Randy, I’m forty-five years old and went to Colorado last year, 2020, for my first Elk hunt ever. World pandemic and forest fires in full swing. My dad bought a 300 ultra mag rifle to go on an elk hunt in 2002, but then tragically died in a car accident 300 yards from his house. He never got to go. Eighteen years later, some good people asked me to go with their family to hunt elk on public Colorado land. I took my dad’s rifle and with the help of my hunting buddies, now friends for life, harvested an elk at 8:30 a.m. the opening day of the late October season. The next day, a foot and a half of snow blanket the landscape and the temperature dropped to a negative twenty-two degrees that night. This was good news for the forest fires that raged the Colorado landscape, but we never saw another elk for 9 days. Everything headed down the mountain and out of our BLM unit. You and your team, and the stories you produce, convinced me to take my dad’s rifle and complete the hunt that my father never could. A hunt of a lifetime for many, my father included. Your videos not only got me excited about Western hunting, but also gave me new skills that helped my hunt be successful. For instance, I used the gutless method, which I had never heard of before watching your videos. I used the Gerber Vital Big game folder you suggest which worked great for the whole process, much different than processing a whitetail. I used my Mystery Ranch pack to hall out, with the help of my friends, the 4x5 bull, a mile and a half one way down the trail. Thanks to my buddies for doing four of the six loads and thanks to you and your team for giving me the motivation and strength to make my dad’s dream come true. One day I hope to be able to meet my father in the happy hunting ground and experience a successful western elk hunt together. For now, I thankfully have good friends and hopefully years left to continue this new tradition. Now, to take my lessons learned from this hunt, and purchase some quality gear to keep me warm and dry on the wind-swept mountains, until the day comes again when I can sit side by side with my father and wait for that bull elk to graciously greet us together. Thanks again Randy.
The jetboil is a great investment, it is a necessity item for me when I trained in the field in the army, one hell of a game changer and a great way to bring the joes together. Great video!
I hammock camp when I go elk hunting. Entire setup with tarp, hammock, and straps weighs 3.5 pounds.Packs into 2 small sacs, each half the size of a loaf of bread. Setup with tarp is 10 minutes, without is 5 minutes (great for afternoon naps). I setup camp wherever the end of the day takes me or near where the elk bed down. No need to waste energy hiking back to camp, you can sleep longer because you're already near your spot for the morning. Only problem is sometimes Big Ole' Hank wakes you up with a loud bugle
I strongly recommend looking into Warbonnet hammocks out of Colorado. They’re expensive but worth it. I bought a 0 degree under quilt to go with it and you can sleep like a champ. For me it’s way better than sleeping on the ground
Your Hlleberg is the Mercedes of tents. Bombproof. Nice, well-proven gear list. Thanks Randy. TENT->Tarptent Moment DW (ripstop interior) Crossing pole if expecting heavy snow. OR TT Scarp 2 with lots of room for 2 and their gear. Two crossing poles used if heavy snow or winds are expected. SLEEP SYSTEM-> Western Mountaineering Megalite factory overstuffed down bag to 20 F. (puffy jacket & pants worn if needed) REI FLASH Insulated mattress W/Sea to Summit inflation/dry bag. I have discovered that for week long hunts a synthetic "topper" cover over my downbeat absorbs most of my body vapor. Keeps the bag from getting too damp and less insulating every night. WATER TREATMENT: #2 coffee filters and Katadyn chlorine dioxide purifying tablets.
Thanks for the video. Excellent selection of gear. I suggest Katadyn chlorine dioxide tablets to back up for water filters. When I was a Nordic ski patroller I taught winter survival to US army ROTC cadets. After a classroom session we would insert by Chinook choppers and do an overnight to see if anyone had paid attention. Always a few poor souls had not. Double wall tents are also warmer than single wall tents. I use an REI FLASH Insulated air mattress (15 oz.) with a Western Mountaineering 20 F. bag. (overfilled Megalite). For colder weather I have an LL Bean -20 F. down bag. Best designed -20 F. bag I have ever found. My solo winter tent is a modified Tarptent Moment DW. My 2 person is a (yes, modified) Tarptent Scarp 2. Oh, yeah, my new mountain rifle is a 6.5 Creedmoor Browning X-Bolt Pro made by Miroku, Browning's rifle maker since 1977.
I look at it this way a hotel is about $60-$100 day/night...so if you spend $5000 overall on your gear and use it 60 plus times or it saves your life once, its paid in full.
I don't think tactics really differ for each calibre. Effective range differs and tactics for different animals, but not really dependant on calibre. Shot placement is more important 👍
I could see him using .270 maybe but I doubt hed ever consider a 30-30. Ive listened a lot of his podcast and he seems quite set on the 7mm-08 exclusively.
Looks like you’ve got the Hilleberg Nallo 2 GT. Think you might have called it the Nallo G2. I was able to find it just searching Nallo’s site, but just in case someone else is looking for the exact name. I’d love to get one, but they’re a bit of a budget buster for me right now. Maybe one day! Thanks for the awesome review and information.
I can't believe Randy made a video entitled Tent and Sleeping system, but did not include a link or the correct name of the model of Hilleberg tent. Since I figure he knows, I expect to purchase that tent in sand color. Thank you for posting the specific model, if it works for him it should work for me.
