Every piece of gear this duo is packing on a backpack archery elk hunt this September. This video is packed with ideas for your next elk hunt
Last year, the Lorenzo and Omar duo went on an archery elk hunt with two tags in completely different units. One of the units presented backcountry hunting, while the other unit presented hunting in the lower country with not nearly as many areas to pack into and get away from pressure. This year Lorenzo and Omar got tags in an area where they plan on spending the full 14 days packed deep into the backcountry in search of elk. It is a style of elk bowhunting that brings the most enjoyment to the two and requires unique gear to be able to stay light but also prepared for anything that might come their way.
Be sure to watch the video at the top of this article.
In this video, Lorenzo and Omar dive into their gear setups for a 14-day backcountry elk hunting trip in New Mexico. They discuss everything from clothing and boots to sleeping systems, cooking gear, and their archery setups. The video is a detailed look at what goes into preparing for a long, high-altitude hunt in remote mountains.
As they finish up their gear dump, both are excited for the upcoming hunt and emphasize how important it is to be prepared. Having similar gear setups not only provides backups in case of equipment failure, but it also makes the overall hunting experience smoother. With their comprehensive gear lists, they’re ready to take on the challenges of hunting in remote, high-altitude terrain.
The video at the top of this article provides a detailed breakdown of essential gear for backcountry hunting, including clothing, shelter, optics, cooking systems, and archery equipment. It’s a must-watch for anyone preparing for a multi-day hunt, especially in challenging mountain environments.
Best of luck this fall!
Base layers & socks: The guys compare their favorite underwear and socks for backcountry hunting. They highlight the importance of durable, moisture-wicking materials to stay comfortable during long hikes. Socks from brands like Darn Tough and merino wool base layers are top choices.
Hiking boots: Lorenzo opts for leather Hanwag Alaska GTX boots, ideal for durability and warmth. Omar uses a flexible, Hanwag Makra Trek GTX synthetic boots that’s easier to break in but still provides ample support for rugged terrain.
Mid-layers & outerwear: Layering is key for backcountry hunting. They discuss merino wool tops, synthetic tops, and insulation layers to stay dry and warm. Both emphasize the importance of versatile, packable gear that performs in unpredictable weather.
Rain gear: Lightweight rain gear is essential for staying dry in the backcountry. They both are using durable, breathable rain jackets that won’t add too much weight to their packs.
Sleeping bags & pads: Both guys use the Stone Glacier Chilkoot 15-degree sleeping bag, which offers excellent warmth-to-weight ratio—perfect for any mountain hunting conditions. They also pack insulated sleeping pads like the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir to avoid losing heat to the ground.
Shelters: Lorenzo and Omar differ on their shelter choices. Loreno prefers a minimalist Outdoor Research Helium Bivy paired with a tarp, while Omar opts for a fully enclosed Stone Glacier SkyAir ULT Tarp. Both emphasize the importance of lightweight shelters that can handle backcountry weather.
Stoves: For quick meals and morning coffee, Omar uses a JetBoil Flash, while Lorenzo keeps it simple with an MSR Pocket Rocket 2 stove and a GOHUNT Titanium Mug. Both value compact, efficient cooking systems for backcountry hunts.
Water storage & purification: Water is critical when hunting in remote areas. Both rely on Steripens for water purification, with backup drops for emergencies. They also carry lightweight water storage solutions like Nalgene bottles and Platypus bags to ensure they have enough water during long stretches without streams or lakes.
First aid & hygiene: Both Lorenzo and Omar are similar on the basics for personal hygiene and medical emergencies. Items like hand sanitizer, pain relievers, bandages, and foot care products are essential for a 14-day hunt. Lorenzo even brings a small deodorant for a mid-hunt morale boost and so he doesn’t smell like a “billy goat.”
Tools & repairs: From multi-tools to patch kits for sleeping pads, both are ready for any gear malfunctions. They also carry extra batteries and spare parts to ensure their electronics and tools stay functional throughout the hunt.
Bow Setup: Both Lorenzo and Omar are using Mathews Lift 33 compound bows for elk hunting. They discuss how important it is to have a fast, efficient bow when hunting big game like elk. Lorenzo’s bow is shooting a 505-grain arrow at 295 feet per second—perfect for taking down large animals at long distances.
Arrows & broadheads: They’re both using Ultraview 1K arrows, designed for hunters who need precision and consistency. These arrows are paired with Sevr 1.5 broadheads, which have proven to be highly effective in the field.
Bow accessories: From Ultraview button releases to Tight Spot Quivers, their bow setups are almost identical. This is intentional, allowing them to share gear if something breaks in the backcountry. They stress the importance of having backups for critical gear during a long hunt.
