Elk Hunting Gear Essentials for the Prepared Outdoorsman

Justin Hunold

01/12/2024

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Elk Hunting Gear is always a hotly debated topic. Hunting Boots, Backpacks, Weapon Choices, Food, Water, Shelter, and Clothing all have their own categories and fit into all Elk Hunting Gear Choices. Each of these can be very individual items. There are also categories for each hunt that change per the conditions of the hunt. What we are going to look at is a simple, do-all list of Elk Hunting Gear that can be used on any trip.

This gear won’t only be for elk hunting but it will also be applicable to a great base for Deer Hunting Gear as well. When choosing a piece of kit for the worst-case scenario for Elk Hunting Gear we can narrow it down to necessities and gear that is nice to have. All quality gear, when used correctly, can make a western hunt more enjoyable and hopefully more successful.

Let’s take a dive into some general categories for gear that you will need to have to chase elk in the backcountry, front country, rifle hunting, bow hunting or any other way your hunting might happen.

Key Takeaways

• Proper preparation for backcountry hunting is vital for a successful and safe experience.
• Essential gear must include reliable clothing, footwear, and navigation tools.
• Safety and survival equipment are critical components of a backcountry hunter's gear list.

Essential Gear Overview

Backcountry hunting requires careful selection of gear to ensure safety, success, and comfort. The most vital components are carried for packing, shelter, and navigation, dictating the hunter's ability to traverse, rest, and orient during the expedition.

Backpack and Pack System

Finding the right backpack and pack system is critical. They should be robust enough to carry the load and comfortable enough to wear for extended periods. A pack must have sufficient compartments for organizing gear, as well as features like a frame for support and an integrated rain cover for protection against the elements.

This is a category that can go way off in the weeds, at the end of the day a sturdy pack capable of carrying all of your essential gear plus some load of meat is what you need. I like a pack that can handle 100+ pounds of load, understanding that if I am successful I will have to pack meat to my vehicle and then strip my gear down to the bare minimum to pack the rest out. No wasted trips. A reliable load bearing pack can be an external frame pack or and internal frame pack, and can cost anywhere between $150-1000+ . I think a good strategy is to buy the best pack you can afford at a touch bigger a size than you expect to need.

• Backpack: Choose one with adjustable straps and adequate capacity.
• Pack System: Look for durability and a design that distributes weight evenly.

Shelter and Sleep System

Appropriate shelter and sleep system are non-negotiable to recover from a day's hunt. A tent provides a reliable cover, while a sleeping bag paired with a sleeping pad offers warmth and comfort during cold nights.

I use a Big Agnes tent, and have stayed in the backcountry with it, but I also happily stay in a Kodiak Canvas or Wall tent when the hunt fits that luxury. I tend to have a main camp and then decide whether to stay on the mountain once game is located.

In the end a hunter is likely better off to buy some legit backpacking style camping gear to use becaus it fits all situations. You can use your backpacking stuff car camping, you generally cannot use your car camping stuff backpacking.

Navigation Tools

Effective navigation tools are a safety essential, leading hunters away from danger and towards their intended destinations. A physical map should be combined with a compass for traditional navigation, while a GPS and devices like Garmin InReach offer high-tech options with additional safety features like SOS. For hunters in the US, onX is a popular digital mapping service that provides detailed land boundaries and topographic information.

• Maps: Always carry updated, detailed maps of the hunting area.
• GPS and Compass: Use for precise location tracking and orientation.
• Garmin InReach: Consider for emergency communication capabilities.
• onX: Utilize for detailed land information and advanced planning.

Clothing and Footwear

Choosing the right clothing and footwear is critical for any backcountry hunting trip. Hunters must select items that provide comfort, durability, and protection across various temperatures and weather conditions.

Layering for Weather Conditions

When selecting clothing for backcountry hunting, the layering system is crucial to accommodate shifting weather conditions. A hunter's wardrobe should consist of:

• Base layers: These should wick moisture away from the skin and be made of materials such as merino wool or synthetic fabrics.
• Mid-layers: Serving as insulation, these should be warm yet breathable, like fleece or lightweight down materials.
• Outer layers: These must provide a shield against wind and rain while allowing for ventilation. Materials often include Gore-Tex or similar waterproof, breathable fabrics.

Layering allows hunters to adjust their insulation according to the temperature and activity level, ensuring they remain dry and comfortable.

Selecting Boots and Socks

Boots are arguably the most critical piece of footwear for hunters trekking across rugged terrains. I would rather have an overbuilt boot than a boot that falls short in unexpected situations. Hunting is living in unexpected situations. Buy a boot that is suited to the hunts you take on most of the time. If you will be stalking early-season bulls and bucks a bit lighter a boot might be the way to go, some insulation might be the ticket if you’re doing a bit of road hunting or hunting from a spike camp on horseback in the late season.

Make sure your boots are well broken in. Also, I would say go with less insulation rather than heavy insulation. Use a good pair of wool or alpaca boot socks with a sock liner to add the warmth needed. Socks are the make-or-break piece of this kit. A good hiking sock, that fits well and provides cushion and support where needed can make up for some shortcomings in a boot.