Thanks for the video, Randy. I use a two man Kelty for backpack marten trapping in MT with the bag liner and bivvy. For those who are looking for tips, I put my damp end of day clothes between the bag and bivvy or liner. They dry while I sleep. I always, always sleep with my heavy socks or pack liners in the bag to ensure I don't put on ice packs in the a.m. If I use fuel canisters, I sleep with them. They seem to perform better warmed up. We're budget guys, and my buddy uses a Tyvek bivvy he glued together, and it works well for him. I don't filter water. I drink it where I find it, and some has been pretty foul. Zero temps are common. Martens love our visits!
I am definitely going to sell my Hilleberg 1 person Akto and get a 2 person Hilleberg for when i go back to Montana next year, i also like the down sleeping bag, good tip on the bivvy cover.
Richard Jackson I have the three man version which I use for two man camping. It is only a tiny bit heavier than the two but like a palace when you set it up. I've never had condensation with my hilleberg. Also, there is nothing better in the wind. Neo air pad is key. Lightest down bag you can find on half price on Sierra Traders.
Way cool thanks for the info I’ve never dealt w them had pack mule and horses in afg cool animals though now I pack it on my back wish I had a couple of them 👍🏻😀
Awesome camp setup! May I say though that alpine mountain rifle is heavy at 6.7lbs! Check out the Kimber Mountain Ascent in 6.5CM weighing in under 5lbs!
We have a lot of Grizzlies in Montana, in certain areas & contrary to what you've heard, they can climb trees, IF they're real hungry or if it's a pissed off sow with Cubs, unless the tree's diameter isn't big enough.
This is a good review. Pretty much enough information to get someone by with minimal weight. I'm surprised those few items will keep you warm both at night and during the day. You're either tough or that combination of items is really effective. In the west I hunt out of a wall tent so staying warm usually isn't an issue. But here in the mid-west, whitetail hunting, walking to an ambush site as far as an hour away without working up a sweat and then freezing afterward has been a problem for years. The layering systems (including moreno) many people now use is for me a recent development. A good item I recently purchased is a pair of Primaloft "down" pants. Light and packable. That along with an old down coat covered by a soft waterproof shell (Fleet Farm believe it or not) is getting me to and from multiple hour sits in these low thirties high-twenties sits and is keeping these old bones warm so far this year. As it gets colder, up next is, over all that, a custom made down filled pair of bibs. Strapped to the back of my Tenzing TZ4000. Remade from a down coverall I used ice fishing (working) on a large water-body. When I get cold in that I'll have to build a fire. Which is tough in a climbing tree stand. But doable. Necessity if the mother of invention.
As you point out, a big difference in activity levels between elk hunting and tree stand hunting. And thus a big difference in what items work best. Fortunately, with elk hunting, you can go for a hike or build a fire to warm up. Not possible in a tree stand. That said, the Sitka Gear I use is designed to wick moisture quickly and provide a high level of warmth for the light weight.
Was recently up in the BWCA going after ruffed grouse this last Oct when the temps dropped way down below freezing 🥶 - wish I would have had your sleep system tips then- I’ll define using them next time! Thanks!
RANDY, I have to say, you have a great channel. There are a lot of folks out there with announcers or they are very intense or overly plugging their sponsors. You are just plain Minnesota Nice, and Gosh Darn it, I like it!
Randy Newberg, Hunter my pleasure. Most of the nicest people I’ve ever met that I really like and appreciate are from MN. Thank you again for a great program. Best regards.
Thanks. 300 days... A TRUE field review - a rarity on TH-cam. Often wonder if Tent manufactures reach out to individuals with this type allegiance/ history with a specific tent for feedback or general input or improvements? Assume you plan to stick with this set -up considering the dozens of tents flooding the marketplace ? Appreciate the bivy reference . And no nonsense details . I value the sea to summit thermolite reactor extreme sleeping bag liner- regular size at 5-10’. Do you also carry, or need a stand along ultra light tarp set-up?
I don't carry a tarp. Might not be a bad idea, but I've been able to get along without it. As for my use and review, Hilleberg was recommended to me about 15 years ago by a friend in the mountaineering space. He raved about them. In 2007, I bought the one you see in this video. Like with the majority of products I use, I've been using them long before we started video platforms. And, as with a lot of companies, I use their product because it works, even if I don't have any financial arrangement with them.
Good stuff. On a separate note I just read your CO Elk hunt story in the most recent issue of Bugle magazine. Excellent story, well told and again congrats on that monster bull!
You might consider a bear resistant container or electric fence as grizzlies can climb trees quite well. You can also hang between two trees. I like to use an arborist throw bag filled with lead shot. Much easier to throw accurately over a limb without getting hung up. I made mine in just a few minutes and filled with buckshot.
@@TheBaseballking23 Yes it's a myth. They can't climb as well as black bears but they certainly can do it. Hunter's hang game in trees and bears still get the meat unless you suspend between two trees
So Randy, since you were in Grizzly country and you hang your food that high in the tree....how high up the tree do you put the Llamas so the grizzlies don't get them?😎
thanks randy. any idea what the total weight of your pack comes in at for an extended hunt (including food, water, shelter, gear, and bino harness, excluding clothes you are wearing and weapon)?
