Daily Calorie count for packing in

[JMSZ]

IF you are above timber, you will VERY rarely have any issues with bears. i,e, high country muley hunts in September...

To answer the question in regards to the WA shakes - I have not utilized them, so I have little input. As far as the WA Hydrate and Recover, it comes in a flavor called Berry Blast... It's not bad - Granted, it is not as sweet as Gatorade but it goes down fine. Considering the benefits, I love it.

Once upon a time, WA gave us a ton of their product that I would have otherwise never purchased or utilized. After using the Hydrate and recover powder, I am sold and will continue to buy it into the future. Just as a FYI - I am not trying to sell this product or help push the stuff. Simply put, it works well for me and my friends who use it.

My base camp will be relatively low (8000ish feet) and I'll be hoofing it into where I hunt, so I'll be in the timber to start out. I need to scout one area I want to hunt this fall, it gets pretty high, but I think most of it will be in timber, with just a few high spots.

Thanks for the info on the Wilderness Athlete, I'll try some.

 

[Montana]

That would be great . It would be nice to see your breakdown. I like the point about not running out of juice. I have been there and done that!! Thanks Mark e-mail [email protected]

Sorry for the delay... Just emailed. It's titled "Goal to 40" if it gets spammed.

 

[25contender]

I received it Scott. Thanks again. Mark

 

[clacklin009]

So I just went through all the posts and have gathered a few thoughts on the subject off calorie count for packing in.

1. I feel bad for the guys that lose their appetite while out.
2. I love GU products. I use Gels, Chomps, and Roctane powder to add to water. I think these guys are the best in the business. I'm a diabetic and I have always needed to take lots of sugar for quick help when my blood drops. GU has saved me because I would get sick from all the sugar stuff I would have to eat, now I just take a gel and I feel it kick in instantly. They have different mixtures of sugars that act at different times so the digestion isn't taking place all at the same time, but I still get instant energy.
3. I eat Tigers Milk protein bars. Don't think these guys are the best in the business but I like eating the bars.
4. I have been using MRE's because I like the main dish but I'm lucky if I eat 1/2 of the other stuff in the package so I've decided to not take them any more. Can you buy just the main dish? I'm using a stove and mountain housing it. Previously I have taken sticks of pepperoni but have stopped taking any smelly meat product. I figure if they could smell me before the snack, after the snack I have not helped my cause.
5. I love meat sandwiches but sandwiches don't travel well for me without packing containers that take up space. Any ideas?
6. I hate bears. I call the ranger station each year before I go out and ask if there have been any bear reports. No reports since 20 years ago but I still call. Carrying a .357 or .40 is very heavy but have to do it.
7. I thought I packed a lot of stuff in the back country in my 100 L pack, but it doesn't sound like I compare to what some of you guys are taking.
.

 

[JMSZ]

So I just went through all the posts and have gathered a few thoughts on the subject off calorie count for packing in.

1. I feel bad for the guys that lose their appetite while out.
2. I love GU products. I use Gels, Chomps, and Roctane powder to add to water. I think these guys are the best in the business. I'm a diabetic and I have always needs to take lots of sugar for quick help when my blood drops. GU has saved me I would get sick from all the stuff I would have to eat, now I just take a gel and I feel it kick in instantly. They have different mixtures of sugars take act differently.
3. I eat Tigers Milk protein bars. Don't think these guys are the best in the business but I like eating the bars.
4. I have been using MRE's because I like the main dish but I'm lucky if I eat 1/2 of the other stuff in the package so I've decided to not take them any more. Can you buy just the main dish? I'm using a stove and mountain housing it. Use to take sticks of pepperoni but have stopped taking any smelly meat product. I figure if they could smell me before the snack, after the snack I have not helped my cause.
5. I love meat sandwiches but sandwiches don't travel well for me without packing containers that take up space. Any ideas?
6. I hate bears. I call the ranger station each year before I go out and ask if there have been any bear reports. No reports since 20 years ago but I still call. Carrying a .357 or .40 is very heavy but have to do it.
7. I thought I packed a lot of stuff in the back country in my 100 L pack, but it doesn't sound like I compare to what some of you guys are taking.
.

What's GU?

I've been looking for individual MRE components, but I haven't had much luck. I see them occasionally, but they're usually from some "survivalist" or somebody's garage business and there's no way to know where, when and why they got them.

