What are you sleeping in?

[Ranchhand02]

I am currently doing research and starting to purchase some gear to go on my first DIY public land hunt in colorado. I am wanting to do a mule deer hunt in the 2nd or 3rd season. I am a whitetail hunter from western oklahoma. I do not have any backpacking or camping gear. What would you recomend for a sleeping setup? Thanks

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

Solo or partner?

 

[Ranchhand02]

I will probably have a friend with me, but I am going to gear up as if I was going by myself just in case I end up going by myself.

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

Here is some of my tried-and-true solo backpacking shelter gear:

Tent: Tarptent Contrail
Sleeping Bag: Big Agnes Zirkel SL
Pad: Thermarest Neoair

The good stuff ain't cheap. I love the Tarptent, because I always take trekking poles as well, and its nice to get dual use out of your gear. A good ultralight traditional tent is the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL1. However, it is heavier, more expensive, and less roomy than the Tarptent.

 

[T43]

I use a big Agnes storm king long bag. My tent is a eureka tetragon that I got as a budget tent but it works well enough I'm not ready to upgrade yet. My pad is a thermarest I think it's called the scout or something like that. I have a closed cell pad I can use as an extra pad but I usually use my crazy creek lounger as a 3/4 pad instead. I also have a fleece liner to make the bag warmer but I haven't needed it yet.

 

[Kevin Root]

When I was first getting into backpacking, I got whatever was cheap that I could afford. I was younger, and did not have much money so weight did not seem to matter. As I've gotten older I've learned that I'll enjoy my time outdoors in the backcountry the lighter I can make my pack. It's kind of been a work in progress as equipment continually evolves and gets better too. I look for a combination of good performance, comfort with weight in mind especially if I'm hunting and I'm packing out an animal on my back that I killed.

If you have a place in your area that you can rent gear that could be something to look into so you can try backpacking out. There are a lot of good options and ideas here on the forum, "Lightweight" and this one, "Everything Backcountry". I'd also recommend perhaps getting some of the hunting books here on Eastman's, Hunting High Country Mule Deer by Mike Eastman and Public Land Mulies by David W. Long. There is also another one by Cameron Haynes, Backcountry Bowhunting. http://www.cameronhanes.com/store/backcountry-bowhunting-a-guide-to-the-wild-side/

All the books are all jam packed with great information on hunting the backcountry. Each of the books have sections about backpacking and equipment too. They are all well worth the time in reading.

 

[Ranchhand02]

I was thinking of ordereing both of those mule deer books. I seen on eastmans website that they have a combo pack with both books and a DVD for $40 or $50. I think it will be money well spent. There is really no place that rents gear aroud where I am at. There is little public land and not any good places to go backpacking. I am trying to do most of my research on the internet as well as check out the limited selection of gear in the local sporting goods stores.

 

[Kevin Root]

I was thinking of ordereing both of those mule deer books. I seen on eastmans website that they have a combo pack with both books and a DVD for $40 or $50. I think it will be money well spent. There is really no place that rents gear aroud where I am at. There is little public land and not any good places to go backpacking. I am trying to do most of my research on the internet as well as check out the limited selection of gear in the local sporting goods stores.

I've found the books were very informative and it will be good reading to help you prepare. Best wishes to you Ranchhand02 on your future hunt and adventure into the backcountry. There is plenty good public land out in CO where you are heading to explore!

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

I think those books are a great start. Public Land Mulies is required reading for the DIY Mulie hunter, for a lot of reasons.

However, I have found forums, and none are better than Eastmans for this, are the best places to find good info on ultralight backpack hunting gear, because it is constantly improving and evolving. A thread like this one can help a lot. Just try to recognize the "honeymoon" reviews from folks with their brand new gear. The best info comes when the shine wears off.

I know that David Long's gear has changed a lot since he wrote his book.

 

[Kevin Root]

I think those books are a great start. Public Land Mulies is required reading for the DIY Mulie hunter, for a lot of reasons.

However, I have found forums, and none are better than Eastmans for this, are the best places to find good info on ultralight backpack hunting gear, because it is constantly improving and evolving. A thread like this one can help a lot. Just try to recognize the "honeymoon" reviews from folks with their brand new gear. The best info comes when the shine wears off.

I know that David Long's gear has changed a lot since he wrote his book.

All the Eastmans' forums have been very helpful in gaining information, feedback and encouragement. I've found the Eastmans' forum somewhat addicting in finding gems of information. Over the years I've upgraded half a dozen stoves and other various pieces of equipment. The book revisions can't keep up near fast enough for equipment innovation. Now my bigger obstacle, explaining to my wife why I need/want yet another hunting pack and new scope for my gun .

