mupirocin.
• Flashlights. I use a Coast HP7R which is rechargeable. Take 2 flashlights in case one dies.
• If you use a lot of electronics you might want to consider a Bushnell Solar Charging unit. (Cell phone, flashlight and Cameras).
• Rise Action Co. fly rods.
• The Transporter by ALPS OutdoorZ which is a waterproof/dustproof protective case for your cellphone. Even though I won’t have cell phone reception in the backcountry 99 percent of the time I do like to have it to film videos and take pictures.
• For meals you have to check out the gourmet selection of Mountain House camping meals. They’re easy to heat up and tasty.
• I cook over a fire but if it is raining or there are fire restrictions then you want a Jetboil Flash backpacking stove.
• Clothing. I like zip off nylon pants. They dry easy. Ok, you have to be cool in your pics so check out the Heybo line of shirts. Get some good hiking socks like SPG offers.
• .44 mag. There are just too many wolves, bears, cougars and moose not to carry a pistol. Plus, they’re good for signaling in case you get hurt.
Tom Claycomb is an outdoor enthusiast and writes a monthly column for the Humboldt Sun.
