I'm putting together some kit with the intention of bow hunting feral game, and camping off a dirtbike/walking to the areas I can camp/hunt etc.
End game is to be hunting wild pigs/goats. Anything that I can legally kill and harvest from.
One thing that i'm really struggling with is this idea of keeping the kit light while still having enough tools to bushcraft and hunt effectively.
E.g. - Bushcraft would dictate that you put the weight and the money into GOOD tools. Seems fine, but a good hand hatchet, a field dressing knife/knives, a good bushcraft knife, a leatherman plus everything else is putting me at 20Kgs + pack base weight. this is really undesirable if I'm intending to haul meat back a few hours off the trail.
At the moment I am pairing everything back but I am really struggling to get the base weight down to under 15kgs, let alone an "Ultralight" sub 10kgs
Can I ask what you guys are doing? how are you finding this balance? Where are you making sacrifices?
Do you ditch the tent completely and sleep in a bivvy sack? No tools and just one sharp knife? Carry less water and only hunt between water sources? One set of clothes and no cold/wet gear? Lightweight shoes instead of proper boots?
I understand it's a little different as I am "motorcycle camping" but I want to be able to get that bike into some very tight difficult places, and I want to give myself as much extra payload as possible so If I am hauling meat the ride is not dangerous. I would argue it's a little worse as I cannot skimp on motorcycle gear. Big heavy boots, armour, kevlar pants, helmet etc etc. Yes i can leave all this gear on the bike when i go hunt but I still have to carry all of my hunting clothes/gear as well!!!! I expect to be walking with gear/meat hauling for several hours but not for several days.
Any advice from Ultralight or Bushcrafters out there who are hunting would be very much appreciated.
I have written up a proposed gear list in a google docs spreadsheet. If anyone wishes to have a look im more than happy to PM the link.
Cheers and best of health you all,
Ash




