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Wesley Yoder Guide • Segundo, Colorado

Colorado Multi-day Backcountry Elk

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Backpack elk hunting can be a strain on the mind, body, and soul. The last thing you need is gear that fails you. I started out elk hunting in the wilderness of Colorado DIY style and now guide on some of the most premium ranches Colorado has to offer. Lightweight camping and hunting options have changed the way hunters approach hunt planning. There are obviously multiple options for each piece of gear and some of it boils down to personal preference. Not everyone has the means to buy $10k in gear when they start elk hunting and that's fine. Start with key items and add to it. The more you get out the better you know what you can or can't do without. And test your gear and be very familiar with how it works BEFORE the hunt. Here are some of my choices in gear. Best of luck! I want to see those grip-n-grins! -Wes Yoder

Location: High Altitude Colorado Alpine | Pursuit: Elk/ Mule Deer/ Bighorn Sheep/ Bear | Season: All

May contain sponsored links*

Optics

Geovid 10x42 3200.COM

Rangefinding binos only because I'm a guide it's nice to have eyes on the animal and be able to call the range at the same time.

MARSUPIAL GEAR Binocular Pack

I'm very picky when it comes to bino harnesses. After much research, I ended up with two Marsupials. Love the overall design and functionality.

RAZOR® HD 27-60X85 (ANGLED)

This spotting scope is something that I may upgrade in the future but it has served me well. I still think it's probably the best bang for your buck.

SUMMIT™ CARBON II TRIPOD + PAN HEAD

Sig Kilo 2000 Range Finder

I feel like a rangefinder would be a better choice for archery hunters- less bulk for a one-handed operation- less power for close-range targets. That being said I've used a Sig Sauer 2000 and am very happy with that choice.

Universal 'Lollipop' Phone Case

Vortex Optics Razor Ultra HD 65/85 Optic Adapter

Backpacks & Gear

My first elk hunt was done with a pack that was way too small and unstable for heavy loads. I upgraded to a good pack from Eberlestock and it served me quite well for 5 years. Virtually indestructible as I really beat it up and it remains without a tear. However, it was a little heavier than some packs today.

Kifaru Hoodlum

Currently, I run a Kifaru hoodlum and I can vouch for it as the most comfortable pack I've ever used.

Kifaru Duplex Lite Frame

3.5" RazorLite™ EDC

still use the Outdoor Edge knives but I do know the quality of the steel isn't what it used to be. Don't go elk hunting with 1 o r2 blades if you plan to quarter in the field. You hit bone once the edge is gone.

Gerber EXO-MOD Drop Point Fixed Hunting Knife

Any drop point with quality steel.

OLIGHT Array 2S 1000 Lumens Hand Wave Control Headlamp

My favorite headlamp is from Olight rechargeable led and it has a nice flood pattern and long battery life.

OLIGHT Seeker 3 Pro 4200 Lumens Ultra-Bright Floodlight Flashlight

Elite Hunt Membership

OnX Elite is the best product for the mapping system. Offline maps are something I use a lot.

“OnX Hunt Is High On The List Of Essentials For Me As A Hunter, Guide, And Avid Outdoorsman”

Garmin In Reach Mini Satellite Communicator

Garmin InReach mini is my go to satellite communication device. It works awesome and I have mine activated year-round.

Allen Game Bags

Allen game bags are pillowcase type gamebags with drawstrings. They've worked well for me and are quite strong.

Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls

14.0-MEGAPIXEL NO GLO FX SHIELD CAMO TRAIL CAM

GMAX32 NO GLO

Camping Gear

FREE SOLDIER Waterproof Portable Outdoor Camping Tarp

Personally, I don't care for tents except when camping in the late-season extreme cold. I use a lightweight 8x10 camping tarp with tie-downs. I'm not picky on brand here, I just look for something with good reviews.

TETON Sports Leef Mummy Sleeping Bag

Since I don't use a tent I don't want a spark or stick poking through a $5-600 bag. Teton sports has one rated at 5 degrees 4.2 pounds for $75. For that price, I'll just buy another once they start wearing down.

NEMO Tensor Ultralight Sleeping Pad

I used to not use a sleeping pad at all but finally bought a good one and I will say it's worth the better sleeping.

Jetboil Flash Camping and Backpacking Stove Cooking System

VENTURE 35

Food & Nutrition

Food/snacks are one thing I'm always changing. I've eaten so much trail food. There are some I just don't like that much anymore -granola bars/trail mix- it's still good if you're really hungry. Try to figure out what you'll need daily and don't way overpack.

Lifevantage Axio Drink Powder

Snacks & Bars

Here are some of my personal favorites: Dried fruit, jerky, tuna and salmon, precooked bacon, an homemade granola with dry milk.

Mountain House Chicken & Dumplings

Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee Packets

I either bring these or a french press for my Jetboil.

Clothing

To put it simply, great gear is pricey but there's a good reason for it. It actually works better! As a guide, I'll wear out some of the best gear available. It needs to work as hard as you do. Don't compromise your hunt with gear that doesn't work the way you need it to.

Baselayers

Sitka Core Lightweight Crew Long Sleeve

Sitka Core Lightweight Bottom

Insulation/ Midlayers

Sitka Heavyweight Hoody

Sitka Kelvin Active Jacket

Outerwear

Sitka Jetstream Jacket

Kryptek Bora Jacket

Pants

Sitka Timberline Pant

Kryptek Bora Pant

Rain Gear

Sitka Dew Point Waterproof Jacket

Sitka Dew Point Waterproof Pant

Footwear

MOUNTAIN EXTREME NON-INSULATED

For footwear, Kenetrek like my feet better than anything I've tried. One thing I don't like is the soles are too soft. I've worn them flat within a year. The tops are still in great condition. When you spend $4-500 on footwear you'll hope they last a few seasons.

Darn Tough Vermont Hunter Midweight With Full Cushion

Outdoor Research Men's Crocodile Gaiters

Accessories

Sitka Traverse Gloves

Sitka Jetstream Windstopper Beanie

Wesley Yoder Guide • Segundo, Colorado

Hunting Guide for Eagle Outfitters, Hill Ranch Instagram. @wes_yoder91

*NOTE: The links to purchase certain products I recommend in this gear list may result in me being paid a small commission. I appreciate your support!