I'll add my bag to the thread, Marmont, Plasma 15, 1 lb 14 oz. I like the bag but the material is so ultra lightweight I'm concerned how durable it will be over time. I'll be upgrading my pad to one Bitteroot Bulls has listed in another thread from a Thermarest Zlite to a Neoair. I use a Outdoor Research Alpine bivy as a solo tent, 1.9 lb. I don't like not having the room to put much in the bivy with me though but it's been a durable tent.

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

All the Eastmans' forums have been very helpful in gaining information, feedback and encouragement. I've found the Eastmans' forum somewhat addicting in finding gems of information. Over the years I've upgraded half a dozen stoves and other various pieces of equipment. The book revisions can't keep up near fast enough for equipment innovation. Now my bigger obstacle, explaining to my wife why I need/want yet another hunting pack and new scope for my gun .

I'll add my bag to the thread, Marmont, Plasma 15, 1 lb 14 oz. I like the bag but the material is so ultra lightweight I worry how durable it will be over time. I'll be upgrading my pad to one Bitteroot Bulls has listed in another thread from a Thermarest Zlite to a Neoair. I use a Outdoor Research Alpine bivy as a solo tent, 1.9 lb. I don't like not having the room to put much in the bivy with me though but it's been a durable tent.

I very nearly bought that Plasma bag. I ended up with the BA Zirkel SL because I love the pad sleeve feature. Check out those Tarptents ... Bivy weights, but with more room.

 

[hardcore09]

Hey bitterroot, Where's the best place to buy one of those tarptents, they look like the way to go! Ive been looking at getting the Fly Creek UL1 but after you've mentioned the Contrail I'm really liking the looks of it! How long have you been using one and hows it holding up? Thanks for the great Info.

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

I purchased mine directly from Tarptent:

http://www.tarptent.com

The only durability issue I have had was I punched a hole through the top of mine through user error. I did not get my trekking pole seated in the grommet before cranking the guy lines down. I fixed it with silicone sealant and spare material from Tarptent. I have used it for three seasons, and it is otherwise like new.

One caveat with Tarptent is you seam seal it yourself with silicone and mineral spirits. It is easy to do, but takes a little time. Instructions on seam sealing are included. I was able to do it myself without trouble. You can also pay Tarptent to do it for you.

You can also buy an inexpensive center pole to use instead of a trekking pole, and it works OK, but the trekking pole is the way to go. I have also used sticks (worked surprisingly well) and just guyed out to an overhead branch. Tarptents are very versatile.

 

[Kevin Root]

I very nearly bought that Plasma bag. I ended up with the BA Zirkel SL because I love the pad sleeve feature. Check out those Tarptents ... Bivy weights, but with more room.

I did actually check out the Tarptent you have and watched a video on it being setup. It looked like a slick tent. I liked the sleeve option on your bag and looked at getting that actually too. My bivy has a tie for the pad. I change positions a bit at night and did not know if I'd like having the pad in the bag or not. I went with Marmont pretty much having liked their stuff in the past for the most part.

I look out for your posts Bitterroot Bulls. When I see your name on the forum I make sure I look at what you've said. You have some good posts on here! Thanks

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

I forgot to mention the one (minor) thing I don't like about the Contrail. The front vestibule closes with Velcro. It is kind of annoying compared to a zipper, but it actually holds better than I thought. I have been in some pretty good winds in that thing without it coming open.

 

[hardcore09]

Great it sounds like a good system for the backcountry type hunting! Thanks a lot for the info. I think ill be purchasing one soon!

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

I did actually check out the Tarptent you have and watched a video on it being setup. It looked like a slick tent. I liked the sleeve option on your bag and looked at getting that actually too. My bivy has a tie for the pad. I change positions a bit at night and did not know if I'd like having the pad in the bag or not. I went with Marmont pretty much having liked their stuff in the past for the most part.

I look out for your posts Bitterroot Bulls. When I see your name on the forum I make sure I look at what you've said. You have some good posts on here! Thanks

Thanks for the kind words, Kevin. Thanks for all you have shared as well. I don't mean to get all sappy, but I think this forum has a real community feel.

As far as the pad sleeve goes, it is really nice when you change positions a lot: I do too. I always ended up off my pad and with my bag twisted around me before I switched to Big Agnes.

 

[Jon Boy]

How late in the season have you used that tarp tent BB?

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

How late in the season have you used that tarp tent BB?

I set it up on a foot of snow once.

 

[BigSurArcher]

I have an REI sub-kilo that I really enjoy. It's so light and packable, yet warm and cozy down to about 15 degrees. Weight is 1.8 lbs. They are pricey at about $360, but I got mine for about $100 at one of those awesome REI blowout sales. I got it in 2009, and it's held up great (although I use it in a bivy sack much of the time).

I suggest getting a compression sack for whatever you buy if it doesn't come with one. You don't want to store your bag in the compression sack, but when you hit the hills the extra compactness is really nice. Forgive me for stating the obvious here!