Quote:
Originally Posted by OL_JR
You could kill a lot of your budget (or all and then some) on a good spotter and that will go the longest way on making you more efficient out there. You are looking for your first legal ram. Knowing if it's worth putting that long hike in or not for that band of rams you find with the binos is really important.
If you spend even a dime on the "high end" clothing before a good spotter you've done it wrong off the get go. There is nice to haves and need to haves. A good spotter is a need to have. You can get buy with less than top end gear for the overnight stuff. I run a cheap North face tent, pocket rocket stove, neo air sleeping pad and for years had a cheap synthetic north face sleeping bag that was bulky but made do. Went with a Taiga works down bag this year and will admit it's really nice for the packability but a nice to have.
In the end the most important thing to have is the drive to do it, a lot of it is mental.
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I basically agree with this. A good quality spotter and tripod for it (and your binos!!) are the best place to put your money. Use the leftover cash for a used sleeping bag, pad and tent.
There are lots of ways to cut weight with quilt and tarp systems (which I use myself) but it sounds like you’re sort of new to sleeping in the bush. Being a big guy is strike two on that front. Don’t drop a whole load on the sexiest hunting specific sleep and camp kit that may not work for you. Be comfortable at night.
I have built up a kit of all the best stuff over the years - but some is either “nice to have” or else very specific to my experience and needs.
As long as you have some basic layers suitable for mountain weather that aren’t bright blue, don’t spend on clothing.
Good luck - pm if I can help. If you’re in the Calgary area I’d be happy to meet up and do a bag dump for you.