Very helpful tips Josh. Even though I have been watching and learning from videos, podcasts and articles about western hunting since 2018 in hopes of getting out west on my own adventure it’s great to hear some solid recommendations and reminders.
Good things to consider when planning out your first few outings. Would love to hear more of these videos with some more intermediate or advanced nuanced knowledge from your backpacking experience. One thing I’ve been learning this year backpacking for OTC coues in central AZ is the importance of scouting water sources in person before planning a longer multi day trip. Stashing water beforehand really seems to be the only sure way to stay hydrated enough this year!
Some solid advice, great vid. Myself as an older gen backpack hunter know the old days vs now days as far as gear and have learned the hard way like most but used what I had 40 yrs ago. My biggest concerns are food. As a hypoglycemic food is my most important item as burning energy stores without proper food intake can be dangerous. Solid advice on figuring out and logging what you can and cannot do as far as food goes, for some it could end up being a life or death situation in the back country especially solo. Merry Christmas and Happy new year...🙏
Man, thanks so much for chiming in and really hitting that food bit home. Some serious stuff right there. Best of luck to you out there. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year as well. 👊🏼
Yes Sir, solid tips. Especially about calories and food needed. Food and gear nowadays is so awesome compared to my backpacking days. Everything is better. There’s all the dehydrated foods, water purification systems, lightweight lights and even satellite communications if needed. Possibly GPS use instead of geo-maps/ compass. It’s so easy to get lost in country many don’t realize. 👍👍👍
Before getting into the woods/backcountry get some miles in close to home. Make sure your boots plus your pack is going to work out and make adjustments ahead of time. Pack doesn't need to be loaded up to 55lbs either. Sometimes 5 miles via an established trail system is easier than 1 mile of bushwacking.
I shot my first coues a mile away from the truck. Backpacked straight up the mountain where no one else wanted to walk and camped in a saddle. Water was an issue and I learned to carry more, but it worked out
A good backpack, boots, a merino wool etc layering system and lightweight food will cost you some serious dollars. Figure in a lightweight tent, sleeping bag and tags you better be independently wealthy or relying heavily on your wife’s feet finder account.
I am far from independently wealthy. When I started I remember upgrading one thing a year and making the rest of what I had just work. That meant carrying a 7lb tent, making my own meals/food, and being a little uncomfortable from time to time. If you want to go, you'll make it happen. You don't need the most high end stuff. I'm lucky to do what I do nowadays, but I was backpack hunting far before having all top shelf gear.
@ I’m there with you brother. Started out carrying low end gear. Heavy, cheap and unreliable. That was 26 years ago. Times have changed and the gear is better and more expensive. It can be done with cheap gear but there’s always a price to be paid whether physically or financially.
@@billdailey6315 this is true, but it’s all in how you look at it. It almost makes it more of an accomplishment to have been able to do it with DIY gear that isn’t always what you see on the influencer’s videos. Like @DialedinHunter said above if you can upgrade a piece of gear or two a year until you’ve got a good kit then by that time hopefully you’ll have the knowledge to put it all to use effectively!
Very helpful tips Josh. Even though I have been watching and learning from videos, podcasts and articles about western hunting since 2018 in hopes of getting out west on my own adventure it’s great to hear some solid recommendations and reminders.
@@TheWVgoodguy22 Happy to help! 👊🏼
Good things to consider when planning out your first few outings. Would love to hear more of these videos with some more intermediate or advanced nuanced knowledge from your backpacking experience.
One thing I’ve been learning this year backpacking for OTC coues in central AZ is the importance of scouting water sources in person before planning a longer multi day trip. Stashing water beforehand really seems to be the only sure way to stay hydrated enough this year!
Dude, water is what's up here, haha. Can't trust maps. Gotta scout it. Yeah, this year is a Stash water kind of year.
Great video, only thing I'd add is water . Water is king! Love the video! Great pointers couldn't agree more!
That's a great point! No water, no hunt, haha.
Some solid advice, great vid. Myself as an older gen backpack hunter know the old days vs now days as far as gear and have learned the hard way like most but used what I had 40 yrs ago.
My biggest concerns are food. As a hypoglycemic food is my most important item as burning energy stores without proper food intake can be dangerous. Solid advice on figuring out and logging what you can and cannot do as far as food goes, for some it could end up being a life or death situation in the back country especially solo.
Merry Christmas and Happy new year...🙏
Man, thanks so much for chiming in and really hitting that food bit home. Some serious stuff right there. Best of luck to you out there. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year as well. 👊🏼
Yes Sir, solid tips. Especially about calories and food needed. Food and gear nowadays is so awesome compared to my backpacking days. Everything is better. There’s all the dehydrated foods, water purification systems, lightweight lights and even satellite communications if needed. Possibly GPS use instead of geo-maps/ compass. It’s so easy to get lost in country many don’t realize. 👍👍👍
Easier than ever now! Thanks Tim!
Before getting into the woods/backcountry get some miles in close to home. Make sure your boots plus your pack is going to work out and make adjustments ahead of time. Pack doesn't need to be loaded up to 55lbs either. Sometimes 5 miles via an established trail system is easier than 1 mile of bushwacking.
100%
I shot my first coues a mile away from the truck. Backpacked straight up the mountain where no one else wanted to walk and camped in a saddle. Water was an issue and I learned to carry more, but it worked out
Hell yeah!!
One thing I might tell someone new is to plan a shorter trip the first time. Or make your first trip a 3-4 day scouting trip.
Great advice. I started out just doing 1 nighters. Thanks for chiming in!
A good backpack, boots, a merino wool etc layering system and lightweight food will cost you some serious dollars. Figure in a lightweight tent, sleeping bag and tags you better be independently wealthy or relying heavily on your wife’s feet finder account.
I am far from independently wealthy. When I started I remember upgrading one thing a year and making the rest of what I had just work. That meant carrying a 7lb tent, making my own meals/food, and being a little uncomfortable from time to time. If you want to go, you'll make it happen. You don't need the most high end stuff. I'm lucky to do what I do nowadays, but I was backpack hunting far before having all top shelf gear.
@ I’m there with you brother. Started out carrying low end gear. Heavy, cheap and unreliable. That was 26 years ago. Times have changed and the gear is better and more expensive. It can be done with cheap gear but there’s always a price to be paid whether physically or financially.
@@billdailey6315 this is true, but it’s all in how you look at it. It almost makes it more of an accomplishment to have been able to do it with DIY gear that isn’t always what you see on the influencer’s videos. Like @DialedinHunter said above if you can upgrade a piece of gear or two a year until you’ve got a good kit then by that time hopefully you’ll have the knowledge to put it all to use effectively!
Amazon makes some cheap camping gear that will get you by until you can upgrade. Can easily get out there for $400ish or less.