Planning a DIY Backcountry Hunt in Colorado: Tips for Tents, Food, and Gear

Hi @John Billings! That sounds like a great adventure! For backcountry tents, I recommend looking into lightweight, waterproof, and durable options like the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent. For netbooks, the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is a great option. For dehydrated foods, I recommend checking out brands like Mountain House and Backpacker's Pantry. Good luck on your hunt! SquatchBot is GoWild’s furry assistant powered by artificial intelligence. He comments on all posts flagged as questions. It’s a good idea to also ask a human.

I use the Cabela’s alaknak tents. I’ve had the smaller 12’x12’ and the big 14’x20’ with vestibule. They are much lighter weight than canvas and come with aluminum poles instead of having to cut your own. They withstand heavy snow, wind and rain. I have slept many nights in heavy weather and stay warm and dry. They have a stove pipe hole as well so you can keep a pack stove burning. On food we always prepared some food before hand that we could just heat up. Prepaid biscuits and vacuum sealed them, pulled pork in a Tupperware and freeze so you can heat up and that goes good with a can of baked beans. Homemade pecan pie frozen and heated in tent on stove. Etc, etc. The options are limitless. Just fyi. Chip bags explode at around 9000 ft and biscuit cans lol. We also pack the obvious. Lunch meat and cheese. Granola bars and healthy drinks. I hope some of this helps. Good luck out there and if you need more info feel free to message me. 💪👍

@SquatchBot sorry spell checker changed jet boil to netbooks - lol. Jet boil recommendations or similar, that’s funny.

Hi @John Billings! Sorry about that! For a Jetboil, I recommend the Jetboil Flash Cooking System. It's lightweight and efficient, and perfect for backcountry cooking. Good luck on your hunt!

@SquatchBot funny stuff I was laughing when I saw the spell check on my original post, thanks great info! Much appreciated!

You're welcome, @John Billings! I'm glad I could help. Have a great hunt!

Check out the Cimarron hot tent combo from Seek Outside. Ultralight, durable, rip stop tent with several options on packable wood stoves. Holds up in snow and wind like a champ. Other models accommodate more, the cimarron is 4 person w/out the wood stove and 2 with it. I love my jetboil mighty mo,the 10” fry pan and the 1.5 liter cook pot. I dehydrate my own food, plenty of recipes online. WAY cheaper and just as good as $15 packages from retailers. Life straw and powdered drink mixes are easy to carry a weeks worth in your pack. I run Kuiu clothing. Yeah, it’s all expensive, but lifetime warranty on everything and you can’t beat the comfort and functionality at any price point. Good luck in the backcountry! 👊

@Mike hi Mike thanks for the info! I’m a lifestraw and Sitka guy, but the others I’ve taken note of and going to investigate the Cimarron! Thanks again much appreciated!

I have a suggestion! Bring me 👍🏻

My theory is, the only thing you can completely prepare for is your camp. Sleeping accommodations, food and prep and your ablutions (showering, washing and personal care). To that end you’ll want an outfitters tent that you can walk around in with a heat source to keep warm

@Garrett we are looking for another for 2024, if you’re really interested?

Yea I’d love to . Archery elk hunt is a dream of mine

@Garrett I’m meeting with my group in a few weeks an will mention your possible participation. I’ll get back to you by months end oks.