Chapstick
Extra chapstick for when you lose the first one

Good luck.

No way in hell I'd consider packing in that far without horses. That's 20-30 miles will full packs round trip and multiple days to pack out 1 elk. You're crazier than me.

You definitely can do it. If you're coming from flatland country like me, altitude just flat out sucks. Nothing to really prepare for other than get there early to acclimate and hydrate.

My diet needs some serious work but I'm fortunate to have a metabolism that masks its deficiency. It's also really hard to start burning several thousand additional calories every week and not eat more. I have not been able to do that part and have never weighed more than the day before I left for my elk hunts.

And none of this is meant to scare you or deter you from wanting to go out west. With all of the time and money you'll be investing out there, spend a little more to make it more enjoyable.

AgLA06 said:

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Good luck.

No way in hell I'd consider packing in that far without horses. That's 20-30 miles will full packs round trip and multiple days to pack out 1 elk. You're crazier than me.

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there is horse packing service available so I will prob put a deposit down to get them on standby. That is other reason we opted for 42 on this past trip

Fun part of my trip this year. Talked to my normal group about horse pack out on the way in to verify availability. "Sure, we got you covered."

Get a message during the hunt.
"You're on your own if you kill anything. We're busy with guided customers and weather".


As you could imagine, that didn't go over well.

Sounds like nothing has changed up there on the Tops....

AgLA06 said:

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Fun part of my trip this year. Talked to my normal group about horse pack out on the way in to verify availability. "Sure, we got you covered."

Get a message during the hunt.
"You're on your own if you kill anything. We're busy with guided customers and weather".


As you could imagine, that didn't go over well.

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wow. That sucks. Exemplary customer service - I guess they have a captive audience as they probably don't have any competition

I had high hopes that new ownership would mean a change for the better. It might be the opposite. Cost is definitely a lot more.

Sounds like you'll need a mule for your gear.

My .02: Err on the side of getting a really nice sleeping pad and a lighter weight sleeping bag. Get the higher rvalue pad and you can achieve a similar or better comfort level when you combine pad and bag.

Consider the thermarest neoair Xtherm. The nicer pad allows you to get a more affordable and/or lighter weight bag because it keeps you insulated better.