That depends on a ton of things. Weather for the season we are hunting, species we are hunting and how much weight we will be carrying if we are successful, distance/topography to trailhead, presence of water for filtration, etc. I try to keep my load at 50#, if at all possible. We have done some hunts where I was a bit over that, but I prefer not to.
Great video - do you have any sort of heater to keep you warm or do you just trust the clothes and sleeping bag? We are looking for something to keep us warm at altitude 3rd season rifle in Colorado.
Thanks for your recent video on the gear you sleep in! Big help! I think we may have to try some stuff out locally this winter before trusting it too far from civilization.
Randy Newberg, Hunter thanks for replying back! I kinda suspected that you can’t use a heat source but with all the access you have to cool products... I thought you found something that won’t either burn you up or gas you out lol.
Hi Randy, enjoy your shows and podcasts. Excellent run down of field tested and proven gear. What's the Rad Bivi that you recommend to protect your sleeping bags from moisture inside the tent?
Yeah it is pretty cool! Have you seen the pack goats people use for hunting? That is pretty cool too! Search for PACKGOATS: EPISODE 01 or Elkville 2 Hunting Elk With Pack Goats (not affiliated with the channel that has these pack goats, its just really cool)
As far as weather goes when does is start getting dangerous and needing to get the hell out of there? I noticed it snowed a lot on this trip. I tend to get a little anxious when the weather gets like this an sometimes call the hunt early because I get worried but you didn’t seem worried one bit.
We have to deal with this a lot, so we just take it as part of the gig. The reason we left is that we had another hunt immediately following this hunt, so if we got stuck in there for a few extra days, it would mess up our entire season of production. Thanks for watching.
Max Sanchez I have camped for a week at elevation with temperatures down to -30 with a set up similar to Randy's(0 degree bag). As long as you have food you will live. I did think I had lost a couple toes to frost bite at one point but they didn't turn black :)
Packed weight is 6# 6 oz. If you shed a few of the stakes, get rid of the tent bag, and leave behind the spare segment of a pole, you can get down to 5# 5 oz.
Presumably one isn't using a single llama. Llamas are a herd animal of course and are incredibly alert. They make an alarm noise to tell the rest of the herd about a potential prey animal. Llamas are pretty smart as well so the alarm is probably for the attention of the people as well. The herd mentality is protection in numbers and they probably view humans as part of the herd, that happen to care for their needs. As far as actually defending, I'm not sure how that would go but am curious. I suspect if a grizz or cougar decided to forego the warning alarms and attack, it would be up to the humans to deal with it appropriately.
Are you using the long version of the sleeping pad and does it fit inside the tent? My current tent isn't even big enough to lay out my long therm-a-rest max pad.
Don't grizzlies hibernate when snow is on the ground of Wyoming? I'm not from that part of the US. I'm just curious. I'm trying to talk my son in law to hunt elk with me in Wyoming. I heard the largest elk herds are near Cody, WY. Is that true?
Are there any other quality extreme weather tents you would recommend other than the Hellenburg that might be easier on the wallet? Lol, seriously though?
I have tried others that are easier on the wallet. They did not provide the "quality extreme weather" feature you are looking for. Wish I had a better answer. When I spend 70+ nights per year in this tent, I want the best I can find and I will invest in the quality needed. I understand that might not be the situation others have.
Randy Newberg, Hunter Thank you for your reply. I'll most likely spend the money on a Helleburg Tent. I do understand the importance of good equipment. Especially when your comfort and safety are involved. I have quite a few items to buy before I venture out on my first elk hunt. I hunt deer in Oklahoma. I do watch all your videos to educate myself for a safe and successful elk hunt. Thank you for sharing all your experience and knowledge.
Didn't see a red bear alert button in your tent. You know, the big red one you slam when you can hear the bear's teeth grinding on the outside of your tent. The one you slam and it then emits the bear alert wail and immediately pops off one side of the tent to allow a quick exit. Or an immediate face to face with a bear. The more expensive models of course come with two buttons to allow a choice of exit sides. My personal opinion is the more expensive type is well worth the extra cash.
To Alaska. In the western states I mostly hunt, I seldom find any conditions that my Sitka Mountain Jacket or Jetstream Jacket can't handle. When it requires, as in Alaska, I go to the Stormfront system.
Because they don't hibernate until late October/early November. During September, when this was filmed, they are in a stage called hyperphagia, putting on every calorie they can find before hibernation.
As always, excellent video! So it seems if I invest $65k in top tier equipment, I'll be more successful (and certainly more comfortable) in my $7k elk hunt.
I have 100+ days per year in this equipment. I understand others may not have that situation and would not be able to justify the investment in this gear. People ask what we use, as they know we use it intensively. So, we show what we use.
That is not much at all .. me and the rest of the guys I go with which is about 4 of us .. there is about $40,000 dollars worth of gear between us .. and that includes all the mule packs, And guns.
He never said it was budget friendly. He said it's what he uses. He is also severely accomplished and a world renowned leader in his profession and practices. He does deep country hunting out of contact from civilization for days at a time, dozens of times a year. Walmart camo just ain't gonna do it son. We all start on a budget so I suggest assessing your needs and usage and go from there. You dont need sitka gear if you hunt turkeys once a year in a blind with a pickup 50 yards away....
I woulda just packed a shit ton of MREs. Dont think bears would really want to get into them as long as they're not prepared.....then again im not a bear so i can't talk for them...
