Advice on Upgrading My Gear for Public Land Hunts

[RLAG]

I have found that the m2 vest checks all those boxes you're talking about. Tight and form fitting for an athletic build with a small backpack for food, water or whatever other pieces of gear are not a quick easy access type of thing. Butt pad is pretty thick and easy to pop on and off for short/long hunts

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

[Marc]

I honestly feel that for hunting rugged terrain, the single most important piece of apparel is foot-wear.  I am in California, and heavily insulated boots are too hot for that type of moving around.

I like light-weight boots, that are water-proof, and wear good (non-cotton) socks as well.  Having good and comfortable footwear can really improve the enjoyment of a hunt.

Mornings can be cool and heat up later in the morning, so I like light-weight clothes that I can wear in layers, that is easy to pack.  I will sometimes stow a jacket to pick up on the way out, as my longest sit is generally early morning waiting for birds to come off the roost.

Not a fan of cotton, especially for my top...  Cotton pants do not bother me as much.  I will generally wear a thermal wool shirt, long-sleeve synthetic camo over that, and then a light-weight synthetic pull-over...  All of which can be shedded and stowed in my game-bag...  If I kill a bird, I will tie the tops around my waist or neck (very fashionable).

[Tom007]

I have some 5-6 mile round trips in the Northeast mountains in some of my areas. Rocky, fairly rugged terrain. I wear Danner Boots, lightweight, waterproof, great cushioned soles. On these long treks I use my Sitka vest. Carry's just what I need. I changed out the inside seat cushion with a thicker more comfortable one. Fits real nice, very comfortable. I use a Vero-Vellini Sling with my 5.5 pound Browning 16 gauge. Very comfortable carrying with this sling. I have to say it truly is a comfortable set-up, in, and out. I also carry a Turkey-Tote, works real good hauling out a gobbler....

Good luck...

[ruination]

If I think I'm sitting for over an hour, I'm bringing a light weight turkey chair.

Otherwise I carry either a funky chicken or a Cherokee blow up in my Sitka back pack.  Camel pack.  And some dude wipes.  I don't really like to eat while hunting, but usually carry a couple granola bars.

[Number17]

I strap one of these to my backpack. It is the best ground seat of any kind I've tried. It's a sit anywhere style and very well built. The must have discontinued the camo options. I bought an extra one on clearance last year for like $10


https://www.sportsmans.com/camping-gear-supplies/camp-furniture/chairs-seats-loungers/alps-mountaineering-weekender-stadium-seat-cactus/p/1865586?channel=shopping&gclid=27b6380cdc1014f6b3235fbd36cf6467&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=27b6380cdc1014f6b3235fbd36cf6467&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Bing%20-%20Shopping%20-%20NB%20-%20Camping%20-%20No%20Stores&utm_term=4581046493971810&utm_content=Camping%20-%20No%20Stores

[GobbleNut]

I strap one of these to my backpack. It is the best ground seat of any kind I've tried. It's a sit anywhere style and very well built. The must have discontinued the camo options. I bought an extra one on clearance last year for like $10


https://www.sportsmans.com/camping-gear-supplies/camp-furniture/chairs-seats-loungers/alps-mountaineering-weekender-stadium-seat-cactus/p/1865586?channel=shopping&gclid=27b6380cdc1014f6b3235fbd36cf6467&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=27b6380cdc1014f6b3235fbd36cf6467&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Bing%20-%20Shopping%20-%20NB%20-%20Camping%20-%20No%20Stores&utm_term=4581046493971810&utm_content=Camping%20-%20No%20Stores

Picked up something similar to try out this spring. There have been times when I was wishing I had that back support while waiting for a gobbler to arrive.  Also have a roll-up pad to put in the seat, as well, to add a bit of cushion to the bottom.  We'll see how it works out... 

[deathfoot]

I hike in miles sometimes...I'm still carrying my chair if I'm planning on sitting for long periods. I'm leaning to buying a Glenda Green cushion as I'm getting older. My plan would be to stuff it in my game pouch on the back of my vest or look at someway attaching it to my vest with clips.

Anyway, I can't live without my vest as others can. I don't use mouth calls so I have a vest that holds two box calls, several pots and other things I deem as necessary for my hunt. On long hikes, I reduce what I bring in that vest to lighten the load. I don't carry binos either. To me, they are a waste of weight when hunting the timber.

I have the old gobbler lounger at chair at 6.5 pounds. It's about on it's last leg. So I ordered a back up recently...the Rogers turkey chair. It's just over 6.5 pounds. I looked at tons of chairs and went with Rogers based on weight only.

If it's the first time on a property and I think I'm going to be scouting, running and gunning and such, I leave the chair in the truck. I'm good on the vest cushion for an hour or so.

I will say this too...there have been many times I've abandoned the chair to chase a turkey up a mountain or similar. Then I have to go back and get the chair, which sometimes can be a long hike that could have been avoided. So I'm looking at not doing that stupid act much longer lol.

Others have gave much better advice. But I have yet to learn to live without my old vest.

[logy]

I hike in miles sometimes...I'm still carrying my chair if I'm planning on sitting for long periods. I'm leaning to buying a Glenda Green cushion as I'm getting older. My plan would be to stuff it in my game pouch on the back of my vest or look at someway attaching it to my vest with clips.

I think it comes with a handle. You could by a cheap carabiner and attach it to a belt loop or a belt.