I've found manufacturers websites, but none seem to sell components to individuals. One that I found that is in Singapore actually makes a bunch of stuff, including Kosher and Halal food that are typically curries and such, as well as the standard kind of stuff. I'm going to look into it at some point, but I'm guessing I'd have to have a decent size order before they'd talk to me.

The one exception I have found, and that answers another of your questions, is Bridgford sandwiches, they make sandwiches for the MREs. I like them, I put a post on here about them, but if you call them, they'll send you two different sandwiches as samples.

 

[Montana]

I received it Scott. Thanks again. Mark

No worries hope it works. Look forward in seeing what you put together. I just packed for my 4 day bear trip and pretty happy with the total pack weight coming in at 28 pds not including rifle or tent. Buddy and i are splitting tent/poles.

 

[MacDonald]

Another thought that might be of some importance; try your food before you head out. it'd be "bad form" to get the runs from some freeze-dried meal you haven't had before! Another issue is hydration. Our instructors used to tell us "if you don't have to piss, you're not drinking enough". It'll help immensely with acclimating.

I always pack in a little Platypus bladder with some good scotch for that "evening nip". that and a couple of Tylenol before sacking out, and it really makes the day nicer! Besides, it's supposed to be a vacation, right? I sure do miss a good cigar to go with the drink, though.

 

[Montana]

I have a question... Is it best to take Dr tylenol before going to bed or when you wake up the nextt morning?

 

[25contender]

I do two Advil first thing in the morning myself. I didn't have to when I was a little younger. Now days it makes a huge difference as the day goes on.

 

[tttoadman]

Another thought that might be of some importance; try your food before you head out. it'd be "bad form" to get the runs from some freeze-dried meal you haven't had before! Another issue is hydration. Our instructors used to tell us "if you don't have to piss, you're not drinking enough". It'll help immensely with acclimating.

I always pack in a little Platypus bladder with some good scotch for that "evening nip". that and a couple of Tylenol before sacking out, and it really makes the day nicer! Besides, it's supposed to be a vacation, right? I sure do miss a good cigar to go with the drink, though.

X2 on trying the food stuff out.

If I took my vodka of choice with me, it would likely burn its way through the bladder container and/or be gone long before the first night came along.

 

[25contender]

Been working hard on getting my 5-7 day pack weight down but it is tough!! Looks like with everything including food and two water bladders full to start the trip in the weight is going to be between 50-60 lbs.
I have shed right at 10 lbs 7 of it in the food category.

 

[tttoadman]

I just covered some miles with the new pack, new insoles, new merino socks, and some really good food that all of you guys have been noting.

I am totally sold on the honey stinger waffles and chocolate bars. I took some GU chomps and that was also just right. I tried the black cherry almond clif bars and u won't get any of the others anymore.

I had 4400 cal in 2.5lbs. I think that is a good start. I noticed doing the mountain house is pretty efficient, but the numbers get bad if you only go for a couple days. If you took the weight of the stove and fuel over a 7 day span, it starts to make good cal/lb.

I have never used a water bladder. I don't understand how everybody has these inside the pack and then compress the pack. Do you just strap it to the outside? Do you get a separate scope bag to put a water bladder in?

 

[25contender]

I just covered some miles with the new pack, new insoles, new merino socks, and some really good food that all of you guys have been noting.

I am totally sold on the honey stinger waffles and chocolate bars. I took some GU chomps and that was also just right. I tried the black cherry almond clif bars and u won't get any of the others anymore.

I had 4400 cal in 2.5lbs. I think that is a good start. I noticed doing the mountain house is pretty efficient, but the numbers get bad if you only go for a couple days. If you took the weight of the stove and fuel over a 7 day span, it starts to make good cal/lb.

I have never used a water bladder. I don't understand how everybody has these inside the pack and then compress the pack. Do you just strap it to the outside? Do you get a separate scope bag to put a water bladder in?

I can put a large bladder or two smaller bladders in a kipped compartment on top of my pack. Compression doesn't phase them being on top. I opt for the two smaller bladders because I use one bladder in my day pack and leave the other at camp. It looks like I will be repacking the food items in daily bags to make life a Little easier and faster while at camp or out hunting. I am going to try shooting for 3000 calories a day for seven days at 15lbs max which will be about 4 lbs lighter than my old food numbers. Mark

 

[JMSZ]

I just covered some miles with the new pack, new insoles, new merino socks, and some really good food that all of you guys have been noting.

I am totally sold on the honey stinger waffles and chocolate bars. I took some GU chomps and that was also just right. I tried the black cherry almond clif bars and u won't get any of the others anymore.

