Tag Soup: 2022 Colorado Elk Gear List
Written By Kevin Johansen, Fall Obsession Pro Staff
The title says it all. Dad and I experienced an unsuccessful second rifle elk hunt in the beautiful state of Colorado. Toned buns and an appreciation for good gear are all we have to show after 6 days and 24 miles. We experienced temperatures from 17 to 58 degrees, accompanied by rain, sleet, and snow. We covered ground from 6,500 to 9,000 feet over the course of the hunt, encountered Elk and mule deer, but nothing legal to fill our tags.
Despite the disappointment of tag soup, we had a great experience and put our gear through the gauntlet. This article will focus on the gear brought along and its efficacy in the field. Our original intent was to spend a couple of nights in the back country, but due to frozen and muddy roads, coupled with unpredictable weather we decided to focus on day trips. With that in mind, I will forego commentary on the overnight gear I brought along such as the sleeping bag, tent, and sleeping pad. Those items will have to wait until I complete an overnight backcountry hunt.
First, I’ll comment on my Stone Glacier Evo 3300 on the Krux frame backpack. I purchased this workhorse in 2019 for my first elk hunt in Colorado. It packed out a 6x6 bull that trip, and multiple Whitetail have followed. This pack is perfect for day trips as well as multi-day excursions. It’s spacious and comfortable with multiple configurations for carrying your gear. I recommend watching Stone Glacier YouTube videos on the meat shelf prior to using the pack in the field.
The strap system can be a little daunting without prior practice. This year I added the Sky series lid which doubles as a water reservoir and/or additional gear capacity. The lid is perfect for quick access to essentials like gloves, headwear, licenses, and headlamps. The pack is tough, lightweight, and extremely comfortable when loaded down with gear. I imagine it’s comparable to other packs in its class, but I can’t recommend this pack and frame enough.
Now let’s talk clothing. For base layers I went with a First Lite Kiln Hoody and Merriwool long johns (bottoms). The Kiln Hoody offers warmth for your torso coupled with a form fitting hood. The Merriwool long johns provide warmth for your legs without creating a sweaty environment. Thanks to their merino wool construction both can be worn for multiple days without concern for stinky build up in your nether regions.
Our trip consisted of day hunts, so each night we were able to air the base layers out and washing was not needed. The same was true for my Darn Tough wool socks. Darn Tough makes the best sock on the planet. Buy some.
On that note, don’t skimp on base layers. They can save your life, and that is not hyperbole. Base layers are one of the most important articles you bring into the field, and for our hunt the aforementioned gear proved impeccable.
Moving on to outerwear we experienced a range of 40-degree blue bird weather, to 17-degrees with wind driven knee deep snow over the course of our trip. Luckily, I was prepared for the wetter days with my Helly Hansen Impertech bib and jacket. This combo made for a great outer layer during the snowy conditions we experienced on one of our last morning hunts.
Overnight snow blanketed our unit and each step brought snow cascading down from overladen branches above. Luckily the Helly Hansen combo kept me warm and dry despite the cold and wet conditions. Don’t expect these to breathe though, they are fully waterproof and I’d recommend something different in warmer weather.
With the various conditions we experienced, high performance breathable outer layers were important as well. For my bottom layer I went with the First Lite corrugate foundry pants in foliage green. The pants went above and beyond in terms of durability, warmth, and comfort. They include suspenders which are a game changer, so make sure to incorporate them into your plan. My favorite feature of suspenders is their ability to support your pants while not interfering with your pack’s hip belt. Seriously, if you aren’t using suspenders expand your horizons and join the club.
On dry days my upper torso layers consisted of an REI down jacket and a First Lite Catalyst jacket. This combination kept me comfortable while hiking in freezing temperatures, as well as sitting on the mountainside glassing for game. The merino wool found in these products excels at keeping you warm and dry while mobile, and also in more sedentary situations.
Footwear choice goes hand in hand with your backpack decision. These two pieces of gear can make or break your hunting experience. I went with Lowa Tibets for my boot and couldn’t be happier with the pick. They are full leather uppers with a steel shank, and provide optimum comfort and durability in the rocky terrain. Again, you get what you pay for and boots are not something you want to cheap out on. Sore feet will ruin your trip as fast as a sore back from poor pack choice.
My headwear and gloves were First Lite products as well, with the gloves being the Grizzly 2.0 Trigger Mitt and the Wind River Balaclava for my face mask. Both performed great, and I was really impressed with the Grizzly gloves on the colder mornings when punching through snow covered brush. The face mask is made from merino wool and kept me warm in all conditions. I’d definitely recommend both as part of your kit.
That basically covers the gear we used on a daily basis during our trip. I’d hate to comment on anything we used once or twice, so I’ll save that for future reviews where I have the opportunity to put them to the test. One last thing I’d like to address is the cost of the gear in this review. I’m fully aware the clothing, pack, and boots I’ve covered are not inexpensive. I understand not everyone is prepared to spend hundreds to thousands of dollars on gear at the drop of a hat. I wasn’t either, so mine was acquired over the last few years as preparation for western hunts, and I’ve since incorporated them into my southeastern hunting. I’ve spent years hunting in bargain bin camo and store brand clothing to pinch pennies, and those experiences molded my current approach to hunting equipment. This review is a couple of decades in the making, and the gear featured here is the result of trying multiple options at multiple price points over that time frame. Truth be told great hunts can be had with less expensive options. The purpose of this review is to simply lay out the gear I used and the benefits during our hunt.
There is no question that deer have been killed by dudes in flannel shirts and jeans for decades. That said, hunting takes place during months where weather can be challenging, and having the right clothing is paramount. Boots, backpacks, base layers, and outer layers are all key to having a great experience in the outdoors. Choosing reliable brands and materials for these items will determine your comfort level during the hunt, so please be sure to do your research.
Good luck out there and be sure to stay warm and dry. Nature can be unforgiving, don’t find yourself wanting in times of struggle. Good luck out there and remember the right gear can make or break a hunting trip.