Thread: Newbie hunter. Which backpack?? Size?? Brand?? Other gear?

Another reasonable option for a pack is the macpac Ascent. Has an extendible lid that can be removed and used as a day bag. Also has a small thin sleeping mat in it for padding that can be used to augment your other mat, means you can go lighter on warmth rating. Check out second hand or sales. I bought mine from on here.

Sleeping bags like everything are a trade off. Down generally packs smaller and is lighter for the same warmth as synthetic. Normally down has near zero warmth if it gets wet (you can get some treated down bags that are meant to be better), synthetic you can wring it out and it will give you some warmth.

I don't own a flash hunting jacket. I prefer to be able to layer up and put on a waterproof jacket. Gives more options.

Don't be in too much of a hurry to get everything, wait for the sales. Sale prices are often the same as second hand with macpac.