Tips for Backpack Bowhunting

In the bowhunting world, there are countless levels of challenge and pursuit available; this is what that makes the sport such an intriguing endeavor. You can hunt with a longbow, or a high-tech compound bow. You can hunt kudu, or whitetails. You can hunt in alpine mountains, or in the prairie. You can stalk, or you can hide and wait. You can hunt for the kill, or you can hunt simply for a fun time afield. Whatever twists your crank, there's a level of bowhunting pursuit to suit everyone.

As for me, I love to put on a backpack and fade away into trackless country. This kind of hunt requires dedication and determination. This kind of outing will provide you with both mental and physical toughness rarely found elsewhere. You'll become a very savvy outdoorsman and the satisfaction gleaned from the experiences will fill the recesses of your mind with a treasure chest of memories. Let's take a look at some of the equipment necessary to tackle the backcountry, with bow in hand.

Selecting a Backpack

The first order of the day is backpacks. They come in two main types: internal and external frames. For all practical purposes, the external frame pack is a dying breed, so I'll not spend time there. Instead, let's address internal frame packs as our pack of choice and there are some good reasons for this.

Generally speaking, internal frame packs are lighter and more comfortable than their counterparts. Also, they are more form fitting, and thus, they ride better on your body, especially in rugged terrain. Whatever type of pack you choose, be sure that it fits your torso. Go to a pro-shop and get fitted. Do not settle for anything less than top-end quality, you won't regret choosing a mountaineering quality pack.

Choosing a Tent

Next, we address the need for shelter, namely, a tent. Here, the choices are almost unlimited. You have single or multiple-person models, and three- and four-season models. Once again, don't skimp on quality here, go with a mountaineering quality model if possible. Only experience can dictate to you, which size and type of tent best suits your application. Personally, I have three different tents for widely varying applications. Good advice for the beginning backpacker would be something like this: for a starter tent, lean to the side of overkill to be safe, get a top-end, four-season, two-person model. Remember to seam seal if the tent doesn't come this way from the factory!

The Right Sleeping Bag

Next, we come to sleeping bags. Once again the choices are almost unlimited, though there are two main categories of distinction: synthetic fill, or down fill. Each has their own merit, though down is the choice of hard-core enthusiasts. Here's why: down is lighter, more compact and insulates better per volume. On the flip side, down is worthless when wet, and top quality down is much more expensive than synthetic. So, to sum it all up in the final analysis, discriminating backpackers go with top-end down and keep it dry!

Take a Sleeping Pad

Next, comes your sleeping pad. Generally speaking, self-inflating foam mattresses in the 1-inch-thick range are well-rounded choices. You can go with a 3/4-length pad if you're really trying to cut corners on weight. As with any type of air mattress, take a repair kit with you.

Other Important Gear

There are many other support items that the wilderness adventurer will find need for, such as: cooking and eating utensils, a water filtration system, water bottles, ultra-light stove, fuel, fire starter, headlamp, maps, camera, compass, tissue, first-aid kit, rainsuit, etc. The purist won't go here, but for most, a GPS unit can be a real helpmate. Also, as a bowhunter, you'll also need to consider having gear for taking care of an animal after harvest: bone saw, knife, sharpener, game bags, rope, etc.

Nothing matches the challenge of bowhunting remote country, especially whenever you are living off your back. Carrying with you all the gear that you need to be totally self-sufficient, and having the savvy to use it all properly, is a very satisfying feeling.

Bowhunters that live large like this reach places where animals don't constantly fear intrusion by man. Such backcountry hunters also get to see country that is mostly hidden to the human eye. Consider cranking-up your bowhunting efforts to the trail less traveled; hit the backcountry, and enjoy nature to its fullest!

Gear Note

I currently shoot Mathews bows, and use Black Gold sights, Bodoodle rests, Beman shafts, and Rocky Mountain Broadheads. I also rely heavily on clothing from Scent-Lok, and The Heater Body Suit, back/day/fanny packs from Badlands, and blinds from Double Bull Archery.