The best gear you can bring is a pair of lungs and legs in the best shape possible. All the money in the world can't buy gear that will replace fitness. If you smoke, try your best to quit before your trip.
Use all your gear before your trip. This especially applies to boots, day pack and safety equipment. New, not-worn-in boots can ruin a trip. Making sure your day pack fits well will make your trip more enjoyable.
If you are coming with a group that is hunting in the same camp, do not duplicate items. Work with each other to organize who brings what. All our drop camps require pack horses. We want to avoid packing unneeded weight.
We shoot to keep the weight to 65 pounds per person. Weapons (bows, muzzleloaders, rifles, arrows) will be packed in by the hunter along with any additional weight above the 65 pounds that we cannot fit on the horses. The general rule is to multiply 65 pounds by the number of people in your group and that is the combined weight you shoot for (4 people x 65# = 260 pound total).
Please review the Colorado Big Game hunting brochure to familiarize yourself with the most up-to-date regulations:
Anyone born after Jan. 1, 1949 MUST carry a Hunter's Safety Card OR get verified with CPW and obtain a CID number with the state. You MUST carry your Hunter Safety Card with you while hunting or have a verified CID number!
-Big Game Brochure with regulations. This is available in stores and online. Prior to arriving to camp, please read the pages regarding hunting laws and common violations (2021 big game brochure pages 14-16).
-Muzzleloader and rifle hunters must wear an orange hat and vest. No camo-orange it must be solid. Pink is now allowed too.
-When paying prior to arrival via Venmo or Paypal please contact us for instructions.
-When paying at arrival to Base Camp then cash is preferred. Cashier's checks are OK. We do not accept personal checks when paid at time of arrival. If paying by personal check please send checks by August 1 st to allow time for cashing prior to your hunt. Things get busy around here starting August 15 th . No credit cards are accepted.
***We will not pack in hunters who have not completely paid for their trip.***
The weather in September is unpredictable and any day can turn out to be a winter day up in the high country. We have had to rescue unprepared hunters in the past. Please take this into consideration when packing. Our hunting area is around 8,500ft. Early September days are typically well into the 60's with nights in the 30's and 40's. Highs can get into the 70's, while lows in late September can drop well below freezing. The conditions can change in a hurry and a good layering system is key.
Stay away from cotton, i.e. Carhartt, blue jeans, cotton socks, etc. … When cotton gets wet it is useless and it will exacerbate suboptimal weather's effect on your body. Focus on wool and synthetics. There is a lot of newer technology clothing that is lightweight, packable, warm, and dries quickly.
*** All clothing, except base clothing, should be camouflage. Sitka, First Lite, Kuiu or other patterns work patterns work well. Bring quiet gear. If it goes "swoosh" when you move, don't bring it.***
Base Layers
(Optional) 1-2 Pairs of long underwear sets
Daily Layers
2 Lightweight hunting shirts
1 Mid-weight hunting shirt
2 Pair lightweight hunting pants
1 Pair mid-weight hunting pants
3 Layer Outerwear System
1 Lightweight fleece or soft-shell jacket
1 Heavier hunting jacket for cold weather
1 Full set of rain gear
Accessories
2 Pairs of gloves
1 Warm hat and/or balaclava
Camo brimmed hat
Camo face paint or neck gaiter (optional)
-Check the weather and consider how hot or cold you normally run. These typically aren't needed in September but the heaviness of your pant will play a factor.
-Synthetics and merino wool are good options
-Get different weights so you have the flexibility for temperatures. Typically a lighter weight will be appropriate if you're bringing them on a September hunt.
-The zip-off First Lite wool long johns are a great option if you're going to bring a pair.
On nice days, lightweight almost pajama-like pants are awesome (Sitka Apex is a guide favorite).
These can be substituted for one of the lightweight pants. If going with 2
lightweight pants then we suggest one or two pairs of long johns for layering.
-Wool or wool/synthetic is best.
-Needs to have wind-stopping attributes.
-One light weight and one heavier pair of gloves is optimal (wool is best).
-We prefer glommits because they allow us to use our fingers.
-You can also wear dark pig skin leather gloves with separate wool liners for insulation if needed.
-Some of our archers choose to not wear gloves so they are better ready for shooting opportunities.
-Learn to quickly remove or shoot your bow with your chosen gloves.
-We usually wear wool beanies, but this is a personal preference
-Light fleece hats can provide plenty of warmth during archery season
Baseball hat or similar to provide sun protection. This will be your primary hunting hat.
