Weight matters. Simplify Your Day Pack and Shed Pounds
Hunting trips at Kawdy Outfitters are based out of our comfortable camps, which in most situations, allows us to avoid heavy backpacking packs with tents and other camping gear. On most of our hunts, hunters will simply need to carry a day pack. But even a day pack can get surprisingly heavy. Streamlining the gear while minimizing the weight load is imperative.
High Quality Clothing
The highest quality clothing will not only perform well – it will be the lightest weight and most packable. Gaiters, rain gear and a few layers of clothing should not add more than a few pounds. And for their comfort, these items are worth the weight. Having that down jacket and a pair of dry socks after a wet slog up the mountain will keep you comfortable and in the field longer. Go for quality, keep it light and bring along the clothing you will need in the field.
Streamline Your Optics
Optics are tricky because they add weight but also play a serious role in the hunt. This becomes especially true while glassing and field judging stone sheep, mountain goats and mountain caribou in the high country. Always bring along your best binoculars and keep them at the ready in a chest harness along with a rangefinder. For moose hunts and anything taking place in close range, a spotting scope may not be required. While most hunters want one along, consult with the guide first because you might share a scope in the field. When looking at high country basins for goats and sheep, having your own is nice.
Areas to Shed Weight
Now that your pack is loaded with a few critical layers of clothing and optics, it’s time to sift through the remaining gear while determining where the weight is unnecessary. Start by examining everything in your pack and look for items that have never been used. If they are not critical or life-saving things like waterproof matches, a basic emergency/first aid kit and extra ammo, pull them out of circulation. You won’t need a water purifier for day trips or a stove system.
Bringing a thermos of hot liquids from camp is a good idea for the morning glassing session and you can always leave it with the horses when you head out on foot. We provide lunch items and snacks, but if you have any personal favorites, you can certainly bring them with you. You can throw in your favorite knives for meat processing, though the guides will have these and game bags ready, saving weight in your own pack.
Gear Recommendations
For specific gear lists and more of our recommendations, you can check out our Gear Page. If you have specific questions or if you’d like to speak with us about a hunt in northern British Columbia, please feel free to contact us.
Written by Zach Lazzari
Zach is an outdoor writer, a hunting and fly fishing guide, and very proud to be a part of the Kawdy Outfitters team. You can follow Zach’s adventures at bustedoarlock.com.