I hike in miles sometimes...I'm still carrying my chair if I'm planning on sitting for long periods. I'm leaning to buying a Glenda Green cushion as I'm getting older. My plan would be to stuff it in my game pouch on the back of my vest or look at someway attaching it to my vest with clips.

Anyway, I can't live without my vest as others can. I don't use mouth calls so I have a vest that holds two box calls, several pots and other things I deem as necessary for my hunt. On long hikes, I reduce what I bring in that vest to lighten the load. I don't carry binos either. To me, they are a waste of weight when hunting the timber.



Others have gave much better advice. But I have yet to learn to live without my old vest.

It sounds like a vest/chair combination will be my ticket to success. If I am planning on a shorter hunt, I will bring the vest. If I am planning a longer hunt- I will bring a chair. I am honestly looking at adding a chest harness for this set up. I run a turkey trumpet, boxcall, and a couple pot calls.

Another post season assement I have done is I am historically awful at judging ranges. I asked for a range finder for fathers day last year. I plan on taking that turkey hunting. My plan is to range a couple different trees when I set up so I have a referrence point. I have been thinking about adding some binos to my kit, but man... I cant think of a time when I was like I wish I had a pair of binos right now (not so much for the range finder). I can see a use for them when Im scouting a couple areas.

If you get the Glenda Green seat let me know what you think of it compared to chair.

[deathfoot]

I hike in miles sometimes...I'm still carrying my chair if I'm planning on sitting for long periods. I'm leaning to buying a Glenda Green cushion as I'm getting older. My plan would be to stuff it in my game pouch on the back of my vest or look at someway attaching it to my vest with clips.

I think it comes with a handle. You could by a cheap carabiner and attach it to a belt loop or a belt.

I hike in miles sometimes...I'm still carrying my chair if I'm planning on sitting for long periods. I'm leaning to buying a Glenda Green cushion as I'm getting older. My plan would be to stuff it in my game pouch on the back of my vest or look at someway attaching it to my vest with clips.

Anyway, I can't live without my vest as others can. I don't use mouth calls so I have a vest that holds two box calls, several pots and other things I deem as necessary for my hunt. On long hikes, I reduce what I bring in that vest to lighten the load. I don't carry binos either. To me, they are a waste of weight when hunting the timber.



Others have gave much better advice. But I have yet to learn to live without my old vest.

It sounds like a vest/chair combination will be my ticket to success. If I am planning on a shorter hunt, I will bring the vest. If I am planning a longer hunt- I will bring a chair. I am honestly looking at adding a chest harness for this set up. I run a turkey trumpet, boxcall, and a couple pot calls.

Another post season assement I have done is I am historically awful at judging ranges. I asked for a range finder for fathers day last year. I plan on taking that turkey hunting. My plan is to range a couple different trees when I set up so I have a referrence point. I have been thinking about adding some binos to my kit, but man... I cant think of a time when I was like I wish I had a pair of binos right now (not so much for the range finder). I can see a use for them when Im scouting a couple areas.

If you get the Glenda Green seat let me know what you think of it compared to chair.

Definitely a rangefinder. That stays in my vest and doesn't add much weight at all. And what you said is correct, range a few trees for reference when you set up and you're good to go. I plan on ordering a cushion for this spring and I will let you know. I will say everyone on here raves about the cushion so I'd say it is great.

[NYturkey]

I hunt that way as well. I often wear a backpack that has a kangaroo pouch. I slip one of Glenda's seats between the main pack and the kangaroo pocket. This works well for me. A backpack carries the essentials for a long haul. Only call I need  is a trumpet so that hangs around my neck.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[NYturkey]

I should add I use a Kuiu Divide 1500 and had to cut the material that attaches the two compartments. Took 2 minutes.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[logy]

I should add I use a Kuiu Divide 1500 and had to cut the material that attaches the two compartments. Took 2 minutes.

That backpack checks a long of my boxes and the price isnt that bad!

[Dougas]

My public land hunts for deer, elk, and turkey hunts occur 1 to 7 miles hike in and sometimes a 12 mile bike ride before the hike in. I have found home made burritos, sausage and fried egg sandwiches plus protein bars, candy bars and hard candy to suffice.

Side note; I have 5 toms about 2 feet away from my face just outside my front door at this moment and they are not shy about gobbling!

[YoungGobbler]

I see a lot of very good comments about gear. My only advice that could be usefull for you would be about food. Your talking about bringing snaks... Don't bring 'snacks', bring real wholefood    A good breakfast with eggs and bread in the truck ride to your spot and then, whatever food you'd eat at your break and at dinner at work. I would not go light on this. I eat two dinners with meat and carrots and potatoes during the morning so that's what I'd carry.

[logy]

I see a lot of very good comments about gear. My only advice that could be usefull for you would be about food. Your talking about bringing snaks... Don't bring 'snacks', bring real wholefood    A good breakfast with eggs and bread in the truck ride to your spot and then, whatever food you'd eat at your break and at dinner at work. I would not go light on this. I eat two dinners with meat and carrots and potatoes during the morning so that's what I'd carry.

I was looking at getting a backpacking stove to bring with me. I was looking at the jetboil minimo or something along those lines. On opening morning I have a tendacy to show up extremly early at my spot. I have never seen anyone hunting this spot, but it is a good one and I would rather error on the side of caution. I figured I would have some time to make a little breakfast while I am waiting to head out.