Camping

A well-rounded camp setup for hunting includes a reliable shelter, a sleep system (sleeping bag, pad, and possibly a pillow), a compact stove or cooking system, lightweight food, a water filtration method, and basic lighting. Depending on your hunt, you may also want a chair, camp shoes, or a heat source like a tent stove. The gear you bring should balance comfort, weight, and durability to match your environment and the duration of your trip.

Your sleep system needs to insulate you from cold ground and trap body heat efficiently. A quality sleeping bag rated for the lowest expected temperatures — ideally with a down or synthetic fill — is key. Pair it with a sleeping pad that has an appropriate R-value for insulation. For hunts above timberline or in colder months, consider a bag with a hood and a pad with a higher R-value. Weight matters, but comfort is critical after a long day on the mountain.

Staying hydrated requires a mix of water storage and purification. Use soft flasks or reservoirs for carrying water, and pair them with filters, pumps, or chemical treatments to ensure it’s safe to drink. Systems like Sawyer, Katadyn, LifeStraw, and SteriPen offer portable solutions for treating water from lakes, creeks, and seeps. You should always know where your next water source is and carry a backup filtration method when possible.

Compact stoves like Jetboil, MSR, and Soto make it easy to boil water quickly for freeze-dried meals or hot drinks. For weight-conscious hunters, an integrated stove system with a fuel canister is the most efficient setup. If you’re cooking more elaborate meals or camping at a base camp, a stove with adjustable flame control or a two-burner setup may be a better fit. Don’t forget a lightweight utensil, windscreen, and fuel management system like FlipFuel to consolidate partially used canisters.

Simple accessories like a camp pillow, compact chair, insulated bottle, or gear organizer can make your nights at camp more enjoyable and help with recovery. Brands like Helinox, Sea to Summit, and YETI offer comfort-forward additions that still pack light. Consider a small lantern or headlamp for cooking and organizing gear in the dark, and keep a few repair items like Tenacious Tape or seam sealer in your kit for in-field fixes.

Maintaining hygiene in the backcountry helps prevent illness, rashes, and discomfort over multi-day hunts. For human waste, follow Leave No Trace principles by digging a cathole at least 6 to 8 inches deep and 200 feet from water sources. In areas that require it, pack out waste using disposable toilet kits or bags. Bring unscented wipes, biodegradable soap, and a small towel for cleaning up, and store trash and hygiene items in a sealable bag. For kitchen use, keep your cooking gear clean, avoid leaving food scraps around camp, and filter dishwater well away from streams or lakes.

Weather can change fast in the mountains, so planning ahead is essential. Choose a shelter that can handle wind and precipitation — freestanding tents with double walls or tipis with guy-out options offer good storm protection. Pack a waterproof rain fly, extra guy lines, and stakes suited for soft or rocky ground. Inside your pack, keep dry bags for clothes, electronics, and food. Always bring a reliable layering system, including a waterproof jacket and insulating layers like synthetic or down puffies. In colder weather, consider a warmer sleeping bag, a higher R-value pad, and a stove-compatible shelter if weight allows.

If you're hunting in cold conditions or expect freezing overnight temps, a tent stove can be a game changer. Tipis and some tarps from brands like Seek Outside and Argali are designed to handle stove jacks and provide safe ventilation. Titanium stoves are lightweight and packable, offering warmth and a way to dry out wet gear. For milder conditions, high-quality sleep insulation and layering systems are usually sufficient without a heat source.

You’ll want high-calorie, lightweight meals that are easy to prepare and won’t spoil. Freeze-dried meals from brands like Peak Refuel, Mountain House, and Heather’s Choice are popular for dinners, while bars, nut butters, and energy chews work well for daytime snacking. Aim for 2,500 to 4,000 calories per day depending on your effort level, and consider mixing in electrolytes or recovery drinks from brands like Wilderness Athlete or MTN OPS to keep energy levels up.