My NWT Sheep hunt is moved up to next fall,Yahoo.
Need a few things
1 lite weight sleeping bag. Syn or Down? Makes?
Who has best prices?
2 Headlamp? I heard petzl makes a lamp that takes
a watch battery,but can't find one.Anyone know
where to get one?
3 Down jacket.Best prices and place to get?

Any help/hints for a rookie sheep hunter will be
appreciated.

Thanks
Jeff

Jeff,

I am a waterfowler and a couple of things for you..I use a Streamlight Septor no light bulb uses LEDs (7leds) 100.000 hour leds and three light settings...uses 3AAA batteries they are the small little ones and fits on your head...They use these lights for water rescue and the fire service
I use DaMart for long underwear made in New Hamshire and I would stay away from down once it get wet or damp looses all warming effects...Stay with Qualofil for bag also..
The weather up in goat country will be hot cold and wet some wool hat from filson a waterfowl with a back which will keep neck dry...

Mike

Freedom is not Free

I'd go Backpacker.com (Backpacker magazine's site) for information on the lightest synthetic bags. If you get down wet, you are in trouble. They can take days to dry out.
Western Mountaineering makes some really great, light, down bags. Mine goes 1 lb., 9 ozs. in the long size. Perhaps down would work if you will be using a good tent ?
Try Campmor.com for the best prices. They beat REI regularly.
I wouldn't buy a down jacket. Same problem. I'd go with a good hard shell from Patagonia, and their Regulator Fleece. For camp warmth, add a Puffball Vest. Half the weight, 1/3 the bulk, and warmer than down. They are made into jackets as well. They don't breath when hiking like the Regulator Fleece. They work fine for resting, etc. E

I backpack for bighorns in alberta but I do not use down at all.For outerwear I use layers of polypropelene and fleece for warmth with a goretex outer layer to provide wind and rain protection.For a sleeping bag ,I use a woods northern light model which is lined with liteloft which packs very small and is very warm.The most important piece of equipment for a backpacker is boots and I use meindl canada's which provide great support and are very comfortable.

I use a mountain hardware bag lined with polarguard stuffed into a compresion bag that ends up smaller than a basketball. My Petzl Tikka head lamp is the best I have seen (very compact and light) and it takes 3 AAA batteries (an extra set of batteries may be required as I changed the batteries on mine once on a 10 day sheep hunt last fall). I used it a ton on that trip and it is something I am never without. I also use a wool jacket (shell) and layer with fleece vest and jacket underneeth with some kind of wicking material for a shirt underneath all of that (wool is a beautiful thing).

Chuck

On my first trip to Alaska the outfitter told me not to bring a down bag under any circumstances, which was a shame as I have a couple of Marmont Mountain gore-tex bags in diff temp ratings. The reason...If down gets wet it will not dry out.
I got a synthetic bag form Mountain Hardware. They are light and made just like a good down bag.
It worked out very well. I always pack anything I do not want to get wet in Outdoor Research roll down stuffsacks. The Patagonia fleece and the puffball recommended above are very good products. I ALWAYS wear Filson wool whipcord pants
style 180. These are their thin wool pants. [unless I am in a late season, very cold or heavy snow then I wear Filson Mackinaw Pants]. I also recommend Pendleton wool shirts. The one called MR. Pendleton is the thinest [it is like a cotton oxford dress shirt only wool] and is comfortable at nearly any temp. I cannot wear wool against my skin so I wear silk longunderwear if I think the temp will be above 50 degrees and patagonia synthetic if below 50 degrees. The main thing is to have good rain gear and several lightweight layers to adjust to the temperature and your exertion level. When I cannot take extra boots [as in backpacking] I always carry an extra pair of socks AND some goretex or sealskin socks in case my boots go "under water".
Petzel makes very good headlamps, I use one, and I also use a Pelican/Browning head lamp all the time around camp. The new LED headlights are good also.
I do not recommend a down jacket any time you might be in a lot of rain. Much better is a Patagonia synchilla jkt and a Patagonia Puffball jacket, If you think it is going to get real cold [below 20 degrees you might want to take a puffball vest too]. Those puffballs do not weigh anything, but they are really warm. Then you have 2 garments, better for layering.
I highly recommend you get a pair of fingerless wool gloves, the kind with the little rubber nubs on the palms and the finger pieces. They will keep your hands warm and you have use of your fingers. I put mittens over them if it gets real cold. You will be suprised how well they work.Also get a balaclava it helps keep your head,
ears neck and throat warm. If it is cold at night I sleep in mine. I like one that fits loose on the top of my head, otherwise after several days of wearing it my hair hurts.

