We drove to 8000 and set up camp and day hiked looking for the elk. Aas I mentioned the government buzzed the herds a day or two before our opener to break them up for hunting season. Not sure why they did it before bow season but they did. As a result we had a hard time finding the elk. We had a base camp so it was a little easier than backpacking in and camping. Keep an eye out on craigslist for equipment, tent, pack etc. You will want a tent that the fly goes almost to the ground. They do a better job in keeping the rain and wind out. I have a hand full of tents that we have used over the years and Mountain Hardware was the most durable. I have a Kelty exterior framed back pack that we used when we were in back packing mode. I liked the exterior framed packs because you can hang things like socks, bandana's and skivies on the outside to dry as you are hiking. As mentioned, the farther you hike in the farther and many trips to carry your game out.
While in camp one day a hunter drove in and introduced himself and asked to camp with us. We were glad to say yes. His last name was Miller and at the time he held the record for largest ram taken with a bow and arrow. I have his photo on the back of an archery magazine. if I remember right he was using a Darton compound at the time. (not at home to confirm this). He was also having a hard time finding the elk.
A list of things that I can think of that will help:
2 1/2 gallon zip lock bags ( use these to keep your clothing dry, do your laundry and fill with warm water to shower) Lay your t-shirt, skivies and socks out. roll them up and then stick the roll in the 2 1/5 gallon zip lock bag and roll that up. Use a rubber band on each end. You just water proofed your dry clothing
Very small container of wool lite. To wash your clothes in the zip locks, Uses cold water. Fill bags with water, few drops of wool lite and swish around and let clothing sit for a time. rinse and hang. Wife and I used this technique on our cross country bicycle trip. worked great.
small camp stove with small bottle propane (back packer size) no worries about liquid spilling or leaking and smelling up your hunting clothes.
10' by 10' piece of Tyvek building material. Light, folds small and helps keep you dry as a tarp because it is going to rain and snow.
These are some of the odd things that we use on back packing, hunting a cycling trips that are light and was glad that we had them. If I can think of other things I will add them.
