A successful and enjoyable backcountry, do-it-yourself elk bowhunt (or rifle hunt) requires the accruement of a good complement of gear. Save your greenbacks and purchase only top-end quality -- certainly here, you get what you pay for.

Eddie Claypool

The obvious starting point is with a backpack. Go with names such as Badlands, The North Face and Gregory. Internal or external frame choices will ultimately amount to personal preference and application. Experience will dictate your choices.

Next, comes the sleeping bag. Go with names such as Western Mountaineering, Marmot and The North Face. Final choice of down or synthetic (mummy or rectangular) and temperature rating is best made, once again, through experience. You'll also need a good sleeping pad such as offered by Therm-A-Rest.

Next, comes the tent. Name brands such as The North Face, Sierra Designs and Marmot are good bets. A safe choice would be a two-man, four-season model.

Miscellaneous items to consider are a high altitude cook stove (MSR, Optimus, etc.), aluminum cookware and eating utensils. A water purification pump and water bottle are standard fare. Wear only high-tech, synthetic clothing, and layer it. Don't forget a "stuffable" rain jacket. Rugged, yet lightweight, footwear is essential.