-The tube kind of paint works and travels the best
-If you prefer to not paint your face a camo neck gaiter that can be pulled up above your nosebworks well. On hot September days sometimes the face paint is more enjoyable.
1 Primary pair of waterproof hiking boots
1 OPTIONAL Secondary pair of boots/shoes
5 Pair primary socks (plus the one you wear in and out)
Gators (Optional)
-Try to visit a retail location where you can try on different boot models. Fit and comfort is essential.
-In September, a pair of GTX or Merrell type hiking boots will work. Something that has good ankle support. People have different preferences on stiffness so be sure to break your boots in well and wear them a lot before your trip.
-With the variability of weather in the Colorado mountains a second pair of boots/shoes might be in order. Typically, the pair you wear in will be all you need on a 5 day hunt. Please check the 5 day forecast for Beaver Dam Reservoir, CO to see if there is much rain/snow in the forecast. If it will be wet you might want to throw in a second pair of boots to alternate.
-Optional but a lightweight pair of crocs could be nice to wear around camp.
-Even in September, the best option is wool.
-If you tend to have warm feet or the weather is warm bring lighter-weight wool socks.
-Not usually needed in September. With a waterproof boot and rain pants you should be covered here.
-Great in snow and/or rain. Also great when dealing with high, frosty of dewy vegetation to keep your boots and feet dryer.
-Water bottle and/or hydration bladder. Our guides carry 64-100oz with them.
-Havalon or similar replacement blades are nice. Bring plenty of replaceable blades. With a small havalon I usually go through 2-3 blades on an elk. I also use a heavier fixed blade for some
parts of field dressing.
-Small bone saws are not necessary. It's difficult to saw an elk pelvic bone with these small saws. Learn to short quarter elk (gutless method).
-A light with both a red and white light is best. Having multiple bulbs is a good backup and red is better for final morning approaches before it gets light when you're in the zone.
-One backup headlamp is suggested per hunting group. A small hat clip on works well for the emergency backup.
-Simple GPS's are fine. Something small, easy to use, economical, and waterproof is great.
-OnX on mobile devices – be sure you have a backup battery source for charging if you go this route. We've occasionally had some battery issues on some mobile phones during cold weather when stored in a pocket away from the body. Be sure you have used whatever you decide to bring and are comfortable navigating with it.
Check your compass to make sure it is pointing to the North. If you bring a compass be sure you know how to use it. Typically, people bring this as part of an emergency kit.
-6 Game Bags per hunting license (4 quarters, 2 scrap)
-We can hang your quarters in game bags at base camp in our meat shack. In September meat should be put on ice or brought down to coolers as soon as possible.
-Handful of surveyors tape to mark downed game, blood trails or signal your location
-If you have an elk and bear tag, 12 game bags would be required.
-Water purification tablets or water purifiers
-Many of our guides carry water purifiers, but carrying a light weight personal purifying method makes water stops quicker and easier.
-The most common way we sanitize water is by boiling. However, on long day hikes when you need to refill your water bottle in the field, having a lightweight purifying mechanism is great.
-Electrolyte tablets improve the taste of purified water (tablet purified, filtered, or boiled) and add an energy boost.
-Our camps are set up on fresh springs that we have been using for years without the need to be filtered or purified. However, we recommend bringing a water purification system with you in the unlikely event something happens to the water source and an alternative source is needed. Use your system and be comfortable with it before your hunt.
-Learn how to use a cow call well. Bull bugles are used too frequently and aggressively save more elk than any conservation effort. If you want to bugle, learn how to do a nonaggressive bugle or understand how to get close and use an aggressive bugle. The elk can be callable but sometimes an ambush play is what gets the elk killed. Have different options in your tool belt.
-Playing the wind is rule #1, #2 and #3 to elk hunting. We are constantly puffing on the windicator when elk hunting.
These are a must-have if you are coming with a group. Keep in mind that their range is limited in steep terrain.
-Bring your charger and/or spare batteries. We like the Dark Energy waterproof spare battery.
-The cold can quickly uncharge a charged battery
-Soft duffle bags to pack most your gear in for packing on the horses. Dry bags are best in the event of a wet pack-in or pack-out.
-Individual bags must weigh less than 50lbs a piece. With a total limit of 65 pounds per individual. We will be balancing the load evenly on the horses so when breaking up into multiple duffles try to even out the weight the best you can. We have a luggage scale and will be using it to balance loads when packing the horses.