Packing in and packing out should be in consideration when deciding on a boot. Remember at some point you will hopefully have to move a heavy load some distance after a successful shot. Whether its a pack out on your back or moving the meat to a horse or vehicle there is a high likelihood that you will be hefting parts of that animal around with some good ol’ shoe leather. Pick a boot accordingly

A good hunting boot should be:

• Rugged and insulating, able to handle rocky, uneven ground without compromising warmth.
• Comfortably fitting, avoiding blisters and discomfort during long treks.
• Water-resistant or waterproof, keeping feet dry in wet conditions.

Choosing the right socks is also vital. Hunters should look for options that offer:

• Moisture-wicking: Keeping feet dry to prevent blisters.
• Adequate cushioning: Providing comfort on rough terrain.
• Appropriate thickness: To ensure boots fit snugly without being overly tight.

Pair socks with boots based on the expected weather conditions and potential changes in temperature.

Hunting Equipment

The right selection of hunting equipment can significantly impact the success and safety of a backcountry hunt. Hunters must carefully choose their weapons, field optics, and game processing tools to suit the specific conditions and game they will encounter.

Weapons and Ammunition

The hunter's rifle or bow is the cornerstone of their hunting equipment.

Rifle

A rifle should be selected based on the game being hunted, with the correct caliber and rifle weight being crucial considerations for accuracy and portability. With the advent of modern chassis rifles, carbon barrels, muzzle breaks, suppressors and cartridges a rifle can be tailor-made for the hunter and hunting situation they plan to take on.

The best rifle caliber is the caliber or cartridge rifle combination you have confidence in and can shoot accurately that delivers enough terminal performance on the game you’re hunting. When taking Elk Rifles into account, any Cartridge that one will typically hunt whitetails with will work. With that the general consensus is to go with a .308 or larger also including a .270 Win, .280 Rem, .280 AI, 30-06 Sprg in standard calibers and 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag, .338 Win Mag and all of the .270 and up Weatherby Magnums and the newer PRC rounds will all do the trick.

Let’s be practical here, there are other actions, but get a Bolt Action Rifle for Elk. They are strong, reliable, versatile, and generally the most accurate repeating rifles on the market. On top of that use a good strong mounting system for your scope.

Speaking of scopes, the general rule of thumb is to choose a hunting scope based on the average shot distance and situation rather than what you may need to shoot at the extremes. Not too long ago a hunter would have to choose a scope with a 3x multiplier for variable power, 3-9, 4-12 and so on. In today's market, there is no reason to limit yourself like that. A great all-around scope will have great glass, be very durable, have a range compensating capability of some sort, and have a variable power that has a large span with a very low magnification option along with a bit higher power than the traditional 3x multiplier. A great example of this is the Athlon Optics MIDAS HMR HD 2.5-15×50 AHMR MOA
. With 2.5 for dark timber and up close work to 15x for that quarter-mile poke, this scope fits the bill as an all-around hunting marvel. It will be at home in any Elk hunting gear list.

Bow

For bowhunters, a bow alongside a variety of arrowsthat match the draw weight and length for optimal performance is key.

Let’s keep this simple. If you meet the minimum required draw weight, length and energy requirements of the state you plan to hunt in, your whitetail bow will work great on elk. With that, the arrow is what kills the animal. A good elk arrow setup would be on the heavier side generally speaking. A lot of folks stick with a good strong Cut on Contact broadhead with a bit more weight up front than a typical whitetail arrow. This can come in the form of weighted components like inserts, or just a heavier-than-normal broadhead.

Where legal a reliable, well-built mechanical broadhead can be great for elk hunting. I carried Sevr 1.75 Titanium broadheads last year with all of the confidence in the world. I was running a 50gr brass insert with a total arrow weight of 476gr and arrow speed of 285FPS. A mechanical might not be the right choice unless you’re archery set up is posting similar numbers.

Optics and Scouting Gear

High-quality optics facilitate successful game scouting and accurate shooting. Binoculars provide essential magnification for spotting game at a distance while a spotting scope offers higher magnification for detailed observation.This is great when field judging an animal. A rangefinder is pivotal for distance assessment, ensuring the hunter can make precise shots.

• Binoculars:
• Magnification: 8x42, 10x42
• Spotting Scopes:
• Magnification: 20x60x80
• Rangefinders:
• Range measurement up to 1000 yards

Game Processing Essentials

After a successful hunt, a hunter must be prepared with game processing tools. A kill kit containing knives with various blade types ensures efficient field dressing. Additionally, durable game bags are necessary to protect the meat during transportation. These tools should be lightweight and able to handle the demands of the wild. Other things that live in my kill kit include paracord, zip ties, latex gloves, flagging tape, a knife sharpener or extra blades and electrical tape.

• Knives:
• Fixed and replaceable blades
• Game Bags:
• Breathable, synthetic fabric
• Kill Kits:
• Include knives, gloves, and bone saw

Choosing the correct equipment from weapons to game processing tools ensures that hunters are equipped to handle the challenges of backcountry hunting while adhering to fundamental hunting ethics and safety standards.

