How to Prepare for a Backcountry Big Game Hunting Trip

How to Prepare for a Backcountry Big Game Hunting Trip

Backcountry big-game hunting is one of the most rewarding challenges in the outdoors. Whether you’re chasing elk in rugged basins, mule deer in high desert canyons, or mountain goats above timberline, the remote nature of these hunts requires careful preparation. Success—and safety—depend on physical readiness, smart gear choices, and an organized plan for everything from food to emergency situations.

This guide walks you through the essential steps to prepare for a backcountry big-game hunt, including gear planning, conditioning, navigation skills, camp systems, and field safety. If you’re exploring options for guided wilderness hunts, you can compare vetted outfitters through Find A Hunt.

Understand Your Terrain & Hunt Demands

Every backcountry hunt is shaped by the landscape, weather, and distance you’ll be traveling.

Key Terrain Types

• High-mountain basins: Steep climbs, thin air, unpredictable weather.

• Timbered wilderness: Dense cover, navigation challenges, long pack-outs.

• Sagebrush and desert canyons: Hot days, cold nights, limited water.

• Alpine and subalpine ridges: Exposure to wind and storms, rocky footing.

Knowing your environment helps you choose appropriate gear and plan realistic travel routes.

Physical Conditioning for Backcountry Hunts

Your body is your most important piece of equipment. Solid conditioning helps you hike farther, glass longer, and pack out animals safely.

Focus Areas

• Cardio: Hiking, stair climbing, incline treadmill work.

• Strength: Legs, core, and back for pack-outs.

• Endurance: Long-duration hikes with weighted packs.

• Balance & Stability: Uneven terrain drills, step-ups, mobility work.

Aim to train with the pack weight you expect to carry—this builds confidence and resilience.

Essential Gear for a Backcountry Big Game Hunt

Backpack & Load System

Choose a high-quality internal-frame pack that can handle:

• Multi-day camp loads

• Heavy meat haul-outs

• Secure rifle/bow attachments

Shelter & Sleep System

• Lightweight tent or floorless shelter

• High R-value sleeping pad

• 15–30° sleeping bag depending on season

• Guy lines/stakes for high winds

Weapon Setup

• Rifle or bow you’ve practiced with extensively

• Durable sling or bow carry system

• Extra ammunition or arrows

• Weather-proof case for transport

Clothing Layers

• Merino wool base layers

• Breathable midlayers

• Puffy insulation

• Waterproof shell jacket and pants

• Gaiters for snow or shale

• Extra socks and gloves

Layering keeps you warm, dry, and adaptable.

Optics

• 10x binoculars (minimum)

• Spotting scope + tripod for long-range evaluation

• Lens cleaning kit

• Rangefinder with angle compensation

Food & Water Systems

• Lightweight meals: dehydrated entrees, bars, nuts

• Stove + fuel (tested beforehand)

• Water filter, purification tablets, or gravity-fed filter

• Water bladders + hard bottles

Plan caloric intake for 3,000–4,500 calories per day depending on your exertion level.

Pack Organization: What to Bring

Must-Have Items

• First-aid kit

• Fire starters (multiple types)

• Multi-tool or knife

• Kill kit (bags, gloves, paracord)

• GPS or offline navigation app

• Extra batteries / power bank

• Headlamp + backup light

• Emergency bivy

Nice-to-Have Items

• Trekking poles

• Lightweight camp chair

• Camera or phone tripod

• Small repair kit (duct tape, spare buckles, cordage)

Keep gear accessible so you aren’t digging through your pack at critical moments.

Backcountry Navigation & Mapping

GPS apps are essential but should never replace traditional navigation skills.

Smart Navigation Practices

• Download offline maps

• Carry a paper topo map

• Bring a compass and know how to use it

• Mark glassing points, water sources, and pack-out routes

• Track your hiking routes for safe return

Understanding terrain prevents costly mistakes in remote areas.

Planning Your Camp Setup

Backcountry camp should be safe, efficient, and low impact.

Choose Camp Locations Based On:

• Water availability

• Wind protection

• Distance to hunting area

• Avoidance of avalanche paths or dead timber

• Bear safety guidelines (100-yard rule for food/cook/sleep areas)

Camp Efficiency Tips

• Keep gear organized by task

• Store food properly (bear canister or hang system)

• Maintain a dry area for clothes and boots

• Set routines for water collection and meal prep

Simple systems save time and help you focus on hunting.

Understanding Weather & Seasonal Conditions

Backcountry weather changes fast—especially at altitude.

Always Prepare For:

• Sudden storms

• Temperature swings

• High winds

• Cold nights

• Early snow

• Rapid melting and creek rises

Use forecasts for planning, but pack for unexpected conditions.

Shooting Preparation for Backcountry Hunts

Big-game hunters often face long shots in high-wind conditions.

Practice Scenarios

• Uphill/downhill angle shots

• Cross-canyon distances

• Shooting from a pack or trekking pole rest

• Cold-bore accuracy

• Wind reading skills

Consistent practice builds confidence when the moment arrives.

Meat Care & Pack-Out Planning

A successful hunt comes with the responsibility of safely retrieving meat.

Steps for Proper Meat Handling

• Cool quarters immediately

• Hang meat in breathable game bags

• Use shade and airflow whenever possible

• Plan multiple trips if necessary

• Mark routes and time estimates for safe pack-outs

Packing out heavy loads is demanding—know your limits.

Safety & Emergency Preparedness

The backcountry rewards preparation and punishes mistakes.

Essential Safety Principles

• Tell someone your plan and return time

• Carry bear spray where appropriate

• Have an emergency communication device (InReach, satellite messenger)

• Know basic wilderness first aid

• Recognize signs of hypothermia, heat exhaustion, and altitude sickness

Prepared hunters stay safe and confident.

Mental Toughness: The Invisible Skill

Backcountry hunting tests you mentally as much as physically.

Build Mental Resilience By:

• Training in uncomfortable conditions

• Practicing with full pack weight

• Learning to stay calm under pressure

• Accepting discomfort as part of the experience

Backcountry hunts reward persistence—mental endurance often determines success.

FAQs: Preparing for a Backcountry Big Game Hunt

How heavy should my pack be?

Most multi-day hunts run 35–50 lbs, plus meat on the return.

How many days should I plan for?

Most backcountry trips last 5–10 days, depending on distance and objectives.

Do I need a guide?

Guides are extremely valuable in unfamiliar or dangerous terrain.

How do I keep meat cool in warm weather?

Shade, airflow, high-quality game bags, and fast pack-outs are essential.

What’s the #1 mistake beginners make?

Underestimating terrain difficulty and physical demands.

Prepare for Your Best Backcountry Hunt Yet

Backcountry big-game hunting requires planning, conditioning, and disciplined execution—but the rewards are unmatched. With the right preparation, you can hunt confidently in remote terrain and make the most of every opportunity.

If you're ready to start planning a guided or DIY adventure, compare outfitters and wilderness hunts through our hunt marketplace.