-Water, beer, camera, clothing layers are all allowed in saddlebags. Other gear is not allowed.
Bring a bath towel, wash cloth, bar of soap and anything else needed for personal use in the shower house.
-For archery season a 0-10 degree rated bag is best.
-We prefer non-mummy type bags for comfort, this is personal preference
Chapstick and Sunscreen. It can be very dry and people always thank us for recommending chapstick.
-Make sure you have enough of any prescriptions
-If you have had anaphylaxis (allergic reaction) to bees or other insects, please carry an Epi-Pen at all times.
-Pepto-Bismol and other routine medications can be helpful
-Altitude medication if you have a history of altitude sickness
-An extra pair of eye glasses or contacts if you wear them
Consult your doctor prior to the trip and heed their advice on additional
medications/precautions you should take. Please tell them about the 9000'elevation you will be hunting at for the week and also the physical demand you will be placing on your body.
(We carry extensive first aid kits at our base camp. These include basic medication like Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Pepto, Imodium, bandages, gauze, etc)
This one deserves attention as it comes up every year. 1 st again, please
wear your boots A LOT and get some long hikes in them over the summer to get your feet into shape. It is best if you can build up calluses and get your feet into hunting shape prior to your hunt. However, a back up plan is essential to have. Mole skin, blister block, gorilla tape, etc should be in everyone's kits. If you get a hot spot take the time to deal with it before it becomes a blister.
Couple pairs of latex or equivalent gloves for cleaning game or first aid.
No better bathroom cleanup than a baby wipe. These are also good to do a whole body cleanup before bed. Bring plenty.
Design a method to always carry the bare essential safety gear on your person, at all times. We carry small organizers with this gear inside our packs.
-Being able to start a fire quickly, without panic, can save your life.
-We use vaseline covered cotton balls as a quick Firestarter. Colorado is usually dry enough where additional kindling isn't a problem to find. Do not depend on starting a fire from natural material. Also please be aware of and respect fire bans. CO has been extremely dry and we will follow guidelines on when we can and CANNOT have fires. Emergency situations are certainly different.
-Storm matches and water proof matches are good for starting fires here.
-Have more than one way to start a fire on your person at all times
-2 Heavy Duty Garbage Bags for trash and emergency safety
-2 mil+ 55 gallon contractor bags are best
-These bags work better than the thin, shiny safety blankets you find in first-aid kits
-Cut a hole for your head and wear as a poncho to keep yourself warm and dry
-Heavy duty emergency bags (usually called emergency bivys) are a good alternative
In our contracts, we mandate that our hunters have a satellite phone or satellite message system (Spot, InReach, etc…). If you do not have one we will provide one for your camp and we expect an update every day so we know you don't need anything.
Parachute Cord 30-50ft – used for a lot of things including hanging trash.
Our camps have first aid kits in them. Do not waste weight by carrying first aid items you won't use or do not know how to use. For example if you don't have any wilderness medicine training, a zip lock bag with Band-Aids, gauze, Neosporin, tweezers, Benadryl, Moleskin, soap and Ibuprofen is plenty.
Bring an Epi-Pen if you are allergic to any insects. You must get these via doctor's prescription. Along these same lines it is best practice to consult your doctor prior to the trip. Please tell them about the 9000' elevation you will be hunting at for the week and also the physical demand you will be placing on
your body. Take their advice and adjust first aid kit accordingly.
Provided at your drop camp you will find a table and 4 chairs. Lite cots and sleeping pads for each hunter/guest. There will be 1 pot and 1 pan for cooking and boiling water. A 2-burner propane stove will be there for use. Each person will be provided with one plastic plate and a fork, spoon, and knife.
Green 16oz Coleman propane tanks for Coleman stove. As many as needed for your group. The number of canisters depends on how high and how long you run the stove. Figure 1 canister for 1 hour of cooking time (about 2-3 meals).
Optional. These are typically solar showers where you let it heat up in the
sun during the day. Might need two depending on how long you shower and how many people you have in camp.
Optional. Silky Pocketboy or similar – can be handy around camp or in the field
for a quick make-shift blind.
We leave this up to the group to decide how they will plan their meals. Keep in mind we are in bear country and mouse country. Plan to keep smelly things hung in a tree when you're not in camp and contained in a mouse proof back or container.
