$50 a pound - anyone know how to backpack "lightly" ?

[michaelschwister]

I recommend a horse and a mule. One to ride and one to pack. Faster, more comfortable, and as someone said, hauling out even one elk will make even the toughest group of dudes into a pile of jello. An outfitter can pack you in and out, and you will have more energy to stay after em'.  

Mike

[User Name]

I agree with the comments on distribution.

I exercise with a very small daypack that I reinforced to handle weight.  I put 60 lbs of lead shot in it.  I walk several miles a day and use it on my treadmill.

It really shows me the magic of center-of-gravity.  That 60 lbs is snug to my back, making it seem as easy as 45 lbs in my hunting pack.

So on my last trip I hooked a front pack on my shoulder straps and I put the dense stuff in it - stove, fuel, heaviest food, knife, gps, etc.  Doesn't save weight but just moving the C-o-G forward makes a huge difference.  Plus you have easy access to day stuff.

Also move the heavy stuff as close to your back as you can.  Even though the weight is still on your thighs and ankles, step after step you are using fewer balance muscles and it makes a big difference.

I can't go without binos and some reading material.

All that being said, I still am shopping for a lite pack.  My old one is 6.5 lbs.

Good thread!

[Russ Clagett]

take an emergency space blanket. I use mine as a sleeping mat. It keeps the moisture away from me while I sleep, then the silver side radiates my body heat back to me. Keeps you way warmer, you'd be amazed how much heat radiates off your bag while you're in it.

You can also signal with one if you need to, use it as a poncho, rain flap, or tarp for all kinds of uses.

[elk ninja]

All right, all right, all right.
I'll comment because I have spent more time in elk country than most, although most of the time was purely spent in the country for the sake of being in the country, elk are always a bonus.
Lightweight.  Good.  Double or triple usage= real good.  EVERY trip I take I pile my gear at the end and remove the stuff I didn't use.  BUT you can't skimp on some things.  Elk country is HUGE.  You can get into trouble quickly if you do skimp.
That said, here are MY rules and the gear I WON'T skimp on.  
Stay warm.  NO cotton.  Synthetics or wool.  Period.
Have multiple types of ways to start a fire.  I like ferro rods.  Lighters over matches.
Don't skimp on food.  On my elk hunts I can eat like a pig and still loose weight.  
DRINK lots of water.  Make sure it is ALL treated.  Nothing like getting beaver feever in the middle of your hunt.  Now THATS a treat.  I use "Potable Aqua" pills.  Light weight, and no real taste disadvantage to me.  I do also drink some "Nuun" electrolite drinks during the day as well.  Really cuts down on cramps and sore muscles.  I got mine at REI.  
Weight issues... if I don't use it or it can't supply me with warmth or shelter, it doesn't go.  I don't bring much in the way of clothes.  Water is the heaviest thing you will carry, it makes food heavy, and if you're lucky, it makes meat heavy.  As much as I like camel backs, I carry one nalgine bottle and one platypus flexy canteen. By carrying less it forces you to stop and drink.
Food... try to google some backpacking recipies.  There are tons.  Good ol' GORP is my snack during the day.  I don't really do lunch.  I also eat a lot of jolly ranchers.
Remember, less is more.
In my opinion, 45-50# is about right for a weekish- long backcountry elk hunt.  Less is possible, but you are going to comprimise something... durability, emergency situations, etc.  
Good luck, PM me if you want my gear list, it's fairly extensive.
Also, a good website is  www.nesmucking.com
Mike

[mobiltoy]

With a 15 degree bag and a thermarest pad in the bag I have slept well in sept at 11000 feet during storms in the hammock.  It all depends on your tarp pitch as to the air flow under you.  You just have to try it at home to get the feel for it.  There is nothing better than being able to sit up and swing off the ground to rest or cook your food.  I must be getting old to lay on the ground.  I have used both in the mountains and will stay with the hammock.  If need be you can always go to the ground under the tarp.

[elk ninja]

Well said about the tarp.  Just about the most comfortable way to sleep.  You HAVE to have insulation under you when in a tarp.  
Mike