Ultimate Elk Gear List: My Complete Guide to Backcountry Elk Hunting!

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As someone who’s spent countless days chasing elk through rugged mountains and dense forests, I’ve learned that the right hunting gear can make or break your hunt. This elk hunting gear list isn’t just a bunch of random items thrown together. It’s a carefully curated collection of essentials that have helped me succeed during both early season archery hunts and rifle hunts.

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Table Of Contents

My Complete Elk Gear List for Hunting
The Elk Hunting Pack List
My Backcountry Elk Hunting Essentials
Elk Hunting in Colorado: My Top Gear Tips
Final Thoughts on My Elk Gear List
FAQ(s): Elk Gear List
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My Complete Elk Gear List for Hunting

Before heading out for an elk hunting trip, especially in the backcountry, having the right gear is critical. From personal experience, I’ve found that preparation with a well-thought-out elk hunting gear list increases not only your chances of success but also your safety and comfort while out in the field.

Below, I’m sharing my elk hunting pack list that includes everything I bring for my hunts, whether they’re in the dense woods of Colorado or during an early season backcountry elk hunt in September.

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The Elk Hunting Pack List

The key to a good hunt is an efficient hunting pack list. Over the years, I’ve refined my elk hunting pack list by adding hunting gear that works and removing items that just take up space. Trust me, you want to pack light but have all the hunting gear essentials. Here’s what I recommend:

1. Hunting Clothing for All Weather

When you’re spending days in the field, weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains. Proper hunting clothing is the first step to ensuring you have an enjoyable backpack hunting experience. I’ve had a few seasons where unpredictable weather nearly ruined my trip.

Lite Dobson Aerowool Boxers: These wick moisture well, keeping me dry and preventing chafing.
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Uncompahgre Insulated Pants: These pants are a game changer. Lightweight and warm, I’ve used them on early September mornings and colder days alike.
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Base Layers: Merino wool is my go-to for base layers since it wicks moisture, prevents odor, and keeps me warm without overheating.
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Outer Layers: A quality jacket and pants like the Lite Uncompahgre Pants offer breathability and weather protection. They’re ideal for an early season archery hunt and still hold up when the weather turns colder during rifle season.
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2. Footwear for Elk Hunters

No elk hunting gear list is complete without solid hunting boots. Your feet are your foundation, and trust me, blisters can ruin an entire trip.

Boots: Depending on the terrain, I opt for sturdy hunting boots with good ankle support. My favorites are the Danner Pronghorn and Kenetrek Mountain Extreme, these hunting boots offer support and durability. I always recommend waterproof hunting boots because you never know what conditions you’ll face.
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Socks: Always bring moisture-wicking socks to prevent blisters. Wool socks, like the Alvada Merino Wool Hiking Socks Thermal Warm Crew Winter Boot Sock For Men, are my go-to since they help keep my feet dry and warm.
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3. Hunting Pack Essentials

When I’m deep into the backcountry, my hunting backpack becomes my lifeline. Here’s what I make sure to have with me:

Backpack: My backpack needs to be comfortable yet durable enough to carry all my gear. For longer hunts, I opt for a pack with at least 3,500 cubic inches of storage space.
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Hydration Bladder: Staying hydrated is crucial. I always carry a water bladder and purification tablets, so I’m never short on water.
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OnX Map App: The chip on the OnX map app is a game changer. I no longer need to carry separate GPS devices. The app on my phone works just as well and makes navigation a breeze.
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4. Optics

Good optics are another key part of a backcountry elk hunting gear list. Whether you’re glassing from afar or spotting at close range, don’t skimp on your optics.

Binoculars: I carry a high-quality pair of 10×42 binoculars. They’re a must-have for spotting elk from long distances.
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Rangefinder: Accuracy is key when taking a shot, and a rangefinder ensures I know the exact distance.
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5. Safety and Survival Gear

Safety is always my number one priority. The mountains can be unforgiving, so my elk hunting supply list always includes survival essentials.

First Aid Kit: You never know when a minor injury could happen. My kit includes bandages, antiseptic, and blister treatment.
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Fire Starter Kit: Cold nights can set in quickly, and having a reliable fire starter is key to staying warm.
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GPS Device: Even though I use the OnX app, I also carry a traditional GPS device just in case my phone battery dies. Having redundancy in navigation tools is always smart.
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My Backcountry Elk Hunting Essentials

1. Archery Elk Gear List for Hunters

If you’re planning an archery hunt, your archery elk hunting gear list will look a little different than a rifle hunt. Here’s what I always include:

Bow and Arrows: I shoot a compound bow with a 70-pound draw weight. It’s ideal for elk hunting, especially in dense cover.
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Broadheads: I use fixed blade broadheads for deeper penetration. Always carry a few extras.
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Archery Releases and Extras: I always bring a spare archery release just in case something goes wrong with the first one.
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2. Rifle Elk Hunt Gear

For those going on a rifle elk hunt, there are a few other pieces of gear you’ll need.

Rifle: I use a .30-06 rifle for elk hunting. It has the power to take down big game, even at a distance.
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Ammunition: Always pack more ammunition than you think you’ll need. I carry at least 20 rounds for a multi-day hunt.
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3. Food and Cooking Gear

When you’re miles deep into the backcountry, you need food that will fuel your body for the long days ahead.

Freeze-Dried Meals: These are lightweight and easy to pack. They’re great for long trips, especially when weight is a concern.
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Cooking Stove: A small, lightweight stove is crucial for heating meals. I always make sure to bring enough fuel for the length of my trip.
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Elk Hunting in Colorado: My Top Gear Tips

If you’re planning a hunt in Colorado, like I often do, your elk hunting gear list Colorado will need to account for the state’s unique terrain and weather.

Early Season Gear: In early September, it can still be quite warm. You’ll want lighter gear for the day but layers for cool mornings and evenings.
Late Season Gear: For hunts later in the fall, make sure you’ve packed for cold, possibly snowy conditions. You’ll want to put the uncompahgre pants to good use here.

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Final Thoughts on My Elk Gear List

Putting together the perfect elk hunting equipment list takes time and experience. Over the years, I’ve refined my backcountry elk hunting gear list to the essentials, ensuring I’m ready for whatever nature throws at me. I hope this helps you create your own elk hunting list so you can focus on the adventure and not worry about what you might have left behind.

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FAQ(s): Elk Gear List

What should be on an elk hunting gear list?

Your elk hunting gear list should include clothing layers, boots, a hunting pack with food and water, optics like binoculars and a rangefinder, navigation tools, a first aid kit, and your weapon (bow or rifle).

What is essential for backcountry elk hunting?

For backcountry elk hunting, essential gear includes a sturdy pack, hydration system, reliable GPS, weather-appropriate clothing, and enough food for the length of your hunt.

What are the best boots for elk hunting?

The best boots for elk hunting offer ankle support, are waterproof, and can handle rugged terrain. I recommend the Danner Pronghorn or Kenetrek Mountain Extreme for their durability and comfort.

How do I pack for a September elk hunt?

For a September elk hunt, pack lightweight layers for warm days and insulated clothing for chilly mornings and evenings. Don’t forget your bow or rifle, optics, and navigation tools.

What should I include in my archery elk gear list?

Your archery elk hunting gear list should include a bow, arrows with broadheads, a release, optics, and camouflage clothing that works for the terrain you’ll be hunting in.

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