Every journey starts at the beginning, and this one is no different. I was hiking into my first-ever backcountry camp, wishing my pack to be lighter than it was. On top of the gear weight, my self-doubt made each of those steps feel even heavier.
Now, more than a decade later, I have learned from the countless mistakes I made, as well as the mistakes I witnessed other new backpack hunters make. Although each one of us is on our own journey, there are undoubtedly some common mistakes that most new backpack hunters make. Perhaps, though, you can avoid these common pitfalls if you learn about them now…
NOT THINKING THROUGH FOOD
Food is fuel and it seems like most new backpack hunters either don't bring enough or they bring way too much. To be fair, both ends of the spectrum have benefits. On one end, with not enough food, the weight in your pack is less. On the other end, you've got calories for days. The trick is finding a spot in the middle to weed out the cons of both. You need to not only figure out how many calories your body needs a day to feel and function well, but you also need to organize that all out ahead of time and pack accordingly. Both take time, but it is time well spent.
Figuring out how many calories you need in a day is not something you can uncover by asking your friend what works for them. Not only are we all different, each day is different. Some days you're going to crush more calories than others. So, some testing is in order. I did this in the past by keeping a journal of what I'd eat on a day of scouting. On purpose, I'd bring too much food with me so I knew I wouldn't go hungry. Through doing this time and time again, I learned what my body needed, which landed in the realm of 3500 calories a day. That number covers me on days I need more calories and of course, on days I don't need much.
BACKCOUNTRY NUTRITION CALCULATOR
TOO MANY CLOTHING ITEMS
Many moons ago I can remember bringing a suitcase with me full of clothing on hunting trips. Once I started backpack hunting bringing that suitcase was simply not an option. This set in motion a bit of paranoia and it caused me to overpack clothing, which is something I've noticed other new backpack hunters doing as well. The paranoia is getting cold without having access to your closet. I get it. What's an extra layer or two here and there right?
The truth is, those extra layers add up. They not only add weight to your backpack, but they also take up valuable space. Both of which have their consequences. On the space front, you're not able to bring as much food, so you're more limited on days that can be spent out there. On the weight, the more weight in your pack, the more stress you're putting on your body. We want to avoid dead weight. Well, besides the good kind of course.
How do you know what amount of clothing is best? First, you need to build a layering kit. Without writing an entire separate article within this one, go research layering kits, if you're not familiar. This is something that you can build on and take away from. But, it will act as a foundation for you. Once you've got some structure there, it's time to test. Take note of the temperatures outside and what pieces from your kit you're wearing, or not wearing for that matter. I do this around town, on vacation with my family, scouting, etc. Doing so provides me with confidence and sheds light on what my gear can handle while keeping me comfortable.
NOT TESTING GEAR
Notice a common thread here? Much of what we've talked about so far all comes down to some personal planning and testing. Testing your gear is something that should be done as well. Just because something is brand new, doesn't mean it's guaranteed to work. And it certainly doesn't mean you know how to work it, even though you may have watched a Youtube video.
I can think of a few prime examples of gear that often don't get tested well before a hunt. One is a tent. The first time you set up your tent should not be in the backcountry on your hunt. Whether it's your backyard or the neighborhood park, take the time to learn how to set up your tent, so you're more efficient in the field.
Another example is boots. Just like the tent, the first time you hike with your boots off-trail should not be on your hunt. This can be dang near disastrous and leave you hobbling rather than hiking. Many hunting boots need to be broken in, and you need to see if that particular boot works well for your foot when the terrain gets tough. It very well may not, which is a problem best handled ahead of your hunt, as opposed to during your hunt.
BITING OFF TOO MUCH TO CHEW
I understand wanting to jump full-on into the deep end of backpack hunting, but newer backpack hunters can bite off too much. There are a couple of factors to consider during the planning phase of your backpack hunt — one is how far you're planning to hike in, and the other is the duration you plan on staying back there. Let's start with how far you plan on hiking.
Everyone wants to "go in deep" these days, but it's not always a great idea. The first thing to consider here is your physical fitness. Be honest with yourself. There is no shame in capping your hike at 3-5 miles rather than 10-12. And remember, if you are successful on the hunt, those miles are going to be multiplied with the potential of numerous round-trips to pack meat. Ten miles can quickly turn into 50 miles. And if it's hot, then possible meat spoilage comes into play as well.
Always multiply your hike-in distance by the number of round trips required to pack out the animal you are hunting. Are you truly ready to be hunting that deep?
For new backpack hunters, the duration of stay is a big deal. Each day spent back there can chip away at your mental game and if you have too many days planned, you'll drown in them. Ten continuous days in the backcountry can break the manliest of men. I've seen it and they never make it to day 10. Whether it's being homesick, frustrated about the hunt, or in a state of aimlessness, the long duration of separation will drive them back to the truck. Instead of going in for 10 days, consider 3-day backcountry stints with resupply days in between for your 10 days of hunting. You'll have the option to move spots, grab a burger, etc. Over time, you'll naturally build yourself up to 10 days straight. Learn to walk before you run.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
That first backpack hunt, well before I could grow a proper beard, was an experience that will be branded in my mind forever. It gave me an immense amount of confidence and set in motion an addiction that hasn't faded a bit to this day. It also changed the way I hunt entirely.
Backpack hunting has taken me all over the West, laying adventure upon adventure at my willing feet. Suffice it to say, I'm so stoked for you as a new backpack hunter. You've got so much ahead to look forward to and with what I've laid out above, you'll be much better off than I was when I started. If you fail to plan then you plan to fail. That is really what this all comes down to.
For good backpack hunting, all of the time invested in planning, preparation, and the pursuit of experience is worth it.
Josh Kirchner is the author of the book, Becoming a Backpack Hunter, as well as the voice behind Dialed in Hunter, a blog that not only documents his own journey, but provides gear reviews, tips/tactics for western hunting, and encourages other hunters to chase and achieve their goals. Josh is a passionate bowhunter that has been hunting with his family since he was a small boy. When he is not chasing elk, deer, bear, and javelina through the diverse Arizona terrain, he is spending time with his wife, daughter, and two herding dogs.