Great vids! But I bet it’s nice to get Sitka gear for free. Great stuff but way over priced. I could not afford it if I wasn’t getting a 50% discount because I know somebody who has a friend who knows somebody who might be able rob somebody to get me a discount. I spent $500 on only two shirts, two pants, gloves and that’s with a discount. Then I bought two more Sitka backpacks. I would be divorced if my wife knew that I spent our children’s college fund on Sitka gear. Good thing we have separate checking accounts. If she finds out and divorces me I’m blaming it on Sitka and Randy because y’all make me go buy more crap. It’s definitely not my fault if she leaves me because you don’t have a 12 step program to ween me off buying top of the line crap I probably don’t need but love to use...
No, they are an investment. But if you spend 100+ nights per year in a tent, in these kind of conditions, you find out that a lower quality tent is not a very good investment.
Agreed. But, when I spend months in a tent each season, a couple ounces of weight for improved comfort for those many days is a trade off I now make as I've gotten older and need higher quality rest in order to keep doing this week after week. Each will have a different trade off between ounces and comfort. If it provides no benefit, ounces are important.
That is true mate, but the difference between a 1 man and 2 man Hilleberg is around a 1lb of extra weight, i will trade that for a better nights sleep. I start my training early, so i will add into the mix 'failure to prepare, prepare to fail' i will cope with an extra few ounces.
Randy Newberg, Hunter I was agreeing, looks like you have a sweet system to lighten the load as much as possible, I’m going to get that type of tent. I got that saying from a drill sergeant and it’s always in my mind when I pack for hunts.
This gentleman is living. Well done sir 👍
Thanks. As a dying uncle told me in our last visit, "Don't confuse breathing with living." Live, I will.
Randy,
I’m forty-five years old and went to Colorado last year, 2020, for my first Elk hunt ever. World pandemic and forest fires in full swing.
My dad bought a 300 ultra mag rifle to go on an elk hunt in 2002, but then tragically died in a car accident 300 yards from his house. He never got to go. Eighteen years later, some good people asked me to go with their family to hunt elk on public Colorado land. I took my dad’s rifle and with the help of my hunting buddies, now friends for life, harvested an elk at 8:30 a.m. the opening day of the late October season. The next day, a foot and a half of snow blanket the landscape and the temperature dropped to a negative twenty-two degrees that night. This was good news for the forest fires that raged the Colorado landscape, but we never saw another elk for 9 days. Everything headed down the mountain and out of our BLM unit.
You and your team, and the stories you produce, convinced me to take my dad’s rifle and complete the hunt that my father never could. A hunt of a lifetime for many, my father included. Your videos not only got me excited about Western hunting, but also gave me new skills that helped my hunt be successful. For instance, I used the gutless method, which I had never heard of before watching your videos. I used the Gerber Vital Big game folder you suggest which worked great for the whole process, much different than processing a whitetail. I used my Mystery Ranch pack to hall out, with the help of my friends, the 4x5 bull, a mile and a half one way down the trail. Thanks to my buddies for doing four of the six loads and thanks to you and your team for giving me the motivation and strength to make my dad’s dream come true. One day I hope to be able to meet my father in the happy hunting ground and experience a successful western elk hunt together. For now, I thankfully have good friends and hopefully years left to continue this new tradition.
Now, to take my lessons learned from this hunt, and purchase some quality gear to keep me warm and dry on the wind-swept mountains, until the day comes again when I can sit side by side with my father and wait for that bull elk to graciously greet us together. Thanks again Randy.
The jetboil is a great investment, it is a necessity item for me when I trained in the field in the army, one hell of a game changer and a great way to bring the joes together. Great video!
Agreed. Thanks for watching.
I hammock camp when I go elk hunting. Entire setup with tarp, hammock, and straps weighs 3.5 pounds.Packs into 2 small sacs, each half the size of a loaf of bread. Setup with tarp is 10 minutes, without is 5 minutes (great for afternoon naps). I setup camp wherever the end of the day takes me or near where the elk bed down. No need to waste energy hiking back to camp, you can sleep longer because you're already near your spot for the morning. Only problem is sometimes Big Ole' Hank wakes you up with a loud bugle
What kind of hammock do you like?
I strongly recommend looking into Warbonnet hammocks out of Colorado. They’re expensive but worth it. I bought a 0 degree under quilt to go with it and you can sleep like a champ. For me it’s way better than sleeping on the ground
Your Hlleberg is the Mercedes of tents. Bombproof. Nice, well-proven gear list. Thanks Randy.
TENT->Tarptent Moment DW (ripstop interior) Crossing pole if expecting heavy snow. OR TT Scarp 2 with lots of room for 2 and their gear. Two crossing poles used if heavy snow or winds are expected.
SLEEP SYSTEM-> Western Mountaineering Megalite factory overstuffed down bag to 20 F. (puffy jacket & pants worn if needed)
REI FLASH Insulated mattress W/Sea to Summit inflation/dry bag.
I have discovered that for week long hunts a synthetic "topper" cover over my downbeat absorbs most of my body vapor. Keeps the bag from getting too damp and less insulating every night.
WATER TREATMENT: #2 coffee filters and Katadyn chlorine dioxide purifying tablets.
