Packing in

[Nebraska Outlander]

I am looking at going Elk hunting in 2013 and starting to buy things that I will need for a pack in hunt. My question is if you were planning on staying in for around 5 to 7 days how big of pack would you need (cubic inches)?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Nebraska Outlander

[Bitterroot Bulls]

5000 cubic inches and up should do it, if you have reasonably light backpacking equipment. You can get by with smaller packs, but 5000 has been about right for me.

[Grantbvfd]

I definitely wouldn't go smaller than 5000 CI. Food for 7 days will take up alot of room in a pack. I would consider looking at about a 6000 CI pack. When in doubt go a little bigger than you think you need because any good quality pack will compress down to the size you need. It will also help you when you get something down and need to get camp and meat out. Good luck let us know what you end up getting.

[Drhorsepower]

Good point, better too big than too little,5k and up is a good rule

[Nebraska Outlander]

Thanks guys, glad I asked would have gotten too small!!! I am glad this site is here trial and error is okay however if you don't have to go threw it I will be a lot better off!!

Thanks again,

Nebraska Outlander

[Ikeepitcold]

I agree with the 5k but remember if you go bigger guys tend to want to fill it causing extra weight.

[ChadH]

Agreed! It's the same principle as with your finances.... no matter how much you have, you spend most of it. No matter how much space you have, you fill most of it.

[ChadH]

I agree with the 5k but remember if you go bigger guys tend to want to fill it causing extra weight.

yep.... just be prepared to be ruthless about every ounce you can possibly save. After you have shaved off every ounce you can, THEN you can go back and add luxury items. If you just jump in and start figuring out your kit on the fly you will rationalize a bunch of stuff you won't really use by saying "oh, it's only 1/2 oz. I might need that). It all adds up. I've found cut it all down to absolute minimum, then try it out on some overnighters. Once you have a baseline kit add a few luxury items (like for me I HAVE to stick in a block of cheddar cheese) and you won't go overboard as easily.

I have a 6500 ci and a 3000 I use for day hunts and plan on using for 2-3 day "short" hunts.

[Fink]

yep.... just be prepared to be ruthless about every ounce you can possibly save. After you have shaved off every ounce you can, THEN you can go back and add luxury items. If you just jump in and start figuring out your kit on the fly you will rationalize a bunch of stuff you won't really use by saying "oh, it's only 1/2 oz. I might need that). It all adds up. I've found cut it all down to absolute minimum, then try it out on some overnighters. Once you have a baseline kit add a few luxury items (like for me I HAVE to stick in a block of cheddar cheese) and you won't go overboard as easily.

How do you keep the cheese from getting nasty? Or is that for short hunts only? I've been trying to figure out what kind of cheese I could take to put on a bagel with some salami, to break up the monantany of of peanut butter and honey.

[BKC]

I take string cheese or the little individual packets of cheese sticks. They stay fresher longer and easier to pack