gear & clothing
Good gear, clothing and proper footwear that address vast temperature changes is important. The time of year you hunt will obviously determine your clothing preparation. Proper layering will allow you to add and subtract clothing as needed. There are a wide variety of opinions as to what should be worn and taken on a hunting trip. It is good to be prepared for every situation, yet not overburdened with useless items. Keep your baggage under 50 pounds. One medium sized duffle bag with your clothing and miscellaneous gear, your sleeping bag and rifle are all you will need.
Binoculars and good optics are important in our hunting area. Your guide will have good optics, but your extra glassing effort may make the difference in your success.
Don’t take more clothes than you need when on horseback. Every pound you carry while hunting is weight that the horse has to carry and you will have to carry when climbing that mountain. We will provide you with saddle packs, but we try not to stuff them to the gills.
Our hunters typically carry rifles chambered in 270, 30-06, 7mm Magnum, or 300 Magnums. Bring the rifle you are most comfortable with that is adequate for the game to be hunted but most importantly one that you have spent time with at the range. Accuracy and shot placement is what counts. Also, one of the least expensive items on your hunt will be the bullet. We suggest hunting with premium ammunition that is matched well to your rifle.
Take along a small backpack or fanny pack. Carry a small flashlight, matches, compass, string, and raincoat or jacket. A couple of extra snacks and candy bars are always a good idea. Take a good camera and use it often. Hunter orange is NOT required in the State of Idaho.
Plan to do some walking and climbing. Mental conditioning is as important as physical conditioning. It is always a good idea to get in as good physical condition as your lifestyle and time will allow prior to your hunt. In addition to having the right gear, being prepared physically will help you maximize your opportunity.
Gear & Clothing Checklist
- Medium duffle bag
- Small backpack or fanny pack
- Sleeping bag
- Gortex or equivalent rain jacket and pant
- Mid-weight wool or fleece jacket (Windstopper is nice)
- Wool shirt
- Fleece shirt
- Midweight wool pants or equivalent
- Cotton or synthetic hunting pants
- Long john tops & bottoms
- Underwear
- 5 or 6 pair wool or synthetic socks
- Waterproof hiking boots, insulated if cold weather anticipated
- Extra boot liners or insoles
- Camp shoes
- Bandana
- Insulated or wool cap, earflaps
- Ball cap
- Leather gloves
- Wind-proof gloves
- Sunglasses
- Spare eyeglasses
- Toilet kit
- 40 rounds of ammunition
- Hunting knife
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Flashlight
- Headlamps
- Spare batteries
- Rifle Cleaning cloth
- Rifle scope covers
- 2 water bottles
- Compass
- Matches
- Parachute cord
- Plastic bags
- Silk lens cloth
- Ibuprofen/aspirin
- Electric tape
- Flagging
- Hard candy
- Sitting pad
- Journal book
- Pens/pencils