Must-Have Gear For Your Next Elk Hunt
Elk Hunting is very demanding on not only you but your gear as well. It’s important to ensure that you have gear that can meet your needs as well as being reliable and durable. Let’s take a look at the top must-have items for elk hunting.
Top 6 Gear For Elk Hunting
Backpack:
The M5 was designed to be one of the best hunting packs of all time and is loaded with some game-changing features like a built-in bow carrier, fold-away rifle scabbard, tubular aluminum frame, waist belt rangefinder pockets, and a total carry capacity of 3100 cubic inches or 50.8 liters.
Tent:
Gazelle T4 4 Person Tent
The Gazelle 4 person tent has ample space for you and your hunting buddies to stay comfortable in the elements on multi-day hunting trips. It’s incredibly easy to set up and take down and it’s light, making it great for early fall excursions.
Quality Boots:
Lacrosse has a reputation for making great boots, and the Altas is no exception. It’s incredibly comfortable and offers excellent support, both of which are paramount in the rugged terrain of elk country.
The Atlas also features Lacrosse’s LXG rubber compound, with greatly aids in traction and grip, even in wet conditions, with great lugs for added support. And last but not least, it features the Dry-core waterproof lining to keep your feet dry in the wettest of conditions.
Binoculars:
Vortex Optics Viper HD 10x42 Roof Prism Binoculars
Vortex has paved the way in producing high-quality optics and has become a trusted name for hunters everywhere.
The Viper HD has great viewing quality, providing crisp and sharp images even in dim light situations, allowing you to determine if that’s an elk antler you see in the distant treeline or just a dead tree limb.
The Viper also has a lifetime warranty, so even though they are incredibly durable, if damage does occur Vortex has your back.
GPS:
Garmin GPSMAP 64sx
Handheld GPS devices are important to have on any elk hunting trek, even in areas that you have good knowledge of, as even seasoned hunters can lose their way.
The GPSMAP 64sx has easy push-button controls along with an IPX7 water-resistant rating for when the weather goes bad.
It has preloaded topographic maps and a high sensitivity receiver with a quad-helix antenna, so you can be assured to get a good signal when hunting the backcountry.
Hearing Protection/Enhancement:
Tactical Lobo
Hunting in the modern era features tools that hunters 50 years ago could never dream of, and one of those tools is hearing protection/enhancement devices.
The Tactical Lobo not only protects your hearing but also enhances it, giving you the best of both worlds. On the enhancement side, it allows you to hear better, allowing you to hear that twig break from much farther away than normal human ears would allow.
On the protection side, when you make that shot on a trophy elk with your rifle, it silences the harmful decibel level of the gunshot, protecting your hearing in the process, truly the best of both worlds.
Food and Water:
Packpacker's Pantry makes delicious meals for hunting and hiking
It's extremely important to pack plenty of food and water if your hunting trip will be for multiple days. Fueling your body for longs days of hiking in mountains is essential to making your hunting trip more enjoyable and successful.
Oatmeal Packets
Oatmeal is the perfect, simple breakfast food for hunting trips. All you need is some water and a stove to boil that water.
Instant Coffee
For us, coffee is the most essential part to starting the day right, even outside of hunting. Warm yourself up in the mornings with a hot cup of coffee!
Fruits
Fruits like bananas and apples are perfect for long hunting trips, and they're small enough to pack in your bag for the day. When you need a quick burst of energy, a banana or apple is our go-to snack.
Crackers
Carbs are an important and essential source of energy. Crackers won't take up too much room in your backpack, so they are easy to bring with you for your long day or hiking and hunting.
Canned Soups/Chilis
If you have a pot/pan and a heat source, chilis and soups are a great campsite dinner. Pack some plastic bowls and spoons, and you have a great setup for a hearty dinner to end a long day!
Conclusion
These items will undoubtedly help you when hunting trophy elk, from day trips to extended hunts where you are living in the wilderness. Always be prepared for any situation you may encounter when hunting and you will find success comes easier.
