Articles
5 Great Pants For Your Backpack Hunt
Pants on a backpack hunt are important for a lot of reasons. They’re often the first line of defense against the underbrush and weather. Depending on where you’re hunting, what season you’re in, and how your body performs, having the right pants on a backpack hunt could actually impact your overall comfort in the backcountry. In this article, we’ll line out what to look for in a pant and offer up a few suggestions on which to consider based on proven field use.
Water Filters for Backpack Hunters
If you’re going backpack hunting, you’re going to filter water at some point during your hunt. Considering that water weighs in at around 2 lbs per liter and you not only need water to drink, but water to cook with, it can add up very quickly so while you could carry all the water you need for your trip in one shot, it’s not recommended. Extra water also takes up valuable space in a pack so the more water you can filter in the backcountry, the less you have to carry with you on your back, and the more miles you can put in finding that animal of a lifetime. There are a number of different water filters on the market and a few non-filtering methods that create clean drinking water which we’ll cover in this article.
How To Choose The Right Pack Size For Your Backpack Hunt
Choosing the right pack size for your backpack hunt is has a direct impact on your overall comfort, capability, and functionality in the backcountry. Choose a pack that’s too small and you’ll be struggling to find space for what you need for your hunt and forced to strap delicate items to the outside where they’ll risk damage. Choose too large of a pack and you’ll end up overpacking, taking more than you need, and ultimately weighing yourself down without gaining much for it.
Synthetic vs. Down Insulation and How To Choose
Both down and synthetic insulations have come a long way in the last few years. They’ve improved in quality, overall weight, performance, and even affordability. Choosing which is right for you and your situation depends on a number of variables such as weather conditions, expected temperatures, hunting style, and even personal preference. Choose the right insulation type and you’ll find yourself willing to tough out those early mornings behind the glass. Choosing the wrong insulation, however, may result in an inability to effectively stay warm throughout your hunt. Staying warm on your hunt isn’t just a creature's comfort, it could be the difference between staying in the field to punch a tag or going home early.
The Perfect Trees with Hammock Gear | By Land Podcast # 143
Hammock Gear joins the By Land Podcast to talk about the origin story of the company and to offer some tips and advice to those thinking about making the jump to hammocking.
Tip To Tip With the Hiking Viking | By Land Podcast #142
The REAL Hiking Viking, aka Jabba, stops by the podcast to talk about his upcoming hike up the Continental Divide Trail, life before backpacking, and the importance of doing what makes you happy.
Backpacking and Dogs with Bailey Bremner | By Land Podcast #141
Bailey Bremner is a long distance hiker who has extensive experience backpacking with dogs. On this episode, we dive into common mistakes, how to manage your dog on the trail, how to approach training, and more.
Maven C.2 10X28 Binocular and CS.1A 15-45X65 Spotting Scope Review
I took to the backcountry this past fall with the Maven C.2 10X28 Binocular and CS.1A 15-45X65 Spotting Scope to see if the combination of the two would work for my style of hunting. In this review, I’ll offer my thoughts on these two Maven optics, why I chose these specifically, and how they performed.
Staying Connected with Dylan Tonkin of TownShirt | By Land Podcast #140
Dylan Tonkin created TownShirt as a way to stay connected to the thru-hiking community, give back to the trail system, and offer hikers a fun way to remember their favorite long-distance hiking trails.
EP 139 The Human Nature of Hunting with Bruce McGlenn
Bruce McGlenn is the founder of Human Nature Hunting, a hunting school designed to teach the methods and skills required of a hunter while emphasizing community and a connection to the natural world.
EP 138 The Fine Line Between Adventure and Danger with Moose Mutlow
Moose Mutlow is a member of the Yosemite Search and Rescue, the Senior Projects Director for planning, design, and construction of the National Environmental Science Center at Naturebridge in Yosemite National Park, and has spent a lifetime learning and teaching outdoor skills. He joins the podcast to discuss the importance of not shaming people who make mistakes in the outdoors, why storytelling is so important, and to encourage people to find that adventure they’re looking for.
EP 137 Wild Places, Sheep, and Making the Most of It with Adam Foss
Adam Foss is a professional photographer specializing in backcountry mountain hunting and has worked with the biggest names in the industry. Adam joins the podcast to discuss his upbringing, passion for hunting, his profession, and what it all means.
Backpacking With Dogs: Most Frequently Asked Questions
Bailey Bremner has hiked thousands of miles with her dogs and knows a thing or two about how to make sure both you and your dog have a safe and enjoyable trip. In this article, Bailey answers the most frequently asked questions about how to backpack with a dog.
Why I Stopped Backpacking In Fleece
I struggled for years regulating my body temperature on hikes with fleece mid-layers. I was always too sweaty, too hot, or too cold until I found Merino wool and have since swapped all my layers out for this amazing material.
EP 136 A First Time Western Backpack Hunt with Joey Bennett
Joey Bennett headed west this past September to meet a personal goal of hunting elk in Colorado. It would be the first time he’d hunt elk, the first time he’d hunt Colorado, the first time he’d ever go backpack hunting, and he did it alone. Joey joins the podcast to talk about his experiences, how he planned for an out-of-state hunt, and what he learned.
How To Avoid Blisters While Backpacking
Blisters can ruin a backpacking trip. At best they can be painful, at worst they can get infected and cause larger issues. There’s a lot you can do to prevent and mitigate blisters, so in this article, we’re going to cover a few tips and tricks to do just that!
EP 135 60 Years of Backpacking with JR Harris
JR Harris has been backpacking for 60 years. He’s been all around the world, seen vast amounts of wilderness, and done most of it on his own. Though he’s now in his mid 70’s, JR continues to seek adventures having never stopped since those early days in the Boy Scouts. He’s the real deal and joins the podcast to talk about his upbringing, his adventures, and how backpacking has impacted his life.
EP 134 Freedom From Expectations with Justin Helmkamp
Justin Helmkamp completed his Triple Crown of Thru-Hiking in 2021. He joins me on the show to talk about his journey, his recent hike, and how the trail has given him the ability to be free of expectations.
EP 133 The American Perimeter Trail with Rue McKenrick
Rue McKenrick is one of the most prolific long-distance hikers today, but he doesn't care about that. What he cares about is bringing communities together which is why he's scouted a 12,000-mile route around the United States and established the American Perimeter Trail Conference.
EP 132 Your Nutrition Questions Answered with Kyle Kamp RDN, LD
Kyle Kamp is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian who specializes in backcountry nutrition and performance. He recently became a full-time operator of his own business, Valley to Peak Nutrition, and is now 100% dedicated to helping people reach their personal goals with nutrition and performance. We spend a few minutes catching up on recent happenings and dive right into answering audience nutrition and performance questions