-A lot of people pack dehydrated meals. You heat up water and away you go. These are light simple and easy. The most popular choice. Some other general tips, if you are thinking sandwiches for lunch consider tortillas for wraps as bread tends to get squashed during transport. That goes for other items as well, consider the squash factor!
-Some people combo dehydrated meals with some premade meals (steaks, hotdogs, etc for their first couple meals in camp). For things that need to stay cool, a soft sided cooler can be a good option (Yeti hopper). Hard-sided coolers are too heavy and bulky to fit in the panniers and pack on the horses.
Please pack cans or plastic. Cans should be warm and can be cooled in
the spring once we get to camp. Base Camp Outfitters unwritten rule is once you start drinking you are done hunting for the day. Safety first please.
In camp and on hunt. Granola bars and trail mix are great options.
Electrolyte mix: Gatorade (or similar) to help with dehydration on your hunt.
Consider packing mix in a ziplock to avoid bulk of container.
Water – no need to pack water. Water is available at a spring near camp.
Salt/pepper/other seasoning/oil/condiments etc. Consider what you might want if you are going to cook up an elk tenderloin in camp! Suggest consolidating large bottles to more reasonably sized containers for your hunt duration.
-Instant types or mix in is easiest since you will be boiling water in a pot.
Some people have packed special stove top tools like a perculator.
-Coffee/tea mug for those that will have some. Pack your luckiest one!
Please pack a small container (enough to get you through your hunt) of
dish soap to clean up after your meals. This is not required if you are doing dehydrated meals unless you want to soap up and wash fork/spoon. A lot of people just do a rinse.
Steak knives etc. Consider using your hunting knife instead but this
should get you thinking of other special utensils that you may want to bring to cater to your meal plan.
Bow/Muzzleloader Please review entire Colorado regulations to make sure your weapon is legal in the state of Colorado.
Bow
Arrows with extra broadheads and field points
-Release and an extra release
-Arm guard if used
-Small spare parts kit for your bow
-Allen wrench set
-String wax
-We do not make recommendations on bow specifics because so much personal preference is involved.
-Work with an archery shop to setup a consistent set of arrows specifically geared towards elk
-We do not make recommendations on arrow specifics because so much personal preference is involved. The important factor is that you have practiced and are confident at varying distances.
-We prefer fixed blade broadheads for elk but this is up to you. Mechanical broadheads have come along way but elk bones are significantly more robust. Please make sure your bow is tuned to your arrow and broadhead combination. Arrows need to be in a hard arrow case or in the bow case.
The most updated muzzleloading requirements can be found in the regulations. Here's a snip from 2023 regulations.
-Only legal muzzleloaders are allowed in muzzleloading seasons.
-In-line muzzleloaders are legal.
-Must be a single barrel that fires a single round ball or conical projectile.
-To hunt deer, pronghorn, or bear, conical bullets must be a minimum of .40
caliber, and round-ball bullets must be a minimum of .50 caliber.
-To hunt elk or moose, conical bullets must be a minimum of .50 caliber, and
round-ball bullets must be a minimum of .54 caliber.
-From .40 caliber to .50 caliber, bullets must weigh a minimum of 170 grains.
-If greater than .50 caliber, bullets must weigh a minimum of 210 grains.
-Shotshell primers and B.O.R. Lock MZ System bullets are legal.
-Pelletized powder systems are prohibited during muzzleloading seasons.
-Cannot be loaded from the breech during muzzleloading seasons.
-Only open or iron sights are allowed in muzzleloading seasons. Fiber optics
and fluorescent paint incorporated into or on open or iron sights are legal.
Scopes or any sighting device using artificial light, batteries, and electronic
gear are prohibited during muzzleloading seasons.
-Sabots are prohibited during muzzleloading seasons. Cloth patches are not sabots.
-Smokeless powder is prohibited in muzzleloading seasons. Black powder
and black-powder substitutes are legal.
-Electronic or battery-powered devices cannot be incorporated into or attached to the muzzleloader during muzzleloading seasons.
Muzzleloader
Powders
Primers
Bullets
Anything addition you may need
-Optional. None of our guides carry it and we have had a lot of run-ins with bears.
The bears are hunted in our area and they know it, most the time they are more afraid of you, then you are of them. It is added weight but we leave this up to the hunter. Sidearms and bear spray won't be packed on the horses.
Wonder what gear our guides run year-round? Check it out here.