Trips like these are some of the most rewarding experiences you can have. However, they can also be some of the most challenging. You will have heavy packs, unpredictable ground, and miles of rough country between you and civilization.
Most hunters and trekkers learn the hard way…
Smart logistics equals a good hunt. Bring the wrong bag, mismatched rifle configuration or sloppy travel route you’ll wish you didn’t.
Here’s the good news:
Pack smart, hunt harder, and have fun doing it mile after mile.
Let’s jump in!
Inside this guide:
- Why Smart Travel Matters For Hunters & Trekkers
- Choosing The Right Rifle & Magazine Setup
- Planning Your Route Before You Leave
- Smart Packing For Long-Distance Treks
- Staying Safe In The Backcountry
Why Smart Travel Matters For Hunters & Trekkers
Long range hunting and hiking can be lucrative activities. American hunters alone spent $45.2 billion on equipment and travel in 2022. That’s billions of people venturing into nature annually.
But here’s the thing…
Many of them are travelling great distances from home. Some fly to Alaska. Others hike into the wilderness of Montana. But almost all of them face a common challenge – transporting heavy equipment far without fatiguing themselves.
That’s where smart travel comes in.
Choosing The Right Rifle & Magazine Setup
If you are a hunter, your rifle setup is your life. Setup correctly it can make a long-distance hunt a breeze. Setup incorrectly and you will be frustrated and tired before you even see your target.
Here’s what most hunters don’t realise…
A detachable magazine system can revolutionize your hunting experience. Built in magazines are fine once you have them loaded, but they take forever to load and are cumbersome to change in the field. With a detachable magazine system you can reload in seconds without worrying about loose rounds.
When hunting backcountry the speed comes into play. Often times you only have one opportunity for a clean shot. Having the ability to quickly change your mag allows you to take a follow up shot should you need it.
For your next long range rifle upgrade look no further than XLR Industries. They design precision chassis systems for hunters and shooters who demand performance.
A good detachable magazine system should be:
- Lightweight enough to carry all day
- Easy to swap with cold or gloved hands
- Durable enough to handle drops and bumps
- Compatible with your rifle’s chassis
Spend the time getting this right — you won’t regret it.
And don’t forget…. It’s not just your rifle that’s important. A quality scope, a sling that doesn’t dig into your shoulder, along with ammo you’ve shot at the range will help. The small decisions compound quickly out in the bush.
Planning Your Route Before You Leave
Want to know the number one reason hunts fail?
Bad planning.
You can have the finest rifle and the finest boots money can buy. But if you don’t properly plan your route you’ll burn time and energy you cannot afford to waste.
Start with a clear map of where you’re going. Mark out:
- Trailheads
- Water sources
- Campsites
- Emergency exit routes
Next, review the weather forecast for the region. Mountain weather can change quickly. It can be sunny in the morning, but snowing by noon. Dress for the conditions you may encounter, not necessarily the ones you will.
Adventure travel has boomed in recent years, with the global market hitting $324.9 billion in 2022. That means there are more people visiting the same wild places than ever. So learn about your route ahead of time.
Another tip is to scout your local area online before heading out. Study maps, satellite photos, and trip reports from other hunters or backpackers who have been in the area. The more research you do ahead of time, the less time you waste scouting on foot.
Finally, leave a copy of your plan with someone at home. If anything happens, they’ll know where to send assistance.
Smart Packing For Long-Distance Treks
Pack light. Pack smart. Pack only what you need.
That’s how long-distance hiking works. Every pound you carry will weigh you down day two, three, etc.
Here’s a simple list of what you should always bring:
- A reliable shelter (tent or bivvy)
- Layered clothing (base, mid, outer)
- Water filter or purification tablets
- Compact stove and food
- First aid kit
- Headlamp with spare batteries
Your boots are more important than almost anything else. Invest in good footwear and break them in well prior to the trip. Blisters day one can ruin an entire hunt.
Now — here’s a trick most beginners miss…
Spread out all of the gear you think you want to take on the floor. Now take away one third of it. You will love yourself later when your pack is light and your shoulders aren’t killing you.
Staying Safe In The Backcountry
This is the part most people skip.
And it’s the part that matters most.
Wilderness travel is dangerous. If you spend enough time in the backcountry, you will encounter inclement weather, wildlife, injury, getting lost — just to name a few. While you can’t predict these things, you can be prepared.
Here’s how to stay safe:
- Always tell someone your plan
- Carry a satellite communicator
- Pack a basic survival kit
- Learn how to navigate without GPS
- Know basic first aid for the wilderness
The more remote your trip, the more important these become. Don’t cut corners here.
Know your limits. If the weather turns or you don’t feel well, turn around. There’s no shame in it and the mountain will be there next year. Many trips have become tragedies because someone didn’t turn back when they should have.
Final Thoughts
Extended range hunting trips and wilderness backpacking excursions rank right up there as two of the most satisfying adventures you can experience. However, they also take careful planning and proper equipment.
To quickly recap:
- Plan your route before you leave
- Choose the right rifle setup, including a quality magazine system
- Pack light and pack smart
- Stay safe with a solid backup plan
Do these things right and you’ll have stories to tell when you get home — and memories that will last a lifetime.
Survival favors the prepared. So prepare by traveling smart. Every journey will be easier that way.
