Idaho Wilderness Is Remote
The Frank Church-River of No Return, Selway-Bitterroot, and Gospel Hump wilderness areas are among the most remote in the Lower 48. Cell service is nonexistent, evacuation takes days, and conditions change rapidly. Gear selection isn't about convenience—it's about survival.
Shelter Systems
Protection from Idaho's unpredictable mountain weather
Ultralight Tent (2-3 lbs)
Single-wall or double-wall designs; prioritize storm worthiness over absolute minimum weight
Tarp & Bivy (1-2 lbs)
Lighter option for experienced backcountry hunters; requires site selection skill
Hammock System
Viable in timbered areas; challenging in alpine zones above treeline
Emergency Bivy
Always carry even with primary shelter—Idaho weather can force unexpected bivouacs
Sleep Systems
Temperature considerations for 20°F to 50°F nights
20°F Down Bag (2-3 lbs)
Covers most September-October hunts; down saves weight but loses loft when wet
0°F Bag for Late Season
November rifle hunts can see single digits; don't underestimate late-season cold
Inflatable Pad (R-value 4+)
Insulation from ground is critical—cold ground steals heat faster than cold air
Foam Pad Backup
Cannot puncture; some hunters carry thin foam as insurance
Water & Filtration
Hydration strategy for remote camps
Squeeze Filter
Fast, lightweight, field-maintainable; the dominant choice for backcountry hunting
Chemical Treatment (Backup)
Aquamira drops or tablets weigh almost nothing as a redundant system
Collapsible Containers (4-6L)
Carry water to camp if water sources are distant from hunting zones
Insulated Bottle
Prevents freezing in cold weather; warm drinks boost morale
Food Strategy
Calories and weight optimization
Freeze-Dried Meals
150+ calories per ounce; require only hot water; easy cleanup
High-Calorie Snacks
Nuts, chocolate, cheese, salami—aim for 125+ calories per ounce
Electrolyte Mix
Altitude and exertion cause salt loss; plain water isn't enough
Coffee/Tea
Psychological boost matters; pack what you need to feel human
Weight Optimization
Every ounce matters when packing out elk
Base Weight Target: 15-20 lbs
Experienced backcountry hunters aim for 15 lbs or less before food/water
Multi-Use Items
Trekking poles as tent poles, rain jacket as wind layer, etc.
Cut Redundancy
Two is one and one is none—but don't bring three of everything
Weigh Everything
Use a kitchen scale; you'll be shocked what small items add up to
Sample 5-Day Elk Hunt Pack
| Category | Items | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Shelter | Tent + stakes + guylines | 2.5 lbs |
| Sleep | 20° down bag + inflatable pad | 3.2 lbs |
| Cook | Stove + pot + spork + lighter | 0.8 lbs |
| Water | Filter + 3L capacity | 0.5 lbs |
| Clothes | Layers + rain gear + extra socks | 3.0 lbs |
| Hunt | Calls + rangefinder + game bags | 2.0 lbs |
| Safety | First aid + nav + headlamp | 1.5 lbs |
| Pack | Frame pack (empty) | 4.5 lbs |
| Base Weight | (before food & water) | 18.0 lbs |
Add 2 lbs/day for food + 2 lbs for full water carry. 5-day trip with full water = ~30 lbs total pack weight going in.
Planning Your Backcountry Hunt
Backcountry hunting in Idaho offers access to some of the finest elk, mule deer, and mountain goat hunting in North America—but it demands a level of preparation and self-sufficiency that road-accessible hunting simply doesn't require. Multi-day wilderness hunts force critical decisions about what to bring, what to leave behind, and how to balance safety with efficiency.
The Weight Equation
Every ounce you carry in is an ounce you're not using to pack out meat. A mature bull elk yields 200+ pounds of boned meat—potentially four or more loads on a good pack frame. If your base weight is 25 pounds instead of 18, that's an extra 7 pounds on every single trip, compounding over multiple hauls. The math matters.
This isn't about suffering with inadequate gear. Ultralight equipment has advanced dramatically, and today's sub-3-pound tents and sub-2-pound sleeping bags provide genuine protection. The key is spending money strategically—quality ultralight gear costs more upfront but pays dividends in reduced fatigue and improved hunting capacity.
Shelter Selection
Idaho mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable. September bow hunts can see afternoon thunderstorms with hail, and October rifle seasons regularly bring early snowfall. Your shelter must handle wind, rain, and potentially significant snow loads. Single-wall tents save weight but may condensate more; double-wall designs breathe better but weigh more. Choose based on your tolerance for tradeoffs and typical conditions in your hunting area.
Tarps offer the lightest option for experienced backcountry hunters comfortable with site selection and storm management. They excel in timber but struggle above treeline where wind protection disappears. Many seasoned hunters use tarps during favorable weather and pack a backup bivy for emergency use.
Sleep Systems for Mountain Camps
Temperature ratings on sleeping bags assume a sleeping pad beneath you and average humidity. Idaho's high-altitude camps can plunge into the 20s even in September, and November hunts regularly see single digits or below. Size your bag for the coldest conditions you might encounter, not the average. Having a warmer bag than needed is inconvenient; having a colder bag than needed is dangerous.
Ground insulation matters more than many hunters realize. Cold ground conducts heat away from your body far more efficiently than cold air. An R-value of 4.0 or higher is appropriate for fall shoulder-season hunts; late-season hunters should consider R-values of 5.0 or above. Inflatable pads provide excellent R-values at low weight but can puncture; many hunters carry a thin foam pad as insurance.
Water and Food Strategy
Water availability varies dramatically across Idaho's backcountry. Some areas feature abundant streams; others require long carries from distant sources. Scout your area using satellite imagery and topographic maps to identify reliable water sources near potential camp locations. Carrying 4-6 liters of capacity allows flexibility when sources are distant from prime hunting positions.
Backcountry food strategy balances calories, weight, and preparation time. Freeze-dried meals offer convenience and reasonable calorie density, but variety prevents meal fatigue on longer trips. High-fat, high-calorie snacks like nuts, cheese, and chocolate provide efficient fuel for strenuous mountain hunting. Don't neglect electrolytes—altitude and exertion cause significant salt loss that plain water doesn't replace.