We all need water. It’s the one thing that you’ll want after a long climb up a rugged landscape and it’s the one thing that can become scarce if not managed properly. It’s important to not only know where you’re going to get your water during your hunt but also how you’re going to manage it and store it once you have it. It’s not a complicated process, but it’s one worth thinking through so you can make sure you have enough available for the duration of your 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Chase Tucker is a long-distance backpacker from Tasmania who specializes in training backpackers in the field of overall body mobility and fitness for their outdoor adventures. Chase is also an accomplished backpacker and traveler having hiked through both the Annapurna and Everest regions of Nepal as well as some of Spain’s long trails through the Pyrenees mountain range.

When it comes to backpacking, less isn't more, it's less. The less gear you haul around, the more comfortable you'll be and the less you have to worry about keeping track of everything. You'll also increase your enjoyment and performance!

I love my Jetboil Flash and continue to use it after over 2000 miles of backpacking. I have two other popular stoves, yet time after time, I continue to grab the Jetboil. Here’s why.

In the years since I began hunting with traditional archery equipment, I’ve had a handful of odd interactions with the non-hunter or anti-hunter. It seems that when I mention I’m hunting with a traditional bow, they pocket their views on hunting not being necessary or cruel and instead commend me for using primitive equipment.

The Best Underwear for Backpacking: Is there such a thing? I think so, and I've hiked a lot of miles to find out. Never underestimate the power of a pair of underwear that won't stink, bunch up, or cause chafing.

Kevin Bixby is the Executive Director of the SW Environmental Center and joins the podcast to discuss his views on why hunting ISN'T conservation and why it's important to begin including all user groups in the decisions involving conservation efforts.

A reader's heartfelt essay in response to my recently published article and podcast regarding the realities of modern hunting culture. This essay originally began as a private email that I suggested should be published for all to read.

What is the reality of hunting culture in modern times? Not what we think it is based on our own assumptions, but what it actually is based on the actions of the majority to take to the field each season. If we find that the majority of hunters knowingly operate outside the bounds of regulations and ethics, what does that mean for the future of hunting?

The Bergara Mountain Rifle 2.0 might just be the perfect rifle for backcountry mountain hunting. It checks all the boxes of durability, construction, performance, and weight savings. If you’re in the market for a lightweight backcountry rifle then you’ll want to take a look at this overview of the Bergara Mountain Rifle 2.0.

Backpack hunters hit the hills each fall making the same mistakes over and over again. Lessons are learned the hard way, but that doesn’t have to be the case for you. Here are 5 common mistakes backpack hunters make when backpacking.

This is NOT a gear episode and it doesn't include tips and tricks for backpacking. Instead, it's an open and honest discussion with Mark Huelsing where we get to explore a number of topics including the idea that being bad at something is actually good.