Best way to carry gear?

[MntkaFishin]

So I'm new to the sport and I'm learning each and every outing. I hunt mostly public land, which means I have to carry all of my gear in and out for each hunt. I have a hang-on treestand and a ladder, which makes carrying all of my gear a challenge. With the stand, ladder, bow, and backpack the overall bulk can make it an interesting trip. I've experimented with different ways to carry the items, but I was wondering how the experienced hunters handle this situation.

[Powerstroke]

I'm not sure what you mean by ladder but it sounds like you need two hands to carry it.

What I like to do is throw my backpack on the back of my hang-pn stand and clip my bow onto the outside of the pack. FOr me that leaves my hands free, for you this might allow you to carry your ladder with both hands and not have to carry other things in your hands.

I've found that if I'm only making a day hunt I can get by with a fanny pack instead of a big backpack, but that also means I lose the ability to strap down my bow. There are also bow-slings that help transport your bow.

I know you're new to the sport so the evolution of your hunting style as well as your gear is on-going. Having quality gear that suits YOUR style is important and I'm sure you find some way to improve your set-up or reduce your load. I'm in my 3rd year of bowhunting and I've added a few things like binoculars and a rangefinder, but I've cut out a few things too. I prefer a large fannypack instead of a backpack to reduce overall bulk and weight. I can get snacks, a book and most of my hunt accessories in there. I also utilize cargo pockets on my pants for small items or things I want handy like extra gloves or a hat. I do still bring the backpack if I will have a large amount of clothees to bring out and I don't want to wear them to avoid overheating.

In time I would get a more compact system for slibing such as steps or small sections that nest together. I use Summit Bucksteps and a friend of mine uses them too as well as the Lone Wolf Steps. They are lightweight and can strap onto stands. CLimbing stands are also good, but they don't work for my hunting spots so I don't have one.

[VMS]

I'd suggest a game cart. I purchased one a little over a year ago and have not regretted it at all whatsoever. I have a pretty good hike into the woods where I hunt (I am at least fortunate enough to have a logging road to walk on which makes it a bit nicer)..it's about a mile to where I sit, and the game cart (the biggest one by cabelas) carries all my stuff. The back pack goes in the bottom, the tree stand goes on top of that, then any extra clothes I might be carrying so as not to break a huge sweat on the walk in, then the bow or gun (depending on season). With a little rope to secure it, I'm off and going. Saves a bunch of weight on my back, and...AND if I get a deer, it is a heck of a lot easier to get it out...

For me, the cost of that cart was worth it. Last year we had 3 deer to get out of the woods in our group..all in the same area. Think if you had to pull them all out by hand with a drag rope... UGH!!

Steve

[troutmaster]

I think the game cart would work for some situations, but for most it would not, where i hunt for an example to get to my spot i have to walk through thick brush, cross a couple rivines, constantly facing downed trees, steep hills, and a couple streams. if you just had a logging road to walk then it probly would work out ok. I just strap my stand on my back and carry my bow. I don't use a backpack or fannypack, all my gear i need i can fit in my pockets.

[BRULEDRIFTER]

sell all your stuff and buy a climber!

[Deitz Dittrich]

You need to somehow manage the parts to fit together... bungie cords and such. I like to cary my bow, so I usually try and get the ladder roped or bungied to the stand somehow. HOwever, most of my hang ons I leave up and often times have a friend help carry in.

My climber is quite easy to strap the backpack to the climber and carry the bow. Was hunting saturdayin southern MN pert near on top a mountain(thanks a lot Joel LOL) sweat quite a bit on the trip up, but made it no prob with all the gear.

[Bassboy1645]

Im similar to you...but it sounds like your hunting style is better suited to tree pegs. They will free up alot and thyre much more portable than climibing sticks or a ladder. depending on what you put in your pack you might be able to toss that too. Before I used a climber I wore the stand like a backpack then bungeed all my extra clothes to the back. The misc items( calls, scents, snacks) POCKETS! and I carry my weapon all times except in the dark. worked well for me and I hope it does for you too.