Some knowledgable people told me to get a Wiggy's sleeping bag, see http://www.wiggys.com/

Stubblejumper...where did you get these Meindl's. My old Meindl's have lost their waterproofness, no matter how much stuff I smear on, so I'll need newies. I'm in Cochrane, near Calgary.

What's with the headlight? Is that for when you come off the mountain in the dark, or go up for that matter?

Frans

Frans
Cabela's has miendl
http://www.cabelas.com/

Frans-Russells sports has meindls right in calgary.

Frans,
You guessed right, the head lamp is for approach or decent under the cover of darkness. It is also a very usefull tool around camp as I usually do not have the luxury of a lantern.

Russells in Calgary has a piss poor selection of boots, but they are the only store that I am aware of in Calgary that carries Meindels.

Another excellent source for mountaineering equipment is Mountain coop. Its very trendy, but most of their stuff is second to none.

Currently I am using an old -20 bag form REI, still a very warm down bag. My headlamp is a Petzel that has been up more than its fair share of mountains. Its not fancy and takes a 6v battery.

Just brought a north face 4 lbs down filled
gore-tex bag.Hopefully best of both worlds.

Petzl lite next.

JeffP
Get an Outdoor Research roll top stuff sac for your Down bag. They do not leak.
Good luck on your hunt.

NE 450 No 2
Where?Thanks
Jeff

Jeff, you've already received some excellent advice. At the risk of repeating what Stubblejumper has already said, forget down. For clothing, go with good polypropylene lightweight bottoms and midweight top. Then midweight fleece, and top it off with good gore-tex unlined shell and pants. Forget wool and cotton. Don't forget a fleece balaclava and gloves, the wind can be cold. With that setup you're good to 15 degrees or so (at least) below freezing, it depends a bit on the individual. For socks, poly liner socks then thorlo wool socks. Your feet WILL thank me.

For a sleeping bag, no down! Go with a good synthetic. Even if it's wet, (and it will get wet) it will warm up a few seconds after you crawl into it. And it will keep you warm. Don't forget to take a toque (it's a Canadian thing, look it up :-) ) to wear, it adds about 10-15 degrees to the effectiveness of any sleeping bag. For the extra few ounces, take a nice thick therma-rest. Unless you sleep well, you will NOT enjoy the trip after a few days. If you sleep solely on your back you can get away with a thinner sleeping pad.

For a headlamp, forget the Petzl's etc and buy 2 mini-mag's and a headlamp band for them. One to lose and break, one to use. Brighter than the dedicated headlamps and good alkaline AA's last longer.

For boots, use a sturdy leather boot with good ankle support. Meindls are okay, I prefer Asolos. In short, forget the domestic brands and look for European lines. If you can find them, take along a cheap pair of light sandals for wading across streams. They protect your feet and let you keep your leather boots dry.

Now for one of the deep, dark secrets of backpack mountain hunting, and since I'm a manly man I will deny it if you ever tell anyone I said this...BABYWIPES. The hygiene is poor at best, and 2-3 babywipes in the evening make a pretty decent substitute for a shower. It really cuts down on the diaper rash after a few days.

For food, forget the freeze dried meals. Too much dollars, too bulky, way too much packaging and not enough food. Instead, go with instant oatmeal for breakfast, a can of fish and trail mix/cheese/rye bread during the day, and quick cook couscous, bolgar, macaroni and cheese, etc for the evening meal. Way cheaper and more calories.

Don't forget to consider each ounce. For example, take up a large plastic cup and eat all your meals out of it. One plastic spoon, no fork. Don't forget a small paperback book as you will probably have a day or three where you're stuck in your tent due to inclement weather.

This is turning into a novel, but if you want to BS more send me an email.