Thanks for the video. Excellent selection of gear. I suggest Katadyn chlorine dioxide tablets to back up for water filters.
When I was a Nordic ski patroller I taught winter survival to US army ROTC cadets. After a classroom session we would insert by Chinook choppers and do an overnight to see if anyone had paid attention. Always a few poor souls had not.
Double wall tents are also warmer than single wall tents. I use an REI FLASH Insulated air mattress (15 oz.) with a Western Mountaineering 20 F. bag. (overfilled Megalite). For colder weather I have an LL Bean -20 F. down bag. Best designed -20 F. bag I have ever found.
My solo winter tent is a modified Tarptent Moment DW. My 2 person is a (yes, modified) Tarptent Scarp 2.
Oh, yeah, my new mountain rifle is a 6.5 Creedmoor Browning X-Bolt Pro made by Miroku, Browning's rifle maker since 1977.
You are the man Randy , awesome bloke.
Thanks for watching.
I look at it this way a hotel is about $60-$100 day/night...so if you spend $5000 overall on your gear and use it 60 plus times or it saves your life once, its paid in full.
Would love to see Randy try different calibers like 30-30, .270 etc as well as different tactics that fit each caliber. Love the show Randy
I don't think tactics really differ for each calibre. Effective range differs and tactics for different animals, but not really dependant on calibre. Shot placement is more important 👍
I could see him using .270 maybe but I doubt hed ever consider a 30-30. Ive listened a lot of his podcast and he seems quite set on the 7mm-08 exclusively.
Looks like you’ve got the Hilleberg Nallo 2 GT. Think you might have called it the Nallo G2. I was able to find it just searching Nallo’s site, but just in case someone else is looking for the exact name. I’d love to get one, but they’re a bit of a budget buster for me right now. Maybe one day! Thanks for the awesome review and information.
I can't believe Randy made a video entitled Tent and Sleeping system, but did not include a link or the correct name of the model of Hilleberg tent. Since I figure he knows, I expect to purchase that tent in sand color. Thank you for posting the specific model, if it works for him it should work for me.
Thanks for the video, Randy. I use a two man Kelty for backpack marten trapping in MT with the bag liner and bivvy. For those who are looking for tips, I put my damp end of day clothes between the bag and bivvy or liner. They dry while I sleep. I always, always sleep with my heavy socks or pack liners in the bag to ensure I don't put on ice packs in the a.m. If I use fuel canisters, I sleep with them. They seem to perform better warmed up. We're budget guys, and my buddy uses a Tyvek bivvy he glued together, and it works well for him. I don't filter water. I drink it where I find it, and some has been pretty foul. Zero temps are common. Martens love our visits!
Good info. Hope the traps are full on your next check.
I am definitely going to sell my Hilleberg 1 person Akto and get a 2 person Hilleberg for when i go back to Montana next year, i also like the down sleeping bag, good tip on the bivvy cover.
Hope it works for you as well as it works for me.
Richard Jackson I have the three man version which I use for two man camping. It is only a tiny bit heavier than the two but like a palace when you set it up. I've never had condensation with my hilleberg. Also, there is nothing better in the wind. Neo air pad is key. Lightest down bag you can find on half price on Sierra Traders.
Richard Jackson : fascinating
Way cool thanks for the info I’ve never dealt w them had pack mule and horses in afg cool animals though now I pack it on my back wish I had a couple of them 👍🏻😀
Great advice, straight to the point, thanks Randy.
Awesome camp setup! May I say though that alpine mountain rifle is heavy at 6.7lbs! Check out the Kimber Mountain Ascent in 6.5CM weighing in under 5lbs!
or the Tikka T3x Superlight at 5.9lbs! (6.5CM)
No meme calibers please
We have a lot of Grizzlies in Montana, in certain areas & contrary to what you've heard, they can climb trees, IF they're real hungry or if it's a pissed off sow with Cubs, unless the tree's diameter isn't big enough.
This is a good review. Pretty much enough information to get someone by with minimal weight. I'm surprised those few items will keep you warm both at night and during the day. You're either tough or that combination of items is really effective.
In the west I hunt out of a wall tent so staying warm usually isn't an issue. But here in the mid-west, whitetail hunting, walking to an ambush site as far as an hour away without working up a sweat and then freezing afterward has been a problem for years.
The layering systems (including moreno) many people now use is for me a recent development. A good item I recently purchased is a pair of Primaloft "down" pants. Light and packable. That along with an old down coat covered by a soft waterproof shell (Fleet Farm believe it or not) is getting me to and from multiple hour sits in these low thirties high-twenties sits and is keeping these old bones warm so far this year.
As it gets colder, up next is, over all that, a custom made down filled pair of bibs. Strapped to the back of my Tenzing TZ4000. Remade from a down coverall I used ice fishing (working) on a large water-body. When I get cold in that I'll have to build a fire. Which is tough in a climbing tree stand. But doable. Necessity if the mother of invention.
As you point out, a big difference in activity levels between elk hunting and tree stand hunting. And thus a big difference in what items work best. Fortunately, with elk hunting, you can go for a hike or build a fire to warm up. Not possible in a tree stand. That said, the Sitka Gear I use is designed to wick moisture quickly and provide a high level of warmth for the light weight.
What brand sleeping bag liner (inside) and Bivy cover (outside) do you use with your sleeping bag? Thank you Randy. Your videos are the best
Bivy is by RAB and liner is by Cacoon.
