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Introduction:

I have written a lot about backpacking light. But, I haven’t written much about the actual act of backpacking. That is, until now. In this issue, I’m going to start writing a little more about the actual act of backpacking and the gear you need to make it enjoyable and safe. First up: Is Backpack Hunting Worth It?

As has been noted many times before, one of the major advantages of lightweight backpacking is that it enables you to “hunt” for the best locations to set up camp for the night. You no longer have to carry all your camping gear with you wherever you go. All you need to bring is what will allow you to survive in those locations for one night. What I mean by “hunting” is this: Let’s say you are in the middle of nowhere and there is nothing but sage brush and rock around you. You know you are in what is known as a “barren” area of the country. In other words, there is almost no plant or animal life whatsoever in this area. Now, let’s say you want to pitch a tent for the night.

Yet, you don’t want to spend the whole night fighting against the wind and the elements. Instead, you want to set up camp as quickly as possible so you can get an early start the next day. What you do is, you find the most logical place to set up camp (maybe it’s under a tree), stake your tent into the ground, build a small fire to keep away any prowling animals, melt some snow or ice if necessary to make water, make yourself a cup of tea or coffee, and then go about your evening routine of preparing your food, cooking your meals, cleaning up, making your bed, taking a shower, etc. The point is this: If you know the best locations to set up camp in advance, you no longer have to carry all that camping gear with you wherever you go.

And then, when you find a “secluded” area with no one else around, you can set up camp in relative comfort and safety without having to fight the elements. So what? Well, let’s say you are going on an extended backpacking trip and you decide to backpack “hunt” for the best campsites every night. What will happen is you will get an early start every day, go for long hours without stopping (except to make camp), eat only the food you brought with you, sleep under the stars, wake up to a new day, eat some more, hike for hours, backpack hunt some more, eat some more, drink lots of water, continue hiking, etc. In other words, you will be putting in many, many hours of continuous physical activity which will enable you to see how far you can travel without using up all your energy. What will this type of extended activity do to your body?

On the whole, it will strengthen your muscles, improve your cardiovascular fitness, and generally prepare you for any upcoming expedition or adventure. Also, this extended activity will give you time to think too. A lot of times when we are confronted with a new situation or challenge, we tend to become mentally “frozen.” You know what I mean: We often get stuck on “autopilot.” But, if you are experiencing some sort of mental “freeze,” what you need to do is break out of that mental freeze by consciously thinking about what you need to do. This will cause your body to begin moving again and shake off the immobilizing effects of that mental freeze. And, one last thing: What you want to avoid at all cost is getting sick. The best way to avoid getting sick is by taking good care of yourself. Indeed, this is one of the main reasons people go on extended backpacking trips.

Fewer Hunters

Backpack hunting is not as crowded as it used to be. In fact, most backpack hunters these days are finding fewer people, even in the most remote areas. Backpack hunters will usually be operating in or near road systems, so getting away from those roads is usually going to mean fewer hunters and more solitude.

Less Pressured Animals

There’s a lot less pressure to get a big buck during a backpack hunt because you are less likely to run into other hunters. That means you can take down some animals that might be impossible or uncomfortable to bring home otherwise. Plus, there is no added pressure of other people watching and judging you. You can actually relax and let your inner hunter shine through. It was apparent from the very beginning of our first hunt that my brother and I were here to learn and not to impress anyone with our big bucks.

Incredibly Rewarding

That coues hunt I described above was one of the best outdoor adventures I’ve ever been on. From the hike in to the stunning vista, the rutting Coues bucks only a stone throw away, I was hooked. While we got real close at filling a tag back there, we didn’t leave empty-handed. We left that camp with smiles on our faces and the yearning for more. Backpack hunting is a change of pace from city life. Going through the motions of the whole thing is rewarding enough to leave you glowing. Put an animal on the ground and you’ll be shining brighter than ever.

Conclusion:

There are easier ways to hunt than living in the backcountry, but what we get out of it, in the end, is what makes it worth it. And that “thing” is just much more worth it to some than others. If it isn’t your cup of tea, then it isn’t. Backcountry hunting is so much more than just going hunting. It’s an experience. It’s the ultimate adventure. That’s the “thing” I’m referring to.