Although backpack hunting isn’t for everyone, some people enjoy being in the wilderness with only essentials strapped on their backs. If you enjoy backpacking experiences, here are the tips to consider.
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Commit Yourself Fully
If you are thinking about backpack hunting, it’s not about trying. You either go entirely into it, or you don’t do it at all. Many people talk about going to the wilderness, but they are not mentally convinced. When an opportunity arises, they usually find an excuse not to go.
If you want to experience a successful backpack hunt, the first step is to decide to do it and avoid wiggling. That way, you will face any challenge that comes your way with confidence.
Get Physically Fit
We are not talking about biceps or six-pack abs that can push a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Instead, you need to be at an optimum fitness level. It’s not about hitting the gym a few weeks before the hunt, but more like a year-round lifestyle change. Focus on the muscles you need for walking and shooting.
It would be best if you were fit enough to carry the heavy bag with your game on your way back. Learn to stay active and incorporate intense cardiovascular exercises in your schedule. The more the muscle groups you can work on, the better your backpacking experience will be. Remember to switch to a healthy diet that includes all the food groups. Do everything within your power to reduce your cravings for sweet things.
Do Your Homework
The wilderness is not a familiar ground to humans. Therefore, do intense research. Survey Maps, check out Google Earth, talk to biologists, and scout as much as you can. Although going to the area is crucial, our access to technology gives hunters an upper hand. Look up the area to get a rough idea of how much you need to trek and the landmarks you may encounter.
Consult with forest rangers to find out the trails that have been cleared recently. There is nothing more tiresome than following a path with 50 lbs on your back, only to reach a dead end.
Set Realistic Expectations
Ten miles may not seem that far in your thoughts, but ten miles with a bag on your back and going uphill is brutal. Setting attainable goals will not only minimize your disappointment, but it will also help you to struggle less.
If this is your first time going on a backpacking experience, consider tips to simplify the trip. For instance, you can reduce the target miles, carry a light load, and tag some friends along.
Choose the Right Backpack
The backpack you carry is an essential factor in determining your comfort levels during the trip. You don’t want to take a small bag that won’t fit all your essentials or a large one that puts pressure on your back.
Try on several bags with weights added to them to feel the weight. It is recommended that you put on 30 pounds. Everybody is different and has differing standards with regards to comfort levels.
Know What to Bring
It would help if you carried around your essentials without putting a lot of burden on your back. That is why you ought to determine the difference between what you need and what you want. When it comes to backpack hunting, less is more.
While it might take your time, it is advisable to analyze every item before throwing it in your bag. However, don’t leave essential items in a bid to reduce the load because you might have a hard time settling in when you get to the wilderness.
Bring the Right Gear
Someone once said, “You can’t kill what you can’t see,” and they were right. Having the right optics will increase your chances of making a kill in a hunting spree.
Adding a binocular and tripod will make a huge difference. You will glass comfortably and for longer. While packing these items, make sure you bring light ones so that you don’t overwork your back.
Be Savvy with Food and Water
When it comes to food and water, what you bring is more of personal preferences than standards. However, it is best to bring light foods with high-calorie content. If you can find some energy bars, that would be great. As for drinking water, it depends on how long you will be hunting.
Carrying a week’s supply might be tedious, but if you are going for a weekend, it wouldn’t be much of a hustle. Consider taking iodine tablets to disinfect stream water so that you don’t have to bring a lot of fluids.
Pick Your Camp Spot Wisely
Before leaving, make sure you have an idea of where you can camp. You can make better choices from your home because you are not tired and dehydrated. When you hit the woods, identify the camping spot before it gets dark.
The best place has a water source nearby and proper shelter from the wind. If you camp in the wrong terrain, you risk things like not getting to your vantage point before sunrise, which means you will waste your energy.
Keep Your Feet Dry
Nothing can destroy a good backpack hunting experience like blisters. One of the fastest ways of getting them is to wear wet boots on the hike. Although keeping your feet dry seems like a straightforward thing to achieve, it is often an issue.
A backpacking hunting adventure is a hallmark of learning how to survive in the wilderness. This guide includes most of what you need for the trip.