I had 4400 cal in 2.5lbs. I think that is a good start. I noticed doing the mountain house is pretty efficient, but the numbers get bad if you only go for a couple days. If you took the weight of the stove and fuel over a 7 day span, it starts to make good cal/lb.

I have never used a water bladder. I don't understand how everybody has these inside the pack and then compress the pack. Do you just strap it to the outside? Do you get a separate scope bag to put a water bladder in?

http://www.specopsbrand.com/tactical-gear/clearance-blow-outs/h-u-m-p-hydration-utility-multiple-platform-olive-drab.html

You can get something like this, you can strap it to your ruck and/or to web gear if you have that.

The closure on this one doesn't use velcro, so it doesn't alert the entire forest to your presence if you need to open it.

 

[Elk Hunter]

I have never used a water bladder. I don't understand how everybody has these inside the pack and then compress the pack. Do you just strap it to the outside? Do you get a separate scope bag to put a water bladder in?

Go to the Camelback website. They have a video of a water bladder being repeatedly run over by different vehicles. I believe they are guaranteed for life. I keep mine in the insulated cover that came with it, and I have had no problems. Its at least 10 years old. My hiking buddies remove the insulating cover to save weight and they are always having puncture leaks. Apparently you can squeeze them all you want, just protect from sharp objects. Also be careful not to put the hose in a bind. It will pinch and kink with enough pressure. Once it does it seems to easily kink in that spot again and will need to be replaced.

 

[tttoadman]

Go to the Camelback website. They have a video of a water bladder being repeatedly run over by different vehicles. I believe they are guaranteed for life. I keep mine in the insulated cover that came with it, and I have had no problems. Its at least 10 years old. My hiking buddies remove the insulating cover to save weight and they are always having puncture leaks. Apparently you can squeeze them all you want, just protect from sharp objects. Also be careful not to put the hose in a bind. It will pinch and kink with enough pressure. Once it does it seems to easily kink in that spot again and will need to be replaced.

I have one of those with the cover and the hooks on the top. I was concerned about the weight also. That sounds like weight that is worth carrying. I will see how I can get that one hooked into my bag. thanks, Todd

 

[JMSZ]

Been working hard on getting my 5-7 day pack weight down but it is tough!! Looks like with everything including food and two water bladders full to start the trip in the weight is going to be between 50-60 lbs.
I have shed right at 10 lbs 7 of it in the food category.

I'm glad to see that I'm not too far out in left field as far as weight. For a 6 day trip, I'm at 70lbs for my pack weight, doesn't include my rifle, pistol, holster, ammunition or what I'm wearing.

 

[25contender]

I'm glad to see that I'm not too far out in left field as far as weight. For a 6 day trip, I'm at 70lbs for my pack weight, doesn't include my rifle, pistol, holster, ammunition or what I'm wearing.

I havent included my bow or backpack bow pack yet. The bowholder pack setup for my Mathews Z7 I had made is very light at about 10ozs. I was surprised how much weight I have saved just switching to some different food Items. I was right up there at 70lbs myself for my 7 day pack. As far as the water bladders I have never had any problems with them in the upper part of my pack. I put my extra cloths for cushioning under the bladders.

 

[JMSZ]

I havent included my bow or backpack bow pack yet. The bowholder pack setup for my Mathews Z7 I had made is very light at about 10ozs. I was surprised how much weight I have saved just switching to some different food Items. I was right up there at 70lbs myself for my 7 day pack. As far as the water bladders I have never had any problems with them in the upper part of my pack. I put my extra cloths for cushioning under the bladders.

My 70lbs is after scrubbing through everything and trimming weight...But, I carry a lot of stuff - "Better to have and not need than need and not have" philosophy - and I'm not going to shell out a bunch of money for a new ruck(s).

I use an pack on an ALICE frame, I got a pad for the frame that has pouches for the bladders built in and fits in the space between my back and the frame.

I'll use the drinking tubes depending on what I'm doing, some times they just get in the way and it's easier to use my nalgene bottles.

 

[tttoadman]

http://www.specopsbrand.com/tactical-gear/clearance-blow-outs/h-u-m-p-hydration-utility-multiple-platform-olive-drab.html

You can get something like this, you can strap it to your ruck and/or to web gear if you have that.

The closure on this one doesn't use velcro, so it doesn't alert the entire forest to your presence if you need to open it.

that is so simple!! I think a couple of those could be it for water and food for the initial pack in.