Was recently up in the BWCA going after ruffed grouse this last Oct when the temps dropped way down below freezing 🥶 - wish I would have had your sleep system tips then- I’ll define using them next time! Thanks!
Excellent! Thank you for this invaluable information and great presentation!
In addition to slope...watch out for setting up under dead trees that might blow over
RANDY, I have to say, you have a great channel. There are a lot of folks out there with announcers or they are very intense or overly plugging their sponsors. You are just plain Minnesota Nice, and Gosh Darn it, I like it!
Very kind of you to say that. Thanks for watching.
Randy Newberg, Hunter my pleasure. Most of the nicest people I’ve ever met that I really like and appreciate are from MN. Thank you again for a great program. Best regards.
Thanks.
300 days...
A TRUE
field review - a rarity on TH-cam.
Often wonder if Tent manufactures reach out to individuals with this type allegiance/ history with a specific tent for feedback or general input or improvements?
Assume you plan to stick with this set -up considering the dozens of tents flooding the marketplace ?
Appreciate the bivy reference .
And no nonsense details .
I value the sea to summit thermolite reactor extreme sleeping bag liner- regular size at 5-10’.
Do you also carry, or need a stand along ultra light tarp set-up?
I don't carry a tarp. Might not be a bad idea, but I've been able to get along without it.
As for my use and review, Hilleberg was recommended to me about 15 years ago by a friend in the mountaineering space. He raved about them. In 2007, I bought the one you see in this video. Like with the majority of products I use, I've been using them long before we started video platforms. And, as with a lot of companies, I use their product because it works, even if I don't have any financial arrangement with them.
Great video, thank you for sharing. The Llamas are a great addition I wouldn't have thought of to pack out.
Thanks. They are my newest best discovery.
I live in Southwest Ohio and there are several good size Llama and Alpaca farms that one can see from the road. They are pretty even tempered.
Good stuff. On a separate note I just read your CO Elk hunt story in the most recent issue of Bugle magazine. Excellent story, well told and again congrats on that monster bull!
Glad you liked it; both the video and the article.
Some good info Randy, thanks for making this video
Thanks for watching.
Awesome Randy, as always, Learned a Bigem Bunch! Alaska John
Fantastic! Terribly useful! Thank you very much!
Good to hear.
You seem good at this but I think I like that canvas tent with the wood burning stove
Enjoyed the video. Keep up the fun adventures Be blessed
Excellent video. Great ideas
Randy, you mentioned your sleeping bag is rated for 15°. Is that rating in farenheit or Celsius?
Randy 73yrs. Just started TH-cam. Wondered how you were doing. Haven't seen you on outdoor channel. Like the way you do business arne micnigan
You might consider a bear resistant container or electric fence as grizzlies can climb trees quite well. You can also hang between two trees. I like to use an arborist throw bag filled with lead shot. Much easier to throw accurately over a limb without getting hung up. I made mine in just a few minutes and filled with buckshot.
No personal experience but I believe they say griz claws aren’t made to climb.. black bears are a different story.
@@TheBaseballking23 I've watched brown bear climb a tree better than I ever could
@@CampfireKodiak that’s crazy lol. Must’ve been a myth I heard.
@@TheBaseballking23 Yes it's a myth. They can't climb as well as black bears but they certainly can do it. Hunter's hang game in trees and bears still get the meat unless you suspend between two trees
So Randy, since you were in Grizzly country and you hang your food that high in the tree....how high up the tree do you put the Llamas so the grizzlies don't get them?😎
Beau says the grizzlies don't bother his llamas. That is good to know, but I suspect the llamas get a bit nervous when Mr. Grizz comes near.
filledandfreeme I didn't read your comment before I wrote mine up😂
The llamas buy you time...
You should give Saywer a try, many more configurations possible and lighter , good vid
Thank you , good video.
Hey! You’re in my backyard!!!
thanks randy. any idea what the total weight of your pack comes in at for an extended hunt (including food, water, shelter, gear, and bino harness, excluding clothes you are wearing and weapon)?
That depends on a ton of things. Weather for the season we are hunting, species we are hunting and how much weight we will be carrying if we are successful, distance/topography to trailhead, presence of water for filtration, etc. I try to keep my load at 50#, if at all possible. We have done some hunts where I was a bit over that, but I prefer not to.
Great video. Wealth of information in a short video.
Thanks for watching.
Randy How far is responsible to pack in away from roads to hunt?
Great video - do you have any sort of heater to keep you warm or do you just trust the clothes and sleeping bag? We are looking for something to keep us warm at altitude 3rd season rifle in Colorado.
No heater. Too much weight for a backpack hunt.
Thanks for your recent video on the gear you sleep in! Big help! I think we may have to try some stuff out locally this winter before trusting it too far from civilization.
I’m planning on getting into hunting and man I would kill to go on a hunt with you and learn from you lol
I feel ya. In the same boat. I just don't know anyone who hunts.
Does that sleeping bag and liner keep you warm? Can you use a heat source with that tent? I’m used to wall tents for hunting out of.
Sure does. Just make sure you have a good pad to keep you off the cold ground. No heat source in these tents, as it is a very high fire hazard.