Nutrition and Hydration

In backcountry hunting, it is crucial for hunters to manage their nutrition and hydration effectively. Proper food planning packs the essential calories needed for energy while water treatment ensures safe and ample hydration.

Food Planning and Packing

When packing food for a backcountry hunt, hunters should focus on calories, macronutrient balance, and weight. A hunter's diet must include high-calorie foods rich in fats, which provide 9 calories per gram compared to 4 calories per gram from carbohydrates and proteins. High-energy snacks like beef jerky and trail mixes are excellent for on-the-go nutrition, offering both convenience and sustenance. Meals should be planned to deliver consistent nutrient intake throughout the day rather than being concentrated in one meal.

Water Treatment and Storage

Hydration cannot be overlooked as it directly impacts performance and health. Hunters should have an adequate water filtration system to ensure access to clean water.I personally use a Sawyer Squeeze Filter System. I have also used a Steripen. Options include lightweight waterfilters or purification tablets. Containers for water storage are equally crucial, with 1-quart bottles and bladders with hoses being popular choices, the latter allowing for convenient sipping and encouraging more frequent hydration. Hydration systems must be easy to use to encourage frequent drinking.

Hunters must be attentive in balancing their nutritional needs with the practicalities of carry weight and food preservation while ensuring they have the means to maintain hydration with safe, clean water throughout their expedition.

Safety and Survival

In backcountry hunting, being prepared for emergencies is as crucial as the hunt itself. A hunter's safety and survival often hinge on carrying the right first-aid and emergency equipment, as well as reliable navigation and communication tools.

First Aid and Emergency Equipment

First-Aid Kit: A well-assembled first-aid kit should contain items to address common injuries, and be housed in a waterproof container. It's essential that a kit covers the needs of one to two people for three to four days, containing supplies like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and medical tape.

• Emergency Blanket: An emergency blanket is lightweight, reflects body heat, and is crucial in preventing hypothermia.
• Fire Starter: Carrying a reliable fire starter, like waterproof matches or a flint striker, is a fundamental requirement for warmth and can serve as a signal for search and rescue if necessary.
• Safety: General safety gear should include a whistle and a signal mirror, especially useful in visually open areas to attract rescuers' attention.

Navigation and Communication

For navigation, a detailed map and compass are indispensable for any backcountry hunter. In the absence of landmarks, these tools are critical in maintaining one’s bearing and finding the way back to camp or to an extraction point.

• GPS Device: A GPS device can provide precise location data, which enhances a hunter's ability to navigate unfamiliar terrain and can be instrumental in search and rescue operations.
• Phone Apps: I have been using mapping apps on my phone with downloaded maps for the past few years. I am not sure I will ever have a reason to use a stand alone GPS ever again, but I still own one.
• Communication Gear: Satellite phones or two-way radios ensure a hunter can call for help even when cellular signals are non-existent. I use a Garmin Inreach Mini. It’s a satellite relay device to provide texting in the back country. It also acts as an emergency beacon. I can text people with satellite communication and check in when I do not have any cell service. They also provide a means to stay in contact with the rest of the hunting party or emergency services when necessary.

Being well-versed in the use of these tools before embarking on a hunt can make all the difference in an emergency situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

When planning for a backcountry hunting trip, it’s essential to have a well-thought-out gear list to ensure safety and success. These FAQs address common concerns and provide specific guidance for selecting and packing the appropriate equipment.

What are the essential items to include in a backcountry hunting gear list?

A hunter should include a quality backpack, a temperature-appropriate sleeping bag, sleeping pad, a durable tent, navigation tools like a GPS device, a reliable hunting knife, adequate food and water supplies, and a means for water purification. Binoculars and safety gear are also critical for both navigation and spotting game.

How does one select the best gear for backcountry elk hunting?

Selecting gear for backcountry elk hunting involves choosing lightweight yet durable equipment that can withstand the rigors of mountainous terrain. A hunter must consider the weather conditions and terrain, opting for gear with superior insulation, weatherproofing, and breathability.

What should you pack for a 5-day elk hunting trip?

For a 5-day elk hunting trip, pack essentials that include clothing layers for changing conditions, a reliable shelter, sufficient food high in protein and calories, water and a filtration system, a hunting weapon and ammunition or arrows, navigation tools, and a first-aid kit. Balance is key between packing enough to be prepared and keeping pack weight manageable.

What considerations are important for late-season elk hunting gear?

Late-season elk hunting gear requires special attention to insulation and waterproofing. Hunters should ensure their clothing and sleeping bags provide warmth, even when wet. Footwear should have excellent traction and insulation, as snow and ice can present in the hunting areas.

How can you determine the optimal pack weight for multi-day hunting expeditions?

The optimal pack weight depends on the individual’s strength and endurance, but a general guideline is that a loaded pack should not exceed 20% of a person’s body weight. Essential gear should be prioritized, and items should be multipurpose where possible to reduce unnecessary weight.

What type of backpack is recommended for efficient backcountry hunting?

An internal frame backpack with a capacity of 50-80 liters is recommended for backcountry hunting as it provides a balance between space and support. Hunters should look for backpacks that have accessible compartments for organizing gear and adjustable straps to secure the load close to the body, enhancing stability and comfort.