Here's a basic list I use to pack for a hunt like this:

Clothing: boots, sandals
socks: polypropylene, wool
underwear: polypropylene
fleece: pants and jacket
goretex pants and jacket
oilskin cap, balaclava
lightweight ski gloves
t-shirt

Field gear: licenses
rifle, sling, scope covers, ammo, mtm 9-round ammo pouch, electrical tape, maintenance kit
binoculars, spotting scope, tripod, lenspen
compass
knives (hunting & caping)
fanny pack kit: mini-mag, camera, rope, cape salt, sunglasses, 1st aid kit, waterproof matches, firestarter, 2 garbage bags, duct tape
med’s: anti-inflammatories, painkillers, 2nd skin, moleskin
flashlight
GPS

Sleeping gear: bag, therma-rest, repair kit
toiletries: t-paper, toothbrush, paste, floss, deodorant, comb, small towel & facecloth, baby wipes, book

Food: k-d, instant potatoes, bolger, couscous, sausage, canned fish, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, candy, crackers or wheat thins, oatmeal, cheese, english muffins,
trail mix, water bottles.
mess kit

Extra gear to leave at vehicle: parka
lantern, peak 1 stove, camp fuel
bivouac bag
cheesecloth
leatherman

Jeff,

I know for sure REI carries the Outdoor Research stuff sack. Do a google search on camping equipment and you'll find some other online stores as well.

I'm doing a backpack trip to Alaska this August and though I've never been on a sheep hunt, I've done a fair amount of backpacking in all seasons. RickF's list is almost identical to gear I have put together for my trip. I still have a few small items to get, but I'm just about ready to go. Now if the next 2 months would just fly by, I'd be thrilled.

Brian

RickF--Regarding your stove, or heat source--you left your Peak at the pickup, and you don't mention any other stove. What do you use?

Rick
My sheep hunt is a fly you in,drop you off,see you
in 12 days.Actually we meet up around day 6 for
more food.I have a guide who supplies basic camp
and food,with a pack dog to lighten the load.
My load will be 30 lbs or less.I want to keep it
as light as possible,what I want I pack.
And yes babywhips will be in the pack!

I crave calories....what weighs the least,has the
most???Candy bars are too short term for me.I need
high complex carbs.Any ideas.

Thanks
Jeff

JeffP
I bought all of mine from a local backbacking store. There web site is www.orgear.com
The ones you want are the hydroseal advanced stuffsack. They have roll down tops just like the heavier "river raft" water proof bags. When I backback I put anything that I do not want to get wet in them...
Also even when I travel by plane I use them. Never know when something will break in the cargo hold in someone elses bag and spill on mine.
I also pack food items in them [no smell] and hang them in a tree in bear country.

If you cannot find them locally measure you sleeping bag in its factory stuffsac and just get the OR bag a little bigger.
Size number 3 will hold a pair of wool pants, wool shirt, underware, long underware, and a pair of boot socks [liners and wool outersocks].
I use sizes 1 and 2 a lot. They keep your gear dry, clean and organized.

[ 06-20-2003, 01:21: Message edited by: N E 450 No2 ]

Frans: Fisher's Hardware in Vernon BC has the best selection of Meindel boots in Canada. Russel's just sells the standard hunting styles and has a very poor inventory. I prefer the mountaineering style for sheep and goat hunting - sturdier and more ankle support. I use the Meindel Super Cracks. I can get a number for Fishers (in my files at home), but you could probably get it from information quicker (250-555-1212).

JeffP et al,

Neat thing about backpack hunting is there are million ways to skin that cat, and just as many opinions out there. That's one of the reasons I love it so...its always interesting finding new and better ways to "go light" and be well fed and comfortable.

Personally, up top I like light wool over polypro, with a thin rain jacket to fend off wind and rain. I carry a down vest in a stuff sack for extra warmth if I need it.

For pants I like synthetic over polypro. The polypro keeps moisture off of your skin, and the synthetic dries fast. If noise is an issue, I switch to light wool pants. Noise usually isn't an issue in the mountains.

I like light synthetic liner socks under wool socks in my boots. Lots of them too. Put dry socks on in the morning and in the afternoon, or swap out whenever I feel a "hot spot" coming.

For stream crossings I like "aquasox". Not sandals, but those things they invented for dirty beaches and waterslides. They are less likely to slide around on your feet while you slip and slide between wet rocks and protect them from cuts better.

Make sure to have a toque (stocking cap) for sleeping. Make about a 10deg difference in the rating of your bag. Means you can take a lower rating bag and save some weight. This is another good reason to carry a down vest in a stuff sack.

For sleeping bags, down has by far the best warmth to weight ratio. IMHO people are too afraid of down and are missing out. It is a little risky, but if you are careful your bag is not that likely to get wet and lose its insulating value. I seldom recommend it to newby backpackers though.

For a good synthetic fill, I have really enjoyed my Moonstone bag.