Randy Newberg, Hunter thanks for replying back! I kinda suspected that you can’t use a heat source but with all the access you have to cool products... I thought you found something that won’t either burn you up or gas you out lol.
Hi Randy, enjoy your shows and podcasts. Excellent run down of field tested and proven gear. What's the Rad Bivi that you recommend to protect your sleeping bags from moisture inside the tent?
😅I😅
Randy, do you wear light merino or heavy merino base layers? Thanks , Vodek
Almost always light, then layer up as necessary.
Thanks Randy
Great video, thank you
Lamas. Wow. Never seen that before in a hunting video.
Yeah it is pretty cool! Have you seen the pack goats people use for hunting? That is pretty cool too! Search for PACKGOATS: EPISODE 01 or Elkville 2 Hunting Elk With Pack Goats (not affiliated with the channel that has these pack goats, its just really cool)
As far as weather goes when does is start getting dangerous and needing to get the hell out of there? I noticed it snowed a lot on this trip. I tend to get a little anxious when the weather gets like this an sometimes call the hunt early because I get worried but you didn’t seem worried one bit.
We have to deal with this a lot, so we just take it as part of the gig. The reason we left is that we had another hunt immediately following this hunt, so if we got stuck in there for a few extra days, it would mess up our entire season of production. Thanks for watching.
Max Sanchez I have camped for a week at elevation with temperatures down to -30 with a set up similar to Randy's(0 degree bag). As long as you have food you will live. I did think I had lost a couple toes to frost bite at one point but they didn't turn black :)
Max Sanchez also, he's got a camera man and llamas (not to mention a phone)
Max Sanchez : wuss
How much des that tent weigh Randy? I have the same water filtration. Can't go wrong with the platipus!!
Packed weight is 6# 6 oz. If you shed a few of the stakes, get rid of the tent bag, and leave behind the spare segment of a pole, you can get down to 5# 5 oz.
Nice!! Thanks Randy!!
So how do you keep the llama from being eating by the grizzly s horses do a pretty good job of defending but llamas just curious 🧐
Presumably one isn't using a single llama. Llamas are a herd animal of course and are incredibly alert. They make an alarm noise to tell the rest of the herd about a potential prey animal. Llamas are pretty smart as well so the alarm is probably for the attention of the people as well. The herd mentality is protection in numbers and they probably view humans as part of the herd, that happen to care for their needs. As far as actually defending, I'm not sure how that would go but am curious. I suspect if a grizz or cougar decided to forego the warning alarms and attack, it would be up to the humans to deal with it appropriately.
Are you using the long version of the sleeping pad and does it fit inside the tent? My current tent isn't even big enough to lay out my long therm-a-rest max pad.
Yes, I am 6' 2", so I go with long bags and pads. This Hilleberg is a 2-man tent, with plenty of room.
Perfect! Thanks Randy!
Simple tarps will make that tent warmer and waterproof
The tent is waterproof and stays quite warm by itself.
Need to put water filters inside tent near your body at night to keep from freezing, a tip someone gave me
If your tent is properly vented, you shouldn’t have any condensation. Oh and a bear can easily reach your food when it’s that close to the tree trunk.
Don't grizzlies hibernate when snow is on the ground of Wyoming? I'm not from that part of the US. I'm just curious. I'm trying to talk my son in law to hunt elk with me in Wyoming. I heard the largest elk herds are near Cody, WY. Is that true?
Usually not until early November, regardless of how much snow is there.
Randy Newberg, Hunter Thanks Randy
What weight does your tent/sleep system come in at ? I'm at around 7.5 pounds an don't know if I'm on the heavy side..
You're on the lighter side, if that includes your bag and pad. I need more space, so my total of all three is heavier than that.
Are there any other quality extreme weather tents you would recommend other than the Hellenburg that might be easier on the wallet? Lol, seriously though?
I have tried others that are easier on the wallet. They did not provide the "quality extreme weather" feature you are looking for. Wish I had a better answer. When I spend 70+ nights per year in this tent, I want the best I can find and I will invest in the quality needed. I understand that might not be the situation others have.
Randy Newberg, Hunter Thank you for your reply. I'll most likely spend the money on a Helleburg Tent. I do understand the importance of good equipment. Especially when your comfort and safety are involved. I have quite a few items to buy before I venture out on my first elk hunt. I hunt deer in Oklahoma. I do watch all your videos to educate myself for a safe and successful elk hunt. Thank you for sharing all your experience and knowledge.
Great set up
Great quality
You must try an inflatable pillow by sea2summit.
Great videos keep them coming.
Cheers from th UK.
Didn't see a red bear alert button in your tent. You know, the big red one you slam when you can hear the bear's teeth grinding on the outside of your tent. The one you slam and it then emits the bear alert wail and immediately pops off one side of the tent to allow a quick exit. Or an immediate face to face with a bear. The more expensive models of course come with two buttons to allow a choice of exit sides. My personal opinion is the more expensive type is well worth the extra cash.
Too funny.
Must have that hilleberg with integrated fly.
Cool
That’s awesome
With a floorless tent, how do you keep water out and your stuff dry when its raining?
i don't have a floorless tent, but if I did, I would bring a footprint for it to keep evaporation lower, even if not raining.
There are two parts to his tent, the first part he shows is the vestibule, it is covered but has no floor, the part with his sleeping bag has a floor
Do you use the same tent for early season hunts also?
