Ideal characteristics of a backcountry bow

[Huh]

Just curious what everyone's favorite features are in a bow that will be used primarily in the backcountry.  A hypothetical might be something like, traveling on foot, carrying camp on your back and hunting larger NA game like elk or moose.

Is your ideal bow short, long, fast, forgiving, takedown, one piece .... what do you want in a bow for the backcountry?

Thanks, Josh

[T-Bowhunter]

short with a takedown option.

[fisherick]

I like a takedown recurve bow, 58-62" long that is not delicate (in case of fall) that I am use to and shoot well and carry an extra string.
I use a Bob Lee 60" TD recurve bow and hang it on a bow hook attached to my pack's hip belt for a quick and easy draw. I usually fly to those backcountry destinations and require a takedown.

[rockkiller]

I use a one piece longbow, 60"&62".For packing in on foot I just carry it and as I get older I use it as a walking stick more then I should.  :rolleyes:  
   With horses ,I mostly just tie it on a pack horse and over the years they have made it in just find although there have been a few      
   A take down might be nice once in a while,but I don't like the weight of them and I probably wouldn't take the time to break it down,too lazy I guess     :rolleyes:

[damascusdave]

Take a look at the video on the Robertson Stykbow website of their new Wolfer bow...Dick Robertson explains how that bow is designed for exactly the use you are suggesting...just noticed that you are in Montana...if it was me I would give the Robertsons a phone call and go visit them...they, and their friends, are serious backcountry hunters

DDave

[Shawn Leonard]

Yes, the Wolfer is exactly what you are looking for but for the money you could buy two T/D bows and an extra set of limbs. I hear they are over $1500. I would say a 3 piece T/D, 62"s or less with an extra set of limbs and a couple shot in strings. I would get the extra set made exactly as the first, that way the same arrows, string etc. could be used. I would hate to take a tumble and break a limb and end my hunt altogether. Risers usually don't break as easily as a limb. Shawn

[awbowman]

I believe a 3 piece with an extra set of limbs and string is the way to go.  Expect the unexpected.  I can't see you breaking a riser but you could beak limbs or cut a string.  Oh and limb bolts so you don't need tools

[Daz]

If it is a true Bivy-style hunt (camp on back all day), you won't be carrying an extra set of limbs. Every ounce will count.

T/D's are nice when climbing through gnarly stuff where handholds are critical (sheep and goats), and for the trip to and from where you are hunting. Two or three piece is a personal choice.

A two piece sleeve or bow-bolt is the ultimate in simple, while a three piece packs down smaller, and you can find spots in a pack for it easier.

For elk and moose once you are where they are, the bow is assembled and ready to go, so a one piece really is fine. There is no crazy climbing involved for those animals.

Above all, it must be a rugged, forgiving bow that you shoot well and have every bit of confidence in. That means overall length, draw weight etc. is a PERSONAL choice.

[Huh]

Yeah the wolfer looks ideal, but the price and besides I tend to use the hunting tools that I own. The Robertson bows are so pretty I would be scared to use the thing.

[Sixby]

this Storm Eagle ought to work, Solid Phenolic riser, 56 inch, carbon foam core limbs, static recurve. Way under the price of some bows mentioned and really a tough bow. Get two sets of identicle limbs like everyone has said. The riser should be pretty much bombproof. It can also be considerably lighter in profile and shaping than the one pictured. Speed is 202 fps at 28 in draw with 9gpp arrow. Three shot average. 55 lb, 495  gr arrow. on a hooter shooter.

[JimB]

I used to back pack hunt a lot in my 20's and 30's and and Bear's magnesium riser take down seemed like just the ticket.The truth is,I can't remember packing it as I always wanted it strung and ready on the hike in and out.For those type trips,almost any bow would work but the take-down still has advantages,like when climbing in really rough stuff,as mentioned or when packing game out after the hunting is over.It would also be a great think for traveling on horseback.

I've also never needed a 2nd set of limbs in 40 plus years but having a spare set in the truck wouldn't be a bad idea.I still have that old Bear TD and think it is one to consider for a back country recurve.It takes down without tools,lengths range from 56"-64".There are 3 styles of grips,they are good shooters and durable.You don't have to baby that riser.

The suggestion about extra,shot in strings is a good one.I haven't had a string break in the back country but it could easily happen and that is cheap insurance.

The old Bear got a recent face lift and new 5 arrow quiver.
 

[Pat B.]

Seems like a Hill style longbow would be just the ticket !

Light in the hand, very durable and certainly capable.

[Shawn Leonard]

Agree with JimB, but if I was gonna be a day from the truck an extra set would be a great reassurance to me. Put in plastic sleeves and strapped to my pack the 1.5#'s or so in weight would not kill me. Shawn

[ron w]

For me a 2 pc. longbow that I was very familiar with and could shoot with confidence!!

[Wannabe1]

Sixby: Does that bow have longer limb options to accommodate longer draw lengths? I cannot find that bow listed on your website.

[ChuckC]

Never break, never miss, light weight, a stout bottom tip for use as a walking stick, a built in compass and bottle opener.  

For back country I like one piece longbows.  Less can go wrong (I think) and they are as light as it gets.
ChuckC

[Shawn Leonard]

Wannabe I think with the static tips unless you draw like 30"s you would be fine. Maybe not but on 58" Tuktu EX with static tips Abe said I would be fine out to 30" and I only draw 28.5"s. Shawn

[amar911]

For me it would be one of my 2-piece Shrew Classic Hunters with the BowBolt system that requires no tools for assembly/disassembly. I prefer a 56" length for my 29.5" draw length, but I have several 54" Shrews that are fine for me. Light, strong, easy to assemble/disassemble, easy to pack, and have all the construction and shooting qualities that Shrews are famous for. Gregg Coffey, who makes Shrew bows, also produces the Javaman bows that can do the same thing. There are many other bow options that would work well, but I know my choice, and I have hunted all over the world with my Shrews, as have other trad hunters.

Allan

[juneaulongbow]

One piece, heavy, bright shiny limbs and accessories that can be seen from miles away in case you need help, inconsistent shooter, ugly, uncomfortable to hold and last but not least - loud.

But really the opposite of everything above.  

[chinook907]

Everything that Daz said.  I carry a 58" osage widow TD and it is tough as a boot.  Sometimes toss it ahead to have both hands to get thru alders, rock hand holds, etc, and the finish is also tough enough that there really aren't many scratches.  I don't often take it apart to pack it in or out but when I do it takes up very little space and frees up both hands.  I like the extra weight of the riser but I've often thought about a take down shrew or Big Jim bow to save some weight in the hands.  Nice looking bow sixby.