Backcountry wisdom.......

[Beau J]

I always take a couple of the heavy duty contractor trash bags with me. They're just handy to have around.

[4dogs]

Originally posted by ozy clint:
carry with you a well prepared mind.

The most important and most overlooked tool you have.

[perry f.]

Originally posted by ozy clint:
carry with you a well prepared mind.

I second this. I've never been one to be in the best of shape physically, but I tend to make up for it mentally. I've been on hunts with guys that worked all year, living, breathing, and thinking of nothing but getting into shape for their hunt. And then watched them crumble under mental stress and be headed for home 2 days in of a 7 day hunt. Know your limitations, and prepare yourself the best you can both physically and MENTALLY.

[Joe2Crow]

A pocket notebook if you want to keep a daily diary of the action. Fun to look back on years later. Also, consider getting a prescription of diamox for help with the altitude. My first colorado hunt we were camped at 10,000 ft and i got headaches and nose bleeds almost daily.  The diamox made a big difference on my next trip. An ophthalmologist can prescribe it.  Have fun and post lots of pics.

[mlsthmpsn]

Probably old hat to most here, but I always carry a couple forms of fire starting (bic, magnesium starter, and matches) and some fuel(vaseline soaked cotton balls in an old film canister)....I've yet to need to make an emergency fire, but if I ever do I like knowing I will be able to.

For "undercarriage" issues, I used to use aquaphor (and it works) but now I use my homemade beeswax/coconut oil lotion bar. It's a harder consistency at room temp, but melts at body temp. I mix in a little vitamin e oil to help the skin.

And, finally I'll reiterate the importance of a sound, cool, collected mind. If you get into a hairy situation....it will be your mind that gets you out. Learn how to navigate and orient really well with a map and compass. Learn about declination, triangulating your position and measuring distance from maps. Knowing where you are on the map makes it a whole lot easier to figure out how to get to where you want/need to be.

[ChuckC]

Riser.... if I did that I am certain I would forget, then walk up to some group of lady birdwatchers and get arrested.  Nope, I better carry some Aquaphor or similar.  A bag of corn starch used to go quickly while I was on the construction crew during hot summers.
ChuckC

[goobersan]

Having been hypothermic before I always carry a road flare. It's a little heavy but worth it in my mind. Best of luck this season

[Caughtandhobble]

-Advil

-Solar Blanket

-Three different ways to make a fire

-MRE

[riser]

Originally posted by ChuckC:
Riser.... if I did that I am certain I would forget, then walk up to some group of lady birdwatchers and get arrested.    
ChuckC

I only suggested hiking with pant cuffs rolled up off the boots, and opening the fly on your trousers for ventilation, and heat escape.  I wasn't suggesting taking anyone out for a ride on the observation deck.  :-)

[NY Yankee]

I like having a few bandanas with me , many great ways to use one.

As a bandana , wrap a cut or injury , pre-filter water , mark blood trail , wipe the sweat from you face when packing elk out , as a blindfold for the daytime naps , as a container if you find some berries or something , general cleanup ,....

lots of uses.....

Always have a couple 36x36 pure cotton cloth in your pack. They come in handy for thousand different uses.

[NY Yankee]

I added the last sentence there.

[ronp]

I enjoy threads like these, thanks everyone for the tips!  I don'the know if I'll ever make it out west, but been thinking about a hunt in our Adirondack mts. that would be a little more adventurous than I'very done in the past. Maybe 2 or 3 nights away from the truck.  You also are giving me some courage!!

[Mitch Edwards]

A back up knife. I never go into the woods with just one knife. I've lost them had them break you name it. You can dress an animal with a broadhead but is just handier to have an extra knife

[SAM E. STEPHENS]

I just got in the mail today a nice light 5x7 sil-tarp. This I will carry everyday while hunting , I have spent to many days sitting in the rain. When I find myself in the rain now I will have a roof to sit under ( nice OD green Color )......

,,,,Sam,,,,

[SAM E. STEPHENS]

Going through gear today again , another item I always use is sock liners and will always be in my pack. And also will be sno-sealing my boots several times before I leave......

,,,Sam,,,,

[jleidy]

Steri-strips and Quikclot in your first aid kit that you carry in your pack. Could really save your bacon in the backcountry...

[Keith Zimmerman]

Lots of great ideas.  But I will mention wipes, chap stik, and crocs again.  And trail mix for playing with birds:^)

[TIM B]

Wipes x2...I've been known to shower w them.

Cotton balls that have vasoline worked into them.  They will burn for several minutes and make fire starting very simple.
Tim B

[longbow fanatic 1]

Super Glue (first aid for cut remedies), mole skin and duct tape for hot spots.

[SAM E. STEPHENS]

I had read to eat Tums or Rolaids before and during a high country hunt. Y'all have any info on this?????

,,,,Sam,,,,