RE: food, I highly recommend two books in particular. One is the "Pacific Crest Trail Hikers Handbook" by Ray Jardine. Very good recommendations on cheap simple foods with good complex carbs, protien and essential fats. The other is called "Power Packing - Principals of light Weight, Long Distance Backpacking". I can't remember the author off hand (Ridley?) but I will check.

Good hunting!

Canuck

[ 06-20-2003, 01:52: Message edited by: Canuck ]

Arts, you're right, an oversight on my part. I carry either my old Peak 1 or else a whisperlite. The old peak 1 is just as reliable, it just doesn't break down as compactly as the whisperlite series with their multiple parts.

Jeff, Canuck has also given some great advice. He and I have never hunted together, and you can see different biases (although minor) in our selections. Now that we live reasonably close together I'm sure we'll eventually have a few pepsies together and swap some stories.

Jeff, one more point. Don't get too carried away with the idea of everything being flown to your specific hunting area. By that I mean you will certainly be droppeed off with all supplies, but what happens after a day or three, you've glassed everything within a days hike, and no rams? Then you have to be prepared to hike further in any direction in an effort to find the sheep. That means having lightweight gear. The stove, for example, serves mainly to boil water, but you still need a lightweight but reliable stove and a couple of fuel bottles as well. You will need a GOOD, 2-3 man, 3 season tent. This can be made a bit lighter by having one guy carry for tent and stove, for exccample and his partner carrying the tent poles, fly and fuel.

Make sure you seriously look at every ounce you take, and in all sincerity if you can keep your pack including food under 50 pounds you're doing better than most, me included. For example, my backpack is a Dana Design loadmaster. An incredible pack, but it weighs just under 8 pounds bare. Don't forget to attach some sort of hook on your packframe to hang the rifle sling on and carry it that way, much easier than trying to keep it on your shoulder and carry a packframe at the same time. And you will want to carry a light pack everywhere you hike to; you DO NOT want to shoot a sheep 10 miles from camp, then have to return to camp empty and return the next day to get your animal.

Also (rambling here) don't forget to take along at least one collapsible hiking/trekking pole. Not that useful on flat ground, once you're actually on top of the mountain in the alpine, but for steep slopes they take a lot of stress off your knees.

[ 06-20-2003, 04:33: Message edited by: RickF ]

You might try some POWER BAR'S. They come in several flavors, most of them good and they weigh 2.29oz and have 45g of carbs.
I also carry some TANG to flavor the water, I usually use it durring lunch only.

[ 06-20-2003, 04:47: Message edited by: N E 450 No2 ]

Thanks guys, for all the goodies!!

It's been 1987 since I last backpacked..(does that make me sound old?)...I need to reinvent most.

Including my shape. I took a 20kg salt block stringed to my packframe up a slope the other day, and I was shocked about how that slows you down. Time to up the intensity of the daily walks, or face defeat before the hunt has even started!

Frans

The dog is there to pack camp and camp equipment,
ie the stove,utensils.
Food is all freeze dried,oatmeal,etc...

So my pack is just my
sleeping gear,personal effects,hunting gear.One
way or other that pack will weigh 30 lbs or less
not including rifle

So far:
the pack weighs 4 lbs
goretex 80%synthetic 20%down sleeping bag 4 lbs
Wiggy hip boots 8 ozs
Binoculars 31 ozs
spotting scope @ 32 ozs
lens pens
tripod have to weigh ?
10 rounds of ammo ?
cleaning kit
personal stuff:tooth brush,motrin,etc
Clothes : total will weigh?
3 pair of socks
1 xtra change underware
Silk longjohns
poly longjohns
MT50 rain gear
chamois shirt
Fleece jacket
Down vest???
fleece pants
Balaclava
Gloves
Pad to sit on ?
3 HD plastic bags
2 HD meat bags
knife,small steel
compass
35mm camera,3 rolls film
petzl headlight 2.8 ozs
small maglite
Water bags
power bars 6 x 2.5ozs

So far thats it,sure to be revised

Thanks for all the good advise

[ 06-23-2003, 18:54: Message edited by: JeffP ]

Jeff, looks good. May I suggest you go with 15+ rounds of ammo and 2 water bolttles? The extra ammo in case someone gets hurt and it's needed for signalling, a bear, etc. The 2 water bottles because there's no guarantee when you start up a mountain whether it will have water available on top. To get through the day you want 2 water bottles, trust me on that one. Not to mention, if the dog is along, and there is no water seeping out of the ground, what does he drink?