Yup.
That's God's country wish I could go there on day it's beautiful.
So no kipper snacks before bed I take it? Rub a little honey on the pillow for good luck.
Shit how did you get Tauntauns?
Do you take any rain gear with you?
To Alaska. In the western states I mostly hunt, I seldom find any conditions that my Sitka Mountain Jacket or Jetstream Jacket can't handle. When it requires, as in Alaska, I go to the Stormfront system.
What stop the Grizzlies from having the Llamas for dinner instead of your food? :)
Nothing. But, grizzlies seem to leave the llamas alone.
Nice llamas, what are their specs?
Not sure. You can find full specs on their TH-cam channel - Wilderness Ridge Trail Llamas.
What is he wearing? I need me some good waterproof stuff.
This was Sitka Jetstream Jacket and Timberline Pants. Not "waterproof," but very "water resistant."
Randy could you share the exact model of your tent please, Thanks 1
What jacket is he wearing is it mountain like the pants
Where's the location? I'm surprised to see Llamas in the US
I thought Bears hibernate over winter so why take those precautions?
Because they don't hibernate until late October/early November. During September, when this was filmed, they are in a stage called hyperphagia, putting on every calorie they can find before hibernation.
@@Fresh_Tracks
Oh ok I'm from Australia so I have no idea about a Bears habits.
Really enjoy your video great work 👍
You mean they don't give you a free tent every year? ;) haha
That is a good idea. Let me get working on that.
At the prices they are charging, they should be able to afford sponsoring you.
So my Daughter asked why LLamas instead of horses???
you just gotta be faster than the slowest guy or llama!
Yup.
Any bear i know would have no problem climbing up that tree to get your food bag
Now This guy Knows How to Set Up Camp, Hunt and Survive.
Yes it known as a rain fly
As always, excellent video!
So it seems if I invest $65k in top tier equipment, I'll be more successful (and certainly more comfortable) in my $7k elk hunt.
Nice video! Beautiful area! But... Grizzlies can climb trees!
only sub-adults
I would bow hunt for elk a bit more
Don't worry it's only $700-$900 tent, plus another $1500 In clothing, real budget frenzy!
Ryan Auger $1500!? Darn! Maybe I'll be able to afford it after trumps tax plan goes into effect lol.
I have 100+ days per year in this equipment. I understand others may not have that situation and would not be able to justify the investment in this gear. People ask what we use, as they know we use it intensively. So, we show what we use.
That is not much at all .. me and the rest of the guys I go with which is about 4 of us .. there is about $40,000 dollars worth of gear between us .. and that includes all the mule packs, And guns.
That said we don t need it all. Cheers and happy hunting guys😉
He never said it was budget friendly. He said it's what he uses. He is also severely accomplished and a world renowned leader in his profession and practices. He does deep country hunting out of contact from civilization for days at a time, dozens of times a year. Walmart camo just ain't gonna do it son. We all start on a budget so I suggest assessing your needs and usage and go from there. You dont need sitka gear if you hunt turkeys once a year in a blind with a pickup 50 yards away....
My mules are cryin.....
Unsupported tube with limited snow loading capability. I'll stick with North face
More videos please pack animal information would be nice.
I woulda just packed a shit ton of MREs. Dont think bears would really want to get into them as long as they're not prepared.....then again im not a bear so i can't talk for them...
Great vids! But I bet it’s nice to get Sitka gear for free. Great stuff but way over priced. I could not afford it if I wasn’t getting a 50% discount because I know somebody who has a friend who knows somebody who might be able rob somebody to get me a discount. I spent $500 on only two shirts, two pants, gloves and that’s with a discount. Then I bought two more Sitka backpacks. I would be divorced if my wife knew that I spent our children’s college fund on Sitka gear. Good thing we have separate checking accounts. If she finds out and divorces me I’m blaming it on Sitka and Randy because y’all make me go buy more crap. It’s definitely not my fault if she leaves me because you don’t have a 12 step program to ween me off buying top of the line crap I probably don’t need but love to use...
The best bear deterrent is a fire
Very thin tent for snow
Dudes dentures are so shiny it's scary
Huh ? I thought bears could climb ? ...
Grizzly bears don't climb
Hunt and Fish oh okay, you learn something everyday :)
Those tents are not so cheap
No, they are an investment. But if you spend 100+ nights per year in a tent, in these kind of conditions, you find out that a lower quality tent is not a very good investment.
Frank Genner : get what you pay for
Where's the stove?! Are you kidding me dude?
Ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain
Agreed. But, when I spend months in a tent each season, a couple ounces of weight for improved comfort for those many days is a trade off I now make as I've gotten older and need higher quality rest in order to keep doing this week after week. Each will have a different trade off between ounces and comfort. If it provides no benefit, ounces are important.
That is true mate, but the difference between a 1 man and 2 man Hilleberg is around a 1lb of extra weight, i will trade that for a better nights sleep. I start my training early, so i will add into the mix 'failure to prepare, prepare to fail' i will cope with an extra few ounces.
Randy Newberg, Hunter I was agreeing, looks like you have a sweet system to lighten the load as much as possible, I’m going to get that type of tent. I got that saying from a drill sergeant and it’s always in my mind when I pack for hunts.
Looks like a uncomfortable shit blizzard ehh.