What not to buy/bring?

[jfelkins]

What have you purchased or packed that you didn't use? I've got a closet full.

[YORNOC]

Super heavy coats. I bought several in the past and they just sit....too heavy/bulky. Including a KOM ten ring that was something like 500 bucks..yikes.

[Trad-Man]

I've been thinning the "gear & equipment " herd the past few years.  If you buy good gear it's really amazing how little you really need.

[Exit Felix]

I second the heavy coats.  I've never used the "extra" anything I've packed.  I don't wear any of the scentloc clothes I bought.  Face masks - I use face paint now.  I don't wear anything cotton anymore.

[jfelkins]

Trad-man I agree quality is key but what items are you thinning?

[FarmerMarley]

I agree with Exit Felix about the cotton. I am trying to phase out all my cotton base layers and replace them with merino wool, or synthetic layers that still insulate if wet.

Base layers are your first defense against the weather. Don't scimp on them, Definitely worth the investment...

[JamesV]

My extra heavy cold weather coat and bibs never get used, when it is that cold I stay by the fire.

[YORNOC]

Oh yeah, I bought a bunch of fantastic merino wool base layers, but they all had metal zippers up the neck. They dont get used. #1- I can feel the cold of the zipper when its frigid out against my skin, #2- I cant stand ANY type of zippered neck anymore. I dont find that a zip neck really vents me very well anyway, so I'm sticking with crews or mock t necks.

Metal zippers on extreme cold merino underwear...really?

[jfelkins]

Maybe the super heavy stuff is good for muskox hunting......

[McDave]

Those over-slippers you pull on over your boots for quieter stalking; who has time to pull them on when you start a stalk?  Same with moccasins: who has time to take off boots and put them on?  Out here in the west, we really do need rugged boots for the approach over sharp rocks, ect, and I haven't solved the problem of how to make quieter stalks, other than just move slow and be careful.

well'....here latley i been leaving my drag rope behind...since i don't figure im gonna need it anyways....  

[jfelkins]

Great point McDave,  I learned to bow hunt in the sierras and never did get those things on. That said I'd take my boots off sometimes. I've got good memories from hunting up near susanville.

[michaelschwister]

GPS

[jfelkins]

Ah arrow30. You gotta think positive!

[eflanders]

I stopped carrying my knife my Dad gave me.  It's hard not to, but that thing is awfully heavy.  I used to always bring my day pack, but lately I have been going without.  It has binoculars, first aid & survival stuff, some snacks extra gloves, hat, calls, etc.  I feel naked without it at times, but also a lot lighter and more traditional.

[Stinger]

I hardly know where to start.  I've got an insulated set of ASAT that I've worn only once.  I've got a spare pair of boots I bought 3 years ago I've never worn.  There are the lousy ScentLoc Baselayers that I wore once.  They are the most uncomfortable, ill fitting garment ever.  Then there are several rattle bags, a scent dripper, a new set of fleece pants, a Cabelas wool sweater, at least 4 pairs of heavy gloves, and on and on.....

[tuscarawasbowman]

Any type of air or foam seat for sitting on the ground.

[danderson]

an armguard, i don't even practice with one now

more than 3 arrows (kind of a superstision with that number)

warm clothes in general. Did a lot of stalking and i found my old army pants and a cotton camo shirt were more than warm for the movement i made

[RkyMtn Joe]

I used to carry a folding saw, clippers, a range finder, flashlight (large 2 celled D batteries) rattling horns, extra jacket, particularly arain jacket and hood, extra knife, and some survival stuff like matches, compass etc.

It dawned on me (finally) thatsince i walk from my front door about a half mile over to my hunting area and I am hunting in stands where I've already clipped etc., I don't need that stuff with me anymore.

I carry a small "mini-mag" flashlight, a small grunt tube, and one good knife.  I do also carry an extra string and sometimes in really cold weather, a balaclava (sp)?  Oh, and I wouldn't think of going without my small binoculars---my  71 year old eyes appreciate the help.  All that other stuff gets left behind and if I really need anything, I can usually just walk home and pick it up.

Joe

[Bladepeek]

Originally posted by danderson:
an armguard, i don't even practice with one now

more than 3 arrows (kind of a superstision with that number)

warm clothes in general. Did a lot of stalking and i found my old army pants and a cotton camo shirt were more than warm for the movement i made

I've started carrying the arm guard again. I never wear it in practice, but took a shot at a squirrel (since nothing bigger was available) and I'll be darned if the string didn't hit my jacket sleeve. I'd have cried really big tears like a little kid if that had been the buck of my lifetime.