Take a hard look at the wool pants as well. Midweight fleece is cheap, dries quickly, just as warm, etc. Hope this helps.

Lot of good info given already.
Just want to add about being in shape.
If you have never hunted in really steep country it will surprise you how quickly you get worn out.
The only way to really get in shape for going up and down mountains with weight on your back is to do it.
Find the steepest hill you can find and go walk it for an hour carrying a 30 or 40 pound pack 3 or 4 days a week. It is the going down hill that kills you.
The trick when climbing is lots of light layers.
I find different weights of long underwear work great. Start with the heaviest outside and wear the lightest next to your skin. I like to start out with 5 layers in cold weather, 2 layers for your pants. Micro Fleece is great for your outer layers.

If you will be crossing lots of streams take a look at Wiggys lightweight waders. They have an internet sight. They weigh 8oz and fold up in a pouch they go up to your upper thigh and tie off.
Great to pop on to cross and toss back in the pouch on the other side keeps your feet dry and you don't lose much time.

Definitely take 2 or 3 lightweight flashlights, at least one of the LED variety (they last much longer). A headlamp is great for climbing the really steep stuff where you need both hands free. NOTHING worse than having your flashlight go out on the mountain as it is getting dark.
Good luck with your hunt!

JeffP
I always carry @ forty rounds of rifle ammo when backpacking on my person at all times. It sounds like a lot but your rifle is useless without it. If your rifle takes a spill you will want to check your zero. If you need to take several shots at wounded game, or have to signal for rescue, etc. Are there bears in the area, wolves, coyotes etc pack animals can be dangerous. Something happens and you get stranded you might want to use a few rounds for small game to supplement your food supply.
You never know, it does not hurt to be prepared.

I was looking at rain gear in Dallas last week. Anyone use Frog-Togs. They looked light, comfortable, but maybe not too durable.

New to this forum, but hunt sheep every year as I live in British Columbia.

JeffP, I noticed a few things about your last list. Your sleeping bag seems awefully heavy. Mine, a synthetic bag with a temp rating of -15C and about $200 CAN, weighs about 2.5 pounds. What is the waterproof bag for? Is it for your sleeping bag or other things, I would use one of the HD pastic bags you are already bringing. Is your pack water resistant? In heavy rains storms I use the big plastic bag as a rain cover for my pack. Works great. I only take three pairs of wool socks. You can always dry socks by the fire or stove. Why two pairs of long johns? As somebody has already stated, I would forget the wool pants. I would bring a small piece (12x20 inches)of blue sleeping foam. I use this too sit on while glassing for hours. It is comfortable and keeps your butt dry. I slip it between my pack and the frame. You never know its there untill needed. I would only take one light plus batteries. Instead of water bottles I would get one of those new hydration systems with an extra bottle/bag. The bottles fold down to nothing and you do not have to take your pack off to get a drink of water.

I would talk to your guide and ask him what to expect. In the NWT some outfits use helicopters to remove hunters and meat. If this is the case you do not need meat bags. The guide may be in radio contact all the time, so if an emergency happens they can get to you fast. If your are in radio contact some gear can be left at home. If it is a early August hunt, I just wear sweat pants and maybe long johns underneath for the brisk mornings. On an early August hunt you may be able to get away with a couple pairs of sweat pants and rain gear. Once again ask your guide.

Alex

AlexB
One pair of longjohns are silk the other actual
longjohns.The hunt is Aug 30th - Sept10th
The bag is goretex-no extra waterproofing needed.
The pack is water resistant but I'll put everything into a HD garbage bag.
No helicopters.Pack in,pack out.
I will get the water bags instead of bottles.
Also I added wiggy hip boots.Add 8 ozs.
Thanks all
Jeff

Kensco
when you get back I'd like to talk with you about
the trip if you have time.

I have used a camel Back hydration system for years for mountain biking. Last September it dawned on me for the first time that it would be awsome for staying hydrated in the mountains. I Spent the first week of September sheep hunting and this system is something that I will never leave at home again. The main benifits are that the Resevoir weights virtually nothing, where it really shines is that you have water accessable at all times. You don't have to wait untill you get really thirsty before you take off your pack and dig out the old water bottle. The system I was using holds about 3.3 Litres, Each day I filled it with gatorade and by the end of the day it was empty. By comparison, my hunting partner using a nalgene bottle drank only 1 litre per day.

