What to Bring

There's no such thing as bad weather...

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But there is such a thing as bad gear!

So gear up and be prepared for all conditions in the Wyoming high country.  It can be 70° one hour and snowing the next. Mornings and evenings are generally cold, so dressing in layers is important. (PRO TIP: Avoid cotton.) Fall weather is very unsettled with rain and snow showers being common. Your back-pack should include at least the items listed below in case you’re forced to spend the night away from camp.

We ask each person to limit their belongings to 50 pounds per person. We suggest using durable soft duffle bags. They are easiest for us to pack. As stated temperatures can range widely in the wilderness, so think about how you can layer your clothing to accommodate the temperature fluctuations.

Check out the gear we use, trust, and recommend on our Links page. And of course, if you’d like recommendations on anything, give us a call.

Clothing

NOTE: LIMIT ITEMS MADE OF COTTON

  • Pants: wool, synthetic
  • Pants: water proof material
  • Shirts: wool and synthetic
  • Stocking cap / Beanie
  • Coats: Light, Heavy, Rain, Wool, and Water Proof
  • Gloves: Insulated and Water Proof
  • Hunter Orange (one piece)
  • Base layer: wool and Synthetic
  • Socks: wool Socks Light and Heavy
  • Duffel Bags (2 5,000 cubic inch)

Field Gear

  • Drivers License, Hunting License, Hunter Safety, Conservation Stamp,
  • Special Management Stamp, Archery Stamp and etc.
  • Bear Spray (wilderness hunt only)
  • Day Back-Pack (3,000 cubic inches)
  • Scent Eliminator
  • First Aid Kit
  • Head Lamp, Flashlight and Batteries
  • Game Bags
  • Knife Sharpener
  • Knives
  • Leatherman
  • Tool Set (work on hunting equipment)
  • Pistol, Ammo and Holster (optional)
  • Range finder
  • Rifle, Scope, Covers and 2 Boxes Ammunition
  • Bow, Release, Arrows, Broad-heads, Quiver and Sling

Foot Wear

  • Riding boots with a 1-inch heel, such as the newer riding boots or traditional cowboy boots
  • Hiking boots can also work for riding. Avoid wearing low cut shoes as your ankles may rub against the stirrups
  • Hunting boots (well broken-in) and Gaiter
  • Camp shoes

Personal Gear

  • Water Bottle (Filtered)
  • Wet Wipes
  • Glasses and Sunglasses
  • Lip Balm, lotion and Sunscreen
  • Medication
  • Toothbrush, Towel, Washcloth, Soap and Shampoo

Sleeping Gear

  • Sleeping Bag (rated for zero degrees or colder)
  • Pillow
  • Sleeping cots are provided
  • Sleeping pads are provided

Fly Fishing Gear

  • Fly Rod & Flies or Spin Cast Rod and Spinners (optional)
  • License
  • 8-9 feet, 5 Weight Fly Rod- must break down into at least 2 pieces with hard case for packing on mules. Tenkara Rod Co. produces a great option for small mountain streams.
  • Flies can be purchased in Pinedale. However, if you have a selection on hand we recommend:
    • Wet: 6 – 12 size; various wooly buggers, prince nymphs, hairs ears, beaded, princes, stones and hairs work well, muddler minnows. 8-10 size
    • Dry: 6 – 10 size; hoppers, humpys, adams, royal coachmans, irresistibles, stimulators, parachutes all work well.
  • Leaders we suggest a dozen or so 9 ‘4 and 5x tapered leaders. We typically don’t use tippet, but if you do, we suggest you pick up a 4 lb. test tippet or even use a 6 lb. tippet.

Fall Hunting

  • Pack-in hunters will be limited to 1 sleeping bag/pillow, 1 rifle or bow, 1 backpack and 1 or 2 soft duffel bag weighing no more than 50 lbs. combined. (airline weight limit) NO OVER SIZE BAGS WILL BE PACKED IN. All backpacks will be worn in. All rifles will be carried in scabbards on your horse and your bows will be carried in a hard case on a pack animal. These limitations must be followed. You will find that through careful packing you can bring everything you need. If you have any questions regarding this please feel free to call. I would much rather discuss this with you prior to your hunt, than have you show up with gear that can’t be packed in.

 

  • If you drive, save room to bring your meat and trophies home, because shipping costs can run as much as $2+ a pound, keep in mind, having your game processed will cost you about 45¢+ a pound. We also work with an excellent taxidermist to whom your trophy can be delivered.

 

  • Be prepared for all weather conditions. It can be 70° one hour and snowing the next. Mornings and evenings are generally cold, so dressing in layers is important. Fall weather in the high country is very unsettled with rain and snow showers being common. If you would like recommendations on clothing, feel free to call. Your back-pack should include at least the items mentioned above in case you are forced to spend the night away from camp.

 

  • Get in Shape! If you aren’t now, try to get in good physical condition. The elevation and the demanding country will run you down fast. Nothing ruins a hunt faster than being out of shape. Walk up and down the stairs; take long walks with your day back-pack and hunting boots on. This will prepare your feet, back, and shoulders for exertions that you wouldn’t experience in regular life.

Summer Gear

We ask each person to limit their belongings to 35 pounds per person. We suggest using durable soft duffle bags. They are easiest for us to pack. Temperatures can range widely in the wilderness, so think about how you can layer your clothing to accommodate the temperature fluctuations.

Clothing

  • Broad brimmed hat
  • Cotton &/or Wool Socks
  • Warm Sleeping Clothes (long underwear works well)
  • Warm Jacket, Wool Sweater, or a Down Vest for the cooler evenings
  • Rain Gear should be durable and lightweight (this gear will be always kept with you and tied on the back of your saddle; the weight of this gear is not counted in the 35-pound weight limit).
  • Shirts – a variety of long sleeve, short sleeve and/or sleeveless. We suggest riding in a lightweight long-sleeved shirt to decrease sunburn.
  • Jeans or other durable pants – 2/3
  • Shorts -1/2
  • Swimsuit
  • The nights can be very cool, so a pair of lightweight gloves and a stocking hat to sleep in might be nice to have.

Personal Items

  • A Bath Towel and Washcloth
  • 2 Water Bottles
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Toothbrush & Paste
  • Skin lotion
  • Lip Balm with SPF
  • Camera
  • Prescription Medicines
  • Environmentally Safe/Biodegradable Shampoo/Conditioner (available at REI, etc.)
  • Environmentally Safe Soap
  • Insect Repellent
  • Hairbrush/Comb
  • Head Lamp or Flashlight
  • Extra Batteries
  • Day pack or fanny pack if day hikes are planned
  • Bear pepper spray

Items you will want to have with you when you ride: a water bottle, sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, Kleenex, camera, binoculars, and gloves. These items can be stored in your saddlebags. When not being worn, rain gear and/or a jacket will be tied to the back of your saddle and accessible if needed for inclement weather. The weight of these items does not count against the 35-pound weight limit.