Backcountry Backpack Hunting Presented by BOG
Backpacking is a fundamental skill that can be enjoyed year-round and underpins all wilderness hunts. In this course, John will cover some essential aspects of planning your first backpack hunt from the clothing and equipment you need, to the training you should consider and how all the fundamentals of backpacking will build a solid foundation for you to have a successful backpack hunt.
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Chapter 1: Introduction
Learn why backpacking is the foundation of success backcountry hunting and how to start building that skillset. You’ll learn how off-season backpacking develops self-reliance and prepares you for the physical and mental demands of remote hunts.
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Chapter 2: Route Planning
Understand how to read terrain, interpret contour lines, and identify key features like water sources, camps, and glassing points. All while avoiding costly mistakes in steep or unforgiving country.
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Chapter 3: Essential Backpacking Gear
This chapter breaks down the essential gear every backpack hunter should carry to stay safe, capable, and comfortable in the backcountry. From shelter systems and sleep setups to nutrition, navigation tools, and emergency preparedness, you’ll learn what items are truly non-negotiable.
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Chapter 4: Packing
You’ll learn how to select the right pack for your hunt, manage weight, and organize your gear so it’s accessible, balanced, and streamlined on the move. From smart packing strategies to practical weight-saving tips, this chapter helps you build a repeatable system that conserves energy, reduces ...
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Chapter 5: Backcountry Footwear
Learn how to build a holistic footwear system, from socks and insoles, to lacing techniques and custom modifications.
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Chapter 6: Backcountry Water
John covers different water contaminants you should be aware of and what tools to use to produce clean drinking water to maintain your health and performance during a backpack hunt. He’ll also discuss a few key considerations for both collecting and storing your water in the field.
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Chapter 7: Backcountry Cooking Systems
In this chapter, John will discuss the different types of backpacking stoves, how to determine their fuel requirements, and the other essential items that make up a complete backcountry cooking setup along with some considerations for backcountry hygiene.
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Chapter 8: Bear Country
Go over key considerations to keep in mind when venturing into bear territory and the safety measures you can take to reduce the risk of a serious encounter.
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Chapter 9: Backpack Hunting
John will talk about unique gear requirements of a backpack hunter and some important considerations to keep in mind before you go out on your first backpacking trip.
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Chapter 10: Overnight and Multi-Day Trips
Learn how to ease into more extended hunts by starting closer to the road with overnight trips that can lead you to longer multi-day and even multi-week backpack hunts.
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Chapter 11: Lessons Learned
John talks about the journey of a backpack hunter and how keeping tack of what you’ve learned along the way will help you avoid making the same mistakes and will support your continued growth.