A question I have fo all of you , is what do you drink in the mountains? I really like the lemon lime Gatorade, I seem to be able to keep my energy levels up for a very long time when hydrated with this, and you get used to the taste after a few litres.

JeffP,

No problem, but I'm about 13 months away.

I was interested in hearing AlexB's comments. Since I'm going the last half of July, I'm not planning on taking gear to survive at the North Pole. (Probably end up freezing my tail off, but my system can stand cold better than I can overheating.)

Thomas is exactly right about the camel back. You can get them to fit in your pack without all the straps and extra weight. A camel back makes it easier to stay hydrated and you will drink less and get more benefit out of the water you are carrying. You should also carry one of those water bottles with a built in filter. Your guide should have this figured out,but sometimes it is a long way down the valley to ger more water. I always also carry one of those "water bags", mine is super light made by A-16. The first time we go for water I fill it up and hang it in camp. As long as you stay dry and warm you cannot have too much water or too many bullets. You can get by without food for a day or three if necessary, but you cannot do without water, and if you run out of bullets you can't hunt.

Kensco
Did you get the XPG bag at cabella's?
I'll be @ 6 weeks after you,as I like it cool
when hunting.Hopefully by the first week of
Sept it will be cool.If it's like Alaska temps
should be cool/cold at night and cool to warm
during the day.I prepare for extremes and hope for
moderation.
What are you doing for workout prep?Legs and lungs are my concentration.Well as I said before
heres to 2 40+ " rams
Jeff

[ 06-24-2003, 20:18: Message edited by: JeffP ]

A quick note on the hydration bladders... i.e. camel backs etc.

The hose will freeze up if its much below freezing. I've had one for a couple years, and I hardly every use it when it gets cold. If you don't suck on it constantly it will freeze up and then you have to dig your bladder out of the pack and try to get the water out of a bag without spilling it on yourself... Its really handy though.

Sounds like its going to be a fun hunt, good luck

Ivan

Don't leave water in the line.

What RMK is refering to is that after you drink out of the camelback you can "blow" the water in the line back into the bag so it does not freeze in the line. I also use this technique in very hot weather so the first drink I take is not "boiling" water. The sun can really heat up the fluid in the line, even if the bag is full of ice.
Those camel backs are very handy and I would not want to backpack without one.

Camelback and other vendors make insulated pouches and lines for their hydration systems; I use several versions depending on temperatures. Another trick is to fill the bag with warm liquid (not boiling hot) after it is mixed in a nalgene bottle to ensure proper mixing. I use Cytomax mix, others are available. The hydration system line can be insulation with adhesive backed foam insulation and when not drinking, shove in under your top layer of clothing; just make sure the "bite valve" seals off properly. Staying well hydrated will make for a much more enjoyable hunting trip. As far as conditioning, walk every chance you can, take the stairs instead of the elevator, carry a pack several times a week - the key to knee survival during conditioning is to fill containers with water for the uphill portion and empty the water out when you head back downhill. Also, invest in hiking / trekking poles that are adjustable length; they are a big help also. Take photos, the high country is great. KMule

Aha this brings back memories the most painful of which is the degree of cold you have to feel just before you set out in order not to be too hot 5 minutes later.

5 minutes break every hour

Check frequently and certainly after every obstacle/fall/stop that you have all your equipment.

Jeff,

Lots of good advice!

I used to use a synthetic bag. I now use a down bag. Lighter, warmer ,etc. I use my down bag for 70 days at a time. Never had a problem.

Pads to sit on are nice, but I don't bother. I sit on a shirt or jacket or something. Just less stuff I have to carry.

I carry one Petzl lamp, that's it. Used to carry a little mag lamp, but hardly used it. Giude will also have lights. I don't bother with the Mag light anymore. I would rather carry more ammo.

Down vest. Good Idea. I don't go sheep hunting with out mine. Learned the hard way. I used to carry a packable down bomber made by Marmot until I burned the arms off. Now it is a vest.

A block heater (toque) is good Idea.

NE 450 NO 2 gave good advice on the Ammo. I don't if 40 rounds is nessesary but I would carry more ammo. I Used to carry 10 rounds or less at times. Until I slipped and fell and put a scope out of alignment. Fortunately, I was very familiar on how this gun bore sighted and was able to get it back on.

Your List looks good.

Good luck on your hunt.

Daryl