Making your gear as light as possible for backpack hunting is a tried and true practice among many backcountry hunters. After all, the goal is to go light and out heavy, so why not go as light as possible to save weight? You want to bring everything you need and nothing you don’t want. I know all about it… at least to an extent.
There is a price for being ultralight, and that price is comfort. On a tough hunt, a little rest can go a long way in the name of mental and physical well-being. So, below, I want to explore some luxury items for backpack hunting that are worth the extra weight.
in short: The items in this article may weigh a little more, but the benefits in efficiency and comfort are worth it.
small pump
If you’ve never had the pleasure of manually blowing a sleeping pad above the treeline, let me tell you, you’re missing out. On an adventure? Yes, but the swelling part can hit the rocks. You’ll save your breath and the longevity of your pads.
To deal with that, I’m using Flextail mini pump When backpack hunting. It blows up my pads in minutes and keeps me from spinning off the mountainside while doing so. In all honesty, I believe this particular model is discontinued, but there are new versions available.
Using a tiny pump will help keep moisture out of the inside of the pad that would come from your breath. This causes mold to form and will reduce the insulation value of your sleeping pad.
And then it can also be a game-changer on the fire pit or wood-burning stove. Instead of manually blowing air onto hot coals to get the flame going again, use the tiny pump and you’ll be ready to rock in seconds. It’s well worth the weight of the surround, which is only a few ounces.
helinox chair zero
Now, I was anti-chairman for many years with my backpack hunting endeavors. Once a year, I’d bring out a small stool in the spring to keep the ground free of ticks, but that’s about it. I mean, who brings a chair-backpack hunting, right? This is extra weight, extra space and is nothing less than a luxury item. Well, I can confidently admit without any shame that after using this I am a changed man helinox chair zero.
The Helinox Chair Zero is incredibly easy to set up and extremely lightweight to boot, coming in at around 1 pound. One of my concerns was how much space it would take up in my pack. I simply separated the poles from the fabric. The poles went on the side of my pack, and the fabric went inside the pack.
And rest? Let me tell you, the first time I sat in this chair, my work was done. that was it. It felt as if he was sitting on a cloud. The backrest is a game-changer there, and you can really relax in this chair. It’s a little pricey, but from where I’m sitting it’s worth it.
Argali Elite Dream Pillow
Another area where my rudeness is in question comes in the form of pillows. I used to sleep rough and sleep on my puffy jacket or my backpack. I also slept like garbage. Nowadays, I’m a firm believer in bringing a good pillow along for the ride on backpack hunting trips. My recent main squeeze is Elite Dream Pillow from Argali.
Not all ultralight pillows are created equal, and the Elite Dream Pillow is a reminder of that. This pillow is basically a fancy stuff sack. The side where you place your head has a velvety soft exterior which is extremely comfortable.
As far as the interior part is concerned, well, you can add it yourself as per your choice. Stuff your puffy jacket inside to add the fluffiness of your pillow (see, I’m still tough) and other layers. I love being able to control it, as it allows for a good night’s sleep, which is paramount in the backcountry.
Another unique feature is that you will find buttons at the bottom. These can be attached directly to an Argali alpine sleeping bag if you have one. So, don’t play “where’s my pillow” all night long.
favorite food
I’m a big “food is fuel” kind of guy, especially for backpack hunting. You need to feel good there and food is a major part of that. A car does not run without gas. That said, if you’re not a big fan of the food you brought with you, your chances of eating it go down significantly. For this reason, it’s essential to pack a few favorites.
I want to mention this because I believe many people get confused into thinking they only have to pack “backpacking food.” All freeze-dried or dehydrated meals, trail mixes, etc. You know, the stuff you have to bring on a backpack hunt. I say, absurd.
Those foods are nice and all, but don’t shy away from packing foods that aren’t technically backpacking foods. For example, I like to bring tuna packets and crackers, which are sold in every grocery store out there. I love gummy bears, tortillas, and even candy bars.
These are foods I know I will eat, and I will look forward to doing so. Of course, make sure things don’t spoil, but other than that, pack what you want and you know you’ll enjoy eating.
Ultimate Light LED Light Rope
I’ve always considered anything other than a headlamp a luxury in the lighting department. However, that doesn’t change the fact that having an extra light comes in handy and is nice to have around when looking for a backpack. LED Light Rope from Last Light Cuts down on both light and weight.
This is a 3.5-ounce ultralight LED light rope that I connect directly to my Dark Energy Poseidon Pro power bank. The amount of light produced by it is equal to 350 lumens. And the amount of usage is increasing. Wrap it around the center pole of your tent or hang it from the ceiling of your shelter.
Except when backpacking, my family and I use it in our camper. Inside the LED light rope are magnets that run the length of the rope. We attach the rope to the roof of our camper via a metal support rod. Another use would be to hang it in tree branches or bushes near a fallen animal in the dark. Creates a well-lit workplace. Luxury, yes, but incredibly useful.
luxury is not a bad thing
I’m all for backpack hunting being as efficient and light as possible. However, there is something to be said about owning a few luxuries. These are things that can help you stay out longer. They can aid in maintaining motivation as well as recovery – or, they simply allow someone to work out more quickly in certain scenarios.
These items are valuable to the backcountry hunter. Yes, they add weight, but the other thing they add is longevity of prey. And the longer you can stay motivated in the mountains, the better your chances of filling your tag.
